Meyn Mamvro - No 036 - SpringSummer 1998

Magazine Overview

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 36, Spring-Summer 1998, is a magazine focused on ancient stones, sacred sites, earth energies, and folklore, primarily in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The issue is published by Meyn Mamvro and features a cover price of £1.90. The main cover headline highlights 'MAYTIME CELEBRATIONS IN CORNWALL', with other featured topics including 'STRANGE SOUNDS & LIGHTS', 'TIN MINING', 'MANAGING THE SITES', and 'NEWS & REVIEWS'.

Contents and Articles

The issue begins with an 'Editorial' and lists various groups and topics, including the 'Cornish Earth Mysteries Group' and 'Cornish Sacred Sites Group'. It includes 'Readers Write', an article on 'Early Tin Mining in Cornwall' by Marion K. Pearce, and a 'News' section. 'Terence Meaden's Cornish Diary' details visits to megalithic sites on Bodmin Moor, including the Trippet Stones and Stannon Stone Circle. 'Lesser Known sites in West Penwith' by Raymond Cox is also featured.

Maytime Celebrations in Cornwall

This section includes several articles on Maytime traditions. 'The May Games & Rituals of Cornwall' by Kelvin I. Jones explores these events. 'The Maypole Dance' by Cheryl Straffon and 'In The Merry Morning of May' by John Negus & Alexandra Lobban delve into specific aspects of Mayday celebrations. 'How old is the Obby Oss?' by Cheryl Straffon also touches upon local customs.

News and Events

The 'News' section reports on the 8th annual series of talks by the Cornish Earth Mysteries Group (CEMG) held at the Queens Hotel in Penzance. These talks included presentations by Hamish Miller on 'The Earth Responds', discussing dowsing research on international lines. Caitlin Matthews spoke on 'The Spells of Women: the sacred and magical rôle of the ninefold Celtic sisterhood'. Cassandra Latham, a local witch, discussed 'The work of the 20th century witch in West Penwith'. The CEMG plans to continue its lecture series in Autumn & Winter.

Sacred Sites Network Group

This section details two meetings of the Sacred Sites Network Group in January and March, involving representatives from various organizations like the National Trust, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, English Heritage, Pagan Federation, and Meyn Mamvro. They discussed protecting ancient sites in West Penwith, specifically Boscawen-ûn stone circle, and Sancreed & Madron wells, in anticipation of the 1999 total solar eclipse. Plans for managing Boscawen-ûn with a Countryside Stewardship Agreement and a Guardianship Scheme are mentioned. Issues at Sancreed Well, including damaged fences and over-use by visitors, are addressed, with a new permissive path proposed. Discussions about Madron Well focused on insensitive signposting and site maintenance. The CAU also reported on erosion improvement at Mên-an-Tol and excavation at Carwynnen Quoit.

Readers Write - Strange Sounds and Lights

This section features personal accounts of unusual phenomena. Barry & Kate Reilly describe hearing a 'buzzing' or 'humming' sound on Caer Bran, West Cornwall, on the afternoon of an earthquake. Sue Aston recounts an intense, 'crushing' atmosphere and a persistent, loud rushing noise in her ears at Warleggan Church, which she later identified as possibly the 'singing' or 'Hummadruz' phenomenon.

Jean Harris from Hayle shares her lifelong experience of hearing a 'humming noise' in Penwith, which she believes defies logical explanations and is synonymous with significant spiritual encounters. Dionne Jones, writing on behalf of CUFORG (Cornwall UFO Research Group), clarifies an 'earth-light' sighting reported previously. A local couple saw a bright white light in the sky and a bright blue light in a field near Zennor on May 23rd, 1997, which they felt were interacting. CUFORG is seeking further reports of strange occurrences in Penwith.

Early Tin Mining in Cornwall

Marion K. Pearce's article traces the history of tin mining in Cornwall, noting that the last mine, South Crofty, closed in March 1998, ending over 4000 years of the industry. Tin ore, primarily cassiterite, is found in granite outcrops. The article discusses 'tin-streams' as a method of obtaining tin in the Bronze Age and mentions trade routes for tin and copper connecting Cornwall with Ireland and Europe. Archaeological finds, such as gold lunulae, suggest craftsmanship and trade links. The article concludes by noting that tin, though rare, made Cornwall important in the Bronze Age and mentions ongoing negotiations to buy South Crofty.

News, News, News...

