I remember him as being a very kind old gentleman. My family were quite poor at the time and I remember Mr & Mrs Western buying me a new jumper and trousers. I think the choir used to receive 3d (old pence) for Sunday service and 6d for a wedding.

As I said, I was only there for a short time, I don't know how long Mr Western remained as vicar.

I moved to Wirral many years ago, but every time I pass St James' church, I remember my time there with great affection but was saddened to see the old church fall into disrepair.

Unfortunately I don't have any photos of my time at St James'. At that time I went to Beafuort Street Primary School which has all but been demolished now. Which is sad to see as most of my brothers and sisters all went to 'Bewey Board' as we called it. Also my late father who first went there in 1910 and was very proud of the fact that he was the school swimming captain.

When I was in the choir, we used to live in Warwick Gardens, where on the whole I had a very happy childhood. After Beaufort Street I went to Wellington Road Secondary. My cousin Ralph Eddisbury used to live in King Gardens and went to Harrington Board School which used to be in Grafton Street near Stanhope Street. (By the way both primary schools each had their own swimming pool). Though Beaufort Streets, went after part of the school was damaged in the Blitz. Ralph then went to St James' School which was in St James' Road opposite the Anglican Cathedral.

All of these places, apart from Wellington Road School have long gone. I only stumbled across your website by accident, I had no idea that your group existed, and just assumed that the wonderful old church would just go the way of so many of Liverpool's historic buildings. May you go from strength to strength Keep up the good work.

Matt Wilson, October 2007