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Kernewek Lowender Cornish Festival - 17-24 May 2015

Many members of the CAV make the journey to the Copper Triangle on the eastern shore of Spencer Gulf in South Australia to join with visitors from around Australia and around the world to celebrate their interest in Cornwall and/or their Cornish heritage.

For news of the 8 day program, photo galleries, etc. follow this link to the Official Site.

Kernewek Lowender 2015

Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival - March 2014
In beautiful autumn weather, Cornish minded people gathered from across the eastern half of Australia for the Dahlia and Arts Festival in Eaglehawk, from 14th -16th March. The CAV had arranged its own activities within the Festival and was delighted that the Grand Bard from Cornwall, Maureen Fuller, was able to be with us.
During the weekend, the MUIOOF Hall had educative displays, including some work from a Primary School in Penzance, and people were on hand to help with research.
On Friday afternoon, a coach tour of Bendigo enabled people to see buildings with a Cornish connection and to learn a little of the history. This had been researched by Leanne and Rob Lloyd and Rob was an entertaining guide. At the Eaglehawk cemetery, following afternoon tea, Bev Hanson, a local historian, gave us a virtual tour of graves belonging to those with Cornish ancestry.
Friday evening was a Meet the Cornish Concert, compered by Derek Trewarne, which included community singing and items by the Cornish Language Group, Tren Harvey, Noel Cathew and Robert Gribben, followed by a delicious supper.
Saturday saw members joining in the procession and witnessing and/or participating in a Bardic Ceremony in the Gardens which was led by the Grand Bard.
In the evening, the St Piran's Dinner was held and the guest speaker, Maureen Fuller, shared with us thoughts about St Piran.
Sunday morning an Ecumenical Church Service, at Eaglehawk Uniting Church, led by Rev. Cynthia Page and Rev. Prof. Robert Gribben, included some uplifting singing and a reflective meditation. A pasty morning tea followed.
An informal dinner, at The Manchester Arms, finished off a superb weekend.

Eight of the hundreds of photos that can be viewed by following this link

Welcome Back Cousin, Jack Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival - 17th -21st March 2010
The Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival invited the CAV to participate in their 2010 Festival with the theme, 'Welcome Back, Cousin Jack'.

The President of the Dahlia Committee, Dave Richards, (of Cornish descent) hosted many meetings of the organizing committee, including the Executive of the CAV, during 2009/2010 and a comprehensive program of events was planned.

Activities included:
Tours of the Eaglehawk Cemetery
Cornish sites bus tour including Ninnes Lonely Grave
Eaglehawk heritage speakers - Dave Trewarne, Bev Hanson, Tom Luke, Moira Drew
Bardic Ceremony
Meet the Cornish Concert
Cornish Dancing
Cornish Church Service
Walking Tour of Eaglehawk
Festival Procession
Cornish Language Class
St Piran's Dinner

Spirit of Mystery
The plans by Cornish sailor and adventurer Pete Goss to repeat the voyage of the Newlyn fishing lugger 'Mystery' and her seven man crew to Victoria in 1854-1855 drew attention to that incredible achievement by determined Cornishmen at the time of extreme hardship in Cornwall and the discovery of gold in Victoria.

With six of the crew being members or relations of the Kelynack family of Newlyn they set sail on November 18th 1854 in a boat designed for close to shore fishing and with only one of the men with a knowledge of ocean sailing and navigation. One hundred and sixteen days later they landed safely at Hobson's Bay.

With Richard Nicholls as skipper and navigator they safely endured the Doldrums crossed the Equator and arrived at Cape Town on January 17th 1855. January 24th saw them underway once again and entrusted with Royal Mail for Victoria. During the second leg of their journey they safely negotiated gales, snow, storms and huge seas and finally sighted the Cape Otway Light on March 12th 1855.

Nicholl's log, letters and newspaper reports are among the documentation preserved to verify their achievement and secure their rightful place in Cornish-Australian history. The little vessel remained in Australian waters and was wrecked in a storm off Rockhampton, Queensland in 1859.

During 2008 Pete Goss's vessel 'Spirit of Mystery' was constructed in Cornwall as a 'close as possible' replica, built of local timbers to the design of the traditional Mounts Bay Luggers. It was launched at Millbrook on the South Cornwall coast on 21st June. A 'Naming & Blessing' ceremony was held at the Newlyn Fishing Festival on August Bank Holiday.

His crew for the voyage comprised family members - son Eliot & brother Andy Goss and brother-in-law Mark Maidment (who unfortunately broke his leg off the coast of Portland).

They left Mounts Bay on 20th October 2008. The 'Mystery' took 59 days to reach Cape Town whilst for Pete and the 'Spirit of Mystery' took 66 days which was largely due to the aftermath of a storm that the vessel was carried into Cape Town harbour on the morning of Christmas Day 2008.

After leaving South Africa on 13th January Pete and his crew arrived on Monday 9th March 2009. Proudly flying the Cornish Flag the 'Spirit of Mystery' was greeted by small craft on the way to a landing and official welcome adjacent to the Royal Yacht Club Victoria, Williamstown.

On Sunday 15th March at the RYCV those who had an interest in Cornish heritage joined CAV members for an inspection of the vessel at its moorings and an unveiling of a Memorial Plaque to the 1854-1855 voyage of the 'Mystery'. An enjoyable dinner at the RYCV followed in the evening.

To read more go to http://www.petegoss.com/mystery/