Grumpy Volunteer's Corner

by Keith Evans

The smuggling exhibition is proving popular with many visitors having seen it on the internet. I'm thinking of opening my 200 year old creek-side cottage; a creek which was notorious for smuggling in years gone by. During renovations some years ago I came across what appeared to be a sealed cellar. Unable to open it without major demolition, I kept it as a feature. However, if I come in one morning looking the worst for wear you'll know I've broken into it and found some brandy casks.

The vintage boat 'White Owl' featured in 'Cornwall Life' magazine looks resplendent following her restoration by the museum team. In the photo she is being rowed away by the intrepid seafarers. Oh, on closer inspection it's Andy doing all the work with the bowman, who shall be nameless, resting on his oars.

... Part 2

I know, I know, this is getting repetitive: more lines on a chart. But here is the next big storm - the Valentine's Day storm - that passed through on Friday14 February. Thankfully it did not bring the spring tides but it did manage to swamp Newlyn, put back the repairs to the Dawlish railway line and uproot trees.

One of the more charming customer complaints was that the webcam on the tower was covered in grime and they could not see the harbour. Somehow we did not feel inspired to go up during the storm to clean the lens. I cannot think why not.

The Porthleven storm

You may have noticed it has been raining recently. The weather-buffs will have been fascinated by such things as mm of rain, hours of sunlight - sun: a big yellow thing that appears from time to time -, wind strength - it is not often that we actually have a forecast of 'Storm' on land - and the pressure. Thankfully, John Draper has a barograph and here is the print out for the week of 2 - 9 February. The big dip when the Porthleven storm passed through is obvious.

After some sterling work by the local community, the inner harbour was cleared of boats and debris.

Grumpy Volunteer's Corner

by Keith Evans

I'm back, having been out of circulation for most of the summer, so it's about time I had another 'grump'.

The museum hasn't changed much during my absence. The kids are still rampaging around, the oldies are still asking for the toilet, the recent storms have formed a few more leaks and the washing up still needs to be done in 1912.

I missed most of the summer including the crabbing, ah! I believe that over 300 crabs were hauled up, although it was rumoured to be the same crab with a fetish for plastic buckets. The penguin sat on his iceberg on Waterfront all summer. What happened to our bikini-clad damsel? The summer wasn't that bad!

Pudsey's visit on 'Children in Need' evening was a great success although no-one noticed my 5 seconds of fame when I appeared in the background. Jonathan also appeared on TV recently on the 'Antiques Road Trip' but there were no offers for him, so you're stuck with us both.

May I wish you the best of grumbles for the coming year.

There now, I feel better for that.

2014

Just when we thought our Museum Poet's muse had finally dried up, he has sent in the following new year offering:

So Twenty-Fourteen’s here at last,
I hope it brings good cheer –
To Staff & Volunteers alike,
I wish a great New Year.

I thought “What makes a Grumpy”?
I guess they must be old,
And do their bit regardless –
Whatever they’ve been told!!

It’s tourists that make problems,
They keep on asking questions! -
And some just won’t believe you;
When you offer bright suggestions.

If their background’s Nautical
It can pose some awkward queries –
“Have you secured your futtocks yet”?
“Oh yes, they’re spliced in series!!”

Nine years on, and senile,
I miss the cut and thrust –
But Grumpies have a “sell-by” date
So retirement was a must.

We are still contemplating the idea that Grumpies have a 'sell-by' date. we thought they just got grumpier and went on until they dropped (or joined the Friday afternoon team).

Happy New Year to our reader.