Cornish Connections
Friday 13th March
to be rich in friends is to be poor in nothing
to be rich in friends is to be poor in nothing
⛏️ Digging Deeper: Mines, Minerals, and the "Lost Boys" of Carbis Bay
As part of our "Pot Luck" evening at The Tubestation, we will be screening the award-winning documentary The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay. This moving film follows a daring band of Cornish mine explorers—the Carbis Bay Crew—who venture into the dark, forgotten shafts of our county to find connection, resilience, and a vital escape from the pressures of modern life.
Two of the crew will be at the filming to answer any of your questions.
A special evening hosted for PARA and the local community raising funds for the new SCREEN at the Tubestation.
6:00 PM | Doors Open & Mineral Discovery: Meet guest expert Chris Weight. Handle rare mineral specimens and local ores.
6:30 PM | Pot Luck Supper: A community feast—please bring finger food to share if you can (see ideas below).
7:00 PM | Screening: The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay (30 Mins): Award-winning documentary exploring Cornwall’s subterranean world.
7:30 PM | Live Q&A & Local Geology: * Behind the Scenes: Talk with members of the Carbis Bay film crew.
8 pm The Local Connection: Chris Weight reveals in his presentation the world-class (and dangerous) geology of North Cornwall and his latest groundbreaking local research. chris.weight2014@gmail.com
9:00 PM | Close
Our Cornish Connections film festival finale on Friday will be joined in person by the award-winning filmmakers and the "Carbis Bay Crew" themselves!
As many who have already seen, The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay isn’t just a film about exploring dark, forgotten Cornish mine shafts. It’s a powerful story of community, camaraderie, and men’s mental health. As Pat Moret, the group's leader, says: "It’s a need to feel a part of something." Whether they are dangling in shafts or wading through chest-deep water, it’s about the solace found in a shared struggle.
Angus Breton (Co-producer & Editor): A Falmouth Film School graduate who has worked with the likes of Amazon Prime and Red Bull, will be joining us for a live Q&A to discuss the two-year journey of making this passion project.
Hopefully too Pat Moret (The legendary leader of the Carbis Bay Crew) will be here to share what it’s really like in the depths of Cornwall's history.
AND
Chris Weight our local "polymath" and mineralogist will provide a local lens on the treasures and dangers beneath our own North Cornwall cliffs in his own presentation after the film.
Meet the Speaker: Chris Weight – Armourer, Miner, and Local Expert (contact chris.weight2014@gmail.com)
If you attended Chris Weight’s 2025 talk at The Tubestation, you’ll know why we are so excited to have him back. For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, Chris is a true Cornish "polymath"—a man whose expertise bridges the gap between ancient craftsmanship and modern environmental science.
The Master Armourer & Mineralogist
Chris is an award-winning retired military armourer, and his technical knowledge of metal is unparalleled. Last year, he stunned us with his research into the "Excalibur" legend, revealing how the high-grade magnetite and clay found near St Nectan’s Glen could have produced the high-purity steel required for such a legendary blade. He even challenged the famous statue on Tintagel Island—pointing out that the sword design is historically "all wrong!"
A Guardian of our Coast: The Port Quin Debate
Beyond history, Chris is a vital voice in protecting our modern landscape. Most recently, he was a key figure in the successful community campaign against the industrial seaweed farm at Port Quin. Using his deep understanding of mineralogy and local geology, Chris provided technical evidence to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) regarding the wave climate and the risks to infrastructure. His expertise helped ensure that our coastline remains protected from unsuitable industrial development.
Science with a Serious Side
Chris’s talks are always engaging, but they often carry a vital message for those of us who live and work on this land. As a miner and mineralogist, he has been working with the Camborne School of Mines to examine local specimens.
He has previously raised serious awareness for:
Foragers & Gardeners: The risks of heavy metal contamination (like lead and arsenic) in local plants like clover, carrots, and sloes.
The Building Trade: The dangers of developing on former mining land without proper geological oversight.
Local Health: Chris is currently investigating potential links between local heavy metal deposits and mystery neurological conditions in the area—work that shows his deep commitment to the Polzeath community.
Why you should come on March 13th:
Chris doesn't just "talk" about history; he unearths the truth. Following our screening of The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, Chris will be responding with a local lens—explaining the specific minerals of our area and the hidden dangers and treasures that lie beneath the cliffs we walk every day.
Reserve your place by sending me an email or Whatsapp message.
There is no charge for attending but a donation towards the new cinema sized screen at the Tubestation is appreciated (but not a requirement).
Nick Pickles and Jenny Bill BartlettBecky RapsonPat and Angus from Lost BoysDiana MillingtonCarol Sweeting x 3Chris Weight Jane Mellowship Sharon Waite Elaine and Richard Oblath Jo and Rob Jenkins Julie CooperSamantha Johnson x 3Angus Darrah and Suz Simon RatiganShelley Archer x3Susie ChestertonTanya VincentKevin BritsnerHugh and Vickie Toland Mark WhitcombBecky and LeeGuy MontySue (tubestation)Sally and Lawrence ChapmanTina and Mark RobinsonPatrick BradleyPauline and David SmartCarolyn and JohnMartin TaylorLocation: Tubestation, Polzeath
We’re thrilled to have nearly 50 guests confirmed so far! If you aren’t on the list yet, please don’t let that stop you—there is plenty of space for everyone.
To keep the spread balanced (and the washing up to a minimum), we’ve suggested some rough categories below. Feel free to stick to your group or bring something from another category if you prefer!
A Note on the Supper: Please don’t feel "obliged" to fork out for a big spread! If you'd prefer to just bring something small for yourself, that is absolutely fine—or nothing at all. Anything you do choose to share is always greatly appreciated.
The Savoury Group
Who: Pickles, Bartlett, Jenkins, Johnson, Millington, Oblath, Cooper.
Ideas: Pasties, sandwiches, cheese cubes, mini quiches, or anything savoury.
Note: Nick Pickles is bringing meat Sausage Rolls. Richard & Elaine are bringing their famous Devilled Eggs.
The Nibbles & Dips Group
Who: Ratigan, Sweeting, Waite, Archer.
Ideas: Crisps, tortilla chips, breadsticks, hummus, or olives.
The Sweet Group & Soft Drinks
Who: Angus & Suz, Bailey, Mellowship, Whitcomb.
Ideas: Sliced cake, brownies, flapjacks, Cornish shortbread, or any soft drinks.
If you aren't on the list above, no problem at all! You are more than welcome to join us and just bring what you like. Please just send me a quick message to let me know you're coming so we can make sure there are enough chairs (and tea bags) for everyone.
Dry Venue: The Tubestation is a dry venue (no alcohol), but we will have plenty of tea, coffee, and soft drinks available.
Plates & Napkins: We’ll provide these, so you just need to bring your contribution.
Arrival: Feel free to drop your food at the "Potluck Table" as you arrive for the screening.