Latest News

Latest News – June 2011

Appointment of architect

As of 6 June, Molyneux Kerr has been appointed as the conservation architect overseeing the Parish Centre works, for their experience and sympathy both with this historical building and with the use of the building as part of a living church. We’re very excited about this, and plans are progressing apace!

From within the congregation …
Donations continue to come in from members of the congregation – we give praise and thanks to God – and to their donors! – for these. Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to support us financially. There are so many good things going on as we take this project forward, but there is still some way to go.

We have been selling copies of Lis Goddard’s book, The Gender Agenda, which addresses the issue of women in leadership. The RRP is £8.99: buy your copy from Jane P at any of the Sunday services for only £7, of which £2.50 goes to the Renewal project.

Abi Marsh will shortly be selling hand-made greetings cards to raise money; these will be available to buy at the services.

Trusts and Foundations

Applications have been put in to several large trusts, of which we await the outcome.

A PCC resolution has been passed not to accept Lottery Funding, in advance of making an application to English Heritage …

150th anniversary

We have been getting in touch with former members of St James the Less as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations this summer. As part of this, we will be sharing news about the church and asking both for prayer and for their financial support as they are able.
News about the 150th anniversary is appearing in local media – such as the Westminster Chronicle – and as part of this we are appealing for donations from the local community.

Prayer

Please pray for the applications to various trusts and other bodies; for the right opportunities; for wisdom to make good decisions in pursuing these. And that the money would come! We seek to safeguard this church for future generations and to reach out to and bless the local community. Please stand with us in this – your support is crucial.

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Questions?

Please contact Jane Petrie, Chair of the Fundraising Team on jane.petrie@sjtl.org / 020 7630 6282 or contact her at any of the services. Or talk to a member of the Fundraising team: Veronica Garbutt, Alex Cintra or Peter Harvey.

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Milestones passed to date

2010
December: Revised architect plans sent to Quantity Surveyors for costings
November: The Heritage of London Trust agree grant of £3,000 to clean and restore the Church Pulpit
September: Office move complete and previous space redecorated and refurbished for temporary community use.
August: Work begun on Vestry floor
July: Full revised plans put to Parish Church Council
April: Westminster Council Planning Permission received.
March: Renewal Fundraising Team starts working
January: DAC site visit to St James the Less with Esther (Project Manager) and Martin (Architect)

2009
December: Access Audit (funded by City Bridge Trust)
November: Site visit with Westminster Planning, English Heritage, DAC, Project Manager and Architects
October: School Rooms refurbishment begins
September: Conservator’s report on cleaning test strip received.
August: Restoration cleaning test strip complete
June: Outline Plans submitted to Westminster Council and DAC for development work
May: Faculty Petition submitted to Diocesan Chancellor
March: DAC approve application for Petition for Faculty to Clean and Repair a test strip of the interior of the Church
February: DAC consider application for Cleaning a test strip of Church
January: Lead Architects Finch Forman and Dr James Campbell appointed to Restoration work.

2008
Congregation support project with gifts, prayer and questions
Local residents consulted in questionnaire
Brief revisited and redefined
Esther Broughton appointed as part time Project Manager
Carrie Harvey appointed as part-time Fundraiser
Jerusalem Trust make grant to cover cost of Project Management