Food, music, flowers and a remarkable lady

The tenth annual Porthleven food and music festival was packed. In the past it has attracted 30,000 people. Today, the old historic quayside hosted thousands in the spring sunshine. Food and boutique stalls lined the quayside roads; people gathered at small stages to hear local bands; the drink flowed; people laughed; the sun shone bright. And thousands traipsed up and down the hill to the park and ride in the cliff top fields above with smiles on their faces. In the large white marque, we were very taken with a local folk band who played some fast-paced Celtic numbers; sadly, we didn’t catch their name but they got a rousing reception.

More can be found out about what happened at this website and we will definitely be going again next year. https://www.porthlevenfoodfestival.com/

After the hustle and bustle of Porthleven, Trelissick House, a national trust property overlooking the river Fal, proved a welcomed relief. The extensive gardens were at their best. Camellias, magnolias, bluebells and rhododendrons all coming into full bloom. Stunning woodland walks, stupendous views and some very interesting displays and exhibitions about Ida Copeland, one of the first female MPs who gifted Trelissick to the national trust in 1995.

Ida was one of thirteen female MPs in the 1930’s. She served one term as MP for Stoke on Trent, representing the pottery industry. An active and committed conservative MP, she was a supporter of the national coalition led by Ramsay MacDonald. She beat Sir Oswald Moseley in the election. Ida was, according to newspaper reports and peoples’ diaries from the time, a warm, stoic, direct, highly intelligent woman, determined to make a contribution to her community and country. She was against socialism, came from a wealthy, privileged background and supported cuts to benefits. It is widely acknowledged that she worked tirelessly for the people of Stoke on Trent, trying to safeguard jobs and businesses and advocating sensitive management of slum clearances.

I have to say we were rather impressed with Trelissick, its gardens, views and history. Well done NT!