With little trains calling their message up the valley many times a day, Caroline was always likely to collect stories and memories of the Railway. Joseph Treffry took the hugely responsible role of Chairman of Cornwall Railway Company in the 1840s and this led to him engaging Brunel for building the famous Royal Albert Bridge and designing all the viaducts. We know of some great stories about Brunel, which will hopefully be woven into the collection next year!
But from the start of 2026 Caroline will continue to develop her passion for setting up and collecting Conversations about all kinds of historic transport, but especially tracks, trucks and trains. These will be added to the growing collection of stories already tried and tested on circular walks, from these stations: –
You will find an outline of content for Luxulyan and Par Stories on the Home Page. Both of those are work in progress but St Austell has been a particularly successful development, with help from many parties, especially the pupils of the old St Austell Grammar School (STAGS for short). The route initially goes up hill to the North of town, taking in the Brewery, Grammar School, John Keay House and up onto the ridge of Mount Stamper road. Continuing towards the old Carclaze tin works and down a hill enables connection with old clay tracks and a visit to Wheal Martyn cafe for a welcome moment of refreshment.
The second half of the route goes back southwards, on the clay trail and dips down to visit Menacuddle Well, Finally a path is taken into town, for the last stories about old shops and the Market House, on the way up to the station again.
You may see here how the group were delighted to rest and eat at Wheal Martyn and fearless in the face of some horrible weather, by the Menacuddle Well! They have eagerly booked to explore once again in early December 2025, when they will have a private viewing of the old Town Hall and some unique prints of the National Provincial Bank. Come back to see the results and be able to join in and/or buy the recordings and print of stories soon!
