A really lovely day. We got all our gear ready to go in the taxi to Portscatho, or more accurately, Treloan Coastal Holidays Campsite, south of Gerrans. The taxi chap had arranged to meet us up the hill where it wasn't quite so steep, at 10am. He had had difficulty last time on the steep slope and it was easier for us to lug all our gear up to him than him drive down to us and risk getting stuck.
So, we took the taxi the 13 or so miles to the campsite... it took half an hour and cost £35... but this was much quicker than (and probably a similar cost to) getting a bus to St Austell, a train to Truro and a bus to Portscatho... and later, we realised there is no direct bus from Truro to Portscatho, you have to get off one and walk for a mile to catch the connecting bus between Veryan and Ruan High Lanes, which is a complete nonsense when it comes to accessible public transport. So we were very happy to have a quick door-to-door service, and Carl the taxi man was nice.
We got to the campsite before 11am and our pitch was not yet vacated, so whilst the other campers were striking camp, I explored the site, and was surprised to find a poster featuring my friend Robin Harford, the wild food forager, who was running a short foraging workshop on the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I was pleased to see this but saddened as we were due to be going on the Monday morning, so I wouldn't be able to attend.
I erected the tent almost single-handedly. As it was quite windy, I pegged it down before putting in the poles, which was sensible as it was at risk of blowing away once the poles were in. It took less than an hour to do it... this was just the second time I've put it up, and last time I had lots of help.
Soon after I'd done this, it was time to go and wait for the bus that Helen and Jay had organised, so I got changed into my smart clothes in the tent, as did the others, and we went to the campsite office. There was already a well-dressed gent there, and we asked if he was going to the wedding, and yes... he was waiting for his family to join him too.
The bus came...it was a preserved vintage one from King Harry Coaches, really beautiful and special-looking, with a wedding ribbon on the front. There were already quite a few people on it, and we picked up others along the way, including Linda, Gill's sister, and her daughter Nancy with her boys... all looking very smart and happy.
It didn't take long to get to St Just in Roseland Church, down a narrow leafy lane, looking almost tropical in its abundance. The church is down some paths through gardens, and the church overlooks the sea... well, a wooded inlet which is really pretty. All the guests milled around and chatted, and then after quite a wait, we filed in and as we were the Bride's family, we sat on the left of the church... which gave us a great view of the couple when they were going through the ceremony.
Helen was walked down the isle by Mike, her father, and she was smiling and giggling and obviously revelling in the moment. The vicar who presided over the ceremony was a very humorous woman, just perfect for Helen, who is renowned for her sense of fun. Jason is slightly more sober and sensible and I'm sure helps balance Helen's giddy personality.
After the ceremony, we all filed outside where a pair of photographers got all the different groups of people to line up for the official photos. I took a few as well, these are my favourites:
From the church we all got back in the two old buses and we wound our way back to Portscatho and a field just beyond Treloan, where a large marquee had been put up.
This was a wonderful reception venue. There was Pimms served and then a lovely meal, and the traditional speeches. Children had straw bales to play on/with, and frisbees, footballs, cricket equipment and more. I think it was the best reception party I've been to, and I really enjoyed meeting our new relatives, Jason's side of the family, as well as the relatives we already know and love.
The party continued til midnight... there was a brief rainstorm and a rainbow, and plenty of sunshine, fun, conversation, food and drink, and later, music and both Gill and I danced.
I dedicate today's blog post to Jason and Helen Kenneally. I hope they have a long and happy life together.
So, we took the taxi the 13 or so miles to the campsite... it took half an hour and cost £35... but this was much quicker than (and probably a similar cost to) getting a bus to St Austell, a train to Truro and a bus to Portscatho... and later, we realised there is no direct bus from Truro to Portscatho, you have to get off one and walk for a mile to catch the connecting bus between Veryan and Ruan High Lanes, which is a complete nonsense when it comes to accessible public transport. So we were very happy to have a quick door-to-door service, and Carl the taxi man was nice.
We got to the campsite before 11am and our pitch was not yet vacated, so whilst the other campers were striking camp, I explored the site, and was surprised to find a poster featuring my friend Robin Harford, the wild food forager, who was running a short foraging workshop on the following Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I was pleased to see this but saddened as we were due to be going on the Monday morning, so I wouldn't be able to attend.
I erected the tent almost single-handedly. As it was quite windy, I pegged it down before putting in the poles, which was sensible as it was at risk of blowing away once the poles were in. It took less than an hour to do it... this was just the second time I've put it up, and last time I had lots of help.
Soon after I'd done this, it was time to go and wait for the bus that Helen and Jay had organised, so I got changed into my smart clothes in the tent, as did the others, and we went to the campsite office. There was already a well-dressed gent there, and we asked if he was going to the wedding, and yes... he was waiting for his family to join him too.
The bus came...it was a preserved vintage one from King Harry Coaches, really beautiful and special-looking, with a wedding ribbon on the front. There were already quite a few people on it, and we picked up others along the way, including Linda, Gill's sister, and her daughter Nancy with her boys... all looking very smart and happy.
It didn't take long to get to St Just in Roseland Church, down a narrow leafy lane, looking almost tropical in its abundance. The church is down some paths through gardens, and the church overlooks the sea... well, a wooded inlet which is really pretty. All the guests milled around and chatted, and then after quite a wait, we filed in and as we were the Bride's family, we sat on the left of the church... which gave us a great view of the couple when they were going through the ceremony.
Helen was walked down the isle by Mike, her father, and she was smiling and giggling and obviously revelling in the moment. The vicar who presided over the ceremony was a very humorous woman, just perfect for Helen, who is renowned for her sense of fun. Jason is slightly more sober and sensible and I'm sure helps balance Helen's giddy personality.
From the church we all got back in the two old buses and we wound our way back to Portscatho and a field just beyond Treloan, where a large marquee had been put up.
I dedicate today's blog post to Jason and Helen Kenneally. I hope they have a long and happy life together.
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