William Thomas on the Importance of St. Ives Carolling Tradition in Cornwall

The St. Ives Carolling Tradition

• 💡 The carolling tradition in St. Ives is a deeply cherished practice, passed down through generations, and serves as a witness for the combined chapel's carol choir.
• 💬 Unlike many other communities, St. Ives still maintains the tradition of singing carols around the town, reflecting its unique cultural significance.

The Legacy of Colan Williams

• 🎶 Many St. Ives carols, or 'curls', were composed by Colan Williams, known as 'Cully', who became blind after a mining accident and composed 20 carols.
• ⛪ Hellesveor is Cully's most famous 'curl', named after his chapel, and is so revered that people stand when it is sung in St. Ives, similar to Handel's Hallelujah chorus.
• ✨ Cully's carols are still actively sung in various locations, including Methodist chapels, St Uny Church, and even public spaces like Tesco carpark and Tate St Ives.

Theological Depth of Carols

• 🧠 Despite being penned by ordinary men like miners and fishermen, these carols possess an amazing depth of theology.
• 📖 They narrate the biblical story of Christ's birth, including prophecies from Isaiah and Micah, and celebrate the angelic hosts and Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

Enduring Message of Hope

• 🕊️ The message of the angels bringing joy and hope in these carols remains profoundly relevant today, much like it was during the Roman Empire or a modern pandemic.
• 🙏 Singing these carols is not just about momentary upliftment but about providing inner peace and lasting joy to listeners.

The Truro Cathedral Service

• 🗓️ A special service featuring St. Ives carols was held at Truro Cathedral in December 2021, a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to celebrate the centenary of the Old Cornwall movement.
• 🎤 William Thomas conducted the carols, accompanied by Katrina Geraghty on piano, with performances by the St Ives Combined Chapels Cornish Carol Choir and the Red River Singers.
• 🗣️ The service included a dialogue between William Thomas and Canon Alan Bashforth about the St. Ives carol singing tradition, highlighting its importance.