On Friday, July 25 the Balwest Heritage Society were blessed with another beautiful warm evening for an informative walk to Greenberry Down in the Parish of Germoe. Around 20 members and guests met at Newtown Farm where local farmer Godfrey Piper began an entertaining excursion into local history. Godfrey's talk began with an explanation of the history of the site and the extensive range of buildings that now make up Newtown Farm. Following the failure of the mining industry and changes to farming practices many homes in the area became deserted and underwent change of use or became derelict. At Newtown Farm alternative uses were found for some of these empty homes. With the aid of site observations and his fascinating collection of old photographs Godfrey was able to illustrate how some of these conversions had been carried out. In addition, photos and memories of the old General Store and of preparations to visit the Plum Fare in Helston, provided intriguing views of past times in Newtown.

A significant feature of the site is that the frontage of the building is parallel to the alignment of the Old Penzance to Truro Coach Road. At some time in the distant past the road from Penzance to Truro was re-aligned to the current A394 route between Rosudgeon and Newtown (which is generally about 50m to the south of the Old Coach Road). The Old Coach Road forms the Parish Boundary between Germoe and Breage and is now a green lane that is impassable in places during wet periods. It was along this lane that Godfrey led us past Kenneggy Downs towards Greenberry Downs. Sid Geake, equipped with detailed maps and diagrams, managed to identify many of the 29 known mining sites along the lane. And where historical information was ambiguous, Godfrey was able to fill in the gaps. The mines at the western end were generally within the Wheal Grylls mining sett, however all were eventually consolidated into Great Western Mines. There is plenty of evidence that these mines were productive and profitable. And at Greenberry Downs there is a large area of sandy heath land that was created by the crushing activity of the Wheal Grylls Stamps. Heather and gorse are gradually reclaiming this once barren area, and the exposed sand currently provides a great play area.

Following the fascinating walk Godfrey's wife, Sue, kindly guided us to her beautiful kitchen, where we were generously served scrumptious home made saffron cake and delicious Victoria sponge cake, tea and coffee. We were very privileged indeed to enjoy good company, good food and good entertainment on a perfect summer evening thanks to Godfrey and Sue Piper. The August Society meeting will be held on Friday the 29th at Balwest Sunday School starting at 7.30pm when Ann Clegg, secretary of the Friends of Godolphin will present an illustrated talk entitled “Godolphin Through The Ages”.