HELPERS from Saint James’ Chatterbox and Chit Chat Quedgeley & Kingsway joined in raising funds for Saint James’ Restoration project when they held a stall at the Kingsway Big Lunch on Sunday, June 7.

The local community groups raised over £200 selling plants and holding a tombola.

There was also a display informing residents about the need for restoration at the local church.

Local Councillors, Cllrs Deb Llewellyn, Dave and Hannah Norman were also at hand and took their turn to man the stall.

Amongst its other supporters was Richard Graham MP who bought several plants and tried his luck on the tombola.

Fund raising for the restoration follows on from an architect’s report funded last year by Quedgeley Community Trust and commissioned by the Parochial Parish Council.

It confirms that the spire is in need of a permanent fix with an estimated cost of around £150,000.

In addition some of the wood work interior needs restoring.

Another event to raise church funds is due to take place in a few weeks’ time when Saint James’ holds its annual Music and Arts Festival from June 26 - 28.

Jackie Hall Organiser of Chatterbox said ‘It was a fantastic day; we helped to raise some much needed funds. The restoration project is important to us. We have seen from the increase in numbers attending Chatterbox and Chit Chat that these facilities are valued amongst the community. The church is our venue, without it, we should be homeless!’

Father John Ward Rector and Parish Priest ‘Over the last few weeks, members of the church have been busy raising funds for the Restoration project. Apart from raising funds, events such as the Kingsway Big Lunch help to raise people’s awareness of the reasons behind the restoration and why it is essential everyone backs it. I would like to thank the organisers of the Kingsway Big Lunch who did a terrific job once again and allowed Saint James’ to be part of it’.