'River lorries' float us back on the tide of history

Cotehele Quay, Tamar Valley Songs and shanties celebrate Cornwall's fishers and farmers and raise funds to restore the barge Shamrock

Tide floods between mud banks and wind-blown purple reed flowers as the audience carry chairs into Shamrock's shed. Earlier, high water washed debris across the quay and into the gig club's yard, and the possibility of more rain precludes the outdoor venue of tonight's concert by the Polperro Fishermen's Choir.

Inside the lofty slate-roofed building, beneath block and tackle sorted as stay, main and mizzen, we are entertained with songs and shanties; money raised will go towards repairs and maintenance of Shamrock, a renovated Tamar sailing barge.