Lots has been happening in the background since Christmas, with quotes, condition reports and plenty of visiting experts on bells, ceiling, gutters, windows, monuments and heating. We are working closely with our architect, who has to oversee a lot of the work because our wonderful grade 1 listed building needs to be cared for sensitively, to preserve our unique heritage and at the same time make it fit for 21C use by the community and congregation. We are blessed by having a 14thC piece of Christian Cornish history in our midst (Trelawny himself would have set foot here in his first parish as Rector) and we must be thankful to all those who have cared for it over the years. Now it is our turn to be tasked to care for St Sampson’s and maintain it for the future. Older members of the church and community may remember that it was thought when the tower work was done 20 years ago, that the roof would need re-slating in 10 to 20 years. Thankfully all the advice we have received is that the roof generally remains in good condition. A recent survey revealed that some slating and timber work is needed in the roof valley, but the rest was ok. The ceiling, however, is proving to be a major job. Conversations are ongoing with a specialist plasterer, our architect and Historic England. The mains water and path lighting will commence soon. Many thanks to the Treffinick Solar fund for a generous funding contribution towards this work. Funding for all the different elements of the improvements are being sought from here, there and everywhere and fundraising events are being planned. Including; Beating the Bounds walk on Sunday May 24th, a dance festival June 13th and a murder mystery evening in November. We will, of course, adhere to government advice regarding coronavirus and postpone if required. If you would like to hold a fundraising event on our behalf, big or small, please get in touch.

It would also really help our forward planning and funding applications if a few more people could make regular donations by standing order, however small. Again, please get in touch if you can help and thank you to the people who are already helping in this way. South Hill quiz night in January raised £168. Thank you to the 50 people who supported it. It was a fun evening especially trying to work out the location of the Cornish elevators!

The four pews dating from 1873, which were removed to make space for hospitality, have all found loving homes in the parish. There may be a few more at some time. The relocation of the font, from the back of the church to in front of the organ, which completes making the space for hospitality and a future mini kitchen, should take place soon when the faculty (church “planning permission”) is finalised. Some of you may remember it being moved to its present position about 50 years ago. If you have any memories of this, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting this project, in whatever way. Community support is vital in securing St Sampson’s future. This is South Hill’s Church. It belongs to us all. Keep in touch by following St Sampson’s Unlocked on Facebook. Questions ? Ask judithayers@yahoo.co.uk 01579 384617 mlawranceowen@icloud.com 01579 382863