by admin | Apr 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
The new extension is underway! Fences are up and and fencing, ready to be filled with machinery, and work has officially started. On Monday, there was a Ground-breaking ceremony, attended by committee, Cornwall council and, importantly, our generous benefactor Mr Myner. Mr Myner has been associated with the library for over 40 years, and is donating the proceeds of a legacy from his sister, Patricia, who died in 2010. With all the necessary approvals in place, work is due to be completed before the end of the year. We can’t wait to get the much needed extra book & work space, the lift (which will enable us to be much more accessible) and the new room for the photographic archive. We’ll keep you posted as things progress, and please bear with us during this time , we’re sure there will be little obstacles to overcome but are certain it’ll be worth it when we have our lovely new extension!
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 | Apr 13, 2012 | Uncategorized
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.
