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Carnglaze which
means "blue rock pile" in Cornish, goes back long before the dinosaurs
roamed the earth.
The mud which
would become the slate that is Carnglaze was being laid down underneath
the seas from as long ago as 500 million years.
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| The Rum
Store being prepared to host Tallon - an Eagles tribute act |
Now the caverns
are available for all to see.
You can take
a guided tour around the main spectacular cavern, walking down the
steps, going underground, and ending up by the amazing underground
lake.
The water feature
itself has appeared on photographs in many interesting formats.
Echo and the Bunnymen produced an album cover while rowing in a
boat on the lake (only to sink and have to swim back to shore!)
Recently a
local bridal store used the underground scene for striking wedding
dress poses.
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| The Rum
Store is hosting many concerts this year. |
The Rum Store
is part of an the underground complex of three man made slate caverns.
The slate walls
and roof provide a stunning backdrop for performances, making Carnglaze
Caverns a unique venue, with an nteresting history.
Mystery
of the Crown Jewels
"The reason
for the name was that it was comandeered by the Navy during the
Second World War to store the Commonwealth's rum," explains Kaye
Sutton from the caverns. "Local legend has it that the crown jewels
were also kept in here during the war. This has been researched
but the palace refuse to confirm or deny the story."
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| This slate
miner might know the secret of the crown jewels! |
The identity
of the jewels storage during the second world war has been put under
lock and key for another 50 years. It seems a likely place to store
the jewels, as during the First World War they were stored at Bodmin
Jail. For now the location remains a mystery.
"We are 90 feet
underground here in the Rum Store," explains Kaye. "It is 90 metres
long. One of the advantages we have as a venue is we're fine for
wheelchair access."
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| Quarry
works as they looked when the slate mine was in operation |
Changing a massive
cavern into a major entertainment venue has been a wise financial
move.
Many artists
are keen to play underground and there are lots of concerts and
events planned for the coming months.
"We have had
to change very little to make the Rum Store what it is today," says
Kaye. "I have heard rumours from various people that there was a
concert planned some 30-years ago down here. Graham and Caroline
Richards, the owners, have been here 18 months now and they saw
the immediate potential not only of the rum store but the caverns
in general."
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| One of
the delightful fairies in the Enchanted Dell at Carnglaze |
Being underground
you could be forgiven for expecting the sound to be full of echoes.
This is not the case.
"If you look
at the shape of the stage area and the fact that the roof here goes
slightly down and up and makes it the natural shape to omit sound,"
says Kaye.
"There is a
very short echo which doesn't cause any distortion to the music
thankfully. With a good mix the sound is superb."
The Rum Store
has many acts appearing in the remainder of this year. The second
of two BBC Radio Cornwall Sunrise Concerts takes place there on
Saturday November 30th. Find
out more about the show
Coming up at The Rum Store
Friday 8th
November:
Due to the success of last years firework display at the caverns
it is back, bigger and better, but still in aid of St Neot's Scouts
and Guides. The Evening starts at 7:00pm with the lighting of the
fire, then into The Rum Store to be serenaded with folk from Bo
Foaks then a spectacular firework display by Celebrity Fireworks
Southwest Ltd. and just when you think it's all over back into The
Rum Store for a concert by local band The Board Beaters.
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| See if
you can spot the dragon when you visit the Enchanted Dell! |
Saturday
9th November:
War and Peace - A Concert of Remembrance. Following the hugely successful
debut of Canoryon Lowen, the mixed chorale led by Nick Hart, a very
special evening of music is assured on Saturday 9th November in
St Neot Church. The programme will feature not only the 20 singers
that form this unique ensemble, but also young players from no less
than three of the County's wind ensembles.
To bring them
all together, the theme is 'War and Peace' - a concert of remembrance
and of hope - a celebration of the human spirit. As ever, specially
arranged music will feature, and in particular the first performance
of a piece written by well-known singer/songwriter Tony Hazzard,
a founder member of Canoryon Lowen.
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| The old
quarry works offices have been turned into a house |
Sunday 10th
November:
Ralph Mctell in concert 10th November, at 7:30pm.
At a Ralph McTell concert you are invited into a unique world, rediscovering
the seemingly obvious and speaking the unspoken; from memories of
idyllic childhood summers to examinations of the misery caused by
political or religious bigotry.
McTell weaves
narratives that are significant and poignant. McTell's work explores
the apparently simple elements of life - whether these arise from
recounting memories of a fatherless upbringing or the cruel games
that life can play. Mctell is now celebrating over 30 years on the
road; he has evolved into a modern day troubadour.
Although much
admired for his virtuoso guitar style - described by the daily express
as "an orchestra in six strings" he is primarily a prolific and
gifted songwriter, and teller of tales.
Tickets for Ralph Mctell are £12.50 in advance & group discounts
are available. Phone The Rum Stores for more information: 01579
320 251
Or visit
the website: www.carnglaze.com
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