OVER a century since taking root in a tin hut, members of Lydney's United Reformed Church now enjoy the benefits of a warm and inviting building in the town's Tutnalls Street.

The story of the transformation and the role of the church in the affairs of the town are now recorded for posterity in a book to be published this week.

'Reflections of Lydney United Reformed Church, or the Congs' is the patient work of a group of five members of the church, led by Joan Davies.

Joan, working with Maggs Davis, Geoff and Gill Burt, Avril Kear and the Rev David Brown, has unearthed a treasure trove of old photographs and facts and figures relating to church and its members.

Joan says she hopes the book will be regarded as an interesting account of the activities connected with the church since 1907 – the year the building was first acquired from the Mormons. Events include everything from Sunday schools to Sunshine Hour, concerts and even a rugby team!

"Over the years many hundreds of local people have been connected with the church and we hope they will purchase a copy. It has been quite expensive to produce but we have a special introductory offer of £6.50 until the end of September," says Joan who can be contacted on Dean 843818.