Category: Community

Book Launch at St Buryan – April 2024

It was yet another wild, wet and windy evening as storm Kathleen is on its way. Cassandra, Lorna and I began setting up at the village hall.

 

Cassandra kindly volunteered for wine and chocolate truffle duty

Lorna from The Healing Star is good at making her stall inviting. 

Then people began to arrive…

I find that speaking about my time as Apprentice of the Old Craft comes easily, as there are so many aspects to this work, it is a subject that could continue for hours.

Many think about the magical aspect of Wisewomen work, however you are also tested, physically, mentally and emotionally. This is where power of the mind is developed, an essential strength needed to overcome the tests and obstacles that an apprentice and new member of a community is subjected to. 

I am fortunate however to have genuine friends in my life, particularly Cassandra and others who have been there for me. I now have a strong, supportive group within the Cornwall community after sixteen years of living here. 

Thank you to all who attended my book events over the past two years and special thanks to Lorna at the Healing Star Penzance, for providing the books. Both books are now in stock at her shop for anyone who wishes to buy a copy. 

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Book Launch at Tintagel – March 2024

The twelfth of March was an auspicious day when the second part of my life journey was released. It takes a huge amount of time and effort from an author as well as their publishing company to produce a book. When the day of completion eventually arrives it feels rather surreal!

I was delighted that Blake and Wycke Malliway from Crossed Crow Books were in the area from Chicago and arranged to join me for this event.

Their excitable energy and infectious smiles lift the spirits of those around them. It is a pleasure to be in their company.

Lorna who owns the Healing Star in Penzance has been a constant support, providing books and some of her stock at the events.

A delightful group arrived at the Wooton Inn on yet another wet and windy day. 

One in particular, was the person who invited me to a new development circle twenty-eight years ago when I attended my first psychic workshop.

It was the first time I attended a spiritualist church. I mention her in my first book and was delighted when she moved to Cornwall. It was wonderful to have her there with me.

Others who attended have become good friends over the years and I appreciate their genuine support.

 

 

 

Speaking about my journey and the books I have published flows easily, as I do not see it as a formal talk, it feels more like an informal ‘chat’, encouraging the group to ask questions and make comments whenever they wish. 

Cassandra sat nearby and said that I did splendidly and that she is proud of me. I am grateful for her constant support throughout the last fifteen years. 

After a wonderful afternoon, Blake and Wycke wined and dined Cassandra and I at the Tintagel Brewery Bistro. An evening full of fun and intriguing conversation.

So there you have it, both books are now published.  What an exciting journey it has been!

Both book are available from Crossed Crow Books, the Healing Star and Amazon. 

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Kresen Kernow’s School Concert

Image – Kresen Kernow Archive Centre

Today Cassandra and I were invited by Alice Howard to attend a concert performed by children from four primary schools in Redruth.

Attending school concerts was once a regular occurrence for me when my children were of school age. I attended ALL their school concerts and performances as I was extremely proud of their talents.

The children of Pennoweth Primary School had visited the Kresen Kernow Women and Health Exhibition. Inspired by our Wisewomen display, they composed a song entitled We Are The Witches.

There were other songs composed by three other schools about District Nurses, a woman who walked from Cornwall to London to complain about her husband’s pension and another woman who arrived in Cornwall as a Jewish evacuee and separated from her family. All of the songs were deep and meaningful, giving the young children insight into the historical accounts of courageous women. 

My recording of the song we were invited to hear is at the following link:

We are the Witches

Here are the lyrics:

We Are The Witches – Pennoweth School

Chorus –

We are the witches, we can cure,

Our potions make your heart feel pure

We are the witches, we’re the best

The spirits are our welcome guests

Verse 1

Two wisewomen in black cloaks, why do they look so serious

Cursing folk who tell bad jokes, joyful but mysterious

Peller, pellar, fortune teller, pellar, pellar, fortune teller.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2:

Herbs and jasmine, plants and trees, a muslin bag of violet,

Incense, oils, things from the seas, catch my broomstick I’m the pilot,

Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller, Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 3 (rap):

Jupiter, Earth, Venus, Mars, Pisces, Saggitarius,

Bitter herbs in crystal jars, witches always curious.

Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller, Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller.

Last Chorus:

We are the witches, joyful but mysterious,

Purses, curses.

(sing chorus to the end). 

The way the song was performed showed that the children had connected with the subject on a deeper level, as the rapping was reminiscent of chanting and incantation. As the children were leaving, I was suddenly surrounded by a group of them (while Cassandra was visiting the bathroom), asking the usual questions like: Can you turn me into a frog? Do you have a black cat? Do you curse people? Etc. One little girl asked me what my favourite potion is that I enjoy making. Its got to be the honeymoon drink that we prepare for couples at their Handfastings, because there is always surplus liquid and it is delicious! 

It was a pleasure to attend this concert and it is also part of our community work.

Thank you Kresen Kernow and the local schools for a delightfully entertaining afternoon. 

 

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Archives and Cornish Studies Exhibition

It’s been a week since the opening of our new exhibition ‘She Cares: Women and Health’ in Cornwall. Have you been to see it yet? 😁

Part of our exhibition explores witches and wise-women. Before modern medicine, healthcare was usually provided by wise-women as part of an ancient, spiritual culture.

They continued to help people and animals until the 20th century, when the number of wise-women and witches practicing in Cornwall began to decrease.

We have two modern-day witches featured in our exhibition – Cassandra and Laetitia Latham-Jones, who are village wise-women and witches in St Buryan.

Here they are photographed performing spellwork at the full moon, Lamorna Cove.

📸 by John Isaac

I also constructed a charm and wrote an article about how to go about creating one, that is also on display.

Cassandra and I visited Kresen Kernow on the 12th August 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Quay Fair in Penzance 2023

The last Mazey weekend in Penzance that I attended was in 2018.

The reason is my Wisewoman business has grown considerably and I have had requests to teach two-day Reiki courses over the festival weekend.

The recent pandemic has also heightened awareness for some where huge crowds of intoxicated people at an event can be unhealthy, as the ‘wildness’ and anarchy of Mazey seems to be escalating.

Bearing this in mind, it was not a difficult decision for me to choose to work for a substantial financial sum over the past few years. The idea of struggling through crowds of rowdy intoxicated attendees does not enthral me!

This year however I had a day free from work and was able to attend Quay Fair Day. The event is smaller and does not include the huge crowds of Mazey Eve and Mazey Day. We had glorious weather this year and I had fun drumming with the Golowan Band and Raffidy Dumitz band who have been so welcoming to Cassandra and I.

I was welcomed by others in the community who said they missed me when Cassandra explained I had work to do.

Quay Fair is my favourite event of the weekend, fun, laughter, an abundance of characters and local talent.

A fabulous day!

Photo by Peter Carter

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Book Signing at the Healing Star Penzance

After a stormy night of gale force winds and rain, today was a little calmer with showers, blustery winds and the occasional appearance of the sun.

It was a pleasure to escape the stormy weather and enter the back room of the Healing Star in Penzance, where ambient music, incense and a happy smile from Lorna welcomed us.

 

Lorna had creatively displayed my book as the photograph from my publicist Francesca had inspired her.

 

 

I didn’t expect many people in this stormy weather, but those who did arrive were a lovely group and we had some fascinating conversations.

My talk about the book was more informal this time, as we conversed about psychic development, religion, Wicca and Folk Craft.

 

It was interesting to meet a lady who had lived in Kent about ten miles from the place I was born. We reminisced about the area and how much it has changed since our childhood

 

At the end of the afternoon, Lorna, Fiona, Cassandra and I updated one another on our lives. Our lovely friend Pam, former owner of the Healing Star was also present, we felt her spirit presence throughout the afternoon.

A huge thank you to Lorna for hosting the event and also to Cassandra for her ongoing support and supplying the photographs.

 

 

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Book Signing in St Buryan

It had been a wet day on the 16th March 2023 and although the rain had moved on, a damp mist had settled over the village that evening. The St Buryan Inn looked warm and inviting with a glowing log stove.

Many of the local residents were in the public bar when we arrived, some of them had planned to attend the event and arrived early.

