The postcard this week was taken at Porth Joke, which is known locally as Polly Joke. The weather was absolutely glorious, with clear blue sky and warm sunshine.

Polly Joke is a very popular beach, and is owned by the National Trust. Winston Graham, the author of the popular Poldark novels, spent a lot of time at Polly Joke and nearby West Pentire. The name 'Joke' is thought to have been taken from the same source as the word 'chough', the crow-like bird that has recently returned to Cornwall having been driven from the region by modern farming methods.

Andrew Trenoweth 13th September 2009.