September 2022
In July the group hosted a visit from members of Redruth Old Cornwall Society, and showed them around the town – including, of course, our headquarters: the Morrab Library founded in 1818. Tours of this fascinating collection, and the c. 1840 building that now houses it, are offered to the public free of charge most Friday afternoons.
The Morrab library – one of many welcoming and intriguing rooms
With all the summer heat and fine autumn weather – and the excitement of being able to go out and about freely at last – members have been enjoying some of their other interests and we do not have a great deal of local history activity to report. However, part of the ‘out and about’ was a recent Cornish Buildings Group visit to Helston. Like all their outings, this was available free to members and for a small charge to non-members. The CGB is highly recommended for everyone interested in the historic built environment of Cornwall
Our friends at Newlyn Archive held a busy and successful Open Day on 17th September, with ‘fishing trades’ as the theme. The Archive is currently open to visitors on weekday mornings at the former Post Office in the centre of Newlyn, and has recently published a new book: The Story of St Peter’s Players
Those of us who enjoy strolling around Penzance have seen a ghost of the past appear within recent days… a piece of signwriting, late 19th or early 20th century in appearance, advertising the 1801 building on Park Corner as a ‘Musical Academy’. The story has been featured by Cornwall Live and we hope to find out more over the coming weeks… If you have any information you would like to share with us, please do get in touch.
A newly revealed piece of Penzance history
And last but not least… Although we don't usually include members' personal news, there is always room for a special event. For several years, founder member Jean Nankervis has invited the group for a much appreciated strawberry tea in her garden, and this year's event featured this wonderful cake made by Jean's Ukranian guest.
Member Jean Nankervis with the cake
If you'd like to know more about Jean's historic farmhouse her book, Wicca Farm, is for sale with her other works at Cornish Bookworm, Hayle; the St Ives Bookseller; Zennor Wayside Shop and Morvah Schoolhouse. Jean’s latest book, History of Zennor is also on sale at the Morrab Library
PLHG publications can be purchased online here or perused in the Morrab Library.
Penwith Local History Group
Edited by
Sally Corbet
price £10
plus p&p
Photo Glyn Richards