On Saturday 11th July, Torpoint Library and Community Centre hosted a brilliant day of workshops for our Tales of the Tides project. Led once again by Laura Miucci, the sessions explored the Tamar through archaeology and poetry, offering two very different but complementary ways of connecting with the river.
Tales of the Tides project is a collaboration between the Federation and Callington, Saltash, and Torpoint OCSs. It is funded by the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
The foreshore pottery workshop was particularly well attended, with a wonderful mix of participants — members of the Plymouth Archaeological Society, families, and local residents. Several people brought in pottery sherds and artefacts for identification, sparking lively discussion. The workshop included practical exercises, opportunities to record people’s thoughts about the Tamar, and an art task that will form part of our exhibition later in the project.
The poetry workshop provided a reflective and creative space, encouraging participants to explore their relationship with the river through words. Laura gathered a rich collection of poetic material and is now developing a community poem that will become part of the project’s legacy.
Feedback was extremely positive. The Plymouth Archaeological Society shared this lovely comment on social media: “Two of our members went to the Foreshore Pottery Workshop. They really enjoyed the event, found it very informative, and so nice to meet such lovely people.”
Our thanks to Torpoint Archive and Heritage Centre, based within the Library, for their invaluable support throughout the day. Their involvement continues to strengthen the project and deepen our shared understanding of Torpoint’s maritime heritage.
Another excellent day for Tales of the Tides, full of learning, creativity, and community spirit.