I recently spent a weekend away in Cornwall, staying in my old university town of Falmouth. Since finishing my studies and moving away I’ve really missed this part of the country – renowned for it’s majestic coastline, wild landscapes and distinctive cultural charm. A trip back had been long overdue and it was great to revisit some of my favourite places.
On Saturday I drove up to St. Ives, a small town on the north coast famous for it’s unique light, stunning beaches and art history. The port is also notorious for it’s aggressive and cunning population of seagulls which can regularly be seen dive-bombing unsuspecting tourists and stealing snacks. Last time I was here our beach picnic was raided and I had a sandwich snatched straight out of my hand.
When I arrived back in Falmouth that evening there was a huge blood moon dominating the night sky, which came as a total surprise. I decided to go for a drive along the seafront to admire the remarkable view. It was probably the most striking lunar event I’ve ever seen and the iPhone picture really doesn’t do it justice!
The next day my dad and brother came down and we all went to Gylly Beach Cafe for lunch. I hadn’t seen them for a while so it was great to have a catch up over a winning combination of beer and burger. Afterwards we indulged in an obligatory ice cream (I had mint choc chip!).
On the final day the weather was spectacular, so we went for a drive up to Pendennis Point to take in one final breath of fresh sea air before driving back to Oxford.
The long weekend flew by like a hurricane and it was a shame to wave goodbye to Falmouth. I spent 3 of the best years of my life there so I really do feel a profound sense of attachment. Just a few weeks ago, the actor and comic Dawn French became the first Vice-Chancellor of Falmouth University. I think she is a perfect fit for the institution and will serve as a tenacious ambassador. In her initiation speech, she had the following to say about Falmouth graduates:
“Cornwall will forever be in their blood and in their growing minds. It will creep up on them in the most unexpected moments in their future lives, when their DNA will whisper to them and remind them that once they belonged here. And they will remember the beauty with great love and they will take Cornwall with them them wherever they go. Because you may to choose to leave cornwall, but believe me, it never leaves you.”
Well said, Dawn.
Tom Eden 