Kneehigh production of Tristan and Ysuelt at the Hall for Cornwall

I Had the great pleasure of seeing this production last night and would highly recommend you seeing it if possible. It was without doubt the most spectacular and moving piece of theatre I have ever witnessed. The theatre was electric from start to finish.   The cabaret-style setting was intimate; the acting was powerful, gloriously comical and heartbreakingly passionate. A more talented group of actor’s musician and singers would be had to find.  It had moments of heart-wrenching poignancy, which moved me to tears. The memory of this production will stay with me for a long time and thoroughly deserved the standing ovation it got at the end.

 

Ann E Brockbank Novelist : Gweek - The setting for my new novel Mr de Sousa's...

I just thought I would give you a little insight into the beautiful Helford...

Gweek

Gweek, Helford, Cornwall

The setting for my new novel

 

 

I just thought I would give you a little insight into the beautiful Helford river village of Gweek which gave me the inspiration to write my novel.

 

This is the view of the bridge in the middle of the village, as mentioned in the first chapter of Mr de Sousa's Legacy. Photo © Ann E Brockbank

 

Gweek is a village and civil parish in the Kerrier district of Cornwall, England

The name derives from the Cornish word wyk meaning creek.

 

This is a view of the river from the first bridge. Photo © Ann E Brockbank

 

This lovely village nestles at the upper reaches of the tidal limit of the Helford River which is a ‘drowned river valley system which was formed thousands of years ago when the land sank and the valleys were flooded by the sea. It is located on the soft side of the lizard (the most southerly point in England.)

 

The Helford River is one of the loveliest and most unspoilt rivers in Cornwall. Deep sheltered valleys covered in ancient oak woodlands, lead down to hidden creeks, century old villages and gardens and is far removed for the wild jagged cliffs and treeless heaths at the west of the peninsula

 

The Ancient Harbour of Gweek

The old port of Gweek is at the head of navigation of the tidal Helford River

History books show there was a port in Gweek as long ago as 450 BC when tin was traded with the Phoenician merchants from the eastern Mediterranean. The Romans named Gweek ‘Vicos’.  In Mediaeval times Gweek was the busiest harbour with its own Customs House, when Helston port ceased to be workable owing to the build up of shingle and silt at Loe Bar.

It was here in Gweek that the pilchard-fishery carried on extensively, with 200 boats being employed in bringing the fish, which were cured in the various creeks and coves within the limits of the port. In addition to the fishery, the chief trade consisted in the exportation of copper-ore, corn, and oysters, and the importation of limestone, timber and coal; the latter needed to run surrounding mines.

 

Now in the 21st century the river is still navigable at high tide through a small channel and is now mainly used for pleasure craft.

Gweek is once again a beautiful thriving bustling village where the village facilities are well supported, making it a busy community within a tranquil river village setting.

Gweek Quay Boatyard keeps the village live and vibrant and is a thriving workplace which houses several boatbuilding, repair and maintenance companies. The Boatyard also has facilities to overwinter some 250 yachts. The Old Custom House still stands within the Boat yard

 

View of the Old Custom House in Gweek Quay Boatyard Photo © Ann E Brockbank

 

 

The Black Swan Gweek

This is where is all begins.

 

 

 

 

 

Authors note: Mr de Sousa's Legacy is now available to download from the Amazon Kindle Store
and in paperback from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Falmouth Art School Summer Festival

We had a great day out yesterday at Falmouth Art School Summer Festival, looking around their Graduating year Degree shows. I must say I was impressed at the some of the work there, defiantly a few artists to watch in the future. It’s on until the 14^th July if anyone wants to have a look.

24 May - 14 July
The Falmouth Summer Festival degree shows are a celebration of the outstanding creative work produced by Falmouth's talented graduating students. They now have University status, this year is especially significant for all involved, as the Class of 2013 are the first students to graduate from Falmouth University.
The 2013 festival is packed full of not to be missed events and exhibitions, starting with the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design End of Year Show on 24 May, and including the Fashion Show on 29 May at Falmouth Wharves, the Art & Illustration Shows from 15-19 June, and the Design Show from 15-21 June. The Pixelate film festival takes place on 20 and 21 June, and an extensive programme of choreography, music and theatre performances will be held at the world-class Performance Centre between 19 and 23 June.

Cover picture of Mr de Sousa's Legacy

Finally the Artwork is finished for my novel Mr de Sousa's Legacy.
The cover is from an original oil painting 'Carne'  © R W Floyd by kind permission.

Exibition at Lemon Street Gallery - RSA- And I would walk 500 miles

The Royal Scottish Academy,  is showing and exhibition of their work called - And I would walk 500 miles at Lemon Street Gallery, Truro from 15th - 7th July.  We had the pleasure of attending a private view last night, and I must say it is one of the best exhibitions I have seen for a long while.  If I had a few thousand to spare I would have defiantly bought James Castle wood sculpture of Rising Moon, here pictured. I also favoured Joe Fran's work Light Fandango . If you get a chance to go I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed.  If you can't get there, have a look at LSG website.