Tuesday 19 January 2021

Treasure those Memories … part 1 … Carbis Bay for G7 Summit 2021

 

Nothing like peregrinating … which I’m still doing after last week’s ‘new year’ … my brother’s card was ‘don’t count them (good thing) … just ‘Treasure those Memories’

 

… fortunately life comes to my rescue … as the G7 Summit 2020 is coming to Cornwall in June 2021 … and, of course!, they’ve chosen Carbis Bay … where I learnt the importance of enjoying life: not many clothes, with possibly a bucket and spade on that beach.

 

 


Penwith - the western end of Cornwall
(St Ives at top)
So be it … don’t get too agitated … that’s it really … but I thought I’d do a couple of (few) easy posts along treasuring memories about Cornwall and the Carbis Bay region.

 

My grandmother with her 2nd husband had a house on the road down to Carbis Bay beach … it’s about 2 miles outside St Ives – the picturesque seaside town that was my grandfather’s hometown … where his family had been a major force, before an accident killed him in the early 1920s.

 

Aged 2 1/2 perhaps?
So I have many memories of days spent in St Ives, of staying in Carbis Bay … and of seeing my father’s grandmother, (who was a Londoner) living opposite the Bed and Breakfast we stayed as kids for holidays.

 


Carbis Bay beach 21st C
 Those childhood holiday memories have been coaxed back to life … our history of where we began.  I’ll enlighten you a little in the coming posts … shortish but with some of my background … starting with today’s nakedness on Carbis Bay beach!

 


Tiny twisty lanes

I am somewhat worried about the decision to hold the Summit down there … do they know how tiny the lanes are?  Gridlock is coming … I suspect … and perhaps other things, especially if they haven’t sorted the fishing industry out by then



Idealised Great Western Railway
poster +/- 1920s


More Treasure those Memories to follow … it’s certainly bringing that era back into childhood focus … while knowing it’s where our maternal roots came from …

 


Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories


47 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You look like you were having fun at the beach.
I guess those roads will be one way only that day.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Hope you had a wonderful birthday! I have a lot of happy memories on the beach, too...thanks so much for sharing yours and those sweet pictures!

Elephant's Child said...

Hooray for treasured memories. I ran out of fingers and toes to count the years a long time ago...

Anabel Marsh said...

I must admit I though it was a strange location to choose for that sort of gathering! I can’t imagine local residents being too chuffed. Love the bathing belle photos.

Debbie D. said...

I agree with your brother. Thanks for sharing your treasured memories, Hilary. You were such a little cutie! ☺ Unusual location choice for a summit meeting.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
D'ya reckon that's BJ looking to get in his summer holidays and COVID respite at the same time??? Why in the name of all that's tech they can't hold a summit online as so many have done in the past year, I just don't know. Gotta have their junkets I s'pose... meanwhile, looking forward to more of your reminiscence! YAM xx

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Alex – I guess I was … no worries at that age. Yes the roads will probably be locked down – and how the one way works is really going to be a sight to be seen …

@ Elizabeth – I had a really good hermitess-like birthday. Yes beach memories are good aren’t they … thank you …

@ EC – lovely to see you here … and treasured memories from long long ago … I probably can’t use my fingers or toes …

@ Anabel – I know … it is really odd – and no doubt will be seen as such … it will be interesting to see what happens … still memories are stirred.

@ Debbie – thank you … I’m sure he doesn’t realise what train of thought he’s set off. At that age – yes probably … cutie: I was! I know the location is strange for a Summit.

@ Yam – I’ve no idea … they have a home in Greece … but now he’s got a baby and he’s PM – life will be different – but I have considered that thought! There is nothing like face to face … to see body language etc … and to see others’ countries … the Cornish lanes will make that interesting. There’ll be snippets and historical info … but it’ll get those years down …

Thanks so much for commenting and all the best – stay safe and take care … all the best - Hilary

L. Diane Wolfe said...

There are always those special places from childhood.

Sandra Cox said...

Love the pics of you and your brother at the beach. So cute.

Janie Junebug said...

Do you still visit the beach sans clothing? I suspect not.

Love,
Janie

Liz A. said...

Hopefully they took the roads into consideration when deciding on the location?

Hels said...

Oh Hilary,

You were such a little poppet :) St Ives is gorgeous... no wonder you loved that part of the country as a child.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Diane – yes … memories from long long ago … childhood seems ‘yonks’ ago!

@ Sandra – both of me … but we did all go down to the beach in later years … once the brothers came along …

@ Janie – nope … way too horrible to consider: for me, let alone everyone else!

