Polurrian Cliffs, 1924

An Evacuee's Memory

My sixth and last billet as an evacuee during World War II, was at Bodrigy, Cadgwith. Bodrigy was being run almost like a boarding school with about 20 children there, and a matron to oversee us. We all went to school in Ruan Minor, and we would walk across the fields to school. I loved living in that area and did not want to return to London when the war was over. I remember we didn't get any coupons for sweets, but we would buy sweet malt bread from the baker and think we were in heaven. I remember the movies in the village hall, probably about once a month. If they were suitable we were allowed to attend. Before school the older children, and I was then 12, went to a farm to bring home the milk and eggs in a small cart. We would attend church in Ruan Minor. My name then was Sheila Gray. Are there other evacuees out there who remember that beautiful part of Cornwall? I now live in the United States, but when I visit England I always try to visit Cadgwith and Ruan Minor.

Kennack

I have been coming to Kennack since I was a toddler. But 1972 was the first of many years that stand out to me. My family met another family and we are still in touch now, 36 years and more later.

My memories are so many, borrowing beach donkeys and going off on safaris, making dens, rope swings across rivers. Getting lunch out of the hedge, black berries and toejam etc.

Memories of running around the costal path to Cadgwith, walking to the Draw Bar. boat trips on the Hairy Fairy. Floral day, Carn Brae pool when it was first built, Horse and Jockey, pastrys. Clotted cream eaten right from tub with fingers - no jam or scone. Swimming in Kennack Bay, body surfing on wooden boards, helping out in the beach cafe, etc etc

Now I scuba dive and learnt to dive on the Lizard at Poth Kerris and Porthaulstock. I still return to my favourite place. Long may Kennack stay as it is, unspoilt and beautiful.

Many Friends

We moved to Cadgwith in 1979, the best move of our lives, everyone was so friendly. Our two boys grew up there and had the time of their lives fishing and playing on the beach. We were sad to leave in 1987 but will never forget Cadgwith. Steve and Shiela Thornton.