INTRIGUING tales from a lost village in the Clay Country in Cornwall are told in a book soon to be launched. 

The book, with the title, The history of Retew and its people, has been written by Michael Ford, who spent his formative years in the village. 

Michael tells of a man who had a monkey that would sit on his shoulder and of another character who raised money for charity by playing a barrel organ. 

Michael, who has suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1990, has been determined to finish the book with the help of family and friends. 

In the book, which he has worked on across several years, Michael explains that Retew was wiped from the map after villagers were told by English China Clays in the 1960s that it was going to start quarrying there and that they had to move out. 

Michael said: “I was born in Trevarren in 1948 and moved to Retew the same year. My family lived on an 11-acre smallholding owned by English China Clays. 

“As there was no school in Retew, I had to catch the bus to St Dennis School and later to St Austell Grammar School. I attended Retew Methodist Chapel Sunday School until I was 16. 

“We were informed by English China Clays that they were going to excavate the area and the village needed to be evacuated. All the residents were very upset by having to move with their possessions at short notice. They were re-homed by the china clay company in local villages especially Meledor.  

Old pictures of a steam train on the Retew branchline and of the mill at Retew.
Old pictures of a steam train on the Retew branchline and of the mill at Retew. (Pictures: Submitted)

“The residents were also sad because so much of the social part of village would be missed by them. There was an annual carnival, Sunday School outings to Looe, Bude or Falmouth, Christmas parties, harvest festivals and a chapel fete. 

“The main employment in the area was provided by china clay mining, farming and the village mill which produced underwear. For 10 years, my mother ran a small makeshift shop selling cigarettes, cream, butter, eggs and vegetables. 

“There were many interesting characters in the village, in particular, Alfie Craddock who produced the Lord’s Prayer on a board that was then erected in the chapel. He also had a monkey which sat on his shoulder and they made regular appearances at Summercourt Fair. Alfie was said to be a snake charmer and would have snakes in his coat pocket. Another character, George Martyn, used to collect money for charity in St Austell at Christmas with his barrel organ. 

“After living in Retew and Meledor, my family moved to St Stephen. Sadly, in 1990, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but I have been determined to finish the book with the help of my family and friends. I hope everyone that reads it enjoys my story.”  

The book launch will be held at the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre at Hewas Water on Saturday, September 12. 

Copies of the book, priced at £15, can also be ordered by calling Michael or Janet Ford on 07579 022870.