Gonamena (a play by Simon Parker)

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A successful and popular production depicting moorland life as the get rich mining mentality battled with conventional family wisdom in a time of social change (19th century), desperation and upheaval: "a timeless tail", including, tragedy, normality, humour, songs and some good reviews.

Thankyou to everyone who helped make my involvement enjoyable and rewarding.

Phoenix 100 Meets Princess Anne at Cotehele

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Following the success of exhibitions at Liskeard and District Museum, Stuart House, events at Minions including lighting up engine houses and the steamming of the Puffing Devil through Minions, the production of the Gonamena play and the Western morning News photo competition members of Phoenix 100 were invited to Cotehele to meet Princess Anne and Lady Mary Holborow.

A small scale exhibition was erected to highlight the history behind, and the work done by Phoenix 100.

Princess Anne was greeted by Dr. Tony Piper and was escorted through her presentation to Phoenix 100 members by Mr. Iain Rowe. Her Royal Highness engaged most of those present in conversation.

Due to a mix up regarding official photographs it is lucky that there is any photographic record of the event. Following John Rapson's surprise that no pictures were being taken I obtained permission, and spread the word, allowing Phoenix 100 members to produce a "D.I.Y." photogrphic record.

The photos in the slideshow are taken by Eileen Crouch, Tom Parker and me, and are chosen to be as inclusive as possible.

Thankyou for inviting me.

Phoenix 100 Day (Minions 10/06/2009)

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On 10th June 2009 celebrations to commemorate the starting of the last great Cornish designed steam engine to be installed in a Cornish tin mine (Phoenix United Mine: Prince of Wales Shaft Site) took place at Minions.

The Phoenix 100 project also aimed to promote the past and present communities of the Caradon area and introduced local school children to their industrial past.

Other Phoenix 100 events, organised in part, through Stuart House Heritage Trust included exhibitions at Stuart House and Liskeard and District Museum and the commissioning of the play (with original music score) "Gonamena" which is being performed at Sterts.

The following slideshow records some images from the day and includes the star turn of the day: the Trevithick Society's replica "Puffing Devil". The original "Puffing Devil" was the first self powered road vehicle in Britain and was designed by Cornishman Richard Trevithick.

South Phoenix Mine

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New for April 2009 are some pictures of the South Phoenix Mine near Minions (S.E. Cornwall). The pictures were taken in March 2009 and try to show some of the surface features associated with mining and tin dressing.

Houseman's Pumping Engine House is the Minions visitor centre, and the south east corner of Bodmin Moor is part of the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site.

Phoenix United Illumination

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Also included are pictures of the Phoenix 100 illumination featuring the lighting up of the Prince of Wales Shaft Site (the Phoenix United Mine, Minions).

Danger Mine Shaft: Stowes Shaft

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Some pictures of a hole in the ground entitled "Danger Mine Shaft" show the subsidence and opening up of Stowes Shaft (near the Cheesewring) following the heavy winter snow.

Winter Surfing at Portwrinkle

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A squally winter afternoon and some enthusiastic surfers (pictures for Amy).

Boconnoc Steam Rally

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Back by popular demand: pictures from the Boconnoc Steam Fair and Traction Engine Rally.

Links

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