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ST TUDY |
THE VILLAGE | HOME |
“St Tudy Church - a Grade I listed building - lies within the original Celtic circular churchyard (God’s Acre). The families of many historical figures have worshipped here, including the Lower family (Richard Lower 1630-1691 performed the very first blood transfusion) and Vice Admiral William Bligh (1754-1817, born at Tinten Manor). The Christian faith has been preached here since four centuries after the crucifixion. First from a ‘Preaching Cross’, then from a 6th century wooden church, replaced by a Norman church in the 12th century, rebuilt later in the 14th century, as it is today, with some of the original stones. If there is such a place as Holy and Hallowed ground, as we believe, then surely by its usage over fifteen centuries and by the unseen presence of the souls of the many hundreds who lie within this little plot, this small oasis of calm and the old church within it deserve to be preserved for future generations. Or so we believe, as we dedicate ourselves to finding the wherewithal to replace (those parts of) the roof last repaired by our predecessors nearly two centuries ago.”
Whilst local fund raising has enabled temporary repairs to have been made when periodic problems have arisen, as a Parish we are now confronted with an Architect’s Report, detailing major defects costing some £40,000 to rectify. This is a very heavy burden on such a small community and it is quite plain that outside help from charitable donors is needed to meet the cost. A committee has been formed with representation across the village, including the Methodist Church, to raise what we can, from wherever we can, towards the cost.
We therefore intend, after Christmas to establish a series of village fund raising activities, but even the optimists among us do not suggest that these could ever raise the amount required as the increasingly stormy months take their toll. There are many organisations which do not in themselves represent a Church orientated commitment, there are, however, few which would actively wish to see the ancient silhouettes of local church architecture disappear from the countryside. These churches and chapels represent a well-loved and familiar reminder of the history of our villages and communities, apart from the beauty of their just being there.
If you have any connection with St Tudy may we appeal to you for help? Any contribution, however small, will be most gratefully received. Details of how to contribute can be obtained by emailing suedibble@tiscali.co.uk please put Roof Appeal in the subject box.
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St Tudy Church Roof Fund Appeal |
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January 2005, Jim Izzard (left) and John Bartlett (right) putting the ‘Thermometer’ in place on the wall of Garland’s House. Designed and made by John, the thermometer will show the progress of our fund raising. By the end of January we hope to be able to paint up to the £10,000 marker. |
The people of St Tudy have always had a reputation for being generous, but the amount required (£50,000) is an enormous sum so hundreds of letters have been sent out appealing for donations from organisations nationwide. We are planning various fund-raising events in the village which we hope will make ‘giving’ a pleasurable process.
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March 17th and the total stands at £25000 |
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18 May 2005 The Roof Fund has been given a grant of £3,000 from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust |
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From May onwards we will have a 2006 ‘St Tudy Views’ calendar on sale – priced at £4.95 (plus p&p) and we also hope to have some ‘St Tudy Ted’ teddy bears available (price yet to be advised) There will also be various other hand crafted items for sale over the year.
St Tudy is certainly a wonderful village.
In just six months we have managed to raise the £50,000 needed to repair our leaking Church roof.
All other planned fund raising events have now been cancelled except the ART, CRAFT & FLOWER FESTIVAL on 2-4th September which will still go ahead, but the proceeds will now be split equally between, the Church, Chapel and St Tudy Village Hall.
We have been very fortunate in receiving grants from various bodies, including The Historic Churches Preservation Trust, HRH Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund, The Manifold Trust and Cornwall Historic Churches Trust. Donations have been received from many private individuals, from £5 upwards. A large proportion of this was due to the now famous ‘Smarties’ letter written by Sir Louis Le Bailly to the Daily Telegraph which resulted in the magnificent sum of £18,000 from one very generous person who wishes to remain anonymous. This letter also generated a £500 donation from the USA.
Fund raising in the village gave people a lot of fun whilst relieving them of their hard earned money!. We have had a Silk Painting Day, Scarecrow Competition, Sponsored Walk, Concert, Plant Sale, and a Chinese Auction. Empty Smartie tubes have been returned full to the brim with coins, a Calendar with views of the village has been produced for 2006 (still on sale). Table mats, coasters, fridge magnets, teddy bears and various other items have been sold to raise funds.
Hundreds of letters were sent out requesting donations or prizes for the various events – many miles have been driven to collect prizes etc – reams of paper used – gallons of printer ink – and many, many hours of people’s precious time has been willingly given. It would be impossible to thank everyone, but I think the picture below says it all.
