From September to March each year the Society arranges a series of talks held in Fowey, Bodinnick and Polruan. These are open to all and Members have half price entry.
If meetings are not possible due to restrictions, talks will be held online free to paid-up members of the Society.
To join, or to renew your Membership for 2020/21 and to receive your Zoom details please contact Andrew Gardner 07769 977116 or email andrew@gardner.be.
Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker: 19th Century Local Shipowners
Date/Time: Saturday 19th September 2020 at 2.30pm
Venue: Talk by Helen Doe via Zoom
Locally built ships travelled the world in the 19th century and share-ownership was widespread across the community. This talk looks at people in Fowey and Polruan, who shared the benefits and risks and waited patiently for their ships to come home. These ships brought wealth to some which is reflected in buildings not just in Fowey but many more in Polruan. Was Polruan the 'money side' after all?
A Celebration of the Fowey River Dinghy
Date/Time: Saturday 24th October 2020 at 6pm
Venue: Talk by Marcus Lewis at Fowey Town Hall
The Fowey River class dinghy is based on a 15' dinghy designed in the late 1940's. The plans were published in Yachting Monthly to encourage people to build their own boats. In the 1950's, Hunkin's Boatyard at Polruan built one for the local dentist, Mr Mogg, and named Michelle, after his daughter. More soon followed, with fifteen boats in the fleet by 1957. Other local builders also built Fowey Rivers, such as Percy Mitchell at Portmellon and Watty in Fowey. By 1965 the fleet had reached 36 boats and this year is their 70th anniversary. Marcus will look at their history, design and construction.
Looe through the Ages
Date/Time: Saturday 28th November 2020 at 2.30pm
Venue: Talk by Marian Cole, Cecil Varcoe, Kathryn Bartlett and Simon Cole at Whitecross Village Hall
Looe is known for its sandy beach and safe bathing, its souvenir and pasty shops. This talk takes us back to Looe's medieval beginnings as a fishing village and to its renaissance in the 19th century following finds of copper on Bodmin Moor. You will hear the story of the Looe - Liskeard Canal and Railway which transported the copper to ships in the port and learn about the contribution made by Joseph Thomas, one of Looe's most famous sons, to the town as it is today.
Marian, Cecil, Kathryn and Simon are accredited town guides and members of the Cornish Riviera Guides.
Fascinating People and their Association with Fowey
Date/Time: Saturday 30th January 2021 at 2.30pm
Venue: Talk by Lynn Goold at Fowey Town Hall
Throughout the centuries Fowey has always attracted a wide range of visitors, some have stayed, some just passed through but all have left their mark in some way. From artists to writers and poets something about Fowey has mostly charmed and delighted them but there are some that have been less than complimentary. Join Lynn in this exploration of Fowey through the eyes of some famous people and be introduced to some you may not know.
Well known as a popular speaker, Lynn is a trained Blue Badge guide, tourism expert and co-chair of the Fowey Festival.
What the Tudors did for Fowey
Date/Time: Saturday 27th February 2021 at 2.30pm
Venue: Talk by Alex Lewis at Fowey Town Hall
If you thought St Catherines Castle to be the main example of what the Tudors did for Fowey then this talk may surprise you. Step into a world where men wore tights, jousting was the national sport, and executioners worked overtime. A light-hearted look at the personalities and politics of this iconic dynasty and the legacy it left in Fowey.
Mevagissey - A Virtual Tour
Date/Time: Saturday 20th March 2021 at 2.30pm
Venue: Talk by Sue Reardon, Chris Bradish and Suzanne Goddard at Whitecross Village Hall
Come on a virtual tour of Mevagissey. Today a pretty seaside town – visited by hundreds every summer - but over 200 years ago it was a very different story. Learn about its rich shipbuilding history, which went hand in hand with the pilchard trade and smuggling. Its craggy coastline made Mevagissey perfect territory to evade the authorities; with its concealed cellars and doors and labyrinth of paths and secret alleyways snaking up the hillside, evasion was easy.
Sue, Chris and Suzanne are accredited town guides and members of the Cornish Riviera Guides.
2021 Annual General Meeting
Date/Time: Date and venue to be advised
