LE JOG

[Sweder]

Time to leave Portreath after falling down shamefully during tonight's excellent quiz. Rocket Ronnie bestrode the mezanine, microphone in hand, belting out the questions in a suspiciously South London accent. Despite my abstinence I failed miserably in the local knowledge section and scored nil on the picture round which featured mug shots of infamous Truro dignitaries through the ages. I left with cruel laughter ringing in my ears, hurridly strapping on my back-pack and shuffling off along the starlit, frosted pavement towards Bridge Moor.

I left the main road to take in some of the rural scenes, albethey moonlit under a crisp clear night sky, around Leity Moor and Chapel Hill and on into the village of Mawla. I rested in the village square, scanning the public notices as I slurped from my flask of hot chocolate. I was confused to learn that although the beach dog ban was back in force there was a call for local stores to stock 'doggie bags'. Of more interest was this lithograph of the village offered by local artist Rigby Graham:



I'd have tarried a while longer, but time was pressing and the cold was starting to nip at my sore flesh. I had to make Mount Hawke before midnight. Jan Dawson & her husband Ron had assured me of a bed for the night at the charming Old School Public House provided I arrived before the Witching hour. Apparently Ron's beloved pet, Fluffy the Irish Wolfhound, takes exception to being disturbed after that time. Much as I love dogs having seen this picture of Ron and Fluffy 'playing around' I decided it might be best to arrive promptly.



The Old School Public House, a unique village inn, was once the local Elementary school. Built in 1874 for the Falmouth Board on land donated by Lord Falmouth, when education became compulsory, it catered for children between the ages of five and fourteen. Closed in 1938/39 owing to a lack of pupils the building was re-opened in 1941 to house WWII evacuees. Following the 1945 Education Act The Old School became a Primary School for children between the ages of five and eleven and continued as such until 1986 when a modern facility was built across the road.



The Old School was renovated and re-opened as a pub in 1988 by Ron and Jan. They have a fine reputation for serving excellent real ale; spending a day and a night with them (and Fluffy) will surely test my temperence to the max.