THE community of Bude came together in their masses to witness the official re-opening of the town’s most iconic landmark.

On March 28 a huge number of local residents and visitors arrived at the special event on top of the cliff at the Compass Point where the historic Storm Tower had been successfully restored and saved from coastal erosion.

On arrival, visitors were welcomed by the tower which had been draped in a Cornish flag. Stood in front of it gathered the guest speakers who would be aiding in the official opening which took place by the mayor of Bude, Cllr Mike Dawe.

To everyone’s surprise, the weather managed to stay relatively clear and dry as the event began — although wellies were essential on the walk up.

To begin the ceremony, a reading was given by Jaqi Heard, Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, in which she read aloud a poem which had been translated into Bude's native language — Cornish.

Shortly after, Cllr Dawe stepped up to the stage and gave a talk about the the journey of the tower’s renovations.

The tower had been rebuilt 100 metres inland using the original stones to save it from coastal erosion and potentially ending up over the cliff and into the sea.

The project was supported by a £300,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

Fundraising also played a crucial role in the success of the project. It was said that the community rallied together through a Crowdfunder campaign, raising an impressive £60,000 in just 56 days. 

Alongside the significant financial support received from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, an additional £50,000 came from Cornwall Council.

After reflecting on the significance of the tower’s relocation, Cllr Dawe, expressed his sentiments stating: "As mayor, witnessing the completion of this project fills me with pride. It's a testament to our community's dedication and the teamwork of many organisations. The tower's relocation ensures it remains a cherished part of our town's heritage. I’m thrilled to see it continue to stand proudly as a symbol of Bude."

Stuart McLeod, director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “It’s fantastic to see the Storm Tower standing strong in its new location.

"This structure is an iconic part of Bude’s heritage which was at risk of being lost forever. It has now been saved with an amazing collective effort which was led by the community. We’re proud to have been able to play a part in supporting the project thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The tower has a long history and has a significant symbolism within the RNLI and the Coastguard. To mark this, members from Bude's RNLI and Coastguard teams were given certificates during the event by the mayor.

Special recognition was extended to Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, Trevor Humphreys Associates, Richard Gowan Consulting, Studio Arc, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, and the BSTC project manager, all of whom were commended for their dedication and commitment to the project. 

As the project manager overseeing the intricate operations, Francesca Churchill-Zerilli reflected on the collaborative effort and expressed her gratitude.

She said: "We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this project. It's been a true team effort, and seeing the tower preserved for future generations is immensely rewarding. I'm proud to have played a part in this important endeavour."

As one of the key figures representing the community from the project's inception, Cllr Peter La Broy shared his reflections on the project's significance, stating: “When the initial conversations began in 2019, we had little hope that the Storm Tower could be saved. The ownership of the building was unclear, funding was non-existent, and we soon discovered the structure is Grade II Listed, situated on a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

“It became apparent that securing further funding and permissions would hinge on our ability to demonstrate public interest and support. We launched a Crowdfunder with a modest target of £20,000 and were astounded when our community (and beyond) exceeded our expectations, raising £60,000. This tremendous support provided us with a powerful basis to approach other funders who, recognising the deep affection for our Storm Tower, offered their backing and financial support to make the project feasible.

“The Storm Tower is such an iconic feature on our Cornish coastline, now securely preserved for many future generations. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who contributed to the project. You know who you are; I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you."

To mark the end of the ceremony, Year 2 children from Stratton Primary School took to the stage, accompanied by the Bencoolen Wreckers.

The children sang ‘Cornwall My Home’ and the traditional ‘Trelawny’.