In this moving recollection, Sue Hill and Bec Applebee reflect on a powerful moment in Cornwall’s recent history—the closure of South Crofty Mine in 1998, marking the symbolic end of centuries of Cornish mining heritage.
At the time, Sue and Bec were on tour with Kneehigh Theatre when they heard the news that South Crofty was to close. The mine had long been a familiar presence—Sue even had a boyfriend who worked there—and you could once tell the time by the sound of the daily blasting. The fall in copper prices had made the mine unsustainable, and its closure signalled the end of an era for Cornwall.
Feeling the significance of the moment, Sue and Bec decided to visit the mine to say their own farewell. It was an emotional experience. Bec brought flowers and a letter, while Sue brought chalk, and together they made their way to the long wall leading up to the gates. There, Sue wrote out the lyrics to “Cornish Lads,” a local song rich in meaning and memory.
The tribute struck a chord. That night, under cover of darkness, the pair returned, joined by Bec’s brother and her mum. Armed with paintbrushes, they set about transforming the chalk words into something lasting. Just as they were finishing, a police Range Rover appeared, and the group quickly tried to play it cool, walking casually down the road—though by their own admission, they looked anything but innocent.
