William Barber introduced Terry Knight, the newly installed President of the Federation, who remarked how delighted he was to be invited. A splendid anniversary cake bearing the St.Piran’s flag and the relative dates was symbolically cut by Terry. William drew attention to the more than ample donated food, before reading a letter from the Old Cornwall records by R. Morton Nance to the people of St.Ives, advising that their heritage should be preserved. The result was that St.Ives Old Cornwall Society came into being in 1920, the first of what today amounts to 46 Societies. Terry proceeded to read a humorous dialect story concerning a man so fed up with his situation that he decided upon the turn of a coin, to go to America. Although kept secret from neighbours, word soon filtered out, and on reaching the bus stop, he was inundated with requests to carry the most inappropriate large items to other exiles. In this situation, another toss of the coin reversed his decision, much to his family’s relief. Terry was followed by Mary Quick, who read one of her dialect stories, then Dee Brotherton read her own poem concerning St.Ives, its environment and people, and the changes that have affected our town. Bob Sadler gave us his own story of how difficulties can arise when trying to rescue a large person, especially when trapped at the bottom of steep cliffs, and the attitude of those not directly involved; nothing’s changed there then !

Elaine Woolcock read a delightful poem by a Carbis Bay author. The subject was a person who found it impossible to sleep at night, so performed all kinds of tasks , but when daylight finally came, she was fast asleep !

Brian Stevens told us two of his amusing tales, one especially concerning local gossiping women , who hearing about a large lady having paid a visit to the local tattoo parlour, speculated about which part of her anatomy had been adorned, while adding two and two to make five ! The woman herself resolved the quandary by insisting that her body would never suffer such abominations, and revealing that it was an innocent visit to collect a kitten who needed a new home. In such ways are rumours begun !

A rare treat was the short talk by Jim Hodge who stood without notice or notes to tell of the occasion when he and a miner from Geevor performed the almost impossible repair of a broken main in an adit under Trenwith Place, which was causing water difficulties in Downlong. After much detective work, estimates of thousands of pounds from professional companies, and with little headroom from the depth of water, the task was accomplished and hailed nationally. In spite of being assured that they would be ‘looked after’ , the reward was a measley £25 ! Then to the popular quiz, arranged and presented by Janet Axten on screen: this year’s subject was ’ St.Ives Events’ , where the questions asked were, ‘who, where, date ?’ Around 10 teams took part, those with local knowledge faring best as might be thought, but overall the standard was surprisingly high. Out of 30 possible answers, the highest score was twenty-five and a half, while the lowest was only twenty, so a good effort by all concerned.

After Terry drew the raffle, Trelawney was sung and all invited to partake of the delicious Faith Supper arranged on a long table. Janet announced the quiz results and prizes were presented to the winning teams.