Blending a fascinating past as the early 19th century Church built for the British community that grew up around the port wine trade, with a lively present-day portfolio of regular Services of Worship, a blessing and stamp for pilgrims on the Camino, and Open Days for visitors touring the city, St James is a piece of heritage well worth preserving for the future. St James’s historic importance is recognised by its inclusion in the process to be officially classified by the Portuguese Cultural Department as a site of national interest.

But the whole is at risk, because of the roof. The 7,000 ancient ‘Marselha’ ceramic roof tiles are in urgent need of replacement as porous and fragile and no longer fit for purpose owing to the city’s humid climate.

The encouraging news is that the Church is more than halfway to its target of 200,000 Euros, with the help of a generous bequest and other donations, and a dedicated team is in place, planning further fundraising and events for the summer.

But the genius of the main, ‘Buy-A-Tile Leave your mark scheme’ is that everybody can have a stake in the renovation. All donors names will be included on the list of supporters which will be displayed at St James.

With the help of the Porto community – private individuals and public bodies – getting this project over the line is a realistic proposition. It’s also an opportunity to become part of something both beautiful and functional, for posterity.

Interested parties may make a donation or ‘buy a tile’ by contacting the Churchwardens of St James by email: chuchwardens@stjamesporto.org or visiting the website: https://www.stjamesporto.org/