The Meadow Barns

The barns and sheds of our centre sit at the heart of a small hamlet, called Penpell. The name dates back to 1196 and is Cornish for ‘Distant Height’ … a quick glance at our photos will quickly show what an apt title this is, given we have coastal views that take your breath away.

What is less obvious is the connection with mining, going way back 2000 years BCE. Penpell was first a centre for tin streaming, then iron excavation and later housed workers for one of the most productive copper mines in the world.

This industrial heritage underpins our work in Science or STEM and helps us focus on finding hopeful solutions for the future well-being of people and our beautiful planet.

Caroline Cares – A statement from our Director

At the age of 30 I was studying music, (conducting and jazz) at the University of Denver. Obviously the thing I cared most about at that time was music and creativity. It was my career and I loved having music as a kind of tool to help other people enjoy life and develop confidence.

I refer to it now, because in retrospect, I realise that one of my lecturers really understood what makes me tick. He endorsed my ‘scholarship’, which remains very important to me, and something else that’s fundamental, about setting goals and never giving up:-

Caroline has ‘’a superb background and training in performance and scholarship …

(she is) one of those rare individuals who seeks a challenge and always rises to meet it …’’

Vincent C. la Guardia, Director of Orchestral Conducting, University of Denver

Since retiring as a music teacher I have chosen to use my skills for causes that are not music – causes I care deeply about. I have given 5 years to developing educational materials, songs, story-walks and associated exciting outdoor activities, but now (2025) it feels right to review how things have gone. I can see I need to consolidate things and conserve my energy, because I can only make a real difference by collaborating with wonderful colleagues and partner organisations, who share my passions.

So that is why this new web site, has 6 main sections all focused on the things I care about and 3 more to explain how you can get involved.

4. I care deeply about Building Great Teams, with Support for their Well-being and Future Prospects, especially those struggling with financial or health challenges. Through the projects about mining we aim to help create ‘People Panels’, with representation for all relevant organisations and groups in a community. Each session is planned to act as a stepping stone to higher learning and careers and this alone can help mental health, But another tool in our armoury is to partner with community groups and local churches or other faith leaders, as we strive to bring a spiritual light into troubled lives. The events maybe outdoors, such as rescuing tree trunks with a heavy horse, but also – for special occasions – we go indoors for lighting candles and that spiritual element in ‘Ceremonies of Climate Hope’. The image shown is from a Chinese New Year multi-cultural event in Truro, which was filmed by ITV in 2024 (you may see the film on our YouTube channel). As the Director and main author, I also will continue to provide a hope-filled Newsletter every month.

5. I care that as many people as possible, regardless of financial status, should feel able to join in our activities at the Centre and when we operate further afield. However, I have seen too many times that people do not value what is given for free, which is why we do ask everyone to pay a moderate amount as reservation fee for a session, non-refundable. But after that, it is fine to pay what is genuinely affordable, and/or contribute in volunteering hours.

6. Where I see other people and organisations doing good things for their community and with a high sense of environmental responsibility, it matters a lot that we should build connections and support each other. This summer, 2025, I will go out of my way to help create new learning opportunities at 3 partner locations – St Blazey Foundry, Newquay Orchard and Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre.

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  Care for People in Great Teams
  Whoever we work with, regardless of age, status or any other category, we aim always to celebrate their skills, give them courage in the face of adversity and bring out a sense of fun!

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  Visit our Meadow Barns Centre or Event
  A unique experience of STEM learning, for young and old, with an equally unique basis for charging that is flexible but fair.

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  Visit a Partner Centre or Event
  Working with partners is changing our impact beyond what we ever dreamt would be possible. We are grateful for every opportunity you offer.

7. I care about Farming & Food and the excellent farm businesses around me. I seek out and promote their environmentally responsible practices and the best quality produce that they provide for us … another small but important group of partners, which includes Colwith Farm Shop and Distillery, Leyonne Farm, Coppergon Produce, Paul’s Fresh Fish of Mevagissey and Westcountry Mussels of Fowey. Working with them I can share knowledge and celebrate tasty cooking, at a Wednesday lunch-time Mid-Week Meet Up at the Foundry.

8. I care about Woodland and Trees. The Temperate Rainforest areas around me are wonderful, but there is very little understanding of what they are and how to look after them. Equally, no one seems to realise that letting the best trunks of fallen old trees rot away is bad. In any year on our planet more CO2 is released by this decay than by all the fossil fuels we burn. How can this be? I am delighted to have the promise of working, in this category, with such major partners as Newquay Orchard, Kernow Horse Logging, Kernow Training and a growing group of individuals, especially Simon and Jenny, who make useful and beautiful items from wood.

9. Finally, I care that we operate to the highest standards for safe-guarding, for healthy, safe outdoor activities and represent our commitment by using Penpell image as a kite-mark, for this quality experience.