THE Cornwall Speakeasy Laryngectomy Club would like to say thanks to the landlord, landlady and all patrons of The Bridge Inn, Bridge, Portreath, for all their hard work on behalf of our club.
The Bridge Inn has raised £1,212 through a car boot sale, a fun day and an auction for our charity this year.
The club is a small charity, run by laryngectomy patients and volunteer nurses from Wheal Coates Ward, who donate their time to support patients who have had throat cancer. The aim of the club is to assist patients in readjusting to a normal life after they have had a laryngectomy (removal of the voice box).
The club arranges visits to attractions for the members to build up their confidence in a supportive environment.
Obviously this requires funding, and therefore the generosity in hard work, time and money from all at the Bridge Inn really will make a difference to the lives of Cornwall's laryngectomy patients.
Ron Wills
Chairman Cornwall Speakeasy Laryngectomy Club
Monday, December 19, 2005
New county councillor
The new county councillor for Illogan and Portreath is Paul Holmes (Liberal), who won back the seat he held between 1985 and 2002 at a by-election.
His 324 votes put him 56 votes ahead of his nearest rival, Liberal Democrat David Ekinsmyth, followed by Independent Tommy Bray (268), Conservative Mary Anson (202) and Labour's Tony Bunt (84). There was a 20.47 per cent turnout.
Mr Holmes, who lost his seat in 2002 to Terry Rowe, said it was "good to be back".
"I'm delighted to be the county councillor for Illogan and Portreath again, the seat I held for 17 years.
"I have very loyal support in this area and I'm very grateful they turned out in force in such poor weather to support me. It's very humbling.
"I'm also indebted to the excellent band of workers who went out in all weathers to support me in the run up to the election."
Mr Holmes said he was keen to get back into county council life and was committed to working for the people of Illogan and Portreath.
He added: "I shall be working very hard, and in particular, I shall be making every effort to get the Trevenson Moor footpath put in. I consider that a priority."
Mr Holmes, who lives in Illogan, is a self-employed electrician. He is a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd for his services to music, and a churchwarden at Pencoys Church, Four Lanes. He is a Cornish speaker, and a playing member of Chacewater Cricket Club.
His 324 votes put him 56 votes ahead of his nearest rival, Liberal Democrat David Ekinsmyth, followed by Independent Tommy Bray (268), Conservative Mary Anson (202) and Labour's Tony Bunt (84). There was a 20.47 per cent turnout.
Mr Holmes, who lost his seat in 2002 to Terry Rowe, said it was "good to be back".
"I'm delighted to be the county councillor for Illogan and Portreath again, the seat I held for 17 years.
"I have very loyal support in this area and I'm very grateful they turned out in force in such poor weather to support me. It's very humbling.
"I'm also indebted to the excellent band of workers who went out in all weathers to support me in the run up to the election."
Mr Holmes said he was keen to get back into county council life and was committed to working for the people of Illogan and Portreath.
He added: "I shall be working very hard, and in particular, I shall be making every effort to get the Trevenson Moor footpath put in. I consider that a priority."
Mr Holmes, who lives in Illogan, is a self-employed electrician. He is a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd for his services to music, and a churchwarden at Pencoys Church, Four Lanes. He is a Cornish speaker, and a playing member of Chacewater Cricket Club.
A 20.4 % turnout!
Four-fifths of the electorate didn't even bother to vote in the Illogan-Portreath county council by-election. For the record, I didn't win, but over 200 voted for me and for that I thank them.
But what really worries me is voter apathy, and it's obvious that politicians aren't getting through to the people we are supposed to be serving.
Does anyone have any idea what's wrong, and what to do? Compulsory voting, perhaps? Better venues? Voting times? More e-mail, on-line and postal voting? No canvassing (because no-one believes us, anyway)? Candidate debate before voting? Freepost envelopes for all electors? More information direct to voters?
What do you think? Let me know, and I promise I will reply and send all comments to the Electoral Commission and election officers.
Back to reality, my latest charity auction is at the Victoria Inn, Four Lanes, tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm, in aid of Pencoys Church roof appeal. Please come along.
Cllr TOMMY BRAY
But what really worries me is voter apathy, and it's obvious that politicians aren't getting through to the people we are supposed to be serving.
Does anyone have any idea what's wrong, and what to do? Compulsory voting, perhaps? Better venues? Voting times? More e-mail, on-line and postal voting? No canvassing (because no-one believes us, anyway)? Candidate debate before voting? Freepost envelopes for all electors? More information direct to voters?
What do you think? Let me know, and I promise I will reply and send all comments to the Electoral Commission and election officers.
Back to reality, my latest charity auction is at the Victoria Inn, Four Lanes, tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm, in aid of Pencoys Church roof appeal. Please come along.
Cllr TOMMY BRAY
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Barn Youth Project
Portreath Youth Club has reopened after a refurbishment that has seen it transformed from a stark, uncomfortable space into a fresh, young people-friendly environment. Based in the Millennium Hall, it now boasts a coffee bar and computer facilities set in brightly-painted surroundings.
To mark the re-launch, the club has been renamed the Barn Youth Project and now offers a variety of activities for different age groups. From 6.30pm-7.45pm on Mondays, nine-to-13-year-olds take part in activities and socialise with their friends. From 8pm-9.15pm, 13-to-16-year-olds can meet in the coffee bar and play pool.
On Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm there is a drop-in centre offering issue-based workshops covering such things as self-esteem, bullying, healthy eating, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Youth workers are now looking for funding to run a homework group on Wednesday evenings, when there will be a chance to learn more about computers and develop numeracy and literacy skills.
Links have also been forged with Mount Hawke Skate Park and Sportlink to help girls, aged 11 and over, to take part in new sporting activities, such as skateboarding.
Youth worker Tracy Robson said: "We work with about 50 young people every week and form an important part of the local community.
"The project is entirely run by volunteers who work incredibly hard and give up their spare time to help the youth club become the success that it is.
"We feel that it is important for the project to be young person led, enabling us to work on their specific needs and ensure their voices are heard.
"We have recently formed a new management committee, which includes two young people enabling them to voice the needs of people of their age in the community.
"We would like to thank Johnny Gyatt, Andrew King, and Ian and Peta Redmore for giving up their free time and helping to refurbish the centre."
To mark the re-launch, the club has been renamed the Barn Youth Project and now offers a variety of activities for different age groups. From 6.30pm-7.45pm on Mondays, nine-to-13-year-olds take part in activities and socialise with their friends. From 8pm-9.15pm, 13-to-16-year-olds can meet in the coffee bar and play pool.
On Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm there is a drop-in centre offering issue-based workshops covering such things as self-esteem, bullying, healthy eating, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Youth workers are now looking for funding to run a homework group on Wednesday evenings, when there will be a chance to learn more about computers and develop numeracy and literacy skills.
Links have also been forged with Mount Hawke Skate Park and Sportlink to help girls, aged 11 and over, to take part in new sporting activities, such as skateboarding.
Youth worker Tracy Robson said: "We work with about 50 young people every week and form an important part of the local community.
"The project is entirely run by volunteers who work incredibly hard and give up their spare time to help the youth club become the success that it is.
"We feel that it is important for the project to be young person led, enabling us to work on their specific needs and ensure their voices are heard.
"We have recently formed a new management committee, which includes two young people enabling them to voice the needs of people of their age in the community.
"We would like to thank Johnny Gyatt, Andrew King, and Ian and Peta Redmore for giving up their free time and helping to refurbish the centre."
Surf life-savers from Portreath....
Surf life-savers from Portreath are looking forward to the new year, and the chance to exchange the Cornish winter for Australian sunshine. Six club members have been selected for the 12-strong British team to compete in the world championships, which are being held in Melbourne in February.
Mat Bowden, Tim Widdershoven, Rachel Pascoe, Jenna Hawkey, Katy Whear and Sienna Chapman will be accompanied by club chairman Rob Phillips as team manager and Penny Whear as sports therapist.
Mr Phillips is hoping the team can match, or better, the performance in Italy last year when three gold medals and three bronzes were won.
"Katy, who is already training and competing in Australia, is a strong contender to retain her world sprint title," he said. "All the Portreath members stand an equal chance of podium finishes.
"The biggest obstacle is that February is off-season, which makes training and final preparations that much harder."
He added: "Nevertheless, we have earned a reputation not to be under estimated and we have a realistic chance of medals."
Mat Bowden, Tim Widdershoven, Rachel Pascoe, Jenna Hawkey, Katy Whear and Sienna Chapman will be accompanied by club chairman Rob Phillips as team manager and Penny Whear as sports therapist.
Mr Phillips is hoping the team can match, or better, the performance in Italy last year when three gold medals and three bronzes were won.
"Katy, who is already training and competing in Australia, is a strong contender to retain her world sprint title," he said. "All the Portreath members stand an equal chance of podium finishes.
"The biggest obstacle is that February is off-season, which makes training and final preparations that much harder."
He added: "Nevertheless, we have earned a reputation not to be under estimated and we have a realistic chance of medals."
Four-band extravaganza at the Millennium Hall in Portreath
One of the finest bands to emerge from Cornwall in recent years, The Chinaski Effect are back in action at The Clipper in Camborne tomorrow (Friday) and headlining a four-band extravaganza at the Millennium Hall in Portreath on Saturday, December 10. Formed in 2002, this St Austell four-piece consisting of drummer Chris Morley, guitarist Alex Stenhouse, bassist Matt Duggan and singer/guitarist Kevin Pearce have been making waves this year spreading their brand of alternative punk rock around the county and beyond.
If you haven't heard of them yet hang your head in shame, although by the band's admission they have too often been bridesmaids and not brides.
"This has been a big year for us in terms of becoming a headline band rather than just clinging onto other bands' coat tails," said singer/guitarist Kevin Pearce. "But the aim is to take it up a level again."
Thanks to the support of a small group of loyal fans and supporters backed by their outstanding six-track EP recorded at legendary Sawmills Studio, they have become a must-see local act.
A ferocious blend of hacksaw guitars and tuneful choruses underscored with moments of subtle calm, cynical humour and angry delivery, Chinaski have carved a distinct niche for themselves in the local music community.
Taking their cue from their often bleak clay country upbringing, guitarist Alex Stenhouse says disconsolately: "We're proud of where we come from but to this day when somebody says St Austell all I can picture is sitting in run down clay works trying to shelter from the rain."
It is from this boredom he became involved in music and ultimately formed the band. With a general distaste for pub cover bands, the St Austell foursome decided that they would only play their own songs, much to the delight of this music lover.
Highlights have included gigs at various venues here in Cornwall, as well as an appearance at the Castle Rock festival alongside the likes of Reuben, Offshore, Sanguine, Burning Coalition, B*Movie Heroes and The Needles. Plus, let's not forget several memorable appearances in Plymouth, most notably a hell-raising bus journey to The Phoenix with local superstars Baby Astrolab and friends. The band took their first steps into the wider music world with a trek to Birmingham earlier this year and a potential gig in London on the cards, things are starting to come good for The Chinaski Effect. However, the band are not resting on their laurels. More recording sessions are being planned and at the moment they are concentrating on demoing new songs on four-track. "We might release the results of these sessions if they turn out ok, but it's mainly about documentation. We've been playing some of these songs for three years now and we really want to thrash out a new set for next year," continued Stenhouse.
They also aim to continue raising the profile of music in Cornwall "There are so many good bands down here, all with such differing sounds and I see so many kids with band hoodies on and just wonder if they are even aware that they exist. Baby Astrolab have really laid a marker down in terms of effort and quality but bands like Blindfold Garden and Kelly Don't Drive and numerous others are really good too, we just need more people to sit up and support us locally."
Support the local live music scene by checking out The Chinaski Effect at The Clipper in Camborne on Friday, December 2, or see them at the Millennium Hall in Portreath on Saturday, December 10 with support from Last Warning, Cheese Steak Jimmy's and The Lucky Polar Bears.
For information see www.myspace.com/thechinaskieffect or email thechinaskieffect@hotmail.com
If you haven't heard of them yet hang your head in shame, although by the band's admission they have too often been bridesmaids and not brides.
"This has been a big year for us in terms of becoming a headline band rather than just clinging onto other bands' coat tails," said singer/guitarist Kevin Pearce. "But the aim is to take it up a level again."
Thanks to the support of a small group of loyal fans and supporters backed by their outstanding six-track EP recorded at legendary Sawmills Studio, they have become a must-see local act.
A ferocious blend of hacksaw guitars and tuneful choruses underscored with moments of subtle calm, cynical humour and angry delivery, Chinaski have carved a distinct niche for themselves in the local music community.
Taking their cue from their often bleak clay country upbringing, guitarist Alex Stenhouse says disconsolately: "We're proud of where we come from but to this day when somebody says St Austell all I can picture is sitting in run down clay works trying to shelter from the rain."
It is from this boredom he became involved in music and ultimately formed the band. With a general distaste for pub cover bands, the St Austell foursome decided that they would only play their own songs, much to the delight of this music lover.
Highlights have included gigs at various venues here in Cornwall, as well as an appearance at the Castle Rock festival alongside the likes of Reuben, Offshore, Sanguine, Burning Coalition, B*Movie Heroes and The Needles. Plus, let's not forget several memorable appearances in Plymouth, most notably a hell-raising bus journey to The Phoenix with local superstars Baby Astrolab and friends. The band took their first steps into the wider music world with a trek to Birmingham earlier this year and a potential gig in London on the cards, things are starting to come good for The Chinaski Effect. However, the band are not resting on their laurels. More recording sessions are being planned and at the moment they are concentrating on demoing new songs on four-track. "We might release the results of these sessions if they turn out ok, but it's mainly about documentation. We've been playing some of these songs for three years now and we really want to thrash out a new set for next year," continued Stenhouse.
They also aim to continue raising the profile of music in Cornwall "There are so many good bands down here, all with such differing sounds and I see so many kids with band hoodies on and just wonder if they are even aware that they exist. Baby Astrolab have really laid a marker down in terms of effort and quality but bands like Blindfold Garden and Kelly Don't Drive and numerous others are really good too, we just need more people to sit up and support us locally."
Support the local live music scene by checking out The Chinaski Effect at The Clipper in Camborne on Friday, December 2, or see them at the Millennium Hall in Portreath on Saturday, December 10 with support from Last Warning, Cheese Steak Jimmy's and The Lucky Polar Bears.
For information see www.myspace.com/thechinaskieffect or email thechinaskieffect@hotmail.com
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Nancekuke Clean-up
Preparatory work to excavate material from the first of five dump sites at Nancekuke, Portreath, is due to start in spring 2006.
