Minister rounds up planners over redundant chapel

THE Superintendent Minister of the Helston Methodist Circuit, Miss Margaret Roskilly, has asked all the members of Kerrier's planning committee to "put your money where your mouth is" and contribute towards the upkeep of the redundant Methodist Church at Crelly.

This follows a decision by the planning committee last week to refuse the change of use for the church to form a single dwelling.

Miss Roskilly has sent a letter to all council members of the planning committee asking for £109.52.

She said it was the intention of the 25 members of the Trinity Methodist Circuit, who since they had vacated the buildings at Releath and Crelly, to upgrade the Porkellis Sunday School. to do this, at an estimated cost of £110,000, they needed to raise the money.

"Coffee mornings at the Guildhall will not do this," said Miss Roskilly.

She said the members were still the managing trustees responsible for the upkeep of the three chapels.

"Insurance premiums on these properties are due in March, this will be a outlay of almost another £1,000," she said. "As those who wish, by your decisions at planning committees o keep these buildings (none of which have a worshipping congregation), I ask you to put your money where your mouth is and contribute to these costs."

Councillor Tommy Bray, who recommended refusal of the Crelly planning application, has been invited by Miss Roskilly to attend a meeting of the Managing Trustees of Crelly Chapel to "explain his actions."

Mr Bray, who was baptised as a Methodist and brought his four children up as Methodists, said: "I feel as if I am being brought before a kangaroo court for actions which wee made and agreed upon by a full planning committee.

"Kerrier planners had valid reasons for turning it down. I have spoken to some councillors about he letter ans they are very upset and think Miss Roskilly has a cheek to ask them to contribute."

Love at first sight – 50 years ago

IT was love at first sight for Mr and Mrs Charlie Williams of Parc-an-Dower, Helston, when they first met over 50 years ago.

For the couple, who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary last Friday, were married within ten weeks.

Mr Williams, 79 and his wife, Minnie, 72, are still very much in love and both agreed they would "do it all again."

In 1945, Mr Williams was a private in the Army and home on leave staying with Mr and Mrs Ben Gilbert of Helston.

"I was writing a letter to another girl at the time when I saw Minnie walk by the window. I said to my mate: 'Wow – look at her. I would like to have a date with her' and that's how it all started," said Mr Williams, who was born in Cury.

He began courting Mrs Williams the first week in November 1945 and on January 19, 1946, they were married at Helston Registry Office, Wendron Street, by special license.