Steam Rallies

During the summer, Steam Rallies are held around the county, usually over several days at a weekend. They bring together many different machines, all powered by steam, reminding us of the days when this was the main source of power, especially on the farm.

Many of the traction engines have been lovingly restored with plenty of examples of the highly decorative art which makes them look very special indeed. There is nothing to compare with the smell of the steam and smoke along with the gentle sound of the engine ticking over. The huge wheels are marvels of past engineering.

Another popular attraction at the rallies is the sound of music from fairground or travelling organs. The amazing 'books' of punched cards slowly pass over the sensors to create lively and inspiring sounds.

Circus

Each summer, one of the travelling circuses - or perhaps more than one - come and stay in Cornwall, thrilling and entertaining audiences in their traditional Big Tops. A frequent visitor for several weeks, is Paulo's Americano - the skilful performers hang from a high trapeze or ride bare back on fabulous stallions.

No circus would be complete without the clowns - they never fail to bring a smile to the most reluctant face.

Flower Festivals

Many of our local historic village churches hold flower festivals. Each one contains displays to a different theme and its is amazing how much loving skill goes into creating wonderful arrangements. Sometimes it is almost impossible to believe how the shapes are created, perhaps from wild plants as much as cultivated flowers.

The churches themselves are intriguing places to visit, with so much history going back over centuries. Perhaps the best bit of a visit to a flower festival is the Cream Tea served up by local people to raise money for the running of the church.

Lifeboat Day

Cornwall has around 282 miles of coast and much of it is rocky. For generations it has been feared by seamen with many ships coming to grief. As a result, brave lifeboatmen have served the RNLI from many of the ports and harbours.

The days of pulling a heavy wooden boat over rough roads have long gone, but the bravery that each seaman makes to man these modern craft is still the same. See them explain the equipment they use from fog defying radar to simple rope made harnesses to rescue those in peril. Padstow, our nearest deep water station, is set onthe beautiful Trevose Head and affords splendid views of the North Cornish Coast. A rigid inflatable boat[RIB] is stationed at from Rock and rescues unwary surfers and dinghy sailors.

Open days are staged to let the public see what they do and to raise money. When you next hear about a rescue you will be able to understand how they performed in the awful conditions.