Further investigative work needs to be undertaken on the other four sites, with a start to be made on two of them early in the new year.
The Ministry of Defence is cleaning up waste dumped at Nancekuke when the former chemical defence establishment, which produced nerve gas, closed.
Group Captain Jayne Millington, a Royal Air Force spokesperson, said: "The ministry is totally committed to undertake this highly technical multi-million pound programme which will tackle this environmental legacy issue.
"A comprehensive programme of work has been designed to allow us to remediate Dumpsite C and this will start in spring 2006."
Kerrier councillor Pat Aston said: "The council welcomes further details of the remediation programme and supports all the measures that are being taken to ensure that this process is completed safely."
In 2001, the Ministry of Defence opted to carry out remedial work on the five dumps at the former chemical defence establishment site, which had been identified by the Environment Agency as presenting a potential risk to the environment.
Further investigative work needs to be undertaken on the other four sites, with a start to be made on two of them early in the new year.
The Ministry of Defence is cleaning up waste dumped at Nancekuke when the former chemical defence establishment, which produced nerve gas, closed.
Group Captain Jayne Millington, a Royal Air Force spokesperson, said: "The ministry is totally committed to undertake this highly technical multi-million pound programme which will tackle this environmental legacy issue.
"A comprehensive programme of work has been designed to allow us to remediate Dumpsite C and this will start in spring 2006."
Kerrier councillor Pat Aston said: "The council welcomes further details of the remediation programme and supports all the measures that are being taken to ensure that this process is completed safely."
In 2001, the Ministry of Defence opted to carry out remedial work on the five dumps at the former chemical defence establishment site, which had been identified by the Environment Agency as presenting a potential risk to the environment.
Poison Pen Letter
A poison pen letter writer who has sent hate mail to publicans in the Portreath area for up to 20 years was yesterday at the centre of a police investigation.
Officers were trying to piece together the identity of the mystery writer who apparently holds a grudge against groups including gay people and single mothers.
This week Clem Tregear, landlord of the Waterfront Inn at Portreath, told how he had been bombarded with letters from the same author for about a decade.
They arrived regularly while he was running the nearby Bridge Inn for six years from the mid-1990s and continued during his four-year spell at the Rambling Miner at Chacewater.
"I've got boxes of letters and now we are getting about one a week here," said Mr Tregear. "The writer appears not to like single mothers, gay people or anybody who doesn't conform to the behaviour they expect.
"We had one letter at the Bridge Inn which upset us because it inferred that a barmaid was a 'woman of the night'. That was a scurrilous suggestion."
Phil Fox, who took over the Bridge Inn with his wife, Von, last year, said the recent batch of letters sent to Mr Tregear featured slurs against their staff and customers.
He pointed to one attacking the alleged sexuality of a former bar manager.
The West Briton understands that a local mother was also urged to move away from the community with her child in a recent, abusive letter.
Mr Fox, who believes that two people could be behind the latest spate of poison pen letters, said: "Following the remarks about our bar manager, he left us.
"I've been told that this has been going on for 20 years and I believe that whoever is doing it holds a grudge against humanity as a whole. They've picked on people who use the pub and those who don't.
"It's just got silly now," he added. "We don't know who's doing it so everybody's under suspicion. We just want it to stop."
PC Tim Roberts, of Redruth police, confirmed that he had seized several letters as part of his inquiries to identify the culprit.
He said: "I believe the author may think they are not causing any harm but the content of the letters refers to many local people who are very upset by what is being written.
"I would appeal for any information which may lead to the identity of the author and would ask the letter writer to contact me at Redruth police station."
Officers were trying to piece together the identity of the mystery writer who apparently holds a grudge against groups including gay people and single mothers.
This week Clem Tregear, landlord of the Waterfront Inn at Portreath, told how he had been bombarded with letters from the same author for about a decade.
They arrived regularly while he was running the nearby Bridge Inn for six years from the mid-1990s and continued during his four-year spell at the Rambling Miner at Chacewater.
"I've got boxes of letters and now we are getting about one a week here," said Mr Tregear. "The writer appears not to like single mothers, gay people or anybody who doesn't conform to the behaviour they expect.
"We had one letter at the Bridge Inn which upset us because it inferred that a barmaid was a 'woman of the night'. That was a scurrilous suggestion."
Phil Fox, who took over the Bridge Inn with his wife, Von, last year, said the recent batch of letters sent to Mr Tregear featured slurs against their staff and customers.
He pointed to one attacking the alleged sexuality of a former bar manager.
The West Briton understands that a local mother was also urged to move away from the community with her child in a recent, abusive letter.
Mr Fox, who believes that two people could be behind the latest spate of poison pen letters, said: "Following the remarks about our bar manager, he left us.
"I've been told that this has been going on for 20 years and I believe that whoever is doing it holds a grudge against humanity as a whole. They've picked on people who use the pub and those who don't.
"It's just got silly now," he added. "We don't know who's doing it so everybody's under suspicion. We just want it to stop."
PC Tim Roberts, of Redruth police, confirmed that he had seized several letters as part of his inquiries to identify the culprit.
He said: "I believe the author may think they are not causing any harm but the content of the letters refers to many local people who are very upset by what is being written.
"I would appeal for any information which may lead to the identity of the author and would ask the letter writer to contact me at Redruth police station."
Friday, November 11, 2005
County Council Election
FIVE candidates have been nominated for a Cornwall County Council by-election at Illogan and Portreath after the resignation of Terry Rowe for health reasons. They are Conservative Mary Anson, of Lanner; Independent Tommy Bray, of Four Lanes; Labour's Tony Bunt, of Camborne; Liberal Democrat David Ekinsmyth, of Tehidy Park; and Liberal Paul Holmes, of Illogan. Voting takes place on November 24. The closing date to register for new postal or proxy votes is November 16.
COURAGE OF A LONE SWIMMER
A charity yesterday praised the courage of a man who carried out a sponsored swim in rough seas on Monday to raise money to help children suffering from bone disease.
Coastguards had pleaded in vain with 28-year-old Dale Austin to postpone his attempt to swim to Gull Rock and back because of the dangerous sea conditions.
Mr Austin, who runs the Retreat cafe overlooking the beach at Portreath, decided on the sponsored swim after receiving a call out of the blue from the charity Strongbones, which helps children suffering from bone disease - from brittle bones to cerebral palsy.
He said: "I had two nephews, Ben and Alex, who lived very short lives because they were born with cerebral palsy. When I got the call, it was a lovely day. The sea was calm and the sun was out, so I decided to swim to Gull Rock."
But the Indian summer was over in Portreath and on the eve of the fundraiser, coastguards had asked Mr Austin to shelve the swim for safety reasons.
Following a good luck kiss from his 28-year-old wife, Andrea, he took the plunge on Monday afternoon under the watchful gaze of the men who had warned of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
"It's choppy out there with a 6ft groundswell and a changeable wind," said a coastguard. "But he's doing a brilliant job under the conditions."
Coastguards watched for 25 minutes as the lone swimmer battled his way through the heavy surf and neared the foot of Gull Rock.
"This is the most dangerous time," one of the coastguards told his colleagues from their vantage point at the beachside car park in Portreath.
"He's nearly there. He's on - you beauty!"
With gulls circling the rock that juts out of the sea around half-a-mile from the shore, Mr Austin clambered to the summit where he celebrated completing the first leg of his charity stunt.
After diving back into the breakers crashing against the rock, his family breathed a sigh of relief.
His mum, Sharon, had hoped to accompany her son there but had been defeated by the strength of the surf.
With more and more well-wishers gathering to cheer the end of the challenge, Mr Austin arrived back on dry land.
"The trickiest part was re-entry from the rock," he said. "But I was delighted that just on the way back to the cafe I raised another £50 on top of the pledges of £150 for the charity."
A spokesman for Strongbones Children's Charitable Trust said: "This was a very brave feat from a very courageous man. Without people like Dale, it would be hard for us to support the number of children that we do."
Coastguards had pleaded in vain with 28-year-old Dale Austin to postpone his attempt to swim to Gull Rock and back because of the dangerous sea conditions.
Mr Austin, who runs the Retreat cafe overlooking the beach at Portreath, decided on the sponsored swim after receiving a call out of the blue from the charity Strongbones, which helps children suffering from bone disease - from brittle bones to cerebral palsy.
He said: "I had two nephews, Ben and Alex, who lived very short lives because they were born with cerebral palsy. When I got the call, it was a lovely day. The sea was calm and the sun was out, so I decided to swim to Gull Rock."
But the Indian summer was over in Portreath and on the eve of the fundraiser, coastguards had asked Mr Austin to shelve the swim for safety reasons.
Following a good luck kiss from his 28-year-old wife, Andrea, he took the plunge on Monday afternoon under the watchful gaze of the men who had warned of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
"It's choppy out there with a 6ft groundswell and a changeable wind," said a coastguard. "But he's doing a brilliant job under the conditions."
Coastguards watched for 25 minutes as the lone swimmer battled his way through the heavy surf and neared the foot of Gull Rock.
"This is the most dangerous time," one of the coastguards told his colleagues from their vantage point at the beachside car park in Portreath.
"He's nearly there. He's on - you beauty!"
With gulls circling the rock that juts out of the sea around half-a-mile from the shore, Mr Austin clambered to the summit where he celebrated completing the first leg of his charity stunt.
After diving back into the breakers crashing against the rock, his family breathed a sigh of relief.
His mum, Sharon, had hoped to accompany her son there but had been defeated by the strength of the surf.
With more and more well-wishers gathering to cheer the end of the challenge, Mr Austin arrived back on dry land.
"The trickiest part was re-entry from the rock," he said. "But I was delighted that just on the way back to the cafe I raised another £50 on top of the pledges of £150 for the charity."
A spokesman for Strongbones Children's Charitable Trust said: "This was a very brave feat from a very courageous man. Without people like Dale, it would be hard for us to support the number of children that we do."
Remembrance Service
09:00 - 10 November 2005
History was made and recalled when Carn Brea Parish Council staged a Remembrance service at Moorfield Road on Sunday morning.
It was the first time the community had had the opportunity to pay tribute to its Fallen since the unveiling of the war memorial earlier in the year.
Nine standard bearers stood behind the monument as the chairmen of the parish council, district council and neighbouring Illogan parish council joined representatives of the services and community groups to lay wreaths to honour the memories of those who had died in war.
The Rev Lyn Wills led prayers and hymns, and Bill Bishop from the Royal British Legion sounded Reveille and Last Post. Redruth Town Band provided the accompaniment to proceedings.
Malcolm Moyle, chairman of Carn Brea Parish Council, said it had been a moving occasion.
"It was our first Remembrance service following the dedication in April, and we had a wonderful turnout from the British Legion, the services and local people.
"It was an excellent occasion, where we were able to remember for the first time all those from Carn Brea who died in the service of others."
A few hours later and a few miles down the road, residents of Portreath lined the streets of their village to watch the Remembrance parade make its way from the car park on the sea front to St Mary's Church. Again with strong support from the Royal British Legion and RAF Portreath, wreaths were laid by dignitaries and representatives of village community groups.
The Rev Mike Kippax led a short service beside the war memorial, followed by hymn singing in the church. Afterwards Portreath Improvements Committee served refreshments in the institute.
Chris Watts, chairman of Portreath Parish council, said: "The weather was brilliant and a good number of residents lined the road as we marched to the church. The veterans did a tremendous job. The Brownies laid a posy and it was nice to see the young keeping up a tradition."
History was made and recalled when Carn Brea Parish Council staged a Remembrance service at Moorfield Road on Sunday morning.
It was the first time the community had had the opportunity to pay tribute to its Fallen since the unveiling of the war memorial earlier in the year.
Nine standard bearers stood behind the monument as the chairmen of the parish council, district council and neighbouring Illogan parish council joined representatives of the services and community groups to lay wreaths to honour the memories of those who had died in war.
The Rev Lyn Wills led prayers and hymns, and Bill Bishop from the Royal British Legion sounded Reveille and Last Post. Redruth Town Band provided the accompaniment to proceedings.
Malcolm Moyle, chairman of Carn Brea Parish Council, said it had been a moving occasion.
"It was our first Remembrance service following the dedication in April, and we had a wonderful turnout from the British Legion, the services and local people.
"It was an excellent occasion, where we were able to remember for the first time all those from Carn Brea who died in the service of others."
A few hours later and a few miles down the road, residents of Portreath lined the streets of their village to watch the Remembrance parade make its way from the car park on the sea front to St Mary's Church. Again with strong support from the Royal British Legion and RAF Portreath, wreaths were laid by dignitaries and representatives of village community groups.
The Rev Mike Kippax led a short service beside the war memorial, followed by hymn singing in the church. Afterwards Portreath Improvements Committee served refreshments in the institute.
Chris Watts, chairman of Portreath Parish council, said: "The weather was brilliant and a good number of residents lined the road as we marched to the church. The veterans did a tremendous job. The Brownies laid a posy and it was nice to see the young keeping up a tradition."
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A Golden Opportunity?
Many residents will no doubt be aware of the parlous state of our much-loved harbour.
For the past few months the Portreath Regeneration Committee has been in discussion with Kerrier District Council as to the future of Portreath Harbour. We can now publish the results.
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On the 11th of October 2005 the cabinet members of Kerrier District Council resolved that “In principle, assist the enablement of Portreath Regeneration Committee to carry out a feasibility study with a contribution of £5,000 from the Matched Funds Reserve, with a view to ultimately acquiring the freehold of Portreath Harbour’.
Kerrier District Council’s Asset Management Plan identifies the on-going requirement for the Council to review its property portfolio; since October 2004 the Council has been considering the options for the harbour..
KDC
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The Regeneration Committee is a sub committee of Portreath Parish Council, with members drawn from the Parish Council, Portreath Improvements Committee and the Harbour Users Association. Now the decision by Kerrier has been made, we need your thoughts and opinions on the direction and purpose the harbour should take, consequently we are organising a consultation day in the village Institute in the near future. Please come along to discuss possibilities, view ideas and give us your thoughts.
This resolution gives the community of Portreath a chance to guide and safeguard the future of our harbour for the first time in its history.
This is a huge undertaking and decision for the village and members of the committee are well aware of the enormity of this project. However, with the support of residents, village organisations and Kerrier District Council a new body can be formed to manage and administer the harbour and surrounding land into a self-funding enterprise.
Everybody who sees (and smells) the area will be aware of the substantial funding needed to regenerate it. Kerrier District Council has given us this opportunity to commission a feasibility study to see if this project is within our grasp.
