I would like to thank the Packet most sincerely for helping to get my book, Flushing: A People’s History, off to a flying start. Its launch during Flushing Arts Week proved a big success, with spirited sales and appreciative comments all round.

Inevitably, like most local histories, it has sparked off debate in some quarters. There is a dispute over whether Luce’s Beach was named after ‘a Mr Luce the ropemaker’ or a village notable of bygone days called Captain Luce. There are lively opinions on both sides of that argument.

There is also debate over whether a couple of spinsters who ran a tearoom in Flushing many years ago were responsible for blocking a right of way at Fish Cross. Their supporters say not so, and even if they did, it was not done out of malice. Others are still simmering all these years on.

Did John McAdam the tarmac pioneer live in Flushing itself or the wider Flushing area? That’s another question for amateur historians to mull over. Some say he took a lease on a nearby farm. Others believe he lived in Trefusis Road.

One error I’m happy to admit is in naming a lovely cottage in Kersey Road ‘An Chy Goth’ instead of ‘An Chy Coth’, which apparently means ‘The Old House’ in Cornish. I put this down to failing eyesight.

On balance, though, writing the book was a very enjoyable experience and I’m grateful to all those who cheerfully helped with the research. These included Bob Merritt, Maureen Jackett, Carol James and Simon Thompson, among others. Together, we have helped to record the name Flushing more prominently in Cornish history and given this beautiful place the recognition it deserves.

Thanks, also, to Sandy at Flushing Stores, who is stocking the book for potential readers who may have missed the arts week show.

John Marquis

(Editor of Packet Newspapers 1986-95)