Radley Parish Church faces a crisis – death-watch beetle has caused extensive damage. The church closed on June to allow repair work to begin. An appeal has been launched to raise the £180,000-£190,000 needed for this work. The church is expected to re-open in February.
Beetle update

Reverend Pam McKellen (Tel: 01235 554739) is the priest-in-charge of the United Benefice of Radley and Sunningwell. Contact details for the churchwardens and other church officers are available on the church's website. Please contact the vicar if you are interested in being confimed or if you have an enquiry about a baptism, wedding or funeral.

The parish church of St James the Great in Radley was built in 1290. It is a beautiful building with the original, and rare, wooden pillars still standing. In the Civil War a battle in and around the church led to the destruction of the north aisle and transept, giving a rather lop-sided feel to the church. There is a fine peal of bells and some interesting stained glass windows, many of which represent the connection with royalty established when the present rectory was a hunting lodge. The canopy over the pulpit came from over the Speaker’s Chair in the House of Commons during the Civil War.

Radley Church and Parish: A Brief History This illustrated booklet compiled by Radley History Club gives information about the Church and the village. Available for sale in the Church and at the Post Office Price £1

The pattern of church services each Sunday is:

• 8 am Holy Communion
• 11 am Holy Communion (Family Service first Sunday in month followed by short Communion)
• 6 pm Evensong (Choral Evensong on 3rd Sunday of each month).

Full details of the services in the current and following weeks are given on the church's website. After the 11 am service, coffee is served in the Church Room at which all the congregation are welcome.

The church is an active one, including a flourishing choir and music programme under the energetic leadership of the choirmaster David Beckett. The choir welcomes new members (young and old) and particularly needs some more altos. For more information, contact David on 01235 520520. Another active group is the bellringers - who like the choir are available for weddings.

There is much provision for children:

• The Sunday Club is held during the 11 am Sunday morning service (term-time only) in the Church Room. Members join in the Family Service on the first Sunday of each month.
• The Friday Club (church youth group) also meets in the Church Room and is for all children aged 8 to 13, whether from church-going families or not.
• All parent and carers of a child under 3 (together with older siblings) are welcome to come along to Toes - a new baby group in Radley. Toes is held every Monday, except for Bank Holidays, between 3 pm and 4.30 pm in the Church Room. For further details e-mail toes.radley@virgin.net

The YPs Club for people of senior school age meet for 25 minutes during the 11 am service on the same Sundays as the Sunday Club to discuss issues relevant to teenagers.

Monthly events for adults include:

• Women's Fellowship which welcomes members of all faiths
• Lunch Club
• Meeting Point - coffee, a chat and a chance to buy Fairtrade goods on the first Tuesday of most months at 10.30 am in the Church Room. Everyone is welcome. Contact Martha Young (01865 423382) for more details.

Exploring Faith groups meet regularly every fortnight at various times during the week either in people's homes to study the Bible and share views and thoughts. Contact the vicar (Tel: 01235 554739) who will put you in touch with one that fits with you and your lifestyle.

See the church's website for details of these and other groups.

The well appointed Church Room next to the church is available for village and church functions.

The Parochial Church Council has published a Radley Parish Local Information Handbook.

More pictures of the church

More information about people and activities at St James the Great

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