The harbour could once again become the focal point of this community but this time under community control.
For the past few months the Portreath Regeneration Committee has been in discussion with Kerrier District Council as to the future of Portreath Harbour. We can now publish the results.
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On the 11th of October 2005 the cabinet members of Kerrier District Council resolved that “In principle, assist the enablement of Portreath Regeneration Committee to carry out a feasibility study with a contribution of £5,000 from the Matched Funds Reserve, with a view to ultimately acquiring the freehold of Portreath Harbour’.
Kerrier District Council’s Asset Management Plan identifies the on-going requirement for the Council to review its property portfolio; since October 2004 the Council has been considering the options for the harbour..
KDC
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The Regeneration Committee is a sub committee of Portreath Parish Council, with members drawn from the Parish Council, Portreath Improvements Committee and the Harbour Users Association. Now the decision by Kerrier has been made, we need your thoughts and opinions on the direction and purpose the harbour should take, consequently we are organising a consultation day in the village Institute in the near future. Please come along to discuss possibilities, view ideas and give us your thoughts.
This resolution gives the community of Portreath a chance to guide and safeguard the future of our harbour for the first time in its history.
This is a huge undertaking and decision for the village and members of the committee are well aware of the enormity of this project. However, with the support of residents, village organisations and Kerrier District Council a new body can be formed to manage and administer the harbour and surrounding land into a self-funding enterprise.
Everybody who sees (and smells) the area will be aware of the substantial funding needed to regenerate it. Kerrier District Council has given us this opportunity to commission a feasibility study to see if this project is within our grasp.
The harbour could once again become the focal point of this community but this time under community control.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Annual Bonfire and Firework Display
Will be held on Sunday 6th November
Bonfire 6:45
Fireworks 7:15
Please encourage visiting family and friends to use the FREE Park and Ride scheme to and from the Gold Centre, New Portreath Road.
Please give realistic donations to this unique seafront event. Insurance premiums rise every year and monies collected on the night have to cover all costs. The more the donations, the better the next years display.
Offers of timber and combustibles are NOT required this year.
Bonfire 6:45
Fireworks 7:15
Please encourage visiting family and friends to use the FREE Park and Ride scheme to and from the Gold Centre, New Portreath Road.
Please give realistic donations to this unique seafront event. Insurance premiums rise every year and monies collected on the night have to cover all costs. The more the donations, the better the next years display.
Offers of timber and combustibles are NOT required this year.
Incline Project
The Incline Church Community Project goes from strength to strength! Our 6 weekly meetings provide a forum for discussion and debate as we work together to strengthen community resources. Recently we had workers from Drednought and On Track join us, and In the New Year, hope to develop further work with the 16 plus age group and with Parents.
Here is an update regarding some of the groups supported through Incline:
Having recently enjoyed Drumming and Swimming, The Carers Group have an array of exciting activities planned including a trip to France to enjoy the Markets and more locally, a Christmas Musical. This friendly and supportive group would like to hear from local carers, contact Janet 842658 or Cath 842797.
Mish Mash continues to meet on the first Saturday and a joint Christmas Party with GroundBreakers (Sunday School) is planned for Christmas. A new Mish Mash is starting in Camborne and some of the local children have been involved in setting this up.
Table Tennis meet on Wednesday evenings in the new church hall, 7.00 until 9.30. and Belly dancing also runs from the hall on Thursday evenings 7.30 until 9.00. Do come along!
CHIC can be found in the church hall on Wednesday mornings, call in for a cuppa, to order or pick up a Veg Box or to browse through an assortment of resources where you might just find the answer to something important!
Here is an update regarding some of the groups supported through Incline:
Having recently enjoyed Drumming and Swimming, The Carers Group have an array of exciting activities planned including a trip to France to enjoy the Markets and more locally, a Christmas Musical. This friendly and supportive group would like to hear from local carers, contact Janet 842658 or Cath 842797.
Mish Mash continues to meet on the first Saturday and a joint Christmas Party with GroundBreakers (Sunday School) is planned for Christmas. A new Mish Mash is starting in Camborne and some of the local children have been involved in setting this up.
Table Tennis meet on Wednesday evenings in the new church hall, 7.00 until 9.30. and Belly dancing also runs from the hall on Thursday evenings 7.30 until 9.00. Do come along!
CHIC can be found in the church hall on Wednesday mornings, call in for a cuppa, to order or pick up a Veg Box or to browse through an assortment of resources where you might just find the answer to something important!
St Mary’s Church Hall
As Chairman of Portreath Parish Council I was delighted to accept an invitation to attend the official opening of the new hall at St Mary’s Church. The event was extremely well attended with hardly a pew to spare.
Jim Dennis the Church Warden who has done a great deal of work on the project started the evening off with an introduction to the scale of the project. He handed on to Brian Phaby who was Project Manager. Brian gave a very informative pictorial presentation showing the progression of the building works from the demolition of the old Church hall to the completion of the new. The high quality of the complete build undertaken by Mark Bryant was apparent at the buffet after the service.
After an introduction by the Ground Breaker Puppet team with Ben, Claire and David the Rev Jim Foley, who was curate in our Parish and had the original vision of the new church hall, gave an entertaining talk on how the project came about and how the local congregation carried it through.
We were all treated to a great musical accompaniment by Mixed Spice, enhanced by the new sound system and visual aids installed by Kevin Stevens. The Church certainly rocked!
Before the buffet organised by Lesley Stevens and helpers there were presentations made to Jim Dennis, Brian Phaby and Kevin Stevens for all the work they did throughout the whole project. Thanks also went to Joyce Holdaway, retired Church Warden and Helen Jones new Church Warden.
Speaking to Rev Mike Kippax at the buffet, he said how delighted he is with the new Church Hall and how it is already being well used with great plans for the future. Current uses are CHIC care and hospitality in the community, Veg boxes, Coffee Morning, PATCH baby and toddler group, Alpha course, Table Tennis, Belly Dancing with ideas for future use including; A computer IT suite, a Parents group and Diva nights for young women.
A great evening was had by all that attended, we all wish St Mary’s Church Hall the very best for the future.
Jim Dennis the Church Warden who has done a great deal of work on the project started the evening off with an introduction to the scale of the project. He handed on to Brian Phaby who was Project Manager. Brian gave a very informative pictorial presentation showing the progression of the building works from the demolition of the old Church hall to the completion of the new. The high quality of the complete build undertaken by Mark Bryant was apparent at the buffet after the service.
After an introduction by the Ground Breaker Puppet team with Ben, Claire and David the Rev Jim Foley, who was curate in our Parish and had the original vision of the new church hall, gave an entertaining talk on how the project came about and how the local congregation carried it through.
We were all treated to a great musical accompaniment by Mixed Spice, enhanced by the new sound system and visual aids installed by Kevin Stevens. The Church certainly rocked!
Before the buffet organised by Lesley Stevens and helpers there were presentations made to Jim Dennis, Brian Phaby and Kevin Stevens for all the work they did throughout the whole project. Thanks also went to Joyce Holdaway, retired Church Warden and Helen Jones new Church Warden.
Speaking to Rev Mike Kippax at the buffet, he said how delighted he is with the new Church Hall and how it is already being well used with great plans for the future. Current uses are CHIC care and hospitality in the community, Veg boxes, Coffee Morning, PATCH baby and toddler group, Alpha course, Table Tennis, Belly Dancing with ideas for future use including; A computer IT suite, a Parents group and Diva nights for young women.
A great evening was had by all that attended, we all wish St Mary’s Church Hall the very best for the future.
Report of Portreath Parish Council
Report of Portreath Parish Council
Dispersal Order
Members of the Council were very pleased to learn during a report from P.C. Roberts, Neighbourhood Beat Manager given at a recent meeting of the Council that the implementation of the Dispersal Order
within certain parts of the Village had resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of incidents of vandalism, etc.
The combination of the Dispersal Order and the installation of a barrier at the Precinct end of the Harbour had also prevented the gathering of youths in vehicles in that area which had, in the past created, problems for those living nearby and had often resulted in the vehicles leaving the area
and travelling around the Village and Car Park at great speed. Members of the Harbour Association
have contacted the Council expressing thanks for Members ‘perseverance in persuading Kerrier District Council to allow the barriers to be erected and for all the measures taken by the Council to put an early end to anti-social behaviour.
Designated Public Place Order
The necessary legal steps necessary in the implementation of a Designated Public Place Order are being processed by Kerrier District Council following requests from the Parish Council and the support of Portreath Improvements Committee
Footpaths
All the Definative Footpaths within the Parish have now been trimmed and cleaned with the exception of a short section of New Walk which cannot be cut during the flowering season due to the presence of the rare Deptford Pink plant on the middle section of this footpath. However, trimming of this final section will be carried out shortly
Highway matters
The County Council Area Surveyor has informed Members of the Council that works will be carried out later in this financial year to reinforce the section of Sunnyvale Road near its eastern end where the retaining structure is failing. In the meantime the condition of this section will be monitored by the County Council and remedial maintenance work will be carried out if necessary. The problem of surface water run-off from the cliff area at the eastern end of Sunnyvale road is also being investigated by the Area Surveyor as a result of representations by the Parish Council.
Bridge Village
The Parish Council are pressing the County Council, through the local County Councillor, Mr. T. Rowe, for the provision of footways; the District Council for the provision of litter bins and the Police Authority has been contacted regarding the enforcement of the speed limit through Bridge Village
VE-VJ Commemoration Event
The Chairman, Councillor C.J. Watts accompanied by Mrs. S. Watts represented the Parish Council at the VE-VJ Commemoration Event held at Truro Cathedral on 11th September
.
Dispersal Order
Members of the Council were very pleased to learn during a report from P.C. Roberts, Neighbourhood Beat Manager given at a recent meeting of the Council that the implementation of the Dispersal Order
within certain parts of the Village had resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of incidents of vandalism, etc.
The combination of the Dispersal Order and the installation of a barrier at the Precinct end of the Harbour had also prevented the gathering of youths in vehicles in that area which had, in the past created, problems for those living nearby and had often resulted in the vehicles leaving the area
and travelling around the Village and Car Park at great speed. Members of the Harbour Association
have contacted the Council expressing thanks for Members ‘perseverance in persuading Kerrier District Council to allow the barriers to be erected and for all the measures taken by the Council to put an early end to anti-social behaviour.
Designated Public Place Order
The necessary legal steps necessary in the implementation of a Designated Public Place Order are being processed by Kerrier District Council following requests from the Parish Council and the support of Portreath Improvements Committee
Footpaths
All the Definative Footpaths within the Parish have now been trimmed and cleaned with the exception of a short section of New Walk which cannot be cut during the flowering season due to the presence of the rare Deptford Pink plant on the middle section of this footpath. However, trimming of this final section will be carried out shortly
Highway matters
The County Council Area Surveyor has informed Members of the Council that works will be carried out later in this financial year to reinforce the section of Sunnyvale Road near its eastern end where the retaining structure is failing. In the meantime the condition of this section will be monitored by the County Council and remedial maintenance work will be carried out if necessary. The problem of surface water run-off from the cliff area at the eastern end of Sunnyvale road is also being investigated by the Area Surveyor as a result of representations by the Parish Council.
Bridge Village
The Parish Council are pressing the County Council, through the local County Councillor, Mr. T. Rowe, for the provision of footways; the District Council for the provision of litter bins and the Police Authority has been contacted regarding the enforcement of the speed limit through Bridge Village
VE-VJ Commemoration Event
The Chairman, Councillor C.J. Watts accompanied by Mrs. S. Watts represented the Parish Council at the VE-VJ Commemoration Event held at Truro Cathedral on 11th September
.
HARBOUR NEWS
As promised in the last edition , some information on the oldest wooden boat in the harbour. In fact it’s the only wooden boat currently in use, and is owned by David Jeffery (Jethro) to his friends.
Jeanette was manufactured in Porthleven by Oliver’s in 1960. She was carvel constructed from pine on oak as a displacement type hull, her shape suiting a fairly heavy sea. The engine is a 8HP Yanmar diesel running through a Yanmar gearbox.
Steering is through a traditional tiller.
The type of construction also allows the boat to take the pounding of harbours that dry out. In its early life at Portreath it was used as a licensed fishing boat SS278 by Keith Porter who still uses the harbour with another boat. Since David took over Jeanette, he has enjoyed fishing and potting as a privateer, but admits she has taken a lot of upkeep due to the timber construction.
“Being a carpenter has helped” said David.
Jeanette can be viewed and appreciated close up as the boats are due to be lifted onto dry standing now.
David is considering retirement this year, so if you are considering aquiring something that is part of our Cornish maritime history, have a word with Jethro.
NS
Jet ski to the rescue
Sunday the 21st of August saw 'tombstoning' nearly lead to a place in the graveyard. After consuming more than a little alcohol some young lads thought it would be funny to play chicken with the Atlantic Ocean and its boats and pushed one of their party off the end of the harbour. Unfortunately the lad in question was a weak swimmer and hurt himself on hitting the water. His friends, also poor swimmers and drunk could do little to help him. Swift action from local fishermen Jim and Kevin, in a passing boat, and the actions of Innis (spelling?), a holiday maker using a jet ski, meant that the lads were saved from drowning. Amazingly, whilst the boat crew and others tried to raise the alarm they were met by a torrent of abuse from the casualties' friends on the quayside - who had clearly failed to see the seriousness of the situation. It is ironic that yet again people had to risk their own safety to come to the aid of yobs who argue that society does little for them.
30-minutes later, in an unrelated incident, another local fishing vessel, this time skippered by Paul, plucked a young lad from the same area who simply did not have the swimming abilities to cope with the strong currents.
Dr Bryan Mills
Jeanette was manufactured in Porthleven by Oliver’s in 1960. She was carvel constructed from pine on oak as a displacement type hull, her shape suiting a fairly heavy sea. The engine is a 8HP Yanmar diesel running through a Yanmar gearbox.
Steering is through a traditional tiller.
The type of construction also allows the boat to take the pounding of harbours that dry out. In its early life at Portreath it was used as a licensed fishing boat SS278 by Keith Porter who still uses the harbour with another boat. Since David took over Jeanette, he has enjoyed fishing and potting as a privateer, but admits she has taken a lot of upkeep due to the timber construction.
“Being a carpenter has helped” said David.
Jeanette can be viewed and appreciated close up as the boats are due to be lifted onto dry standing now.
David is considering retirement this year, so if you are considering aquiring something that is part of our Cornish maritime history, have a word with Jethro.
