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Gorsedh KernowThe Cornish Gorsedd 1928 - 2010Dy’Sadorn an 4a Mis Gwynngala 2010. |
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The IslandThe Island at St. Ives, venue of the 2010 and also the 1966 Gorsedd Ceremonies, seems to belie its own name, for it is in fact a Peninsula, whilst the narrow isthmus connecting it to the mainland contains some of the oldest streets and houses of the town. Yet there is clear evidence that it was once surrounded by water. photographer Mike Murphy, © St Ives Archive Study Centre The isthmus itself consists of a bank of sand underlaid by a rocky substratum which outcrops at Carn Glaze, Burrow Rock, Carn Crows, and other places. The most likely course for the old sea channel, before it was finally and permanently closed up in probably the mid-seventeenth century, seems to have been in a line drawn from the Wharf Slipway through Norway Lane, Norway Square and across Back Road West to Porthmeor Beach. Between Porthgwidden Cove and the eastern end of Porthmeor appears the line of another and much earlier channel, its existence being marked at each side by raised fossil beaches in the cliffs. The Island consists of a roughly rectangular mass of clay slate rocks interpenetrated by very hard basaltic masses, and measuring almost exactly a mile around the base. It rises to a height of 109 feet, and is practically level on top. At the western end it is crowned by the ancient chapel of St. Nicholas, and on the east by a dwelling-house, National Coastwatch Institute look-out and a battery dating from the mid 19th century. Along the southern edge of the plateau may be clearly distinguished the remains of an older fortification built of huge masses of stone, and incorporating two bastions, popularly known as “The Two Edges”. This seems to date from medieval times, and gave to the Island its old names of “Pendinas” – “the fortified headland” – and “Dinas Ia” – “Ia’s fortress” – St. Ia being the local patron saint. Mr. Charles Henderson has suggested that the headland, as a prehistoric “Cliff Castle” may also have at one time been fortified with ramparts and ditches constructed across the isthmus; but if so, no trace of them now remains. The Island is covered with a dense, coarse turf, whose vivid green makes a beautiful background for the old grey town of St. Ives, as viewed from Porthminster Hill, or any suitable vantage place to the south. The fishermen, traditionally, have always used its grassy slopes as a drying ground for their nets, as well as the local housewives for their weekly washing; each party fiercely protective of its customary territory. John Leland, who visited St. Ives in 1538, noted: “There is now at the very point of Pendinas, a chapel of St. Nicholas and a pharos for lighte for shippes sailing by night in these quarters.” St. Ives can thus lay claim to the distinction of having possessed one of the earliest – perhaps the earliest – lighthouses or warning beacons in Cornwall. A more beautiful setting for the Gorsedd ceremony than that afforded by the Island can hardly be imagined. From its summit, nearly the whole of St. Ives Bay can be seen, together with a long section of the northern coastline as far as Trevose. Southward lie the huddled houses and harbour of the old fishing town of St. Ives, whilst to the west runs Porthmeor Beach with Man’s Head, and Clodgy Points reaching beyond. A holiday playground in summer, as well as a sturdy bastion against the winter storms, the Island is steeped in history and tradition, a place held dear in the affections of local people. The Bards of Cornwall and their friends who assemble here this September can be assured of a warm welcome and of a site well worthy of their colourful and picturesque ceremony! Cyril Noall 1966 Revised, St Ives Archive Centre 2010 Civic Reception in the Town CentreThis is not organised by Gorsedh Kernow but by the Mayor of St. Ives; The Grand Bard, Deputy Grand Bard and other bards wishing to attend will be guests. This ceremony is to welcome the Gorsedd to the town. It is hoped that many Bards will process from the Guildhall, St. Ives at 10.30a.m. down to the harbour and back to the War Memorial, in the Memorial Gardens, where there will be a short ceremony. Bardh Meur has given permission for robes to be worn at this welcoming ceremony. photographer Mike Murphy, © St Ives Archive Study Centre Car parking for bards Parking in St. Ives is always difficult, as space is limited.
Public attendance is FREE and welcome and it is hoped that visitors will regard the ceremony as a mark of the unique difference between Cornwall and the shire counties of England. The ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Bard, Mr. Mick Paynter, Skogynn Pryv, assisted by the Gorsedd Officers. Public TransportFor National Rail Enquiries: call 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.ukThe Gorsedh site: The IslandThe route from the main roads will be marked by black and yellow Gorsedh Kernow signs.Seating: The chairs forming the Bardic circle are for Bards and Dignitaries only. Visitors can view the ceremony from the outside of the circle of Bardic chairs, and are asked not to intrude into the Bardic circle. Wet Weather: In the event of wet weather, the Gorsedd will take place in the Guildhall at St. Ives. Photography: No photographers will be allowed in the circle during the ceremony. Stalls: A number of official stalls, at the site on the Island, will be selling Cornish language books and Cornish memorabilia on the day. Details from Keskerdh Kernow, 3, Park Road, Redruth TR15 2JD or call Jenefer Lowe tel 07882 517 192. Exhibitions and events: Over the seven days commencing 31st August, there will be exhibitions and events organized by Esedhvos Kernow which will be advertised separately; your attendance will be welcome. For general information phone Jenefer Lowe on 07882 517 192 or jlowe@cornwall.gov.uk Ceremony Booklet: By tradition the ceremony is conducted mainly in Cornish and the booklet with proceedings in English and Cornish is available at a small cost. Public concert: This will be held in the Guildhall, St. Ives and will commence at 19.00. Tickets price £7.00 Formal Tea: For Bards and specially invited guests only. This will be in the Guildhall. Please be there by 16.45 for Grace in Cornish. There are facilities elsewhere in St. Ives for those not permitted to attend the formal tea. Please note that the closing date for tea tickets will be strictly adhered to from this year. For the invited guests, tickets will be provided without cost and seats reserved on the top table. Tickets for the Evening Concert will be provided on the same basis. Commemorative Mugs: Attractive mugs are being produced as a souvenir at a cost of £7.00, these should be ordered through the booking form. This year is the 90th Anniversary of the formation of St. Ives O.C.S. The mugs will depict the banner of the St. Ives Old Cornwall Society, the Gorsedh banner, separated by a line drawing of the Island.  Celtic Delegates: The Gorsedh welcomes the Breton and the Welsh representatives. We hope they have a memorable time. The Gorsedh Council is very grateful to St. Ives Town Council Members, who have done a tremendous amount of the local organisation, the local Old Cornwall Society, the Vicar & Congregation of St. Ia Parish Church, and to local organisations and volunteers for their welcome and for the help given, without whose assistance our ceremony could not be staged. Accommodation: Contact the Tourist Information Centre for help with accommodation, tel. 01736 796297. Gorsedh Kernow – St. Ives, 4th September 2010
14:15 The Gorsedh Ceremony will begin. 15:45 (approx.) Return of Procession to The Guildhall. 16:15 Arrival at the Guildhall. 16:45 Prompt! Bardic Tea in the Concert Hall for the Council`s special guests and bards who have pre-booked. 19:00-21:30 Public Concert in the Concert Hall.
Sunday 5th September  photographer Mike Murphy, © St Ives Archive Study Centre
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