Padstow Gallery

RNLI Padstow Lifeboat No. 2 Edmund Harvey with the tug Helen Peele alongside in the background, Padstow, Cornwall. 1901

The photograph is thought to have been taken on the lifeboat's inauguration day in 1901. She served from 1901 to 1929. The crew are all wearing cork life jackets. The crowd of people on the jetty are not only taking an interest in the new lifeboat but some seem to be having a tour of the tug. The tug has a display of signal flags flying from the rigging for the special occasion. This know as being dressed overall. J. Hawken's Corn Store and Langford & Sons can be seen in the background. Photographer: Unknown

© From the collection of the RIC

The Obby Oss, Padstow, Cornwall. Early 1900s

The Obby Oss outside house, with the teaser standing to the left. The Obby Oss is an integral part of the May Day celebrations in Padstow. Each year, on the 1st May, the town is decorated in greenery and the Oss (horse) parades the streets, followed by a teaser who holds a padded bat. The procession is accompanied by accordions, drums and singing. The fearsome Oss wears a large mask and swirling skirts under which he tries to catch young maids. Photographer: Unknown

© From the collection of the RIC

The Obby Oss, South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall. 1966

The May Day Obby Oss festival with the parade moving through the town. The Obby Oss is an integral part of the May Day celebrations in Padstow. Each year, on the 1st May, the town is decorated in greenery and the Oss (horse) parades the streets, followed by a teaser who holds a padded bat. The procession is accompanied by accordions, drums and singing. The fearsome Oss wears a large mask and swirling skirts under which he tries to catch young maids. Photographer: Charles Woolf

© RIC, photographer Charles Woolf