The Parish Church of St James
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THE HISTORY OF St. JAMES'S CHURCH
Section Contents: The History of St. James's Church | 'Birth and Growth of Hampton Hill' | Church Records | Churchyard Records | Past Events at St. James's | People of St. James's | Spire Magazine Archives | Through the Years

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Past Events in the 2000s:
Thank You Julie - 2006 July

The Rev. Julie Gittoes

Our curate, Julie Gittoes, has left St James’ to take up the post of Vicar at All Saints Church, Hampton. Her last Sunday here was 16th July 2006. As we wish Julie god-speed for her move to All Saints, we thank her for her gift of the last three years; during this time her ministry has deepened and widened and we have had the benefit of her spirituality, faith and dedication. We have enjoyed her company and friendship, and also have learned how to make really appetising vegetarian food! Thank you for everything, Julie, and go with our love and best wishes for your work at All Saints. As Brian said: “lucky them”.

"As we wish Julie god-speed for her move to All Saints, we thank her for her gift of the last three years; during this time her ministry has deepened and widened and we have had the benefit of her spirituality, faith and dedication. We have enjoyed her company and friendship, and also have learned how to make really appetising vegetarian food! Thank you for everything, Julie, and go with our love and best wishes for your work at All Saints. As Brian said: “lucky them”.

Source: Margaret and David Taylor, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July


"Arriving in our house at tea-time is not always the easiest of experiences. Far form a civilised cuppa with a slice of cake or a crumbly flapjack the atmosphere is more like feeding time at the zoo with a frenzy of small (often unwashed) hands grabbing what takes their fancy, tossing aside what doesn't and giving no quarter to the presence of a guest in their midst - let alone a lady of the cloth! Brian and Ramani had got used to their wild and primitive neighbours (and, I suppose, had been through at least little of it when Anusha was younger) but I did wonder what Julie's reaction would be when she first made the brave move of knocking on the door in the late afternoon. Ducking the bits of sausage, side-stepping the piles of mash and ignoring the undignified chomping Julie was, of course, superb, unfazed, unflappable and probably mildly amused!

After Julie's first Eucharist


It is this friendly approachability, combined with her calm and thoughtful ministry in church that has been such a blessing for us, as I'm sure it has been for many. She has been there during difficult times - visiting Susannah when she was in hospital three years ago was of great comfort to her - and has been fantastic company at many a party! During Brian's sabbatical we could not have asked for a better priest to be in charge. She will do a wonderful job at All Saints and we are so pleased that she will be nearby, enabling our friendship to continue. I hope she'll even turn up for tea now and again…"

Source: Charles and Susannah Nettleton, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July


Julie at work

"Julie has made a believer out of me! Since her arrival at St James’ the notion of women priests has begun to make sense. This is not because of some particular female characteristic but rather that she doesn’t allow gender to define her vocation and priesthood. Accepting a woman as a priest is a huge leap for me and I’m very grateful to her. Putting that to one side, Julie is approachable, understanding and supportive, fun to relax with over a generous gin and a greatly valued friend."

Source: Isobel Hammond, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July

"We have watched Julie blossom over the last couple of years into a mature priest with distinctive views. Her development is grounded in a powerful intellect allied to a natural sensitivity to the particular audience she's addressing. In assisting our Lent Group - with an average age in excess of 60! - she combined her extensive knowledge of the bible and Jesus's life with subtle prompting. By modestly steering the debate, she stimulated us to contribute in areas which may otherwise have remained untouched. At a baptism in May, her gentle message - delivered informally in front of the congregation and virtually without notes - on the importance of the family's love both for the new child entering the Kingdom of God and for one another touched everyone, young or old. Julie is wise beyond her years, always willing to help and, above all, human."

Source: Clive and Maria Beaumont, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July


"When Julie joined our 'Tuesday Group' at Kath Brooks', she demonstrated her gift of being utterly unobtrusive, yet always noticeable. We immediately felt comfortable with her and although she spoke with a wisdom that far outweighed her years, she never assumed the role of 'teacher'. She was a wonderful listener, always giving credence to what was said, however 'off the wall' . She identified with our dilemmas and would somehow sort them out without appearing to do so. We will so much miss her warmth and humour , but will cherish all that she has given us."

Source: Marion Dewey, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July

"Julie’s knowledge, hard work, quiet authority and warm friendliness will be greatly missed at St James’. It is good to know that she will not be far away in her new post."


Source: Dick Wilde, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July

After Julie's first Eucharist

"I have really appreciated having a curate who has been a confidante, a spiritual leader, a pastoral carer, a fellow musician and most of all a friend. She never imposes her ideas on us or preaches at us other than when she should do – in the pulpit! I have had some lovely times with Julie - one Friday evening when neither of us had anything to do after choir practice ( 2 Billy No Mates) and no dinner cooked at home , we went for a curry in Hampton Hill. It was a lovely evening. We always giggle together. Once, we almost destroyed a Properties Committee meeting by giggling when there was a serious discussion about who would be the ladder monitor at church! We almost lost control we were stifling laughs so much. I was with Julie (and Sarah and Jackie) quite a lot in Sri Lanka and she was a really good 'mate'. Again, we had some great laughs. Julie always takes the trouble to answer your questions and gets back to you when she says she will. She really cares about her job and the people. She does a lot in a quiet and conscientious way."

Source: Liz Butler, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July


Julie at work

"We moved to Teddington from Acton three years ago, with Rosamond one year into her ordination training. St James quickly became our new home parish, and we found Julie's immense kindness and goodwill a great source of support. Over the last three years, it has been our privilege to get to know Julie better. With her searing intellect and good humour, she has become a good colleague to Rosamond and a good friend to us both, sharing both good times (mostly gin-soaked) and trials. We are glad she is not moving too far away, and wish her every blessing for her ministry at All Saints."

Source: Tim and Rosamond McDowell, The Spire Magazine - 2006 July

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