Tony Mansell tells the story of one man’s dream of owning a fairground organ and wonders how many fully understood the effort and skill that went into creating this amazing musical instrument. Bernard True Bernard True was unsure if he was a Kentish Man or Man of Kent but whichever it was, we are grateful…Continue Reading “The St Agnes Fairground Organ”
Once again, Tony Mansell leads us into his world of folklore, myth and legend involving an iconic bridge which really has left a lasting impression on him. This bitter-sweet love story was the winner of the Gorsedh Kernow 2010 – Short Story set in Cornwall. My heart beats faster as I spot a column…Continue Reading “Black Bridge”
Tony Mansell brings you another slice of brass band history garnished with an amusing account of the event in Cornish Dialect. Nine bands attended the fifth brass band contest at Four Lanes in 1913, two in the first section and seven in the second. Those in the lower section: St Ives Town, Bugle Silver,…Continue Reading “The Extraordinary Band Contest”
Tony Mansell shares his mining experiences as he takes us underground to four Cornish mines but in particular to Cligga Mine in Perranzabuloe. I had already been down three Cornish tin mines so the thought of a few hundred feet of granite above me was not of great concern, but those previous trips had…Continue Reading “A Trip to the Underworld”
The Cornish Range or “Slab” was once an essential item in every home, it was where so many Cornish maids baked their first pasty. From early times, however, the commercial baker has been a part of every community and in this article, Tony Mansell looks back on his family’s history to a time when his…Continue Reading “A Trura Baker”
In this article, Tony Mansell turns to the gunpowder manufacturing industry of the 19th century and looks at the process involved, and the pain experienced when things go wrong. Gunpowder was invented in China, probably in the 9th century, and its potential for warfare and for more peaceful purposes was quickly realised. Opinions vary…Continue Reading “Kennall Gunpowder Mill Co.”