24th
October 2003. St. Peter's Church Hall was full to capacity
yesterday evening for the launch of a new book by Michael
Sagar-Fenton The Rosebud and the Newlyn Clearances.
After the First World War the government announced its intention to provide 'homes fit for heroes' for returning servicemen and their families. To this end they introduced Slum Clearance Acts and by the 1930s all over the country old housing was being replaced by houses and flats with all modern conveniences, erected and owned by local councils.
By the mid 1930s Penzance Council had turned its attention to the neighbouring village of Newlyn and started to build a housing estate on the outskirts of the village. Many were happy with the move but others were prepared to fight for the survival of the cottages in the heart of the village, these had been their family homes, perhaps for generations. Meetings were held, strategies planned, culminating in the inspired idea of sending their petition directly to the Houses of Parliament aboard a small Newlyn fishing boat, the Rosebud.
Her journey captured the attention of the media and the hearts of the nation. This is her story, never before fully told.
Watch this website for a review, in the meantime the book,
published by Truran, can be obtained from booksellers and
is priced at £7.99.
ISBN 1-85022-183-9.
