By Jo Lewis & Tony Mansell This is not a history of the Baptist Church per se, nor is there any attempt to stray into doctrinal matters, it is simply a record of the chapels and of their place in the religious built environment. Perhaps though, it would be helpful to say that the…Continue Reading “Baptist Chapels of Chacewater and Truro”
A Cornish Dialect series by Tony Mansell The tea-treat is the biggest event on the village calendar, a grand affair when everyone gathers for a day of relaxation and fun. It’s always held in the same field, Tea-Treat Field. The grass is cut, bunting hung up and tables erected – for the stalls and…Continue Reading “Sidney Zacharius Penpraze – The Village Do”
William Quintrell (1861-1920) By Ernie Parsons This is the first in a short series of articles focusing on some 19th century Cornish poets from labouring-class backgrounds. Largely now forgotten, they are nevertheless an important part of Cornish culture, overcoming their limited education to write poetry about the events and feelings affecting most Cornish people of…Continue Reading “William Quintrell (1861-1920)”
My career with British Rail began in 1951, at the tender age of 15; in those days it was all steam, none of your diesel trade! It all began with an interview with the school Careers Officer when I expressed an interest in becoming a carpenter. Either he wasn’t listening or he had other ideas…Continue Reading “So Nearly an Engine Driver”
A Cornish Dialect series by Tony Mansell “Here Sid, I just saw Fanny Trevethan down the road: she was in some state.” “What’s wrong with the bleddy woman this time, she’s always got er knickers in a twist bout somethin.” “See, from what I can gather, she had some sort of happarition last night.” “Who…Continue Reading “Sidney Zacharius Penpraze – Fanny Trevethan’s Ghost”
We thought that a few stories of Christmas past may be of interest and these extracts (paraphrased) from the Newsletter of The Cornish Association of Victoria (Ballarat Branch) of December 2025, caught our eye. Cornish Christmas Customs In Cornwall, there is a time-honoured observance attached to the early hours of Christmas morning. The adults…Continue Reading “Christmas Past – Cornish Style”