Founded: 1924
Colours: Green
HELSTON OLD CORNWALLSOCIETY
Officers : 2019-20
President : Mr. Peter Ferris
01326 562352 / [email protected]
Vice-Presidents : Mrs. Janet Spargo, Mr. John Penaluna
and Mr. Paul Phillips
Secretary : Mrs. Elaine Foreman
01326 574643 / [email protected]
Treasurer : Mr. Mike Atkins
01326 561464 / [email protected]
Recorder : Currently vacant
Membership Secretary : Mrs. Edna Wood
01326 572284
Press Secretary : Mrs. Heather Gilbert
01326 562553
Banner Bearer : Mr. Percival Roberts
01326 572249
Federation Representatives :
Mrs. Cora Buchanan
01736 763526 / [email protected]
Miss Denise Goodhall
01326 572851
The meetings take place at Hens Horn Court on the first Wednesday of each
month from October to April at 7 p.m., except for January when the meeting will
The annual subscription, payable on the first evening of attendance, remains at £5 for 2019/20. The charge for Visitors is £2 per evening, which is refundable if the annual subscription is taken out.
2019
Wednesday October 2nd.
The fifthteenth Trevenen/Jenkin Lecture
'The Levant Mine'
an illustrated talk by Richard Bacon
Wednesday November 6th.
'Rowena Cade and the Minack Theatre'
detailed and illustrated by Phil Jackson
Wednesday December 4th.
Christmas Social Evening with the Cadgwith Singers
2020
Wednesday January 8th.
'The Traditional Cornish Range'
illustrated by John Woodward
Wednesday February 5th.
'Some people called Methodists in, 1755-2016'
by our Society member, Betty Pascoe
Wednesday March 4th
'The Enys family'
an illustrated account of the influence and history
of a local Penryn family by Terry Chapman
Wednesday April 1st.
A.G.M. and Members' evening
Reports
2019
This year we chose to venture further up the county and paid a visit to historic St Austell on 23rd May and we were certainly not disappointed. Our group left Helston together by coach and arrived there mid morning to be greeted at the Museum by St Austell OCS President, Val Jacob, and our members enjoyed a fascinating tour under the guidance of her husband, Brian. A visit was also made to the adjoining Market House and it was easy to imagine how this magnificent building would have been a centre of commercial activity in bygone times. We then proceeded across the road to visit St Austell Parish Church where we were treated to an excellent narrated tour by local historian and Cornish Bard, Carl Roberts. His knowledge was exceptional and highlighted the many superb features and history of the Church. We had by now worked up an appetite and our group adjourned to the nearby White Hart Hotel for a hearty lunch to set us up for the afternoon. This proved equally fascinating as we were taken on a guided tour of the centre of St Austell by Val, who commented on the many points of interest. On returning to the centre we thanked everyone for their most kind hospitality and then travelled by our coach to Charlestown for some free time to explore this historic port, together with enjoying some afternoon refreshments. We finally proceeded back to Helston reflecting on a splendid day enjoyed throughout in sunshine.
2018
“Following on from our successful summer excursion to Altarnun Church and Wesley Cottage at Trewint last year, we decided to “go west” this year. On 21st June, our group firstly travelled by coach from Helston to St Just, where we were greeted by Mr. Doug Luxford, President of St Just & Pendeen OCS. He proceeded to give us a most comprehensive and informative tour of points of interest around St Just, and we also enjoyed a very interesting talk in St Just Church given by their Vice-President and Church Warden, Mrs Gillian Hocking. We concluded with a final talk at the magnificent former Miners’ Chapel, which is currently under renovation. Whilst there, our members enjoyed a pasty lunch and refreshments, kindly organised and co-ordinated on our behalf by members of St Just & Pendeen OCS. After our lunch break we thanked them for their excellent hospitality and departed to Zennor Church. There, we were met by the Rev. Elizabeth Foot, who proceeded to give us an historical talk on St Senara’s Church, following which members were able to look around. Finally, refreshments were enjoyed at the Zennor Chapel Cafe, before travelling back to Helston. Everyone had enjoyed a marvellous day with the bonus of glorious sunshine.”