Members of Wyesham’s community celebrated a special anniversary service at St James’ Church on Sunday, July 27.

It was 150 years ago that the church first came into use and the congregation joined in to celebrate the event with hymns, readings and living memories of the church and its contribution to society.

Led by Rev Tim Starling, there were readings from Margaeurite Gordon, Liz Hackett-Pain, Jo Townsend, a poem written and spoken by Sue Morris, and memories from Connie Morgan.

Connie, a churchwarden at the church, can recall six vicars she worked with, and said that the church was adopted by The St John’s Ambulance, Monmouth Division.

Rev Starling thanked the WI for the special rose to commemorate the anniversary and said: “Lets remember the people that gave us our story, let’s add our own and look forward to the stories to come.”

Rev Starling with Jo Townsend, Liz Hackett-Pain, Sue Morris, Margaeurite Gordon, and Connie Morgan
(Des Pugh)
The congregation at the 150th birthday celebrations
(Des Pugh)
A cake to mark the birthday
(Des Pugh)
The Wyesham Coronation float was one of the pictures exhibited
(Des Pugh)
Weddings over the years
(Des Pugh)
Dedicating the rose donated by the WI to mark the 150 years
(Des Pugh)
Enjoying a cup of tea and cake after the service
(Des Pugh)
Rev Brian Phillips, who was a vicar at the church for 22 years enjoys a chat
(Des Pugh)
The service marked 150 years of Wyesham Church
(Des Pugh)
Kymin View school has played an important part in life at the church
(Des Pugh)
Even churches get birthday balloons
(Des Pugh)