.
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Locals Only
Spoof website causes media mayhem.
A spoof Cornish website caused absolute mayhem in the national British press over the weekend of 20-21 November. The site, Locals-Only.co.uk, lampoons local Cornish surfers, surfing tribalism (localism), and the local councillors responses as to what they perceive to be the cause of the ‘Locals only!’ graffiti on Portreath harbour wall.
In truth nothing of the sorts exists in Portreath, a small Cornish fishing village nestling amongst the craggy cliffs that face the Atlantic. Not that would bother the journalists about to descend in search of blood and gore. Surfers fighting fellow surfers for wave rights in Cornwall could sell a lot of newspapers, and spring any journalist lucky enough to uncover such goings on into the national headlines. And that is exactly what happened.
The tale begins some ten years ago when some young oik painted 'Locals only' on the harbour wall. Apparently he didn’t really know why he was doing it as there had never been any localism there ever, and it wasn’t likely that there was ever going to be as most the surfers in Portreath are pretty friendly bunch.
Fast forward to October 2004 and someone on an irregular visit to the village spots the graffiti, mistakes it for Cornish nationalism and complains to the local newspaper, the West Briton. The paper then runs letters on the subject for three consecutive weeks.
The highly entertaining letters covered nationalism/terrorism/racism/a protest against inflated house prices/holiday and second homes, in fact everything and anything but surfing. The sum was a hilarious series of newspaper articles that completely missed the point and had all the local surfers in west Cornwall thoroughly enjoying the free entertainment... Then www.locals-only.co.uk popped up, obviously taking the micky out of the whole situation. Localism was especially satired with ‘the Locals Only group” being portrayed as rather stupid ‘pards’ who couldn’t decide who was local, holed up in a disused mine with all their best laid plans ending in ridicule.
Enter a local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who got hold of the website address and decides to ask if they intend to branch out into Newquay. A stupid question answered, well, stupidly. “Newquay has been annexed by Manchester so it would be too big a job...We got some red ‘Locals only’ tape that we can put up though.” (Yes, that would stop surfers rampaging toward perfect surf wouldn't it?) actual corrospondence can be read on page 3 of the view points section of this site
Only the imaginative local journo manages to get some mileage out of the quote and announces “Selfish plan to block beach” in the Newquay Voice, continuing “An emerging ‘Locals Only’ campaign which aims to keep visiting surfers out of the water along Newquay’s beaches has been condemned by tourist leaders...” The head of tourism for Cornwall expresses concern for the regions 40 million surfing industry, the head of the British Surfing Association condemns the group and from there all media hell breaks loose.
As locals-only.co.uk were demanding ‘carrot free pasties”, “free cider”, “discount cards” to a discount store to be “anonymously distributed (names to be supplied later)” and a new ladder, respected journalists from local TV, Arifa Akba from the Independent and Simon de Bruxelles from the Times descend upon the small village to find the heavy locals who were now apparently holed up in disused Cornish tin mines! (It has to be pointed out here that ALL the journalists had read the entire sites contents, but all ignored the fact that it was obviously a spoof.)
Being good natured welcoming sorts that would have hated to see the hard working journalists leave without a story, Portreath’s local surfers agree to meet them. Local radio station, Radio Cornwall, carries a three hour phone in on the apparent problem swiftly followed by an only marginally more amusing ‘Aliens have landed’ phone in. Later that evening a ‘free thinking cell” dressed in a ridiculous coloured wetsuit and armed with the best beaten up 1980’s surfboard he could find, appears on BBC Spotlight TV news. After donning an open faced balaclava for anonymity (yes, one that covers everything but his face) he addresses the waiting TV cameras. “I’ve got a bit of red ‘locals only’ tape that I’m going to put around the beaches!” he imaginatively proclaims.
A local comedy legend is born, but it’s red tape to a journalist, and subsequent articles are published in the Times, The Independent, The Scotsman plus their associated websites and an interview with Radio 4 which wasn’t aired as they smelled a rat!
In fact there was so much media madness snowballing that the sites creator is forced to up a new opening page declaring in no uncertain terms that the site is definitely a hoax, and utters his disgust at the journalists for being such unprofessional fools.
It’s now Monday; the Locals Only website has now taken thousands of hits. More importantly the second Time’s piece “Beach boys wage war of the waves” by David Lister, who apparently mounted “a one man invasion” of the beach, is published.
The surfers are now having a field day. Some have even taken time of work after concocting hideous stories of beatings, bottle throwing and the intimidation of “foreign” surfers for more flocking journalists. Of course it’s all made up for the eager Mr Listers ears.
On land the spoofed reporters from the BBC Spotlight, The Times and the Independent are back in their offices with tails firmly between legs, and are trying to blame the website for their follies... Bittered by the whole experience they are now hell bent on wreaking revenge. After tracing the website registration they are on the case of the person they see as the main instigator.
The local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who is in the truth the main culprit in originally giving the story airtime and credibility, is calling around the surf industry trying to discredit a local surf photographer. The Spotlight cameraman is bombarding the Locals Only site’s forum with emails trying to post incriminating photos of who he thinks is the main protagonist. Journalistic.co.uk has published the name listed on the ‘Locals Only” website registration document, and are urging other journalists to do the same. (In their desperation they’ve even gone as far buying a similar sounding domain name to intercept any google searches and direct traffic to their journalistic site.) In truth they have all got rather bitter about the scene that they themselves created in search of word rates, and sensationalism. There’s egg on faces, down ties, all over suits and splattered over office walls. Careers have gone down the pan.
Down on the water off Portreath beach all is calm. The surf is still particularly average, there have been no beatings, no stabbings, no bottle throwings. There never have been, and probably never will be. The ‘Locals Only’ website has published a picture of the other side of the wall on which is daubed “Visitors only”. Some other bright spark has posted a note on the forum that he has kidnapped a local brass band trumpeter for the cause. Apparently it’s backfired and the trumpeter has drunk all his cider and is causing such a racket and he wants someone to someone and get him. Local newspaper hack Warren Walkins has published a story in the “Newquay Voice” stating “Group apologise over 'Locals Only' protest“ It’s about as far from the truth as his first piece that started the whole circus, but in his mind it’s made the word a happier place. It’s his way of saving face.
So if you thought journalists for such respected institutions as the BBC, and The Times were intelligent beings reporting unbiased honest manner, take note! All must have known it was a hoax from the beginning but relentlessly pursued the story and basically made up a war to suit their headlines. Then when things backfired and they looked like the fools they were, they threw all their toys out of their prams. As the website says, if they treat a story of this insignificance in this way who knows how they are acting in more important areas of life. Mind you, if you were a surfer in west Cornwall following the action, it was a very, very funny weekend!
* Please note: there has never been an incidence of localism at Portreath, ever!
A spoof Cornish website caused absolute mayhem in the national British press over the weekend of 20-21 November. The site, Locals-Only.co.uk, lampoons local Cornish surfers, surfing tribalism (localism), and the local councillors responses as to what they perceive to be the cause of the ‘Locals only!’ graffiti on Portreath harbour wall.
In truth nothing of the sorts exists in Portreath, a small Cornish fishing village nestling amongst the craggy cliffs that face the Atlantic. Not that would bother the journalists about to descend in search of blood and gore. Surfers fighting fellow surfers for wave rights in Cornwall could sell a lot of newspapers, and spring any journalist lucky enough to uncover such goings on into the national headlines. And that is exactly what happened.
The tale begins some ten years ago when some young oik painted 'Locals only' on the harbour wall. Apparently he didn’t really know why he was doing it as there had never been any localism there ever, and it wasn’t likely that there was ever going to be as most the surfers in Portreath are pretty friendly bunch.
Fast forward to October 2004 and someone on an irregular visit to the village spots the graffiti, mistakes it for Cornish nationalism and complains to the local newspaper, the West Briton. The paper then runs letters on the subject for three consecutive weeks.
The highly entertaining letters covered nationalism/terrorism/racism/a protest against inflated house prices/holiday and second homes, in fact everything and anything but surfing. The sum was a hilarious series of newspaper articles that completely missed the point and had all the local surfers in west Cornwall thoroughly enjoying the free entertainment... Then www.locals-only.co.uk popped up, obviously taking the micky out of the whole situation. Localism was especially satired with ‘the Locals Only group” being portrayed as rather stupid ‘pards’ who couldn’t decide who was local, holed up in a disused mine with all their best laid plans ending in ridicule.
Enter a local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who got hold of the website address and decides to ask if they intend to branch out into Newquay. A stupid question answered, well, stupidly. “Newquay has been annexed by Manchester so it would be too big a job...We got some red ‘Locals only’ tape that we can put up though.” (Yes, that would stop surfers rampaging toward perfect surf wouldn't it?) actual corrospondence can be read on page 3 of the view points section of this site
Only the imaginative local journo manages to get some mileage out of the quote and announces “Selfish plan to block beach” in the Newquay Voice, continuing “An emerging ‘Locals Only’ campaign which aims to keep visiting surfers out of the water along Newquay’s beaches has been condemned by tourist leaders...” The head of tourism for Cornwall expresses concern for the regions 40 million surfing industry, the head of the British Surfing Association condemns the group and from there all media hell breaks loose.
As locals-only.co.uk were demanding ‘carrot free pasties”, “free cider”, “discount cards” to a discount store to be “anonymously distributed (names to be supplied later)” and a new ladder, respected journalists from local TV, Arifa Akba from the Independent and Simon de Bruxelles from the Times descend upon the small village to find the heavy locals who were now apparently holed up in disused Cornish tin mines! (It has to be pointed out here that ALL the journalists had read the entire sites contents, but all ignored the fact that it was obviously a spoof.)
Being good natured welcoming sorts that would have hated to see the hard working journalists leave without a story, Portreath’s local surfers agree to meet them. Local radio station, Radio Cornwall, carries a three hour phone in on the apparent problem swiftly followed by an only marginally more amusing ‘Aliens have landed’ phone in. Later that evening a ‘free thinking cell” dressed in a ridiculous coloured wetsuit and armed with the best beaten up 1980’s surfboard he could find, appears on BBC Spotlight TV news. After donning an open faced balaclava for anonymity (yes, one that covers everything but his face) he addresses the waiting TV cameras. “I’ve got a bit of red ‘locals only’ tape that I’m going to put around the beaches!” he imaginatively proclaims.
