Cardynham: St Meubred

“St Meubred Church has to be one of the most iconic Cornish Churches on the edge of Bodmin Moor.” It can be seen from the high ground all around the parish of Cardinham. It also has a secret, it played a crucial role in the history of Cornish bellringing. Back in 1895, Athelstan Coode, a very enthusiastic bellringer, became rector. But “it is said these bells are infrequently rung owing to the insecure state of the upper part of the tower.” Determined to make his tower fit for ringing Coode raised £400 in 6 months, half the cost, then gave the rest himself. The tower was taken down to the tops of the windows. The bells were re-hung and three new ones added. On 24th November 1896, the work finished, the Bishop came. 5,040 changes were rung after the service with Athelstan Coode on the tenor bell. This was the second peal ever rung in Cornwall. the first was at Penzance. Only 18 months he arrived he was dead. Today St Meubred's still has ringers but rain gets in the tower. This small moorland church is raising £80k to make the tower watertight and repair the damage. Without an Athelstan Coode to help, St Meubred's church needs all the help it can get.