A Cornishman’s view of war We wring our hands at the horrors of war but surely history tells us that warfare is a part of mankind’s psyche – there is an ever-present inevitability of conflict. As conscripts or volunteers, our Cornish “Tommies” took up their guns but sad to say their names joined those carved…Continue Reading “No Refuge – Just Refugees – A poem by Alan Murton”
I do swear, that I have not received or had by myself, or any person whatsoever, in trust for me, or for my use or benefit, directly or indirectly, any sum or sums of money, office, place, or employment, gift, or reward, or any promise or security, for any money, office, employment, or gift, in…Continue Reading “The Grampound Potwallopers: Corruption in Georgian Cornwall”
In memory of Captain J S Harris By Thomas Roberts “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and a loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Our good Captain Harris and friend is gone, To be with Christ his Lord; The fight is fought, the victory’s won, He’s gone to…Continue Reading “In memory of Captain J S Harris – a 19th century poem”
The wreck of the VIKING – March 1872 Harlyn Bay The Arab at Harlyn (Photo: courtesy Malc McCarthy) John Buckingham brings us a real-life sea drama involving the demise of the barque Viking, and the remarkable bravery of the men of the Albert Edward who went to her aid. Here, there is drama in the…Continue Reading “Courage Above and Beyond”
Stand here by the Sunday School, Beside the Scholars’ House, Where rubber plant and yellow hammer And pigeon speak in tongues. The river brings cold clay, Washed away, washed away, And careless ploughs rubbing tynes Like silent crickets in tasteless hay Mock the ornamental scythe Crucified in converted barns – Take a moment…Continue Reading “Old Bridge – a poem by Bert Biscoe”
Cornwall’s coast is littered with maritime casualties and in this article Audrey Aylmer (Cares Enesow) of Bude Stratton & District Old Cornwall Society brings us its story of one of these, the Portuguese steamship Belem which was wrecked at Menachurch Point, Northcott Mouth, near Bude. The SS Belem had been launched in 1890…Continue Reading “The Demise of the S S Belem”