A local comedy legend is born, but it’s red tape to a journalist, and subsequent articles are published in the Times, The Independent, The Scotsman plus their associated websites and an interview with Radio 4 which wasn’t aired as they smelled a rat!
In fact there was so much media madness snowballing that the sites creator is forced to up a new opening page declaring in no uncertain terms that the site is definitely a hoax, and utters his disgust at the journalists for being such unprofessional fools.
It’s now Monday; the Locals Only website has now taken thousands of hits. More importantly the second Time’s piece “Beach boys wage war of the waves” by David Lister, who apparently mounted “a one man invasion” of the beach, is published.
The surfers are now having a field day. Some have even taken time of work after concocting hideous stories of beatings, bottle throwing and the intimidation of “foreign” surfers for more flocking journalists. Of course it’s all made up for the eager Mr Listers ears.
On land the spoofed reporters from the BBC Spotlight, The Times and the Independent are back in their offices with tails firmly between legs, and are trying to blame the website for their follies... Bittered by the whole experience they are now hell bent on wreaking revenge. After tracing the website registration they are on the case of the person they see as the main instigator.
The local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who is in the truth the main culprit in originally giving the story airtime and credibility, is calling around the surf industry trying to discredit a local surf photographer. The Spotlight cameraman is bombarding the Locals Only site’s forum with emails trying to post incriminating photos of who he thinks is the main protagonist. Journalistic.co.uk has published the name listed on the ‘Locals Only” website registration document, and are urging other journalists to do the same. (In their desperation they’ve even gone as far buying a similar sounding domain name to intercept any google searches and direct traffic to their journalistic site.) In truth they have all got rather bitter about the scene that they themselves created in search of word rates, and sensationalism. There’s egg on faces, down ties, all over suits and splattered over office walls. Careers have gone down the pan.
Down on the water off Portreath beach all is calm. The surf is still particularly average, there have been no beatings, no stabbings, no bottle throwings. There never have been, and probably never will be. The ‘Locals Only’ website has published a picture of the other side of the wall on which is daubed “Visitors only”. Some other bright spark has posted a note on the forum that he has kidnapped a local brass band trumpeter for the cause. Apparently it’s backfired and the trumpeter has drunk all his cider and is causing such a racket and he wants someone to someone and get him. Local newspaper hack Warren Walkins has published a story in the “Newquay Voice” stating “Group apologise over 'Locals Only' protest“ It’s about as far from the truth as his first piece that started the whole circus, but in his mind it’s made the word a happier place. It’s his way of saving face.
So if you thought journalists for such respected institutions as the BBC, and The Times were intelligent beings reporting unbiased honest manner, take note! All must have known it was a hoax from the beginning but relentlessly pursued the story and basically made up a war to suit their headlines. Then when things backfired and they looked like the fools they were, they threw all their toys out of their prams. As the website says, if they treat a story of this insignificance in this way who knows how they are acting in more important areas of life. Mind you, if you were a surfer in west Cornwall following the action, it was a very, very funny weekend!
* Please note: there has never been an incidence of localism at Portreath, ever!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Harbour Fun Day
Harbour Fun Day
1st August
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea Tent BBQ Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft Race Bouncy Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums Puppets Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
1st August
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea Tent BBQ Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft Race Bouncy Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums Puppets Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Dear Editor As a member of the PIC and Portreath Regeneration Group I am aware that both groups are endeavouring to find a favourable solution to th
Dear Editor
As a member of the PIC and Portreath Regeneration Group I am aware that
both groups are endeavouring to find a favourable solution to the
traffic problems in Penberthy Road.
Every meeting I have attended, to include the Parish Council meetings
has spent a large amount of time discussing how to reduce traffic
problems, in particular focusing of encouraging drivers to slow down.
There are no easy answers however, if numbers of cars using Penberthy Road could be reduced this would help.
We now have a great new bus service opening in the village. As the
service is much more regular and uses newer and cleaner buses, this in
turn hopefully will encourage more residents in the village to use this
service thereby helping to reduce the traffic volumes in the village.
Other initiatives such as encouraging parents to walk their children to
Primary School rather than driving would also help with reducing the
traffic problems.
We all use our cars but if we each consider whether we need to use the
car for our journeys before getting behind the wheel we can then all
make a positive contribution to reducing traffic problems in the
village.
Sara Clasper
'The Incline Project, On Track and with the support of Portreath
Primary School are starting a new club for children on the first
Saturday of the month. Please come along to our Open Morning on the
26th June 04 between 10.00 and 12.30 pm. in the school hall. There will
be lots of activities and food to try (including Circus
Skills!). Children will need to sign up for the new
club on the 26th June..only 18 places for the 8-11 year age group and
18 places for the 4-7 year age group. This is an exciting opportunity
for local children, The group will help raise children's
confidence and their self esteem, help them to work as a team, improve
their health and wellbeing and support children in being involved in
local issues. There will also be loads of laughter and fun, and the
chance to learn new skills such as drumming, felt making, papermaking,
sports activities and lots more! The group will be run by trained
Children's Workers and we offer a warm welcome to local children.
See you on the 26th June
Terry (Incline) Sandy (On Track) and Emma and Sam (Community Workers).
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
Foreign Currency
Going on holiday? Why not pick up your currency and travelers
cheques commission free (excluding sterling travelers cheques) from the
Post Office. In some cases your order can be collected the next
day, but we recommend you allow three working days. Payment to be
made when ordering.
Travel Insurance
The Post Office now offer a competitive travel insurance. Children are free!
Pick up a leaflet today for our rates.
BRIDGE STITCHERS
WILL BE DISPLAYING
A RANGE OF OUR
CROSS-STITCHING
AND OTHER
HANDMADE ITEMS
AT
BRIDGE CHAPEL
BRIDGE, PORTREATH, CORNWALL.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
JULY 29 – 31ST
11.00 am until 6.00 pm
VARIOUS ITEMS FOR SALE
REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE
SUPPORTING CANCER RESEARCH
Sounds Good
(Millennium Hall News)
I wonder how many readers remember that popular ‘ditty’ of many years
ago. Little Sir Echo ‘How do you do’ and no doubt it did pretty well
for its composers bank balance. However, there can be an expensive
downside if you want to rid your pride and your restoration project of
such an unwelcome phenomenon.
I am reliably informed that the old chapel in its heyday never suffered
from any such trouble and therefore it came as an unpleasant surprise
for all concerned. When we realised that yet more money was needed to
get rid of an echo we hadn’t budgeted for but must be removed.
If our village community was to get full benefit from the very
expensive refit as it posed as a serious threat to any event relying on
the spoken word.
Therefore as soon as the official opening by Prince Edward and Princess
Sophie in October 2002 was behind us, we undertook a brief study of the
service, practice and cost of acoustics and then felt able to accept a
professional plan using walled drapes and sound absorbent panels.
That work was basically completed last month and some cosmetic
fine-tuning since has brought the great improvements we hoped for –
sounds good already. These drapes are designed to prevent sound
reflection from the wall surfaces where they hang. They are not
curtains for the windows and should not be used as such.
Have you any ideas?
However, these improvements are only a means to an end – an increase in
revenue from these new facilities. If you, the reader, have any
practical ideas for drama events, music concerts or instructional
classes of any description please let us know via the editor. Modest
stage facilities can be available if necessary.
Ashton White
On behalf of the Management Committee
OPEN STUDIO
As part of an “Open Studio Southwest”, 2 artists in the village will be opening their studios to the public.
Catherine Dennis is a painter who is interested in Landscape and
Portraits. She lives in Greenfield Terrace and has a studio at the end
of her garden.
Sarah Clasper lives on Primrose Terrace, she paints landscapes locally
and her studio is in a walled garden. Work is for sale and visitors
will be made very welcome..
Open Days
Saturday & Sunday 21st & 22nd August
Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th August
For further information Tel: 01209 843213
Badminton Club
At the Millennium Hall Portreath
Now seeking members, Senior and Junior.
Possible days Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Anyone interested please call Sara on 843360
Mineral Tramways Heritage Project - Appeal for information for the proposed Portreath Branch Line Trail.
Cornwall County Council in partnership with Kerrier District Council
are proposing through this final phase of the Mineral Tramways Project
(Nov 2003-Mar 2005) to create a network of new multi use trails linking
important heritage mine sites and mining villages within the project
area of Camborne- Redruth, Portreath, Gwennap-St.Day. The feasibility
stage of this multi-funded project includes assessments of mine sites
and features, trails routes and the identification and negotiation with
landowners.
Readers are asked for their assistance in identifying ownership details
along the length of the Portreath Incline. If you have information
which you believe may be of help please contact Simon Murray at the
County Council based team on tel. 01872 323607', and thank you!'
Simon Murray
Incline Project
On the 26th June The Incline Church Community Project launched a new
club for children aged 4 to 11 years. Despite the rain, almost one
hundred adults and children came along to the village school and
enjoyed a fantastic morning of fun to launch the new club. Local
children entered a competition to choose a name for the club and
to design a logo. Sheena's name 'Mish Mash Club' and Dannielle's logo
(will be published shortly) were chosen by the judges. Rosie Clifton
from the Children's Fund presented art and craft prizes to the girls.
Candy Atherton came along to the launch and said a few words of praise
and encouragement. The children enjoyed a variety of craft
activities, healthy snacks and a chance to make 'snail
sandwiches'. Circus Skills were there (there are some very
skilled tight rope walkers and stilt walkers in the village). The
morning provided opportunities to dress up as a carrot, turnip or pea
in fabulous costumes loaned to the group by The Healthy Living
Initiative (adults and children all had a go!), chance to play
with Missy the Ferret, have faces painted, join in with a Felt Making
activity and enjoy lots of cups of tea, coffee and cake (much
appreciated by the adults present). The new club has had the very
best of starts, well supported by the local community so thank you to
all who came along, members of the Parish Council and the Portreath
Improvements Committee, the local church, Sandy and staff from Kerrier
Ontrack (who have helped from the beginning and continue to support
us), the Network Fund for making it all possible, Portreath School and
most of all, the children, parents and grandparents.
