Anger as school puts an end to ancient tradition
THE Mayor of St Just and the head teacher of Cape Cornwall secondary school have clashed over a tradition that has been packing the town square since the 14th century.
Councillor Monty Nicholls told The Cornishman head teacher Jackie Steele should have consulted the church and the town council before breaking the custom of giving school children Feast Monday off school.
St Just school pupils have always been allowed to take the day off for Feast. However, this year the head teacher has said pupils must go to school.
The mayor said: "Feast is a celebration that involves the entire community.
"Children have always been part of it and families enjoy spending the day together; the head teacher should have sought the feeling of the town before making this decision."
Jackie Steele moved from London to take up the post at Cape Cornwall School in January.
A school spokesperson said the decision to keep the children in school was reached at a recent meeting of heads of department.
"It was felt that over the last few years Feast is not being celebrated as much as it once was and it was decided it was probably best to keep the children at school and celebrate feast in our own way with a free teacher and pupil lunch and afternoon sports.
"It's unfortunate that some people see this in a negative light because we have worked hard to make it a really nice day."
The Reverend Stephen Leach, St Just vicar for 21 years, said he agreed with the Town Mayor.
"I think the head teacher should have been advised to consult at least with the town council.
"I would imagine the children would want to have the day off to enjoy the hunt and the football and rugby matches.
"There's lots of things going on."
St Just town councillor Colin McClary, whose daughter attends Cape Cornwall School, said he was "totally annoyed" with the head teacher's decision.
"I am concerned that there is a long tradition being broken here. Feast is not quite as vibrant as it once was and we need the youngsters there to inject ideas and keep the tradition going for the future," he said.
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by A true St Juster, St Just
Wednesday, October 29 2008, 9:45PM
“Forgot to mention in my previous comment - St Just Feast is always the Sunday nearest the beginning of November. I believe that this has been the case for the last 651 years - maybe you shouldn't rely on Google for everything - its not as good as you may think - you don't know what else you might be missing!”
by A true St Juster, St Just
Wednesday, October 29 2008, 9:40PM
“I take it you're not Cornish then Dooby Duck? Several places have a "Feast" - not just St Just. Paul, Sennen and Madron to name just a few. You can't read The Cornishman either then or you would have seen the 2 page report on Paul Feast the other week.
Its not just an event for locals - you should come and see what it's all about as you felt compelled enough to comment about it on this website. Anyone and everyone is welcome - the more the merrier. You can see the civic parade at 11 am this Sunday (followed by service in the Church) and the other events start at around 11 am on Monday in the main square. Come along, meet some people and then maybe you would be better equipped with the knowledge to give better judgement on this story.”
by Dooby Duck, Cornwall
Wednesday, October 29 2008, 1:20PM
“As Feast cannot be googled, I can only assume outsiders are not welcome - how else are we supposed to find out about it?
A local festival for local people
nuff said”
by Sarah Burns, Cornwall resident
Tuesday, October 28 2008, 9:36AM
“Yes "Cornish pasty" you are right, the centre of the cornish crest with the 15 golden bezants can be dated back to the 14th century so it is quite old.
HOWEVER it's use as the logo for the county council, which is what was being discussed, only dates back to 1948.
Do try to keep up.”
by Paul, Warks
Friday, October 24 2008, 12:45PM
“Welcome to the PC age. Last year my son's school had a winter lights day. No mention of a Xmas anywhere”