AROUND 200 bards from around the world gathered to take part in the 86th Cornish Gorsedh ceremony at Thanckes Park in Torpoint on Saturday. From the robing rooms in Torpoint Community College the bards in their blue robes processed to the park led by the Gorsedh piper and on entering the circle, the playing of the harp set the scene. Representatives from Brittany and Wales were in attendance and following the welcome to Torpoint by the mayor, Cllr Mike Pearn, and his wife, who spoke in Cornish, the Grand Bard, Maureen Fuller addressed the assembed crowd, which included many onlookers. She thanked Torpoint for their welcome and for the gift presented to the Gorsedh from the people of the town and for the work they had done in the organising of the Gorsedh. She spoke about the Cornish being given minority status and about children living in Cornwall being taught its history because, she said, 'history shapes the future'. For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.