2019-20 Programme
7:30pm Wednesday 9th October 2019
Glendurgan and the Fox Family - Charles Fox
One of the glories of Cornwall is the abundance of beautiful gardens which are to be found throughout the county. Of these gardens, the National Trust garden of Glendurgan is one of the great Cornish gardens. Drawing on a wide selection of photographs, Charles Fox will tell the story of five generations of his family who developed not only Glendurgan, but those other great Cornish gardens, Trebah, Penjerrick and Fox Rosehill. Charles Fox is an artist and garden designer, and also a descendant of Alfred Fox, who started the garden at Glendurgan.The Society’s AGM in October was followed by an illustrated talk by Charles Fox, of Glendurgan on the gardens created by his ancestors at Rosehill in Falmouth and their residences at Glendurgan, Trebah and Penjerrick. The Quaker Fox family were established as ship agents in Falmouth in 1759. Alfred, the son of Robert Were Fox, created the garden at Glendurgan, ‘considered by some as the best planted and designed valley garden in Cornwall’ In addition to the many plants and trees, the garden at Glendurgan contains the maize, a popular feature for visitors. The garden is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public during the summer months.The talk, with many interesting anecdotes, was accompanied by a collection of slides, demonstrating the beauty of this garden on the banks of the Helford river.
7:30pm Wednesday 13th November 2019
Commonwealth War Graves by Elizabeth Reeves
Have you ever wondered why some war graves in Cornish churchyards seem to be forgotten? Who cares for the war cemeteries abroad?
This is the story of the creation of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, through the vision and single-mindedness of just one man and how the safe keeping of its war graves has passed down through generations of committed gardening staff and their families all over the world.
7:30pm Wednesday 11th December 2019
Dolly Pentreath and the Cornish Language by Jan Pentreath
The December meeting of The Old Cornwall Society was a fascinating talk by Jan Pentreath on Dolly Pentreath, the last native Cornish speaker. Jan grew up in Mousehole, the home of Dolly, and discovered he was the only Pentreath in the village. This sparked an interest and he wondered if he was related to her and so carried out considerable research but found he was not a descendant.Cornish was widely spoken prior to the 16th century, however, certain events which then took place led to the start of the dying out of the language. These being the destruction in 1548 of Glasney College in Penryn during the Reformation, the Prayer Book rebellion in 1549 and numerous battles. Owing to these events the Bible & Prayer Book were not translated into Cornish and the language declined together with The Miracle plays in Cornish. Dolly stimulated interest amongst some eminent men who were interested in the continuation of the Cornish language. Several papers were written and letters exchanged between them. Dolly was “discovered” living down a narrow lane in a hut, a fishwife. It was alleged she could not speak English until she was in her twenties. The reason that Cornish lived on in Mousehole is thought to be that it was a hot bed of smuggling mainly with Brittany, where they understood each other’s language.Dolly died in 1777 and was buried in Paul Church. There was some dispute as to her actual resting place. There was no record of her death but there was a record of a Dolly Jeffrey. It is believed that her illegitimate son’s father was a Jeffrey and her son buried her using his name. Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte (interested in languages) and the then vicar of Paul erected a memorial to Dolly. It was not until later that a local man stated that the monument was in the wrong place and so after investigation it was moved to its current position. Dolly had her portrait painted by John Opie which now hangs in St Michaels Mount. After her death poems were written, Staffordshire figures and other portraits were produced all in her memory and so she became a celebrity.
