A new song and film will launch on Sunday, October 20 at the Plaza Cinema in Truro.

Richard Trethewey’s The Old Gardener tells the story of how the Leek Seed Methodist church in St Blazey Gate got its unusual name upon construction 200 years ago.   

Preacher William Stephens’s congregation had far outstretched the humble barn they were meeting in and required a proper chapel. William began collecting funds for building works; however, unimpressed by the growing popularity of Methodism, two Oxford Scholars set out to rob him of his savings.

What they hadn’t planned for was William’s steely character. Upon entering his house they found him sat up waiting for them in his dressing gown and night cap, a huge pile of black powder at his side and a flint and steel in his hands.

William assured the robbers he would not hesitate to create a spark and blow the entire house up if they came any closer. He went on to relieve them of their own money for his funds, and made them sing Psalm 100 for good measure.

What the robbers didn’t know was that the black powder was keen gardener William’s annual supply of leek seed – hence the name of the chapel, where the song was premiered in September.

Ticket holders will be treated to a live performance, a screening and a free glass of fizz. Please note the Plaza’s screen 5 is only accessible via stairs.

Limited tickets must be booked in advance from www.richardtrethewey.org