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New
pictures of the May Family just added. Many thanks to David Stick
of St Austell for sending these in!
Mrs
Betty May sits back in her armchair at home in Polgooth to remember
her busy life in the village.
Along
with her husband Denis she took an active role in village life which
started many years ago.
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| A
get-together of many of the May Family in 1930 - courtesy of
David Stick, St Austell. |
"I
was born in Torpoint but I came to live in Polgooth sixty years
ago," says Mrs May. "I fell in love with the village from day one."
Mrs
May threw herself into village life producing the popular pantomimes
that are still remembered to this day. The tradition of the village
panto was revamped by Martin Barnes in the early 1980s.
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| This
1901 picture of Polgooth shows the prominent mine shafts and
workings in the foreground. |
"They
started small but soon built up with lots of characters in the village
taking part," she remembers.
By
the mid 1950's the Polgooth Pantomime was so well known that tickets
were selling like hot cakes.
"People
used to queue for tickets so they would get the best seats," says
Mrs May. "In 1955 we did the pantomime 'Red Riding Hood and the
Babes in the Wood'. It was so popular that we had to add extra performances!"
Mrs
May produced the pantomimes in Polgooth and gathered together many
talented villagers.
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| The
South Polgooth Engine House |
"David
Rowe was the landlord at the time of the Polgooth Inn," she smiles.
"One year we had his dog in the pantomime. It was such a funny animal,
it would do whatever you asked him too. The pantomimes brought the
whole village together."
As
well as the Pantomimes Mrs May played a big role in the Women's
Institute.
"I
was the first President of Polgooth's WI and then I was Treasurer
for a while too," says Mrs May.
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| The
WI met for years in the village hall |
"We
had excellent speakers. The WI started off the Horticultural shows
in the village which were very popular. It is very sad the WI doesn't
exist in the village now. But times change and people don't cook
and bake and grow vegetables like they used to."
During
the 80s The May family would hold big Summer Fetes for the villagers
in the grounds of their home.
"We
were asked to do one for the Conservative Party and it went on from
there. We also did them to fundraise for local charities like Asthma
Research."
The
Early Days
Mrs
May left Torpoint with her family as a youngster.
"The
family moved to St Dennis," she remembers. "My father was a Blacksmith
in the area. I met Denis and we got married and eventually moved
to Polgooth 60 years ago."
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| Polgooth
Playing Field has been enjoyed by the village's youngsters for
many years. |
Denis
May is well remembered in the village for his love of Polgooth.
Over the years he recorded many of the village characters talking
about life in the area.
These
people were captured on video, and to this day Denis' films are
well respected and always draw large crowds when they are shown
in the village hall.
"Denis
joined the St Austell Cinema Club and his interests grew from there,"
says Mrs May. "His friend encouraged him to join the Truro club.
He recorded interviews with many local people."
Mays
Worlwide
The
May Family name is not only well known in Polgooth and St Austell.
It is known throughout the world. Indeed their are members of the
family in many countries.
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| A
rare picture of the amazing Lilly May courtesy of David Stick,
St Austell |
One
of the great stories involves Lilly May at the turn of the last
century.
"She
was an incredible woman," says Mrs May. "Lilly was not able to join
her husband when he went in search of work in America as she was
expecting their child. She followed in his footsteps from Cornwall
to America and eventually found him. It was amazing how this young
woman coped. Her daughter wrote a book about the voyage."
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| Edward
Body May, 'The Grand Old Man of Polgooth' courtesy of David
Stick, St Austell |
Another
great character who has been written about is Edward Body May. In
an article in the St Austell Star back in 1913 he was described
as the 'Grand Old Man Of Polgooth'.
"I
have heard a story that he would go to the pub at Sticker on his
horse, and then later the horse would lead him home!" laughs Mrs
May.
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| The
Goffin in Polgooth has been used in the past for early pantos
and fire work displays |
In
the St Austell Star Newspaper the reporter stated:
"He
is a walking encyclopedia of information concerning all that pertains
to Polgooth. He has grown up and flourished in Polgooth. Astonishingly
youthful looking, despite his iron grey hair, moustache and beard,
ruddy complexion, still with clear eye and pleasant tone voice."
"He
played the organ in the Polgooth Chapel for many years," says Mrs
May. "He was a well respected member of the village."
The
tradition was passed on to his son Mr NE May. To this day the May
family links continue with the Polgooth Chapel.
Garth
Hitchens had lessons paid for by his Grandfather May. Garth has
played the organ in Polgooth for 54 years. Read
his story
The
May family has been an important part of Polgooth village life for
many years. The family business Denis May and Sons has continued
to grow over the years and is still based locally.
For
Mrs May 60 years in Polgooth have been incredibly happy. She may
have been born in Torpoint but her heart and her home belong in
Polgooth.
Meet
Polgooth's oldest resident
Meet the village's long serving organist
Read about chapel life in Polgooth
Take a walk around Hawke's shop
An amazing Polgooth mining discovery
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