Exhibition: Cully's 'Curls' at Hellesveor, Celebrating the Carols of St. Ives
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Splann Nowodhow! Splendid News!
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies and St. Ives Old Cornwall Society are rejoiced to announce a new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Colan 'Cully' Williams (1858 - 1935).
Cully, as he was more affectionately known, was the author behind one of West-Cornwall's most famed Cornish carol; 'Hellesveor'. This carol was named after the chapel of his worship. And one he would raise much money toward to extension of the church that resides there today.
Carols penned by Colan Williams were distinctly unique to St. Ives, as the then (many) carol choirs would move through the streets, first striking sound before performing them to residents and visitors alike. Christmas Eve is undoubtedly the most jubilant occasion as the carol choir would sing up to, and after, midnight.
Earlier this year, a small group of people registered interest in researching the story behind Colan 'Cully' Williams.
We knew that Cully was tragically blinded by an accident, resident of St. Ives, the organist at Hellesveor for 40 years, and a composer in his own right. After that, his story wasn't clear.
Thankfully, each person in this research group held different skills, knowledge, and resources to discover so much more about the individual behind the music, and the social culture of St. Ives.
All this has culminated in a new publication, an unmissable exhibition - as well as a series of events.
Opening Hours:
Exhibition: Thursday 26th - 28th November 2026, 10am - 4pm.
Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
Talks:
'Hellesveor & Its History', an illustrated talk by Val Thomas ('Myrgh an Hea')
Thursday 26th November, 2pm. Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
'John Wesley's Amazing Cornish Ministry', a talk by Jean Charman
Saturday 28th November, 2pm. Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
With 25 days to go, mark your calendars, invite your friends and families, and help us celebrate Cully's life and work.
Meur ras:
Hellesveor Methodist Church, St. Ives Archive, St. Ives Museum, St. Ives Old Cornwall Society, and to all the individuals to have contributed immensely to this project.
https://kernowgoth.org/member-societies/
Splann Nowodhow! Splendid News!
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies and St. Ives Old Cornwall Society are rejoiced to announce a new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Colan 'Cully' Williams (1858 - 1935).
Cully, as he was more affectionately known, was the author behind one of West-Cornwall's most famed Cornish carol; 'Hellesveor'. This carol was named after the chapel of his worship. And one he would raise much money toward to extension of the church that resides there today.
Carols penned by Colan Williams were distinctly unique to St. Ives, as the then (many) carol choirs would move through the streets, first striking sound before performing them to residents and visitors alike. Christmas Eve is undoubtedly the most jubilant occasion as the carol choir would sing up to, and after, midnight.
Earlier this year, a small group of people registered interest in researching the story behind Colan 'Cully' Williams.
We knew that Cully was tragically blinded by an accident, resident of St. Ives, the organist at Hellesveor for 40 years, and a composer in his own right. After that, his story wasn't clear.
Thankfully, each person in this research group held different skills, knowledge, and resources to discover so much more about the individual behind the music, and the social culture of St. Ives.
All this has culminated in a new publication, an unmissable exhibition - as well as a series of events.
Opening Hours:
Exhibition: Thursday 26th - 28th November 2026, 10am - 4pm.
Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
Talks:
'Hellesveor & Its History', an illustrated talk by Val Thomas ('Myrgh an Hea')
Thursday 26th November, 2pm. Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
'John Wesley's Amazing Cornish Ministry', a talk by Jean Charman
Saturday 28th November, 2pm. Free entry, donations toward Church fund.
With 25 days to go, mark your calendars, invite your friends and families, and help us celebrate Cully's life and work.
Meur ras:
Hellesveor Methodist Church, St. Ives Archive, St. Ives Museum, St. Ives Old Cornwall Society, and to all the individuals to have contributed immensely to this project.
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Where is it happening?
Hellesveor Methodist Church, B3311, St. Ives, TR26 2HN, St Ives, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherFederation of Old Cornwall Societies