@ Liz – I’ve no idea … I doubt it … let alone helipad places, or tiny airports …

@ Hels – it lasted a few years! … thank you. St Ives is gorgeous … but it was my mother’s home and her relatives … so we were always busy and she knew the area really well …

Thanks for visiting and enjoying these brief memento thoughts … take care - Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

The general feeling down here is trepidation, I think. June seems far too soon to be out of the Covid mess we're in - our rates are increasing :-(

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Annalisa - yes ... I can believe the trepidation ... at least you're in the east of the county ... but I do wonder how it's going to work. It's not the UN Climate Change Conference moved from Glasgow ... when there will be lots of visitors - but the media frenzy based in Falmouth ... and the security, the minders, various attached ministers ... and as you say - will Covid have receded sufficiently enough by then ... I too doubt it. Sad to read your rates are increasing ... ours are high at the moment, but easing down. Take care and we'll both be watching with interest - all the best - Hilary

Mason Canyon said...

Love the treasured memories. Thanks so much for sharing yours. A belated Happy Birthday and belated Happy Blog Anniversary. Wishing you all the best.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Thanks for sharing these happy memories, Hilary. I am sure you were an exuberant child who just got more exuberant as she never grew up! As for the G7 Summit, it will disrupt things for the week before, and Cornwall will probably start to look like present day Washington, but when it's all over and done with all will return to normal and tranquility will be restored. And at least arch-creep Trump will not be there to ruin everyone's dinner! Get your sleeves rolled up, Hilary. The vaccine is on its way....maybe.....sometime....this year......perhaps.....who knows?

Jemima Pett said...

Could be a stroke of genius, locking them away in Carbis Bay ;)

Your swimsuit looked a lot like mine. Baggy wool.... kids today would scream with horror!

Deborah Weber said...

Precious memories and fun photos. I look forward to your continuing series Hilary.

Computer Tutor said...

G7 summit--that's something to be around for. It'll be interesting to hear its effect on the area. Love the memories you shared, Hilary.

Keith's Ramblings said...

I could hardly believe my ears when I heard G7 was being held in Cornwall, I can't think of anywhere less suitable. However, what do I know?!! Lovely memories Hilary with more to come no doubt!

Joanne said...

so cute - gotta love a kid on the beach. As for the G7 Summit - good luck indeed with gridlock. (hopefully none of the leaders decide to go naked on the beach - not a good look for photographs)
Fun memories - thanks for sharing

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Mason – thanks … and thanks for your wishes for both anniversaries …

@ David – thank you … I became fairly reserved, but then blossomed later in life and have remained so ever since … perhaps ever more outspoken now …
The G7 Summit is 300 miles from us up here in Sussex … but I’ll be interested to see how it all develops … with Covid many more people are taking breaks at home – and Cornwall is likely to be invaded by tourists galore – not sure it’s the best for Cornwall. Tranquility descends in the Autumn through Winter and early Spring …
Yes – I’m waiting for my letter and thus my jab … should be in the next few weeks – you’ll know when …

@ Jemima – no, no, no … my poor family’s holiday home village … but understand your thoughts …
Yes – I even had that sort of swimsuit at school! Dreadful … parents today would in no ways allow their kids to be dressed like this today …

@ Deborah – thank you … it’ll bring back some memories …

@ Jacqui – luckily … I’m miles away now-a-days … so will avoid the chaos … but I’ll report back in the summer (June) when the Summit happens …

@ Keith – I can believe it … you can hardly say Carbis Bay is a village or a town … it’s really a residential area with a road through it …
Odds and ends of memories certainly …

@ Joanne - thank you … and yes we were all on the beach for a few years and then ever after as Cornwall was our regular holiday home for years.
The G7 summit – I’m not down there … 300 miles to the east … so will watch probably with horror. It’d be great if they decided to skinny dip – something fun to see … however horrible the sight!!

Thanks so much for being supportive – lovely to see you all … stay safe – Hilary

Vallypee said...

Lovely memories, Hilary. I love the photo. Just so sweet. Cornwall is a place for precious recollections. I'm not sure I like to think of it in association with things like G7 summits. It's almost a sacrilege.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Memories are amazingm

Sandra Cox said...

Those are tiny, twisty lanes.
Stay safe. Be well.

retirementreflections said...

Brilliant memories! Thank you for sharing them.

D.G. Kaye said...

Beautiful memories Hilary. And yes, a summit in a small town, now that's interesting. Does sound like gridlock. Perhaps you'll go for a holiday :) Hugs xx

Susan Scott said...

Lovely Peregrinations Hilary and I look forward to more of Cornwall. It's been far too long since I was there.
Strange that it's been chosen for the G7 summit. What do you think?

Anonymous said...

Carbis Bay sounds like a lovely place to create long-lasting memories! I love when something can evoke a warm and fuzzy memory to emerge from the recess of my mind and I'm glad that's happening for you. Have a wonderful weekend, Hilary!

Warmly,
Elsie

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Val – thanks … Cornwall is a place you’ll know … but for me it’s always a precious place … and yes the G7 Summit is an odd choice – I agree almost a sacrilege …

@ Jo-Anne – thank you …

@ Sandra – that one is straight for its short distance … it’s the right-angle corners and other twists that will stop the traffic …

@ Donna – thank you … simple and bringing back days down there …

@ Debby – thank you … the Summit will be odd to put it mildly … it’s not really a town … more ribbon development along the road into St Ives. Nope – I won’t be going down for a holiday … though someday I’ll be back.

