Let's Celebrate Linkinhorne: Past & Present

A traction engine-man from Henwood, a world-renowned poet from Plushabridge, a harpist from Stanbear, and a car mechanic from Upton Cross are among the many Linkinhorners who will be sharing their skills and experiences for a special day of celebration at Sterts in October.

Let’s Celebrate Linkinhorne is a free event planned for Sunday October 12, and will include everything from ballet demonstrations to a craft workshop, willow weaving to face-painting, a dressing-up booth to archive films – all provided by people and businesses in the parish.

Organised by Linkinhorne History Group, the aim is to provide a fun get-together for local people, with the hope that Let’s Celebrate Linkinhorne will become an annual event.

“We want the day to be an opportunity to celebrate our parish and the people within it,” said Sally Ellicott, who leads the team co-ordinating the event. “October is a traditional time to celebrate the harvest, and while times may have changed, we should still make time to celebrate our neighbours’ successes and be thankful for the community around us. As a history group we continually look to the past, so it feels good to record first-hand today’s lifestyles for tomorrow’s historians.”

Among the participants so far confirmed for the event are Rob Daniel, who will be demonstrating the mighty power of his majestic traction engine; multi-award-winning poet and novelist Pascale Petit, who will be talking about her life and work; harpist Anne Hughes, who will give a recital and talk about her music; and Terry Northey and the team from TMS, who will bring along a car to demonstrate essential winter checks.

Stallholders and demonstrators already confirmed include the Lea family of blacksmiths and sculptors; tai chi teacher Ninja Granny; ballet teacher Nikki Bryce; Caradon Observatory; crafter Ruth Carthew; painter Liz Wither; Honey Bee Books; Scryfa Publishing; Theatrabilia; alternative therapist Beverly Underwood; Linkinhorne Horticultural Society; Linkinhorne Parish Council; Linkinhorne Archive Group; Caradon Observatory. Films from the archives, provided by Robin Wotton and others – including one featuring Dr Dyke and his traction engine at Rilla Mill and Mrs Davey of Dwella Mill – will be screened throughout the day.

Catering is to be provided by Olive & Co, and there will be sausage rolls and meat from Isabelle Delbridge, along with cheeses from Newlands Farm, Dale Wood’s delicious honey, fresh vegetables from Tor Organics, and beautiful blooms from Organic Flowers.

Members and supporters of the history group have spent the summer working on a project called Legacy 25, which has involved interviewing a cross-section of long term parish residents. The results of this – in audio recordings, written transcripts and portrait photographs – will be unveiled on the day.

“It’s all about community and supporting each other,” said Sally. “We have a large number of confirmed contributors, and hopefully more will come forward as word gets about. Sara and Lucy at Sterts have been amazingly supportive and helpful. It has all the makings for an exciting day.”

Sterts creative director Sara Rhodes added: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Let’s Celebrate Linkinhorne at Sterts. Celebrating our local heritage is a key part of what we do, and working alongside Linkinhorne History Group has been brilliant, a partnership we’re excited to continue. The event promises to be a vibrant mix of heritage stories, films, talks, stalls from local businesses, and performances by our talented community. With something for everyone to enjoy, it’s a day not to be missed.”

* Let’s Celebrate Linkinhorne is at Sterts Arts and Environmental Centre on Sunday October 12 from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Fore more information, please visit: Let's Celebrate Linkinhorne: Past & Present | Facebook

* Image: Still from a Pathé News reel of Dr Dyke’s traction engine in Rilla Mill, which will be screened at Sterts on October 12.