Calstock Things to Do

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As a village Calstock definitely has an "arty" feel to it with all sorts of minor masterpieces to be discovered simply by wandering its streets. For instance the childrens playground on the green is dominated by a mock-up of an old river vessel, the Shamrock II, which makes for an interesting climbing frame. Around the corner, on the wall of the otherwise drap and utilitarian village hall, is a mural by a local artist, Ian Pethers, of Calstock Foreshore as it would have been in 1900 (not much different than it looks now) whilst other eye-catching pieces include the centenial ceramic celebrating the 2008 anniversary of the arrival of the railway.

Towards the centre of the village, at the end of Commercial Road, you'll find this excellent little art gallery. Appropriately this is a commercial exhibition space featuring discerningly-chosen paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery by local artists. The works featured, although many have local themes, are certainly not the touristy stuff you find at better known places and the gallery is interestingly laid out with some of the more striking pieces exhibited intelligently.

Browsing of course costs nothing and whoever happens to be manning it at the time is always happy to discuss the works without attempting a hard sell.

Limekiln is open 11am to 5pm every day except Mondays and the exhibits change regularly with this summer's show (from 11th June to 11th August 2011) "showing fantastic new paintings by Masako Whitehouse and Richard Sowman and beautiful pastels of the Tamar River by Rita Smith. Also stunning bronze sculptures from William Cramer and ceramic pieces by Alan Braidford."

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Calstock is a village which, even on my very short afternoon visit, comes across as a creative community. Many of the houses have interesting artily decorative features such as the cute ceramic nameplate of "Any Mouse House" (pic #3) or the nautically-themed front garden of the house at the bottom of Commercial Road (pic #4). The Limekiln Gallery, also at the bottom of Commercial Road, showcases some eye-catching paintings and sculptures by local artists and is well worth a perusal.

The jewel in the crown though is the former Baptist chapel, on the road coming down from the station. Since the church's desanctification (if that's what they do to Baptist places of worship) ten or so years ago the building has been used for various arty purposes and has recently been reinvented as one of Cornwall's newest small peformance spaces.

Calstock Arts, the organisation responsible, has transformed the building into an intimate, yet surpisingly spacious and airy, auditorium whilst keeping all the chapel's distinguishing features - the amazing nave-like picture window overlooking the valley is a piece of art in its own right. I haven't had a chance (as yet) to attend any of the performances (in fact I only had a couple of minutes to get a brief glimpse around on my way to catch my train) but having a look on their website at the events scheduled in the near future reveals an eclectic mix of entertainment.

The venue actively seeks to promote acoustic performances ranging from classical music, jazz and folk, opera, theatre, performance poetry and other literary events. As well as these there's also film shows and coming up in mid-July the intrigueingly entitled "Paint the Music!" - where participants are invited to: "Help create a huge picture inspired by live music, played by the Dante Quartet and led by artist Nigel Edwards."

It certainly piqued my interest and the website below has all the details.