7:30pm Wednesday 8th January 2020
Place House by Nigel Hare-Scott
How many of us, locals and visitors alike, have looked across the Percuil River and beyond Cellars Beach to admire the elegant manor house with its own little church nestled in the hillside there? No surprise that its name derives from the Celtic “Palace”. Place house, or Place Manor as it was known when operating as an hotel from the 1950s to the 1980s, has been a key part of the local scene and has touched many lives over the centuries.No wonder that a talk by Nigel Hare-Scott was given to a record audience on January 8th: Nigel, son of the daughter of Gwavas Spry, whose family has owned Place for the last 400 years, was born at Roseland Place near the big house and has been inspired by the story to write a small book based on his own meticulous research and fascinating presentations, such as this one given to the Society. Place’s story sweeps through time from 4,000 years ago: for details and chronology, best to look at the charming booklet, widely available in local outlets. A few details should suffice here to whet your appetites!The early economy of mining and metalworking, farming and seafaring developed from the Bronze Age onwards: here was a safe anchorage, nearby lodes, a mild climate, a site for a tidal mill, all factors involved in the first settlement here: the first house here dates from the 16th Century, the first Saxon church in 950AD, the arrival of the Spry family in the 17th Century.History burgeoned with the Sprys and eventually through the female line with Duncan Grant-Dalton, the first Commodore of St Mawes Sailing Club and husband of Gwavas, who ran the estate business: then came the upheavals of War; the hotel era, run by Edward Harte; Kevin, who restored Place to a private home leasing all its former farms from the National Trust; and Major Nat, the heir. Nigel concluded with some memories written by his mother Ann, bringing the 1920s to the 1940s to life. A superb evening: Place, a Cornish house and story to be proud of.
7:30pm Wednesday 12th February 2020
The Married Widows - Lesley Trotter
The Wives ‘Left Behind’ by Emigration
One of the untold stories of 19th century emigration from Cornwall is that of the thousands of wives ‘left behind’ by men leaving to work overseas. In her February talk to the OCS, historian and author, Dr Lesley Trotter (Honorary Research Fellow Institute of Cornish Studies, University of Exeter) explored the lives of these unsung heroines of many a Cornish family. She described the resources they drew upon in the absence of their husbands, and the challenges they presented to the authorities. She illustrated her talk with poignant individual stories that highlighted the risks and vulnerability of being a ‘married widow’.The typical perception is that the wives were deserted. There are numerous references in the census returns to ‘Wife of Husband’ in California, America, Chili, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia, Turkey – anywhere around the world where there were mining opportunities. Many state that the wife is the head of the household. In 1891, nearly 4,000 wives were the head of the household. In actual fact, there were even more than this because some women lived with relatives. In some parishes a quarter of all husbands had gone abroad, leaving a wife and an average of 3 children behind. This led to a significant impact on the community.However, there is very little mention in the history books about the women. The suggestion is that the women are the passive victims, but research shows a different story. The wives were actively involved in a plan to improve the family circumstances and the women were invested in the plan for the men to take up opportunities abroad. The best-known woman was Jane Trevithick, wife of Richard Trevithick, who was left for 11 years with 6 children, and who only survived through her brother’s generosity. The women’s experience depended on many factors, such as what they had to live on. Most were largely dependent on the money sent home by the husbands, but the logistics of this were very difficult. In the early days, cash would be sent by friends or via the post. Larger amounts were sent by banker’s draft, but these were expensive. In 1870s postal orders were introduced which made it simpler. The women had to learn new skills, such as money transfer, to cope with the new circumstances. Larger mining companies were able to send a proportion of the men’s pay home and the families were paid directly by the bank.Often the situation was fluid, with the wives crossing the oceans back and forth, with the children to visit the men. The women had more independence in some ways, but only with the money that was sent home. A lot of women lived on credit with the local tradesmen. Some of the men put notices in the press that they would not be responsible for their wives’ debts.There were some stories of real hardship. The Poor Law authorities were fairly sympathetic and doled out outdoor relief by means of grants or loans. There are examples of relief being given on loan, with the expectation that the husbands would repay it when they returned. When the Poor Law resources became drained, pressure was placed onto the men to support their families by bringing them into the workhouse. Employment opportunities for women were very limited, because of childcare. Before 1870 the wife had no rights to her own income. Many women shared accommodation with parents or other relatives to save money for everybody and help with childcare. The whole experience was varied and individual for the wives. Sometimes it was disastrous, but some took it in their stride. One thing they all had in common was the uncertainty and vulnerability while their husbands were away. Find out more on www.humble history.com. or Lesley’s book The Married Widows of Cornwall.