NS
Jet ski to the rescue
Sunday the 21st of August saw 'tombstoning' nearly lead to a place in the graveyard. After consuming more than a little alcohol some young lads thought it would be funny to play chicken with the Atlantic Ocean and its boats and pushed one of their party off the end of the harbour. Unfortunately the lad in question was a weak swimmer and hurt himself on hitting the water. His friends, also poor swimmers and drunk could do little to help him. Swift action from local fishermen Jim and Kevin, in a passing boat, and the actions of Innis (spelling?), a holiday maker using a jet ski, meant that the lads were saved from drowning. Amazingly, whilst the boat crew and others tried to raise the alarm they were met by a torrent of abuse from the casualties' friends on the quayside - who had clearly failed to see the seriousness of the situation. It is ironic that yet again people had to risk their own safety to come to the aid of yobs who argue that society does little for them.
30-minutes later, in an unrelated incident, another local fishing vessel, this time skippered by Paul, plucked a young lad from the same area who simply did not have the swimming abilities to cope with the strong currents.
Dr Bryan Mills
LETTERS
Hi there
I was born and brought up in the Camborne-Redruth-Hayle area, and, for reasons of career, profession etc, like most young people, moved away from the area. Although I have visited Cornwall to visit friends and relatives regularly over the years, I visited Portreath this week, probably for the first time in 30 years, and how disappointed I was.
I have always been aware of the good work done by the Kerrier Council, and the Portreath Improvements Group of local residents, and they have to be commended for many of the things they have achieved. However the things which dismayed me, an understatement, were:
* the uglification of the car parking area by the beach;
* the grim steel barriers to the car park;
* the ugly signs, and the fact that the car park is locked up at 10pm; where is the freedom that existed when I was young?
* the awful yellow bins by the beach: are these for clinical waste?
* the grotesque traffic calming;
* the signs on the telegraph poles stating that you could be moved on and asked to leave the area and a curfew for kids;
* pay and display;
* the appearance of the people walking about the place, who looked as though they were from another planet.
Maybe I am the one from another planet, or maybe it is just old age taking its toll. Portreath remains a beautiful place, but I guess my tendency is going to be to focus on the beach and the scenery on my next visit, and to avert my gaze from the village!
Jon Holland
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GOODBYE
No matter where I wander
No matter where I roam
There is a place in Cornwall
I will always call my home
Where ever my journey takes me
Over land and sea and air
I can close my eyes and imagine
And in my heart I’m there
And when the sun is shining
And the skies above are clear
I will always remember Cornwall
And that place I hold so dear
When those waves are crashing
And you stare out to the sea
As the sun dips down behind Gull Rock
Please remember me.
ABBIE, AMY and LIAM McGHEE
PORTREATH PRIMARY SCHOOL 1999-2004
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was born and brought up in the Camborne-Redruth-Hayle area, and, for reasons of career, profession etc, like most young people, moved away from the area. Although I have visited Cornwall to visit friends and relatives regularly over the years, I visited Portreath this week, probably for the first time in 30 years, and how disappointed I was.
I have always been aware of the good work done by the Kerrier Council, and the Portreath Improvements Group of local residents, and they have to be commended for many of the things they have achieved. However the things which dismayed me, an understatement, were:
* the uglification of the car parking area by the beach;
* the grim steel barriers to the car park;
* the ugly signs, and the fact that the car park is locked up at 10pm; where is the freedom that existed when I was young?
* the awful yellow bins by the beach: are these for clinical waste?
* the grotesque traffic calming;
* the signs on the telegraph poles stating that you could be moved on and asked to leave the area and a curfew for kids;
* pay and display;
* the appearance of the people walking about the place, who looked as though they were from another planet.
Maybe I am the one from another planet, or maybe it is just old age taking its toll. Portreath remains a beautiful place, but I guess my tendency is going to be to focus on the beach and the scenery on my next visit, and to avert my gaze from the village!
Jon Holland
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOODBYE
No matter where I wander
No matter where I roam
There is a place in Cornwall
I will always call my home
Where ever my journey takes me
Over land and sea and air
I can close my eyes and imagine
And in my heart I’m there
And when the sun is shining
And the skies above are clear
I will always remember Cornwall
And that place I hold so dear
When those waves are crashing
And you stare out to the sea
As the sun dips down behind Gull Rock
Please remember me.
ABBIE, AMY and LIAM McGHEE
PORTREATH PRIMARY SCHOOL 1999-2004
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
St Mary’s Church Hall
St Mary’s Church Hall
Weekly Itinerary
Tuesday 19:30 Alpha course
Wednesday 10:00-12:00 C.H.I.C. Care and hospitality in the
community
10:00 Veg Boxes
19:00 Table Tennis
Thursday 10:00-11:00 Coffee Morning
19:30 Belly Dancing
Friday 11:00-12:00 P.A.T.C.H. Parent and toddler Christian
hospitality
Sunday 9:45 GroundBreakers Fun Club for ages 4-18
Alternate Greenhouse Club 12 plus youth group?
Weekly Itinerary
Tuesday 19:30 Alpha course
Wednesday 10:00-12:00 C.H.I.C. Care and hospitality in the
community
10:00 Veg Boxes
19:00 Table Tennis
Thursday 10:00-11:00 Coffee Morning
19:30 Belly Dancing
Friday 11:00-12:00 P.A.T.C.H. Parent and toddler Christian
hospitality
Sunday 9:45 GroundBreakers Fun Club for ages 4-18
Alternate Greenhouse Club 12 plus youth group?
Fun Day Committee News
Fun Day Committee News
We are forming a new committee and are seeking enthusiastic support and ideas. This is your chance to make a difference to your community with action and at the same time, have a lot of fun. Your input will make all the difference to the success of the day and the money raised helps many local activities.
I am sure everybody will want to join me in thanking the past committee for the invaluable work they have done over the past years and we hope to continue their good work.
Our first meeting will be on 16th November at 7-30 PM at Bassets Acre. Glenfeadon Terrace, Portreath.
Contact Pam or Rich Christ 01209 842367
We are forming a new committee and are seeking enthusiastic support and ideas. This is your chance to make a difference to your community with action and at the same time, have a lot of fun. Your input will make all the difference to the success of the day and the money raised helps many local activities.
I am sure everybody will want to join me in thanking the past committee for the invaluable work they have done over the past years and we hope to continue their good work.
Our first meeting will be on 16th November at 7-30 PM at Bassets Acre. Glenfeadon Terrace, Portreath.
Contact Pam or Rich Christ 01209 842367
BEAT LINES
There has been a lot of press coverage about the dispersal order that was put in place in Portreath this summer. I am sure that most residents will be aware of its existence but may not know that it ceased to be enforceable as from 1st October. I now have to assess the value of the order and report statistics back to the home office.
After I first proposed that a dispersal order in Portreath would assist us to deal with the annual problems of summer anti-social behaviour we received overwhelming support. Indeed it would not have been possible for the police and the district council to bring in this legislation without the public support that we received.
My own feelings are that it was successful and that it was worth the hard work that it took to get it into place. I will now try to ascertain if it is possible for a similar order to become effective during the summer months every year automatically.
By the time you read this October will be upon us, many people like me will soon be thinking about halloween night and ‘trick or treat’. I would like to make it very clear that none of my colleagues or I wish to be killjoys or seek to spoil anyone’s fun – however we will not tolerate one persons fun becoming another persons misery. Consequently as in previous years we will again be taking measures to deal with people who are intent on causing problems for others. If you have any concerns about the forthcoming celebrations please contact me at Redruth Police station to discuss further.
You may be aware that there is a current initiative to try to gain funding for a hand held speed gun/camera for officers in Redruth. There are not sufficient funds in police budgets for each station to have their own camera. The present situation is that stations in West Cornwall have to share the use of the camera. This means that each station gets to use the camera periodically. Each Parish Council has been asked for a donation to assist in the purchase of an extra camera that will then be used by Redruth officers only.
It is unfortunate that Portreath have been unable to support this proposal as it is only contributing councils that can expect the benefits that the extra equipment will bring.
On a more positive note, I am currently working on a project that I believe will provide a huge boost for policing and the Portreath community generally. The final details have yet to be completed, including the extra ongoing financial costs that will be incurred by constabulary. Until these matters are resolved it would be imprudent for me to say more at the moment. However I hope and anticipate that I will be able to give a positive update on this idea in the next issue of ‘The Tram’.
PC TIM ROBERTS
After I first proposed that a dispersal order in Portreath would assist us to deal with the annual problems of summer anti-social behaviour we received overwhelming support. Indeed it would not have been possible for the police and the district council to bring in this legislation without the public support that we received.
My own feelings are that it was successful and that it was worth the hard work that it took to get it into place. I will now try to ascertain if it is possible for a similar order to become effective during the summer months every year automatically.
By the time you read this October will be upon us, many people like me will soon be thinking about halloween night and ‘trick or treat’. I would like to make it very clear that none of my colleagues or I wish to be killjoys or seek to spoil anyone’s fun – however we will not tolerate one persons fun becoming another persons misery. Consequently as in previous years we will again be taking measures to deal with people who are intent on causing problems for others. If you have any concerns about the forthcoming celebrations please contact me at Redruth Police station to discuss further.
You may be aware that there is a current initiative to try to gain funding for a hand held speed gun/camera for officers in Redruth. There are not sufficient funds in police budgets for each station to have their own camera. The present situation is that stations in West Cornwall have to share the use of the camera. This means that each station gets to use the camera periodically. Each Parish Council has been asked for a donation to assist in the purchase of an extra camera that will then be used by Redruth officers only.
It is unfortunate that Portreath have been unable to support this proposal as it is only contributing councils that can expect the benefits that the extra equipment will bring.
On a more positive note, I am currently working on a project that I believe will provide a huge boost for policing and the Portreath community generally. The final details have yet to be completed, including the extra ongoing financial costs that will be incurred by constabulary. Until these matters are resolved it would be imprudent for me to say more at the moment. However I hope and anticipate that I will be able to give a positive update on this idea in the next issue of ‘The Tram’.
PC TIM ROBERTS
Monday, September 19, 2005
Portreath took the victory
08 September 2005
Top volunteer lifeguards from all over the UK tested their physical strength, stamina and skills over a tough weekend at Fistral Beach in Newquay for the British Championships of Surf Life Saving. It was the second year in a row the event has been held at the famous Newquay beach and coincided with the 50th anniversary of Surf Life Saving Great Britain.
Hundreds of spectators watched members from 22 teams show off their skills in a number of events in and out of the water including swimming races, board races and competitions involving picking up colour-coordinated flags, described as 'musical chairs without chairs or music', which tests the competitors' speed of reaction, speed and agility.
On Sunday there was also an iron man competition, which combined running, swimming and board paddling.
National president of the organisation Jonathon Ball said: "We had a terrific weekend. The surf came up well on Sunday which was magnificent.
"We had clubs competing from all over Cornwall and Devon and some from as far away as Wales, Ireland and Croydon but it was definitely Portreath that took the victory home with them."
The event saw several European championship contenders taking part, including members from the UK team who will compete in the world championships in Australia next spring.
Top volunteer lifeguards from all over the UK tested their physical strength, stamina and skills over a tough weekend at Fistral Beach in Newquay for the British Championships of Surf Life Saving. It was the second year in a row the event has been held at the famous Newquay beach and coincided with the 50th anniversary of Surf Life Saving Great Britain.
Hundreds of spectators watched members from 22 teams show off their skills in a number of events in and out of the water including swimming races, board races and competitions involving picking up colour-coordinated flags, described as 'musical chairs without chairs or music', which tests the competitors' speed of reaction, speed and agility.
On Sunday there was also an iron man competition, which combined running, swimming and board paddling.
National president of the organisation Jonathon Ball said: "We had a terrific weekend. The surf came up well on Sunday which was magnificent.
"We had clubs competing from all over Cornwall and Devon and some from as far away as Wales, Ireland and Croydon but it was definitely Portreath that took the victory home with them."
The event saw several European championship contenders taking part, including members from the UK team who will compete in the world championships in Australia next spring.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
LIFEBOAT DEMO TURNS INTO REAL-LIFE DRAMA
A demonstration by RNLI lifeguards ended in a real-life beach rescue.
Members of the St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew abandoned a presentation about safety and rescue techniques when they received an emergency call.
Within two minutes, their new rescue boat was fighting through heavy surf following a report that a man had become stranded in the sea at Portreath.
A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was also on stand-by but the man managed to reach the safety of the beach without injury.
Before the drama unfolded, the crew from Blue Peter IV had been at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, thanking members of the Cornwall branch of the Auto Cycle Union who raised £500 for the RNLI.
Operations manager at St Agnes lifeboat station Nick Marsh presented club president John Bassett with a framed certificate as thanks for the club's work.
Earlier this year the club donated £500 to the St Agnes branch of the RNLI during the annual car trial at Blue Hills.
And a commemorative bench was placed at the top of the infamous cliff top hill.
Club spokesman Rose Disney said: "The motorcycle club was really honoured to have been treated to a display. It was a dramatic day in the end," said club spokesman Rose Disney.
"We have always supported the RNLI because they save so many lives - they even saved mine once.
Mrs Disney said she once became stuck at the bottom of a cliff, and praised the RNLI crew which rescued her.
"They were out there so quickly. It is nice to know they are always on hand if you get into trouble."
Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marsh said: "It costs approximately £30,000 a year to run the lifeboat so we are always grateful for donations such as this.
The Blue Peter IV came to St Agnes in February following a naming ceremony by Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the International Boat Show, London.
She is the fifth boat St Agnes has received from the children's television programme and has been greatly modified from the previous one.
Members of the St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew abandoned a presentation about safety and rescue techniques when they received an emergency call.
Within two minutes, their new rescue boat was fighting through heavy surf following a report that a man had become stranded in the sea at Portreath.
A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was also on stand-by but the man managed to reach the safety of the beach without injury.
Before the drama unfolded, the crew from Blue Peter IV had been at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, thanking members of the Cornwall branch of the Auto Cycle Union who raised £500 for the RNLI.
Operations manager at St Agnes lifeboat station Nick Marsh presented club president John Bassett with a framed certificate as thanks for the club's work.
Earlier this year the club donated £500 to the St Agnes branch of the RNLI during the annual car trial at Blue Hills.
And a commemorative bench was placed at the top of the infamous cliff top hill.
Club spokesman Rose Disney said: "The motorcycle club was really honoured to have been treated to a display. It was a dramatic day in the end," said club spokesman Rose Disney.
"We have always supported the RNLI because they save so many lives - they even saved mine once.
