Page 12 - recollections of a life in Porthleven

Chapter 2

Summer Holidays in St mawes

I have many memories of my childhood living in Porthleven with my father,
grandparents, and very, very good friends.

I can recall some good times I had in one of the jewels in the Cornish crown,
St Mawes.

Because of my mother's early death, I was brought up by my father and
grandparents and because of this I spent some summers in St Mawes. Sad
memories. On the day I left Porthleven one of my relations would travel
from Falmouth to Porthleven to take me back to St Mawes via Falmouth.

The journey would start at the bus stop at the top of the harbour, (it's long
gone, was part of the shipyard).

The trip was enjoyable but quite long. First stop would be Gibson Way
(Boslin). Then on to Helston stopping at the old railway station. As a boy of
6 it was great to watch the steam trains coming and going. The noise, the
smoke, the people, it was good. Cutting the story short, when we got to the
moor at Falmouth we would walk hand in hand down to the Prince of Wales
where we would wait for the St Mawes ferry to come in alongside. When
all the passengers were off my uncle would jump from the boat and all but
run up the steps and greet me as only he would. Saying ‘how are you my
ansome, you’re proper’. Then he would take my breath away with such a
great loving hug. After getting my breath back my Uncle Fred and I would
get on board the ferry where I would be greeted by John Ferris. I would stay
in the wheel house on the trip over to St Mawes traveling over a stretch of
water called Carrick Roads. I am not sure but I think the ferry was called
Saint Gerrans. The trip would take approx. 30 minutes.

When we got to St Mawes waving on the quay would be my Auntie Gladys,
with Mary, my cousin. After another hug from Uncle Fred I would walk
along St Mawes harbour, along to the Idle Rocks Hotel. Then we would start
the uphill walk up Hillhead.