Dingerein Scrub Clearance
Report by Nev Meek, Recorder
Our Scrub Clearance Day at Dingerein was an unqualified success. We achieved much more than could have been hoped for.We had over 35 people on site which included members of the wider community, CC AONB Team, CC/Cormac, AONB Contractor, students from Truro College, students from Falmouth University, CC Cornwall Archaeology Unit, Cornwall Archaeological Society and of course our own OCS members.Karin Easton (FOCS President) did come with her husband and spent most of the day with us. I was impressed that she didn't just come to "fly the flag" but she and her husband pitched in and did a good day’s work as well. She talked with all of our Committee members who were present, and went away mightily impressed with our OCS and what we are achieving.We in fact completely cleared the central ditch of the monument which was much bigger and wider than I remembered. This is the first time that I had seen it properly in nearly 40 years. It was really hard physical graft, and I know everyone was really tired by the end of the day. However, everyone that I spoke with really enjoyed the day and left with a really positive feeling of accomplishment.I also led a short walk down to Roundhouse (aka Krug Stefan) for everyone whilst we were waiting for the pasties to arrive. I love doing this on a sunny day, because as you emerge out of the field gateway and walk up on to Roundhouse the view of Gerrans Bay to either side is simply stunning. It never fails to impress people, and you can actually hear people saying "wow" as they see it for the first time. Aren't we lucky to be locals; and that it all belongs to us!The success of the day couldn't have been achieved without the help of our OCS Committee Members who did car park marshalling, served cold drinks, tea, coffee, cake, biscuits, pasties etc., all of the co-ordination for the day, film interviews, introduction talks, first aid capability, as well as much hard graft with the scrub clearance.Everyone, including Heritage England and the AONB Team have commented on how well organised it was by our OCS. Well done everybody - I think our reputation has been considerably enhanced!For those who couldn't be involved on this occasion - don't worry, because I will ensure more opportunities for you as the project moves forward.
7:30pm Thursday 5th March 2020
St Piran’s Day Celebrations
St Piran’s Day was properly celebrated at the Royal Standard at Gerrans by kind permission of hosts, Bobbie and Dave Mitchell.The evening began with a welcome in Cornish from the society’s Recorder, Nev Meek, who followed it with some highlights of St Piran’s life. Then we were entertained to some very amusing stories told by Trounce Guy. Shanties followed given by our friends Du Hag Owr. During the interval pasties were eaten and then Trelawny sung at 9pm, linking with all the other societies and gatherings throughout Cornwall.The second half began with more local stories, full of gentle wit, from Trounce Guy.After that we joined in the singing of well-loved Cornish songs, led by Du Hag Owr.Finally, the evening was rounded off by once again singing Trelawny.The “St Piran at The Standard” celebration has now become an established event on the OCS calendar. Images - Du hag Owr Leading the Singing; Trounce Guy telling a yarn!
