What a transformation inside! A quick glance round indicated that there was much to see - no marshalling of visitors or direction to proceed notices - just a word here, a welcome there and have you seen so and so, and then a little after ten o’clock the first visitors began to arrive.

Young Mums had taken over the Baptistery - adapting it as a creche. A very delicate floral decoration surmounted the font. The steps leading up to it and the font itself had been cleaned and looked as new and the tiled floor had been scrubbed and polished and we saw how beautiful it all must have been when the church was built. The walls were covered with nursery pictures for the day and there was no shortage of toys and books. Many a child was heard expressing pleasure when finding something different to play with.

Moving further into the church we were very surprised to see how effectively the west porch had been converted to a History and Archives Centre. Maps, pictures, postcards, newscuttings covered every square inch of wall space and yet space had been found for small tables upon which were displayed church records. There was much coming and going all day and our archivist-historian was kept extremely busy helping to trace relatives from the past and explaining many aspects of Parish Life that had almost been forgotten.

The next exhibit to catch our eye had been arranged by the Questers - that small group of young people who meet weekly in Wayside or sometimes outside to enjoy searching for new games or playing those already well proven - the early stages in their development to be self-reliant and, hopefully, to find a relationship with God. The Young People’s Fellowship display was adjacent and although their activities vary throughout the years sufficient can be recalled of those small bands starting off at crack of dawn for their Fellowship holidays in Scotland, the Lakes or Wales. It is a pity that from time to time the many activities are interrupted by breaks in the continuity of leadership as is happening now.

Turning round we faced the Sunday Schools’ corner with its display of models and drawings and we could not miss the feeling of peace and security it seemed to have - a real devotion to duty and belief must be with those who are responsible.

Then we came to four displays arranged along the north aisle. The Brownies, the Guides, the Cubs and the Scouts. Each a separate arrangement and full of interest. Badges for handicrafts, skills and knowledge. Samples of work, records of events and photographs of individuals. Posies, flowers and flags, all of which had been prepared with enthusiasm and fun - all credit to their leaders.

Using the organ pipes as a stage back-drop the Choir had cleverly arranged an exhibit of their vestments - an original and interesting lay-out. Short tape recordings of the choir’s vocal achievements added to the pleasure of sitting awhile and meditating.

By this time - nearly midday - the church was full and seeing much activity in the vicinity of the Vestry we thought a visit was called for, and it was worthwhile, for there we were provided with a very welcome cup of coffee and biscuits and of course a long chat about what we had seen and had still to see.

Immediately outside the Vestry the Ladies’ Choir had an exhibit showing a model in choir dress - long black skirt and white long-sleeved high-neck blouse with music folders in three shades of rose, arranged with a beautiful display of pinks and other plants. The music symbols rising up the walls recalled to those who had heard them sing, the wide range of their repertoire and the light-hearted enjoyment the choir members have themselves and convey to so many. Moving westward but still on the southern side of the church, we found a wall display by the Social Committee - coloured prints showing groups of happy parishioners at parties and outings that had been organised in the past ten years, which with a schedule of all the events, brought forth many a comment - and if summarised goes to show how quickly the years go by, and how soon one can so easily forget. But the record speaks for itself - a wonderful decade. “Not for profit but pleasure” would be afitting motto for this indefatigable committee.

Facing the Social Committee’s exhibit we found a table showing how “The Spire” is compiled and distributed free each month to all who ask for it; the sifting of and, more often than not, searching for articles of interest by the Editorial Board.

“Church Properties” caught our eye and thinking we would be presented with a long list of money spent and why - we felt a look at least was called for. But no - this time we were enlightened as to how the three properties - the church, Wayside and the hall were being used - with coloured prints to show some of the activities carried on and other useful information. We were intrigued by the list referring to the churchyard and wondered what pleasure the artist had in its preparation. We also liked the black and white enlargements showing “Men at Work” or “Otherwise Engaged”. Whose was the dog - was it the one the churchyard artist was trying to capture?

Catechumenate - this difficult word must have had many of the visitors puzzled. What was this all about - was it just another “Fashion of the Day” being tried on the Parish in order to enliven interest in the Church? Very careful thought had obviously been given to the arrangement of the exhibit. The information given in the text displayed above their altar helped to convey what were the aims of those striving to find a more basic way for Christianity. Our versatility was shown by the display of photographs of many dramatic productions, some light-hearted, some deeply serious, performed by the Drama Group over the years. With luck this display will spark off new enthusiasm.

The Mothers’ Union table was arranged beautifully - the coat of arms, embroidery, flowers, record of events and centenary book all complemented one another to give an impression of the many concerns at home and overseas of this worldwide organisation - a significant and eyecatching exhibit.

