Growing Up on the Isles of Scilly

Year 5 pupils took a ‘trip’ recently to the beautiful Isles of Scilly thanks to a special visit from Old Truronian Sam Willsher CO03, now Development and Alumni Relations Manager at Truro School. Sam, who grew up on St Mary’s and boarded at Truro School from 1996 to 2001, joined the class as part of their studies on The Wreck of the Zanzibar by Michael Morpurgo.

Bringing island life to life, Sam shared stories from his childhood – of family and belonging, crashing waves, seabirds and storms, courage and community, and the unique sense of resilience that comes with growing up surrounded by the sea.

One of the most thrilling moments came when Sam recounted the dramatic story of the wreck of the Cita, a cargo ship that ran aground off the islands on March 25, 1997. Bound from Southampton to Belfast, the Cita carried 145 containers packed with everything from golf clubs, trainers and doors to children’s clothes for Marks & Spencer, car engines, soap dishes, and even toothbrush holders.

When word spread across the islands, locals and visitors hurried to the beaches, salvaging what they could before the tide reclaimed its treasure. Sam’s storytelling had the class completely captivated, imagining the excitement of islanders who recovered as much as they could carry.

The pupils eagerly asked their own questions:

• “Did you get to keep the things you found on the wreck?”
• “Was the sea warm around the islands?”
• “Who was your best friend on St Mary’s?”

Sam also shared fond memories of Friday night gig night, and the World Pilot Gig Championships, events that bring the island community together in a celebration of teamwork and tradition.

The talk was a wonderful blend of history, adventure, and imagination, bringing Morpurgo’s world to life and leaving Year 5 with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live by and with the sea.