A Stormy History

by admin | Feb 26, 2014 | Morrab Library

Every now and then nature puts us firmly in our place – the recent storms being our timely reminder of the sheer force of the ocean and the elements.

Following the latest spate of weather disruption we found some incredible photos in our Archive from the Ash Wednesday storm, which caused considerable damage to Penzance & Newlyn in March 1962.

The Ash Wednesday Storm, much like the recent storms we experienced, was due to a weather front sweeping in from the Atlantic. The Great Storm of 1962 hit the Eastern Coast of the United States between 6 – 8th March bringing hurricane force winds, coupled with exceptionally high tides as a result of the Spring Equinox. The storm was thought to be one of the most destructive ever to affect the mid-Atlantic states. One of the ten worst storms in the United States in the 20th century, it lingered through five high tides over a three-day period, killing 40 people, injuring over 1,000, and causing hundreds of millions in property damage in six states.

On 13th March 1962 the storm hit the western tip of the UK wreaking havoc on the coastline of Cornwall – Penzance and Newlyn bearing the brunt of the damage. The promenade was breached, the Jubilee Pool smashed and the Tolcarne area of Newlyn pummelled by the full force of the storm.

In comparison here are some images of the damage caused in the same areas of Penzance and Newlyn by the recent ‘Valentine’ storm of February 2014:

Considerable damage has been caused to the prom, the lower sea wall and the Newlyn Green end of the coastal path, as well as major disruption at the Jubilee Pool. Many homes and businesses in Newlyn and along the promenade have been flooded but thankfully no-one was hurt. The Council have been very quick to act and the clean up operation is in full force.

So are we seeing the effects of global warming or is this another weather cycle brought about by a powerful combination of factors? Either way it is a reminder of the awesome power of the sea and the elements when they come together in force.

First World War Reading Suggestions

by admin | Feb 11, 2014 | Morrab Library

With the commemoration of one hundred years since the start of the First World War here are just a few suggestions of books relating to WW1 in the Morrab’s catalogue:

‘Mr Britling Sees It Through’ by H.G. Wells

‘Testament of Youth’ by Vera Brittain

‘Regeneration’ by Pat Barker

‘The Daughters of Mars’ by Thomas Keneally

We have many more titles – both fiction and non-fiction – relating to the First World War. Do pop in to the library to browse…

Major Bob Harrison has kindly donated to the library the work he has carried out on compiling the Penzance Borough Book of Remembrance – an extensive record of those from the Penzance area who gave their lives from the Second Boer War to the present day. This information is available as reference at the library (and will soon be available on our website) and a copy of the book is also held at the Penzance Town Council Clerk’s Office.

There will be an exhibition to commemorate the Centenary at the library later in the year.  Watch this space for more details.

Temporary Library Closure: Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th August 2013

by admin | Aug 13, 2013 | Morrab Library

The library will be closed from 1pm on Tuesday 13th August and will remain closed all day Wednesday 14th August whilst the ground in front of the the library is laid with new tarmac. We hope to re-open on Thursday 15th August but please call ahead of your visit to avoid a wasted journey.
Apologies for any inconvenience.