Cornish explorers' adventures retold in Redruth and Helston (From Falmouth Packet)

Cornish explorers' adventures retold in Redruth and Helston

8:10am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News

The adventures of Cornish explorers Richard and John Lander will be brought to life at two workshops for children to be held in Redruth and Helston next week.

Story-teller Mark Harandon, Cornwall Council’s Archives and Cornish Studies Service are behind the free events which will take place next Tuesday (February 19) at the Cornish Studies Library in Redruth between 10am and noon and then the Helston Children’s Centre from 2pm until 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 Richard Lander 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. Call 01209 216760 to book for Redruth and 01326 560417 for the Helston workshop.