Redruth to London
July 2026
Firstly apologies for the lack of blogs over the last few months. Simple reason, I haven't been anywhere. Cornwall has been like the Cote d'Azur! Last weekend made up for the lack of journeying. Arriving at Redruth Station is always a joy, though your heart misses a beat at the first sight of the town clock which always says '9.10'... A very long train meant the platform was not quite long enough. With another couple we were dispatched to its far reaches. 'Any further and we'll soon be in Camborne...,' we quipped in chorus.
For the past few intensive weeks our son, Be, has been working as Associate Director on The Oresteia written (after Aeschlyus) and directed by Simon Stone and performed at The Bridge Theatre. For him it has been an extraordinary experience in so many ways and we have lived vicariously through the ups and downs. We grabbed an opportunity when Tony, Connie and myself were all free to go and see the play. What an experience! A gripping production throughout the three and a half hours with great performances, astonishing set and a great theatre. And Be was at the heart of it.
Such a great evening followed by a glorious weekend of family companionship. BBQ at Be and Jessy's with their resident vixen. Riding the driverless DLR through Canary Wharf - a very strange experience. Visiting The Horniman Museum and gardens as well as lots of pubs and delicious eateries.
DLR, Horniman Museum Musical Instrument Collection, Wickam Arms, resident fox
Before catching the train home, we walked along the Thames from Tower Bridge to Charing Cross. We happened by chance upon David Kemp's large scale sculpture The Navigators at Hays Galleria. This was especially poignant as he was a friend and colleague who died recently. En route we passed by the Golden Hinde, The Clink, The Globe, Tate Modern and The National Theatre. We marvelled at how transformed London is since we were students there in the 1970s.
On another hot day in July, I caught the train to Penzance. It is that time of year when driving west on the A30 can be so congested and so stressful.
'I don't go beyond Camborne West in Summer' pronounced Caroline in the café, as she grilled multiple teacakes and toast.
The train was cool. I met up with my fellow Women Speak Volumes SW team, with the excitement of a school trip, as we headed to the Penzance Lit Fest. We were booked into the Pixel Centre, a new build of artist and creative industry studios, at the top of Causewayhead. The room was filled with paintings by Anthony Frost and Louise McClary and other abstract artists which set a colourful tone. It felt like a really stimulating event with readings and lots of audience discussion around the theme of our book, '(in)visibilities' of older women. We also sold out of books.
We'll also be at events at the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival in September and Looe in October details on the website: https://womenspeakvolumessw.wordpress.com/
Recently I have been volunteering with Wildworks and their summer show Kneebone Cadillac written by Carl Grose (who is also in it) and directed by Kyla Goodey, set in the United Downs Raceway. Huge, high octane, diesel-pumped (imagined) fun.
We also loved Jasmine Cole Productions' 'Hello Beach' for the under-twos directed by Connie with delightful storytelling and wonderful puppets made by Mae Voogd. If anyone is lucky enough to be going to Edinburgh Festival, do look out for it.
Finally, we are very excited to be off to Lorient in Brittany next week for the Interceltic Festival. It is Cornwall's year to take the lead in the Festival and Tony with City of Lights artists has been commissioned to create a large scale Bal Maiden lantern for the spectacle.
Early preparations. Artists: Sam Bradbury, Tony and Sue Loydell. Puppeteer Isobel Bloomfield
I will write a blog on the Interceltic Festival even if we are travelling by van and ferry. The van does leave from Redruth! It will, without doubt, be memorable... Enjoy your summer.
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