November 2025
November News
On October 25th Beyond The Bookshelves: Hidden Histories in The Morrab Library was officially launched, very appropriately, by Lisa di Tommaso, the librarian of The Morrab Library. Delicious refreshments were provided by members for a well attended and happy occasion. Books were sold and with Christmas soon to be upon us
Beyond The Bookshelves makes an ideal present for all book lovers. Available from local bookshops and The Morrab Library it is remarkedly good value for £15.
Lisa di Tommaso, librarian of The Morrab Library, launches the latest book by the Penwith Local History Group Beyond The Bookshelves: Hidden Histories in The Morrab Library.
Another recent publication is by member Linda Camidge Histories of Penzance: Landmarks and Legends. Copies are flying off the bookshelves in local shops, no doubt for a personal read as well as an intriguing Christmas present. It costs £18 and for further details contact tolverpress@yahoo.com
The usual meeting in November took the form of a Bring and Tell. One member brought two pitch pipes, which she demonstrated, and two music books that were used in churches before organs were installed. Another member gave a detailed account of how she came to own two silver teaspoons that belonged to Sir Humphry Davy.
A piece of wood from The Rosebud of Newlyn, a fishing boat that was built in 1919 was passed around as well as a dear little box from Russia and six china cups with different patterns from a tea-set. Other intriguing stories were of a lost horse brass that had belonged to Silver or Prince, a piece of Roman pottery and a brooch commemorating the year Richard Pearce was mayor of Penzance in 1858-1859. Another treasured possession was an engraving of the frontage at Clowance house in 1789 by Catherine St Aubyn.
Members are looking forward to the December meeting which will be a special meal followed by a quiz.
JN 17.11.25
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