Cornish Ghost Stories Take Shape in 250-Word Oddfellows Challenge

What lurks in the still waters of Bossiney Well? Could the Beast of Bodmin be more than legend? Members of the Plymouth and Truro District of the Oddfellows have been letting their imaginations run wild, putting Cornwall’s eeriest corners onto the page in a literary challenge that asked for ghost stories told in exactly 250 words.

A Book That Sparked the Stories

The exercise drew its inspiration from In the Darkest Hours, the recently published book by author and Oddfellows member Dr Alan Jones. The book is available to buy on Amazon. Members were invited to explore the unexplained across the county’s moorlands, misty coves and shadowy corners, with Alan himself reading every entry.

The resulting collection covered familiar Cornish ground in unfamiliar ways, from Bodmin Moor to Tintagel.

The Stories That Stood Out

Several entries caught Alan’s eye. The Hound Calls was praised for its striking opening and evocative use of the Beast of Bodmin, combining vivid atmosphere with emotional depth. The Ghost of Bossiney Well impressed with its haunting concept of still waters as a gateway between worlds, told through a journalistic lens.

A similar narrative style shaped The Curse of Temple Church on Bodmin Moor, which left readers intrigued by its mysteries and unsettling twists. Arthur’s Animals took a thoughtful approach to Arthurian legend, revealing new layers with each reading.

Darker themes ran through The Knockers Work, a tale blending folklore with an environmental warning, while Regrets stood out for its poignant sense of longing and authentic voice.

Rounding out the highlighted entries, Trevorrow and For the Love of Pilchards and Hevva Cake delivered emotion and atmosphere in equal measure. The former was described as unsettling and ambiguous, the latter as deeply moving and reflective.

Alan praised the entries for their shared ability to evoke unease and wonder, noting that each story carried that essential spark of a truly spooky tale.

About the Oddfellows

The Plymouth and Truro District is part of one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies, with a focus on friendship, care and community spirit. Membership is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with friendship groups and regular social gatherings running across Redruth, Truro, Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

Activities range from lunches and organised trips to quizzes, presentations, games and competitions. Members also benefit from a welfare and care support advice line, a dedicated travel club with organised holidays, and opportunities to volunteer and fundraise for local, national and international causes.

How to Find Out More

Anyone interested in joining can request a free information pack and diary of upcoming events from local secretary Peter English by emailing peter.english@oddfellows.co.uk or calling 01209 200810. The Oddfellows Hall is at 49 Green Lane, Redruth, TR15 1LL.

More information is available at oddfellows.co.uk.