Next we turned to look at the Tuesday Club’s display which we found full of interest. What a wonderful range of topics. From the police to interior decorating and many other arts; mystery tours, theatre outings, games evenings, and many more.

A large placard on the south wall announced that St. James’s is a Stewardship Church; for those wondering what this means - it is quite simply a church where the individual members assess the value they place on their religion and commit themselves and their resources accordingly. The display limited itself to the financial aspects whereas the overall aim is, of course, much wider. We noted the proportional allocation of the Church’s income; the benefit derived from those who give and are willing to enter into a “Covenant”; annual statements of accounts were available for those interested in more details of “Receipts and Expenditure” and it gave a large measure of satisfaction to see how carefully the financial and business aspects were managed.

How and why did we get involved in a “Waste Paper Salvage” scheme? Firstly of course it is well known that similar schemes have for long been operating in neighbouring parishes and we thought our parish could also benefit from this war on waste. Local needy charities have a share in the money received which quite substantially augments the funds made available to charity from the general income of the Church.

Passing to the centre of the nave, the first exhibit was a splendid layout of church linen, altar frontals, vestments and other items. What a lot of hard work had been put into the preparation for the display! Linen meticulously laundered and folded to show the fine lace and needlework to its best advantage; the embroidery of the altar frontals superb in every respect. The origin and use of all was explained very clearly. It was interesting to find and count the real pearls on one of the earliest, and to see the embroidery of heads of corn and poppies on the oldest of the linen - embroidered when St. James’s was a country parish. Such a lot of loving care has so obviously been given during the last hundred years and continues into the present.

The Liturgical Committee’s display was dominated by an impressive and beautiful large coloured photograph (presented to us), showing a communion setting in our church. Information was given showing our various forms of worship, including the popular new christingle service; how St James’s own hymn book was compiled and questions of copyright dealt with. There was a continuous stream of visitors showing interest.

A model of the church was used to show how various groups and oganisations with which the Parish is blessed had originated within the Church - and how many there were!

We then moved on to look at the lovely display of church plate; the ornamental and the plain chalice, the communion plate and the alms plates, all polished and shining in the reflected light; nothing elaborate or unnecessarily ornate, but simple and sufficient. Is the origin of each piece known?

On a small table by the large lectern, as though guarded by the eagle, we found information about the Wayside Monday Centre - its purpose and role in Parish Life and an invitation to share worry and distress or loneliness with those who are willing to try and help.

Another visit to the Vestry, this time to partake of a very refreshing cup of tea and replenish energy with delightful sandwiches and home made cakes. What a pleasant atmosphere there was everywhere - no hurry or bustle, no queues! Thank you, Mothers’ Union, for organising the refreshments.

Hearing the organ being played we sat down with others and listened to a wonderful selection of music and as we sat we appreciated the beauty of the chancel and sanctuary - the tiled floor all clean and polished, the superbly arranged altar flowers and the other floral decorations setting off the carved oak choir stalls, the stone work and the lofty ceiling; we listened and talked and even dreamed awhile!

Someone suggested we visit the Tower - up the winding stairs to the first floor where the clock mechanism is housed which was now electrically operated. The bells are played from a manual key-board on the same floor and we were given a demonstration. Next an invitation to go higher, up perilous wooden stairs, first to the bells and clockface level and then a floor higher still from which there is a glorious view of the surrounding district, on a clear day to Windsor, Richmond and beyond.

Down again to find more visitors being welcomed and small groups gathered throughout the church merrily chatting away - slides being projected by a young mum in the baptistery - stewards inconspicuously walking around proffering help. What had we missed? The artistic decoration of the pulpit - the Book of Remembrance - the shining brass and marble plaques that adorned the walls - the floor of the south aisle newly sanded, sealed and polished - the very many artistic flower arrangements in the body of the church - the colourful and wellstocked bookstall - the stained glass windows, in particular that at the west end. The whole church looked so clean and beautiful, the air perfumed by the flowers; and now we had the organist inviting us to join in singing well known hymns - what a pleasure and what tranquility!

Making our way back to the south porch entrance we stopped where perhaps we ought to have started, at a small display depicting The Spirit of St. James’s; what clearer message could be given than that which was all around us this day - peace - sincerity - cheerfulness - fellowship - kindness - tolerance - generosity - holiness - blessings in plenty - freely offered for all to share - these comprise the TRUE SPIRIT OF OUR PARISH.

We realised that we had not signed the Visitors’ Book and hastened to do so thus joining the three hundred and fifty who recorded their presence, and then we noticed the carboy just inside the inner doors of the church with a notice inviting all to give generously to Charity. Making a contribution we thought how typical of St. James’s, charity is forever in mind. Oh, what a wonderful day it had been!"

Source: G.l. Robinson (A composition based on remarks and notes submitted by many people), The Spire Magazine - 1978 July