In 1889 the Rev Rogers of Mithian wrote to John Passmore Edwards for help in purchasing a few books for a literary institute he had founded in the village of Blackwater, in Cornwall. Passmore Edwards replied that as well as giving 500 books he would be pleased to build them an institute if they could provide the land. A plot of land was given by Lord Falmouth and in 1890 the Institute was opened. The Institute was the first of over 70 buildings that Passmore Edwards was to fund over the next 14 years, in Cornwall, Devon, the Home Counties, London and the South East.
In January 2008 a campaign was launched to restore the Institute building for use as a village hall.
In less than 2 years we have raised over £30,000 which has enabled us to carry out urgent work to the roof and windows. the building is now secure and weather proof. Meanwhile work continues to raise the remaining money to complete the restoration and create a village hall for Blackwater.
In October 2009 the Blackwater Village Trust became a Registered Charity (Reg No 1131981).
|
