All these messages were a while ago now, but I have been doing some research into the Rev J. H. Richards in the British Newspaper Archive, which may be of interest. He took over as vicar at St Andrews in 1900, when the church was practically falling down, and the congregation numbered around 20. He mustered volunteers from around the parish to restore it, which included demolishing the spire and rebuilding/ refurbishing both the exterior and the interior. It was re-dedicated in 1908. The picture of diggers may be from when they were building what sounds like a new church hall. By the time he moved parishes in 1915, the congregation was thriving. He was heaped with praise for all his hard work! He might only be related to me by marriage, but I am very proud of him.