Opening of the Heritage Trail

Wednesday, 31st March saw the official opening of the Heritage Trail around Newlyn, well timed for the project to be in place before Easter marks the start of the holiday season. The trail will certainly have appeal for visitors but has also excited considerable interest among local residents, and will continue to do so.

In one sense the ten waymarkers strategically placed around the village at points of historic interest extend the already successful Penzance Town Trail but the Newlyn plaques, although serving the same purpose, are unique being sculpted from bronze, a material reminiscent of the copper work dating back to the Industrial Class and the association between fishermen and artists in the early 1900s. This resulted in fine beaten copper work much sought after today and of which there are a number of examples around the village including the frieze on the Art Gallery depicting the four elements.

The waymarkers are the work of local sculptor Tom Leaper and were cast by Orion Precision Castings of Hayle. The project was managed for Golowan Community Arts by Grevis Williams, himself a ‘Newlyn Boy’ (or ‘Bucca’) so this is very much a local project, one that will encourage interest in Newlyn not just as a busy working port but as a place of historic value. Everyone connected, not least Penzance Town Council who initiated the project and with Penwith District Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund funded it, is to be congratulated.

The launch of the project also saw the publication of a guide marking the route to be followed (there is a map) and giving considerable information on the development of the village from what was once three distinct areas over the centuries. The guidebook was designed by Dave Mynne and well illustrated with photographs from the collection at Penlee House. A list of thanks at the end of the book serves to show that there was considerable involvement from local people in assembling the material used in the book. There is also a CD ROM.

If you are reading this before coming on holiday to West Cornwall then you will find it worthwhile visiting Newlyn to follow the trail which is approximately 2km/1.3 miles long. You are recommended to allow two hours for the walk.

Copies of the guide are available from Barrons shop in the Strand, Newlyn and from Tourist Information Offices, price £2. Very good value for anyone interested in Newlyn, walking the trail or not.

Margaret Perry

click here to view the waymarkers of the Newlyn Trail