@ Susan – thank you … peregrinating through my back life is quite revealing … I’ll bring you a little more on Cornwall. I most definitely think it’s an odd place for a Summit –there really is no village – mind you they’re basing themselves up at the large Tregenna Castle Hotel estate … for exclusion … more on that in the next/next post …

@ Elsie – thank you … it’s not really a place … it’s a name for an area – well it was back in the 1950s. But I do have happy memories from those years ago …

Thanks to all of you for coming by … it’ll be an interesting few posts and then see what happens in June. Stay safe – all the best - Hilary

Inger said...

Cornwall is close to you heart, isn't it? Wasn't your mom from there too? It seems like it would be small place for such a big meeting, but I'm sure they have checked it out carefully.

Sandra Cox said...

Our maternal roots are certainly important, aren't they?

Mark said...

"Peregrinating" I've got to work that into my daily vocab. Lovely pictures! :)

Lisa said...

I love photos like that of childhood. I have some as well. We were healthy and happy, and loved the water evidently.
I like this gently ride through your memories. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm glad this is just the start. Stay well and hope you are vaccinated soon!

Lisa said...

I like that word too, Peregrinating. I thought of the bird, and the story of Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children. Love it.

Sandra Cox said...

I love that Cornwall poster. Cornwall is on my bucket list.
Take special care.

Jz said...

An excellent start to the Memory Tour!
There really is something to summertime at the shore memories...

Susan Kane said...

So many places in the world we would like to visit. Hopefully Cornwall is a place that we would love to see.

MunirGhiasuddin said...

Please take yourself and stay safe

Victoria Marie Lees said...

I so enjoy these posts and learning about England and your fond memories. I believe I had that same haircut when I was little. I think my haircut was called a "pixie" haircut. Thanks so much for sharing your memories--your treasure--with your followers, Hilary!

mail4rosey said...

Going down memory lane can be very cathartic. I spent 7 weeks with my mom in the city I grew up in. It was a great way to visit my past and so many memories that are forever a part of my life.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Inger – yes Cornwall is very close to my heart … and my Ma came from St Ives. It’s a tiny place … without really a heart … but no doubt a plan will be made …

@ Sandra – yes both sets of roots are important … and thank you re the Cornwall poster … I’m glad it’s on your bucket list …

@ Mark – excellent … it’s good to learn new words isn’t it … and thank you re the pics …

@ Lisa – thank you … yes we were healthy and happy … and always pleased to be at the beach … the memories will be gentle interspersed with 21st century G7 Summit notes …
Vaccination still on the way for me … by mid February I expect …
Glad you like the word … ‘Peregrinating’ … I have to say I hadn’t thought of the bird, or the story about Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Chicken. – thank you …

@ Jz – thanks … it’ll be a gentle process, per Lisa, tender memories. Holidays bring back those different times … and fun times by the seaside …

@ Susan – as long as the weather holds good – I’m sure Cornwall and the country will highlight the stunning countryside …

@ Munir – lovely to see you here … all well thank you.

@ Victoria – thank you … simpler times … happy memories and family history … thank you re the haircut … they were always trying to help it thicken up … and in my late teens I definitely had a pixie haircut … so pleased you’ve enjoyed this post … the first so far …

@ Rosey – that must have been a wonderful 7 weeks with your mother, back in the city you grew up in … so much of our ‘landscape’ in Surrey has changed dramatically … as too Cornwall. I hope you’ve made notes on those times you had with your mother …

Thanks so much to you all … another post later on … I’m struggling to pare the posts down … all the best to you all - Hilary

Pradeep Nair said...

Lovely photos of your childhood days. Indeed, childhood memories so precious and comforting too, aren't they?

Friko said...

Cornwall is just so beautiful, a dream of a county to live, but a world summit? Golly!

Are you staying safe and well? I do wish the misery would end.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Cornwall is just beyond breath taking - St Ives, Falmouth and Sennen Cove are my top favourites there. Great fan of Daphne du Maurier so...got the bug early! :)

Hope you're safe and well, Hilary. Very worrying media coverage coming out of UK right now.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Pradeep - yes I so agree ... those very early days and the memories we remember as we age ...

@ Friko - Cornwall is just wonderful isn't it ... it definitely was a dream of a county ... after the G7 summit will it be ... and even now - there's so many visitors or 2nd home owners ... the locals are almost locked out.

Yes -thank you ... all well down here - slow, but sure. But I so agree re I'd love this misery to move on ...

@ Nila - isn't it just breathtaking ... I think probably those early years after the war into the 1980s were just brilliant ... you've certainly listed some of the more beautiful stops ...
We had great friends who knew the du Maurier family ... sadly I never met them ...

Yes - the news from here is challenging ... but I'm safe and as far as I know my family, friends etc are safe too ...

I hope Britain can get its act into gear ... but ...

Stay safe everyone and all the best - Hilary