Historic landmark is 125 years young

ONE of Padstow's most prominent town centre buildings, the Padstow Institute, has celebrated is 125th anniversary.

The Padstow Institute opened on November 19, 1883 on the site of the old London Inn. The premises were originally part of the Prideaux-Brune estate but in 1938 members bought the building at auction.

Initially the Institute was a recreational facility with snooker, billiards, cards, library and a reading room.

The restored snooker room survives and hosts billiards and snooker in local leagues. The billiard room and reading room are used by Padstow Museum.

At the height of the 1920s fishing boom the Institute provided a sick-bay and hostel to visiting fishermen. In 1922 there were 7,349 visits with 29 people in the sick bay, later replaced by the Fishermen's Mission which is now the town's memorial hall.

Over recent years the condition of the Grade II listed building has deteriorated and the Cornwall County Library Service, which used the premises for more than 40 years, left for a purpose-built building in Hill Street.

A decision was made by the Institute's trustees and committee to embark on a major restoration of the building.

To help fund this project the library room was repaired to provide a community and exhibition venue used by local groups.

Damaged bricks and mouldings were measured and hand-made replacements produced to replicate profile and colour.

Committee member Phil Hagley said: "Thanks must be extended to the conservation officer at North Cornwall District Council, together with Bulmer Brick from Suffolk and the Cornish Lime Co in Bodmin for their invaluable help and advice. Much more remains to be done including the replacement of the coated roof with natural slate."

To commemorate the anniversary the trustees and committee have published a book called With a Pasty in my Pocket, written by the late Jack Ingrey of St Merryn and Malcolm McCarthy.

Phil said: "All the royalties from the sale of the book have been generously donated by Jack's wife Margret Ingrey, Malcolm McCarthy and publishers Dr Bill and Janet Johnson to the continuing renovation."

There will be a book signing at Rick Stein's Deli on Thursday, December 4 at 5pm. Copies can be bought from Petroc Papers, Rick Stein's outlets, from 01841 533288 or Taclowcoth@aol.com