Happy Christmas update for 2023
Happy Christmas from St Sampson’s Church
A big personal thank you from me for your continued support to St Sampson’s.
It is making a huge difference for the community, present and future, to maintain a Christian presence in South Hill and keep our heritage building open for all to use and enjoy. The church is daily open for visitors and there is a weekly service on Sunday, including forest café church every other month. We have had weddings, funerals, a baptism and a confirmation this year, and we run a weekly toddler group in the parish hall. This year we are proud to have received our silver eco award. We may be small, but we are definitely thriving!
Lots has happened this year, so here is a brief roundup of our St Sampson’s Unlocked project for 2023 and a reminder of previous SSU completed works.
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All thirteen of our windows including stonework have been restored and this project is now completed. Cost excl. VAT £46,432.00.
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The Michael Hill monument restoration is complete, and it is back in situ on the East wall in the Manaton Chapel. Cost excl. VAT £10,450.00
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External masonry repairs have been completed on the Manaton Chapel and around the West (tower door). Cost excl. VAT £8,796.00
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The porch stonework repairs are completed – some new stone and pointing work. Cost £5,142.00
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West door and tower stair door restoration started in December. Cost excl VAT £6,500
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New overhead heaters installed December. Cost £7,000
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Full faculty approval final authorisation should be received any day now for roof, ceiling, toilet, kitchenette. The permission has taken us far longer than anticipated with much consultation between various parties. Tenders to be sought and then funding. The work will be done in phases.
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East wall external masonry repairs to be started in the new year.
Previous works
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Compost toilet installed in churchyard (2022)
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Roof valley gutter (2021)
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Removal and storage of bells and work to make bell frame safe (2021)
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Relocation of Font (2020)
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Installation of mains water supply (2020)
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External path lighting (2020)
Living Churchyard
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All bat boxes from the workshop in 2022 have been put up in the churchyard or surrounding properties.
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Nine Bird boxes put up in the churchyard for various species.
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Wild Flower list compiled / wild flower talk and churchyard mini ramble.
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Lichen survey
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Small mammals survey done with Cornwall small mammals group.
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Moth survey.
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End of year long grass cut and rake.
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Churchyard discovery packs created and there was a wonderful nature detective day with 48 children in August.
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3 new benches to be purchased soon.
Funded by: National Churches Trust, Cornish Historic Churches Trust, Listed Places of worship, Sabrina Sutherland Trust, Jill Franklin Trust, Local giving grants, National Grid Electricity Distribution, Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust, Church Care, Rural Churches, Repair Fund, Lady Neville Charity, Trefinnick Solar Fund, Viscount Boyd Fund. Also individual donors and fund raising.
Our own fundraising has included: an inspirations evening, a baroque concert and a sea shanty gig, our medieval fair and barrow push, plant sales, and a stall at Callington Mayfest.
We are hoping to have a big celebration and open day in the spring to celebrate our achievements.
Many thanks to all our funders big and small. This is an incredible achievement for a small rural parish and a very real way of serving South Hill community.
I wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas and new year.
Blessings
Judith Ayers
Local lay Leader