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Old winter traditions and games

It comes as no surprise that games and fun have been at the forefront of the winter season for centuries. Our ancestors from days gone by would have played various games to make merry with friends and family.

Parlour games were popular amongst the Victorians, and include many that are still played in modern households today, including Charades and Blindman's Bluff.

A popular card game

Bezique originated in 19th century Europe and quickly became a very popular strategic trick-taking card game in Britain by the 20th century. It only requires two players who are dealt a deck of cards each.

Lawrence House Museum has a lovely example of Japanese Shibayama Bezique markers in their collection (pictured). Featuring shell and semi-precious stones in a wooden base, the markers were exported from Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and were likely made in Tokyo or Yokohama.

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Winter entertainment

Today, it's the simple modern conveniences that help get us through the winter months. Winter is the season for pantomimes, which usually begin in December and continue through to January. Pantomime arose in the 18th century and was usually based on a fairy story or nursery rhyme, though they could relate to ancient Mummers’ plays, which date back over 800 years and were regular forms of Christmas entertainment for the ordinary people in their communities, involving traditional dancing and dramatic performance while wearing costumes.

Hall for Cornwall's pantomime this year is Aladdin, starring Edward Rowe (The Kernow King) as Aladdin's 'larger-than-life mother, and launderette extraordinaire', Widow Twerkey.

Christmas television is also a popular part of most households' festivities. We wait with bated breath to catch the new adverts for our favourite supermarkets or department stores, and the arrival of the Radio Times' special in the shops means we can circle all the exciting shows set to grace our screens over the Christmas period. In 2024, the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special topped ratings with around 12.3-million viewers, nearly 7-million people watched the King's speech, and 9-million watched Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Other festive favourites include the Strictly Come Dancing special, Eastenders, Doctor Who and Call the Midwife.

Beyond Paradise is a series popular with many of us in this part of the country due to its various scenes featuring Cornwall's quaint coastal villages and scenery. Last year's Christmas special attracted 3-million viewers on 27th December.

With your community...

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Silent night, holy night...

Attending carol concerts at your local church, or simply gathering with neighbours for carols at the pub, is an atmospheric way to mark the festive period. Originally, a carol was a ring dance accompanied by singing, and the songs were later found in Miracle Plays. During Cromwell’s time, many carols were preserved in folk songs. Nowadays the best known carol service is from King’s College Chapel. It opens with ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ and was first broadcast on the radio in 1930.

Here are some local carol concerts to put in your diary:

St Mary Magdalene Church

AdventCarol Service - Sunday, 30th November, 5.30pm.

9 Lessons and Carols - Christmas Eve.

St Torney’s Church, North Hill

Community Carol Service - Tuesday 9th December, 6.30pm, with St Mary Magdalene Choir directed by Dr Sean Sweeney. Doors open 6pm. Dress warmly. North Hill, near Launceston PL15 7PQ.

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The sound of Christmas

Launceston Town Band can be found at most community events throughout the year. The band was formed in 1919, after the disbanding of the Launceston Volunteers Band at the end of the First World War. It now comprises a junior band and a senior band, which practice at the band room on Bounsalls Lane each week.

The winter season - and especially Christmas - is one of the highlights of the band’s year, bringing the community together to relish the joy their music can bring.

Ann Brown, bandmaster, said: “There’s a special atmosphere during this time, and our music becomes part of the town’s festive spirit. From carol services to the Christmas lights switch-on, these events give us the chance to spread warmth and cheer on the coldest nights. It’s wonderful to see families singing along and the community coming together.”

You will find Launceston Town Band...

Saturday 6th December - In the Town Square in the day, with a Christmas concert in the evening at Central Methodist Church, where they will be joined by Popchoir.

Saturday 13th December -In the Town Square.

Sunday 14th December - At Tregadillet Community Carol Service.

Wednesday 24th December - At Endsleigh Hotel.

On Thursday evenings you will find the band playing carols at Tesco.

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Main image by Ian D Smith.

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