World Heritage Site Celebration and Book Launch
Many thanks to all those that came along to Kresen Kernow on 28th May to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of inscription of the World Heritage Site and attend the launch of The Great Trek of the Transport Party, Mexico (1825–26): A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph’, by Dr Sharron P. Schwartz.
Deborah Tritton, Archive Services Manager, kicked off proceedings with a welcome to Kresen Kernow and Cllr Caroline Mott, Chair of the World Heritage Site Partnership Board, introduced the 20th anniversary and book launch. Dr Martin Critchley of the Cornubian Press then presented a short film on the cultural links between Cornwall and Mexico - ‘Mexico’s Little Cornwall’ - and video greetings from Cornish descendants in the country.
A number of distinguished guests were present, including Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Cornwall; Mrs Harriet Hills, High Sheriff of Cornwall; Kate Kennally, The Clerk for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Chief Executive of Cornwall Council; Cllr Rob Nolan, The Chairman of Cornwall Council; The Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, Jenefer Lowe; Cllr Alison Biscoe, The Mayor of Redruth; Cllr Anne Johnson, Mayor of Tavistock; Cllr Deborah Reeve, Redruth-Real del Monte Twinning Association Spokesperson; and Professor Joanie Willett, The Institute of Cornish Studies (University of Exeter).
Musical entertainment was ably provided by Alan Jewell and The Four Fifths from Redruth and copies of The Great Trek were available for signing by the author and mining migration specialist, Dr Sharron P. Schwartz.
Supported by the World Heritage Site Partnership Board, The Great Trek is published by Cornubian Press and marks another anniversary - this being the bicentenary of Cornish steam technology reaching Real del Monte, Mexico, in 1826.
This engaging new work uses groundbreaking research to present this remarkable story in depth, celebrating its importance as a shared chapter of Cornish and Mexican industrial history and highlighting the global reach of mining innovation originating from the heart of Cornwall.
Copies of The Great Trek are now available for sale from the Cornubian Press, at: https://cornubianpress.com/books/the-great-trek-of-the-transport-party-mexico-1825-6/
Further information on global Cornish mining migration can be found at Cousin Jack’s World along with an excellent blog by Dr Schwartz covering the celebration and launch at https://www.cousinjacksworld.com/great-trek-book-and-film-launch/
