Help! I'm going to Cornwall!

Subject: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:24 PM

Hallo everyone

I'm going to Cornwall (As you may have guessed...) for the week. I was wondering if any of you lovely catters happen to know of the locations of any sessions, or shops, things that should be seen... I have to occupy my time while my friend visits her new baby grandson for the first time - preferably somewhere at a distance from his apparently powerful lungs - and I was hoping you lot would have between you some knowledge that would turn what is at the moment just a mercy mission into an agreeable cultural experience, or a chance to partake of the local music etc...

So, any ideas?

Anna

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:34 PM

There is SOOO much to see and do. Where are you located ? Do you have a car ? Let us know and we'll soon get you sorted. Have fun, you will love it.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:35 PM

Can I come too? I would go to Padstow. If the museum is open you can learn all about the Obby Oss! And from there it's not far to the Bodmin Trad. F.C. and I think there are others quite handy too. It's 13 years since I was there so things have probably changed a little.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: breezy
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:46 PM

if you go via Plymouth then visit the Moorland Folk Club at Wotter evry Sunday. Guests fortnightly,friendly folk with Ben Campbell his guitar and songs and Graham Searly, but then he is a teacher with his poems.
odmin is the only proper 'club'in Cornwall!!
Session every Wed at Trewarmet Lodge nr Tintagel can go on till late thanks to Edwina.
Park up in Padstow and walk around the harbour, if you can then sing opposite Walkers.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: open mike
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:51 PM

i hear there may be a labyrinth there...by Troy?
cornwall cam
http://www.chycor.co.uk/
gardens, castles, mines
http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/Welcome.html
too bad the monkey sanctuary closes in sept. (!)
http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk/heritage-trail/Welcome.html
http://www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk/

i hear there may be some
cornish game hens
or cornish pasties around?
Or do you want to do some genealogy searching?
I have some George family relatives who were
from there many long years ago.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 02:51 PM

Ah, the legends are true, the answers come thick and fast.

Ok. I'm going Monday to Thursday, I've got a car, and my target is a little town *searches brain but the word is gone* just at the top of the lizard... begins with an H... is about 20 minutes east of Penzance... I'll be just driving around looking for Stuff for a few days

Thanks for all responses so far... keep 'em coming! *S*

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: GUEST,janey
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 03:11 PM

wonder if it is...helston.
well can't help there. we have stayed plenty of times near Polperro. If you find yourself there then you will find plenty in the local pubs. There is live music and great friendly atmosphere in the Blue Peter right down nearest the harbour. Its neighhbour The three Pilchards (?) also has really friendly staff and regular live music. There are at least two other pubs in the village with live music on (well at least during the season, may be quieter now...)
I think the Fishermans in Looe also has some live music on. I recommend the coastal path from looe to polperro (and back again!) it is lovely.
we loved lostwithiel. it's a small town/village in land but it had a nice feel about it and a couple of nice pubs; the globe looked nice for food.
i wish i was coming with you! enjoy where ever you get to.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 04:34 PM

If you're in Penzance for dinner, see if you can find the Turks Head Restaurant/Pub. It's really worth a visit.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: treewind
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 04:58 PM

The Gurnard's Head Inn, on the North coast of West Cornwall a few miles beyond St Ives, has unbelievably good food and a music session - I think on Wednesday nights but phone to check.

There's a monthly Truro Folk Club and there's also the excellent Bodmin folk club run by Jim Bassett with residents including Vic Legg - not to be missed, and every week so there will be something for you there. Try the contacts for either of those for information about other sessions etc.

Oh, and another eating-out tip: The Coastguard Inn at Mousehole. Fish to die for! Not cheap but just the thing for a special night out.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: vectis
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:00 PM

The Wellington at Boscastle everry week. I think it's Mon and Wed for sessions.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:34 PM

:) Helston it is! Well done that lass.

Right, well I'm all sorted for places to eat... I've heard Lands End is a bit of a disappointment, but I might have to do it just so I can say I did... some things in life are like that.

