FROM a handful of worshippers in a village house to a modernised and flexible chapel ? a weekend of celebrations on September 18 and 19 will mark 125 years of Methodism in Peter Tavy.

Bellringing from St Peter?s Church heralds the start of two days? activities, which include fun and games, a barbecue and an old time music hall on Saturday, followed by a family service, a celebration tea party and community singing on Sunday.

Throughout the weekend there will be a display of memorabilia in the chapel hall.

Local Methodist Mrs Sandra Dodd said: ?Everyone is invited to join us. There is no charge for any of the events but donations will be welcomed, with any excess to be donated to Southampton?s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in appreciation of their care for my niece, Emily.?

She said Methodism in the village started in 1809 when a licence was issued to Jack Bowhay to hold services in his house.

The first church was built at Shula in the village in 1833, following the visit of the well-known Cornish Evangelist Billy Bray. The congregation grew and a larger chapel was built in 1834 which later became the Reading Room and is now a private house.

?By the 1870s a larger building was needed and the present site was bought from the Duke of Bedford for £24 with the building completed in 1879 at a cost of £400.

It was built to hold 130 with provision for a balcony but the decline in the mining industry led to a decrease in population and the extra accommodation was never needed.?

Much work on the chapel was carried out in 1984-5 and the internal structure was redesigned to provide a flexible, open arrangement.

?The final cost of £30,000 would have been much higher if it were not for all the voluntary work put in by villagers,? said Mrs Dodd.

In 1991 the kitchen was replaced and villagers at last said farewell to a toilet with an Elsan bucket and rusty, perforated galvanised walls.

?Throughout the 125 years the church has been a spiritual home for many and the centre of important events for families in and outside the village.

?Regular weekly services and Sunday School continue throughout the year and closer working with our Christian brothers and sisters at St Peter?s Church has added a new dimension to Methodism in Peter Tavy,? said Mrs Dodd.

A detailed historical record compiled by Brian Giles can be bought over the weekend.