St Sampson’s Church
We are an active congregation, and there are services almost every Sunday in the year. On the third Sunday of each month there is Evensong at 6.00pm., and on the other Sundays Holy Communion is celebrated at 9.30am. When there is a fifth Sunday in the month, this is often a Benefice Service, which may be at St Sampson’s Golant, or St Andrew’s Tywardreath, or at the Chapel of Ease at Tregaminion.
The Choir
The choir usually sings at every second and fourth Sunday services, and at all the major festivals, including Harvest Festival, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Easter services, and on St Sampson’s Day at the end of July. Choir practices are held at 4.00pm every Friday. There are some eighteen choir members, and the Musical Director is Sheila Funnell.
Bell Ringers
We have a small ring of five bells which are rung before the morning services. Practices are on most Mondays at 5.00pm. The tower often welcomes visiting teams of ringers, especially during the summer months. The Tower Captain is Ruth Varco, and visiting ringers are most welcome.
The church also has a set of handbells, and there are currently three teams of handbell ringers run by Simon Funnell, and practices are on most Monday afternoons. The ringers have a large repertoire of tunes, and play carols at various venues at Christmas time.
Traditionally, there are no choir or bell-ringing practices during August.
The organ
The organ is a surprisingly fine instrument for the size of church! It is a hybrid built nearly 30 years ago by the Cornish organ builder, Lance Foy. Most of the pipework was made by Heard’s of Truro (Victorian), and was removed from St Michael’s Church at Newquay when a new organ was installed there in the 1950s. One wooden pedal rank was salvaged from the ‘new’ organ at St Michael’s when that church was set alight by vandals in 1993. The trumpet pipework is new, although the electronics are now showing their age. Our organist is Sheila Funnell.
Priest in Charge, Churchwardens, and Safeguarding
The Priest in Charge is the Reverend Shona Hoad (email: shona@tandgchurches.uk). Shona’s mobile is 07476 900 623, and the Churchwardens are Greg White (whitewinepenny@hotmail.co.uk) and Simon Funnell (funnell878@btinternet.com).
St Sampson’s Church is committed to the Safeguarding policies and practices as set out by the Diocese of Truro, and the Safeguarding Officer is Simon Funnell (see above).
More information can be found on the Tywardreath and Golant Churches Website here.