Our Journey to Secure the Chapel: Why It Matters

For generations, the chapel at the heart of Kehelland near Camborne has been more than just a place of worship. It’s where children’s clubs and craft groups meet, where neighbours gather for coffee and conversation, and where our community comes alive during seasonal celebrations. But until recently its future was uncertain.

Six years ago, when we learned that the Methodist Circuit planned to step back from managing the building, a small group of residents came together to secure a new lease and keep the doors open for everyone. It wasn’t easy. There were many false starts and negotiations, and we faced moments when it seemed the hall would fall silent. Throughout those years, though, the community never lost heart. Volunteers kept the building open, ran events, and showed that the chapel wasn’t just another village hall, it was Kehelland’s living, beating heart.

On 9 February 2026, our persistence paid off. Kehelland CIC signed a six‑year lease with the Methodist Circuit, officially taking over stewardship of the chapel and re‑launching it as the Kehelland Community Hub. This moment matters because it safeguards an irreplaceable space for current and future generations. It means local groups, from the learners at Kehelland Trust to the table tennis and bowls clubs, will always have a place to meet. It gives us the confidence to invest in much‑needed upgrades, like a new kitchen and audio‑visual equipment, so we can host cookery classes, film nights and training sessions.

The takeover also reflects the spirit of “connecting communities.” By modernising the hub and expanding our programme, we hope to bridge generations and backgrounds, offer opportunities for learning and socialising, and counter rural isolation.

Most importantly, the lease marks the beginning of a new chapter. The building remains owned by the community, run by the community, for the community. We can’t wait to see what the next six years – and beyond – will bring. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or just moved in, we invite you to join us, share your ideas, and be part of the story.