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News Cuttings - Falmouth

The following news extracts are intended, by linking them to references throughout this site, to add 'meat' to the bones of isolated statistics, names, events and statements, which deserve juxtapositioning in order to see them in the light of what else may have been going on. As the pages of Capt. R.T. Dixon and George Corke illustrate, there is much to be gained, and enjoyed, regarding personage associated with the Sunbeam Class!

[Should anyone regard information on this site as an incorrect, or an invasion of their privacy, please e-mail me, as I will be pleased to review what may be at issue.]

Inevitably, the ever-growing internet audience of genealogists will seek to discover whatever related information they can, whether it be regarding boat or club history connecting a boat-owners' family history.

For example: Re Boscawen [see 1883 and/or Maranui ]

"New members of the RCYC, in 1883, included ... the Hon. John Boscawen." [Son of Evelyn Edward Boscawen, 6th Viscount, who died in 1891?].

[ qf.The History of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club" by Col. C. J. H. Mead, J.P. (Underhill, Plymouth, 1951)]

FP March 23, 1923: Viscountess Falmouth - who has given birth to a son at 8 Lennox Gardens, was formerly Miss Mary Meynell, only daughter of the late Frederick Meynall and of Lady Mary Meynell, the latter an aunt of the Earl of Crawford. She married in 1915, the Hon. Evelyn Boscawen, who succeeded his father as Viscount Falmouth three years later. Lord and Lady Falmouth now have a family of four, all boys, the eldest born in 1916, and the others in 1919 and 1921. Lord Falmouth's only sister is the Hon. Pamela Boscawen, who is 21 this year, and is often seen about with her mother, Kathleen Viscountess Falmouth.

From a 1925 source, we find the Right Hon. Viscount Falmouth was Vice President of the society from 1920-1922 and President in 1925. The report includes a summary of Boscawen lineage, with extracts as follows:

Evelyn Hugh John Boscawen

(1886-1961?)

8th Viscount Falmouth

Baron Le Despencer

President of the RCPS in 1925

Grandfather of the Hon. Evelyn Boscawen, owner of Maranui

Qf. The 92nd Annual Report of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society (RCPS)

"Henry de Boscawen and Hawise his wife had a grandson John, who married in 1334 Joan, daughter and heiress of John de Tregothnan from whom the estates of Tregothnan and St. Michael Penkivel were inherited......... The present family descends from Edward Boscawen, who married a daughter of Sir Francis Godolphin, and died in 1686. Edward's son, Hugh, was Warden of the Stannaries and Comptroller of the Royal Household, and was created Viscount Falmouth and Baron of Boscawen-Rose in 1720. He died in 1734. By Charlotte (Godfrey) he had five sons, three of whom became Generals in the army. His eldest son, Hugh, succeeded him as 2nd Viscount, but had no children. The second eldest son, Edward Boscawen (1711-1761), became a very distinguished Admiral who distinguished himself in naval battles from 1839-1760 in all parts of the world. When Hugh died in 1761, Edward's son, George Evelyn Boscawen, succeeded his uncle as 3rd Viscount. George died in 1808 and Edward Boscawen, eldest of his two sons, became 4th Viscount. Edward was created Earl of Falmouth in 1821, and died in 1841. George Henry Boscawen, his only son, succeeded as second Earl and 5th Viscount but died unmarried in 1851, when the Earldom became extinct. John Evelyn Boscawen, second son of the 3rd Viscount, a Canon of Canterbury and the younger brother of George Evelyn, [also] died in 1851. His eldest son, Evelyn Edward Boscawen succeeded as 6th Viscount. He was very well known in racing circles as the owner of many successful horses, whose portraits are now [1925] at Tregothnan. Kingcraft won the Derby in 1870 and Silvio won the Derby and St. Leger in 1877. He died in 1891. His eldest son, Evelyn Edward Thomas succeeded him as 7th Viscount and, in 1891, inherited the Le Dispencer peerage, a barony by writ dating back to 1264. He joined the Coldstream Guards in 1866, served in the war of 1882, in the Nile expedition of 1884-85, and retired with the rank of General in 1902. Evelyn was Vice President of the RCPS from 1894-96 and President of the Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) in 1910 and 1911. In 1886 he married the Hon. Kathleen Douglas-Pennant, daughter of the 2nd Lord Penrhyn, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. He died in 1918 and was succeeded by his eldest son Evelyn Hugh John Boscawen as the 8th Viscount Falmouth. (See image) Lord Falmouth married in 1915, Mary Margaret Desirée, daughter of the Hon. Frederick George Lindley Wood who took the name of Meynall, a younger son of the first Lord Halifax. Her mother was the Lady Mary Susan Felicie Lindsay, daughter of the 26th Earl of Crawford. They had four sons.

