A new group aimed at supporting St Breaca Church in Breage will be launched next Wednesday, May 20, with an evening of heritage, a sharing of memories and a request for support.

Four of the village's residents, Jane Stone, Malcolm Hersee, Chris Dale and Trefor Bowen, have joined forces to set up the Friends of St Breaca Church. The group's aim is to raise funds for the upkeep of the building and the preservation of its contents including rare wall paintings believed to date from the mid-15th century.

With a wealth of heritage and a history going back over 1,500 years, Breage Church has been at the centre of village life for many generations. It is hoped that the new group can ensure the building and its treasures are still intact in another 1,500 years.

Chris Dale, friends' treasurer, said: “We hope our group will be able to encourage the whole community, regardless of whether they are church goers or not, to get involved and to reach out to those who may feel a connection to the church from further afield.”

As well as being the centre of village life for big family occasions such as weddings, christenings and funerals, the church also attracts a steady stream of visitors from further afield such as Canada, America and Australia.

Chris added: “Breage for many centuries was a mining village. When the mines closed, many travelled overseas and we now see many of their descendants back to trace their family's history. Last year we had someone visiting because seven generations ago his uncle was a vicar here. It brings such delight to these visitors when they come and we can show them where their ancestor is buried.”

Jane is also keen to point out that the group's founders need others in the community to assist them. “We are a small, busy group. What we'd like is for people to sign up as members but also for anyone who thinks they might like to get more involved to come forward. We want to make it a community group rather than a religious group because the church is so much more than just a venue for Sunday services.”

Trefor added: “If we don't all work together there won't be a church there in the future. There won't be a place for our weddings, our christenings, our funerals. We know that many of our villagers don't use it as a religious resource but they enjoy the many community events hosted there and so we hope to build on that enthusiasm.”

It is hoped that as many people as possible will attend the free launch event at the church on Wednesday, from 7pm. As well as learning more about getting involved with the friends, there will also be a talk by Martin Matthews on St Breaca Church entitled Then and Now. This will be followed by a buffet supper and a chance to view the church and ask questions. Application forms to join the Friends will be available on the night.