This section covers several distinct news items:

• The Search for Atlantis comes to Scilly: Scientists from the Russian Institute of Metahistory, led by Professor Viatcheslav Koudriavstev, believe they have located the sunken ruins of Atlantis near the Scilly Isles, basing their research on classical Greek texts and local legends of Lyonesse. A team is set to dive in June using advanced technology.
• Did the Celts Ever Exist?: Professor Malcolm Chapman's recent questioning of the existence of Celts as a distinct cultural group has caused controversy, with some academics arguing that Celtic culture in Cornwall is an 18th-century invention. This view is contested by Dr. Philip Payton, Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies.
• Padstow's Darkie Days Trigger Race Rumpus: The folk custom of 'Darkie Day' in Padstow, where inhabitants 'black-up' and sing for charity, has drawn criticism from Talk Radio host James Whale and MP Bernie Grant, who called it racist. Locals defended it as harmless fun, criticizing the critics as 'politically correct zealots'.
• Row Over King Athelstan Surfaces Over 1000 Years Later!: An exhibition in Bodmin depicting King Athelstan as a 'benevolent ruler of Cornwall' has angered local historian John Angarrack, who described the king as a 'medieval Hitler'. Philip Payton agreed that Athelstan was an English aggressor who sought to dominate Cornwall.

Terence Meaden's Cornish Diary

Terence Meaden documents his visits to megalithic sites on Bodmin Moor on April 26th. He visited the Trippet Stones and the Stannon Stone Circle near Camelford. He notes the presence of rainwater moats around the megaliths and photographs the 'great Triangle Stone', which he identifies as the 'Goddess stone' and a symbol of primitive symbolism and early religions, aligning with the local Beltane alignment. He also discovered another, larger triangular stone lying flat, noting its position relative to Rough Tor and its potential significance for solar calendar calculations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in earth energies, ancient sites, folklore, and mysterious phenomena, particularly within Cornwall. There is a strong emphasis on preserving and understanding these sites, as evidenced by the 'Sacred Sites Network Group' activities. The publication provides a platform for personal accounts of unexplained events, such as strange sounds and lights, and UFO sightings, suggesting an open-minded approach to such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of celebrating and documenting Cornwall's unique cultural heritage, history, and mystical aspects, while also engaging with contemporary issues and controversies affecting the region. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters and personal accounts.

MEYN MAMVRO, Issue 36, Spring-Summer 1998. This issue delves into ancient sites and traditions in Cornwall, with a particular focus on Maytime celebrations and their historical and pagan roots.

Articles

Personal Journeys and Ancient Sites

The issue opens with a personal account of a journey to Cornwall, visiting stone circles like Louden Hill and FERNACRE. The author describes the landscape, the weather, and the experience of sharing the stone circles with cattle. A notable moment involves finding lozenge-shaped granite pieces in a brook and casting them into the stream as votives to the 'spring-water Goddess'. The journey concludes with observations of a cow resembling an aurochs and Bodmin ponies near the Stannon Stones.

Lesser-Known Sites in West Penwith

Raymond Cox explores lesser-known ancient sites in the West Penwith area. He details the discovery of the Tregeseal Chambered Tomb, noting its fine embankment, surrounding bluebells, and the challenging trek to find it. The tomb itself is described as oval, with visible kerb stones, and a chamber facing southeast. Finds from 1879 included pottery and bones, with a cist containing a Bronze Age urn found behind the chamber. The site is also noted for its alignment with other ancient features in the area, such as Ballowall Barrow and Tregeseal Stone Circle. The article also touches upon the mysterious holed stones of West Penwith, mentioning Mên-an-Tol and others.

The Tregeseal Holed Stones

This section further details the Tregeseal Holed Stones, describing them as even more mysterious in their landscape setting below Carn Kenidjack. These stones, likely Bronze Age, are in a line and have 3-4½ft height with 3" diameter holes. One stone is fallen, another was broken and cemented, and a sixth, uphill, has a larger hole and straight edges, suggesting it is not as old. Local farmer Egbert Rowe is credited with re-erecting the stones, possibly recognizing their ritualistic significance.

Maytime Celebrations in Cornwall

This extensive section, spanning several pages, focuses on the 10th anniversary of the Maypole Dance and Three Wells Walk in West Penwith, built on pre-existing Maytime traditions. The magazine dedicates 10 pages to folklore, legends, myths, and history associated with this time of year.

