TUESDAY 22ND JULY - Two excitements!

Last evening I went with P to his leaving evening. He is moving on after 12 years in his present job so there was a party for him and quite a few presentations and many, many thank yous too. It was so lovely to see how well he had done in this job and how many people will miss him as he moves on. I felt so very proud. Now that was one evening of excitement.

On Thursday we are going to Edinburgh for a few days. This is to go and see our favourite rock band who any regular readers will know is the fabulous Scottish band known as RUNRIG. All their concerts are fantastic but this one should be fantastic x 100 as it is live from Edinburgh Castle esplanade on SATURDAY 26TH in the evening. Now that is excitement number two.

MONDAY 14TH JULY - colour

For what seems like an eternity there has been a layer of thick cloud over Cornwall bringing drizzle, hard rain, sea mist and just a layer of gloomy grey murk. There has been a need for cheer so these nasturtiums have done the job with their bright cheery colours and smiling faces. It is impossible to feel gloomy with these vibrant, vivid colours just outside my window.

It is quite a show.

TUESDAY 1ST JULY - GOLOWAN FESTIVAL

THE GOLOWAN FESTIVAL (Gol-Jowan feast of St.John) is two weeks of fun and jollity every June which culminates in Mazey Day. Having never been we went on Saturday for Mazey Day. Penzance was full of the sound of live music at every corner, with people in fancy dress and fun things just happening everywhere.

The first music we encountered were The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists who were fast, racey and fun.

Then came the Procession. Here are a few of the participants. The Chinese drummers.

Stilt walkers - now this looks a challenge. Penzance is hilly and many streets are cobbled.

South American pan pipe players.

All the streets in the centre of Penzance were decorated like this and thronged with happy people.

The Golowan Band led the last procession of the day.

The serpent dance wends its way through the town from Market Jew Street right the way to the harbour and gets longer and longer as it processes along.

The end of the serpent dance at the harbour - take note of the gentleman wearing the black and yellow tartan Cornish Kilt


We were standing watching the gathering and I saw this bottle and paper placed in the little nook in the wall. I just wondered which weary reveller had put it here.

GOLOWAN FESTIVAL.
MAZEY DAY.
SO MUCH GOOD HUMOUR AND THE ATMOSPHERE WAS FANTASTIC.
WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR DEFINITELY.

TUESDAY 24TH JUNE - on the headland

You would have found us on one of our favourite headlands a few days ago - St. Anthony Head. Bathed in sunshine and caressed by a warming breeze, this was the place to be. Here are some photos to share it. This is not a hidden place but a very popular place for those who can be bothered to take the various ferries, drive the narrow lanes for miles or walk along the coast path however these folk disperse quite widely so there is room for everyone.

There is a carpet of clover from field edges to the cliff edge.
This beautiful thistle was close to the edge.

Yellow ?? AGRIMONY OR YELLOW RATTLE? I can't find my widflower book - any ideas?

I just really liked to look through the grass with the sea behind.

Lifting your eyes the view across the bay is glorious. The plethora of small boats, both yachts and motor boats, ribs, occasional canoes, sometimes a gig and even Ships at anchor awaiting to go to the bunkers in Falmouth make this as delightful and entertaining view. It is possible to spend much time just wiling away the hours.

The water through the grasses just caught my eye.

A Bristol channel pilot cutter was passing Black Rock at the end of an offshore race which we had been watching far away.

A really lovely afternoon.

MONDAY 16TH JUNE - Reviving Cornish.

Children given Cornish storybooks

A series of Cornish language storybooks for children have been written.
The picture books, written by Cornish author Will Coleman, are based in the fictional village of Porth.

Through a Bookstart partnership every Year 3 child in the county will receive one free copy of one of the six titles.

"These stories and their accompanying DVD have been piloted at both Lanlivery and Marlborough Primary Schools with great success," said Jenefer Lowe, development manager for the Cornish Language Partnership.

"Everyone who has read the books, including pupils, non-specialist staff and parents, have all responded with enthusiasm."

The storybooks - which feature a whole range of the village's inhabitants, including seagulls, crabs, teachers and boats - were illustrated by Brian Hoskin and Emma McCann.

This is interesting but whether there is enough interest in this language which has not been spoken for over a century we will have to wait and see.

MONDAY 9TH JUNE - Hidden cornwall 3 - Lamorran

The sky was unblemished sapphire blue, the air was balmy and the breeze caressed.

This was a perfect afternoon to have a small walk along one of our favourite lanes.

Our walk started here. These beautiful trees on one side

and a tranquil meadow on the other.

We walked along this lane and saw one car in the two hours we were here.


There must have been a tidal mill here once
the tidal pool is still here
you can see it through the foliage.




The creek below the tidal mill.
Low water.



The bell tower of St. Moran's church is stands alone away from the main building.


St. Mloran's church.

Stately and dignified just had to show you.

MONDAY 2ND JUNE - Hidden Cornwall 2 - Idless wood.

As part of our quest to discover our county we set off for Idless woods only 1 1/2 miles from Truro. We visit this city often but have never found time to explore these beautiful woods. The drive through the tiny narrow lanes approaching the woods is so typical of Cornwall with banks covered with wild flowers. How glad we were that we had given over time to discover yet another of Cornwall's secrets.

Deciduous and coniferous mixed to create a wonderful habitat for wildlife such as red and roe deer and otter, birds such as nightjar and woodlark, adders and newts. We were there on a hot afternoon so of course we didn't get sight of any of these but we see both kinds of deer from our lounge wimdow and badgers galore all over the place. I would love to return to this delightful place at twilight sometime.

This is Lady's wood there is an area known as Lord's wood and another called Bishop's wood. According to the map there is an ancient hill fort marked on the map surrounded by semi-ancient woodland. How have we managed to miss this little pocket of beauty and history? Research needed I think.

A very good year for foxgloves.

A last look though the beech trees as we walked out of the wood.