The early history of both St James's Church and its community, the village of Hampton Hill, are inextricably linked. The first vicar, Revd Fitz Wygram, saw his rôle as improving both the spiritual and social conditions of the new parish, and this included developing a wide range of organisations to benefit the community. Some of these were explicitly religious, some were secular in their activities and others bridged the gap between them. However, all were based on his sense of Christian responsibility towards fellow human beings at a time and in a place where there were no other authorities able to take on the task. In this work he was helped by his leading laymen. "They looked after peoples' human rights and dignities, keeping them safe from injustice and encouraging healthy use of leisure." There are a number of ways that we still seek to build up the church’s social life, and community.
Our Church in the Community through the years shows what happened from when records began up until 2017.
Social Life through the years shows what happened from when records began up until 2017.
St James's Groups through the years shows what happened from when records began up until 2017. Over the years, many different groups came and went, and those not directly organised by, or associated with, the church took on a separate life of their own much as they have today.
St James’s launched two Lifegroups later in 2017, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays in different homes, to discuss how the Bible was relevant to our lives today. Over the weeks, the small groups found it an enjoyable and inspiring time. Lifegroups are still held every year.
In February 2018 a new community-based project, Connections, for older people was launched and held on the first Tuesday of the month. Co-ordinator Coryn Robinson said the plan not only provides coffee and cake, games, craft and conversation, but also a free NHS-supported hearing aid clinic. Meeting in church, it provided a great opportunity to meet people in a safe environment and the group still meets virtually every Tuesday.
At the start of the Covid 19 pandemic lockdown period, when all church buildings were closed, ways were found to sustain our church life, mainly through IT. Sunday services, with a difference, continued uninterrupted. Liturgy and preaching, storytelling, reading and leading of prayers were rather different - but they were done. However, ‘church’ was and is not about Sunday only. People gathered on Zoom, for Coffee at the Vicarage or joined the Prayer Course. Similarly, the youth group continued to meet at home weekly online for their ‘fun and games’. The Parish Visitors kept in touch with the congregation, mostly by telephone. We were also able to help those who were ‘shielding’ or ‘self-isolating’ with shopping and so on. The Brownies wrote to a number of older people. The ‘business’ side of church life continued, on Zoom: teams and the Parochial Church Council. We have often said “The church is the people, not the building”.
At the end of 2020 a defibrillator, funded from an appeal, was installed outside the church hall. The device, which can save a life during a cardiac arrest, is one of four that the Hampton Hill Business Association hoped to buy and install.
An audio-visual system, including a large screen, speakers, microphones, wireless headsets for clergy, and an induction loop for people with hearing aids was installed in 2021. The screen could be used to show films and the words of hymns. A camera makes it possible to stream services or record concerts. The equipment is operated from a console desk at the back of the nave where there is a digital mixing desk and a laptop. To enhance concerts and other events stage lights can also be set up. The system is continually being improved including with special coloured lighting for services and events.
In 2022 we achieved a silver award as an ‘Eco Church’ by caring for our environment, or what in church circles is commonly called ‘Caring for Creation’, by ‘moving forward in a balanced way’. There are five areas that a church needs to tackle: Worship and Teaching; Buildings; Land; Community and Global Engagement; Lifestyle.
The Alpha course, designed for anyone asking the big questions about life or wanting to reboot their Christian faith, was held in 2023.
Over the 2024 festive period the newly formed Friends of St James’s welcomed many new Friends and faces to St James’s. It continues to hold social events through the year.
In 2025 the church’s toilets were made available to the general public after joining the Community Toilet Scheme. The scheme, run by the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, covers more than 70 free toilet facilities now available through the expanded project.
The men’s group, the Good Guys, had a successful year of get-togethers over a meal or drink. We meet most months and have visited a number of local restaurants in Hampton, Hampton Hill and Teddington, where we had our Christmas meal. Attendance is regularly 8-12 members, and we always welcome new faces.
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A service at Laurel Dene with Hampton Hill Junior School |
Quiz Night |
Taking part in Hampton Hill Fair |