#### The May Games & Rituals of Cornwall

Kelvin L. Jones writes about the significance of May in the English calendar, highlighting the 'Robin Hood Games' that became synonymous with May Day from the 1500s. Early accounts from Saxon writer Layamon and Bishop Latimer's sermon in 1549 are mentioned. The games flourished through Tudor times, with Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon witnessing celebrations. Records from Stratton, near Bude, dating from the mid-16th century, detail payments for 'Robyn Hode' and his company, including costumes and props for characters like Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Little John, and Friar Tuck.

#### Survivals of Pagan Rituals

The article discusses the Helston Furry dance, also known as 'Flora Day', and its connection to the Roman Goddess Flora and the older Celtic Flower Bride. The Queen of May, representing Flora, was a significant figure. The 'Hal An Tow' performance is described as a pagan survival, with its song containing references to Robin Hood characters and Maytime activities. Customs like young girls wearing white dresses, carrying small maypoles, and baptizing straw dolls at healing wells are linked to the worship of Bridget, an ancient Irish goddess.

#### Maypole Dancing and Mummers' Plays

The importance of Maypole dancing is emphasized, noting its discontinuation in towns and villages by the 20th century but its former respect. Records from Penzance Town Corporation mention the custom, including the 'kidnapping' of maypoles between rival villages. Mummers' plays are also discussed, with the theme of a god slain and rising again, represented by figures like Jack in the Green or Robin Hood. The Stithians play includes characters like Jack, the Doctor, Lord Nelson, and Jacky Sweep, with Jack symbolizing the Wild Wood. The article suggests that the Hal an Tow might be a vestige of an older mummer's play, with later Christian elements like the Devil and St. George being added.

The Maypole Dance (by Cheryl Straffon)

Cheryl Straffon recounts the revival of the Maypole Dance in St. Just, Cornwall, in 1987. Her aim was to create a genuine community event, contrasting with performances where 'Spectators keep out'. The dance, originally for the whole village, involves decorating a tall tree, food, drink, and local musicians. Ten years later, it has become an important event with 50-60 attendees, attracting pagans and non-pagans, young and old. The celebration includes a bonfire and jumping over embers.

Padstow's May Day Celebrations

John Negus & Alexandra Lobban describe the unique May Day celebrations in Padstow, a fishing village. The event features the 'Osses' (figures representing a horse) being danced around the town. The celebration begins the evening before with a funfair and a May Pole. The night transforms with the 'Greenwood' coming into the village, and music from minstrels. The procession to the May Pole is accompanied by a song, 'Unite and unite and let us all unite, for summer is a-come unto day'. The article highlights the intense atmosphere, the two 'Osses' (Blue and Red), and the deep commitment of the local people to their heritage.

Book Review: The Earth Goddess

Reviews of Cheryl Straffon's new book, 'The Earth Goddess: Celtic and Pagan legacy of the Landscape', are featured. The book is praised for redressing the balance in discussions of the Goddess's role, being a well-recommended work by an authority, and for its impressive research into the history, myth, and folklore of goddesses and sites. The book is available for £16.99.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, folklore, and pagan traditions in Cornwall. There is a clear emphasis on the enduring nature of these practices, their connection to the landscape, and their role in community identity. The editorial stance appears to be one of appreciation and preservation of these cultural heritage elements, highlighting their significance and continuity from ancient times to the present day. The issue champions the idea that these traditions are not mere relics but living practices that connect people to their past and to the natural world.

Meyn Mamvro, Issue 36, Spring-Summer 1998, is a magazine focused on pagan spirituality, folklore, and ancient mysteries, with a strong emphasis on Cornwall. The issue features a lead article debating the age and origins of the Padstow Obby Oss, alongside book reviews, event listings, and discussions on related topics.

The Obby Oss: A Debate on Antiquity

The central article, "How Old Is The Obby Oss?" by Cheryl Straffon, tackles the contentious question of the Obby Oss's origins. Padstow is noted for having two Obby Oss figures: the Red Oss and the Blue Oss. The effigy itself is described as a steel hoop covered in black material with a conical mask or headdress, distinct from other hobby horses in England due to its fierce appearance, possibly influenced by African masks introduced around 1840.

Historians like Ronald Hutton argue that many folk customs, including the Obby Oss, are Victorian inventions rather than continuations of ancient pagan traditions. Hutton places the earliest mention of the Oss in 1803. However, Straffon, referencing her own work "The Earth Goddess," suggests a reference dating back to 1346-7. This is further debated by Bob Trubshaw, who, like Hutton, assumes the first written reference indicates the start date. Straffon counters that customs can exist for centuries before being recorded, especially in remote areas.

