Botallack Mine film show to aid Paul church window appeal

The series of events to raise funds for the restoration of the East Window in Paul Church continues on Tuesday, July 28, with a film and commentary by John Potter about the iconic Botallack Mine.

Tickets for the evening, which starts at 7.30pm in the church hall, cost £5. They include a glass of wine and some snacks.

The window is an amazing piece of Arts and Crafts design by Robert Anning Bell, a notable craftsman of the time. It was commissioned by the Bolitho family as a memorial to their elder son Torquill McLeod Bolitho, who was killed during the Battle of Ypres on 24th May 1915 at the age of 22.

Churchwarden Mary Wooding said: “The glass of the window is still in good condition but the stone which holds it is crumbling away and the entire frame needs to be replaced. We think the whole project, which will include removing the glass, cleaning it and repairing the lead where necessary and then re-installing it, will cost at least £130,000.

“We’re applying for grants, and the PCC has committed funds from reserves but we want to raise as much as we can ourselves. We held an event this time last year which started the fund off, and during this centenary year we’re organising several events.

“Next week’s about Botallack promises to be very popular. Those who have heard him speak before say it’s an excellent and entertaining evening”