June 11, 2020

Jeff Phillips – June Newsletter

69

A Great Visit to Cornwall My recent tour of Cornwall with Dacey Cornish Tours was absolutely outstanding, exceeding all expectations.

My particular interest in visiting Cornwall goes back to my earliest memories as a child. My father’s parents emigrated from Cornwall to the United States in 1905. At first, it was supposed to be a honeymoon trip to celebrate their recent marriage, but they elected to remain and make their home in America. My grandfather was a wonderful man and had a unique rapport with horses and dogs. Prior to emigrating, he was employed at one of the large estates located near Lostwithial in central Cornwall.

My grandmother was from Newlyn near Penzance. Her family operated a small fishing fleet. During my growing up years, all the cousins spent time with our grandparents in Bayonne, New Jersey where they owned and operated a small boarding house and my grandfather worked for Western Union as a courier. My grandmother had two return visits to her Newlyn family as their children were growing. My father’s older sister attended school in Newlyn during visits. We all enjoyed the many stories of the “old country” and visits from the “Cousin Jacks” originally from Cornwall and who had also emigrated to the United States and Canada. We never quite knew who was arriving and for how long they would be staying. We all enjoyed fresh pasties and saffron bread as well as roast lamb for Sunday dinner.  It was a particular treat on our tour this year to visit my grandmother’s hometown of Newlyn and actually see the places about which she had told us so many times. Her family’s street address was still there after so many years! We also passed by my family’s church at Paul where they had worshipped for many generations. As an aspiring genealogist, I was able to confirm that my family had resided in Cornwall (near Penzance and Lostwithial) for approximately 500 years (excellent church records).

The entire Dacey tour of Cornwall was most exciting and enjoyable. All accommodations and amenities were excellent with ample time to enjoy each stop along the way. David was a terrific tour guide along with Jim, our driver. They really brought each stop on our visit into focus. The mood was always light and cheerful.

Among other highlights, we had opportunities to walk parts of the “coastal path”, climb Saint Michael’s Mount, and meet so many Cornish folks, who always welcomed us “Emmets”.  As a result of our tour, I look forward to returning to Cornwall in the coming years.

Many thanks to David for helping my childhood memories come to life. I am forever grateful. Without reservation, I recommend Dacey Cornish Tours, both time and treasure very well spent.

 

Jeff Phillips Marietta, Georgia


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