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Page 1 of 3 Strap: Katie Hill maps the changing face of a village close to her heart I warn you now, this feature will be extremely biased; Stithians has been my home for the past 23 years, and I don’t have a bad word to say about it. Located almost equidistant from Redruth, Falmouth, Helston and Truro, this charming village is one most people will have passed through at some point. It boasts one of the biggest agricultural one-day shows in the country, a reservoir, which attracts birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the UK, and a sense of community I’m sure is pretty hard to beat.  Picture by Sam Camfield. The name Stithians is derived from the patron saint, about whom we know very little. In 1268, the saint was recorded as Sancta Stediana, and in 1524, Stethyans; several variations in the following years brought us to Stithians, or St Stythians as the parish church is referred to. Like many villages in Cornwall, it is the church that dominates Stithians, with turrets that can be seen long after one has crossed the boundaries of the parish. The north side and nave were built in the early 14th century, and the south side and tower were added in the 15th; as a result, the exterior of the building is a mix of different granite. Its unique appearance only adds to its character, making it a Mecca for visitors and, it seems, film directors. In 2004, the church and surrounding area was cordoned off for several weeks as Hollywood A-listers shot a new film, Irish Jam; it seems none of Ireland’s churches made the grade. The village also has a beautiful Methodist Chapel, with a strong congregation. It’s not just the church that attracts media attention to the village. Once a year, broadcasters head to Stithians to document a momentous event that sees thousands upon thousands of people descending on it. Never mind birthdays or Christmas, for a Stithians’ lass it is the agricultural show in July that sends a rush of excitement through my body. Started in 1834, the Stithians Show has run every year, with the exception of the war years and 2001, when foot and mouth disease was rife. It began as an agricultural show, with local farmers exhibiting their livestock and has grown to include a mass of trade stands from commercial and farming businesses and local craftspeople. Every year, ex-residents of Stithians and those who have relatives here travel from across the world to celebrate the special day in the village calendar. |
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