Friends of St James president Rodney Benjamin, left, and head of memberships Angus Bodman. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0844920)

BUSINESSES in Guernsey have ensured St James will endure.

Despite the harsh economic climate and pressures facing the business world over the last year, corporate memberships of the concert and assembly hall rose from 11 to 30 in a single drive.

Friends of St James president Rodney Benjamin said companies had been exceptionally supportive, considering the times. ‘In the last year we have given it specific attention and in hindsight our timing was not the best, given world circumstances,’ he said. ‘But it is an astonishing reflection on Guernsey’s prosperity and attitude to the arts that our attempts have been so successful.’

There is a reception on Tuesday to thank new and existing corporate members, but the team is not pausing for breath before continuing to try to attract more.

‘A number of potential members said the economic climate was not right last year for them to contribute, but we will talk to them again now.’

The help was especially welcome because the banking crisis had hit them too, he said. ‘We need interest off our reserves to pay bills and that has all but vanished due to the slump in interest rates.’

However ticket sales had remained unaffected, he said, and volunteers ensured things stayed ship-shape.

Head of memberships Angus Bodman, whom the president said was largely responsible for the success, felt the companies had recognised the institution’s importance to island life.