You might recall that in November a consultation exercise took place with our congregations to find out our attitudes towards the big restoration challenges facing St James' church. Interviews with about twenty members of our two congregations took place, conducted by a specialist consultancy. Their results have now been delivered in a comprehensive report which recommends the way forward to deal with those challenges. The first thing I want to say is a very big "thank you" to everyone who took part and offered their opinions. The second thing is that it clearly emerged that - to use the consultant's words - "There is an overarching desire to see St James' retained as a place of worship and community, a physical reminder of New Brighton's heritage, and a treasured landmark. Your congregations are generous and resilient, but lack capacity to make further significant financial contributions to the building." And "Whilst the majority wish to see the building restored and thriving, many question how much it is appropriate to spend, and have concerns that the building is a drain on funds, time and energy that could be used for worship, outreach and mission." Bearing this in mind, the consultants consider we must rely on external funding (mainly from grants) if we are to achieve our restoration aims, and brace ourselves for the full process taking many years. What I have written here is the essence of the consultant's 24-page report, which I am happy to share with anyone who would like to read it. The PCC has welcomed the report and recognises it is helpful to have an outside view of our difficulties and solutions. Our challenge is to find and organise the resource to deliver. Richard Wilberforce