We now look forward to meeting monthly, 8-11 year olds first but with
some joint sessions with the 4-7 year olds to be held before Christmas.
The club is now full for the older group but there is a reserve list so
do contact me, Terry on 843181 if you want to put your name down.
African Drumming is planned for July and Circus Skills will be with us
again in August!
Terry Reynard .
HEALTHY EATING IN PORTREATH
The Eatsome Project, from Cornwall's Healthy Living Initiative,
is working with the Incline Project to promote healthy eating and the
"Healthy Boxes" vegetable box scheme.
The Eatsome project is a two year funded project, which is part of the
national 5 A DAY campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.
Our aims are to increase the consumption of healthy foods, especially
fruit and vegetables, through addressing barriers such as
affordability, access and awareness of healthy foods, and to promote
local produce.
The project offers cooking sessions, training for cookery club leaders,
and grants for growing, cooking and other healthy eating projects for
community groups.
Healthy Boxes is a scheme led by Penwith District Council, which will
help community groups to access fresh, quality local produce at
affordable prices.
Rob Poole, Penwith District Council's Rural Economy Officer, says that
"the project will actively support and work in partnership with
community shops and will support local growers and producers".
The Incline Project will be working with the Eatsome Project to set up
some healthy eating projects, including the healthy boxes scheme.
The Incline Project, through CHIC, is setting up a drop off for the
vegetable boxes on Wednesday mornings in the Church. This scheme will
start as soon as we have the minimum number of 10 boxes required.
If you are interested in receiving a box, at a cost of no more than £5
for an assortment of eight different vegetables plus recipe card,
please contact Incline Project: Terry 843181 or Yvonne on 842005
To:- The Editor, Portreath Parish Tram.
From:- Captain P. J. Fleming,
‘Anneth Lowen,
Tregea Hill,
Portreath.
18-06-04
Dear Sir,
Green Waste Project
With regard to the setting–up of the green waste project along the
coastal road to Hayle, I am very concerned to note that some of the
heavy goods vehicles transporting waste to and from the site are coming
through Portreath village.
As I understand it, this is against the permission given to them by
Cornwall County Council, which stipulated that they must use Cot Road,
Halgoss and Tolvaddon as a route to access the site. In fact, a new
roundabout has recently been constructed at Tolvaddon in order to
facilitate this traffic.
Since the project started, however, a significant number of these
vehicles have been routed through Portreath, sometimes when school is
coming out.
With the summer holidays almost upon us, and the large number of
visitors trying to find a parking space in the village, together with
the many pedestrians using the beachfront area and toilets, it does not
take too much imagination to envisage the problems that this large flow
of heavy goods vehicles could cause.
If anyone sees these vehicles progressing through the village, I urge
them to make a note of the number plate and, if possible, the time of
observation of the sighting.
Please then inform your Parish Councillor so that they may take action on this matter.
P. J. Fleming
Dizine Computer Services
Computer tuition and problem solving
Are you having problems with a new computer or even an old one? Would
you like to learn in the comfort of your home on your own computer?
Call for friendly competent tuition at very competitive rates.
Photograph Manipulation
Would you like a collage/montage made up from a set of favourite photos?
A beautiful print made to look as though it is one photograph.
Great for a special gift or to make a mixture of wedding photos for that something different.
If you are interested please contact me for details.
Dizine 07779158704
COG
Due to low numbers and expressions of concern with the weather, trips
to Penzance and Falmouth were cancelled. We have now got a chance to
book an 8-seater minibus for small group trips but this can mean
increased costs.
If any groups of 4 or 6 wish to go on a local coach trip e.g. William
Oates or Mounts Bay Travel, it can be booked with a pick up point in
the square, however they will not come down for just 1 or 2 people.
Please contact me if you are interested for trips in July, August and
September, as bookings are harder to get at this busy time so we need
to book as early as possible.
Broadband Update
1st Broadband SW is now connecting customers to the wireless network.
Those of you who have the service have been giving extremely good
feedback about the installation process and the speed of the wireless
connection.
1st Broadband have kindly sponsored a website for the Parish Tram
and Microcomms have loaned a camera to set up a SurfCam.
www.parishtram.co.uk. I have also added a tide time page.
I am hoping to set up a forum on this site for all local Internet
users, wireless or dialup to post and read views and issues that come
up in the Portreath area. In the mean time I hope you enjoy your fast
Internet connection and I would appreciate any comments good or bad to
chris@parishtram.co.uk.
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Highways
The Parish Council is still making a concentrated effort to achieve a
reduction in the speed of traffic through the village with the Local
County Councillor, Mr T Rowe, fully supporting these efforts. At the
present time investigations are being made by the County Council into
the possible installation of 2 “build outs” along Penberthy Road but
members are concerned at the resulting loss of parking spaces where
these “build outs” are to be sited. Other traffic calming methods are
also being investigated together with
(a) the extension of the 30 mph speed restriction to a point higher up Tregea Hill
(b) the imposition of a time restricted 20 mph speed limit in the vicinity of the School
Memorial Horse Trough
Following up on the article on the history of this Trough in the
previous issue of the Parish Tram by Mr Ashton White, orders have been
issued for the upgrading/renewal of the lettering including the
cleaning of the Memorial Trough.
Footpaths
Orders have now been issued for the trimming and cleaning of the
various Definitive Footpaths within the Parish. The timing of this work
is not always easy, particularly this year when growth of weeds etc had
been rigorous. The weeding of the harbour precinct area has also been
carried out.
Appointment of Chairman
At the Annual Meeting of the Council held in June, Councillor Mr K
Bowden was unanimously elected Chairman for the coming year with
Councillor Mr Chris Watts being elected Vice Chairman.
Heavy Transport Vehicles
Concern has been expressed by residents due to the fact that some of
the heavy vehicles transporting organic matter to the composting area
at Downs Farm, North Cliffs, Camborne have been using the route through
the village rather than the officially approved route via Halgoss and
Cot Road to the junction at the top of Tregea Hill and thence along the
B.3301 North Cliff Roads to the site.
The Parish Council has drawn this to the attention of the appropriate
Officer of the County Council, as this is a deviation from a prescribed
route and therefore a contravention of the conditions of the Planning
Approval.
The Officer has been informed that there is an urgent need for the
hauliers concerned to be instructed to adhere to the prescribed route
particularly in view of the ever-increasing holiday traffic both within
and through the village.
Portreath Harbour Family Fun Day
Sunday 1st August 2004-06-18
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea
Tent
BBQ
Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft
Race Bouncy
Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums
Puppets
Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club has had an eventful year having recently
purchased a new carpet with a grand and from “The Penwith Community
Development Committee”, together with a set of coloured balls which
after some delay due to supply problems arrived about 3 weeks ago.
The old carpet has been given to Portreath Primary School together with the old woods and jack.
Two teams, “The Gulls & The Dolphins” were entered in the
Camborne/Redruth winter indoor league but unfortunately both have been
relegated – The Gulls to division 3 and The Dolphins to
division 4.
We hold 2 domestic competitions each year, “The Nancy Kessell Cup” in
November, which was won by Mr Steve Brown, runner up was Mrs Sally
Harding.
More recently Mr Roger Bunt, Mrs Hilary Bunt being the runner up, won the Chamber of Commerce Cup.
A team entered in The Ted Smith Memorial Evening in February at
Camborne RFC and came in a joint third, which was a very pleasing event.
Membership remains in the mid 20’s. The treasurer reports in April a healthy balance in excess of £200.
Beat Lines
This year is passing so quickly that I can’t believe that we are
already fast approaching the summer equinox. Min you I seem to think
that at about this time every year.
Although the days are longer there is sill does not seem to be enough
time to do everything that people would like us to. To explain what I
mean I will give you some facts and figures so that you are aware of
the challenges face by your local officers. I don’t intend to bore you
on a regular basis with such figures but thought you might be
interested on this one occasion.
Last month (May) Camborne and Redruth officers dealt with 2045
incidents of which 46 were in Portreath. It doesn’t take a
mathematician to work out therefore that 1999 incidents were dealt with
outside of the Parish in one month alone. So far for the whole of this
year the crime level in Portreath is virtually the same as last year,
at the time of writing there have been 66 reported crimes, last year
there were 64 for the same period.
However in the whole of Camborne and Redruth there have already been in
excess of 2700 crimes. One noticeable difference in the figures of
Portreath this year is the amount of arrest made in the Parish.
This year we have made 38 arrests already whereas last year for the
same period we had made 7 arrests. I read in a local paper recently
that Devon and Cornwall is the most popular tourist destination in the
Country. With this huge increase in numbers to the area each year
obviously brings a large increase in the workloads of all officers. All
this at a time when there are the various summer shows, events and
other seasonal functions, which require a police, input.
I present you with these figures so that you have some idea where you
policemen are and what they are doing on a day to day basis. They will
always be available to respond to any call you have to make but please
be aware that at times to calls to us by necessity have to be
prioritised and you may have to wait a little while if you ring us
about a non urgent matter.
Sill on a summer theme – at this time of year people like to go walking
along North Cliffs and in the woods often leaving their car in a
relatively isolated location. If you take your car to any of our local
beauty spots please leave your valuables at home. To assist you in
letting any would be criminal know that your car does no contain
valuables I have signs available at Redruth police station.
Alternatively I would be pleased to speak to you whilst out on foot
patrol in the village.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer
P C Roberts
Organic Vegetable Box Scheme
Available in the village with free delivery on Wednesday from a local farm in Guscarne.
A good selection of seasonal vegetables and fruit, also available eggs, chicken and beef.
Further details Tel: 01872 865922
Not only helping the environment but providing local jobs
Dear Ed
I’m a Cornish exile living in Yorkshire and today I received a copy of
The Parish Tram from my Great Niece who lives in Redruth. I lived at
Ventourage, Illogan until I was 20 years old when my Dad died. My
Mother, sister and myself then went to Yorkshire to live with my Uncle.
My reason for writing this letter is mostly because it brings back so
many memories. I am wondering if I could receive a quarterly copy and
if necessary I will pay the postage and any other costs involved. The
piece about the granite drinking trough was very nostalgic as I
remember it well. That in turn bought back memories of a granite trough
that was located at the top of Tregea Hill where the road to
Tehidy joined the one to the coastal road.
