Is there more to Helston than just Flora Day? Cornwall nostalgic walk
Have you ever wondered 'is it worth visiting Helston?'
In this video we take a deeper look at the history and culture of the town. Did you know that there is an annual festival called Flora Day? What did the Victorians think of Helston? Have you ever tried Spingo, a locally brewed craft ale?
The standard description bit…
We are Sarah and Andrew and we film our walks around Cornwall and publish on KZhead, usually weekly. Sometimes we stay in accommodation in Cornwall and upload our vlog. Sarah is fascinated by sea glass and likes to collect it so there may be the occasional sea glass video too. The channel is a hobby and we both have normal day jobs!
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Sarah and Andrew
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We lived in Helston for four years , Monument Road , and the house backed on to the Blue Anchor , spent many an evening listening to festivals and local bands until the early hours of the morning ! I believe The Blue Anchor is one of only a handful of pubs in the UK that still brew their beer on the premises , many a pint of Spingo was enjoyed by us over those four years , used to love walking the back lanes coming home from taking our kids to school at Parc Eglos Primary School , always something new to find and look at , thanks so much Andrew and Sarah for a trip down memory lane , we did enjoy our time in Cornwall .
We had those desks in primary school in the 70's in South Africa.
My parents were interested to hear what Wilkie Collins thought of the town as they've lived there for almost 30 years now. It was nice to see the place as I haven't been there in years, I live in the Yukon, but not much has changed since I used to walk my dog around when I was visiting. Thanks for all the videos! I have spent a lot of time in Cornwall on holiday and then visiting family after they moved there and it's fun seeing both new places and ones I haven't thought of in years.
In Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South, Helston is the wonderful place the heroine longs to return to after moving to the north of England. Thanks for the video!
I love Helston went to school there in 76/77 use to skive off and walk back to Mullion via The Loe pool and Loe bar across the cliffs down to Gunwallow and Poldhu getting there just in time for a pasty from the Mullion bakery great to see it all again thankyou
My Parents managed the Angel Hotel for about 8 months in 1953-54. I was away at school but came and stayed in the holidays. It doesn't look like it has changed much since then. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Nice to hear all the kids in the museum. Not many museums in England can boast that.
LOL! They were having fun. It helps that the museum is free entry with a donation if you wish. Sarah :)
Born in Helston and lived there until I was 16 and danced on Flora Day every year. Really enjoyed your tour
I love Helston. It's such an attractive tune. My husband got a back car wheel stuck in the gutter a couple of years ago, but he managed to drive away.
Every time you played the floral dance, I was thinking who sang that song. Of course it was Terry Wogan. 😊
Yes! A long time ago now - well remembered! Sarah :)
Yes, a son of Limerick city, Ireland. He has a nice statue on the quays by the River Shannon near the city centre.
I've been in Helston a couple of times..There was - then =2020 - a lovely Tea Room up the street ( right side of the street looking down) Well worth visiting ❤️Love from us Emmets from Finland ❤️
Great video guys. We're not all bad in Helsin 😀. Even living here we've learnt some new things from your video we'll have to check out. I remember the well in the Angel back in the 80's when it never had a glass cover on the top. But the Blue Anchor got to be the our favourite.
Wonderful video ,we have driven through Helston many times but I cant remember ever stopping ,you have given us a brilliant reason to do so ,thanks very much Sarah and Andrew
A lovely place to wonder for and afternoon and the boating lake is beautiful, Sarah :)
Awesome job like and shared out in you tube community. ⌚
A super vid guys, we did not know anything about Helston but you find the most interesting detail in the towns history to widen our knowledge, you should take part in the Floral dance, I can just see Andrew dancing with a flourish,,,,,,,Brian&Jane
Even when we have no sun you two bring a ray of sunshine into our lives, not familiar with Helston we only have rain in common in Derby’s, the boating lake looks beautiful, and the meals always look scrumptious 😋 Andrews face says it all, interesting history on the town and “Flora Day” love the costumes of that era rather romantic if not practical, the Museum was also interesting, I actually sat at one of those types of desks 80yrs ago, the boy behind me delighted in dipping my plats in his ink wells, I got my own back a few years later! wonderful memories:) so much history to take in I could go on forever but better not, I’ll just indulge in Andrews sense of humour and the uniqueness of ‘Helston’ it’s all very intriguing 🤔 I rate this amongst your top videos 👌take care and thank you 🙏 both until next time 🤗
Glad you enjoyed the video! Sarah :)
I remember in the 1980's going to The Blue Anchor and trying Spingo and they only did one stregth back then and it was very strong. I think it was about 8% proof. You only needed a pint of that to be quite drunk (or at least I did). Apparently they ban the strong one on Flora Day because there were too many drunken, roudy people around (just like the old days, perhaps they had Spingo back then) and a lot of fights used to break out, especially by the evening. I go to the early dance, The Hal-an-Tow, which starts at 8 am. You can find a place to park at that time and it is quite crowded but not like it becomes by about 11 am.
