(Transcription) Western Morning News • 13 Sep 1893, page 8

ST. GERMANS CHURCH RESTORATION.
BAZAAR AT PORT ELIOT.
The lovely grounds of Port Eliot, the seat of the Earl of St. Germans, were yesterday the scene of a remarkably interesting out-door gathering — one which will be memorable in the annals of the village and district as the most enjoyable experience for very many years. The occasion was the holding of what was termed a bazaar in aid of the St. Germans Church Restoration Fund, but the affair was as far removed from what is generally understood by the term as it is possible to conceive. True, there were stalls containing the articles commonly sold at bazaars, but these were only a minor feature. The main attraction was the fact that the grounds, which are without equal for picturesque beauty in Cornwall, were thrown open to visitors. These in themselves were a sufficient inducement to attract a large gathering, but in addition the beautiful mansion with its manifold art treasures was also thrown open, and in various parts of the richly wooded grounds there were attractions of many kinds provided. The fine old church of St. Germans is one of the most interesting in the county, and the effort to put it into thorough repair and to render more visible its many architectural beauties is a praiseworthy one. Under the direction of the Vicar, the Rev. W. Westmacott, who has been ably assisted by the noble patron and by the Countess of St. Germans, and other members of the family, much has been done in recent years. The roof and flooring are now being dealt with, and the seating will also be modernised as soon as possible. The present effort is to raise the balance sum of £2,000, the cost of the scheme, and should the weather continue as fine as yesterday there is little doubt that the effort will be successful.

The five principal stalls which constitute the bazaar proper are all arranged in a large marquee on the bowling green. They are laden with a miscellaneous collection of articles of use or ornament, the latter predominating. They are well arranged, and have an exceedingly bright and effective appearance. Those who have charge of them are the Countess of St. Germans, Lady Robartes, the Hon. Mrs. and the Misses Eliot, Mesdames E.L. Somers-Cocks, Westmacott, Gill, Littleton, R.E. Paige, T.H. Geake, J.M. Hancock, Creber, H. Maynard, Roberts, L. Jago, and E. Tucker. Outside the main pavilion are several other stalls. The art stall is filled with a splendid collection of old engravings of Devonshire scenery, photographs, sketches, photograph frames. Here the presiding ladies are Miss Eliot, Miss Evelyn Eliot, Miss Banbury, Miss Harrison, Miss Napier, Mrs. Westmacott, and the Hon. Arthur Foljambe. Near it is a toy house termed "Ye Dolles Howse," and it is superintended by the Hon. Mrs. Eliot, whilst close at hand Mr. E.G. Eliot performs wonders in photography, and exhibits some most interesting Japanese and Chinese curiosities. The stall for flowers, fruit, and vegetables is presided over by Mrs. Gill and Mrs. Littleton. A fancy confectionery stall is looked after by the youthful Lord Eliot and Masters Jack and Horatio Westmacott. Punch and Judy, Aunt Sally, the microphone, the gramophone, a shooting gallery, and other attractions are found elsewhere. The Orangery has been converted into an attractive cafe chantant [a café where singers or musicians entertain the patrons], where short programmes of vocal and instrumental music, theatrical, and other performances are given at intervals, and refreshments are also served here. Amongst others who provide the entertainments are the Hon. Mrs. and the Misses Eliot, Mrs. Boucher, the Misses Edwards, Miss Carrie Wood, of Plymouth, Mr. W. Anstice, (first tenor), Rev. A.H. Patrick (second tenor), chaplain of Magdalene College, Oxford; Rev. J.H. Lambert (bass), Mr. W.O.M. Hughes (alto), the St. Germans choir, Captain Stevenson, K.O.S.B. (comic), and others. There are elsewhere a tea tent and a large and most amply furnished refreshment marquee where light or substantial meals may be obtained, and this is under the direction of Mrs. Paige, Mrs. Geake, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Creber, and Miss Tucker.

