PEOPLE came from all around Cornwall and ‘up country’ to an isolated medieval church in the beautiful valley of Lanteglos, near Camelford, recently.

The open day at St Julitta’s was to present what is happening with the restoration project and also to show off some of the wonderful historic features in the church. The 15th century stained glass and the unusual carved symbol of the universe that occurs around the building attracted particular attention.

The highlight of the day was an illustrated talk by Vaughn Williams on a famous early circumnavigator of the world. Captain Samuel Wallis was born in Camelford and baptized at St Julitta’s in 1728. He discovered 15 Polynesian islands, including Tahiti and Wallis Island, where they still speak Wallisian.

Signing a Delabole slate for the leaky roof was another attraction and the atmosphere of the day was made by a combination of brilliant organ music played by Steve Tyrell and the smell of bacon butties in the background.

A total of £685 was raised towards the major restoration, due to start in October this year. It is in part financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Friends of Lanteglos Church, but £60,000 is still needed. To join the Friends, contact John Pearce on 07740 421 393.