I love Helston, your video summed it up so well - Helston has something for everyone wrapped up with loads of history. Flora Day is full of fun and if you have the chance do go to see it - My personal memory of Flora Day 51 years ago this year was our son taking his first steps on our friends lawn. Spend time to watch this video - I am sure you will enjoy it and want to spend time in the town or the museum or maybe go for a pint in one of the many pubs. Well done Sarah and Andrew 10/10
Flora Day is just around the corner! Sarah :)
Yes, painful memories of those desks. I had quite long legs for my age, and the underneath corner of the desk pressed on my legs just behind my knees and made them very sore. Unfortunately they didn't have a larger size! When I saw you'd visited Helston I thought for sure I'd recognize some of the scenes but, after 50 years or so, it seems not. Very disappointing, but it didn't stop me from enjoying your excellent video anyway. For a short while I was in the Devon and Cornwall police stationed at Hayle (late 1960s/early 1970s) and one embarrassing memory is fixed in my mind. One year I had to go to Helston to provide back-up for 'Flora Day'. I worked from 2pm-10pm and was sent on foot patrol in the residential area of the town. When it was time to go back to the police station at the end of my shift, I realized I was completely lost 😟No smart phones, sat navs etc in those days - only a whistle and a truncheon/baton/nightstick!! I saw a man walking his dog, so I approached him and asked for directions to the police station. His expression was priceless, not really believing I was serious. I explained why I was asking and all was OK and I got back safely. I often wondered what his family said when he told them he'd been stopped by the police 🤣
Really interesting, I had no idea that’s where the Floral Dance comes from. I will be staying near there in September so will definitely explore! Best thumbnail of Andrew too!😂
Should have tried the Spingo Special: they’d still be there….. we are ❤
My wife and I lived there decades ago, and we return occasionally, but you brought out things I didn't know, thank you. I just need to get to see the old ship mooring rings, near Lidl, next time we visit. Yes, ships came right up to where the boating lake is now, before Looe Bar developed and the inevitable silting occurred. (Spingo beer was always good)
That’s such a good video 👍 Thought I knew Helston quite well but this tour was a mine of interesting facts. And ahh the old school desks, remember those well. Thanks so much you two 🙏
Cool, thanks! Sarah :)
We had those desks too, even at secondary level.
Thank you for that look around Helston. My family were around the area way back, in Wendron, Breage etc. I remember desks like that from school in the 70's. Love your videos.
Thank you! Sarah :)
I've got a lot of friends that live down here a lot of connections
I, too, sat at a desk like those, in Hertfordshire in the 60s.
Loved this. Thank you both. X
Such fun - you are my 'special time agents'. 😉😊
Thank you! Sarah :)
Helston is well worth a visit. Great base and lots of history. Hubby loves Spingo. We always bring some back
We agree! Sarah :)
I used to go there often when I lived in Cornwall. Its a Stannery Town, ie. it authenticated Silver Bullion for Customs and taxes. I used to have Sunday lunch in the Blue Anchor, and Spingo is a very nice beer.
Flora Day is coming up soon! Sarah :)
Great video I've many a tale after drinking Spingo shame I can't remember any of them !
Just in time as thats near where we are staying in our first week in Cornwall. I won’t forget to bring my Sun Block 😂 🇨🇭🇨🇭 People in Helston are Rude, well arriving with some French (including my French wife 😂 … so what a perfect Match!!! Maybe its their French ancestory that makes them like that??? Thankyou for the Video.
Great video. I knew next to nothing about Helston. But here are so many really interesting facts. I guess BBC soon will discover you and make a series from your videos ❤😊 Torunn.
LOL! Thanks Torunn! If only! Sarah :0
My local town 😬😬
I also sat at a similar desk in Ukraine at the beginning of 1970s . At old school but only about for a year while new school was built.
Most welcome! Did the Treen coastal walk last year and it was fabulous. Met a few people on the way and had a good ol natter by the water where Prudie did her washing in Poldark!
HELSTON, much underrated. National Express from Victoria Station frequent from £33, curiously return not much more. Good bus connections to Truro, Falmouth, The Lizard, Porthleven, Coverack, Gun Wallow, St. Keverne, Penzance. These routes also serve LIDL, TESCO and SAINSBURYS. Beautiful walk to Porthleven along The Loe. And of course there is the Furry Dance and The Blue Anchor! And local bus fares still £2! And you don't have to drive down all those wiggly lanes! And no parking fees! AND, I am assured - Here comes the Sun!!!
Is Helston where the helicopter is in the field? We stopped there on way back to falmouth a few years back. There was nothing of interest there at all! We must have gone down a wrong road.
