GODOLPHIN VILLAGE FETE: On Saturday, July 5 once again the National Trust allowed the village to use the historic Godolphin House grounds for both fete and car parking.

A rainless start matured into a hot sunny day, with increasing numbers of people and dogs milling around the 45 tents and stalls. Refreshments were well supported whether hot or cold drinks, burgers or ice cream; all to the music of Crossed Four, Electric Sounds, U3A Bell ringers and the Godolphin School Choir. There were displays of Cornish dancing, street dancing from Wendron School and from Pen Sans Morris Dancers. From 1.45pm onwards the dog show classes were judged , with rosettes given to dogs of all shapes and sizes.

The WI tent was busy with a beautiful selection of cakes, fresh vegetables and knitted goods selling fast and a new recruit signed up.

After succumbing to a Cornish bird clock, hand-made dog biscuits and a Kowethas an yeth Kernewek Cornish Language book and course, we went home tired but happy .

GODOLPHIN ESTATE WALK: On Thursday, July 10 warden Pip Morse contrasted the original land use, which tended towards meat production, with the conservation of Flora and Fauna today. The great field, edged by a stone pale, housed does and fauns later funnelled down “The Slips” lane to become venison; whilst beyond this lay the nine farmed pillows of the rabbit warren.

The Godolphin Hill viewpoint gave a panorama of both coasts and Pip reported hilltop evidence of even Stone and Iron Age occupation. Much later came the 14th century Godolphin Castle, beside Vane Lane the Medieval road from Tresowes Manor to Breage Church - with much of the present house dating from 1635. Even some of the Ash and Oak trees are 200-300years old!

Today Pip reported the use of cattle to manage the bracken, work to create habitats to conserve several bat species, butterflies and encourage the proliferation of dormice.

Picnic tea was then held at Anne Grays. The competition for the most unusual edible picnic item was won by Fay Iliffe.

To join the WI please telephone Margo Sawle on 01736 762334.