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There
is an 18th Century Cornish saying which states 'into Bodmin and
out of the world'!
Whilst
the modern Bodmin is very much of 'this world' its character and
distinctiveness as a settlement reflects its former role as County
Town. Steeped in history, the medieval landscape still peeks out
from beneath its modern facade onto which has been grafted today's
settlement. This mix of old and new is also reflected in the profile
of residents with many people having been drawn to the town over
the last 40 years. In the current world Bodmin represents a forward
thinking and evolving community.
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| A
tribute to Quiller Couch |
If
you were to ask a Bodmin resident to say something about the town
then the chances are that 'the Beacon' would feature in their reply.
This reference is to a high windswept hill at the centre of the
town which occupies the daily landscape and dominates the skyline.
On this small furzey down people have lived for years. You can sense
this by the connecting road names of Crinnicks Hill (gorse sticks
collected for the fire) and Turfdown (turf cutting for fuel). For
others it's a memory of a stolen kiss with an American GI or the
darkness of the recent Eclipse.
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| The
DCLI Centre |
Over
the past 10 years the Beacon has been managed by Bodmin Town Council
and North Cornwall District Council as a Local Nature Reserve. The
project has been attempting to re-create part of the historic landscape
of the town and to involve people in its development and future.
This year in tandem with other local groups a new three year initiative
has been launched called Bodmin: Pride and Place. Its aim is to
strengthen the towns unique landscape and cultural identity and
to use creativity to heighten its sense of place.
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| How
do you see Bodmin market being developed in the future? |
The
first year of the project is called the 'gathering' with the aim
of collecting memories, thoughts, images and perceptions from everyone
and anyone within and without the town. This information will then
be used in years two and three to deliver the project's aims. In
addition to working with local groups the aim is to reach out to
as many people as possible and the organisers would be delighted
if you felt you could help them.
Do
you have an interesting story to tell about Bodmin? It might be
the first time you 'beat the bounds' or won a prize at the poultry
fair? It could be the story behind a street or field name or perhaps
you have a good local accent and a selection of family sayings?
It might be your family originated from Bodmin and then left for
pastures abroad? Whatever your story or contribution they'd would
love to hear from you.
Please
contact either david.attwell@ncdc.gov.uk or sarah.wilce@ncdc.gov.uk
for further information.
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