Par Old Cornwall Society was formed in 1950, the first Chairman being George Lomer, St Austell born & bred, who, in the 1930’s was Headmaster of St Blazey Boys School. His Bardic name was Car Sen Blays ( Friend of St Blazey). Our first secretary was Mrs Florence Willis who held the post until 1962 when she became our Recorder. She was made a Bard in 1950, taking the name Sulwen (Sun Bright) She wrote 3 booklets in the 1950’s, a history of Old Roselyon Manor, another about Colonel Peard of Trenython, (Garibaldi’s Englishman”) and also a guide to Par which contained a reference to “ the little town that came out of the sea” which inspired us to use the phrase as the title of a heritage walking book around Par which we published last year to mark our 70th anniversary. Mrs Willis is perhaps best remembered for arranging for copies of the Lord’s Prayer in Cornish to be placed in every church in Cornwall with Luxulyan being the first to receive one.
ABOVE RIGHT: Presenting the Par OCS banner by Miss Gregory who had spent 3 years on the work. Mr George Lomer, President (who was headmaster of St Blazey boy’s School) accepting the sail cloth banner.
That’s my grandfather. I’ve still got his Gorsedd robes.
Thank you Kath…That’s interesting to hear. The material used must of been of good quality to have survived for over 70 years!!
The Banner is still in use and is displayed at all of our monthly meetings – September – April , and taken to various “Cornish” Events around the County.
We will make sure the information about Mr Lomer and his bardic robe is mentioned at out next meeting.
Are you still a resident of Kernow?
Kind regards.
Jill
Secretary to Par Old Cornwall Society.