Mrs Disney said she once became stuck at the bottom of a cliff, and praised the RNLI crew which rescued her.
"They were out there so quickly. It is nice to know they are always on hand if you get into trouble."
Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marsh said: "It costs approximately £30,000 a year to run the lifeboat so we are always grateful for donations such as this.
The Blue Peter IV came to St Agnes in February following a naming ceremony by Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the International Boat Show, London.
She is the fifth boat St Agnes has received from the children's television programme and has been greatly modified from the previous one.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
PLAN TO CLEAN UP MORE DUMPS AT NANCEKUKE
Kerrier councillors have given their support to a proposal by the Ministry of Defence to clean up two more of the dumpsites at the former chemical defence establishment at Nancekuke.
The council supported the remediation of the first of RAF Portreath's five dumps sites - dump C - in December 2004.
The MOD now wants permission to investigate dumps A and B, which are located in the north-east quadrant of the air station.
Dump A is a disused quarry of about 2,000 square metres, and between 10-15m deep. It is believed it contains building materials, and technical and domestic waste.
Dump B is valley in-fill of about 7,200 square metres, between 4-5m deep.
In its application, the MOD said: "The principal purposes of the proposals are to prevent possible pollution from the dumps, to improve the environmental quality of RAF Portreath, and to prevent potential future hazards to the environment and human health due to the presence of material within the dumps."
Under the proposals, the dumps would be examined using a system designed to prevent the release of chemicals or dust into the atmosphere.
Any hazardous waste would be transferred to Porton Down for disposal.
In his report to members of Kerrier Council's planning committee, head of service Jon Pender said he had no objections to the proposal, "subject to its implementation in accordance with the details in the supporting environmental statement".
He said: "The remediation of this and other dumps clearly must be carried out. The only question before you is whether the proposed way of doing so to Dumps A and B are acceptable.
"There is no absolute knowledge of the materials to be excavated from there, but the element of uncertainty is considered to be small, and the scheme includes measures to address a range of eventualities."
Tommy Bray said he was against the clean up.
He said: "It's been left for 60 years, and suddenly we're going to dig it up. We don't know what we're going to find. Let's let sleeping dogs lie."
Councillors voted to support the proposal, which will now go before the county council's planning committee for a final decision.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
The council supported the remediation of the first of RAF Portreath's five dumps sites - dump C - in December 2004.
The MOD now wants permission to investigate dumps A and B, which are located in the north-east quadrant of the air station.
Dump A is a disused quarry of about 2,000 square metres, and between 10-15m deep. It is believed it contains building materials, and technical and domestic waste.
Dump B is valley in-fill of about 7,200 square metres, between 4-5m deep.
In its application, the MOD said: "The principal purposes of the proposals are to prevent possible pollution from the dumps, to improve the environmental quality of RAF Portreath, and to prevent potential future hazards to the environment and human health due to the presence of material within the dumps."
Under the proposals, the dumps would be examined using a system designed to prevent the release of chemicals or dust into the atmosphere.
Any hazardous waste would be transferred to Porton Down for disposal.
In his report to members of Kerrier Council's planning committee, head of service Jon Pender said he had no objections to the proposal, "subject to its implementation in accordance with the details in the supporting environmental statement".
He said: "The remediation of this and other dumps clearly must be carried out. The only question before you is whether the proposed way of doing so to Dumps A and B are acceptable.
"There is no absolute knowledge of the materials to be excavated from there, but the element of uncertainty is considered to be small, and the scheme includes measures to address a range of eventualities."
Tommy Bray said he was against the clean up.
He said: "It's been left for 60 years, and suddenly we're going to dig it up. We don't know what we're going to find. Let's let sleeping dogs lie."
Councillors voted to support the proposal, which will now go before the county council's planning committee for a final decision.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Dispersal Order
Police officers posted notices throughout Portreath informing of the imposition of a Dispersal Order that takes effect on the 17th of July. This action comes about following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
Sunday, July 03, 2005
BOY AS YOUNG AS 12 INVOLVED IN THEFT
Police were this week hunting a boy as young as 12 after thieves grabbed money from a bus driver as she dropped them off at Portreath.
Officers said the youngster was part of a three-strong gang who escaped with change amounting to around £19 after the Truronian bus had ferried them to the seaside resort from Redruth railway station.
PC Dave Cracknell, the Camborne police officer heading the inquiry, said the bus driver was unhurt after a "tug-of-war" with the bags of cash.
But he raised concerns over the young age of one of the thieves, a ginger-haired boy of around 12 who was accompanied by two others aged in their late-teens or early-20s.
PC Cracknell said: "I am concerned that such a youngster is involved in a crime like this and that it was carried out when the holiday season in Portreath is getting into swing.
"It upsets me that you get silly incidents like this one which can have a detrimental effect on the image of Portreath. People work very hard in that community and this is not the sort of thing we want to see happening."
The trio struck last Wednesday lunchtime after travelling on the bus from the railway station to Portreath. They were dropped off near the village bakery.
As they walked off the bus, they grabbed several bags of money from a tray in the driver's compartment. Eyewitnesses reported them fleeing in the direction of Lighthouse Hill.
PC Cracknell said: "The driver said they had local accents but she does not recognise them as having travelled on the bus before. I have a feeling that they are living somewhere in the Portreath area. We are keen to hear from witnesses and anyone who can help in this inquiry."
The younger boy was said to be white and around 5ft tall. He was wearing a black top and blue, baggy jeans.
Both his accomplices were also white with tanned complexions and 5ft 10ins tall. One, who was bare-chested, wore blue jeans and was described as muscular and stocky. The second man was wearing a blue top with white writing on it.
Anyone with information on the theft or identity of the thieves is asked to contact PC Cracknell at Camborne police station on 08452 777444.
Officers said the youngster was part of a three-strong gang who escaped with change amounting to around £19 after the Truronian bus had ferried them to the seaside resort from Redruth railway station.
PC Dave Cracknell, the Camborne police officer heading the inquiry, said the bus driver was unhurt after a "tug-of-war" with the bags of cash.
But he raised concerns over the young age of one of the thieves, a ginger-haired boy of around 12 who was accompanied by two others aged in their late-teens or early-20s.
PC Cracknell said: "I am concerned that such a youngster is involved in a crime like this and that it was carried out when the holiday season in Portreath is getting into swing.
"It upsets me that you get silly incidents like this one which can have a detrimental effect on the image of Portreath. People work very hard in that community and this is not the sort of thing we want to see happening."
The trio struck last Wednesday lunchtime after travelling on the bus from the railway station to Portreath. They were dropped off near the village bakery.
As they walked off the bus, they grabbed several bags of money from a tray in the driver's compartment. Eyewitnesses reported them fleeing in the direction of Lighthouse Hill.
PC Cracknell said: "The driver said they had local accents but she does not recognise them as having travelled on the bus before. I have a feeling that they are living somewhere in the Portreath area. We are keen to hear from witnesses and anyone who can help in this inquiry."
The younger boy was said to be white and around 5ft tall. He was wearing a black top and blue, baggy jeans.
Both his accomplices were also white with tanned complexions and 5ft 10ins tall. One, who was bare-chested, wore blue jeans and was described as muscular and stocky. The second man was wearing a blue top with white writing on it.
Anyone with information on the theft or identity of the thieves is asked to contact PC Cracknell at Camborne police station on 08452 777444.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
July-September Quarterly
Portreath Harbour Fun Day will be held on Sunday 21st August this year. It is a family orientated event with plenty of fun and games for all ages. Please come with friends and relatives and support this village event which will benefit local groups and organisations.
Peta Redmore (Chair)
Stall Holders
Anyone interested in having a stall on Harbour Fun Day, please contact me by phone, or leave a note in the Post Office by 24th July. You will need to supply own table.
Cost £5.00 normal sized table
£10.00 larger table
£15.00 very large table
Raft Race
Teams wishing to enter, please phone me with name of team and number of team members – maximum of 5.
Thank you
Di Helyer (Secretary) 01209 842492
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Portreath Harbour Fun Day
12 noon Official Opening (name to follow – possibly Julia Goldsworthy)
12.15 Fancy Dress Competition : Theme is Nursery Rymes
Age Groups Under 5
5 – 9
10 – 11
12 – 14
14 +
12.30 * Welly Throwing
* Tribal Drums
1.0 Morris Men Dancing and / or Cornish Cloggers
1.30 Rebecca Whittaker singing
2.0 "Saqqara" – Portreath Belly Dancers
2.30 Tai Kwondo – on grass by Marquee
Run by John Lamb – classes on Wednesday and Sunday.
Interested ? Ring John on 01209 213558
3.0 "Stars in Your Eyes" – come and join in the fun.
Are you the next budding pop star ?
4.30 Gunge Tank : Junior and Senior –
Voting forms in Post office July/August
5.0 Beach to Harbour Swim – enroll at the Surf Club
6.0 * Raft Race – please enter your raft at the Raffle Tent during
approx the day and place raft on the slipway
* Presentations and Raffle Draw
6.30 * Family Disco – come and boogie in the Marquee
* Boat Trips from the Harbourside
8.0 End of the Day – we thank you all very much for your support
Throughout the day – Raffle tickets, stalls, BBQ, childrens entertainment in the Marquee (craft tables run by Portreath Play School; visit by Jed the Puppet, and parachute games) Beer Tent, Tea Tent etc.
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Portreath applies for a dispersal order
Today at the Parish Council meeting it was resolved by a unanimous vote of councillors to apply for a dispersal order. This has come about due to an increase in anti-social behaviour by a number of youngsters at various locations around the village. The main areas of concern are the beachfront car park, the harbour precinct, memorial gardens and Beach Road.
The Parish Council meeting was packed out with residents, organisation representatives and business owners all of one opinion that the anti-social behaviour has to stop and stop quickly. A well-supported petition was presented to the Council with the main points of complaint being, the congregation of youths in the previously mentioned areas, drinking, swearing, driving their cars in a dangerous manner, playing loud music, fighting and generally behaving in an intimidating way. There were a number of specific incidents mentioned, two of which were particularly dangerous. The first occurred on a busy Bank Holiday at 5:00 pm. A BMW drove through the village and down Beach Road by a driver above the alcohol limit, he lost control when he clipped a van parked outside the Beach Shop. Consequently the vehicle careered across the road into the entrance of the car park, destroying the gatepost and part of the wall and writing off the car. It was a miracle no one was walking on this usually busy path at the time. The second incident happened a few days later. Two vehicles full of youths were parked at the turning basin end of the Harbour, they then threw the Harbour Users Association hazardous waste material barrel into the harbour and used concrete blocks to split it open so releasing the waste into the harbour. They then released the mooring that is used for emergency landings. Malicious damage, that polluted the harbour for many days and put the emergency mooring out of use.
These are just two incidents of quite a long and rapidly growing list of anti-social behaviour that is becoming the "norm" in Portreath. Residents and businesses have had enough and voiced their protests extremely well to the full Parish Council.
Local Beat Manager PC Tim Roberts and Sargent Paul Marchent were present and assured the meeting that steps were being taken to increase the amount of patrols through the village in the early to late evening periods. PC Roberts is to progress the Dispersal Order as quickly as possible. If this order is obtained it will allow the police to move on any groups that are acting in an anti-social manor and prevent them from returning for up to 24 hours.
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£6 MILLION CASH BOOST FOR CORNWALL'S CENTRAL MINING DISTRICT
Great news, The Mineral Tramways Project has now secured the remaining £5.5million of funding to complete the largest heritage Project Cornwall has ever seen.
Half a million pounds was approved in November 2003 as Stage 1 to further develop Project proposals and costings. Stage 2 approval of £5.5 million, making an overall Project total of £6 million was granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective 1 and the South West Regional Development Agency on 16 March.
Project staff will now be appointed to complete the work on the ground, before the Project finally closes in December 2007.
The Project area covers, Camborne Redruth and Gwennap St Day which make up the Central Mining District of Cornwall, and will create 30.5km of new multi use trails which are predominantly off road, conserve and make safe 11 mining heritage sites, and carry out enhancement works in 13 villages. The following Project proposals will be carried out in your Parish.
Trail Creation works
The overriding aim of the Project is to create an accessible heritage experience, following as closely as possible the original mineral tramways and railways within the Project area, to connect important sites of Cornish mining, and mining villages with a network of multi use trails, although it has been necessary through Stage 1 of the Project to revise the route of some sections of the trail which were presented in the original funding applications. Earlier phases of the Project have created the Coast to Coast, Great Flat Lode, and Tresavean Trails. The new 30.5km multi use network consists of 4 new trails, two of which are within the parish of Portreath:-
Portreath Branchline Trail – running up the disused incline railway, using the original Portreath Branch Line to Alexander Road and Spa Lane on the outskirts of Illogan, onto Park Bottom, Tuckingmill finally connecting with the existing Great Flat Lode Trail at Brea village.
Tehidy Trail – running from the top of the disused Incline in Portreath to the Tehidy East Lodge car park on Cot Road, and west through the Park to Coombe.
Village Enhancement Works
The proposed Project enhancement works in the village will vastly improve its present appearance for both locals and visitors by forming a village square, narrowing the wide tarmac roads, and improving the appearance of the bleak car park and bus stop area. Thank you to all who took the time and trouble to fll in the questionnaire issued in the last Parish Tram. The Parish Council and the Minerals Tramway Team were pleased with the response.
The Project hopes to create more of a village square outside the shops and Portreath Arms, narrowing the wide sweeping expanse of tarmac, and creating smaller landscaped areas with improved paving and planting.
Beach Road will also be narrowed creating areas for new planting and a streamside pathway with parking retained. The Beach car park entrance will be altered and the car park itself will have new railings installed and disabled access improved. Other work is also proposed in the car park by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Penberthy Road is already the subject of traffic improvement works, however there may be some scope for further Project input, particularly at the entrance to the Square. Gateway features are proposed at the entrances to the village from when approaching from Bridge, or down Tregea Hill.
Detailed layout plans will be displayed over the coming months.
For further Project information contact the Mineral Tramways Project team on (01872) 322646, or the Kerrier Community Regeneration Office on (01209) 614061.
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CARER'S CAR CLAMPED AS SHE HELPS ELDERLY MAN
A carer whose car was recently clamped as she popped into a cafe to get change for the beachside car park at Portreath this week warned other motorists to be on their guard.
Jean White, of Gwinear, near Hayle, claimed the clamper pounced within about six minutes of her parking her car and escorting the 84-year-old man she was looking after into the nearby cafe.