Included amongst the following, some articles may remind us of the Port of Falmouth's history and stir memories of those who could possibly add to these "archives" - for posterity. All contributions gratefully received!

RCG 16/7/1803: For Sale - House in Flushing - on 18th July, by public auction at the Ship Inn, village of Flushing. In (the) new road leading to Tregew and now in occupation of Captain William Dorset Fellows. (Sic) Newly built, very commodious, extensive garden behind, and a courtlage in front and commands a beautiful view of the town and harbour of Falmouth. Apply Mr. Tresidder, Attorney at Law. [Related to S. L. Tresidder?]

FP 22/1/1898: Falmouth Bench and Dancing Licenses.

Mr. Robert Thomas, landlord of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, High Street, applied on Monday for a dancing licence for a room connected with the premises. Mr. Carne, the owner of the property ("a quite separate room 80 ft x 22 ft 6 in x 18 ft high, with eight windows and one entrance") stated that another staircase and an extra facility would be provided immediately. Mr. W. Jenkins, [representing Mr. Thomas] understood that a similar application was to be made on behalf of the Masonic Hall, Church Street.

The aristocracy had the privilege of being able to dance at the Masonic Hall, and he asked that the same privilege be extended to the middle class people. A large number of people who visited Falmouth in the summer would not be admitted at the Masonic Hall. Mr. Thomas was paying £24 a year for this room. He promised that no liquors of any kind would be sold in the room or even taken there. Mr. Pill, builder of the room, explained a plan of the room to the Bench.

Superintendent Beare said that if it had been an application from a dancing class, he would not have opposed it. Egress and ingress could only be made through licensed premises [the hotel] After a long absence from the Court, the Bench refused the application.

Mr. S. Tresidder, Jun., on behalf of the Letting Committee of the Masonic Lodge "Love and Honour," made a similar application in respect to the Masonic Hall, explaining that it was spacious, well ventilated, and had been built with a view to dancing being held there.

Dr. Moore: How many exits are there? - Mr. Tresidder: Three. There is a nice broad access, and every convenienc.

The Committee had some doubts whether there was any need for making the application.

Superintendent Beare offered no objection and the request was acceded to.

1923:

FP Friday 16 February, 1923: Dracaena Avenue opened.

New road from Ashfield to Western Terrace opened. Cost @ £20,000 a mile, 60 ft wide.

FP May 11, 1923: Flushing Sailing Club - Two successful seasons. [Formed May 4th, 1921]

Flushing (village) Regatta fixed for 11 August, 1923.

"The gift of the magnificent Challenge Cup by the President, Mr. H. G. Sicklemore, of Rosilan, undoubtedly acted as an incentive to many members in the club's first season. Nearly all the 14-foot dinghy owners who competed at the races last season were present. It was the general opinion that the Y.R.A. Rules, which meant a uniformity in sail area, ballast, air tanks, centre-boards etc., should be adopted. The Secretary referred to the fact that Mr. H. F. Green, of St. Mawes, had constructed two dinghies similar to the Nesta when he had raced last season. These would probably sail under the name of the St. Mawes one-design class. Would the club make a section for these craft which would undoubtedly wish to participate in its races? A discussion followed, it being decided to refer the decision to the new committee when formed.

