PRESS RELEASE FOR THE ORIGINAL PROJECT November 2018
St Julitta’s Church Lanteglos-by-Camelford Restoration Project wins National Lottery Support
For the last 10 years the Friends of Lanteglos Church (FOLC) have been raising funds to renew the leaking roof and generally restore this outstanding medieval Church. In April 2018 FOLC became a registered charity No 1177951. Now a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, has provided significant support. A large grant of £231,500 has been awarded by the Heritage Lottery to help FOLC and Lanteglos-by-Camelford PCC to progress the project. During the restoration, the Church will be closed until October 2019 but the churchyard will remain open. All Services will transfer to Advent Church during the restoration.
The Restoration Project aims to ensure this ancient Grade I Listed building which is on the at risk register of Historic England will survive for future generations. The work involves the renewal of the leaky roof and sorting out the granite wall blocks that have shifted dangerously over the last 800 years. A composting toilet, a small kitchen and a new heating system are planned in order to bring the Church right up to date and truly accessible for all the community.
St Julitta’s Church has numerous interesting heritage features including some 15th century glass and a uniquely carved font also 15th century, where one of the first circumnavigators of the world Captain Samuel Wallis, discoverer of Wallis Island and Tahiti was baptised. A special feature of the church is that it has wonderful acoustics so it is planned to build on this with more frequent musical events.
The Bishop of St Germans said:
“I am delighted to see this ambitious project coming to fruition through a combination of local vision, faith, hard work and generosity. Now backed up and supported by the National Lottery. Not only will these works preserve a place of very special quality but they will make it even more accessible and usable for the wider community and all who find their way to this beautiful corner of Cornwall. When these works are completed I look forward once again to visiting this inspiring place of prayer and pilgrimage and encourage you to do the same.”
Apart from regular services and community celebrations there are frequent events for all the local community such as concerts, candle lit suppers, afternoon teas and morning coffees. The whole project is costed at £550,000, but is still short of at least £22,000. Gifts of money or volunteer time are always needed and greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to get involved with this exciting project please contact the Churchwarden Mary Pearce on 01840 212665
For more information: The Friends of Lanteglos Church can be contacted via this website. Click on this link