Because I don't have much time down there (it's a 6 hour drive from home to Helston, it would seem) I'm planning on staying really right down the end, in the Lands End to Truro sort of area, Bodmin at a push. Looks like there're loads of National Trust places and things to see, and I've been told in the past that there's a live music scene, but I didn't have the slightest idea where to find it - now I do! :)

Still - I don't leave til monday morning so keep it coming...

You Catters are a veritable mine of information. How terribly useful!
*grinning around*

Thanks all. Don't stop!

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 10:25 PM

If you really want to go to Cornwall, then you are beyond help... :-)

Robin

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: LadyJean
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:41 AM

I visited Cornwall with my mother in 1986. We were only there for two days, but I loved it.
If the Abbey Hotel is still in Penzance, it's wonderful, not cheap, but excellent. The best English breakfasts we had on our trip!
You can't get from Penzance to Tintagel, unless you have a car, which we didn't.
Lands End is kind of tacky, but there's a Celtic tomb. Wear sensible shoes if you go there, good for going down a steep hill to see the Celtic tomb.
There are stone circles everywhere. I loved it. I liked the Cornish people, after two weeks in Oxford where they most empathically do not like Americans, they were delightfully friendly in Cornwall.
It's hilly. That's home to me, but if you're used to flat country, it can be disconcerting, especially if you're driving.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:00 AM

Monday night at The Top House in Lizard. Kernow John leading. Music and song and free beer for artistes
Tuesday night at Cove Inn at Cadgewith. Some faces from the Lizard and some fresh. Landlord meaner with the beer. Only one free jug.
Might see you on Monday,
Keith.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: GUEST,bossmaisey
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 04:42 AM

I take it the town is Helston....I have family on the lizard and would recommend a visit to the falmouth maritime museum..while it may not be exactly folk music related the area is rich in marine history. Helston itself has a small museum which is worth a look at..at the top of coinagehall street in the town.

Again, perhaps not exactly cultural..but the sattelite earth station at goonhilly a few miles south east does an interesting guided tour of the sattelite signal receiving disheswhich are impressive structures.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Wotcha
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 06:11 AM

I heartily recommend The Top House session at The Lizard... and the Cove Inn session in Cadgwith. Cadgwith also has something going on Fridays (the "Fishermen" continue what they have been doing for decades at The Cove Inn). Gunnard's Head is not bad -- primarily a jam session with a Celtic flavor. The Fountains -- mid way between St Ives and Penzance used to have a singaround on Wednesdays I believe.

Try my aunt's B&B (Rosevidney Farm, 2 miles out of Hale on the road to Penzance and Marazion) for a nice stay ...

Cheers,

Brian

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Peterr
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 06:20 AM

If you're at all interested in beer, you must not miss a visit to the Blue Anchor - one of the scruffiest and best pubs around, and has brewed its own (delicious)beer since time immoral. There's a morris side meets on Wednesdays but probably no dancing on 29th as I (squire) won't be there. Some are in the pub most evenings 6-7.30 ish. Hope to meet you.
Peter

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Alexis
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 08:05 AM

I don't know where you come from, but 6hours away could put you in a completely different beer zone from Cornwall and especially the Blue Anchor. My first pints there cost 14p (10p for Devenish) and my last must have been 6 -8 years ago as my palate has growm accustomed to beer a la Yorkshire; colder, with life in and full glasses.
Not that the beer will be warm there at this time of year, there is a reasonable run to the cellar. My point is, if you like northern beer , you might choke on cornish beer.
If you'd gone down mebbe 15 years ago, you would have had a great sing song on Friday (any) nights as well.
Look out for Graham O'Connor (I think i've got that right) and Jinks (as in Jink's Stack) who are still kicking around.
Kernow John should be able to help.
October half term is usually my annual homecoming but this year I have a kitchen to install instead.
Have a good time
Alex

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 09:00 AM

Sad to say on this front *cringes* - I don't drink. It's nothing personal against beer, I just quit drinking a while back and won't be starting again... Some folkie I am, I know.