FP Friday 8 June, 1923: St. Mawes Sailing Club

It was decided to commence the weekly sailings on Thursday June 14th, and following Thursdays throughout the season.

It will be noticed that the St. Mawes One-design 14 ft. open dinghies make their first appearance as a class.

FP Aug. 24, 1923: Falmouth Regatta - Padstow Steam Lifeboat as Committee Boat.

In the dinghy race, the Basket [Bertram West] capsized. When the little craft was brought alongside the Helen Peele, the remainder of the competitors insisted upon delaying the race until the Basket was bailed out and able to compete. Basket then won the race.

Boats not exceeding 16 ft. [included] Whim, S. L. Tresidder.

1924

FP May 9, 1924: Seven Sunbeams Ordered

Una has already arrived, and her arrival and presence in the port has created enormous interest amongst the yachting fraternity.

RCYC Corinthian Races on Wednesdays

Flushing Sailing Club races on Saturday afternoons [when the working man may be free to sail]

St. Mawes Sailing Club - on Thursdays, a little later there will also be races at St. Mawes on Tuesdays.

FP May 9, 1924: The Yachting Season - Bright Prospects

There are indications that Falmouth's yachting season for 1924 will be a successful one. This is chiefly due to the sporting action of several local yachting enthusiasts who have formed the Falmouth Sunbeam One Design Class and have ordered seven little yachts.

These craft are very similar in appearance to the Six Metre yachts, which were so popular last season, though somewhat smaller in size.

They are all built to the same design by the same builder (Messrs. Woodnutt & Co., of the Isle of Wight) and we are bound to have some exciting racing. In all probability there will not be much difference in the speed of the respective boats and in the event of this proving to be correct then smart seamanship is going to count for a good deal.

The following yachts have been constructed:

Halcyone (Eton Blue) Messrs. C. P. & John Foster

Merrythought (Blue) Mr. H. G. Sicklemore

Little Lady (Pearl Grey) Capt. H. L. Wilcox, R.N.

Flame (Pale Buff, Red Strake) Mr. H. S. Tuke, R.A.

Una (White) Major C. Watson-Smythe

Berthe (Black) Messrs. C. R. Stephens & S. L. Tresidder

Trent (Silver Grey) Mr. H. Stedman

The Una has already arrived and her presence in the harbour has evoked enormous interest amongst the yachting fraternity. Other yachts are expected daily.

The Captain of the Club is Mr. C. P. Foster, Capt. H. L. Willcox R. N. being the Hon. Sec. and Deputy Captain, and Mr. E. R. Tatchell the honorary Official Measurer.

It is satisfactory to note that there will be numerous opportunities of testing the merits of the yachts.

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club will provide in connection with their weekly Corinthian matches on Wednesdays, the Flushing Sailing Club will arrange races on Saturday afternoons, and the St. Mawes Sailing Club on Thursdays. A little later in the season, St. Mawes will also provide races on Tuesdays.

The Class will also visit Plymouth, Fowey and take part in the Regattas at those ports.

It is no exaggeration to say that Falmouth will lead the way in the West so far as local racing during 1924 is concerned.

The RCYC weekly Corinthian Races will probably be started next month, and the annual Regatta has been fixed for Saturday August 9th.

It is very doubtful the 6-metre yachts will visit Falmouth this year, for, it is believed, they will be racing in the Continent this year.

FP May 16, 1924: Yachting at Falmouth - Getting Ready for the Approaching Season

Local yards where yachts are fitting out are rather busy at present.

At Messrs. R. S. Burt & Son's yard; - craft being built include a 6 ½ ton Falmouth Quay punt type - on speculation.