Trouble began after Mrs White, aged 48, picked up the elderly man from his home at Camborne and drove him to Portreath last week.
She said: "One of our policies is that you are not allowed to leave a client in the car. I took him into the cafe and was given the change straight away. The lady in the cafe said she would bring out the coffees I had ordered.
"She said, 'You'd better go back to your car because the clamper's there.' He was by the car and said he had tried three different clamps."
A boss at her company, Penhellis Community Care, of Penryn, paid the £70.50 fee to have the clamp released.
But Mrs White insisted she was in the car park for no more than six minutes and the patrolman for Truro-based Armtrac Security Services had failed to give her 10 minutes' grace to buy a ticket.
She said: "I've heard that a lot of people get clamped at this car park but Armtrac have got to be fair and give people a chance to get the change for a ticket."
A spokesman for the firm's appeal centre said it had decided to make a full refund as Mrs White was a carer and was looking after an elderly man at the time.
He added: "The patrolman was doing his job. We have looked into it and felt a little compassion wouldn't go amiss."
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Incline Project
The Incline project continues to support and assist in securing funding for various village projects. In this issue of the Tram you will find a "Portreath information Pack" A leaflet full of contact numbers and web sites relevent to the village. We hope you will find it informative and useful. A big thanks to Malcome and Daphne for the work they put into it.
The Cares group, C.H.I.C, Belly Dancing and the C.O.G continue at a steady pace.
If any reader wishes advice or support or both, to start a community project please email chris@parishtram.co.uk or phone 01209 843873 or drop a line to the Parish Tram c/o Portreath Post Office.
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Portreath AFC
Managers Reflections
( a look back at the season )
Well what a first season as manager of Portreath AFC I have had. When I was first approached to take charge of the team, I thought long and hard, what players would join the club and would we attract any sponsors etc. Little did I know what a roller coaster of a season it would be.
There have been lots of rumours about Portreath this season, from the paying of players, to me having a vehicle supplied - all are false.
The players play for Portreath because they enjoy it, I manage them because I want to, it's that simple.
I have had players from 7 clubs sign on for the New Portreath. I asked them to change the way they played and play a new system. They took it all on board, and in my opinion, have at times played some very exciting and adventurous football. The mixture and blend of players that I have had the pleasure to manage this season, has sometimes made my life easy, and sometimes made it difficult because of the pure talent and commitment of the players.
The club has had a very successful season, we have gained promotion to the top flight at the first attempt, breaking the all time record of goals scored in the Mining League with 164 scored and only 30 conceded.
We have won the Jubilee Cup against Storm in an action packed final.
We had a great run in the Arthur Pearce Cup beating three highly placed Div 1 teams on the way, only to be beaten by Gwinear in the semi-final.
We faced the Mining League Div 1 winners Gulval in the second round of the Junior Cup and in my opinion acquitted ourselves well.
If there is a downside to the season it is that Big Ross, ( as he is known within the club ), will not be with us next season due to work commitments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done for me personally and for the club, but I am sure that the foundations that he has helped to lay will last for many seasons to come.
I am looking forward to Div 1 football next season and all the challenges that it brings.
We will be training every Wednesday, starting Weds the 29th of June at RAF Portreath, meeting in the car park at 6 - 30pm, if any players out there think they might like to join this successful club ( don't worry we are a friendly bunch ), please come along to a training session or contact me direct by e-mail at roger.sowden@btinternet.com or ring / text me on 07969 954911.
In closing I would like to say a big thank you to all our committee members who have worked so hard and believed in me and a big thanks to our sponsors who were so generous last season.
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Portreath Parish Council Report
Appointment of Chairman
At a meeting held on 16th May Councillor C.J. Watts was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Council and Mrs. D. Butler was appointed Vice Chairman. Upon taking office Councillor Watts
thanked the outgoing Chairman, Councillor K Bowden, for the able manner in which the Council had been chaired during the past year
Regrading of Footpaths
Cornwall County Council have adopted an updated system for the grading of footpaths throughout the County. The most important and most used footpaths will now be graded as Gold footpaths, the less used as Silver and those rarely used will become Bronze paths. The Parish Council noted with pleasure that all the footpaths within this Parish would now become Gold Paths and would, therefore, be upgraded and would be maintained to a higher standard.
Portreath Harbour
The Chairman reported on a recent meeting with Heads of Service at Kerrier District Council regarding the future of the Harbour. Ways in which the future of the Harbour could be assured were discussed and the possibility of incorporating 2 lock gates, one on the outer Harbour so that this would always be full of water, and a second scheme to erect a curved wall between the end of the pier and Horse Rock. This would create a number of advantages as it would relieve the force of the water on the pier and would mean that the area could be used all year round.
Various other aspects of the use of the Harbour were discussed including the re-siting of the 'fishermans' hut , the possible sources of funding and the possible advantageous knock on effect for the Village of such improvements.
A Working Party is to be formed as part of the Council's Regeneration Steering Sub-Committee and funding is to be sought for the carrying out of a feasibility study into the various proposals.
Planning Applications
Various planning applications received consideration since the last publication including the proposed Remedial Works to be carried out at RAF Portreath. This work would be carried out over a fairly lengthy period and Members were assured that all possible safety precautions would be taken during the course of the work.
Beach Toilets
Due to various acts of vandalism to the Beach Toilets, the owners of the building, Kerrier District Council, issued a directive that the toilets be locked at 5:00 each evening in a effort to prevent further acts of destruction and instructions to this affect were issued to the person carrying out the daily locking of the toilets. Members of the Council were of the opinion that this very early locking time would cause problems for those visiting the Village and Beach during the evenings and following representations to Kerrier District Council it was agreed that from the end of June until early September the toilets could remain open until 8:30.. It is to be hoped that the few persons causing damage to the toilets will appreciate the difficulties caused to others as a result of indiscriminate vandalism.
Dispersal Order
Following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
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TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
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Class 2 from the Portreath Primary School made an acrostic poem about the Seaside,
which they recently read out in assembly –
Sun, sand and sea
Everybody enjoying the fun
All children playing the sand
Surfers surfing into shore
Ice-creams melting in the sun
Dolphins diving in the sea
Every fisherman catching a big one
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EXPLOSION FAILS TO MAKE CLIFF SAFE
24 May 2005
A loud bang and a plume of smoke marked the places where explosives tore into a cliff-face on the 24th May, but the eruption was more of a damp squib, with very little rock crashing to earth. The National Trust owns the cliff above Portreath beach and after the winter cliff fall of many tonnes of rock onto the Western end of the beach leaving dangerous looking faults, it was decided to consult experts.
South Western Mining and Tunnelling was called in by the Trust and carried out a controlled explosion to stabilise a 20m section of cliff and remove 100 tonnes of rock, but the blast failed to dislodge the main dangerous crag, which was more stable than previously thought.
Bill Makin, the Trust's Assistant Property Manager for mid-Cornwall, said: "It is still a work in progress really because not a lot of stone came down at all."
"It is the first time we have had to take action here but there have been some quite big falls over the winter and we are moving in to the summer season and the risk to beach users is that much higher."
An exclusion zone was set-up around the blast area to maintain safety while the specialist team used 160g charges to blow out the crumbling rocks.
Subsequently at the 6th of June Parish Council meeting Mr Makin gave a talk on the present situation. He explained that after a fairly extensive survey it has been decided that no further action is to be taken as the survey shows there is a large buttress of rock underlying the visible cracks.
To advise and warn the public of the possibility of any further falls, the National Trust has prepared highly visible warning signs and have made arrangements with the Portreath Life Saving Club to have them prominently displayed every day throughout the holiday season.
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Leanne's Eden Summer Ball
Saturday 9th July 2005
7.30pm
at the Eden Project, St Austell
Individual tickets £25.00
Guests will be taken down by land train to the biomes, eat a summer feast, and be entertained by the amazing 'Tequila' band, a 25 piece steel band.
There will also be a Summer Ball Auction, with Lots including:
A week in a luxury villa in Tenerife
A private plane to take you and 7 people off for a weekend
2 Hospitality tickets in a box at Old Trafford
A private helicopter to whisk you off to London for a shopping trip
A Conservatory
A Hot Air Balloon Ride
An 'off road' experience
and much more including meals, hotel breaks, oysters & bubbly, etc !!!
Tickets are available from :
Ottakers Bookshop, Truro 225765
The Body Shop, Truro 241562
Lush, Truro 20469
Next, Truro 0870 386 5497
Carbonara Restaurant, Truro 223008
Or by by emailing Leanne at lgrose@tiscali.co.uk
This Black Tie Benefit Summer Ball will be excellent value for money and at the same time will raise funds for a very special young lady of 24 who is fighting cancer. The tumour has meant Leanne has now had to have her left leg amputated above her knee and this means she is desperately trying to raise money for an extension to her home to give her a ground level bathroom and shower.
Many of you will have seen the articles in the West Briton, and if you want to find out more about Leanne, her web site is www.leannesfundraisingappeal.co.uk. From this you will see that she is also holding a bandage appeal, is willing to go into schools to talk to children about her experience, and is willing to talk to anyone else who is needs advice about fundraising or a chat about a forthcoming operation or amputation.
My reason for advertising this particular event is because Leanne is such a fantastic person and having attended her event "A Girl's Night In" at the Alverton Manor in May, I can assure you that you will have a memorable, wonderful evening at Eden – she is certainly very good at giving amazing value for money ! She is never self pitying, just a caring, warm, lovely person, with a bubbly fun sense of humour, who is fighting cancer and pain with an indomitable spirit, which affects all of us who are lucky enough to know her.
If you can support her in any way, that would be fantastic.
Shena Watts
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Beat Lines
Summer has finally arrived and I am sure that most of us will look forward to enjoying the sunshine and lighter warmer evenings that this time of the year brings (occasionally!). However I am equally as sure that no one will look forward to the poor behaviour that the good weather seems to bring out in some groups of people. Many residents and business people have already complained to me about incidents of drunkenness, harassment, intimidation and threats. Anti-social behaviour of this type is unpleasant to experience and has the ability to make responsible holidaymakers want to leave the area vowing not to return.
The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are committed to stopping anti-social behaviour to improve the quality of life for all. I have recently submitted an application to seek authorisation for a dispersal order for the village covering the summer months only. There has been very strong support for the application within the local community resulting in a strong attendance by members of the public at the parish council meeting on 6th June. The council unanimously agreed that the order was necessary. In addition, I have been handed a petition signed by local people in favour of a dispersal order.
I would like to thank all those people that have taken the time to consider the issues and have been prepared to state their opinions. Without public support such an order would be more difficult to implement.
You may be wondering what a dispersal order is all about so I will briefly explain.
If authorised, an area (within Portreath) will be designated as the dispersal zone. Groups of 2 or more people who gather within the zone may be ordered by an officer to disperse or leave the zone for a specified time (up to 24hrs). They can only be given this order if they are suspected to be involved in or are likely to engage in behaviour that will cause alarm, harassment, intimidation or distress to others. For example if the beach were included within the zone and a group of people were causing trouble here this group could be ordered to leave the zone and not return for up to 24hours.
A dispersal order also empowers police officers and police community support officers to return any person aged under 16years to their home address if they are found within the zone after 9pm without responsible supervision.
The orders may only be authorised for a maximum of six months.
It is important to stress that the aim of a dispersal order is to prevent anti-social behaviour. It is not legislation that designed to specifically target young people and it will not be used against any group that is not involved in anti-social behaviour.
The parish council and I have discussed a designated public place order for Portreath – if this is applied for I'll explain about it in the next edition!
PC Tim Roberts
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letter page
The Feadon Residents Group is in the midst of an application to Cornwall County Council to correct an anomaly on the definitive map. Although the footpath that Feadon residents use to access the amenities of the village appears on old maps, guides, aerial photos etc, and has been used daily for as long as residents here can remember, it is not shown on the latest definitive map. The path also appears on the 1973 planning application for the houses at Hillside, and it was a condition that there were to be no enclosures.
The Feadon Residents Group would like to hear from anyone else who has used this path (which runs parallel to the track known as "Glenfeadon Lane" but higher up the bank of the hill) for the past 20+ years
Contact Marj on tel: 843194
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BID TO SAFEGUARD FUTURE OF PORTREATH HARBOUR
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath, as opposed to cause for concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
The vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
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DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine."
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses."
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by."
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge."
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
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Over 50s Leisure Week
Activities for Older People
Monday 19th September – Sunday 25th September
As some residents of West Cornwall may be aware an extremely interesting and active week of leisure and recreation activities took place in April. For those of you who had not heard about it, don't worry the Over 50s Leisure Week is back, this time between September 19th and the 25th!
The week is organised by Kerrier & Penwith District Council, in conjunction with the West of Cornwall LEAP (Local Exercise Action Pilot) project. The activities take place right across West Cornwall, using sports clubs, leisure centres and other leisure providers such as golf clubs and the adult education service. All activities are fun, led by suitably qualified coaches and most importantly are FREE of charge.
The April week was enormously successful. There was a wide range of activities including bowls, walking, pilates, tai-chi, cycling, swimming, windsurfing, sailing plus many more. The week in September will include similar activities and will be a great chance to try something new, meet new people or just have some fun while being active.
If you think this may be your sort of thing, its easy to book:
Ring LEAP on 01209 313419 to register for a timetable which will be sent once it has been finalised.
The whole Over 50s Leisure Team would like to pay special thanks to all the sports clubs and leisure providers who have delivered activity sessions in April and those who are going to take part in September.
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PORTREATH HARBOUR ASSOCIATION
As this is the first time the Association have taken a space in the Parish Tram, it would seem a good time to tell you more about us.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. Most boats being used for private fishing and pleasure.
You may have noticed that the boat yard area has been tidied up by the Harbour Association members and all discarded maintenance materials put in a skip and taken away. In the winter especially at weekends boat maintenance is at fever pitch, no more so than Jeanette a timber built boat of which I will feature in the next issue, along with any news regarding the Harbour.
NS
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Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
Eight members of the club travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Australian National Surf Life Saving Competition that was held at Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast from the 15th - 20th March 2005.
The 'Aussie Nationals' as this competition is colloquially known attracts in excess of 7300 entrants from all round Australia. It is the second biggest world-sporting event; the Olympics being the first.
Jenna Hawkey, Rachel Pascoe, Ryan Doble, Matt Bowden, David Green and Katy Whear were competitors. Rob Phillips the club's chairman was the Great Britain team manager and Penny Whear was the team masseuse and 'Girl Friday'.
These young athletes all performed exceptionally well and given that they were competing 'out of season' against the very best in Australia came up with superb results.
