Cornish culture and traditions are alive and well in many aspects of
life in Cornwall. From traditional rural Cornish industries such as farming,
fishing, tin streaming, thatching and the building of Cornish hedges to
the Old Cornwall Societies, Cornish language and the Gorseth Kernow.
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies (FOCS) was formed in the early
part of the 20th century, around 1924, with the objective of collecting
and maintaining "all those ancient things that make the spirit of
Cornwall - its traditions, its old words and ways, and what remains to
it of its Celtic language and nationality" ( R.Morton Nance, Old
Cornwall 1925). This aim is enshrined in its motto "Kyntelleugh an
brewyon es gesys na vo kellys travyth - Gather ye the fragments that are
left, that nothing be lost".
The first Old Cornwall Society was pioneered by St Ives in 1920 and the
Federation of Old Cornwall Societies today represents 47 groups spread
throughout Cornwall from Bude and Stratton in the North to Saltash in
the East, The Lizard in the South and St Buryan in West Cornwall.
Photos from the Gorseth Kernow 2004, Truro
On 21st September 1928, Pedrog, the Archdruid of Britain inagaurated
the first Gorsedd of Cornwall to represent the Celtic and national aspects
of Cornish culture. Henry Jenner was installed as Grand Bard and twelve
bards were created to join the nucleus of eight Cornish men and women,
who had, in
preparation, been made bards at the Welsh Gorsedd. Gorseth Kernow is an
annual meeting of Cornwall's bards which celebrates Cornwall's Celtic
traditions and awards the status of bard on those
individuals who have earned the honour through their services to Cornwall
and its culture.
In September 2004 the Cornish Gorsedd was held at Lemon Quay, Truro.
The ceremony begins with the sounding of the "Corn Gwlas" -
horn - issuing a symbolic call to the four points of the compass. The
Gorsedd prayer, written in 1924 by W. S. Gwynn Williams, is then heard.
The Ceremony of Peace is performed by the Grand Bard and the Gorsedd is
then declared open. The Ceremony offering Fruits of the Earth is made
by the Lady of Cornwall. Former bards are commemorated and new bards are
initated.
Awards are presented to individuals who have contributed to the promotion
and furtherance of Cornish culture both in the U.K. and throughout the
world.
For individuals undertaking research or for information on Cornish subjects,
The Cornwall Centre at Redruth is home to the new Cornish Studies Library
and contains a wealth of information from an archive of Cornish newspapers,
periodicals, books and leaflets to maps, photographs and census returns.
Date: 6 Feb
/ Time: From 9.30am
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Hurling of the Silver Ball at St Ives
Ancient custom in St Ives which is held annually on Feast Monday. St Ives Parish Church. Begins with a civic procession at 9.30am from the Guildhall lead by the St Ives Guisers and featuring local schoolchildren and other organisations. The procession goes through the town for a blessing at St Ives Well and back to the Parish Church gardens where the ancient hurling of the silver ball is re-enacted at around 10.30pm. The annual distribution of pennies takes place after the return of the silver ball at noon.
For more information: Tel: +44 (0)1736 797840. more info...
Date: 21 Feb
/ Time: Mid afternoon. Approx. 4.30pm
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Hurling of the Silver Ball at St Columb Major
Annual Hurling Competition between the Town and Country teams at St Columb Major, Cornwall. First match takes place on Shrove Tuesday. A return match is held on the Saturday of the following week. more info...
March Events:
Date: 3 Mar
/ Time: Approx. 4.30pm
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St Columb Hurling of the Silver Ball Return Match
Annual Hurling Return Match between the Town and Country teams at St Columb Major, Cornwall. more info...
