Picture tour

The Epworth Hall is in a poor state of repair, inside and out. But it is an attractive building, full of potential

It sits behind the Methodist Chapel in Coinagehall Street, to which it is joined. From behind, its pleasing shape - and dilapidated state - are clear

Helston Methodist Chapel is one of the town's landmarks. Many people are unaware that a 3,000 sq ft hall is sited behind it. Access is through the driveways both sides of the chapel: the main door straight ahead in this picture ....

... with another entrance down here. A pump was once sited in the middle of this alleyway.

The main hall inside measures 52ft x 56ft. A stage occupies the south wall. Opposite is a small kitchen. The hall ceiling conceals the roof: a huge all-timber structure still in excellent condition after 207 years.

Another view of the hall. There is ample room for a wide range of community activities, including theatre, music, sport and meetings

Apart from its wide unsupported span, the ceiling is noted for a striking plaster boss, garishly painted now but in good condition and capable of full restoration

Below the main hall are a number of rooms, large and small. The largest is used by a children's playgroup. Iron pillars are supplemented by a number of temporary Acroprops, which are needed to support the main hall floor above. They are padded to protect the children.

Top, far left, moving clockwise: The second largest room downstairs, at the moment full of theatrical props; the ladies lavatories; a small washroom; a storage room containing remnants of the 1888-89 pulpit, from which several smaller items of liturgical furniture, in use in the remodelled chapel, were made when it was renovated 10 years ago; a costume store. After renovation, these and other rooms will be available as commercial office space.

Of special interest is the two-storey extension (which can be seen, complete with brick chimney and single-pitch roof, in the top picture). It contains the remains of a kitchen and, inset, a pantry....

... High in the pantry wall is a small opening, reached only by ladder, leading to a chamber where travelling preachers slept while visiting Helston. It is currently unsafe to enter. The picture, taken through the opening at floor level, shows the room's condition

The overgrown land behind the Epworth Hall is privately owned and inaccessible.

The hall has its own walled garden, reached through the gate at the end of the left driveway. It is urgently in need of maintenance, but is not completely overgrown, thanks to hard work by George Bilkey, pictured inset, and other members of the chapel property committee.