| The
Parish Church of St James St. James's Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1DQ (Parish Office 020 8941 6003) |
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| THE
HISTORY OF ST. JAMES'S CHURCH |
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1930 - 1939: The New Parish Hall - 1930
A nice sum of money has been added to the Building Fund from the Fête, but we must not think that all our efforts to raise money are at an end just yet. We shall require some five or six hundred pounds more and I should like to be able to open the Hall free of debt. I am, however, afraid that this would mean too great a strain on our efforts and purses. No doubt there are many who have not yet sent their donations in. Well, directly you have got over the holiday expenses, begin to save up for the Parish Hall Fund until you have reached a sum which you feel you can spare and then send it along to Mr. Jakeman. I have been told of one or two efforts to raise money by Whist and Bridge Drives in the autumn and I hope these schemes will mature. Let us see to it that no one is left out from the joy of being able to say “I am proud at having had a hand in putting up such a fine Parish Hall. Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - August 1930 And now I come to a very important social matter, viz, the Opening of the Parish Hall. I hope that all who have subscribed, however large or small their subscription, will be able to be present. When we have reserved the necessary accommodation for them and a few others we shall be glad to have present with us, the remaining seats will be allocated to any parishioner who would like to attend in order of their application for tickets. We shall have a Parish hail to be proud of, and when we see it we shall realize what a debt of gratitude is due to Mr. Jakeman, for his untiring and unceasing work in connection with the building of it. Further donations are gratefully anticipated. Lord Daryngton has kindly consented to open the Parish Hall on Saturday, November 29th, at 3.30 p.m. Admission will be by ticket only. Application for tickets may be made to the Vicar and Churchwardens on and after Thursday, November 20th. In the evening there will be a Dance from 7 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Tickets 1/6 each, including Refreshments. Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - November 1930 The opening of the Parish Hall was a great event in the history of the Parish. In response to the invitations issued by the Vicar, Churchwardens and Parochial Church Council, the Hall was quite well filled for the Opening Ceremony which was performed by the Rt. Hon. Lord Daryngton. The Rural Dean began the proceedings with prayer, after which the Vicar told of how it had always been his wish to have a Hall in the Parish worthy of its name. He described how the way had been gradually opened up for the gratifying of his wish. He said that the Parish would never realize what a debt of gratitude it owed to Mr. Jakeman, and that but for him the idea of a Parish Hall might still be a dream. He mentioned the excellent work of the builder and his staff and thanked the subscribers and donors for their financial help. Mr. Jakeman spoke of the great kindness of Miss Butler in helping to secure to the Parish from the relations of Mr. Fitz-Wygram the gift of the site and buildings. He gave a short sketch of the various stages in the progress of the work and made a statement of the financial position. Mrs. Terry, representing the District Council, said that the Hall would be a great boon to the district. Lord Daryngton then addressed the gathering and declared the Hall open. Mr. Evans in proposing a vote of thanks to Lord Daryngton humorously contrasted the Old Boys’ School with the present Hall and said that all should be extremely grateful to Mr. Jakeman for all the care and work he had given to the erection of the present building. The vote of thanks was seconded by Mr. Job and carried with applause. After the singing of the National Anthem, tea was served to all present and an inspection of the building was made. In the evening a Social and Dance organised by Mrs. Wheatley was
held. There was a full house and everyone was pleased with the really
enjoyable evening provided for them. As a result the sum of ten pounds
was handed to the Parish Hall Fund. |
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Associated pages on this website: The Church Hall |