Perhaps someone could explain its purpose and when it was installed. My
belief is that it was for horses, but I have been “cooled down” many a
time in hot weather.
Wishing you all the best with your next issue.
I remain yours truly
Mr R H Parr
As part of an “Open Studio Southwest”, 2 artists in the village will be opening their studios to the public.
Catherine Dennis is a painter who is interested in Landscape and
Portraits. She lives in Greenfield Terrace and has a studio at the end
of her garden.
Sarah Clasper lives on Primrose Terrace, she paints landscapes locally
and her studio is in a walled garden. Work is for sale and visitors
will be made very welcome..
Open Days
Saturday & Sunday 21st & 22nd August
Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th August
For further information Tel: 01209 843213
Badminton Club
At the Millennium Hall Portreath
Now seeking members, Senior and Junior.
Possible days Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Anyone interested please call Sara on 843360
Mineral Tramways Heritage Project - Appeal for information for the proposed Portreath Branch Line Trail.
Cornwall County Council in partnership with Kerrier District Council
are proposing through this final phase of the Mineral Tramways Project
(Nov 2003-Mar 2005) to create a network of new multi use trails linking
important heritage mine sites and mining villages within the project
area of Camborne- Redruth, Portreath, Gwennap-St.Day. The feasibility
stage of this multi-funded project includes assessments of mine sites
and features, trails routes and the identification and negotiation with
landowners.
Readers are asked for their assistance in identifying ownership details
along the length of the Portreath Incline. If you have information
which you believe may be of help please contact Simon Murray at the
County Council based team on tel. 01872 323607', and thank you!'
Simon Murray
Incline Project
On the 26th June The Incline Church Community Project launched a new
club for children aged 4 to 11 years. Despite the rain, almost one
hundred adults and children came along to the village school and
enjoyed a fantastic morning of fun to launch the new club. Local
children entered a competition to choose a name for the club and
to design a logo. Sheena's name 'Mish Mash Club' and Dannielle's logo
(will be published shortly) were chosen by the judges. Rosie Clifton
from the Children's Fund presented art and craft prizes to the girls.
Candy Atherton came along to the launch and said a few words of praise
and encouragement. The children enjoyed a variety of craft
activities, healthy snacks and a chance to make 'snail
sandwiches'. Circus Skills were there (there are some very
skilled tight rope walkers and stilt walkers in the village). The
morning provided opportunities to dress up as a carrot, turnip or pea
in fabulous costumes loaned to the group by The Healthy Living
Initiative (adults and children all had a go!), chance to play
with Missy the Ferret, have faces painted, join in with a Felt Making
activity and enjoy lots of cups of tea, coffee and cake (much
appreciated by the adults present). The new club has had the very
best of starts, well supported by the local community so thank you to
all who came along, members of the Parish Council and the Portreath
Improvements Committee, the local church, Sandy and staff from Kerrier
Ontrack (who have helped from the beginning and continue to support
us), the Network Fund for making it all possible, Portreath School and
most of all, the children, parents and grandparents.
We now look forward to meeting monthly, 8-11 year olds first but with
some joint sessions with the 4-7 year olds to be held before Christmas.
The club is now full for the older group but there is a reserve list so
do contact me, Terry on 843181 if you want to put your name down.
African Drumming is planned for July and Circus Skills will be with us
again in August!
Terry Reynard .
HEALTHY EATING IN PORTREATH
The Eatsome Project, from Cornwall's Healthy Living Initiative,
is working with the Incline Project to promote healthy eating and the
"Healthy Boxes" vegetable box scheme.
The Eatsome project is a two year funded project, which is part of the
national 5 A DAY campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.
Our aims are to increase the consumption of healthy foods, especially
fruit and vegetables, through addressing barriers such as
affordability, access and awareness of healthy foods, and to promote
local produce.
The project offers cooking sessions, training for cookery club leaders,
and grants for growing, cooking and other healthy eating projects for
community groups.
Healthy Boxes is a scheme led by Penwith District Council, which will
help community groups to access fresh, quality local produce at
affordable prices.
Rob Poole, Penwith District Council's Rural Economy Officer, says that
"the project will actively support and work in partnership with
community shops and will support local growers and producers".
The Incline Project will be working with the Eatsome Project to set up
some healthy eating projects, including the healthy boxes scheme.
The Incline Project, through CHIC, is setting up a drop off for the
vegetable boxes on Wednesday mornings in the Church. This scheme will
start as soon as we have the minimum number of 10 boxes required.
If you are interested in receiving a box, at a cost of no more than £5
for an assortment of eight different vegetables plus recipe card,
please contact Incline Project: Terry 843181 or Yvonne on 842005
To:- The Editor, Portreath Parish Tram.
From:- Captain P. J. Fleming,
‘Anneth Lowen,
Tregea Hill,
Portreath.
18-06-04
Dear Sir,
Green Waste Project
With regard to the setting–up of the green waste project along the
coastal road to Hayle, I am very concerned to note that some of the
heavy goods vehicles transporting waste to and from the site are coming
through Portreath village.
As I understand it, this is against the permission given to them by
Cornwall County Council, which stipulated that they must use Cot Road,
Halgoss and Tolvaddon as a route to access the site. In fact, a new
roundabout has recently been constructed at Tolvaddon in order to
facilitate this traffic.
Since the project started, however, a significant number of these
vehicles have been routed through Portreath, sometimes when school is
coming out.
With the summer holidays almost upon us, and the large number of
visitors trying to find a parking space in the village, together with
the many pedestrians using the beachfront area and toilets, it does not
take too much imagination to envisage the problems that this large flow
of heavy goods vehicles could cause.
If anyone sees these vehicles progressing through the village, I urge
them to make a note of the number plate and, if possible, the time of
observation of the sighting.
Please then inform your Parish Councillor so that they may take action on this matter.
P. J. Fleming
Dizine Computer Services
Computer tuition and problem solving
Are you having problems with a new computer or even an old one? Would
you like to learn in the comfort of your home on your own computer?
Call for friendly competent tuition at very competitive rates.
Photograph Manipulation
Would you like a collage/montage made up from a set of favourite photos?
A beautiful print made to look as though it is one photograph.
Great for a special gift or to make a mixture of wedding photos for that something different.
If you are interested please contact me for details.
Dizine 07779158704
COG
Due to low numbers and expressions of concern with the weather, trips
to Penzance and Falmouth were cancelled. We have now got a chance to
book an 8-seater minibus for small group trips but this can mean
increased costs.
If any groups of 4 or 6 wish to go on a local coach trip e.g. William
Oates or Mounts Bay Travel, it can be booked with a pick up point in
the square, however they will not come down for just 1 or 2 people.
Please contact me if you are interested for trips in July, August and
September, as bookings are harder to get at this busy time so we need
to book as early as possible.
Broadband Update
1st Broadband SW is now connecting customers to the wireless network.
Those of you who have the service have been giving extremely good
feedback about the installation process and the speed of the wireless
connection.
1st Broadband have kindly sponsored a website for the Parish Tram
and Microcomms have loaned a camera to set up a SurfCam.
www.parishtram.co.uk. I have also added a tide time page.
I am hoping to set up a forum on this site for all local Internet
users, wireless or dialup to post and read views and issues that come
up in the Portreath area. In the mean time I hope you enjoy your fast
Internet connection and I would appreciate any comments good or bad to
chris@parishtram.co.uk.
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Highways
The Parish Council is still making a concentrated effort to achieve a
reduction in the speed of traffic through the village with the Local
County Councillor, Mr T Rowe, fully supporting these efforts. At the
present time investigations are being made by the County Council into
the possible installation of 2 “build outs” along Penberthy Road but
members are concerned at the resulting loss of parking spaces where
these “build outs” are to be sited. Other traffic calming methods are
also being investigated together with
(a) the extension of the 30 mph speed restriction to a point higher up Tregea Hill
(b) the imposition of a time restricted 20 mph speed limit in the vicinity of the School
Memorial Horse Trough
Following up on the article on the history of this Trough in the
previous issue of the Parish Tram by Mr Ashton White, orders have been
issued for the upgrading/renewal of the lettering including the
cleaning of the Memorial Trough.
Footpaths
Orders have now been issued for the trimming and cleaning of the
various Definitive Footpaths within the Parish. The timing of this work
is not always easy, particularly this year when growth of weeds etc had
been rigorous. The weeding of the harbour precinct area has also been
carried out.
Appointment of Chairman
At the Annual Meeting of the Council held in June, Councillor Mr K
Bowden was unanimously elected Chairman for the coming year with
Councillor Mr Chris Watts being elected Vice Chairman.
Heavy Transport Vehicles
Concern has been expressed by residents due to the fact that some of
the heavy vehicles transporting organic matter to the composting area
at Downs Farm, North Cliffs, Camborne have been using the route through
the village rather than the officially approved route via Halgoss and
Cot Road to the junction at the top of Tregea Hill and thence along the
B.3301 North Cliff Roads to the site.
The Parish Council has drawn this to the attention of the appropriate
Officer of the County Council, as this is a deviation from a prescribed
route and therefore a contravention of the conditions of the Planning
Approval.
The Officer has been informed that there is an urgent need for the
hauliers concerned to be instructed to adhere to the prescribed route
particularly in view of the ever-increasing holiday traffic both within
and through the village.
Portreath Harbour Family Fun Day
Sunday 1st August 2004-06-18
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea
Tent
BBQ
Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft
Race Bouncy
Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums
Puppets
Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club has had an eventful year having recently
purchased a new carpet with a grand and from “The Penwith Community
Development Committee”, together with a set of coloured balls which
after some delay due to supply problems arrived about 3 weeks ago.
The old carpet has been given to Portreath Primary School together with the old woods and jack.
Two teams, “The Gulls & The Dolphins” were entered in the
Camborne/Redruth winter indoor league but unfortunately both have been
relegated – The Gulls to division 3 and The Dolphins to
division 4.
We hold 2 domestic competitions each year, “The Nancy Kessell Cup” in
November, which was won by Mr Steve Brown, runner up was Mrs Sally
Harding.
More recently Mr Roger Bunt, Mrs Hilary Bunt being the runner up, won the Chamber of Commerce Cup.
A team entered in The Ted Smith Memorial Evening in February at
Camborne RFC and came in a joint third, which was a very pleasing event.
