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Kernewek

We invite you to explore our site. Here you can learn about the history and origins of the Gorsedh, the purpose and significance of the ceremonies, our annual competitions, events, our links to organisations and our place in contemporary Cornish society. The site is continually updated to include the latest news.

To see a Cornish version of any page, please click on the flag. Click on the logo at the top of any English page to return to this one.

The Cornish Gorsedd used Unified Cornish (UC) spelling for all its business until the June 2009 AGM when it adopted the Standard Written Form (SWF). All news items added since that date are therefore in the new spelling.

Cornish Bards of the Penryn and Falmouth Area/
Berdh Kernow Ranndir Pennrynn hag Aberfala

To commemorate the 2013 Gorsedh taking place at Glasney Field, Penryn, Gorsedh Kernow have put together a publication which details the lives and works of 46 deceased bards who lived and worked, at least for part of their lives in the Penryn and Falmouth area.

Also included are details of 49 living bards and the work they are now doing for Cornwall.

This is the fourth book in a planned series covering the area in which the annual Gorsedh Kernow is held.

For further details and order form please click here.

The Gorsedh AGM will be held on Saturday 1st June at 13:30 in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Truro.

Over the past few weeks the Grand Bard Maureen Fuller Steren Mor has been visiting Australia.

The six Bendigo Bards with Bardh Meur

Maureen in the Botanical Gardens in White Hills. The plaque beside her makes reference to Cornish
miners being responsible for the White Hills gold rush due to their determination
to break through the hard ground.

Maureen and Bards Leanne Lloyd and George Ellis next to the monument in Bendigo which was
supported financially by the Cornish Federation of Male Voice Choirs to show solidarity
between Cornwall and the historical settlement of St Just Point, an area which lost many homes
and one life in the Black Saturday bush fires of 2009.

On Tuesday 7th May, the Mayor of Bendigo, Cr. Lisa Ruffell, hosted a reception in the Old Bendigo Town Hall for the Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller and 70 invited Cornish guests.

The six Bendigo bards, Tom Luke, Colon hag Enef yn Bendygo, Libby Luke Rosen Wyn Bendygo, Leanna Lloyd Nanscarow a Bendygo, George Ellis Map Bendygo, Ruth Hopkins Covathores Ystory Tramor, and Peter Mundy Lowarther Yllogan ha Bendygo, were introduced to the assembled Cornish and they explained their Cornish names and its meaning.

The Mayor then introduced the Grand Bard, who then made a speech about the importance of the diaspora and the esteem to which Gorsedh Kernow regards them. A buffet followed and a convivial time was had by all.

On the 2nd June Gorsedh Kernow Bard Mike O’Connor Crowder, storyteller, musician, and winner of the Henwood Medal of the Royal Institute of Cornwall will be the guest performer of artist duo Yoke and Zoom at an evening of story telling, music, academic discussion and performative re-interpretation of the ancient Cornish folk tale of ‘Nancy Trewier’.

Click here for full details of the event.

Summary Report of the Gorsedh Kernow Council meeting April 2013

Since the Gorsedh was already in Penryn for the Proclamation, it was decided to hold the April Council meeting there, in the afternoon of the same day. Penryn Town Council was very accommodating in letting us use the Town Council Chambers.

There has been considerable progress made with the Mistress of the Robes, and quality of bards’ robes should now be consistent.

It was reported that twenty-one people had been invited to become bards and eighteen acceptances were received.

Further reports from the sub-committees were received and accepted by the Council.

The main business of the day was to review and accept the work done to revise the Constitution and this was acknowledged with thanks to those involved. The new wording will now be distributed amongst the bards so that a vote can be taken at the AGM in June.

It was also agreed that Gorsedh Council donate £120 towards an award/cup for a children’s publisher to be presented through Holyer an Gof.

Kannas Bardh Meur gave an update on work being done to appoint someone to head up the communications strategy for Gorsedh Kernow and stressed the importance of information going out to bards whether by e-mail or post. He advised that they are confident there will be an officer appointed to this role by October.

The Gorsedh Proclamation at Penryn 2013

After a week which suggested Spring was finally arriving, the skies opened on the Saturday of the Proclamation. In spite of the wet weather a number of Bards still travelled to Penryn. The original intention had been to process from the town hall to the Memorial Gardens, a moving remembrance of lives lost when houses there were destroyed during World War 2.