@@kippertrace5808 its is where the helicopter is in the field
We had two of those Victorian school desks. My sister and I would play school. So much fun!
oh yes! That would have been great fun! Sarah :)
What a fascinating town! I loved all of the little stories from your wonderful old guide books. Wilkie Collins sure had his opinions. When you mentioned keeping the mines open, I couldn't help thinking how (though he was a few decades later) such a man would be the bane of the Warleggans, lol. Here in the Southwest of the U.S. we are quite familiar with Wyatt Earp. He apparently owned some properties here in Downtown San Diego, in the 'Red Light' district known as the Stingeree. He lost them during an economic downturn in the 1890s. Always so interesting to find out how various famous folk from history knew each other. Law men were often given the job because they were effective, not because they were nice people...
another great tour ,and story, love you guys.xoxoxoxoxoxo🐨🐨🦘🦘
I go to Helston a few times a year when I take my car to be serviced at Helston Garages. A very quiet town these days. I remember going to the Angel one time (40 years ago) and I got incredibly drunk on scrumpy and went home on the bus to Falmouth. I remember the school desks. Gosh, I don't recall them being that small, but I guess we were smaller people back then. The Seven Stars became the Fitzsimmons Arms. I don't understand why they changed the name as The Seven Stars was emblazoned on the front of the building. Haven't attended Flora Day since the early 70s. Thanks for the memories.
Ahhh! thanks for confirming that The Seven Stars was the Fitz. I was pretty sure but there is usually someone willing to put you right on the subject if you make a slip up. I was surprised that I could even fit in to the desk! Sarah :)
We stayed in Hillcrest in Helston last October, drove past the monument by the bowls club each day. Now i know what it is thanks to C.W.T. I have sat at those desks in the late 50s and dipped my pen in the inkwells too , i was promoted to ink monitor for the class. When i started work as an apprentice, i worked with a carpenter from Helston called Wilf Harry. He had the biggest hands of a man ive ever seen, like flippers on a seal. Thanks for all your hard work.
What a lovely memory, thanks for sharing! Sarah :)
Thank you again for another interesting and informative vlog. We have driven through Helston a few times, but never thought of stopping, we will next time!
I love your Videos, after changing Tablets I lost your channel, glad I found it again…❤ So amazing hearing all this very old description of this Place and City…the Lizard what a beautiful Area ❤
Welcome back and enjoy watching the ones you missed! Sarah :)
Fantastic, Thankyou both. 🇬🇧
Hopefully you will do a Flora Day special? It’s such an occasion.
We used to live almost opposite Cock Spurs, which used to be a pub, in Somerton. Apparently the 'Cock pit' where Cock fights took place, is still there. We think you'd find Somerton very interesting historically. As the name suggests, it was the ancient county town for Somerset. So Judge Jefferies presided here after the Monmouth Rebellion.
We very much enjoyed your Helston video,we lived in Heslston for three years in the early seventies, when my husband was serving in the Navy at Culdrose, we lived in Church street, we only visited the museum for the first time when we visited last year and were surprised that they had no knowledge of the boys school, yo-yo were stood by the curved steps when you were talking about the stabbing outside the new inn, we only discovered this by going on the internet when we returned home, I had always wondered about the grand archway .thank you for all your hard work in putting out these videos we do so enjoy them,Bob and Anne Gosport ❤
You're welcome! Thank you for sharing your memories, Sarah :)
What timing! My photographer son is visiting the Lizard for the bank holiday weekend. He left with a few of your gems of wisdom ringing in his ears. And thank you for the earworm, I can't stop thinking about Good old Terry Wogan now. And I did tell him about Anns Pasties on Andrews recommendation.
LOL! yes it is definitely and earworm!! Sarah :)
Thanks for the great video on Helston. I always visit when I come down from S.Wales. Those writings on Helston and the people are brilliant, even the church the writer found "ugly".
The rough and tumble times. One of my cousins often plays the drum in the big parade for Flora day. Thanks for this video, it was fun to learn about this area--which we did visit but it seemed pretty serene when we were there. 😉
It is a quiet town these days, but still interesting to visit, Sarah :)
Hi Guy's, another amazing video. we come down from somerset to Helston on a regular basis. we were wondering did you see the resident Turkey whilst you were at the Boating lake? or have you heard of him? he may be Deceased by now as the last time we seen him was probably early last year if my memory serve's me correctly all be it, it isn't like it used to be. "My memory that is" love your content as always and watch every episode you put out. Keep it up Guy's it's great. i am only just starting out on my KZhead experience but you inspire me to improve every time i watch. Thank you!