Shame you won't be around, Alex, but hey - a kitchen fitter's gotta do what a kitchen fitter's gotta do, eh? Maybe I'll do Yorkshire next, eh? *S*

On a useful note, I've just discovered my target is Ruan, which seems to be just above cadgwith and Lizard, so woo and also yay, I'm right on the session doorsteps *waving flag and much rejoicing* rock on.

Err...*Displaying full ignorance*... Kernow John?

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:09 PM

http://www.folknewskernow.co.uk/ For Kernow Folknews.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:39 PM

Just beat me to it - Shambles. also pointed to from cresby.com

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 07:23 PM

Alex

I think you meant Graham O'Callaghan.

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Peterr
Date: 23 Oct 03 - 07:29 AM

Alexis - the Blue has made a few improvements since you last drank there, eg the cellar is now cooled and the beer is very consistent. But your point is well made that the beer is very lightly hopped and now northern beers taste too bitter to me.
Anarchy - have a great time even though you don't drink - it's not a crime!

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Marion in Cornwall
Date: 23 Oct 03 - 12:43 PM

Anarchy
I'm replying for Kernow John who's busy getting ready to teach an evening class!!! We will be at the Top House at The Lizard on Monday (you wouldn't be the only one not drinking alcohol), Cadgwith runs on a Tuesday, Gurnard's Head nr Zennor on Wednesdays, and The Fountain is on Thursdays (not Weds). If we see you on Monday we can give you all the details (directions etc) for these sessions.

Hope to see you there,
Marion

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 24 Oct 03 - 01:04 AM

During the day, visit the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno on the way to Land's End (don't go there).

Also, St. Michael's Mount in Penzance/Marazion is a good day trip.

Finally, there's a neat lighthouse museum in Penzance right near the city center.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 24 Oct 03 - 09:54 AM

Is the minac going to be open? I went there once as a child, remembered it ever since. I'd love to at least see it again, even if there's nothing playing.

I bought an OS map of the area (ok, it was an excuse, I LOVE maps) so if I can find the first one in Lizard (is it obvious? main street?) then hopefully you can point me in the right direction to the rest!

Shall I get a t-shirt printed that says "I'm Anarchy!!!"?? *grinning*

I look forward to meeting any and all who will be around!

Thanks everyone for your help. Much to do in four short days!

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Wotcha
Date: 24 Oct 03 - 12:54 PM

Hi Marion:

Send regards to Kernow John ... will have to pay you another visit soon.

Cheers,

Brian

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 24 Oct 03 - 03:50 PM

The welcomes at the Top House and Cadwith are garunteed, I was there in June and had a very enjoyable time.

"If you read this Marion, have either of you learnt 'Clydesdales Dream' yet"?

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Willie-O
Date: 24 Oct 03 - 04:12 PM

Isn't Guest, guest a reduncancy, redundancy?

Anarchy, if you had ever been to Cornwall, Ontario, you would understand why your thread title cracks me up (and any other Ontario Catters). It's the most incredibly smelly, ugly industrial city in Southeastern Ontario, both despite and because of its dramatic setting on the St Lawrence River. (It is also the most convenient border crossing for

"Help" cause you're going to Penzance, Tintagel, and like that in the most interesting-sounding part of England, is pretty funny. I think you'll manage... judging from the responses.

Someday I hope to have your problem....

best
Willie-O

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Anarchy
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 04:34 AM

Wow. Cornwall was incredible. And the sessions were great. Thanks everyone for your help, and John & Marion - thanks to everyone at the sessions for making a good stay great!

I'll be back. *big grin*

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Peterr
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 06:40 AM

Glad you had a good time - sorry I couldn't get to Monday or Tuesday. Let us know when you're down again

Subject: RE: Help! I'm going to Cornwall!
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 01:03 PM

I see a reference above to "time immoral".

How do I set my watch to that, please?