The Real Cornish Online Magazine - Cornish Story

PlacesGwav Winter 2010Gwav Winter 2010PlacesBehind theVictorian-inspired signs are found on the lamppostsand walls of Mousehole.showlights ofMouseholeBy Tiffany NaylorMousehole; the tiny Cornish village that touristsfrom around the world flock to at Christmas time forits famous lights display. What the tourists don’t seeis the Mousehole 11 months of the year that hideseclectic crafts and unique sights in every nook andcranny. Read ahead to see a small taster of whatthe fishing village has to offer when the streetsaren’t crammed with people and then you can beginplanning your off-the-track Cornish adventure…Dolly Pentreath; one of the last speakers of theCornish language.Mousehole’s historic roots crop up in unusual placesincluding its Christmas lights displayThere are many local crafts and art to be foundalong the narrow roads of MouseholEvidence of the famous lights display are dottedaround Mousehole.Preparation for the Mousehole Christmas Lightsoften begin as early as September.A WW2 monumentagainst a harbourbackdrop greets youat the bus stop. Onehundred children weresent to Mouseholeduring the war, wherethey were taught to fish,mend nets and how toscull.Colourful kayaks andcanoes lined up againstthe harbour wall.Mousehole residentsbrave the cold water forkayaking and canoeing,whatever the weather.The village’s traditional dish, Stargazey Pie in theform of Christmas lights.Stargazey pie is eaten during the Tom Bawcock Evefestival; a lantern-lit parade on December 23rdcelebrating the tremendous efforts of the fishermanwho saved Mousehole from famine.An unusual hobby playing on the village’s name.The owner of Skillywiddon has been hand-makingpuppet mice for over 30 years.Don’t be afraid to step off the roadsWalking along the coastal ‘path’ can be a bit of astumble but is worth it for the view across to St.Michael’s Mount.A Colirful Look at Mousehole Before the Christmas Lights34 Cornish Story MagazineCornish Story Magazine 35