Very interesting thank you , let’s hope the weather eventually picks up for your walks
I hope so too! Sarah :)
Interesting video well made by you both please let us know when Andrew is releasing his music on cd thank you
LOL! After another bottle of Spingo! Sarah :)
I stayed in Helston for a week in September 2020. Even though things weren’t open.properly due to covid we had a good time. I have been visiting Cornwall for years I found Helston different, very traditional, loved it.
A little overlooked on the tourist map, but a lovely town. Sarah :)
I wouldn't have given Helston a second look before this. You can seemingly make anywhere interesting....all down to the research I guess. Proper job!😎
Thank you! There is always an interesting history if you dig deep enough, and stumble across an interesting book or two! Sarah :)
Food looked lovely
Great put together film thank you! So much information about Helston, it makes me want to explore it (and get some of those beers!) instead of just driving round it and nipping to Tesco!
LOL! I think we are all guilty of that! Sarah :)
I`ve got a shoe scrapper in my garden. My house is 200 years old.
I love those! Seems something of a bygone era about them! Sarah :)
We're coming down to Porthleven next weekend, I look forward to exploring Helston. We enjoyed your Porthleven video!
Have a great time! Sarah :)
My family come from Helston and I was christened in St Michael's church. Years ago there was a great rivalry between Porthleven (2miles away) who were mainly fishermen and Helston who were miners, they each had nicknames for each other, Helston were called 'maggots' probably because the town dump was opposite what is now the lake and Porthleven were known as 'Fishguts'.
Thank you for sharing - great story! I think St Ives area was similar! Sarah :)
So Thomas Cock was Mayor of Helston!
Lovely video Have visited Helston on a number of years. Also there are areas you have shown that I need to explore. As I do not drive anymore I am glad there is an hourly bus service (U4) from Penzance
I hope you have an enjoyable stroll through Helston. There was so much more we haven't covered, I'm sure we will be back again!
Another fantastic video, many thanks! I love Helston, a lovely town, but wasn't too impressed when I first visited on a dull rainy day with my parents in the mid 60s! By the way, Thomas Cock Mayor wasn't his name - Thomas Cock was the Mayor!
Thank you and yes, we realised in the edit! Sometimes we don't have enough time to sit and think! Sarah :)
Thanks. Informative and entertaining as always, from Craig in Inverkip
Thank you Craig, glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks for the donation, that’s really kind of you. Have a lovely weekend Sarah 💕
Blimey!!! Have you not had any sun in cornwall yet😂😬😬😬🤧🤧
Not much - still using a 15 tog duvet! Sarah :)
Should have tried the Spingo Special: they’d still be there…. We are ❤
Easy does it!! He had a video to finish!! LOL! Sarah :)
There is probably something wrong with me, but my favourite moment was the Victorian kitchen in the museum.
Me too! They have a lot of victorian artefacts including a cradle! Wonderful museum! Sarah :)
i stopped in the street in helston , the open drain channels worried me , if your handbrake slipped you would be in big trouble ..
My godmother slipped into one when she was parking - nightmare! Sarah :)
They are called kennels
Probably wasn't a problem back then because many couldn't read anyway,bit like Camborne today with drivers obeying road signs 😂, whoops,that's going to make someone a bit teasy
Didn't Mary Yellan come from Helston to Jamaica Inn in Daphne du Maurier's book?
Yes, she did! I remember trying to imagine that journey back then, from Helston to Bodmin Moor! Sarah :)
Are you sure about the name on the well? Thomas Cock,Mayor ,would be probably more apt..😊👍as he was town mayor in 1703
Ha! Ha! We had that very discussion last night, saying how they would just continue a word if they ran out of room! 😂😂😂 Sarah
I learned recently that you can’t join in dancing on Flora day, unless you’re born in Helston. That seems a bit harsh.😳
Yes, that's always been the case and causes some lengthy discussions. Sarah :)
You don't actually have to be born in Helston to dance, only to lead the dance. A lot of people danced this year that are not Helston born.
Been to Helston many times, but didn't know about half what you've covered in the video !. Where do you get all your old books from ?.
We only scratched the surface, lots we could cover in another video. We rummage through second hand bookshops and find some gems! Sarah :)
Prefere PZ, buts onlt because i know it so much better....
Both have their merits! Sarah :)
Helston, like the rest of Cornwall has terrible public toilets.
The toilets behind the town hall are spotless and are cleaned daily
@@timhague882 The ones under the Guildhall in Helston are a wreck and have been in that condition for months.
@@timhague882 They are in a terrible state of disrepair and have been for a long time. (No working locks on the cubicle doors.)
Wonderful video ,we have driven through Helston many times but I cant remember ever stopping ,you have given us a brilliant reason to do so ,thanks very much Sarah and Andrew
Wonderful video ,we have driven through Helston many times but I cant remember ever stopping ,you have given us a brilliant reason to do so ,thanks very much Sarah and Andrew