by admin | Apr 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
FISH SL 0001 (slide collection 2)
April’s offering from the slide collection is this delightful study of ‘The Fisher Boy’ with his oilskin smock and Sou’wester leaning against a wooden barrel on the newly completed section of the North Pier at Newlyn, circa 1890.
Behind him is the foreshore where small boats once landed the catches from the Mount’s Bay Luggers anchored in Gwavas Lake.
Stacked in the background are piles of barrels, boxes and fish baskets, on the site where later, in 1907-8, the Mackerel Market and the Harbour Offices were. Basket makers and Coopers worked all year round to sustain the demand.
Further back is the area referred to as ‘The Strand’ at Street-an-Nowan. The Coombe river was diverted behind the new pier to create this scene.
This shot is particularly special as it shows part of Newlyn and the harbour area captured in time – lots of changes were to be made to this area around the turn of the century.
by admin | Apr 17, 2012 | Uncategorized
Bob joined the Morrab Library over ten years ago, initially attracted to the Newspaper Archive held here. He wanted to carry out more of his War Memorial research and needed the old Cornishman archive to do so. David & Mike got chatting to Bob while he was down in the archive and soon enlisted him into their Thursday morning team; sorting and cataloguing the old newspapers. At the AGM last month, after being a committee member for a few years, Bob was elected as the new Chairman of the Morrab Library. So we thought we’d better introduce him…
Bob was born in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, in 1942, and was educated at St Andrew’s College Dublin and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served with The Royal Ulster Rifles, later The Royal Irish Rangers, and after a full military career in various postings and appointments, retired in 1999.
Bob now lives in Paul with his wife, Sue (childhood and lifelong friend of Annabelle, our librarian). They have a daughter, who lives in Kenya, a son in Truro and five grandchildren to keep them occupied. Bob’s passion as a military historian also keeps him busy, and he’s presently updating and revising the Book of Remembrance for Penzance. In his youth, Bob was a keen sportsman, but unfortunately sustained a serious rugby injury while playing for his battalion. Keeping fit is now restricted to walking and gardening.
When he’s not being a Gardener / Military Historian / Chairman / Grandfather / Husband, Bob loves to escape into his study, put some music on, fix himself a Whisky, and settle down with a Lee Childs thriller (diverting) or an Anthony Beevor tome (serious).
Little known fact about Bob: He likes Meatloaf. The musician. (But probably also the meat dish – having been to boarding school and in the Army he‘ll eat anything!)
by admin | Mar 29, 2012 | Uncategorized
Penzance Post visited the library last Friday, taking Dawn’s 2 o clock tour, tea and photographs. The feature is brilliant – eloquently capturing the spirit of the library, and accompanied by some wonderful photographs that really show us off. Thank you Penzance Post! You can read the article here: Penzance Post – Hidden House of Knowledge
by admin | Feb 24, 2012 | Uncategorized
SHIP-SL-0006
Days Gone By: Pioneer
After a rather more extended hiatus than we’d anticipated, our slide collection posts are now back on track. We’re kicking things off for 2012 with this beautiful, photograph from the 1920s. It shows passengers boarding the fishing vessel ‘Pioneer’, for one of the regular sea excursions around to Lamorna Cove. It looks charming and dignified, and is making us long for summer days on calm waters.
The Poineer was built by the Paynters of St.Ives in 1899, and was one of the first such vessels to be fitted with a steam engine. It was owned by the Hendy family, originally worked out of St.Ives, and after some war service, fished out of Newlyn until 1966. At some stage her steam engine was replaced with a Kelvin Internal Combustion Engine. She was restored, and then relaunched in 1999.
We believe this information is correct, but as always, would appreciate your input – any corrections, more info or comments are most welcome and encouraged. Thank you.
by admin | Jan 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
This month’s ‘lecture’ was actually a film – made by John Potter and introduced by the man himself. A box office smash: no spare seats, everyone enjoyed the film about Nanquidno (where John and his wife actually live now) – in particular hearing from ‘Egbert’ about his family and life as it was in times gone by, and to see footage of the Choughs, now back in the valley.
Next month’s lecture is on Wednesday 8th February, (2:15pm) and is brought to you by Bob Harrison, title: Carry On Up The Volga.
Please also note, the lectures aren’t exclusively for members – all are welcome so do come along for a little mental stimulation / diversion (followed by some reviving tea and Saffron cake!).
by admin | Nov 10, 2011 | Uncategorized
Friday’s Mexican ‘Dia de los Muertos’ Feast at the library was amazing – we raised just over £500 for the library! The fancy dress costumes were brilliant (Martin’s ‘Chinese’ attire was slightly off brief but he more than made up for it with the Tequila -not a drop left by the end of the evening). David made a toxic punch which was drank in its entirety. Liz’s menu was inspired and delicious, and quite unbelievably carried off considering there’s no oven at the library and she had to cook the lot in advance before transporting it over from her house. Everyone seemed to have a grand time so thank you to all who came along and those who helped out decorating beforehand and clearing up afterwards. (Masses of washing up!)
There’s more photos of guests in costume over on the library facebook page, but here’s the decorated room…
