FOR the last ten years the Friends of Lanteglos Church (FOLC) have been raising funds to renew the leaking roof and generally restore the medieval church, and now they have received funding.

The support came from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), made possible by National Lottery players, and has taken the group one step closer to its goal.

Initial support and a development grant of £16,900 was awarded to help FOLC and Lanteglos-by-Camelford parochial church council to progress the project and then apply for a full grant of £231,500 from HLF.

The project aims to ensure this outstanding Grade I listed building, which is on the Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register, will survive for future generations.

This will involve the renewal of the roof and the establishing of why the granite wall blocks have moved over the last 800 years.

Damp has been a major and long-standing problem and there are also plans to deal with this. Finally, a 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.

The church has numerous interesting heritage features including some 15th century glass and a uniquely carved font of the same age, 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.

There are also plans for a number of open days led by trained volunteers who will highlight the fascinating history and the heritage features of Lanteglos church.

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 project is still short of around £60,000. Donations or volunteer time are always needed and appreciated.

If anyone would like to get involved with this project contact the churchwarden Mary Pearce on 01840 212665.