Yachts reconditioned and fitting out include the 6-metre cutter AYESHA (Com. Ratsey); aux centreboard cutter Onaway (Major Gill)

At the Victoria Yard, Messrs. J. Jackett & Sons have dealt with Maid Marion (P. D. Tuckett) and Pixie (C. R. Corfeld); Merlin (H. G. Sicklemore); Firefly (J. Foster); Moth (Miss M. Foster); Cynthia (Mrs. C. P. Foster); Marion (T. Jackett); Vanda (J. K. Warneland).

At Ponsharden several yachts have been fitted out, including the Launch Moti (Major Watson-Smythe).

Lord Inchcape's Steam Yacht Rover is undergoing a refit in the Falmouth Graving Dock, and Captain Dowman's yachts are being fitted out.

Captain Dowman has presented a very handsome Silver Cup to the Flushing Sailing Club for competition in the Sunbeam Class.

FP Friday July 18, 1924: The Cutty Sark - Work of transferring her to a full rigged ship.

Re-rigging the old clipper ship is almost completed by the Exe Transport Co., [owners of Ponsharden Shipyard] by the instructions of Messrs. J. Gilbert and W. Lobb and crew [Master Shipwright and Master Rigger?]

The vessel has been turned from a Barquentine into a full-rigged ship carrying skysail yard. Black Hull. Masts white.

Mr. Dowman is now in Scotland in his recently acquired magnificent schooner yacht Lamorna.

It is understood he has agreed to the Cutty Sark being towed to Fowey in August and acting as the Committee Vessel at Fowey Royal and Town Regattas.

It is said that Capt. Woodget, who used to command Cutty Sark, is coming to Falmouth to take the vessel to Fowey.

1925

FP Friday May 15, 1925. Yachting - The Season's Prospects

RCYC weekly races will begin on May 27th.

The Channel Races to and from Fowey will take place on Aug. 10th and 13th respectively and the annual regatta will be held on Aug. 15th.

There are great hopes of the six-metre class paying a return visit, probably in the early part of September. Falmouthians have most pleasant recollections of the visit of the famous little yachts two years ago, when we had a week's splendid racing.

This year there is an addition to the Sunbeam class through the arrival of Mr. C. Foster's Maranui.

Flushing Sailing Club held a meeting last week. [7 May]

Mr. P. Rees, who worked untiringly for the welfare of the Flushing Sailing Club stated that, in conjunction with the RCYC, and on behalf of his club, he wrote the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners with reference to removing the coal hulks to another anchorage. A negative reply, however, was received.

The Chairman mentioned that last year the Foudroyant was used as a mark vessel by the small vessels. However, considerable difficulty had been experienced, and Col. J. Edwards Vaughan had presented the club with a permanent mark buoy off Trefusis Point. [Off Kiln Quay, see year-end address]

The season would open on 21st inst. [May]

Mr. Rees had secured the promise of the six metres racing on one or two occasions when under the club's Flag. The Chairman thought it was very gratifying, adding they were now a recognised Club.

Mr. T. Jackett of the Victoria Yacht Building Yard has fitted out: Boris, Major Watson-Smyth, Pixie, Mr. C. R. Corfield, Merlin, Mr. H. G. Sicklemore.

In the 14 ft; Miss Goldman will be a new competitor and Major Watson-Smyth will probably enter two boats.

Mr. Penryn Goldman's Mignonette has been fitted out.

It is improbable that Mr. C. B. Foster's Cynthia will be put into commission this season.

Captain Dowman's fine Schooner Yacht Lamorna, arrived from Cowes on Wednesday (13 May)

Lord Inchcape's Steam yacht Rover is being fitted out in one of the graving docks.

Yachts laid up at the Ponsharden Shipyard have been the Sunbeams (three of which have just been launched).

FP May 22, 1925: Falmouth - Yachting work at Messes R. T. (Sic) Burt & Sons' yard.

Lord Rendlesham's triple motor yacht Lady Bee (1920) which the yard built, has had an extensive overhaul & refit.

Mr. W. H. Maudsley's motor cruiser Colleen II was also reconditioned..