Sarah and Steve gave us the use of their restaurant room and Lorna from the Healing Star in Penzance brought along her stock of my books and some merchandise from her shop.

Although the event began at 7.30 it took time for people to arrive and settle down with a drink before we could begin. The talk began at 8pm.

I don’t have a strict format for giving a talk, I begin by explaining my reasons for writing the book and let it flow.

My journey has been a fascinating one and my audience listened intently to my experiences and asked questions that raised further interesting subjects.

 

 

After speaking for an hour it was time to sign the books that were purchased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All who were there also enjoyed browsing Lorna’s stall.

 

 

So there you have it…. another successful evening.

A huge thank you to Sarah and Steve at the St Buryan Inn, to Lorna at the Healing Star and a special thank you to Cassandra for her support and providing these photographs.

Thank you also to all the special people who attended and supported this event.

Most of all thank you to my publishers Blake and Wycke at Crossed Crow Books for making this possible.

The next Book Signing will be at the Healing Star in Penzance on Friday the 31st of March 2023 at 2pm.

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Book Signing at Boscastle

On the cold, crisp Saturday afternoon of February 25th, we collected Lorna Borrell and the contents for her stall from the Healing Star in Penzance. We then travelled the length of Cornwall to Boscastle for my first Book Signing.

The journey to Boscastle is a pleasurable one, particularly the latter part when you are welcomed by the majestic sight of the cliffs, before descending deeper into the valley and crossing the threshold to the ‘other world’.

Image – West Country Views.

I decided to do host a Book Signing event at both ends of Cornwall so they were more accessible for those who plan to attend. I chose venues with a bar so that attendees can relax in a comfortable setting with their favourite tipple.

Lorna and I had hired out the fabulous Tower Room in the Wellington Hotel for the evening. We dined in the restaurant and had a warming scrumptious meal with a glass of Merlot, before preparing the room.

The Tower Room is a beautiful space. Laura set up her stall and Cassandra positioned her video camera and my camera for still images.

 

 

 

When speaking about my book, I worked spontaneously with no written outline or notes to hand. My personal spiritual journey is one that I know so well. The words flowed and I was able to make a smooth transition from one subject to another.

I suggested that members of the audience ask questions they had during the talk. Waiting until the end means that some may forget their original questions as many aspects of the Craft were mentioned.

Questions from listeners are also helpful as there are some aspects that may need more explanation to gain a better understanding of experiences in the book. I was also able to speak about other experiences that were not included in the book to give more examples.

The time had come for attendees to have their books signed and time to browse Lorna’s stall.

 

After a productive evening we returned to the bar for further conversation and a well-earned drink.

A huge thank you to Lorna of the Healing Star and Cassandra Latham-Jones for their assistance.

Thank you also to those who attended. Your support will be remembered.

My next event will be in West Cornwall at the St Buryan Inn on Thursday 16th of March at 7.30pm.

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Boekka’s 10th Birthday – Memories

The year 2020 has many special dates and anniversaries but unfortunately the Covid Virus prevented people from celebrating in the way they had planned. August 8th marks our Cornish Guise team Boekka’s 10th birthday. So much has happened in this time.

The following photographs of Boekka in the days when our ‘Oss Penkevyll briefly performed as Penglaz the Penzance ‘Oss.

Mazey Eve 2009

Devon and Cornwall Pagan Conference 2010

We were in the developmental stages of creating a Guise team that could travel to other parts of Cornwall and the U.K., however we did not realize that Penglaz was not permitted to perform outside of Penzance (although this now seems to have changed).

2011

When Boekka and our ‘Oss were no longer required in Penzance this set us free to re-name our ‘Oss and perform anywhere we desired. It took a while to change our image and the following photograph was at her naming ceremony on 6th March 2011.

Boekka then made it’s debut with Penkevyll at Spring Equinox 2011 in Crean St Buryan. The Teazers were now working on choreographed dances with a band consisting of a hurdy-gurdy and drummers.

Creating and running a Guise team is hard work organizing practices, events etc. A few more members joined which inspired my son to teach a Morris team alongside the existing Guise team. Some of the community did not agree with this inclusion as they considered Morris dancing an English tradition rather than Cornish.

