Old cemetery chapel in Helston to undergo transformation

Trevow Helston CIC has announced that it has been funded £101,208.25 from the UK’s Government’s Shared Prosperity fund, which will enable a significant step in the revitalisation of the historic old chapel. 

The funding will now allow Trevow to tackle essential repairs and upgrades, including repairing the leaking roof and gutters, fixing the external walls, and installing much-needed roof and gutters. 

The chapel has broken and patched windows and damp and flaking plaster (Image: Trevow Helston) In addition, new flooring will be laid, and new windows and doors will be fitted. 

Helston boy Guy Watson, artistic director of the theatre company Cousin Jack’s, which set up the new company under its umbrella has explained why the improvements are necessary for the old chapel on Meneage Road.

He said: “This vital funding marks the first step in renovating Helston Old Chapel, which has stood empty.

"As a not-for-profit, Community Interest Company, our mission is to enrich Helston through regularly offering high-quality, aspirational creative and community events and activities.

New windows and doors will be fitted (Image: Trevow Helston CIC) “These essential improvements will create a space where we can host a diverse programme of theatre, dance, live music, spoken word performances, cultural workshops, and participatory projects.

"This investment represents a significant first step in developing a welcoming creative community space for Helston.” 

Guy also said he was "amazed" by the support of the community since Trevow Helston CIC made the chapel its home. He said: "We've been amazed at the support we've already received from the community.

"Our test events, from music nights to film screenings; from children's theatre to scratch nights have been really well attended and our 'sliding scale ticket price scheme' has ensured we are affordable for as many people in Helston as possible.

A packed chapel for a performance (Image: Trevow Helston CIC) "There will be a few weeks over the coming months when the chapel is closed and full of construction workers but we're squeezing lots of events around the work - especially over Christmas when we've got some very fun events coming up."

However, Guy wants to reassure people that the works will not interfere with families visiting loved ones buried in the cemetery. 

"At no point will any of the work on the chapel impact people visiting the cemetery," he said. 

All contractors have been briefed that access to the cemetery must be unimpacted 24/7.

Since taking over in February 2024, the chapel has already hosted several performances and is gearing up for a festive season filled with Christmas performances including Squash Box Christmassy Christmas Show on December 6 and The Flaming Feathers Christmas Cabaret on December 21. 

More information on Trevow Helston CIC can be found here: /www.trevowhelston.co.uk.