Our mission
The objectives of the Toronto Cornish Association (TCA) are to preserve Cornish heritage, and to stimulate interest in Cornish traditions, local history, genealogy and culture.
STUDYING AND CELEBRATING CORNISH HERITAGE
STUDYING AND CELEBRATING
CORNISH HERITAGE
Who are we?
We are a Canadian group whose members research and share enthusiasm for the culture of Cornwall.
Get in touch
We are a friendly proactive group and welcome new members with an interest in Cornish culture and heritage. If you’d like to find out more, then you can contact the Toronto Cornish Association at torontocornish@gmail.com or using the Contact Us link at the bottom of this page.
Cornwall is the most southwesterly region in Britain and was once its own Celtic nation.
It has its own language, Kernewek, unique cultural traditions, music, inventors, folktales and history.
While Doc Martin, Poldark and the Fisherman’s Friends have introduced Cornwall to the world,
studying and celebrating Cornish heritage is its own reward.
.
If your ancestry is from Cornwall
The land beside the Celtic Sea
No matter where you now abide
It’s Cornish you will be.
For I am sure that always
When from this land you part
You take a trace of Cornwall
Within your Cornish heart.
No matter where you settle
No matter where you roam
That little trace of Cornwall
Will always call you home.
With kind permission from Harry Glasson, Cornwall
Message from the President
“Whether you have visited our website in the past or are visiting for the first time, it is my pleasure to welcome you and invite you to linger a while. Although we are known as The Toronto Cornish Association, membership is not limited to those living within Toronto and the G.T.A. Some of our members live throughout Ontario and even as far as Quebec and the USA.
Through our stories, the projects we have undertaken, images and links to others connected to Cornwall, we endeavour to stimulate curiosity, inspire you to learn about Cornwall’s heritage and culture, and support you in connecting to your Cornish roots; or to just take you back to special memories of Cornwall. So, sit back and enjoy your virtual journey with us.”
Marion Stephens-Cockroft
About the TCA
The Toronto Cornish Association, in its current formation, has been meeting since 1994 and is part of a larger network of Cornish-interest organizations across the world. Most members have some family connection to Cornwall, although this is by no means a requirement.
While one of the activities in the early years was to support members and friends with their family research, this need is now more easily met by the many on-line research sites. Today, we meet monthly except January to socialize, discuss Cornish-related current events, and enjoy a presentation prepared by either a TCA member or a visiting speaker.
The presentations focus on culture, history, language, music, genealogy, travel – anything related to Cornwall. There’s time to get acquainted with others of Cornish heritage and swap family information while enjoying snacks and libations with a Cornish theme. All are welcome to attend these free meetings,
Once a year, we honour our Patron Saint, St Piran, when we raise the Cornish flag at Toronto City Hall, then march to the nearby “Duke of Cornwall” pub for coffee and refreshments. There we join in with the world-wide Cornish diaspora for the Trelawny Shout. March 5th is a permanent date in our calendar.
With Toronto and region being the centre of a thriving Celtic community, the TCA participates in activities such as the Annual Beach Celtic Festival, the Ontario Genealogical Society meetings and the British shows.
Upcoming TCA Meetings
Please note:
All meetings are cancelled until further notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Where possible, virtual meetings will be held using the Zoom platform.
Unless otherwise noted, our meetings will be held at:
Swansea Town Hall,
95, Lavinia Avenue,
Toronto.
M6S3H9