Ep 79 Cornish Piskies, Folklore & the Voyage of the Rosebud: Matt Thompson

In this captivating episode of the Fairy Whispering Podcast, I chat with Matt Thompson, a historian and folklore researcher, from the fishing village of Newlyn in Cornwall. Matt shares the story of the Newlyn Rosebud Project, which commemorates the voyage of Rosebud PZ87 from Newlyn to London in 1937, hoping to save Newlyn homes from demolition.

The project was founded by his partner, Maryjane, a lifelong Newlyn Bucca and the descendant of the owners of the boat. Matt recounts how the Rosebud, became a vessel for local folklore and community spirit during a time of upheaval in the 1930s.

As we delve into Newlyn's rich folklore, Matt shares enchanting tales of piskies, and the peculiar customs that have shaped the beliefs of the local community. From curious anecdotes of encounters with the little folk, to a spooky woodland rumoured to be haunted by a demon, listeners are invited to explore the magical connections that linger in the Cornish landscape.

Join us as we traverse the charming villages of Newlyn, Mousehole, and Paul, discovering the significance of places like Madron and the local traditions that honour the fairies. With stories of wart charming, pisky-led travellers, and the mysterious Devil's Rock, this episode is a delightful exploration of the supernatural that is within waterfalls, woodlands, wells and hidden waiting to be discovered beneath a wayside stone.

To catch a fairy whisper, you have to listen closely, listen with me…🧚🏽‍♂️

Contact the show: clairefairywhisperer@gmail.com

Shownotes: www.thefairywhispering.com

Follow: www.instagram.com/fairywhisperingpodcast

Connect with Matt and the Rosebud Project:

Rosebud PZ87 Memorial Project - https://www.facebook.com/friendsofrosebudpz87memorialgardensandbowjeywoods

Music Credits:

Intro Music: Forest of Butterflies by Twelve Trees

https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-the-forest-of-butterflies-188864/

Forest Path by Goblin Kwain: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/il9E2vBN4VE?si=lnrV1uViihZyr1Ru⁠

Wander by Emit Fenn: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC81hioFupMsG2MWMQy78oCw

By the lake Solo Acoustic Guitar by Musinova from Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-by-the-lake-solo-acoustic-guitar-folk-276490/