Thanksgiving, especially for food from land and sea in Cornwall, traditionally takes the form of tea treats. In this article collections and research volunteer Sue Roberts discusses chapel tea treats and the particular celebration of St Peterstide in Porthleven.

Chapels, Sunday Schools and Societies had tea parties on special occasions such as anniversaries and Harvest Festivals.

Many Chapels had their own special china for these events, as well as a very large urn to hold the hot water for all the important pots of tea! The china was bought with money raised through bazaars, or donated by families in memory of their loved ones. Not all Chapels had ‘named’ china but just a ‘clover leaf’ design. Ladies of the Parish often brought their own best teapots to use, which were jealously guarded while proudly on display.

Some china had dates as well as Chapel names and they varied quite a lot with different names, dates, spellings, decoration. Colours often varied too.  In the Museum you can see the entire Chapel tea treat china from Rinsey Chapel in the Religion display in the Butter Market.

Cornish treats would include splits (with jam and cream of course), heavy cake (with the criss-cross pattern on top representing fishing nets), and saffron buns. Enough to please both adults and children alike.

Tea Treat celebrations originated as religious processions displaying strength and loyalty to both Methodist Chapels or Band of Hope. They adopted a tour of the streets, marching with their Sunday School banners held high. They were always led by a silver or brass band with stewards, trustees and other senior officials following the band and at the head of the procession.  Some people might be in wagons, but most were on foot.  The procession culminated in hymn singing, sports, a fair and a magnificent tea.

The tea treat was an occasion for families and ‘exiles’ to come home.  St Peterstide was celebrated on St Peter’s Day, 29 June following the establishment of Wesleyan Methodism in Cornwall. In Porthleven, people from surrounding towns and villages would come into town to enjoy the fun, and all the stalls did lots of trade. The children enjoyed the sports, the fair and of course plenty of cake and with copious amounts of squash.

Ribbons were worn, and in Fore Street Methodist Chapel, Porthleven, there is a display from past celebrations. In the mid to late 19^th century there was often an exhibition of items donated, possibly a bazaar and maybe fireworks to end!  Certainly, Chapels and Sunday schools were well attended, with records showing 600 or more children attending on a regular basis.

The Chapel banners (Peverell Road Sunday School banner is also here), are now on permanent display in Porthleven Fore Street, and the Museum of Cornish Life has some from Chapels (now closed) on The Lizard. Unfortunately, few attend now compared to then, and a service is held on the nearest Sunday, but ribbons are still worn, keeping up the tradition.

Chapel tea treats with bone china cups saucers and plates are now an event of the past. But remembered fondly.  Coffee mornings with mugs are the replacement at gatherings, not so elegant but easier for washing up!

Bibliography

Arthur, Phyllis, 2007                       Porthleven throughout all the changing seasons.

Lennox Green, FJ 1987                   Cornish Methodist Chapel China.

Pascoe, Stuart 2007                        Porthleven’s St Peterstide Festivals.

Wright, Mary 1986                         Cornish Treats.