New plans were hastily made and we crossed the road from the Town Hall, to Penryn Methodist Church just a few yards away, to hold the ceremony indoors. In front of many guests, including local Councillors, Mr Geoffrey Evans, the Mayor of Falmouth and Mrs Gill Grant, the Mayor of Penryn, Mrs Grant welcomed the Gorsedh to the town. Bardh Meur thanked the Mayor and Penryn for the assistance given to the Gorsedh and presented the town with a framed piece of poetry by the Gorsedh's poet, Tim Saunders - Bardh Gwerin.

The short ceremony commenced with the customary call of peace to the assembed Bards. Pretty Jessica George dressed in spring coloured robes, was the 'Lady of the Flowers', after which the Grand Bard announced that the open Gorsedh would be held on Saturday Sept 7th, on the site which was once Glasney College. After the singing of Bro Goth Agan Tasow (Old Land of Our Fathers) and the customary cry of 'Kernow bys vykken!' (Cornwall for ever!) the ceremony closed and the Bards returned, before meeting up in the Temperance Hall where local ladies had arranged splendid refreshments which were much appreciated.

Thank you Penryn for your very warm welcome!

(left) Grand Bard, Herald Bard, Graham Sandercock, Gwas Conok / (right) Deputy Grand Bard, Grand Bard

Sunday 5th May 4.30p.m. The annual Bolster Pageant on the cliffs above Chapel Porth. Tuesday 14th May 7.00p.m. "Giant Bolster: the legend continues" in the Hall for Cornwall featuring: 4 “Character Cameos” devised and presented by classes from St. Agnes, Blackwater, Mount Hawke and Perranporth schools. A new Community ballet/opera composed by David Frost. For further details, please click here for the Press release.

A message from David Frost - Carer Brest:

Your support at both events would be welcome, but please may I put in a special plea for you to support the children on 14th May. They have been researching the Bolster legend and with the support of teachers from Music Cornwall and coaches from Duchy Ballet, have created 4 short pieces based on Giant Bolster, Mrs. Bolster, (St.) Agnes and Sir Constantine. It would surely make the presentation of their efforts more rewarding if viewed by a large audience, including a number of Bards.

Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, David Crewes - Gwas Ertach, who is also Mayor of St Columb was one of Cornwall’s delegates at the recent International Pan Celtic festival. The photograph shows him lighting the festival candle at the opening ceremony in Carlow Ireland during Easter week. International delegates from each of the six Celtic Nations also elected him to the prestigious position of International President for 2014. He is the only person in the 42 year history of the International Celtic organisation to hold this position twice. Dave received his Bardship in 1989.

Three Bards of Gorsedh Kernow have died during recent weeks. Their names are:

Catherine Rachael John - Myrgh an Syns, who received her Bardship at St Just in 1982.

Margaret Perry - Hwilores-Kedhlow, who received her Bardship at Penzance in 2007.

Lord St Levan - Arluth Carrek Los, who received his Bardship at Marazion in 1995.

St Piran Celebrations 2013

St. Piran’s day was well and truly celebrated this year, with numerous events throughout Kernow. Redruth started with their procession on Saturday 2nd of March, led by two St.Pirans, one young and one older. The Mayor Cllr. Julia Davidson led the procession with the Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor, and the Gorsedh Banner led the bards up Redruth hill, followed by the children and townspeople. The two St.Pirans stopped at the Miner halfway up the hill, who was shrouded with material. The young St. Piran paid his respects and laid flowers at the Miner’s feet and the older St. Piran pulled the ribbon and exposed the Miner who was dressed in a tabard bearing the town’s lamb crest. We proceeded to the Flowerpot car park where stalls were doing a brisk trade. The Mayor introduced the Grand Bard, who made a short speech about St. Piran.

The procession then returned down the hill to Murdoch House. Within the procession was a large lamb made by the school children with willow and paper and they had held a competition to give him a name. The winning name was Tolgus, very appropriate to Redruth. There were many other events taking place around the town and bards Bert Biscoe, Vyajor gans Geryow and Pol Hodge, Mab Stenak Vur entertained with poetry and music at Murdoch House.

In the afternoon, the Deputy Grand Bard, Merv Davey Telynor an Weryn and the Past Grand Bard, Mick Paynter, Skogynn Pryv, were representing Gorsedh Kernow in St. Ives for the St.Piran Procession around the town. The mayor and fellow town councillors welcomed everyone and then led the people and musicians dressed in black and white around the town, ending with refreshments at the Guildhall.

