Silver Jubilee

About the Book

When the people of Lichfield learned that the Parish Church of St Mary situated in the Market Square might be transformed into a supermarket or some other commercial enterprise, they were alarmed, indignant and determined to save their birthright. This remarkable story tells how a dedicated and determined group of people, with only reluctant acquiescence from the diocese raised the capital to turn the 900 capacity Victorian church into a thriving and self sufficient Community Centre whilst still retaining their Parish Church within the building. Although many churches have since been converted in similar ventures, back in 1977 when the first meeting of the Steering Committee took place there was no blue-print, such an ambitious scheme had never before been undertaken.

About the Author

Dianne Mannering, a retired Insurance Broker, began writing romantic fiction for the women’s magazines back in the 1970’s. When, as a Volunteer, she learned about the St Mary’s Centre scrap-books which have been compiled since 1977, she realised that these could be used as the foundation for a book to celebrate the Centre’s 25th Jubilee in 2006, an idea which was enthusiastically accepted by the Centre. John Rackham is a retired photographer who has been actively involved with St Mary’s Centre since its formative years.