Membership remains in the mid 20’s. The treasurer reports in April a healthy balance in excess of £200.
Beat Lines
This year is passing so quickly that I can’t believe that we are
already fast approaching the summer equinox. Min you I seem to think
that at about this time every year.
Although the days are longer there is sill does not seem to be enough
time to do everything that people would like us to. To explain what I
mean I will give you some facts and figures so that you are aware of
the challenges face by your local officers. I don’t intend to bore you
on a regular basis with such figures but thought you might be
interested on this one occasion.
Last month (May) Camborne and Redruth officers dealt with 2045
incidents of which 46 were in Portreath. It doesn’t take a
mathematician to work out therefore that 1999 incidents were dealt with
outside of the Parish in one month alone. So far for the whole of this
year the crime level in Portreath is virtually the same as last year,
at the time of writing there have been 66 reported crimes, last year
there were 64 for the same period.
However in the whole of Camborne and Redruth there have already been in
excess of 2700 crimes. One noticeable difference in the figures of
Portreath this year is the amount of arrest made in the Parish.
This year we have made 38 arrests already whereas last year for the
same period we had made 7 arrests. I read in a local paper recently
that Devon and Cornwall is the most popular tourist destination in the
Country. With this huge increase in numbers to the area each year
obviously brings a large increase in the workloads of all officers. All
this at a time when there are the various summer shows, events and
other seasonal functions, which require a police, input.
I present you with these figures so that you have some idea where you
policemen are and what they are doing on a day to day basis. They will
always be available to respond to any call you have to make but please
be aware that at times to calls to us by necessity have to be
prioritised and you may have to wait a little while if you ring us
about a non urgent matter.
Sill on a summer theme – at this time of year people like to go walking
along North Cliffs and in the woods often leaving their car in a
relatively isolated location. If you take your car to any of our local
beauty spots please leave your valuables at home. To assist you in
letting any would be criminal know that your car does no contain
valuables I have signs available at Redruth police station.
Alternatively I would be pleased to speak to you whilst out on foot
patrol in the village.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer
P C Roberts
Organic Vegetable Box Scheme
Available in the village with free delivery on Wednesday from a local farm in Guscarne.
A good selection of seasonal vegetables and fruit, also available eggs, chicken and beef.
Further details Tel: 01872 865922
Not only helping the environment but providing local jobs
Dear Ed
I’m a Cornish exile living in Yorkshire and today I received a copy of
The Parish Tram from my Great Niece who lives in Redruth. I lived at
Ventourage, Illogan until I was 20 years old when my Dad died. My
Mother, sister and myself then went to Yorkshire to live with my Uncle.
My reason for writing this letter is mostly because it brings back so
many memories. I am wondering if I could receive a quarterly copy and
if necessary I will pay the postage and any other costs involved. The
piece about the granite drinking trough was very nostalgic as I
remember it well. That in turn bought back memories of a granite trough
that was located at the top of Tregea Hill where the road to
Tehidy joined the one to the coastal road.
Perhaps someone could explain its purpose and when it was installed. My
belief is that it was for horses, but I have been “cooled down” many a
time in hot weather.
Wishing you all the best with your next issue.
I remain yours truly
Mr R H Parr
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Pier’s Progress
The second phase of the work on the pier is now well under way. All the
granite quoins that had been washed off have been recovered and
collected in to the old crazy golf site. Here they are being drilled
prior to being fitted into place in their original positions on the end
of the pier. The quoins are of varying sizes each one weighing between
1½ to 2 tons.
The work is due to be completed about the first week of April. The job
is on time and on budget. Symons Construction of St Ives has carried out
the work and Kerrier District Council officers Martin Ackerly and Steven
Woods have overseen the project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The second phase of the work on the pier is now well under way. All the
granite quoins that had been washed off have been recovered and
collected in to the old crazy golf site. Here they are being drilled
prior to being fitted into place in their original positions on the end
of the pier. The quoins are of varying sizes each one weighing between
1½ to 2 tons.
The work is due to be completed about the first week of April. The job
is on time and on budget. Symons Construction of St Ives has carried out
the work and Kerrier District Council officers Martin Ackerly and Steven
Woods have overseen the project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 11, 2004
April/June
Our new entrance garden at school has now been completed and has completely
transformed the school. The whole school community was captivated as the
garden and sunflower grew day by day. All the children were involved in the
making of the sunflower mosaic with each class making their own section.
The
children were taken through the whole process including the casting,
cleaning
and grouting of the pieces, by the artist, Michelle O'Connor.
Many thanks go to her and Nick Julyan, the landscape gardener and his team,
for the care that they showed on the project.
The official opening takes place on Wednesday April 28 at 2.15. All welcome
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Musical Mayhem
Parent & Child Musical Playgroup
for 0 – 5 year olds
Come along and see how music can develop your child’s use of numbers,
letters and social skills through:
Games Crafts Stories Songs
An exciting range of percussion instruments will stimulate your child’s
imagination and creativity, whilst teaching rhythm, dynamics, and basic
musical knowledge.
Also Available:
Children’s Musical Parties
Piano/Keyboard Tuition
Call Joanne on 01209 213811 or 0776 049 4350 (mobile)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Harbour Fun Day
Will be held on Sunday 1st August this year.
There will be something for everyone and plenty for the children to do.
Anyone interested in helping either in planning or on the day, please
contact either Peta Redmore (842556) or Di Helyer(842492)
Help to make it a great day for Portreath.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easter Fair
Saturday 10 April 1-4 pm
To be held in The Millennium Hall, in aid of MacMillan Nurses.
To be opened by our very own Ben Casey, MacMillan Nurse at Treliske.
There will be: Large raffle, Tombola, Cakes and Trifles, Books, 2 Bikes,
Bric a Brac, Guess the weight of the cake etc. Cream teas or Hot Cross
bun and tea.
GUNGE TANK!
Vote for those you want to suffer.
Please support MacMillan in Cornwall
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deptford Pink
Regular walkers along New Walk may have noticed the wonderful display of
deep pink/red flowers in the mid to late summer. The spectacular sight
is produced by a nationally rare plant called the Deptford Pink, a
member of the Dianthus family, that includes carnations. The Deptford
Pink starts flowering from early July, later than the Red Campion, which
can flower from March to October and gives an equally dazzling display
of bright rose pink flowers which line the footpaths and hedgerows
throughout the Parish.
The population of Deptford Pink plants found on New Walk is one of only
6 locations for this species in Cornwall. Historically the Deptford Pink
was widespread on tracksides and rough grasslands, but has declined
rapidly since the 1950’s and is now found in only 10% of its previous
locations. The main causes of decline have been the lack of suitable
management and the loss of sites to development or changing in farming
practices. Consequently the remaining populations are highly fragmented
and vulnerable where suitable management is not carried out. The plants
like open, light conditions so management often involves scrub clearance
and periodic clearance to produce suitable conditions for the
establishment of seedlings.
To help ensure the continued survival of the Deptford Pink in Portreath,
Kerrier Conservation Crew and the charity Plantlife undertook some
management work on Sunday 14 March. The work involved some clearance of
scrub and rank grassland along parts of New Walk. If you would be
interested in helping out please contact Jackie Merrick on 01209 710695
or 07973 813558 mobile.
Wesley Smyth
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornwall County Fire Brigade
Home Safety Check
As part of a Community Fire Safety programme, Cornwall County Council
Fire Brigade is offering residents in Portreath Parish the opportunity
of a free home fire safety check.
If you would like a home fire risk assessment, call the Fire Safety
Policy Unit on 01872 323244 or Freephone 0800 3581 999.
The Portreath Improvements Committee have a number of free smoke alarms
to distribute locally. If you would like one please call Connie Trewella
on 842636.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Outings Group
Proposed trips to Looe and Polperro and Ikea at Bristol
(Clarks Village has been cancelled due to lack of support
and concern over the weather)
Next trips will be more local –
Provisionally to Penzance – last week in April
Falmouth – late May
Please sign the list in the Post Office if you are interested in either
of these,
by Saturday 17th April, or contact me on 842492
Prices as before depending on numbers
Di Helyer:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beat Lines
At this time of year most of us start to think about the different ways
to make use of the improving weather conditions and the light evenings
that come with the onset of Spring and Summer. The keen gardeners
amongst us will soon become very active whilst others will be looking to
complete exterior decorating jobs. All of these tasks help to present
Portreath in good light to visitors and generally make us all feel good
about the environment in which we live.
However they are all tasks that will require the use of tools to some
degree. Many of the tools used to complete these jobs are kept in garden
sheds or similar structures. Every year in Devon and Cornwall 1,400
garden sheds are broken into. Many of these crimes are committed by
opportunist thieves on property where security is not as good as it
should be. Therefore, may I ask that you add to your list of Spring jobs
a security check of the building where you store your tools and make
sure that it is as secure as possible. We have an advisory leaflet
entitled ‘GET SHEDUCATED’ if you would like one of these please contact
Camborne or Redruth station and I will get one for you.
I have recently had a conversation with the Traffic Warden for the
Portreath area with regard to the parking restrictions that are
effective from 1st of May until 31st September. We thought that a timely
reminder in this publication may help reduce the amount of fixed penalty
tickets we have to give out this summer. Each year I receive many
complaints about parking, with people often contravening double yellow
lines and the other restrictions particularly on hot sunny days. Please
park in accordance with the regulations, we’d really prefer not to issue
any parking tickets!
Have you seen the advertisement on the television encouraging people to
apply for the Special Constabulary? It is not filmed locally, but that
does not mean that the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are not
continually seeking applications from responsible members of the
community to join the Special Constabulary. If you are looking to assist
the local community in your spare time in a role that can be both
challenging and rewarding then at least consider the whether you might
be suited to the Special Constabulary. If you want more information then
please contact our training department on 01872 326018.
For those of you who use the internet our website is worth a visit as it
is full of useful information. You will find it at
http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ Happy surfing!
Finally if anyone would like to give information anonymously in respect
of any crime then please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 For all
other non emergency calls please use the new local rate force number
0845 777 444.
PC TIM ROBERTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are YOU Connected
Join the Portreath Community Broadband Network Today
Free up your Phone line
Make and receive telephone calls whilst also accessing the Internet.
