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Archiver > CORNISH-GEN > 2001-09 > 0999388187


From: Ann Tumser <>
Subject: Re: [CON-GEN] YOUR CHANCE AT DEHWELANS
Date: Sat, 01 Sep 2001 16:49:47 -0700
References: <001201c13342$3ff89b80$f94318d4@default>


Dear John,

Your messages have been so inspiring -------------- I'm glad that I'm going to
be a part of Dehwelans 2002. See you there!

Warmest wishes,
Ann

John Coles wrote:

> Today was a day that encapsulated much of the spirit that still pervades
> Cornwall and the Cornish around the world.
>
> As the rain held off, the blue-robed Bards of the Gorseth of Cornwall
> gathered in a circle on a small field tucked behind the houses of the main
> street of St Columb. This is a village which, twice a year, puts up wooden
> shutters on the houses and shops as local people continue the 400 year old
> tradition of 'Hurling' a ball of apple-wood wrapped in a silver case between
> 'town' and 'country' teams.
>
> Today, the pursuit of pleasure was less rumbustious, as the Bards performed
> their more genteel and somewhat theatrical ceremony (which dates from Henry
> Jenner's inception of the Gorseth of Cornwall in 1928), and some of those
> who have made a significant contribution to Cornish culture were honoured by
> being declared as Bards (including Karen Brown who has done so much to
> encourage a love of dance, and the List's own Pat Banks).
>
> But this was also a day which typified the richness of experience and
> contrast that Dehwelans will present... the vitality, the freshness, the
> sheer excitement that still remains here in Cornwall, alongside the
> re-enactment of a romanticised past.
>
> Because.... just a few hours after changing from her new blue Bardic robes,
> Karen Brown was leading a night of wild Cornish dancing near the water's
> edge at Porthtowan. A night of dancing in which old folk mixed with young
> (some as young as 3 years old) and ancient tunes blended the rhythms of the
> past with new ones written in celebration of the Cornwall of today.
>
> Those are the contrasts which Dehwelans will present you with... Dehwelans
> will inspire, Dehwelans will entertain, Dehwelans will challenge your
> perceptions, Dehwelans will amplify your love for Cornwall, and leave you
> feeling uplifted, inspired, exhilarated.... and probably, exhausted!
>
> And... for those of you who can't join us... you can still be a part of
> this wonderful 'once in a lifetime' gathering. We have a range of
> competitions, which - just like today - will give Cornish people around the
> world the chance to share the full richness of Cornish culture.
>
> Express your love of Cornwall in verse... in Cornish or English. Express
> your longing for Cornwall in song. Express your understanding of Cornwall's
> past, and the journeys of your ancestors. Express your belief as young
> people in the relationships that the internet can bring between Cornish
> communities worldwide.
>
> Sadly, the Gorseth recognises only a few of those who - every day - make
> their mark on the culture of Cornwall. But this is YOUR chance to make your
> own mark, to let US know what passion inspires you, what history has made
> you, why your Cornish ancestry still drives you.
>
> To find out more, and to print out your Registration Form, check our web
> site at www.owlscottage.co.uk/2002cornwall/ and find out about the warm
> welcome that awaits if you can join us, or how you can still be a part of
> Dehwelans 2002 - The Grand Cornish Homecoming, if you can't be here in
> person!
>
> This is the last of this series of Invitations to Dehwelans 2002, and I
> would like to thank the many who have posted (on and off list) in response.
> Your thoughts are appreciated, and we look forward to welcoming you next
> May!
>
> John Coles, on behalf of the Steering Committee.
>
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