Walking the Reens
Gathering Stories about The Reens and Troon Life
/ Hwedhla adro An Run ha bewnans Trewoon
Over the past six years, we have walked slowly and respectfully with more than 200 people, exploring The Reens in Cornwall and the ancient medieval chapel of Fenton-Ia in small, quiet groups. Archaeologist Jacky Nowakowski and walking activist Philip Hills are co-facilitators for this work and we thank them for their hard work as well as Tamsin Floyd and her family, who have shared foraging knowledge, extensive knowledge of the area, and helped identify wells connected to the stream, while also providing cooked goods throughout the journey.
Since a 2023 event in Troon Hall (outline below), we have been working closely with community members to develop ideas for an event in 2026, continuing our commitment to movement heritage and the site, a theme we explored in our published chapter on the subject.
The History of The Reens
This ancient site today lies deeply buried in the valley in a sad overgrown state. Years ago this ancient place was excavated by the great Cornish archaeologist, Professor Charles Thomas. The chapel is a protected scheduled monument but its present condition has meant it is on the national Heritage at Risk register. The Reens has always been a special place for Troon. It’s ancient heritage of local stories stems from the story of St Merasek, the patron saint of Camborne, who took refuge in the woods and created a sanctuary here around the stream and built a solitary cell across the stream from the chapel.
Latest Event 29th June 2025 – Celebrating Troon Cricket Club’s 100-Year Anniversary
Inspired by great local interest during our walks as part of Troon Cricket Club’s 100-year anniversary celebrations this June, members of the Carwynnen Quoit archaeology project were on hand to talk about and exhibit some of the finds uncovered during the community excavation, as well as share information about the early medieval chapel at Fenton-Ia. Photos, plans, and maps were on display at the stand.
Looking Back – 4th June 2023 at Troon Village Hall
On 4th June, Sunday 2023 artists, filmmakers, walkers and archaeologists met at Troon Village Hall. We welcomed everyone to share memories and stories about the Reens and Troon life. We recorded stories using sound, photography, film, virtual worlds and by making maps. We presented short films from the Giant’s Quoit project (Carwynnen Quoit). We walked the serpentine dance AND enjoyed free tea and cake for all thanks to our sponsor Berrymans.
Archiving & Storytelling
We asked people to bring any photographs or objects they might have about The Reens and Tea Treat so we could help archive photographs if they were not already in an archive.
Come share and make memories with photographs, virtual worlds and treats – free tea and cake for all!
Dewgh kevrenna ha gul kovyow gans skeusennow, bysow gowir ha temmyn denti – tea ha tesen rydh rag oll!
Gathering Stories about The Reens and Troon Life is supported by FEAST, Camborne Town Council, Cornwall Council Community Chest and Berrymans.
FEAST is a programme to make great art happen across Cornwall.
FEAST harnesses the talents and energy of Cornwall’s artists and communities, generating new opportunities for everyone to enjoy the arts. The focus is on bringing people together to share experiences as audiences or participants, and on animating local celebrations and cultural life.
Investment for FEAST comes from Arts Council England and Cornwall Council. The programme is managed by Creative Kernow.