[M.Y. photographs anyone? (To help me identify moored yachts and date images)]

FP Friday June 19, 1925

Well-known Quay Punt "Genesta" for sale - sails and equipment complete. Fitted with "Brit" motor engine, nearly new, 8-10 h.p. single cylinder. Speed 9 knots. Apply G. Harris, St. Cuthbert's, Falmouth. [Jim Morrison stated (1998) that "Ken Williams (late husband of Ida) was the last owner of the "Genesta"

FP June 19, 1925: Death of Mr. Frederick Massey (63) - Photographer & Artist [Sea studies]

Res. 58 Marlborough Road. Native of Penryn. Entered employ of Mr. W. M. Harrison, photographer, of Church Street, Falmouth, 42 years ago. [1883]. When Mr. Harrison left Falmouth, the business was transferred to Messrs. Opie & Sons, for whom the deceased acted as Manager up to his death. "He leaves a widow, having been married only a few weeks." [!]

[see image of Cutty Sark, "by Opie" - probably taken by Fred Massey shortly after her refit by Ponsharden in 1923.]

FP June 19, 1925: We are promised Wireless Pictures.

In America motion pictures of a windmill in action were projected by wireless on a screen 5 miles distant. The inventor predicts....[TV]

FP Friday June 26, 1925: Carclew Estate for sale by Private Treaty

Outlying portions of this estate ...[list] [Capt. W. F. Tremayne of Carclew, son of a founder member and Flag Officer, joined the RCYC in 1908 (Mead)]

FP Friday June 26, 1925: Sales by Auction: Roscrow, [later the home of A. C. Farrant, Maranui] Nr. Penryn "On the C. M. T. Bus Route"

On instructions from Mrs. Fairbrother, who has left the neighbourhood.

Contents Sale, 30 June & 1 July, 1925. Criddle & Smith, Truro.

FP Friday October 23, 1925: Cornwall Oyster Festival - Bright Prospects for the Coming Season

Cornwall will hold it's first Oyster Festival in Falmouth today.

Medium 4s. - 4s. 6d. a dozen. [Account related under "Cornwall's Oyster Feast" (FP 30/10/1925)]

FP Friday November 6, 1925: Implacable

"at present in Dry Dock in Devonport."

1926

FP January 22, 1926: Obstruction to Yachting

To the Editor of the Falmouth Packet

Sir, - I am given to understand that at a meeting of the Harbour Board, in the near future, it will be discussed whether or not the Implacable shall be allotted a berth in Falmouth harbour. Let me at once say, I much appreciate the sentiment & generosity which have saved the Implacable, as an international relic. [Implacable was then in Devonport DY for a £25,000 refit (funded by Cobb & others)]

But may I, as a yachtsman, and spokesman for many residents interested in yachting and yacht racing, plead our cause?

Falmouth harbour, which is confessedly one of the most beautiful and commodious of anchorages, is gradually becoming less attractive to visiting yachts. The beauty remains untouched, but the attraction, from a yachting point of view, diminishes. Why? Because, what I consider to be unsightly obstructions block the harbour.

You have three coal-hulks, a disused salvage ship, and two boys training ships, making a solid obstruction to the navigation of the harbour from the point of view of any sailing master, whether merchantmen or yachtsmen, who has not an intimate knowledge of the harbour.

What is the result? A visiting yachtsman looking for a berth, and seeing no way in, seeks another anchorage, and steers for St. Mawes, or Helford, and spends his money there.

I write this letter from the point of view of yachting. I do not know if this sport is supposed to add to the attraction of Falmouth as a Summer resort, or to be an asset to the town.

Personally I should argue that it must be so, otherwise why should the Corporation arrange, as they did last summer [1925] for the Sunbeam Class to be filmed, and the film exhibited, and used as propaganda. That should show that private expenditure of local yachtsmen becomes a definite asset.

