Christmas newsletter 2025
Nadelik Lowen! A very happy Christmas to all friends of Okel Tor Mine. Here’s a roundup of news from 2025.
The year started well with our re-accreditation as an Airbnb Superhost and the two Okel Tor Mine cottages once again being voted “Guests’ Favourites.” Heartfelt thanks to all our guests for writing such kind and complementary reviews on all platforms. They really are very much appreciated.
Every season has its own character and atmosphere in the Tamar Valley, and spring 2025 was no exception. It’s always a pleasure to watch nature reawakening in the woods and along the river.
May saw the first of several group visits to the mine this year. On 4th May, members of the Plymouth Mining and Mineralogy Society enjoyed a tour of the mine ruins and shafts, remarking that many former mines are not open to the public and that Okel Tor was therefore a valuable asset.
The following day marked the annual Calstock May Revels, with the whole village coming together for the procession of the giant and musicians, followed by a Cornish “Shout” (shanty singalong) in The Tamar Inn. This is a wonderful evening and can be thoroughly recommended to guests staying at that time.
The giant puppet “Tavy” leading the procession of music and dancing
The next group visit to the mine took place in early August – this time we were delighted to welcome Calstock’s own History Group. Several members are life-long Calstock residents and provided some fascinating personal memories of life in the village. The subject of Okel Tor Mine’s history and restoration found a wider audience the following month, with articles in both the local and national press.
Okel Tor mine around 1900
Calstock hosted a spectacular steamboat rally over the weekend 16-17 August, with a flotilla of traditional steam powered vessels plying the river and social events ashore. On the Sunday evening Okel Tor Mine hosted a barbeque for the boat skippers and crews – a most enjoyable and sociable evening.
Steamboat Association members enjoying a barbeque by The Count House
In September, we were honoured to welcome to Okel Tor both the Chairs of National Landscapes and The National Parks. The ongoing support of national institutions, including Historic England, is a great help in our ongoing stewardship and care of the site.
Chairs of both the National Landscapes and National Parks at Okel Tor
The autumn marked a time of estate management. Crown reduction to selected trees in front of the buildings greatly improved the river views, and ongoing gorse management revealed more of the mine buildings for guests and visitors to enjoy.
One of the Brunton calciners visible once again!
October also saw the completion of the main chimney restoration, started nearly 12 months ago. A sycamore tree growing between the bricks of the chimney collar made the whole structure unstable, with bricks perilously balanced 60 feet above our bedroom. Removing the bricks and vegetation, then replacing the bricks using traditional lime mortar and finishing with a flaunching has been a substantial and complex project. We were relieved to see it finished! Thanks to Dawson Steeplejacks, about whom Historic England commented “Sensitively undertaken work, done with care in a very precarious location.”
Before. Sycamore roots and unsupported bricks.
After. A job well done.
A regular fixture in the Calstock November diary is the spectacular fireworks display, which this year was as magnificent as ever. The river provides a dramatic setting and the Devon hills on the far bank make a natural amphitheatre.
We closed both cottages for a “refit” week in November. The Count House sitting room and bedroom have been completely redecorated, including new wall lights and new curtains, and the Smithy has been treated to a new shower.
Our final group visit of the year was by pupils from Calstock Primary School in early December. This charming group were a credit to the school and listened attentively to the history of the mine, although their favourite activity was throwing rocks down the mineshaft!
As 2025 drew to a close, Calstock looked particularly festive, with Christmas lights and windows decorated with 'living windows' advent calendars. On December 21st, the Lantern Procession marked the winter solstice and welcomed the coming of longer days.
We’d encourage guests to check out the many events planned for 2026 in and around Calstock when planning their stay here.
Calstock Arts - what's on Cotehele House and Quay Tamar Valley - local events
Village events are also announced on the Calstock Community Facebook page, which is well worth following.
We look forward to welcoming guests old and new to this special place in 2026.
Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Jon and Jenny