On Sunday 3rd March, the annual procession across the dunes at Perranzabuloe to St. Piran’s Cross took place in windy but dry conditions. Hundreds of people armed with daffodils processed and the walk was interspersed with scenes from a new play about St. Piran written by Alan Kent. King Arthur even gave a guest appearance and the play was enjoyed by all. Children performed a modern street dance around the cross and then everyone sang Trelawny and laid daffodils at St.Piran’s Cross to show our respects. On Monday 4th March, one hundred children put on a St.Piran in Penwith Concert at St. John’s Hall, Penzance, accompanied by the Penzance Ladies’ Orpheus Choir. There was an excellent programme of music with many Cornish songs from both choirs. The children sang heartily and obviously enjoyed every minute. A particular favourite was the song ‘There is something about a Pasty’, arranged by the late bard Derek Kitt, Yleweth Essa, to a march and full of actions. They were making pasties and when they finished they hung them on the washing line to dry, with lots of happy smiles! The Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor, spoke to the children about living in a special place like Kernow and that we all had a responsibility to look after it and pass it on to our descendants in a good state. The concert was organised by bard Howard Curnow, Kernow. On Tuesday 5th March, St. Piran’s Day, the weather was glorious sunshine as befits our patron saint. We started the morning with a procession led by the Mayor, Bard Phil Rendle, Baneroniethor, and the Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor, followed by 700 children from Causeway Head in Penzance, processing around the town to the Morrab Gardens, where the Bolitho School put on a play they had made up about St. Piran in the bandstand. With no sound system, the children projected their voices superbly and their dance and actions added to the play, an excellent production and all their own work. All the children were enthusiastic and the procession took 10 minutes to pass by, a fitting tribute to St. Piran.

At the same time in Bodmin, the Deputy Grand Bard, Merv Davey Telynor an Weryn, was leading the St. Piran Procession with his pipes, from the Library to Mount Folly followed by the Mayor Cllr. K.Stubbs, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, Catherine Mead, the children and townspeople. The procession halted at the memorial in the main street for Myghal An Gov and Thomas Flamank; flags were lowered and a minute’s silence held in their memory. Speeches were made on the Mount, followed by dancing with the children, called by Alison Davey, Corolyores. The children then processed to the Parish Church of St. Petroc, where the schools sang songs. They then returned to the public Rooms and enjoyed a pasty lunch.

At 1.15p.m. the Truro Procession started from the Waterfall Gardens off St. George’s Road and processed in sunshine with flags flying to the steps of Truro Cathedral. Again the Gorsedh Banner was paraded through the streets with bards beneath it. At the cathedral steps, we were welcomed by the Mayor of Truro, Cllr.Lindsay Southcombe. A trophy was presented for the best window display by bard Stephen Gainey, Mab Hirnans, and the Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor spoke about making St.Piran’s Day a public holiday, allowing working people the chance to join in the celebrations. The school children then entertained, Penair and Tregolls performing a Cornish Song Medley, Bosvigo a drama telling the story of St.Piran and Truro School Prep singing the Ballad of St. Piran. Lynda Barley, Canon Pastor of Truro Cathedral led us in prayer and we ended in singing Trelawny, led by Richard Lander Boys Choir.

At 7p.m., Evensong for St. Piran was held in St. Martin’s Parish Church, Liskeard and followed by a concert by the Liskeard Town Band and Pelynt Male Voice Choir. This was arranged by the President of the Federation of the Old Cornwall Societies Duncan Paul Matthews and the Grand Bard Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor, read the lesson.

Konsel Gorsedh Kernow: Report of the February 2013 meeting

Before the main business, a framed certificate with a poem specially written for him was presented to David Lindo, Carer Lowarthow to thank him for his service as Alhwedhor 1983 – 2012.

Tim Saunders, Bardh Gwerin is pleased to accept the role of ‘Poet Laureate’ for the Gorsedh and continues to produce poetry.

Bardh Meur gave an update on work being done by new robemakers to ensure quality.

A way of incorporating the Penryn Feast Commemoration Ceremony into the Esedhvos events in September was discussed. Also, a general discussion about how events of this sort should be well-attended by bards throughout the year and, specifically, St Piran’s Day celebrations.

A letter was received from Wella Brown, Crenner resigning from Gorsedh Council. This was accepted by the Council with the comment that it was ‘the end of an era’.

Permission was sought and granted from Australia to hold a gathering of bards in Davies Square Wallaroo on Saturday 25th May 2013 with an invitation extended to Bardh Meur and others. A report was also received on the last gathering of bards in Australia.

