On a recent visit to the land of my birth (Lancashire, England), my family and I decided we would climb up Pendle Hill once again. I got to thinking that perhaps it will be the last time, I can cli…

I’ve always been fascinated with the geology of the Lizard peninsula. How an upstart breakaway geological splurge of molten rock slowly (and I mean slowly…were talking millenia here!), …

I am very fortunate that this painting by Stanhope Forbes, founder and principal of the Newlyn School of Artists, is the view I have out of my side window. Just over a hundred years have passed sin…

YouTube video by Gray Lightfoot

I always remember my Dad telling me that he had a guy working with him from Czechoslovakia. He told him his name was Jan(os)…”but we call him John!”, said Dad. “Why can&#821…

image from Jetty Street Press It’s BRONN WENNILI, stupid! (for Craig Weatherhill, Delynyer Hendhyscans/Draughtsman of Archeology) Revered height, capstone of Kernow. Which ancient Cornish kings lay Beneath your snaggle-toothed cairns? What mystical alignment emanates From your brooding presence? O Brown Willy…no…stop…stop! It’s no good…I cannot go on I’m unable to surmount that name And give that height the respect it deserves.

I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to visit some beautiful places, many of which are but a short journey from my home. My first visit to Glendalough, the ‘monastic city’ (in tr…

I've been fortunate enough in my life to visit some beautiful places, many of which are but a short journey from my home. My first visit to Glendalough, the 'monastic city' (in truth a collection of small religious buildings dating back to the 12th century) in County Wicklow in Ireland, was almost missed off the itinerary. Hoping to visit the place on the way to the seaside town of Bray, the rain was incessant and a perceived damp poke around a few old buildings was given a swerve.

I would like to thank Tim Saunders (fellow poet and bryntynn Cornish speaker) for putting me in the way of the Englyn (plural: Englynyon), an ancient Celtic verse form. This form of poetry, which I…

First let me put things straight. My ability to speak Cornish is not this good. When somebody speaks to me in Cornish (Kernewek), my first reaction is to panic and hope that one of my sto…

First let me put things straight. My ability to speak Cornish is not this good. When somebody speaks to me in Cornish (Kernewek), my first reaction is to panic and hope that one of my stock Cornish replies will fit the bill. I have a better understanding of written Cornish (given time) and started out translating these besonntens…

I would like to thank Tim Saunders (fellow poet and bryntynn Cornish speaker) for putting me in the way of the Englyn (plural: Englynyon), an ancient Celtic verse form. This form of poetry, which I might liken to a Celtic haiku, has been widely represented in the Welsh language, but as Cornish scholars would inform you, the virtual destruction of the Cornish language through the Dissolution of the Monasteries meant that little remained of written Cornish for us to discover Cornish versions.

Very pleased to be nominated for this prestigious award promoted by Gorsedh Kernow for publications about Cornwall, set in Cornwall or in Cornish (Kernewek).  The award ceremony is at Kresen K…

I no longer really enjoy visiting stately homes as much as I used to. We, the visitors, walk around bearing witness to the opulence the noble family once lived in (maybe still do). As I walk round …

I no longer really enjoy visiting stately homes as much as I used to. We, the visitors, walk around bearing witness to the opulence the noble family once lived in (maybe still do). As I walk round my mind goes out to their servants and workers who most likely lived in abject poverty, all in order to keep their ‘betters’ in the manner to which they were accustomed.

The British Democrat councillor said anti-semitism doesn't exist

YouTube video by Gray Lightfoot

YouTube video by Gray Lightfoot