St Michael's Church Helston handrail in memory of Ethel Gray

Handrails on the steps leading to the church were a bequest from Helston resident Mrs Ethel Gray when she passed away in 1966 and have recently been renovated and reinstalled by local specialist Alan Lawrence.

A plaque commemorating Mrs Gray’s dedication to St Michael’s was placed at the entrance by her family in 1966 with the inscription ’The improvement of this entrance was made possible by the generosity of Ethel Gray who wished to thank God for her life’.

A plaque to honour Ethel's life is placed at the entrance of the church (Image: NQ)

To mark the new and improved handrails Mrs Gray’s Granddaughter, Anne Trerise (nee Gray) and Great Granddaughter, Zoe Trerise were joined at St Michael’s on Wednesday by St Michael's churchwarden, Anthea Hearn and Cornwall Councillor Mike Thomas, who thanked Anne and Zoe for their generosity.

Anne and Zoe were joined by churchwarden Anthea Hearne and Mike Thomas (Image: NQ)

Anne, who was born opposite the church said how 'immensely proud' her Gran would be knowing access to the Church continues to make life easier for everyone and thanked St Michael’s for its understanding and co-operation whilst the work was carried out.

The railings have been greatly improved (Image: NQ)

“Sadly, they weren’t completed sooner, but now they are ready just in time for Flora Day," Anne said.

The railings have been renovated and re-installed because they had become "wonky and unstable", making them dangerous for members of the public.

Zoe said: “When I was younger, we used to retain them every summer, but obviously it’s gone past that now, they are nearly 70 years old.” 

Mike added: “We really appreciate the work which has been carried out.

“They’re important steps, for important occasions.”