Ryan Doble got to the quarterfinals of the beach sprint in the men's open and Matt Bowden got to the semi finals in the Under 17 boy's beach sprint. Jenna Hawkey paddled her ski in a superb manner and got into the semi final of the under 19 ski race against some very strong and 'die hard' ski paddlers. Katy Whear ran very well despite a niggling hamstring injury and got into the finals of the open women's beach sprint, in which she attained 6th place overall.
The week after the Australian National competition the Portreath members representing Great Britain were competing again in The International Surf Challenge 2005. This was a five nation's challenge between the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan. The top athletes from these countries took part, some being Olympic and Commonwealth champions. Again, despite the incredibly hot weather and the fact that they were competing out of season (the competitors from the southern hemisphere were in their peak season) superb results like Rachel Pascoe finishing second in the ski behind the current world champion which boosted the overall aggregate and helped at beating the USA over the two-day test.
The final result was;
1 Australia
2 New Zealand
3 Great Britain
4 USA
5 Japan
It is all down to the dedication to their sport and the serious training that the team put in that gave us such a fantastic result. They are a credit to their club and their country and surf life saving.
It is also thanks to the Portreath Improvements Committee for the grant of £1000 for easing the financial burden for these young athletes to be able to travel so far and perform so well.
Thank you
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club.
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TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Peta Redmore (Chair)
Stall Holders
Anyone interested in having a stall on Harbour Fun Day, please contact me by phone, or leave a note in the Post Office by 24th July. You will need to supply own table.
Cost £5.00 normal sized table
£10.00 larger table
£15.00 very large table
Raft Race
Teams wishing to enter, please phone me with name of team and number of team members – maximum of 5.
Thank you
Di Helyer (Secretary) 01209 842492
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Portreath Harbour Fun Day
12 noon Official Opening (name to follow – possibly Julia Goldsworthy)
12.15 Fancy Dress Competition : Theme is Nursery Rymes
Age Groups Under 5
5 – 9
10 – 11
12 – 14
14 +
12.30 * Welly Throwing
* Tribal Drums
1.0 Morris Men Dancing and / or Cornish Cloggers
1.30 Rebecca Whittaker singing
2.0 "Saqqara" – Portreath Belly Dancers
2.30 Tai Kwondo – on grass by Marquee
Run by John Lamb – classes on Wednesday and Sunday.
Interested ? Ring John on 01209 213558
3.0 "Stars in Your Eyes" – come and join in the fun.
Are you the next budding pop star ?
4.30 Gunge Tank : Junior and Senior –
Voting forms in Post office July/August
5.0 Beach to Harbour Swim – enroll at the Surf Club
6.0 * Raft Race – please enter your raft at the Raffle Tent during
approx the day and place raft on the slipway
* Presentations and Raffle Draw
6.30 * Family Disco – come and boogie in the Marquee
* Boat Trips from the Harbourside
8.0 End of the Day – we thank you all very much for your support
Throughout the day – Raffle tickets, stalls, BBQ, childrens entertainment in the Marquee (craft tables run by Portreath Play School; visit by Jed the Puppet, and parachute games) Beer Tent, Tea Tent etc.
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Portreath applies for a dispersal order
Today at the Parish Council meeting it was resolved by a unanimous vote of councillors to apply for a dispersal order. This has come about due to an increase in anti-social behaviour by a number of youngsters at various locations around the village. The main areas of concern are the beachfront car park, the harbour precinct, memorial gardens and Beach Road.
The Parish Council meeting was packed out with residents, organisation representatives and business owners all of one opinion that the anti-social behaviour has to stop and stop quickly. A well-supported petition was presented to the Council with the main points of complaint being, the congregation of youths in the previously mentioned areas, drinking, swearing, driving their cars in a dangerous manner, playing loud music, fighting and generally behaving in an intimidating way. There were a number of specific incidents mentioned, two of which were particularly dangerous. The first occurred on a busy Bank Holiday at 5:00 pm. A BMW drove through the village and down Beach Road by a driver above the alcohol limit, he lost control when he clipped a van parked outside the Beach Shop. Consequently the vehicle careered across the road into the entrance of the car park, destroying the gatepost and part of the wall and writing off the car. It was a miracle no one was walking on this usually busy path at the time. The second incident happened a few days later. Two vehicles full of youths were parked at the turning basin end of the Harbour, they then threw the Harbour Users Association hazardous waste material barrel into the harbour and used concrete blocks to split it open so releasing the waste into the harbour. They then released the mooring that is used for emergency landings. Malicious damage, that polluted the harbour for many days and put the emergency mooring out of use.
These are just two incidents of quite a long and rapidly growing list of anti-social behaviour that is becoming the "norm" in Portreath. Residents and businesses have had enough and voiced their protests extremely well to the full Parish Council.
Local Beat Manager PC Tim Roberts and Sargent Paul Marchent were present and assured the meeting that steps were being taken to increase the amount of patrols through the village in the early to late evening periods. PC Roberts is to progress the Dispersal Order as quickly as possible. If this order is obtained it will allow the police to move on any groups that are acting in an anti-social manor and prevent them from returning for up to 24 hours.
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£6 MILLION CASH BOOST FOR CORNWALL'S CENTRAL MINING DISTRICT
Great news, The Mineral Tramways Project has now secured the remaining £5.5million of funding to complete the largest heritage Project Cornwall has ever seen.
Half a million pounds was approved in November 2003 as Stage 1 to further develop Project proposals and costings. Stage 2 approval of £5.5 million, making an overall Project total of £6 million was granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective 1 and the South West Regional Development Agency on 16 March.
Project staff will now be appointed to complete the work on the ground, before the Project finally closes in December 2007.
The Project area covers, Camborne Redruth and Gwennap St Day which make up the Central Mining District of Cornwall, and will create 30.5km of new multi use trails which are predominantly off road, conserve and make safe 11 mining heritage sites, and carry out enhancement works in 13 villages. The following Project proposals will be carried out in your Parish.
Trail Creation works
The overriding aim of the Project is to create an accessible heritage experience, following as closely as possible the original mineral tramways and railways within the Project area, to connect important sites of Cornish mining, and mining villages with a network of multi use trails, although it has been necessary through Stage 1 of the Project to revise the route of some sections of the trail which were presented in the original funding applications. Earlier phases of the Project have created the Coast to Coast, Great Flat Lode, and Tresavean Trails. The new 30.5km multi use network consists of 4 new trails, two of which are within the parish of Portreath:-
Portreath Branchline Trail – running up the disused incline railway, using the original Portreath Branch Line to Alexander Road and Spa Lane on the outskirts of Illogan, onto Park Bottom, Tuckingmill finally connecting with the existing Great Flat Lode Trail at Brea village.
Tehidy Trail – running from the top of the disused Incline in Portreath to the Tehidy East Lodge car park on Cot Road, and west through the Park to Coombe.
Village Enhancement Works
The proposed Project enhancement works in the village will vastly improve its present appearance for both locals and visitors by forming a village square, narrowing the wide tarmac roads, and improving the appearance of the bleak car park and bus stop area. Thank you to all who took the time and trouble to fll in the questionnaire issued in the last Parish Tram. The Parish Council and the Minerals Tramway Team were pleased with the response.
The Project hopes to create more of a village square outside the shops and Portreath Arms, narrowing the wide sweeping expanse of tarmac, and creating smaller landscaped areas with improved paving and planting.
Beach Road will also be narrowed creating areas for new planting and a streamside pathway with parking retained. The Beach car park entrance will be altered and the car park itself will have new railings installed and disabled access improved. Other work is also proposed in the car park by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Penberthy Road is already the subject of traffic improvement works, however there may be some scope for further Project input, particularly at the entrance to the Square. Gateway features are proposed at the entrances to the village from when approaching from Bridge, or down Tregea Hill.
Detailed layout plans will be displayed over the coming months.
For further Project information contact the Mineral Tramways Project team on (01872) 322646, or the Kerrier Community Regeneration Office on (01209) 614061.
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CARER'S CAR CLAMPED AS SHE HELPS ELDERLY MAN
A carer whose car was recently clamped as she popped into a cafe to get change for the beachside car park at Portreath this week warned other motorists to be on their guard.
Jean White, of Gwinear, near Hayle, claimed the clamper pounced within about six minutes of her parking her car and escorting the 84-year-old man she was looking after into the nearby cafe.
Trouble began after Mrs White, aged 48, picked up the elderly man from his home at Camborne and drove him to Portreath last week.
She said: "One of our policies is that you are not allowed to leave a client in the car. I took him into the cafe and was given the change straight away. The lady in the cafe said she would bring out the coffees I had ordered.
"She said, 'You'd better go back to your car because the clamper's there.' He was by the car and said he had tried three different clamps."
A boss at her company, Penhellis Community Care, of Penryn, paid the £70.50 fee to have the clamp released.
But Mrs White insisted she was in the car park for no more than six minutes and the patrolman for Truro-based Armtrac Security Services had failed to give her 10 minutes' grace to buy a ticket.
She said: "I've heard that a lot of people get clamped at this car park but Armtrac have got to be fair and give people a chance to get the change for a ticket."
A spokesman for the firm's appeal centre said it had decided to make a full refund as Mrs White was a carer and was looking after an elderly man at the time.
He added: "The patrolman was doing his job. We have looked into it and felt a little compassion wouldn't go amiss."
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Incline Project
The Incline project continues to support and assist in securing funding for various village projects. In this issue of the Tram you will find a "Portreath information Pack" A leaflet full of contact numbers and web sites relevent to the village. We hope you will find it informative and useful. A big thanks to Malcome and Daphne for the work they put into it.
The Cares group, C.H.I.C, Belly Dancing and the C.O.G continue at a steady pace.
If any reader wishes advice or support or both, to start a community project please email chris@parishtram.co.uk or phone 01209 843873 or drop a line to the Parish Tram c/o Portreath Post Office.
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Portreath AFC
Managers Reflections
( a look back at the season )
Well what a first season as manager of Portreath AFC I have had. When I was first approached to take charge of the team, I thought long and hard, what players would join the club and would we attract any sponsors etc. Little did I know what a roller coaster of a season it would be.
There have been lots of rumours about Portreath this season, from the paying of players, to me having a vehicle supplied - all are false.
The players play for Portreath because they enjoy it, I manage them because I want to, it's that simple.
I have had players from 7 clubs sign on for the New Portreath. I asked them to change the way they played and play a new system. They took it all on board, and in my opinion, have at times played some very exciting and adventurous football. The mixture and blend of players that I have had the pleasure to manage this season, has sometimes made my life easy, and sometimes made it difficult because of the pure talent and commitment of the players.
The club has had a very successful season, we have gained promotion to the top flight at the first attempt, breaking the all time record of goals scored in the Mining League with 164 scored and only 30 conceded.
We have won the Jubilee Cup against Storm in an action packed final.
We had a great run in the Arthur Pearce Cup beating three highly placed Div 1 teams on the way, only to be beaten by Gwinear in the semi-final.
We faced the Mining League Div 1 winners Gulval in the second round of the Junior Cup and in my opinion acquitted ourselves well.
If there is a downside to the season it is that Big Ross, ( as he is known within the club ), will not be with us next season due to work commitments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done for me personally and for the club, but I am sure that the foundations that he has helped to lay will last for many seasons to come.
I am looking forward to Div 1 football next season and all the challenges that it brings.
We will be training every Wednesday, starting Weds the 29th of June at RAF Portreath, meeting in the car park at 6 - 30pm, if any players out there think they might like to join this successful club ( don't worry we are a friendly bunch ), please come along to a training session or contact me direct by e-mail at roger.sowden@btinternet.com or ring / text me on 07969 954911.
In closing I would like to say a big thank you to all our committee members who have worked so hard and believed in me and a big thanks to our sponsors who were so generous last season.
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Portreath Parish Council Report
Appointment of Chairman
At a meeting held on 16th May Councillor C.J. Watts was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Council and Mrs. D. Butler was appointed Vice Chairman. Upon taking office Councillor Watts
thanked the outgoing Chairman, Councillor K Bowden, for the able manner in which the Council had been chaired during the past year
Regrading of Footpaths
Cornwall County Council have adopted an updated system for the grading of footpaths throughout the County. The most important and most used footpaths will now be graded as Gold footpaths, the less used as Silver and those rarely used will become Bronze paths. The Parish Council noted with pleasure that all the footpaths within this Parish would now become Gold Paths and would, therefore, be upgraded and would be maintained to a higher standard.
Portreath Harbour
The Chairman reported on a recent meeting with Heads of Service at Kerrier District Council regarding the future of the Harbour. Ways in which the future of the Harbour could be assured were discussed and the possibility of incorporating 2 lock gates, one on the outer Harbour so that this would always be full of water, and a second scheme to erect a curved wall between the end of the pier and Horse Rock. This would create a number of advantages as it would relieve the force of the water on the pier and would mean that the area could be used all year round.
Various other aspects of the use of the Harbour were discussed including the re-siting of the 'fishermans' hut , the possible sources of funding and the possible advantageous knock on effect for the Village of such improvements.
A Working Party is to be formed as part of the Council's Regeneration Steering Sub-Committee and funding is to be sought for the carrying out of a feasibility study into the various proposals.
Planning Applications
Various planning applications received consideration since the last publication including the proposed Remedial Works to be carried out at RAF Portreath. This work would be carried out over a fairly lengthy period and Members were assured that all possible safety precautions would be taken during the course of the work.
Beach Toilets
Due to various acts of vandalism to the Beach Toilets, the owners of the building, Kerrier District Council, issued a directive that the toilets be locked at 5:00 each evening in a effort to prevent further acts of destruction and instructions to this affect were issued to the person carrying out the daily locking of the toilets. Members of the Council were of the opinion that this very early locking time would cause problems for those visiting the Village and Beach during the evenings and following representations to Kerrier District Council it was agreed that from the end of June until early September the toilets could remain open until 8:30.. It is to be hoped that the few persons causing damage to the toilets will appreciate the difficulties caused to others as a result of indiscriminate vandalism.
Dispersal Order
Following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
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TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
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Class 2 from the Portreath Primary School made an acrostic poem about the Seaside,
which they recently read out in assembly –
Sun, sand and sea
Everybody enjoying the fun
All children playing the sand
Surfers surfing into shore
Ice-creams melting in the sun
Dolphins diving in the sea
Every fisherman catching a big one
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EXPLOSION FAILS TO MAKE CLIFF SAFE
24 May 2005
A loud bang and a plume of smoke marked the places where explosives tore into a cliff-face on the 24th May, but the eruption was more of a damp squib, with very little rock crashing to earth. The National Trust owns the cliff above Portreath beach and after the winter cliff fall of many tonnes of rock onto the Western end of the beach leaving dangerous looking faults, it was decided to consult experts.
