The Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides are an important part of that and also provide excellent training and social contact for young people of all ages.

Sunday School
The Jays Sunday School meets from 9.40am - 10.15am every Sunday, except the main school holidays and the first Sunday in the month, when there is an All-age Service in church. They leave the 9.30am service during the first hymn and return for a blessing or communion.

There are three classes, ranging in ages from three years to l4 years old, held in the church hall.

Study Groups
The vicar led an Advent study group on Monday evenings in church on the teaching of certain Christian leaders, including St Francis of Assisi, St Ignatius Loyola and Charles Wesley. The Lent course was called Exploring Prayer.

Two groups meet regularly, one being the Tuesday Group which meets at 10.30am every other week for much of the year in a parishioner’s home. Usually this is to study the previous Sunday’s bible readings. There is also the Monday evening Fellowship Group meeting in the vestry at different times in the year.

• See our Study Groups page and our Fellowship Group page. If you would like to join any of these groups look for details in the magazine, the pew sheets or speak to the vicar.

Social Events
The Social Committee is responsible for arranging and organising events to bring the congregation together. These include quiz evenings, meals, an Easter Egg hunt, trips to cathedrals or even a zoo, catering for all ages and interests. Following the St James’s Day service in July, the committee arrange lunch, usually a barbecue, and entertainment in the hall and vicarage gardens.

St James’s Theatre Club
This began in 2006 and has been to see comedies, tragedies, ballet and musicals. The primary focus is Richmond Theatre (where we enjoy some good discounts) and the nearby Orange Tree, but recently a small group went to the National Theatre to see Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara. It is a great way to meet people and have fun at the same time. You don’t have to be a regular at St James’s to join in. Transport can be arranged.

• See our St James’s Theatre Club page which includes details of contacts. Details of outings are advertised in The Spire, on the website, the pew sheets and inside the church on the notice boards.

This is just a sample of the groups that are run at St James’s. If you have any ideas for group activities which would interest you in the future contact the Vicar, Churchwardens, or any member of the PCC.