A report was given by Kannas Bardh Meur on progress made on the Communications Strategy for Gorsedh Kernow with recommendations on how best to move forward in this field.

There is now agreement with Truro Music Festival organisers that the Gorsedh Music Awards should now be held at their event in Truro.

A report was presented by Jori Ansell, Caradok, suggesting new wording for the Constitution. The proposed changes will be put to The College of Bards at the AGM in June.

Many of the other items discussed have already been distributed amongst bards in the February newsletter. These included appeals for volunteers to come forward to help with the Royal Cornwall Stall, attending meetings about Cornish Language and someone with knowledge of publishing.

Gorsedh Kernow Competitions 2013

Can we remind everyone that the closing date for the 2013 competitions is Monday 22nd April.

For full details click here for adults, and here for young people.

Presentation to David Lindo - Carer Lowarthow

At the recent February meeting of the Gorsedh Council, the room was packed with past Grand Bards, the Deputy Grand Bard, Gorsedh Councillors, current Treasurer and GK Secretary to see the Grand Bard Steren Mor make a presentation to David Lindo, the former Treasurer.

David entered the Gorsedh in 1992 taking Carer Lowarthow - Lover of Gardens as his Bardic name. In 1993 he became the Honorary Treasurer, a post he held until 2012.

The Grand Bard thanked him for his loyal service to the council and presented the unique gift of a framed poem, written especially for him by acclaimed Bard Tim Saunders - Bardh Gwerin. David also received a bouquet of flowers on behalf of his wife Brenda.

St. Ives Feast 4th February 2013

Grand Bard, Steren Mor, was invited to the St. Ives Feast and asked to bring the Gorsedh banner, which was proudly processed throughout the town by the Gorsedh Banner bearers, from the Guildhall to the Venton Ia Well. It was good to see our banner advertising our existence and several bards marched proudly under it, wearing Cornish colours, and sporting sprigs of ivy, denoting St. Ia. The procession was led by the St. Ives Guisers, dressed in black and white and the children from St. Uny school, wearing Cornish tartan sashes, danced through the streets.

The Mayor, Cllr. Ron Tulley followed with the St. Ives Councillors and guests, together with many representatives from local organisations. After a short ceremony at the well, when the water was blessed by the vicar, the Rev. Andrew Gough also blessed the children, dousing them in holy water, which produced squeals of laughter.

The procession then made its way back, following the music to the Parish Church, where the Mayor started the custom of Hurling the Silver Ball from the church graveyard, overlooking the beach which was in a state of high tide. The young people were all gathered on the small strip of beach, eagerly anticipating the Mayor throwing the ball from the wall of the churchyard. It was caught and passed from one to another on the beaches and streets of the town.

The Silver Ball is about the size of a tennis ball and is made of wood and covered in silver leaf. The Mayor had carried the Silver Ball in a wreath of ivy, throughout the procession. The rules are that the person holding the ball at 12 noon takes it to the Mayor at the Guildhall and is rewarded with a silver coin (originally a Crown Piece).

After the hurling was started, the Mayor and guests returned to the Guildhall where later, shiny new pennies were thrown to the children from the balcony and then the guests enjoyed a pasty lunch.

Ia
over your green down
you have travelled
to our great welcome

by Tim Saunders - Bardh Gwerin

A new award for Literature written in Cornish

Cornish Language society Agan Tavas, launched a new award for literature in the Cornish language at their recent Annual General Meeting in Redruth. The Award is to be known as the “Pewas Perghyryn Lyenyeth Kernewek” The carved trophy has been given by the Palmer family in memory of the late Michael Palmer, a prolific writer in the Cornish language whose Bardic name was Perghyryn.

To read the full press release please click here.

Two Proclamation ceremonies in 2013

The Penryn Gorsedh Proclamation will be held on Saturday April 13th at Penryn. Robing will be in the Town Hall from 10.00a.m., and all Bards to be robed by 10.30a.m. The Ceremony will follow at 11.00a.m. at the Memorial Gardens.

Refreshments available afterwards in the Temperance Hall which is opposite the Town Hall.

This year the 2013 International Celtic Congress Annual Conference is being held at Bodmin from the 1st - 6th April and delegates from the six Celtic nations will be attending.

A Proclamation Ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Thursday April 4th at Mount Folly, Bodmin.
13.15 Robing will be in the Shire House Suite, 13.55 The procession to Mount Folly, 14.00 Proclamation.