Killacourt (Newquay Discovery Trail Step 1)

Killacourt

The name Killacourt may be a corruption of the Celtic Killas, meaning grove and Quoit, meaning burial place.  The trees were removed in the late 1920's to afford an uninterrupted view to the sea.  It is from this ancient site in the heart of Newquay that the Newquay Discovery Trail begins. The view from the Killacourt, with its ornamental flower beds and millenium sundial hadn't changed in thousands of years.		 Killacourt Newquay

During the nineteenth century Newquay grew into a thriving community and the activities on Towan beach below were very different from those of today. The sea has always been important to the people of Newquay.  Before the coming of railways and tourism, the town's wealth came from:  farming, mining, boat building, seafaring and fishing.  Boats were built at the Island end of Towan beach. Fish cellars, where freshly caught pilchards were salted and packed into barrels, fringed the town.  Although no longer to be seen, some of their names live on.  How many can you recognise as you walk through the town:  The Spy, the Hope, the Unity, the Fly?  The country's first steam laundry was built on the site of the Treffry cellar.  The Cosy Nook theatre, which in turn has given way to the Blue Reef Aquarium, stood on the site of the Speculation cellar, nicknamed 'Fat and Flour.'

Try to imagine the beach below you in the mid 1800's.  Old women in shawls carrying baskets of fish, others carrying bundles of washing, old men struggling with sacks of coal for the laundry boilers, young men hauling boats onto the beach, mothers and daughters gutting and salting fish.  The noise of sawing and hammering from the boat yard, the relentless pounding and throbbing of the laundry steam engines; the hot, well smell from the laundry and the distinctive aroma of fish being carried on the breeze.  A community working together.  We shall see later, how they played, competed and on occasion fought together. 

In front of you is Jago's Island.  There has been a dwelling on this island from the turn of the twentieth century.  Its many occupants have included Dr O'Flaherity, a reclusive Irish Canadian eccentric whose haunting organ music, carried on the night air, could be heard throughout the occupant, Alexander Lodge, the inventor of the Lodge Sparking Plug.  His father, Sir Oliver Joseph Lodge, who wrote widely on the connection between science and religion, especially spiritualism, was a frequent visitor as was his friend, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

Text taken from The Newquay Discovery Trail co-ordinated by the Newquay Chamber of Commerce.  Full illustrated copies can be obtained from the Tourist Information CentreA Newquay Tourism Enhancement Project funded by European Regional Development Fund
The Government's Single Regeneration Budget
Restormel Borough Council
Newquay Town Council 

THE NEWQUAY SUMMER FINALE 2009 EVENT

FEATURING THE "CORNWALL HAS TALENT" COMPETITION.

What's better than having a great event? Having a great event where all the entertainment is FREE!

Do you have an amazing talent to show off? Can you impress the judges? Do you fancy winning some amazing prizes ranging from a session in the recording studio and dance workshops to family tickets to local attractions?
If the answer is yes then register immediately by calling the free registration line: 0800 0199 841 to reserve your place.

Competition heats are all day on Friday 28th August with the second heat on Monday 31st August in the morning and afternoon. The grand final will be held on Monday evening and also features other great acts including "The Vanity Girls" live on stage!

Each day at the Newquay Summer Finale:

* Entertainment for all the family in the main marquee
* Talks and demonstrations from local theme attractions
* Theatrical performances and dance workshops
* Trade and charity stalls
* Children's rides
* Skinners brewery bar
* And of course, the "Cornwall HAS Talent" competition

The Newquay Summer Finale is proudly sponsored by the Newquay Town Council and managed by film production company, SketchWork Productions.

NEWQUAY TOWN COUNCIL
KILLACOURT BAND CONCERTS – 2009.

JUNE
SUNDAY 14th  Lanner

SUNDAY 21st  Newquay
 
SUNDAY 28th  Camborne Youth Band

JULY
SUNDAY 5th  St. Breward Silver Band        

SUNDAY 12th  Camelford Town Band

SUNDAY 19th  St. Austell Town

SUNDAY 26th  St. Newlyn East

AUGUST
SUNDAY 2nd  St. Breward Silver Band 

SUNDAY 9th    Bugle Silver Band

SUNDAY 16th  Camborne Senior Band

SUNDAY 23rd  Launceston Town Band

SUNDAY 30th  St. Dennis Silver

SEPTEMBER.
SUNDAY 6th   St. Austell Town Band 

SUNDAY 13th Camborne Youth Band

Punch & Judy shows – Thursday’s 9th, 16th, 23rd July
 starting at 2pm on the Killacourt.

ALL PERFORMANCES ARE FREE AS IS THE USE OF THE DECK CHAIRS PROVIDED.