South Western Mining and Tunnelling was called in by the Trust and carried out a controlled explosion to stabilise a 20m section of cliff and remove 100 tonnes of rock, but the blast failed to dislodge the main dangerous crag, which was more stable than previously thought.
Bill Makin, the Trust's Assistant Property Manager for mid-Cornwall, said: "It is still a work in progress really because not a lot of stone came down at all."
"It is the first time we have had to take action here but there have been some quite big falls over the winter and we are moving in to the summer season and the risk to beach users is that much higher."
An exclusion zone was set-up around the blast area to maintain safety while the specialist team used 160g charges to blow out the crumbling rocks.
Subsequently at the 6th of June Parish Council meeting Mr Makin gave a talk on the present situation. He explained that after a fairly extensive survey it has been decided that no further action is to be taken as the survey shows there is a large buttress of rock underlying the visible cracks.
To advise and warn the public of the possibility of any further falls, the National Trust has prepared highly visible warning signs and have made arrangements with the Portreath Life Saving Club to have them prominently displayed every day throughout the holiday season.
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Leanne's Eden Summer Ball
Saturday 9th July 2005
7.30pm
at the Eden Project, St Austell
Individual tickets £25.00
Guests will be taken down by land train to the biomes, eat a summer feast, and be entertained by the amazing 'Tequila' band, a 25 piece steel band.
There will also be a Summer Ball Auction, with Lots including:
A week in a luxury villa in Tenerife
A private plane to take you and 7 people off for a weekend
2 Hospitality tickets in a box at Old Trafford
A private helicopter to whisk you off to London for a shopping trip
A Conservatory
A Hot Air Balloon Ride
An 'off road' experience
and much more including meals, hotel breaks, oysters & bubbly, etc !!!
Tickets are available from :
Ottakers Bookshop, Truro 225765
The Body Shop, Truro 241562
Lush, Truro 20469
Next, Truro 0870 386 5497
Carbonara Restaurant, Truro 223008
Or by by emailing Leanne at lgrose@tiscali.co.uk
This Black Tie Benefit Summer Ball will be excellent value for money and at the same time will raise funds for a very special young lady of 24 who is fighting cancer. The tumour has meant Leanne has now had to have her left leg amputated above her knee and this means she is desperately trying to raise money for an extension to her home to give her a ground level bathroom and shower.
Many of you will have seen the articles in the West Briton, and if you want to find out more about Leanne, her web site is www.leannesfundraisingappeal.co.uk. From this you will see that she is also holding a bandage appeal, is willing to go into schools to talk to children about her experience, and is willing to talk to anyone else who is needs advice about fundraising or a chat about a forthcoming operation or amputation.
My reason for advertising this particular event is because Leanne is such a fantastic person and having attended her event "A Girl's Night In" at the Alverton Manor in May, I can assure you that you will have a memorable, wonderful evening at Eden – she is certainly very good at giving amazing value for money ! She is never self pitying, just a caring, warm, lovely person, with a bubbly fun sense of humour, who is fighting cancer and pain with an indomitable spirit, which affects all of us who are lucky enough to know her.
If you can support her in any way, that would be fantastic.
Shena Watts
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Beat Lines
Summer has finally arrived and I am sure that most of us will look forward to enjoying the sunshine and lighter warmer evenings that this time of the year brings (occasionally!). However I am equally as sure that no one will look forward to the poor behaviour that the good weather seems to bring out in some groups of people. Many residents and business people have already complained to me about incidents of drunkenness, harassment, intimidation and threats. Anti-social behaviour of this type is unpleasant to experience and has the ability to make responsible holidaymakers want to leave the area vowing not to return.
The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are committed to stopping anti-social behaviour to improve the quality of life for all. I have recently submitted an application to seek authorisation for a dispersal order for the village covering the summer months only. There has been very strong support for the application within the local community resulting in a strong attendance by members of the public at the parish council meeting on 6th June. The council unanimously agreed that the order was necessary. In addition, I have been handed a petition signed by local people in favour of a dispersal order.
I would like to thank all those people that have taken the time to consider the issues and have been prepared to state their opinions. Without public support such an order would be more difficult to implement.
You may be wondering what a dispersal order is all about so I will briefly explain.
If authorised, an area (within Portreath) will be designated as the dispersal zone. Groups of 2 or more people who gather within the zone may be ordered by an officer to disperse or leave the zone for a specified time (up to 24hrs). They can only be given this order if they are suspected to be involved in or are likely to engage in behaviour that will cause alarm, harassment, intimidation or distress to others. For example if the beach were included within the zone and a group of people were causing trouble here this group could be ordered to leave the zone and not return for up to 24hours.
A dispersal order also empowers police officers and police community support officers to return any person aged under 16years to their home address if they are found within the zone after 9pm without responsible supervision.
The orders may only be authorised for a maximum of six months.
It is important to stress that the aim of a dispersal order is to prevent anti-social behaviour. It is not legislation that designed to specifically target young people and it will not be used against any group that is not involved in anti-social behaviour.
The parish council and I have discussed a designated public place order for Portreath – if this is applied for I'll explain about it in the next edition!
PC Tim Roberts
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letter page
The Feadon Residents Group is in the midst of an application to Cornwall County Council to correct an anomaly on the definitive map. Although the footpath that Feadon residents use to access the amenities of the village appears on old maps, guides, aerial photos etc, and has been used daily for as long as residents here can remember, it is not shown on the latest definitive map. The path also appears on the 1973 planning application for the houses at Hillside, and it was a condition that there were to be no enclosures.
The Feadon Residents Group would like to hear from anyone else who has used this path (which runs parallel to the track known as "Glenfeadon Lane" but higher up the bank of the hill) for the past 20+ years
Contact Marj on tel: 843194
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BID TO SAFEGUARD FUTURE OF PORTREATH HARBOUR
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath, as opposed to cause for concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
The vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
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DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine."
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses."
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by."
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge."
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
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Over 50s Leisure Week
Activities for Older People
Monday 19th September – Sunday 25th September
As some residents of West Cornwall may be aware an extremely interesting and active week of leisure and recreation activities took place in April. For those of you who had not heard about it, don't worry the Over 50s Leisure Week is back, this time between September 19th and the 25th!
The week is organised by Kerrier & Penwith District Council, in conjunction with the West of Cornwall LEAP (Local Exercise Action Pilot) project. The activities take place right across West Cornwall, using sports clubs, leisure centres and other leisure providers such as golf clubs and the adult education service. All activities are fun, led by suitably qualified coaches and most importantly are FREE of charge.
The April week was enormously successful. There was a wide range of activities including bowls, walking, pilates, tai-chi, cycling, swimming, windsurfing, sailing plus many more. The week in September will include similar activities and will be a great chance to try something new, meet new people or just have some fun while being active.
If you think this may be your sort of thing, its easy to book:
Ring LEAP on 01209 313419 to register for a timetable which will be sent once it has been finalised.
The whole Over 50s Leisure Team would like to pay special thanks to all the sports clubs and leisure providers who have delivered activity sessions in April and those who are going to take part in September.
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PORTREATH HARBOUR ASSOCIATION
As this is the first time the Association have taken a space in the Parish Tram, it would seem a good time to tell you more about us.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. Most boats being used for private fishing and pleasure.
You may have noticed that the boat yard area has been tidied up by the Harbour Association members and all discarded maintenance materials put in a skip and taken away. In the winter especially at weekends boat maintenance is at fever pitch, no more so than Jeanette a timber built boat of which I will feature in the next issue, along with any news regarding the Harbour.
NS
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Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
Eight members of the club travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Australian National Surf Life Saving Competition that was held at Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast from the 15th - 20th March 2005.
The 'Aussie Nationals' as this competition is colloquially known attracts in excess of 7300 entrants from all round Australia. It is the second biggest world-sporting event; the Olympics being the first.
Jenna Hawkey, Rachel Pascoe, Ryan Doble, Matt Bowden, David Green and Katy Whear were competitors. Rob Phillips the club's chairman was the Great Britain team manager and Penny Whear was the team masseuse and 'Girl Friday'.
These young athletes all performed exceptionally well and given that they were competing 'out of season' against the very best in Australia came up with superb results.
Ryan Doble got to the quarterfinals of the beach sprint in the men's open and Matt Bowden got to the semi finals in the Under 17 boy's beach sprint. Jenna Hawkey paddled her ski in a superb manner and got into the semi final of the under 19 ski race against some very strong and 'die hard' ski paddlers. Katy Whear ran very well despite a niggling hamstring injury and got into the finals of the open women's beach sprint, in which she attained 6th place overall.
The week after the Australian National competition the Portreath members representing Great Britain were competing again in The International Surf Challenge 2005. This was a five nation's challenge between the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan. The top athletes from these countries took part, some being Olympic and Commonwealth champions. Again, despite the incredibly hot weather and the fact that they were competing out of season (the competitors from the southern hemisphere were in their peak season) superb results like Rachel Pascoe finishing second in the ski behind the current world champion which boosted the overall aggregate and helped at beating the USA over the two-day test.
The final result was;
1 Australia
2 New Zealand
3 Great Britain
4 USA
5 Japan
It is all down to the dedication to their sport and the serious training that the team put in that gave us such a fantastic result. They are a credit to their club and their country and surf life saving.
It is also thanks to the Portreath Improvements Committee for the grant of £1000 for easing the financial burden for these young athletes to be able to travel so far and perform so well.
Thank you
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club.
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TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Friday, June 17, 2005
TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine.
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses.
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by.
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge.
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine.
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses.
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by.
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge.
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
BID TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN PORTREATH
09:00 - 16 June 2005
Hopes are high that a dispersal order can be introduced in parts of Portreath in time for the summer season to combat anti-social behaviour.
The legislation, which will have to be approved by Kerrier Council and police chiefs, would give police the power to move on groups of people, including youths, causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" to others. Unaccompanied under 16s could be taken home after 9pm.
The decision to apply for the order was taken at last week's meeting of the parish council when residents turned out in force to demand action against groups of youths who terrorise the resort with their drinking, fighting, vandalism and intimidating behaviour.
The residents handed in a petition highlighting the problems of "boy racers", car horns blaring late into the evening, sexual behaviour in public places, broken bottles, and aggression.
They claimed the problems had been made worse by the dispersal order in Illogan, which had shifted troublemakers into their village. Businesses were being affected, and Portreath's reputation as a holiday resort was being tarnished.
One resident described how someone from Birmingham had been on the point of taking on a long-term rental of a property in the village until they witnessed some of the problems. They had changed their mind, comparing the village to parts of Manchester.
Another resident reported seeing youths racing cars backwards through the village, and doing "donuts" in the car park.
Another said she found a young couple having sex in the women's toilet in the early afternoon.
A businessman said his takings were falling as tourists saw the problems, promised never to return, and told their friends to stay away as well.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Tim Roberts said he recognised there were problems in the village, and he believed a dispersal order would help policing efforts.
"We recognise that there has been trouble. In previous years dispersal orders have not been available to us," he said.
"I would like to think the parish council and the public recognise the police are trying to do something about these problems."
He believed the dispersal order in Illogan had been effective, and would be renewed for a further six months as a result. Portreath would benefit from a similar order during the summer months.
Ashton White wanted to know which parts of the village would be covered.
Mr Roberts said: "The parish council can comment on the areas to be included, but it will be drawn up by the police where historically there have been problems, or where we believe there may be problems to do with legislation introduced elsewhere."
He suggested the areas likely to be covered would include the beach, car park, harbour, Beach Road and the square.
Nigel Mathews proposed the council ask the police to pursue a dispersal order in the village. His fellow councillors supported him unanimously.
Sgt Paul Marchant, who was also at the meeting, said the police planned to introduce another initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.
Instead of working in isolation, Redruth neighbourhood beat managers would be teaming up.
He said: "They will roam the area in a marked police van. They will carry out foot patrols in the summer. You will see a lot higher police presence than you have in the past."
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Hopes are high that a dispersal order can be introduced in parts of Portreath in time for the summer season to combat anti-social behaviour.
The legislation, which will have to be approved by Kerrier Council and police chiefs, would give police the power to move on groups of people, including youths, causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" to others. Unaccompanied under 16s could be taken home after 9pm.
The decision to apply for the order was taken at last week's meeting of the parish council when residents turned out in force to demand action against groups of youths who terrorise the resort with their drinking, fighting, vandalism and intimidating behaviour.
The residents handed in a petition highlighting the problems of "boy racers", car horns blaring late into the evening, sexual behaviour in public places, broken bottles, and aggression.
They claimed the problems had been made worse by the dispersal order in Illogan, which had shifted troublemakers into their village. Businesses were being affected, and Portreath's reputation as a holiday resort was being tarnished.
One resident described how someone from Birmingham had been on the point of taking on a long-term rental of a property in the village until they witnessed some of the problems. They had changed their mind, comparing the village to parts of Manchester.
Another resident reported seeing youths racing cars backwards through the village, and doing "donuts" in the car park.
Another said she found a young couple having sex in the women's toilet in the early afternoon.
A businessman said his takings were falling as tourists saw the problems, promised never to return, and told their friends to stay away as well.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Tim Roberts said he recognised there were problems in the village, and he believed a dispersal order would help policing efforts.
"We recognise that there has been trouble. In previous years dispersal orders have not been available to us," he said.
"I would like to think the parish council and the public recognise the police are trying to do something about these problems."
He believed the dispersal order in Illogan had been effective, and would be renewed for a further six months as a result. Portreath would benefit from a similar order during the summer months.
Ashton White wanted to know which parts of the village would be covered.
Mr Roberts said: "The parish council can comment on the areas to be included, but it will be drawn up by the police where historically there have been problems, or where we believe there may be problems to do with legislation introduced elsewhere."
He suggested the areas likely to be covered would include the beach, car park, harbour, Beach Road and the square.
Nigel Mathews proposed the council ask the police to pursue a dispersal order in the village. His fellow councillors supported him unanimously.
Sgt Paul Marchant, who was also at the meeting, said the police planned to introduce another initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.
Instead of working in isolation, Redruth neighbourhood beat managers would be teaming up.
He said: "They will roam the area in a marked police van. They will carry out foot patrols in the summer. You will see a lot higher police presence than you have in the past."
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
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