Kennedy Barnes - Mr. James Upshall

[AlanS]

You forgot to take us with ya bloke!



Maybe next time Pete! Enjoy

[Branzig]

Thanks Bryan,

This trip was to see Ken Barnes and get Debbie some rest and both are accomplished. Secondary goals were to see Suzanna (Ken's mum) and Barry Jones and both are planned. For my sensibilities, Cornwall is an ideal blend of warm, clear weather, beautiful country and the sea, so it's a great trip, just lazy dalliances around the countryside and lots of talk and rest.

Sounds like the perfect get away Pete

Best to you and yours.

[GWBowman]

Glad to hear it's a great trip.

[NeverBend]

You forgot to take us with ya bloke!



Maybe next time Pete! Enjoy

You guys wouldn't have fit into my carry-on!

We're southeast of Hayle about a mile from the water, and yes, it looks like this, but bring yur own tobacco because it's not good to be lacking that in the UK nowadays.

Solved my tamper problem with a spent 30-30 case bought at a flea market for 50p (~75c). Ken gifted me the Barling so I have 3 pipes with me. Thanks for all the kind words, hope to have some pics after my return, but when it comes to images I can be a bit dodgy.

[AlanS]

We're with you in spirit! Must of broke your heart to be gifted that pipe Pete.

[NeverBend]

Must have been one of my last posts before I went AWOL.

This trip (June 2016) was perfect timing as my son's death rolled over us like the densest fog right after we returned and we would never have been able to enjoy anything a few weeks later. By September Deb's cancer had returned.

Don't know if I ever posted about the trip but we spent most of our time with Ken in his house in Cornwall. He completely restored the main building and converted the former Farrier shop into an additional apartment. Truly amazing work including dropping all the floors 6" to accommodate him (he's 6'3"). Looks like a delicious B&B.

We went to the Tilshead Pipe Factory (Upshall/Tilshead) that was closed (after Moti's death) and it could have been 1982 when I first rolled up there, nothing changed. Ken was apprehensive about reconnecting with Barry but it went so well and we had a tons of laughs and it was wonderful to see the Maestro again at his house in Amesbury. Passed by Stonehenge that has turned into a zoo, hundreds of buses.

Seeing Ken's mom, Susanna, was a highlight. At 93 she was still a most gracious lady and an active and very talented artist. Sadly she passed earlier this year but I'll never forget her and neither will Deb.

I think I have a pic or two of Ken and Barry that I'll try to find. Ken has been cherry picking briar and intends to start making some pipes again, perhaps with Barry if he's up to it. Now ain't that nice!