Each Thursday lunchtime, the Victorian splendour of St Elwyn’s Church fills with music, laughter, and the gentle hum of community life. From May through October 2026, the church’s free lunchtime concerts offer a rich tapestry of sound from delicate piano solos to soaring soprano duets, lively school choirs, and spirited string ensembles.The programme showcases an extraordinary range of talent: 🎵 Soloists and duos such as Rico Gerber, Peter Luing, and Lucy Clitheroe bring classical elegance to the piano and voice. 🎶 Choirs and ensembles including Penpol School, Stithians Ladies Choir, and the Celtic Fiddlers fill the space with harmony and joy. 🎻 Instrumental groups like the Kenwyn Trio and Force Five Wind Quartet add variety and colour, ensuring every week offers something new.Set within the church’s beautiful Victorian architecture, these concerts are more than performances they’re moments of connection. Sunlight filters through stained glass as music rises beneath the arches, reminding visitors why St Elwyn’s remains such a cherished part of Hayle’s heritage.Admission is free, but donations are warmly welcomed to help restore and maintain this historic building. Every contribution supports not only the upkeep of the church but also its role as a vibrant community hub hosting events like the Craft Fayre, where creativity and fellowship meet under the same roof.So, whether you’re a lover of classical music, a supporter of local talent, or simply seeking a peaceful lunchtime escape, St Elwyn’s invites you to step inside, listen, and be part of something truly special.
Saturday: Cream Teas, Tower Views, and a Concert to RememberSaturday’s Open Day welcomed a lively flow of visitors eager to explore the church, climb the tower, and take in the stunning views across the estuary. The panorama did not disappoint — sparkling water, sweeping skies, and the gentle hum of Hayle below made the climb well worth the effort.Inside, the atmosphere was just as delightful. Cream teas were served with smiles, scones vanished quickly, and conversations filled the church with warmth. Families, friends, and curious newcomers all found something to enjoy, and the sense of shared fun was unmistakable.The day reached its crescendo with a fantastic evening concert, featuring the exceptional Kowethas In Harmony and the powerful Imerys Male Voice Choir. Their combined programme filled the church with rich harmonies, emotional depth, and moments of sheer musical joy. Audience members were treated to everything from stirring choral classics to uplifting favourites, all delivered with passion and polish. The applause at the end said it all.Sunday: A Joyful EvensongThe weekend concluded with a beautifully uplifting Sunday Evensong, where voices rose in harmony and the church gathered in a spirit of gratitude and celebration. The service offered a peaceful, joyful close to a weekend full of energy and connection.A Celebration of CommunityBell Weekend was more than a series of events — it was a celebration of everything that makes St Elwyn’s such a cherished part of Hayle’s life. Volunteers gave their time generously, visitors brought their enthusiasm, and together we created a weekend full of beauty, music, and shared delight.As the bells fell silent on Sunday evening, one thing was clear: fun was had by many, and the spirit of community rang out louder than ever.
New Bishop of St Germans announced by Downing Street Downing Street has announced that the next Bishop of St Germans is to be the Revd James Treasure. James was ordained priest in 2017 and was previously a leader in a free church before his move back to the Church of England. He brings with him a wealth of experience in community engagement and growing congregations. From 2018, James served as Vicar and Resource Church Leader at St Thomas and St Luke’s (locally known as “Top Church”) in Dudley. In this capacity, he spearheaded a major redevelopment and mission project, supported by significant grant funding, to revitalise the historic Grade II* listed building and expand its parish outreach. In 2023, James was also appointed Team Rector for the wider Dudley parish. In this role, he maintained responsibility for four additional churches while continuing his leadership at St Thomas and St Luke’s. James is married to Esther, who is a curate, and they have three young adult sons.James said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Diocese of Truro, the land of the saints, at this exciting time and cannot wait to discover all that God is doing amongst you! I am especially looking forward to discovering more of the beauty of the Church across our diocese - in its worship, its communities, and its faithful presence in every place.” Welcoming his appointment, the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd David Williams, said: “I am so pleased to welcome James here as bishop-designate of St Germans. We are looking forward to James, Esther and their family joining us later this year. James has spent his whole working life in church leadership and will bring significant pastoral, preaching and strategic gifts to our team. I am delighted we have discerned a call for him and his family here.” James and his family will move to live in the Diocese of Truro in Spring. He will be consecrated as a Bishop on May 1 in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, after which he will formally be welcomed to the diocese and will take up his seat in Truro Cathedral in a service on May 10 at 4.30pm. All are welcome. Further details will be available in the coming weeks.
As first light crept across St Ives Bay on Easter Sunday, twenty‑five determined early‑risers gathered on the cliffs at Gwithian for a windswept but unforgettable sunrise service.The weather was fiercely blustery, with gusts rolling in off the Atlantic, yet the group stood firm against the elements, looking out over Godrevy Lighthouse and the curve of the bay as dawn broke in soft gold behind the clouds. The dramatic backdrop only heightened the sense of occasion.Holy Communion was shared in the open air, chalice and bread held steady against the wind, followed by a cappella singing that rose and fell with the gusts. The unaccompanied voices sometimes carried away, sometimes strengthened by the roar of the sea created a raw, beautiful soundscape that felt perfectly matched to the moment.Those who braved the weather spoke of a deep sense of hope and renewal. The combination of rugged coastline, wild wind, and the first light of Easter morning made the celebration feel both intimate and expansive.One participant reflected afterwards that worshipping on the cliffs “felt like standing right on the edge of creation, watching resurrection light spill across the bay.”