The article presents evidence from the old Cornish drama "Bewnans Meriasek" (written in 1502), which contains lines referring to a 'Hobyhors'. Andy Norfolk points out this suggests hobby horses were known in Cornwall, possibly as 'Penglas' or 'Grey-Head', described by R. Edmonds in 1862 as having a wooden horse's head with snapping jaws.

Further historical connections are drawn to a report from 1595 about a Spanish commander finding a wooden horse effigy in a church, potentially linked to an Epona cult. The article also discusses a lecture by Thurstan Peter in 1912, who recounted a story from a tailor about the Oss first appearing in Padstow during the siege of Calais (1346-7), when a French vessel was reportedly scared off by its appearance.

Despite scholarly debates, the article emphasizes the powerful experience of the Obby Oss festival itself. Straffon concludes that while incontrovertible evidence for its ancient Celtic origins might be lacking, the hypnotic drums, chanting, and the swaying Oss during the May Day celebrations make such academic debates seem arid and irrelevant.

Book Reviews

The magazine features reviews of two large-format photography books on ancient sites in Britain:

• "Prehistoric Britain from the Air" by Janet & Colin Bord, with photographs by Jason Hawkes. This book is praised for its excellent content and superb photographs covering sites across England, Scotland, and Wales, with a focus on Cornwall.
• "Landscapes of Legend: a photographic journey through the secret heart of Britain" by John Matthews, with photographs by Michael J. Stead. While featuring Cornish sites like the Merry Maidens and Tintagel Castle, this book is criticized for containing errors, such as miscounting stones at the Merry Maidens and misplacing Kenfig Pool, suggesting sloppy research.

Other Publications and Booklets

The issue also highlights various self-published books and booklets offering local information and research:

• Andrew Langdon's "Stone Crosses in West Penwith": The latest in his Cornish Cross Series, surveying crosses in the far west of Cornwall.
• Kelvin L. Jones's booklets (Oakmagic Publications): These include reprints of Canon Doble's pamphlets on Cornish Saints (Senan, (Se)Levan, St.Nectan, St.Keyne), "Seven Cornish Witches," and a reprint of "Tristan and Iseult."
• Brendan McMahon's "The Salmon of Knowledge: Reflections on Celtic Myth & Folklore": Published by Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust, this booklet covers giants, miners, and sea gods/goddesses.

Exchange Magazines and Subscriptions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to listing other related publications, categorized by theme:

• Earth Mysteries: The Ley Hunter, Northern Earth, At The Edge, 3rd Stone, Touchstone, FOGS (Friends of Grampian Stones).
• Sacred Sites: The Right Times (Rollright stones), Walking the Talk, Source (holy wells), RILKO (patterns).
• Celtic/Arthurian: Dalriada, Celtic Connections, Pendragon.
• Paganism: The Cauldron, Quest, The Silver Wheel, Pagan Pen, The Dragon Chronicle.
• Overseas: Power Trips magazine.

Subscription details and prices are provided for many of these publications.

Noticeboard: Events and Activities

The noticeboard section lists upcoming events, primarily in Cornwall, for 1998:

• Beltane Celebrations: Maypole Dance at Carn Bosavern, Beltane celebrations at Harmony Pottery.
• Obby Oss Day: At Padstow.
• Cornish Earth Mysteries: Three Wells Walk, Dowsing St.Levan's Grave, Rory Te'Tigo's Well-Sprung Walk, visits to lesser-known sites in West Penwith, Holywell Cave and well visits.
• Midsummer Celebrations: At Harmony Pottery.
• Pagan Moots and Groups: Penwith Pagan Moot, Kettles Pagan Group, Women's Earth Mysteries Group, Women's Wells Group.
• Walks: Tinners Way Walk, Antiquities Circular Walk.
• Fayres: Earth, Health & Mystic Fayres in St. Ives, Penzance, Truro, and Queens Hotel.
• Courses and Workshops: At CAER Lamorna, including Sacred Sites & Ceremonies and The Witches Womb.

Contact details, including phone numbers and names, are provided for most events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in paganism, Celtic traditions, folklore, ancient sites, and earth mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of celebrating and preserving these traditions, encouraging participation in related events, and providing a platform for local researchers and writers. There is a clear focus on Cornwall's unique heritage, particularly its ancient myths and living customs like the Obby Oss. The magazine also acts as a community hub, connecting readers with other publications and events in the field.