In 2011 we attended various events shown in the following photographs.

Cornwall Pride 2011

It also seemed to be a year for media work! We appeared with Sue Perkins on the Television program All Roads Lead Home and also Paul Merton’s Caravanning Adventures.

Rochester Sweeps Festival was our first weekend away to an event and Kent is 340 miles away. Penkevyll caused quite a stir as it seemed that no one in Kent had seen a skull ‘Oss before.

2012

In 2012 the Morris side connected to Boekka had 12 members. More dances and events were introduced and as we had no musician at this time, the teams performed with percussion only while I taught myself to play melodeon. We hired a minibus and travelled to Scotland in March to perform at the Scottish Pagan Conference.

Boekka performed at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic’s Charm Day event in Boscastle.

We also performed at Godolphin Fair

In Marazion on a hot summer day.

It did not take long for me to learn tunes for Boekka that were composed by my son.

He also played percussion on occasions for Teazer dances choreographed by me.

Teignmouth Folk Festival

Pasty Day Redruth

2013

By 2013 some of our members left for various reasons and then new ones joined us. Due to a lack of regular commitment in 2012, we were unable to reach a high standard of performance as we had a limited number of good dancers. My son then taught new members the Morris dances. A local man who was a Cotswold Morris dancer joined us and also rides Penkevyll on occasions. He is still a member of Boekka now.

Bodmin Riding Heritage Day

North Inn Pendeen

Lands End

May morning on Chapel Carn Brea

2014

In 2014 two more members left the Morris team and it was difficult to get new recruits as performers were more interested in Cornish performance. My son tried to maintain a high standard of performance that some found difficult to cope with. We continued with the few dancers we had along with the Cornish Teazer and ‘Oss side of Boekka that remained strong.

Teignmouth Folk Festival

Wreckers Day of Dance

Lands End

Bodmin Riding Heritage Day

Marazion

Lands End

Chapel Carn Brea

St Pirans Day

St Pirans Day – we usually team up with the  Whippletree band in the processions

Chepstow Wassail

The first All Hallows Dark Gathering 2014

We continue this journey in Part 2!

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Boekka’s 10th Birthday – Memories 2

2015

In 2015 my son moved away from the area to pursue his career. I took over the role as teacher for the Morris dances as well as Teazer dances, but was also needed as a dancer. I was unable to play music at this time, therefore most dances were done with percussion.

Chepstow Wassail 2015

Boekka acquired another ‘Oss rider. As he was the shortest one, Penkevyll did not tower above the other ‘Osses as she had in previous years. The rider was also a founder member of a local Morris team, so I danced with them on a few occasions.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2015

Trewellard Beer Festival

Wreckers Day of Dance

After Wreckers Day of Dance, it was evident that the Morris team was not progressing despite our efforts and I decided to close it down. I tried to keeping it going, however the difficulty of recruiting in Cornwall and maintaining a high standard of performance was not possible. This provided more time to concentrate on Teazer and ‘Oss performances and our involvement with the Morris team.

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2015

At this event I performed with the local Morris team while Cassandra performed with Penkevyll.

2016

2016 was a busier year, as well as performing with Boekka we attended many events with the local Morris team. It seemed to work well as our ‘Oss rider performed in both.

Chepstow Wassail 2016

Fowey 2016

Handfasting Event

Boekka was asked to perform at a Handfasting in Lamorna. Our other rider who lives locally volunteered for this one. The torrential rain outside, meant Penkevyll was well and truly soaked when she arrived for her performance that evening!

St Pirans 2016

Lostfest 2016

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2016

It was a busy summer, Cassandra and although I worked hard with the local Morris team, it did not satisfy me. On our arrival in Boscastle Friday evening for the Dark Gathering, certain incidents confirmed that it was time to leave the Morris team. After a heated discussion between Cassandra and the founder member of the Morris team, he announced that not only was he dismissing her from the team, but in retaliation, he would not ride Penkevyll at this event. Fortunately, another Morris dancer attended who was not performing at the event and kindly offered to stand in.

