IT WAS a beautiful, warm, sunny Cornish afternoon with the birds singing in the trees for the annual ‘Service at the Porch’, outside Wesley Cottage in Trewint.

The chair of the Cornwall District, Rev Steven Wild, welcomed everyone. He introduced Methodist layman, Mr Michael Eavis, founder of Glastonbury Festival, who spoke of the debt he owed to his Methodist upbringing and the principles of Methodism, which have guided him through his life.

The scripture was read by Mrs Eva Paynter, who is a committee member and organised the tea for this occasion. The preacher was Rev Dr Alastair Bolt, minister of Chapel Street Methodist Church, Penzance, in the West Penwith Circuit.

Mr John Hogarth, the curator missioner at the cottage, spoke of the redevelopment work around the kitchen in the visitors centre.

The Altarnun parish rooms were the venue for the tea, and then the evening rally took place in Altarnun Parish Church. Rev Deryn Roberts welcomed everyone and read the account of Wesley’s conversion. Mr Tony Naylor, churchwarden, was the scripture reader.

The preacher again, was Rev Dr Alastair Bolt. Entertaining audiences prior to and during the evening service were the excellent Minstrels Singers, who were joined by the Mini-Minstrels.

The attendance at both services was over 100 people.

June 1, saw Wesley Cottage welcome Rev Roger Walton, president of the Methodist Conference, for a study evening.

A good number from throughout East Cornwall gathered to hear and discuss the historic links of Methodism with Monasticism, and the need for the church today to learn from this, especially regarding hospitality.

Wesley Cottage continued to place an emphasis on the theme of hospitality with a summer display on the subject, and continues to service complimentary light refreshments to visitors.

Wesley Cottage is open until the end of October, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am until 4pm. For more information, visit www.wesleycottage.org.uk