1904

Albert Edward Ratcliffe (1863- 1934) always known to his friends as Berty Ratcliffe was articled to his uncle Frederick and became a partner. After 1905 he was Principal of Grylls, Hill & Hill. He married Margaret Alice Barnes (inset below). Some alterations were made to Penhellis – the major one being the installation of a large bow window in the largest room, this became the billiard room. The second room was a living room with a dining table and twelve chairs. In the window was “Polly”, a grey parrot whose favourite day was May 8th (Flora Day). He would talk and dance for weeks after the Flora had been through the house.

The family consisted of one son and four daughters – Jocelyn(son), Gladys, Joan (pictured left), Enid and Monica. Jocelyn Vivian played rugger for Cornwall in his youth and later was an enthusiastic sailor, shot and fisherman. He was educated at Upingham, trained in London and joined the firm of Grylls, Hill & Hill. Gladys married Roger Hales, (he had been at Upingham with Jocelyn) and his parents had a holiday home “Trewoon” at Mullion. Joan played golf for Cornwall and hockey for England.

In 1924 Jocelyn wished to marry Daphne Naylor Carne of Falmouth, the daughter of George Carne (left) but before any plans for marriage were made, Great-Aunt Loveday had to be consulted. He drove his motorbike to Falmouth and Daphne rode pillion with him to Penhellis. Great-Aunt Loveday was seated in a large chair in the window, dressed entirely in black with a black lace cap. Daphne walked the length of the room to where Loveday sat. “They tell me you are the daughter of Mr. Carne of Falmouth” said Loveday. Daphne replied that that was correct. There followed two further questions. She struck the floor with her stick and turning to Jocelyn said “She will do Jocelyn, you may go”. Great Aunt Loveday died one month later – much to Daphne’s relief.

Following Loveday’s death Albert and Margaret moved from Park Venton (Ratcliffe Lane, Helston) to Penhellis. After their marriage in 1925 Jocelyn and Daphne moved into Parkventon. Jocelyn was now running Grylls, Hill & Hill and opened a second office in Falmouth. Their son Peter (bottom right) was born and in 1929 they moved from Parkventon, Helston to Falmouth where they also named the house Parkventon and had their second child Gillian(bottom right).

Shortly before his death, Albert had sold all the land on the far side of Church Lane, it’s believed for £30 per acre. He left Penhellis to his only son, Jocelyn.