Church Improvements Dedication Service
29th November 2015
St. James’s Church was delighted to hold a special Dedication Service at 4.30pm on Sunday 29th November, 2015 blessing the new servery, W.C. facilities, heater and boiler house which have recently been installed at the church.
Everyone was delighted to welcome the Rt. Rev’d Lord George Carey, sometime Archbishop of Canterbury, together with his wife, Lady Eileen Carey. Archbishop George gave a warm address to a full church, blessed the new improvements and then stayed, with Lady Eileen to enjoy the Advent Concert which followed at 6.00pm. The local Bella Voce Choir of Ramsbury wonderfully entertained us and were rewarded with a standing ovation.
The church was beautifully decorated, wine and delicious canapés were served, and guests were tempted by homemade traditional fare, a raffle and gift stall. It was a splendid event, made particularly memorable because of Lord and Lady Carey’s efforts not only in travelling through a windy, wet November afternoon to our small Church but also for staying throughout the evening. We were honoured to welcome them.
It was also an opportunity to thank so many people who had been amazingly generous in their support in raising the funds to complete the project. Paul Reynolds extended grateful thanks to the Greenham Common Trust, the National Churches Trust, the Fred and Marjorie Sainsbury Charitable Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Sackler Trust, the Racing Foundation, Englefield Trust and to kind, private donors. Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bradley represented Dame Theresa Sackler and very best wishes were received from those unable to attend. We also sang “Happy Birthday” to a surprised Sir Michael Howard who was present.
Our thanks are also extended to Martin Cawte for conducting the service and to his wife, Jill, for her support.
Paul Reynolds
Merrita Jones
Churchwardens
Lord Carey with Paul Reynolds (click to enlarge image):
