A Net Zero Quick Wins grant has taken the chill off for visitors to St Breaca Church in the centre of Breage. The church, which houses famous medieval wall paintings described by Pevsner as “of the highest importance”, was providing a beautiful but chilly setting for congregation members and art enthusiasts.

Following a visit and advice from Ben Wood, the Diocesan Cut Carbon Support Officer, the church was able to purchase new mobile infra-red heaters and a carpet using the grant.

Trefor Bowen, St Breaca’s churchwarden and organist, said: “Everyone likes the new heaters! We’ve had nothing but positive comments; they take the chill off very quickly. Also, they have four settings at the touch of a button, so you don’t have to have them on full power and can turn them down if they get too hot.”

He also praised the fact that they are portable and can be used in the coffee area at the back of the church when not being used for a service or elsewhere. He added: “They’re especially useful as I can use them when playing the organ to warm my freezing fingers!”

The carpet has been equally well received. Trefor said: “It’s a lovely carpet, and it makes a big difference. It fits visually in with our cushions in the Godolphin Chapel and has made an aesthetic impact – the burgundy makes it feel warmer, psychologically.”

Ben said: “The church’s heating system in the nave was ineffective and expensive to run. They decided to concentrate the congregation into the bright Godolphin Chapel during cold winter days and use the Net Zero Quick Wins to buy the thick carpet, creating a thermal barrier between cold stone and the soles of the congregations’ shoes, which can make a real difference to how cold one can feel. The localised infra-red heating is providing warmth to worshippers without the church having to pay to inefficiently heat the entire cavernous church.”

The Net Zero Quick Wins fund is available for churches with a Bronze Eco Church/A Rocha award and who can also make the case that the improvements it funds will reduce their carbon emissions. Contact Ben Wood ben.wood@truro.anglican.org for details.