7:30pm Wednesday 11th March 2020
Policing in Gerrans Parish - Neville Meek
The OCS meeting for March was a very interesting talk by our recorder, Nev Meek, on ‘Policing in Gerrans Parish’.Prior to a nationwide police force there would have been an elected parish constable in rural areas to keep the law of the land. These men would have been aged between 25 and 55, unpaid and not supplied with any uniform. Their badge of office and only item of defence would have been a tipstaff or truncheon. In 1764 the parish constable named Richard Jennings was fined £20 for neglect of duty.The Cornwall County Constabulary did not come into existence until 1857. Gerrans parish then had its own policeman, Nicholas Trenarry, who was stationed at Trewithian. There are no records to show that there was a policeman in the parish between 1881 and 1892 until Henry Edwin Pearce arrived. This post was then continuous until it was eventually lapsed in the 1990s.These early officers had walking beats and had to rendezvous with their superiors at certain places and times of the day. Failure to keep these meeting times were rewarded with penalties. Things would have got a bit easier when in 1898 the use of bicycles was allowed.The names of all the recorded police officers who had been stationed in Gerrans parish were mentioned by Nev and their activities were commented on if known. As the list came to the mid 20C there was nodding from the audience as some remembered these officers. One officer in particular, Ted Arnall, was remembered by many people because he continued to live in Portscatho after he had left the force. Over the years the serving policeman lived in different properties within Gerrans parish and at one time the police house was situated in Wellington Terrace where there was also the local lock up, last used in WW1. The local Court house for the parish was in Ruan High Lanes which eventually became the Hundred House Hotel. Eventually a permanent house was bought in Clifton Terrace, Portscatho to serve as the police station.June 1967 saw the amalgamation of the Cornwall and Devon forces together with the city forces of Plymouth and Exeter. This meant that officers in Cornwall had their headquarters moved to Devon! This was not welcomed by all and it was a slow change before the same uniform was worn by all officers in the two counties. There were several people from the parish who joined the local police force including a WPC. None served specifically in Gerrans parish, but one, an inspector in Truro would come to Portscatho from time to time to check out the law-abiding residents! As well as the village bobby there were also ‘Specials’ who helped out as and when they were required. These were all local men from the parish who had their own uniform when on duty. This included peak caps and not the helmets of the regular force.The talk was a most interesting and informative account of the village policeman in a Cornish parish. The research that Nev has carried out on ‘Policing in Gerrans Parish’ is still ongoing.
DEFERRED DUE TO PANDEMIC
7:30pm Wednesday 4th April 2020
Cornish Mining World Heritage Site - Ainsley Cox
The Cornwall and west Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site is the largest industrial World Heritage Site in the UK. It includes ten stunning landscape areas, each with unique characters and a number of attractions. With over 20,000 hectares spread across Cornwall and west Devon, the Site contains over 200 iconic Cornish engine houses and offers myriad experiences to explore this world-changing mining culture.
DEFERRED DUE TO PANDEMIC
6pm - 8pm Wednesday 13th May 2020
Evening Guided Walk of Gerrans, Portscatho and the Heritage Centre with Peter Messer-Bennetts, Maggie George and Pam Case
Meet at Memorial Hall Car Park at 6pm. Advance booking essential.
DEFERRED DUE TO PANDEMIC
2:00pm Wednesday 10th June 2020
Afternoon Pilgrimage to St Anthony Church with Nigel Hare-Scott
Meet at Gerrans Car Park, Treloan Lane at 2pm. Advance booking essential.
DEFERRED DUE TO PANDEMIC
3pm - 5pm Sunday 2nd August 2020
Celebration of Feast Days of St Gerrans and St Anthony
Bring Your Own Picnic on Gerrans Village Green
Everyone is very welcome!
Music from Du Hag Owr
Drinks, cakes and ice-cream in the Royal Standard
Children’s activities with St Gerrans Messy Church
Gerrans Parish Heritage Centre will be open
DEFERRED DUE TO PANDEMIC
5pm Friday ?? September 2020
Crying the Neck
The Cornish harvest festival is known as Guldize and was once a major occasion in the local calendar. There are many traditions associated with the date including the Crying the Neck, which is when the last shock of corn is cut and the end of the harvest is proclaimed. During Crying the Neck the master of ceremonies finds the last patch of corn in the field and cuts it with a traditional scythe. He shouts I 'ave 'un! I 'ave 'un! I 'ave 'un! Those present then shout, What 'ave 'ee? What 'ave 'ee? What 'ave 'ee?, with the reply being, A neck! A neck! A neck! After this, everyone joins in shouting: Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Crying the Neck ceremonies are organised by Old Cornwall Societies. The ceremony is conducted in both English and Cornish. After the ceremony, farm workers and others would traditionally hold a feast, known as Guldize.