Always-on, high speed connection to the Internet
Use the Internet like a reference book to check train times, get the
latest news, do your shopping, the kid’s homework - so many uses.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Emails, photos and even live video.
Send and receive large files
Fast transfer without worry of cost.
Fast and easy Installation
Safe, reliable and secure wireless service
Range of packages to suit you, home or business
Starts from £24.99 including vat per month
Plus a one off £99.00 installation charge.
Getting connected is easy
Visit www.1stbroadband and register your interest with no obligation.
Then complete an on-line application form and let 1st Broadband do the rest.
Or for further information call Chris Watts on 01209 843873
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbour House Residential Home
Presentation
Phil and Caroline Jefferies were presented with a teak garden seat and
brass plaque given by residents and staff on their leaving Harbour House.
After sixteen years of dedicated service, good wishes were extended to
Phil and Caroline (together with the boys) for happiness in the years
ahead. They are now living locally at Bridge.
Residents and staff look forward to enjoying life with the new owners,
Mary and John Anson (of Anson Care Services) and Manager Sarah Eliot.
Emily Pascoe
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Savage Surf
Now open seven days a week - your friendly local surf shop/boutique.
Wetsuits by Gul, Billabong, Alder, GSkins, Tiki & Circle One.
NSP Surfboards plus wide choice of bodyboards
Fashion and Jewellery
Reef Footwear
Surf Hire
Everything for the beach
www.savagesurf.co.uk
tel: 01209 842 920
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Bulletin 2
A big thank you goes to all of you who replied to the questionnaire in
the last edition of the Parish Tram. We had far more replies than
expected and it has given us a good indication that the vast majority of
residents want to see Greenfield Gardens upgraded as public amenity gardens.
Designs are now being sought so the regeneration team have asked the
Parish Tram to publish a blank plan for your ideas. As you will see
there are certain features that have to stay, the pumping station, road
to the pumping station, new access from Sunnyvale Road. Please feel free
to put your ideas in any form be it coloured crayon, pencil or other
medium. When finished please leave with the Post Office. All plans will
be looked at and taken into consideration.
We also have the opportunity to take the old Crazy Golf site into the
regeneration scheme. Kerrier District Council have no plans for the site
and we are in discussion with them as to its future.
There has been a change of Chairman and the addition of three new
members to the Committee. Councillor Chris Watts has taken over the
chair from Councillor Ashton White so that he (Councillor White) can
concentrate on another important village project on behalf of the
Millennium Hall Management Committee, which is solving the problem of
the acoustics in the Hall.
The three new members are Sarah Clasper, Sheilah Neave and Jon Sawyer.
A White
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTREATH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
The nippers and juniors have just returned from a still water competition
at Millfield School where they all did very well. This was a first
competition for some of them. Medal winners included Daniel Rutter, Zara
Angove, Emma Grainger, Megan Pope, Jonty Brook, Will Parkinson, Matthew
Grainger, Isabel Southworth, Hayley Seymour, Josh Harris, Holly Hawkey,
Claire Morris, George Haynes, Simon Mitchell, Duke Seymour and Luke Curtis.
The weekend was enjoyed by all.
The club will be holding an Antiques Valuation evening at the Clubhouse on
27th April at 7 pm. Anyone who has any treasures in their attic that they
would like to have valued please come along or just come along and enjoy the
evening.
An auction will be held at the Portreath Arms on 2nd May to raise funds for
the club. So, come along and bid for any of the lots - too numerous to
mention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Improvements Committee
Our main event this quarter has been the annual election of new members.
It was a very successful evening resulting in a full committee of 24
members for the first time in many years. The members list for 2004:
Chairman: Nigel Mathews. Vice Chairman: Ken Bowden. Treasurer: Connie
Trewella. Secretary: Doris Butler. President: Richard Pascoe. Mike
Ayleward. Sara Clasper. Jim Dennis. Derek Fortey. Barbara Jones. Pat
Kessell. Barry Laity. Colin Male. Felix Meehan. Sheilah Neave. Billy
Peters. Terry Reynard. Glynn Roberts. Trevor Rutland. Jonathan Sawyer.
Peter Skinner. Chris Todd. Chris Watts. Alan Williams.
We have a new Secretary this year. Colin Male has stood down after a
number of years in the post. The committee expressed their thanks for
all the work he has put into the job. The new Secretary is Doris Butler.
Any enquiries to the PIC should now go to her at 5 Belerion Road,
Portreath. Tel 842796.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parish Council Report
Precept
Members of Portreath Parish Council resolved that the precept for the
financial year 2004/5 should be increased by only 3% in accordance with
the increase of cost of living.
New Councillor
Mrs. D. Butler of Green Lane, Portreath has been co-opted as a Member of
the Parish Council following the resignation of Mrs. V. Appleton.
Speed Visor
The Parish Council investigated the possibility of funding a speed visor
to be sited at the entrance to the village. We have been informed that
it is County Council policy only to permit the erection of permanent
Speed Visors where approval has been granted by the Secretary of State
based on accident records.
A request has also been made to the County Council for the siting of a
Speed Visor in Bridge in an effort to reduce the speed of vehicles
through Bridge and Bridge Moor. These Speed Visors are in position for a
very limited period but it is hoped that the presence of a Visor will
have the desired effect.
Kerrier District Council Chairman
Mrs. C. Rule J.P. Chairman of Kerrier District Council was welcomed to
the meeting of the Council held on 2nd February.
Footpath – Bridge
The Parish Council have been pressing the County Council for some time
to carry out remedial works to the tarmacadam surface of the footpath
outside Bridge Methodist Church. It is anticipated that this work will
be carried out shortly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Library
Every other Tuesday
From 30 March 2004
4:00pm - 6:00pm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Millennium Community Hall
Reg charity no 1090339
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
26th May, 2004 - 7.30 p.m.
All residents and interested parties are invited to attend the AGM on
Wednesday 26th May. Please note we are looking for more people to help
in the running of the Hall and Officers will be appointed at the meeting.
If you have any queries, please contact the Secretary on 01209 843873
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters to the Tram
Would anyone be interested in creating a seaside garden on the site of
the old crazy golf site? I have often wandered in (there is no gate
left) and sat on the granite seat in the afternoon sun. It could become
a green shared space for the village. Many plants have taken hold and
possibly with some imagination this derelict eyesore could become a
tranquil place to escape a crowded beach. It could become an asset to
the village for the benefit of both old and young to enjoy.
Please contact me Sarah Clasper (843213)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was in Portreath yesterday and picked up your interesting newsletter.
I was prompted to write further to the letter from John Lott.
It does seem a real pity that this beautiful sea-front car park is shut
off at night. It was such a great place to visit during the evening to
look over the waves, perhaps by moonlight. What a pity that this has to
be locked up.
A while ago I bumped into the person closing the gate and he explained
that this was to prevent young men driving noisily with their cars at
night. It's such a pity that this anti-social behaviour has resulted in
the loss of the pleasure of the car park at night for so many.
I live mainly in Penzance and friends have commented on this loss. Maybe
the committee responsible for the decision doesn’t realise how
marvellous the beach scene is at night; possibly they recognise it as
familiar, maybe taking it for granted.
There must be another way of stopping this problem - the driver of these
cars can’t be "outside society" as otherwise they wouldn't be able to
afford their cars. Has anybody tried to influence their behaviour in a
friendly positive way?
Best wishes,
Hillary Burger
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
History and the Horse Trough
I imagine very few citizens of the Parish will not have noticed the
ornate granite drinking trough in The Square - as the Parish Register
has it – standing conspicuously as it does on the fringe of the pavement
adjacent to the Newsagents. But how many of us would claim to remember,
or even to have read the dedication on it? - either the one on the
“slab” face or the one on the base of the trough itself.
We have to thank the redoubtable Queen Victoria for the first of these
whose Diamond Wedding anniversary in 1897 - 22nd June to be pedantic -
is commemorated for posterity. The second dedication around the base
trough is an appreciation by the local Council of the day of the good
works done by Mrs CM (Charlotte Mary) Basset, wife of Gustavous Basset
of Tehidy, whose lasting tribute to his wife is Mary’s Well at Illogan,
opened after his death in 1888. A grand affair indeed and as befits
Mary's renowned love of animals had one trough for horses and a smaller
one for dogs. (See footnote)
Moving this potted history more or less up to date, the last dedication
down on the slate in-lay records the date in 1995 when this Parish
Council, “with a little help from it’s friends”, moved this magnificent
example of the stone mason's art for it's own safety from inside the
shops’ car parking precinct, outside to its present site where we hope
it will remain undisturbed for at least another hundred years.
Oh yes, I nearly forgot to forgive everyone who may have tried to
decipher these dedications and failed, for truth to tell, they were
pretty well unreadable, but the good news is that with the generous help
of the Portreath Improvements Committee and others, we hope to not only
repaint the existing lettering, but also add an inscription
commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003.
Ashton White
Footnote
For further reading on the history of the Bassets, Michael Tangye’s
‘Tehidy and the Bassets’ published in 1984 is recommended reading.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Community Broadband
1st Broadband helps communities get a fast, always-on connection to the
Internet at speeds far in excess of ADSL.
We are already providing this high-powered broadband service to West
Cornwall, and are now ready to bring it to other communities in the
South West.
Our unique community-centric approach particularly suits homes and
businesses located outside the largest cities and towns.
1st Broadband's wireless solution is reliable, easy to install, and low
cost. Our technical support systems ensure a reliable quality service.
We look forward to working with you to bring high-powered broadband to
your community in the South West - just like we've done for Penwith in
West Cornwall.
For more information please visit our website:
http://www.1stbroadband.com/ You can register with 1st Broadband without
obligation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Portreath Church and Community Project
The Incline Project is holding its AGM on the 22nd April 04 in the
Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. This project is an exciting community intiative
aimed at developing improved resources for village people and supporting
existing projects who ask for our support. We welcome members of the
community to the AGM and any groups in need of community support,
funding and advice, would be very welcome to join with us. We have a
Community Worker, Treve James and other lively minded people keen to
develop sustainable ideas for the community of Portreath. We have one
project already up and running. CHIC (Care and Hospitaility in the
Community), and very soon we hope to have a Once a Month Children's
Group for ages 5 through to 11 years running from the school. Want to
know more? Come along on the 22nd April and keep reading The Tram!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The End of an Era
The end of March sees the end of a Newsagent shop in Portreath. After a
little research the Tram found that the site of Frewins has been a gift
shop, café and newsagents since the 1970’s. At one time it was known as
“The Treasure Chest” and served teas and coffees on the pavement
outside. From 1983 to 1987 it was run by Mike and Jan Sowden as a
newsagents and café. Nobby and Sheena took it on in 1988.