What is modestly termed the picture gallery consists of the principal rooms in Port Eliot, which are crowded with art treasures. There are portraits of the Eliot family of great antiquity and of much historical interest, seeing that they comprise works by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Sir Joshua Reynolds, David Beck, Paul Vansomer [sic van Somer], Sir Thomas Lawrence, Sir Peter Lely, [James] Sant, and Sir A. More, and later ones, prominent amongst which is a lovely portrait of the present Countess and Lord Eliot, painted by Miss [Emily M.] Merrick. There are other genuine works by the two artists first named, and examples of Quentin Matsys, Rembrandt, [Jacob] Huysman, Vandyke, [Jan] Fyt, and others of the great Dutch school of painters. These works of art are of incalculable value, and the thanks of all are due to the Earl of St. Germans for his liberality in allowing the public such an opportunity of inspecting not only them but the many other treasures which Port Eliot contains.

The opening ceremony was performed by Lady Harrison, who, on appearing on the banks of the bowling green, was presented with a lovely bouquet by the youthful heir to the estates. The bouquet consisted of bella donna lilies, tuberoses, tea roses, and Bouvardias, set in maiden-hair fern, and its composition reflected great taste on the artistic skill of the gardener at Port Eliot, Mr. W. Hall.

Rev. W. Westmacott said before they asked Lady Harrison to open the bazaar it would perhaps be well if, on behalf of the Church Restoration Committee, he laid before her and the other visitors the object which they had in view. The west end of the church and the towers were substantially repaired under Mr. Piers St. Aubyn about five years ago at a cost of rather more than £2,000. To meet that the parishioners came forward most liberally, and with the help of friends met the demand. It was then felt that no more could be done for a time, and that their resources must be nursed; but it was also felt that the interior of the church fell very far short of the magnificence of the exterior, and of that beauty which ought to be found in God's house. (Applause.) The time had now come to make a fresh effort, and the roof was considered by Mr. St. Aubyn to be the next part to attack. The miserable plaster ceiling was taken down, and a magnificent roof was now almost completed, and a further sum of nearly £2,000 was needed to pay the contractor, Mr. Lang. Towards that they had in hand about £1,200, and further promises amounting to about £500. However, it was impossible to rest contented even there. The old fashioned and miserably uncomfortable pews of the churchwarden style, as it was sometimes called, quite marred the beauty of what ought to be a magnificent interior. The level of the floors, too, must be considerably lowered to shew out the bases of the grand Norman pillars at present hidden beneath the ground. To meet that a further considerable sum of money was required. It was the earnest desire of the Restoration Committee that whatever was done should be done thoroughly well, and in order that it might be effected they thought it wisest to restore the church by degrees, as they saw their way to getting funds. He invited the visitors to inspect the church and judge for themselves, and then asked Lady Harrison to open the bazaar. (Applause.)

Lady Harrison said: On behalf of the churchwardens, the congregation, and the whole parish, I have pleasure in thanking you all for your attendance on this occasion, and in declaring the bazaar open, I wish you every success.

Cheers were given for Lady Harrison, and the business of the bazaar then commenced. The lovely weather brought many visitors to the grounds during the afternoon, and the enjoyment of all was greatly contributed to by the performance of the splendid Royal Naval band from Plymouth, under the direction of Mr. C. Binding. Those who are responsible for the excellent arrangements are as under:– Executive Committee, the Right Hon. the Earl of St. Germans, Colonel the Hon. C.G.C. Eliot, Rev. W. Westmacott, Messrs. W.F. Creber, and G.H. Brenton; Finance Committee, the vicar, churchwardens, and secretaries; hon. secretaries, Messrs. H. Polgreen and W.G. Broad. In the evening the grounds were illuminated with splendid effect by the electric light, under the management of Mr. W.H. Perrow, of Truro. The bazaar will remain open to-day and to-morrow. About 500 persons entered the grounds yesterday.