Perranzabuloe Museum in Perranporth

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Perranzabuloe Museum in Perranporth

Local History Look beyond the sand and surf to the fascinating history of the parish of Perranzabuloe.

18/06/2026

For this week’s look back, we’re revisiting the children’s play area at Bolenna Field, Perranporth, and one of its most memorable features: the space‑capsule climbing frame.

Pictured here in 1970, the capsule was a firm favourite, part climbing challenge, part imaginary spacecraft. Generations of local children scrambled up its metal rungs and launched countless make‑believe missions to the moon and beyond.

Today the playground looks very different, but the memories of that iconic space‑age frame still spark plenty of nostalgia.

Who remembers climbing the capsule?

14/06/2026

Formed in the early years of WW2, the Perranporth Fire Brigade originally operated under the local authority from Tregonning’s Garage on St Piran’s Road. As the village grew, the brigade later moved to Penvenen, working out of the old fish cellars.

Today’s photo from 1965 shows the brigade at their present home

11/06/2026

With Wimbledon just around the corner, we’re looking back at the long history of tennis in our parish.

In 1896, Mrs Turner, wife of the manager of Nobel’s Explosive Works in Perranporth, proposed forming a tennis club to “foster a social feeling among the residents who might otherwise have few opportunities of meeting together.”

What began as a way to bring the community together soon became a much‑loved local institution. By 1914, an elegant Edwardian clubhouse had been built, and the club grew into the thriving hub many of us know today.

With six grass courts and three floodlit hard courts, tennis has remained a popular pastime in Perranporth for well over a century from friendly matches to competitive play

07/06/2026

Longer days and lighter evenings… the perfect time to get out exploring!
As summer approaches, it’s a great moment to rediscover the footpaths of the Parish. Thanks to the Parish Council and many dedicated locals our network of paths has been kept open and accessible over the years.

Back in the 1970s, when this walking booklet was produced by the Old Cornwall Society, the Parish of Perranzabuloe covered 10,894 acres and boasted 124 footpaths. The guide recommended 13 routes, each highlighting points of interest along the way, including the wonderfully named Granny’s Teeth! The cover illustration shown here is by local artist Alice Bizley, whose work captures the character of the parish beautifully.

Today, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a wander - South West Coast Path stretches, Circular walks around the parish or why not try one of the Museum walking leaflets that blend local history with beautiful scenery.

Where will your next walk take you this weekend?

04/06/2026

There’s always something to spot on a walk along Perranporth Beach and today’s throwback takes us back to Sand Martin sightings at Flat Rocks in 2019. These agile little birds were photographed nesting there.
Sand Martins are the smallest of the family that includes martins and swallows. With their dark brown upper parts, pale underparts and distinctive chest band, they’re quick, graceful fliers, often feeding over water. Have you spotted any Sand Martins at Flat Rocks yet this year?
Let us know — we love hearing about wildlife sightings along our coast.

31/05/2026

With such lovely weather over the last week we couldn't resist a beach post! Pictured here in this classic summer image from the 1960s is one of the most distinctive features of Perranporth Beach - Chapel Rock. Rising from the sands and breaking the waves, it offers a natural shield from the full force of the sea and a landmark that locals and visitors instantly recognise. In the summer months it becomes the heart of the beach, a favourite spot for rock pooling, a place to swim in the tidal pool and perfect for a bit of shelter or a perch to sit on between dips in the sea.

28/05/2026

Long before commercial freezers and large‑scale manufacturers, our Parish's ice‑cream sellers made their own, each with a unique recipe and loyal following. It’s a tradition that continues today, from the long history of Perranporth Dairy to the much‑loved Callestick Farm.
Whether it was a simple cone (or not so simple!) in every flavour under the sun, or towering knickerbocker glories and banana splits, ice‑cream has always been part of summer memories for locals and visitors alike.
Featured here is a 1960s advert for R. P. Crawshaw, a local favourite known for homemade ice‑cream.
What was — or is — your favourite flavour or maker? We’d love to hear your memories.

24/05/2026

The sunshine this weekend has us thinking ahead to summer.
For many in our parish nothing signalled the start of the season quite like the arrival of the CSSM, the Children’s Special Service Mission.
Across Cornwall these Christian beach missions and holiday clubs became a cherished part of summer life. Each year they brought free family activities, beach games, songs, stories, and plenty of laughter to our shores.
From excursions and tide fights to sausage sizzles generations of children locals and holidaymakers alike grew up with happy memories of long, sunny days spent with the CSSM teams.
Here are a couple of reminders that summer isn’t far away now!

21/05/2026

Perranporth Station served as the main station for our parish and was complemented by smaller halts such as Perranporth Beach and Goonhavern. The station complex included the ticket office and waiting room, goods sheds and a water tower used to service steam locomotives. These features are visible in surviving photographs and museum collections. The station’s location with a view of the sand dunes made it a striking arrival point for holidaymakers.
The closure was part of the postwar rationalisation of the British rail network. Reduced passenger numbers on some rural and branch routes, changing patterns of holiday travel, and the national programme of cuts in the early 1960s all contributed to the decision to withdraw services on the Truro–Newquay line. The loss of the railway had a lasting effect on local accessibility and the seasonal economy.

18/05/2026

The Perranporth Improvements Committee, the team who organise our much‑loved Carnival, are encouraging everyone to start dreaming up their entries ahead of Carnival Night this July.
This year’s theme is Fantasyland. Think magical worlds, mythical creatures, enchanted forests, storybook heroes.
To spark some inspiration, here are a few fantastic entries from previous years. Our community always brings colour, creativity and plenty of fun and we can’t wait to see what you all come up with for 2026.

Address

Oddfellows Hall, Ponsmere Road
Perranporth
TR60BW

Telephone

+441872573321

Website

http://www.perranzabuloemuseum.co.uk/

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