Alison and Dave have decided with regret not to renew the lease and wish
to thank all their customers and friends for their support over the past
two years.
Nobby and Sheena are currently in negotiations with the prospective
purchaser of the shop and the Tram cannot report on a definite sale.
Nobby and Sheena would also like to pass on their thanks to all the
people they got to know in the 13 years they ran Frewins. Thankfully
both of them are recovering well from their medical problems. Sheena is
helping to arrange the services that Frewins ran to be transferred to
CostCutters. This includes the sale of newspapers and magazines. It is
not yet known whether a newspaper delivery service will be in operation
in the future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter landed on Portreath car park at 1
pm on Jan 28th 2004
A dog walker was suffering chest pains and was taken to Treliske as a
precaution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO YOU WANT TO PLAY A POSITIVE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEHIDY COUNTRY
PARK?
VOLUNTEERS ARE BEING SOUGHT FOR REGULAR CONSERVATION WORK WITH THE
COUNTRYSIDE WARDEN
INTERESTED?
PASS YOUR CONTACT DETAILS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:-
STAFF WITHIN THE PARK CAFÉ
OR
TELEPHONE 01872 222 000
OR
E-MAIL saparker@cornwall.gov.uk
All Ages and Abilities are Welcome
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
New to the Post Office
Personal loans now available. No personal information is required by the
Post Office staff. Simply collect a form from us and ring the freephone
number direct.
Banking
If you bank with Co-Operative, Lloyds TSB, Barclays, Alliance &
Leicester or some internet banks, you can pay cash/cheques into your
account and withdraw money free of charge.
Many more services available. If you need any information please come
and see us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
transformed the school. The whole school community was captivated as the
garden and sunflower grew day by day. All the children were involved in the
making of the sunflower mosaic with each class making their own section.
The
children were taken through the whole process including the casting,
cleaning
and grouting of the pieces, by the artist, Michelle O'Connor.
Many thanks go to her and Nick Julyan, the landscape gardener and his team,
for the care that they showed on the project.
The official opening takes place on Wednesday April 28 at 2.15. All welcome
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Musical Mayhem
Parent & Child Musical Playgroup
for 0 – 5 year olds
Come along and see how music can develop your child’s use of numbers,
letters and social skills through:
Games Crafts Stories Songs
An exciting range of percussion instruments will stimulate your child’s
imagination and creativity, whilst teaching rhythm, dynamics, and basic
musical knowledge.
Also Available:
Children’s Musical Parties
Piano/Keyboard Tuition
Call Joanne on 01209 213811 or 0776 049 4350 (mobile)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Harbour Fun Day
Will be held on Sunday 1st August this year.
There will be something for everyone and plenty for the children to do.
Anyone interested in helping either in planning or on the day, please
contact either Peta Redmore (842556) or Di Helyer(842492)
Help to make it a great day for Portreath.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easter Fair
Saturday 10 April 1-4 pm
To be held in The Millennium Hall, in aid of MacMillan Nurses.
To be opened by our very own Ben Casey, MacMillan Nurse at Treliske.
There will be: Large raffle, Tombola, Cakes and Trifles, Books, 2 Bikes,
Bric a Brac, Guess the weight of the cake etc. Cream teas or Hot Cross
bun and tea.
GUNGE TANK!
Vote for those you want to suffer.
Please support MacMillan in Cornwall
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deptford Pink
Regular walkers along New Walk may have noticed the wonderful display of
deep pink/red flowers in the mid to late summer. The spectacular sight
is produced by a nationally rare plant called the Deptford Pink, a
member of the Dianthus family, that includes carnations. The Deptford
Pink starts flowering from early July, later than the Red Campion, which
can flower from March to October and gives an equally dazzling display
of bright rose pink flowers which line the footpaths and hedgerows
throughout the Parish.
The population of Deptford Pink plants found on New Walk is one of only
6 locations for this species in Cornwall. Historically the Deptford Pink
was widespread on tracksides and rough grasslands, but has declined
rapidly since the 1950’s and is now found in only 10% of its previous
locations. The main causes of decline have been the lack of suitable
management and the loss of sites to development or changing in farming
practices. Consequently the remaining populations are highly fragmented
and vulnerable where suitable management is not carried out. The plants
like open, light conditions so management often involves scrub clearance
and periodic clearance to produce suitable conditions for the
establishment of seedlings.
To help ensure the continued survival of the Deptford Pink in Portreath,
Kerrier Conservation Crew and the charity Plantlife undertook some
management work on Sunday 14 March. The work involved some clearance of
scrub and rank grassland along parts of New Walk. If you would be
interested in helping out please contact Jackie Merrick on 01209 710695
or 07973 813558 mobile.
Wesley Smyth
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornwall County Fire Brigade
Home Safety Check
As part of a Community Fire Safety programme, Cornwall County Council
Fire Brigade is offering residents in Portreath Parish the opportunity
of a free home fire safety check.
If you would like a home fire risk assessment, call the Fire Safety
Policy Unit on 01872 323244 or Freephone 0800 3581 999.
The Portreath Improvements Committee have a number of free smoke alarms
to distribute locally. If you would like one please call Connie Trewella
on 842636.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Outings Group
Proposed trips to Looe and Polperro and Ikea at Bristol
(Clarks Village has been cancelled due to lack of support
and concern over the weather)
Next trips will be more local –
Provisionally to Penzance – last week in April
Falmouth – late May
Please sign the list in the Post Office if you are interested in either
of these,
by Saturday 17th April, or contact me on 842492
Prices as before depending on numbers
Di Helyer:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beat Lines
At this time of year most of us start to think about the different ways
to make use of the improving weather conditions and the light evenings
that come with the onset of Spring and Summer. The keen gardeners
amongst us will soon become very active whilst others will be looking to
complete exterior decorating jobs. All of these tasks help to present
Portreath in good light to visitors and generally make us all feel good
about the environment in which we live.
However they are all tasks that will require the use of tools to some
degree. Many of the tools used to complete these jobs are kept in garden
sheds or similar structures. Every year in Devon and Cornwall 1,400
garden sheds are broken into. Many of these crimes are committed by
opportunist thieves on property where security is not as good as it
should be. Therefore, may I ask that you add to your list of Spring jobs
a security check of the building where you store your tools and make
sure that it is as secure as possible. We have an advisory leaflet
entitled ‘GET SHEDUCATED’ if you would like one of these please contact
Camborne or Redruth station and I will get one for you.
I have recently had a conversation with the Traffic Warden for the
Portreath area with regard to the parking restrictions that are
effective from 1st of May until 31st September. We thought that a timely
reminder in this publication may help reduce the amount of fixed penalty
tickets we have to give out this summer. Each year I receive many
complaints about parking, with people often contravening double yellow
lines and the other restrictions particularly on hot sunny days. Please
park in accordance with the regulations, we’d really prefer not to issue
any parking tickets!
Have you seen the advertisement on the television encouraging people to
apply for the Special Constabulary? It is not filmed locally, but that
does not mean that the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are not
continually seeking applications from responsible members of the
community to join the Special Constabulary. If you are looking to assist
the local community in your spare time in a role that can be both
challenging and rewarding then at least consider the whether you might
be suited to the Special Constabulary. If you want more information then
please contact our training department on 01872 326018.
For those of you who use the internet our website is worth a visit as it
is full of useful information. You will find it at
http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/ Happy surfing!
Finally if anyone would like to give information anonymously in respect
of any crime then please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 For all
other non emergency calls please use the new local rate force number
0845 777 444.
PC TIM ROBERTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are YOU Connected
Join the Portreath Community Broadband Network Today
Free up your Phone line
Make and receive telephone calls whilst also accessing the Internet.
Always-on, high speed connection to the Internet
Use the Internet like a reference book to check train times, get the
latest news, do your shopping, the kid’s homework - so many uses.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Emails, photos and even live video.
Send and receive large files
Fast transfer without worry of cost.
Fast and easy Installation
Safe, reliable and secure wireless service
Range of packages to suit you, home or business
Starts from £24.99 including vat per month
Plus a one off £99.00 installation charge.
Getting connected is easy
Visit www.1stbroadband and register your interest with no obligation.
Then complete an on-line application form and let 1st Broadband do the rest.
Or for further information call Chris Watts on 01209 843873
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harbour House Residential Home
Presentation
Phil and Caroline Jefferies were presented with a teak garden seat and
brass plaque given by residents and staff on their leaving Harbour House.
After sixteen years of dedicated service, good wishes were extended to
Phil and Caroline (together with the boys) for happiness in the years
ahead. They are now living locally at Bridge.
Residents and staff look forward to enjoying life with the new owners,
Mary and John Anson (of Anson Care Services) and Manager Sarah Eliot.
Emily Pascoe
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Savage Surf
Now open seven days a week - your friendly local surf shop/boutique.
Wetsuits by Gul, Billabong, Alder, GSkins, Tiki & Circle One.
NSP Surfboards plus wide choice of bodyboards
Fashion and Jewellery
Reef Footwear
Surf Hire
Everything for the beach
www.savagesurf.co.uk
tel: 01209 842 920
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Bulletin 2
A big thank you goes to all of you who replied to the questionnaire in
the last edition of the Parish Tram. We had far more replies than
expected and it has given us a good indication that the vast majority of
residents want to see Greenfield Gardens upgraded as public amenity gardens.
Designs are now being sought so the regeneration team have asked the
Parish Tram to publish a blank plan for your ideas. As you will see
there are certain features that have to stay, the pumping station, road
to the pumping station, new access from Sunnyvale Road. Please feel free
to put your ideas in any form be it coloured crayon, pencil or other
medium. When finished please leave with the Post Office. All plans will
be looked at and taken into consideration.
