Celtic Recipes

Cornwall has often been referred to as the ‘Land of the Saints’. The late artist John Miller’s great painting displayed in Truro Cathedral is indeed entitled ‘Cornubia – Land of the Saints’ and shows the Duchy bathed beneath a heavenly light.

One such Saint who arrived on our northern shores around 490AD was Piran, the patron of tinners and now of all Cornwall. The legend is that he floated across from Ireland upon a millstone.

His emblem, the white cross on a black background has become recognised as the Cornish flag and he is widely celebrated on 5th March annually, his feast day.

Although his main connections appear to be in the west of Cornwall, he is also remembered in the village of Trethevy close to Tintagel where there is a well and chapel dedicated to him.

Here can be found a medieval chapel possibly standing upon a 6th Century monastic settlement, which has also served as a barn. History reports that a Vicar of Tintagel called Gregory held mass in the building in 1457. During the subsequent bloodthirsty reformation, the building became a shelter for cattle.

Manx cats have long been a source of fascination to both curious onlookers and cat lovers alike, and although now more prevalent in the USA than the Isle of Man, this new book is likely to draw readers from both sides of the Atlantic.

Much has been written about their distinctive characteristics which doggedly link them with the Island, but this inexpensive, little volume would be a purr-fect addition to any bookshelf.

Split into bite-sized morsels devoted to the Manx cat’s history, their contemporary setting and folklore, Sara Goodwins has provided a gently humorous portrayal of this much-loved feline with its untroubled demeanour and curious traits. There’s a selection of anecdotes to whet your appetite and some interesting suggestions as to the possible origin of the singular Manx moggy, not only renowned for its physical attributes, but also as an excellent mouser.