St James' Church in Wyesham is celebrating its 150th birthday on 27th July, St James Day.

It is part of the Bishopwood, Whitchurch, Ganarew and Dixton group of churches and was built in a decorated Gothic style in 1873-5. The tower was completed in 1890 but since then there has been very little alteration of the building.

A special Patronal Service will be held on July 27 led by Rev TimStarling followed by tea.

For that special week, there will be an exhibition in the church from July 21-26, open from 11am - 3pm and will feature wedding photos of those married in the church as well as photos of vicars over the years.

The Altar frontals and table ware will be on display on the Chancel pews.

The congregation will be asked to send anniversary congratulation cards to be buried in timecapsule by side of church along with written memories, keepsakes, Ietters and other items.

Kymin View Primary School will be be asked if the children could draw pictures of the church plans for the re-ordering of the church and possibly make a model.

Other ideas being bounced around are a church cookbook with recipes and memories provided by congregation and the possibility of selling mementos and keepsakes of the occasion such as key rings, book marks which will help to raise money for the refurbishments.

The church is built of purple snecked red sandstone with buff Forest of Dean stone dressings. It comprises an aisleless nave, chancel, vestry with hipped roof, and narrow three-stage saddle-back porch tower on the north-west.Inside boarded arched roofs, with iron tie-bars in the nave. Walls are rendered and the floors tiled. Fittings include a plain octagonal font (fifteenth century, from Rockfield church), octagonal pulpit on a stem and a heavy alabaster reredos - a later insertion.