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A misty damp morning greeted us at Botallack at the start of the walk.  However, the remaining iconic land marks of mining in Cornwall were just visible despite the mizzle. Our destination was Cape Cornwall where we found a sheltered spot to eat our picnic while watching a brave swimmer dive into the sea . 

We returned in the sunshine to Botallack and ended the day with tea and cake in the Count House Cafe.  (Shirley)

Meike Weiser was the speaker for our July Monthly Meeting. Meike is Project Officer for the Cornwall Council initiative ‘Forest for Cornwall’, which encourages and enables individuals, businesses and communities in the planting of trees. A particular focus is to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right place. Meike also reminded members of the multiple benefits of trees, to humans, to biodiversity, to communities and the planet. The ultimate aim of the programme, also known as F4C, is to cover 8,000 hectares of the county with new trees, whether it be individual trees in gardens, hedgerows, urban planting or in parks by the year 2030. Every council area is also being offered a free tree for their community. You can read more, and find out how you can get involved, by clicking the link below.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/forest-for-cornwall-programme/

At their latest meeting Gail’s Craft Club made Lavender Wands. Traditionally used in drawers and wardrobes to keep away moths and other insects, these pretty, fragrant wands are simple to make with just long stemmed lavender, ribbon and a decorative button.

This year members of CLWI travelled to Plymouth to see the Mayflower exhibition.  We were awakened to a new understanding of the purpose of the voyage  and how the exhibition is changing to reflect the view point not just of the passengers but also the experience of the indigenous peoples they encounter . It was an excellent exhibition and we all learnt so much from the things we saw and were told about. With a very enjoyable boat trip and of course plenty of opportunities for lunch, it was indeed a Great Day Out.

It was smiles all round at the CFWI Platinum Jubilee Garden Party at Tregrehan Garden near St Austell. Members enjoyed the sunshine, stalls and music, and of course the beautiful gardens, and then took the opportunity to have their photos taken with Her Majesty (CLWI President Wendie Leo above with husband Cas).

Our very own member Helen Kestle, who holds the position of County Chair, pictured below.

The annual display of poppies in fields at West Pentire was this month’s destination for the Crowlas and Ludgvan Camera Club. Though the mist was rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean, the impact of the scarlet poppies in the summer fields was stunning.

Members and a couple of guests joined Dick Cole of Cornwall Heritage Trust for a fascinating walk around their newly acquired site ‘Caer Bran’. Dick not only gave members an insight into how the site might have looked in ancient times, but also explained about the mining and quarrying that took place more recently. The group also learned that archaeology is not just about digging, but starts with looking at clues above ground; how the vegetation has grown and how the land has been changed by human use over hundreds and thousands of years. Members are looking forward to visiting other sites managed by the Trust and learning more about Cornwall’s past.

Cathy Woolcock from Cornwall Heritage Trust was this month’s speaker at The Murley Hall. Cathy explained the history behind the Trust and told members about it’s various sites across the county, some of which were very familiar to members such as Carn Euny, and others which were unknown. The importance of preservation of these rare historical sites was explained, and some of the work undertaken by the Trust and it’s volunteers was shown in a display of photographs. Next week members will have the opportunity to visit a newly purchsed site, Caer Bran, a bronze age hill fort near Sancreed.

This month’s walk on the coastal foot path around St Agnes was full of surprises .  The views were stunning – high cliffs, sandy coves, imposing ruins of Wheal Coates and the landscape covered in heather.  

For part of the walk we were joined by Neil Roberts.  Neil is a cousin of Pat’s family and has written books on the history of the area.  Not only did he point out the various land marks but he talked about the camp that was built for the Americans  during the second world war. In 1951 the camp and any equipment was demolished and thrown down the mine shafts.

We were surprised to see a row of neatly parked vintage cars – Austin and Morris 8s on the Clift top on the way back .  The owners were taking a break and encouraged us to have a look and even sit behind the wheel!  

Eventually we returned to our cars but did have a break for afternoon tea and cake on the way home. (Shirley)

Members of Crowlas and Ludgvan turned out in force to help with the Ludgvan Big Jubilee Picnic Lunch, providing hundreds of cups of tea, coffee and juice and supplying cake to all those attending. Their was fun to be had too; Mary won the best dressed dog with her pooch Jasper, and our very own Kathy (pictured below) was crowned Queen for the afternoon. Despite a few looming black clouds we also managed to avoid the rain! See our facebook page for more photos of the event.