We also have the opportunity to take the old Crazy Golf site into the
regeneration scheme. Kerrier District Council have no plans for the site
and we are in discussion with them as to its future.
There has been a change of Chairman and the addition of three new
members to the Committee. Councillor Chris Watts has taken over the
chair from Councillor Ashton White so that he (Councillor White) can
concentrate on another important village project on behalf of the
Millennium Hall Management Committee, which is solving the problem of
the acoustics in the Hall.
The three new members are Sarah Clasper, Sheilah Neave and Jon Sawyer.
A White
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTREATH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
The nippers and juniors have just returned from a still water competition
at Millfield School where they all did very well. This was a first
competition for some of them. Medal winners included Daniel Rutter, Zara
Angove, Emma Grainger, Megan Pope, Jonty Brook, Will Parkinson, Matthew
Grainger, Isabel Southworth, Hayley Seymour, Josh Harris, Holly Hawkey,
Claire Morris, George Haynes, Simon Mitchell, Duke Seymour and Luke Curtis.
The weekend was enjoyed by all.
The club will be holding an Antiques Valuation evening at the Clubhouse on
27th April at 7 pm. Anyone who has any treasures in their attic that they
would like to have valued please come along or just come along and enjoy the
evening.
An auction will be held at the Portreath Arms on 2nd May to raise funds for
the club. So, come along and bid for any of the lots - too numerous to
mention.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Improvements Committee
Our main event this quarter has been the annual election of new members.
It was a very successful evening resulting in a full committee of 24
members for the first time in many years. The members list for 2004:
Chairman: Nigel Mathews. Vice Chairman: Ken Bowden. Treasurer: Connie
Trewella. Secretary: Doris Butler. President: Richard Pascoe. Mike
Ayleward. Sara Clasper. Jim Dennis. Derek Fortey. Barbara Jones. Pat
Kessell. Barry Laity. Colin Male. Felix Meehan. Sheilah Neave. Billy
Peters. Terry Reynard. Glynn Roberts. Trevor Rutland. Jonathan Sawyer.
Peter Skinner. Chris Todd. Chris Watts. Alan Williams.
We have a new Secretary this year. Colin Male has stood down after a
number of years in the post. The committee expressed their thanks for
all the work he has put into the job. The new Secretary is Doris Butler.
Any enquiries to the PIC should now go to her at 5 Belerion Road,
Portreath. Tel 842796.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parish Council Report
Precept
Members of Portreath Parish Council resolved that the precept for the
financial year 2004/5 should be increased by only 3% in accordance with
the increase of cost of living.
New Councillor
Mrs. D. Butler of Green Lane, Portreath has been co-opted as a Member of
the Parish Council following the resignation of Mrs. V. Appleton.
Speed Visor
The Parish Council investigated the possibility of funding a speed visor
to be sited at the entrance to the village. We have been informed that
it is County Council policy only to permit the erection of permanent
Speed Visors where approval has been granted by the Secretary of State
based on accident records.
A request has also been made to the County Council for the siting of a
Speed Visor in Bridge in an effort to reduce the speed of vehicles
through Bridge and Bridge Moor. These Speed Visors are in position for a
very limited period but it is hoped that the presence of a Visor will
have the desired effect.
Kerrier District Council Chairman
Mrs. C. Rule J.P. Chairman of Kerrier District Council was welcomed to
the meeting of the Council held on 2nd February.
Footpath – Bridge
The Parish Council have been pressing the County Council for some time
to carry out remedial works to the tarmacadam surface of the footpath
outside Bridge Methodist Church. It is anticipated that this work will
be carried out shortly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Library
Every other Tuesday
From 30 March 2004
4:00pm - 6:00pm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Millennium Community Hall
Reg charity no 1090339
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
26th May, 2004 - 7.30 p.m.
All residents and interested parties are invited to attend the AGM on
Wednesday 26th May. Please note we are looking for more people to help
in the running of the Hall and Officers will be appointed at the meeting.
If you have any queries, please contact the Secretary on 01209 843873
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters to the Tram
Would anyone be interested in creating a seaside garden on the site of
the old crazy golf site? I have often wandered in (there is no gate
left) and sat on the granite seat in the afternoon sun. It could become
a green shared space for the village. Many plants have taken hold and
possibly with some imagination this derelict eyesore could become a
tranquil place to escape a crowded beach. It could become an asset to
the village for the benefit of both old and young to enjoy.
Please contact me Sarah Clasper (843213)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was in Portreath yesterday and picked up your interesting newsletter.
I was prompted to write further to the letter from John Lott.
It does seem a real pity that this beautiful sea-front car park is shut
off at night. It was such a great place to visit during the evening to
look over the waves, perhaps by moonlight. What a pity that this has to
be locked up.
A while ago I bumped into the person closing the gate and he explained
that this was to prevent young men driving noisily with their cars at
night. It's such a pity that this anti-social behaviour has resulted in
the loss of the pleasure of the car park at night for so many.
I live mainly in Penzance and friends have commented on this loss. Maybe
the committee responsible for the decision doesn’t realise how
marvellous the beach scene is at night; possibly they recognise it as
familiar, maybe taking it for granted.
There must be another way of stopping this problem - the driver of these
cars can’t be "outside society" as otherwise they wouldn't be able to
afford their cars. Has anybody tried to influence their behaviour in a
friendly positive way?
Best wishes,
Hillary Burger
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
History and the Horse Trough
I imagine very few citizens of the Parish will not have noticed the
ornate granite drinking trough in The Square - as the Parish Register
has it – standing conspicuously as it does on the fringe of the pavement
adjacent to the Newsagents. But how many of us would claim to remember,
or even to have read the dedication on it? - either the one on the
“slab” face or the one on the base of the trough itself.
We have to thank the redoubtable Queen Victoria for the first of these
whose Diamond Wedding anniversary in 1897 - 22nd June to be pedantic -
is commemorated for posterity. The second dedication around the base
trough is an appreciation by the local Council of the day of the good
works done by Mrs CM (Charlotte Mary) Basset, wife of Gustavous Basset
of Tehidy, whose lasting tribute to his wife is Mary’s Well at Illogan,
opened after his death in 1888. A grand affair indeed and as befits
Mary's renowned love of animals had one trough for horses and a smaller
one for dogs. (See footnote)
Moving this potted history more or less up to date, the last dedication
down on the slate in-lay records the date in 1995 when this Parish
Council, “with a little help from it’s friends”, moved this magnificent
example of the stone mason's art for it's own safety from inside the
shops’ car parking precinct, outside to its present site where we hope
it will remain undisturbed for at least another hundred years.
Oh yes, I nearly forgot to forgive everyone who may have tried to
decipher these dedications and failed, for truth to tell, they were
pretty well unreadable, but the good news is that with the generous help
of the Portreath Improvements Committee and others, we hope to not only
repaint the existing lettering, but also add an inscription
commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2003.
Ashton White
Footnote
For further reading on the history of the Bassets, Michael Tangye’s
‘Tehidy and the Bassets’ published in 1984 is recommended reading.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Community Broadband
1st Broadband helps communities get a fast, always-on connection to the
Internet at speeds far in excess of ADSL.
We are already providing this high-powered broadband service to West
Cornwall, and are now ready to bring it to other communities in the
South West.
Our unique community-centric approach particularly suits homes and
businesses located outside the largest cities and towns.
1st Broadband's wireless solution is reliable, easy to install, and low
cost. Our technical support systems ensure a reliable quality service.
We look forward to working with you to bring high-powered broadband to
your community in the South West - just like we've done for Penwith in
West Cornwall.
For more information please visit our website:
http://www.1stbroadband.com/ You can register with 1st Broadband without
obligation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Portreath Church and Community Project
The Incline Project is holding its AGM on the 22nd April 04 in the
Church Hall at 7.30 p.m. This project is an exciting community intiative
aimed at developing improved resources for village people and supporting
existing projects who ask for our support. We welcome members of the
community to the AGM and any groups in need of community support,
funding and advice, would be very welcome to join with us. We have a
Community Worker, Treve James and other lively minded people keen to
develop sustainable ideas for the community of Portreath. We have one
project already up and running. CHIC (Care and Hospitaility in the
Community), and very soon we hope to have a Once a Month Children's
Group for ages 5 through to 11 years running from the school. Want to
know more? Come along on the 22nd April and keep reading The Tram!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The End of an Era
The end of March sees the end of a Newsagent shop in Portreath. After a
little research the Tram found that the site of Frewins has been a gift
shop, café and newsagents since the 1970’s. At one time it was known as
“The Treasure Chest” and served teas and coffees on the pavement
outside. From 1983 to 1987 it was run by Mike and Jan Sowden as a
newsagents and café. Nobby and Sheena took it on in 1988.
Alison and Dave have decided with regret not to renew the lease and wish
to thank all their customers and friends for their support over the past
two years.
Nobby and Sheena are currently in negotiations with the prospective
purchaser of the shop and the Tram cannot report on a definite sale.
Nobby and Sheena would also like to pass on their thanks to all the
people they got to know in the 13 years they ran Frewins. Thankfully
both of them are recovering well from their medical problems. Sheena is
helping to arrange the services that Frewins ran to be transferred to
CostCutters. This includes the sale of newspapers and magazines. It is
not yet known whether a newspaper delivery service will be in operation
in the future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter landed on Portreath car park at 1
pm on Jan 28th 2004
A dog walker was suffering chest pains and was taken to Treliske as a
precaution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO YOU WANT TO PLAY A POSITIVE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEHIDY COUNTRY
PARK?
VOLUNTEERS ARE BEING SOUGHT FOR REGULAR CONSERVATION WORK WITH THE
COUNTRYSIDE WARDEN
INTERESTED?
PASS YOUR CONTACT DETAILS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:-
STAFF WITHIN THE PARK CAFÉ
OR
TELEPHONE 01872 222 000
OR
E-MAIL saparker@cornwall.gov.uk
All Ages and Abilities are Welcome
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
New to the Post Office
Personal loans now available. No personal information is required by the
Post Office staff. Simply collect a form from us and ring the freephone
number direct.
Banking
If you bank with Co-Operative, Lloyds TSB, Barclays, Alliance &
Leicester or some internet banks, you can pay cash/cheques into your
account and withdraw money free of charge.
Many more services available. If you need any information please come
and see us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