2017

In 2017 when Cassandra handed on the role of Head Teazer to me, I was then able to concentrate solely on this performance without dividing my energies. Life with Boekka settled into a positive routine and the energies improved immensely.

Chepstow Wassail 2017

Cassandra focused on her drumming and met excellent percussionists who assisted in her development.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2017

While I teased Penkevyll at this event, Cassandra played percussion with a folk band known as Whippletree.

On Beltane 2017 we gave Penkevyll a total change of image, discarding unwanted residue from the past for a new beginning. Penkevyll had a new mane, new dress and her tatters are now Cornish colours of black, white and gold.

Although Cassandra had handed over the Teazer role to me, she could not resist posing for our new image with her ‘trusty’ snapper!

After completing Penkevyll’s new image, my creative juices were flowing, so I purchased a small ‘Obby ‘Oss known as Morvargh the Dark Sea ‘Oss. It is a good idea to own a smaller ‘Oss that I can ride when Penkevyll is unable to appear at an event. The foal is a welcome addition to our team and popular with Boekka fans.

Tintagel Carnival 2017

Boscastle 2017

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2017

Morvargh made her debut at the Dark Gathering 2017 during the afternoon. I rode her with Wreckers Morris during their Song of the Sea dance.

2018

2018 brought a surprising change to Boekka. A younger man contacted us with a desire to join a ‘dark and edgy’ team. We tried him out as rider for Penkevyll and he had good potential. He connected with the spiritual aspect of ‘Oss riding and treats Penkevyll with utmost care and respect. This is extremely important as ‘Osses should not be treated as puppets for one’s convenience and/or ego. This sadly occurs more frequently now as owning an ‘Oss has become a fashionable ‘trend’. I have acquired apprentice Teazers that connect with Penkevyll in their own way. One of them also rides Morvargh on occasions.

Chepstow Wassail 2018

Although Penkevyll’s riders were unavailable for Chepstow, I managed to find a young, tall, muscular Welshman to ride Penkevyll during the afternoon. In the evening, we had the freedom to enjoy the ceremony on the bridge without an ‘Oss to distract us.

We spent the summertime training our new ‘Oss rider and Teazers who made their official debut at the next event.

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2018

Cassandra joined the drummers of wonderful Beltane as she enjoys their wild rhythms which are second to none!

It was wonderful to re-connect with my former Morris team from 20 years ago at this event. It provided the opportunity for me to come ‘full circle’; by performing my final Morris dance with them at the All Hallows Dark Gathering. This event is truly a place ‘between the worlds’ where magical things occur!

2019

2019 had a wonderful start with the Chepstow Wassail as we invited Beorma Morris along to this event. It was fabulous to catch up with friends we had not seen in a while as we missed them after the break up of Wytchwood Morris.

This year the Maris had a Beauty Pageant where Boekka were interviewed. There were 33 Maris and ‘Osses, so we were waiting backstage for quite a while before our turn arrived.

My apprentice Teazer and I performed a choreographed dance that I used to perform with my former morris team. We danced on the bridge around Cassandra and Penkevyll.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2019

On St Pirans Day I had work commitments, so I left Penkevyll in the hands of my two Apprentice Teazers and they did a magnificent job!

Tintagel Carnival 2019

Boekka were joined by Mari Arianrhod visiting from Wales for the Carnival procession.

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2019

Morvargh took more of an active role this year, rode by one of our Teazers. I stepped in as co-organiser after the sudden departure of the managers from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.

2020

The Chepstow Wassail was unfortunately cancelled this year, so we attended the Brecon Wassail. It is a smaller event; however we were keen to meet up with our Welsh friends who joined us with their Maris. Our Teazers also performed with the Welsh dancers, although the dancing in my opinion was better when we rehearsed the previous evening during our drinking session!

Cassandra’s wonderful 70th Birthday Party occurred in March 2020 with our special guests – the fabulous Beltane Border Morris. After that, the pandemic arrived and it became one of the strangest years we have known as events were cancelled and the world changed beyond recognition! Let us hope we can return to normality as there are many performers missing their music and dance which is an important part of our lives!

So there you have it….10 years of Boekka and what an incredible, eventful journey! I wonder what the next 10 years will bring…… we shall see you soon!!

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