[Does anyone remember such footage promoting Falmouth, and, where might film of the first eight Falmouth Sunbeams may be today…..? If so, please e-mail me! Mead, RCYC history, refers to the complaints in 1926 - but makes no mention of Sunbeams being filmed in 1925 by Falmouth Town Corporation.]

I labour these points because, if yachting and yacht racing should be encouraged, and not so obstructed to make it seriously considered whether, in the event of obstacles, of which I complain already, being added to by the arrival of the Implacable, yacht racing, as carried on at present, may not become an impossibility.

It is hoped, I believe, that H. M. Yacht Britannia, and the accompanying big cutters, may visit this port. Thus natural berths where they could be seen, admired and visited by the people and visitors to Falmouth, are now occupied by the obstructions of which I complain.

C. P. Foster

Captain, Sunbeam Class

“Penvale”

FP February 26, 1926: Falmouth Harbour

At a meeting of Falmouth Harbour Board on Friday [19 Feb.] an application had been received from Mr. G. Wheatley Cobb with respect to berthing of the Implacable in Falmouth waters. Mr. Cobb met a sub-committee of the Board, and it was decided to berth the ship off St. Just, in view of the Custom House Quay.

FP April 23, 1926: Falmouth Harbour Board

The Harbour Committee reported that the gas-lighted buoys had arrived and would be placed in position by the Trinity Brethren in the West Narrow and Vilt stations on the 21st inst. - marking another step forward. The Board notice with pleasure that loading of explosives into big German steamers has recommenced; [!] that the extension of the Western Wharf was being proceeded with as quickly as possible - “a finished foot a day” [to accommodate loading of china clay].

FP Friday May 21, 1926: Local Yachting - The Season's Prospects

RCYC Corinthian Races will start Wednesday next. [26 May]

Those who take an interest in yachting will be delighted to know there is an addition to the popular class of Sunbeams, and there will be nine yachts competing in this class.

The latest addition is Caprice, which has been built to the order of Mr. H. G. Sicklemore. She is a smart looking little craft and is beautifully turned out of hand. Mr. C. P. Foster of “Penvale” is the Captain of the Class and the following is the list of the yachts.

Halcyone	Miss Moira Foster & Mr. John Foster	Sail No. 14	Blue
Merrythought	Mr. H. G. Sicklemore	Sail No. 15	Blue
Little Lady	Capt. H. L. Willcox (sic), R. N	Sail No. 16	Pearl Grey
Flame	Mr. H. S. Tuke R. A	Sail No. 17	Pale Buff, Red Strake
Una	Major C. Watson-Smyth	Sail No. 18	White
Berthe	Capt. C. R. Stephens	Sail No. 19	Black
Trent	Mr. H. Stedman & Mr. H. Gowthorpe	Sail No. 20	Dark Grey
Maranui	Mr. C. P. Foster	Sail No. 21	Green
Caprice	Mrs. H. G. Sicklemore	Sail No. 26	Red

Yachts laid up at Ponsharden have been the Falmouth Sunbeams, and,

Motor Launch Grey Bird Capt. Dowman

Corona, cutter, Capt. Dowman

The Padstow Steam Lifeboat Helen Peel has had her annual refit, also the Falmouth Lifeboat.

Messrs. R. S. Burt & Son - busy fitting out

A 4-ton auxiliary yacht Maripasu of the Falmouth Quay Punt type with a 4 h.p. Brooke motor, for Mr. Marcus Quick, has been launched and has had satisfactory trial runs.

A 24-ton Aux. Yawl, FQP type, Diana, [43'2" LOA, 41 ft LWL x 12 ft Beam, aft draft.) built to the order of General Sir Frederick Poole, K. B. E., D. S. O. [Cotswold House, Fowey see FP 4/6/1926] is nearing completion and it will be launched net Spring Tides. The motor is to be a 3 cyl. 14 h. p. Brooke engine, to which is coupled a dynamo for electric lighting.

The firm which is known as the Cornish Yacht Agency (registered) has sold the 6-ton Yawl Kilma, ex Marjory, to Mr. Percy M. Holman.