The fascinating story of how Cornish explorers Richard and John Lander discovered the mouth of the Niger River will be brought to life at a workshop for children at the Cornish Studies Library, Redruth.
Storyteller Mark Harandon and Cornwall Council’s Archives and Cornish Studies Service will be hosting the free workshop on Tuesday February 19 from 10am-12pm.
A second chance to hear the tales of daring do will be at Helston Children’s Centre, Bulwark Road from 2pm-4pm.
The Truro-born Lander brothers discovered the mouth of the Niger River on an expedition to Africa in 1830. After encountering hostile tribes, dangerous animals and tropical diseases the brothers eventually sailed into the open sea months later.
Their hazardous journey will be brought to life in the workshops, and will be followed by craft activities inspired by their adventures, and the monument to the brothers situated in Lemon Street, Truro.
Chloe Phillips, learning officer for the archives and Cornish Studies Service, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark to tell this incredible story. As well as feeling like they are exploring the river with the brothers, participants will be able to see documents from our collections which relate to their story, including a moving poem written by John Lander after Richard’s death on a later expedition to Africa.”
The workshops are free but pre-booking is essential.
Tuesday February 19th; Cornish Studies Library, Redruth from 10am-12pm (call 01209 216760 for booking or more information).
Helston Children’s Centre, Bulwark Road from 2pm-4pm (call 01326 560 417 for booking or more information).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here