ST. TUDY PARISH

 CHURCH  

Roof Appeal

SONGS OF PRAISE

The beautiful grade I listed church of St Tudy was built in the 15th century and extensively repaired and reordered in the 1830’s, 1873 & 1888. The organ was installed in 1892 and in 1894 the plaster was removed from the internal walls and the stonework was re-pointed. The pitch pine pews in the church today were installed in 1873 and the old oak pews were taken out into the churchyard reputably to be burnt. William Lower of Tregreenwell saw them and is said to have paid the workmen one sovereign for them and he then had them installed in Michaelstow Church and they are there to this day.

Many visitors who record their sentiments in our Visitor’s Book remark upon the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful condition within the Church, and now there is another small area to enjoy. What was once a ‘glory hole’ on the left hand side of the organ where various pieces of church paraphernalia were stored has been re-dedicated as a Lady Chapel. The current priest-in-charge, the Reverend Margaret Millson was told by an archivist that this was probably a Lady Chapel in the past so she decided to re-instate it. Funds for the refurbishment were raised and on Advent Sunday 2002 the Chapel was re-dedicated and a couple of weeks later Bishop Bill consecrated the new altar, made by a local carpenter Phil Tizzard in thanksgiving for all the help given to him after the tragic fire at his forge in May 2002. The Chapel is a lovely peaceful area, separated from the main church by a screen, and it is hoped that it will be well used, not only for small services, but by individuals who want to sit quietly and perhaps remember loved ones as this is also a Chapel of Remembrance. In the chapel is a Book of Remembrance which contains photographs of people and events to be remembered, not only pictures of those we have lost, but also pictures of happy events such as special birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc

In September 1998 the Church was one of the main sites for the St Tudy ‘Craft and Flower Festival’, it was filled with wonderful objects, woodwork, paintings, handicrafts, and wedding dresses dating from 1880 to the 1990’s

In the year 2000 a wonderful Flower Festival was held in the church, the theme was ‘From the moors to the Shores’ and representatives of the many organisations in the village helped to make it a very successful event, there was even a running stream!

Like all churches, St Tudy is always in need of funds for various projects. Money is raised in many ways, coffee mornings, concerts, garden safaris, an annual fete is held in the garden of the Rectory, and 2002 saw the first ‘Musical Extravaganza’ also in the rectory garden. We were blessed with perfect weather and enjoyed performances by local bands, choirs and soloists. Entrance cost £5.00 which included a glass of wine and a burger or hot dog, (you brought your own chair and extra refreshments) It was a wonderful evening and is now going to be an annual event.

On December 29th 2002, the church was the subject of ‘Cornwall Celebrates’ on Radio Cornwall. Presenter Naomi Rowe interviewed several members of the congregation in the Church and also in their homes.

left to right:- Mary Winn, Rev. Margaret Millson, Naomi Rowe, Ken Alford & Julie Harper

The church is surrounded by a well maintained churchyard and on the 19th October 2002 an enthusiastic band of volunteers planted swathes of purple crocus bulbs which we hope will make the area even more beautiful. In spring the churchyard is ablaze with wonderful pink, red and white camellias, cherry blossom and daffodils

The parish church is in the centre of the village and with a history dating back so many years we hope it will continue for many, many years to come.

January 2003

Crocuses in full bloom, 2nd March 2003 – the efforts of the band of volunteers who planted hundreds of bulbs in October 2002 have been well rewarded.

PRIEST-IN-CHARGE  The Rev. Margaret Millson  Web Page