Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Hyndburn helped with the design so it would be safe, easy to maintain, comply with regulations etc

There is a plan on this page I linked to before St James Church 2012

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

More photos re the improvements around St James's churchyard

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

A few views of the church building itself and a few of "work in progress". Not as many workers on site today, they seemed to be concentrating on the area nearest to Warner St and also Holmes St.

If you look at photo no.1 you will notice the stainless steel modern type clock. One of our members, Owd Bert, told me today that he and some others from Accrington & Rossendale College were involved in the making of this. He will try and remember the approx date they did this work in the sheet metal department of the college.

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Loved latest pictures 6 and 7 Atarah,Thats my son, also on pic 2 from Tuesday!
Keep the Photos coming!

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

A few more photos from Thursday 20th Sept.

INFORMATION RE THE HEADSTONES

Some of the headstones have been buried under those laid out flat, although these will be recorded and the information displayed in the church.

A small plaque will be displayed at 2 locations adjacent to the headstones that are visible within the grounds, to inform people that further information is held within the church regarding the headstones and burial records.

TREES

A total of 5 trees will be removed in the grounds of the church, but these will be replaced

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Why have they buried some of the headstones?:confused:

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

The answer to that is - I aint the faintest! I certainly dont agree with it. :confused: I would be really upset and annoyed if my family details on a headstone were buried under the ground!

Its ok to have information displayed in the church, but what if visitors to the town come on days when the church is not open to the public?

A total of 19 headstones are now out of sight for evermore.

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

I was thinking exactly the same as you.:(

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Have just found this when looking for something else (as you do!)

Its a short film on bell ringers coming to St James's Church. Not really about the improvements, but, it does show a few clips of the churchyard prior to alterations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FFeDa-epgA

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

I am told one of the biggest problems with the previous refurb of the church yard which was done sometime in the 70's was the paths made of grave stones were very slippery.

I always found it strange that the stones were used for paths. I was always taught not to walk on graves out of respect.

It was decided and agreed by all involved that there were to many stones for them all to be visible without creating the same problems as before. The ones underground will be better preserved than those visible as they will not be affected by the weather. I believe the county archaeologist advised on the correct way to preserve them underground.

Interestingly 2 stones have been found that were buried some time ago that no one was aware of. These 2 stones are in very good condition so burying them is not a new idea.

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Here are some more views of the work taken/taking place at St James's Church.

Re: ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Great photos Atarah. Shame the gravestones can't be displayed above ground but the place is definitely looking better. I hope they give those doors a lick of paint before they finish.

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

I think "rain stopped play" today. When I went past late afternoon, it was raining quite heavily and no sign of any workmen.

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

A few more photos here. The weather has delayed work on the site, as the workmen havent been here all week (its now Thursday and they are back).

ST JAMES CHURCH Accrington
 

Workmen back after delays due to bad weather.

Work seems to be concentrating on the lower part of the grounds, nearest to the steps in Church Street.