After nearly six months of being shrouded in scaffolding Breage Church is finally re-emerging.

Significant repairs and restoration of the tower at the grade one listed church have been taking place, with the main focus of the work being to examine and assess the stability of the four pinnacles at the top.

The scaffolding is now coming down and churchwardens Jane Stone and Trefor Bowen said: “We are delighted that this wonderful grade one listed building has been the subject of so much attention over the recent months and we are extremely grateful to all those organisations for their financial support.”

This includes grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cornwall Historic Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation, with the Friends of Saint Breaca also contributing towards this project.

Jane added: “The base of the tower was fenced off for a prolonged period due to concerns about the safety to the public and it will be good to be able to return the area to a safe environment once again.”

The work came as a result of a recent inspection by the church’s architects Scott & Co, based in Truro.

All four pinnacles of the tower have now been made safe and, along with the tower itself, have been completely repointed.

The scaffolding, from Celtic Scaffolding, incorporated a roof that meant that work could continue in all but the most extreme weather conditions. The whole structure was then wrapped in a heavy duty polythene sheet, which not only provided protection from the weather but prevented the lime mortar from drying out too quickly.

With the scaffolding up, the church took the opportunity to have the dial and motion work of the tower clock removed for refurbishment also.

Trefor said: “This was too good an opportunity to miss as the only other means of gaining access is via a Bosun’s chair from the top of the tower. We are grateful for additional funding from Cornwall Council to have this work to the village clock undertaken.”

Other essential work that has also been carried out includes the complete re-roofing of two main porches and the renewal of the roof at the very top of the tower. The church’s lightning conductor system has also been updated and when the scaffolding has been completely dismantled the flagpole will be reinstated.

Jane and Trefor plan to fly the flag for a day when this work has been completed, to celebrate the completion of the project.

The Parochial Church Council of Breage has thanked in particular Shaun Rothwell of Rothwell Historic Restoration Ltd Penzance, Scott & Co Truro and the Cumbria Clock Company for their work on the project.

While it has been a resounding success, it has been tinged with much sadness due to the death last December of Breage’s vicar, the Rev Dr Peter Johnson, who had been excited about the project. The church is planning to dedicate a heritage centre within the building to his memory.

An illustrated talk about the history of the church is to be given by Professor Michelle Brown on Wednesday, May 22, called “The History and Heritage of your Area.”

The event has been organised by the Friends of St Breaca Church and will take place at the church at 7.30pm. Entry is free and refreshments will be provided, although donations towards the upkeep and maintenance of the church would be welcomed.