All the results for the World Life Saving Champs are now on the Rescue 2006 website. http://www.rescue2006.com/2006/
Katy Whear won a silver medal in the 100m sprint
The girls team won silver in the beach relay.
For most of the other events the GB competitors finished in the top 10 places, so overall the team was 10th and placed 6th in the beach/ocean events which was very good as we are out of season.
Diane Green
Membership Secretary
Saturday, February 18, 2006
NO NEED TO BE AN OXFORD SCHOLAR TO KNOW WHAT KATY WANTS
October 20, 2005
Katy Whear’s pedigree says she was destined to compete against – and beat – Australians.Before she took up lifesaving and beach sprinting, she gained her Blue as a member of the legendary Oxford University Athletics Club – home of Sir Roger Bannister who famously beat Australia’s John Landy in the race to become the first person to run the mile in less than four minutes. Katy, 23, even took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations of that event in Oxford last year.
Now though, her focus is on retaining the world beach sprint title she won at the last world life saving championships in Italy two years ago – and also being part of a successful British team at Rescue 2006, next year’s world lifesaving championships being held in Geelong and Lorne. “Italy was my first international championships and it was great fun,” Katy said. “One of the best bits was having no pressure and no idea how I’d get on as I’d never raced in an international before. After winning the sprint, I was in total shock. The other highlight was the medals ceremony. I think it was the only time either the Aussie or New Zealand flag wasn’t at the top of the flagpole. Getting to hear a different national anthem was a nice change!”
Whear is confident the British team will do well in Australia next February, particularly after dominating the beach section at the European championships in Germany earlier this year. “Lorne is a really pretty part of the Surf Coast so I am looking forward to returning there,” she said. “I was last there in 1996.
We’ve got a great bunch of people in the GB team, too. We all get on really well, everyone is supportive of each other so the trip is eagerly anticipated.”
Sadly for Whear, she has had to turn down the chance to train in Australia in the lead up to next February’s events. “I put my boyfriend on the plane a couple of weeks ago but I couldn’t go with him because I landed a job that I couldn’t turn down about eight weeks ago,” the qualified geologist explained. Her boyfriend is David Green who has joined North Burleigh Lifesaving Club in Queensland and will represent his English club at Lorne.
“I am a bit disappointed I am not with David as training would have helped a lot,” Katy said. “In Italy we were coming out of our season while the Australians were just starting. This time it will be the other way around and that will probably make a bit of a difference.”
But Katy is hoping not too much of a difference. The Union Jack flying over the beach at Lorne and God Save The Queen on the PA would mean as much to her as the moment back at Oxford in 1954 when Roger Bannister beat John Landy to the fabled prize, then repeated his success two years later in the Race of the Century at the Vancouver Empire Games. As all Oxonian athletes would know only too well, especially one with the chance to compete against Australians, Rescue 06 comes in the 50th
anniversary of that great event.
Katy Whear’s pedigree says she was destined to compete against – and beat – Australians.Before she took up lifesaving and beach sprinting, she gained her Blue as a member of the legendary Oxford University Athletics Club – home of Sir Roger Bannister who famously beat Australia’s John Landy in the race to become the first person to run the mile in less than four minutes. Katy, 23, even took part in the 50th anniversary celebrations of that event in Oxford last year.
Now though, her focus is on retaining the world beach sprint title she won at the last world life saving championships in Italy two years ago – and also being part of a successful British team at Rescue 2006, next year’s world lifesaving championships being held in Geelong and Lorne. “Italy was my first international championships and it was great fun,” Katy said. “One of the best bits was having no pressure and no idea how I’d get on as I’d never raced in an international before. After winning the sprint, I was in total shock. The other highlight was the medals ceremony. I think it was the only time either the Aussie or New Zealand flag wasn’t at the top of the flagpole. Getting to hear a different national anthem was a nice change!”
Whear is confident the British team will do well in Australia next February, particularly after dominating the beach section at the European championships in Germany earlier this year. “Lorne is a really pretty part of the Surf Coast so I am looking forward to returning there,” she said. “I was last there in 1996.
We’ve got a great bunch of people in the GB team, too. We all get on really well, everyone is supportive of each other so the trip is eagerly anticipated.”
Sadly for Whear, she has had to turn down the chance to train in Australia in the lead up to next February’s events. “I put my boyfriend on the plane a couple of weeks ago but I couldn’t go with him because I landed a job that I couldn’t turn down about eight weeks ago,” the qualified geologist explained. Her boyfriend is David Green who has joined North Burleigh Lifesaving Club in Queensland and will represent his English club at Lorne.
“I am a bit disappointed I am not with David as training would have helped a lot,” Katy said. “In Italy we were coming out of our season while the Australians were just starting. This time it will be the other way around and that will probably make a bit of a difference.”
But Katy is hoping not too much of a difference. The Union Jack flying over the beach at Lorne and God Save The Queen on the PA would mean as much to her as the moment back at Oxford in 1954 when Roger Bannister beat John Landy to the fabled prize, then repeated his success two years later in the Race of the Century at the Vancouver Empire Games. As all Oxonian athletes would know only too well, especially one with the chance to compete against Australians, Rescue 06 comes in the 50th
anniversary of that great event.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Portreath AFC
Saturday 18th February Praze Away Kick Off 2.30pm
Saturday 25th February Illogan Home Kick Off 2.00pm Dunn Cup Round 2
Saturday 4th March Holmans Home Kick Off
Saturday 25th February Illogan Home Kick Off 2.00pm Dunn Cup Round 2
Saturday 4th March Holmans Home Kick Off
TRAVELLERS JUNK CLIFF BEAUTY SPOT
A beauty spot was left blanketed with an assortment of debris, litter and junk following the eviction of a travelling community who occupied the site for several months.
L Assorted rubbish and scrap left by travellers at Nancekuke on the cliffs between Portreath and Porthtowan. Picture by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Press
Now council tax payers are left to pick up the bill Joe Dyer reports
The group had moved last spring onto former mine workings between Porthtowan and Portreath on the world-famous South West coastal footpath. After months of behind-the-scenes work Kerrier District Council took out a court order to have the 13-strong group evicted, though one family remained when officials arrived on site on February 3.
Villagers and community leaders were horrified by the amount and variety of rubbish left behind by the travellers at a spot which is popular with walkers and holidaymakers.
"It makes St Day tip look like Buckingham Palace lawn. It's a pretty sad site," said John Beckinsale, a long-term resident of Porthtowan.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Press photographer Colin Higgs, who took these pictures for the West Briton, was stunned by what he saw. "It took my breath away. It's absolutely disgusting," he said. "Everything you can think of is on the ground - tables, bits of caravans, endless fires, children's toys, mobile phones, hundreds of gas bottles. There is an incredible amount of filth."
County councillor Richard Cooper said: "I'm not anti-traveller, all I'm anti is the mess being left behind, and we have to tackle the problem.
"Ultimately it's the public who will have to pay because it's the local authority that will have to move it."
A team from Kerrier's Direct Services was on site with a digger and clearing equipment this week having already secured the area by fitting a new gate on an approach road. A spokesman said they aimed to have carried out a full clean-up operation by the weekend.
Liz Dunstan, chief solicitor for Kerrier, sympathised with villagers who had put up with their sometimes unwanted neighbours for so long. But she stressed the onus was on the council to do everything above board.
"You have to do it professionally and correctly, taking account of everybody's situation otherwise we would still be open to challenge and we could still be in this position in a year's time."
Assessments were made of the families and of the site itself before the court could evict.
"It was on the coastal footpath, it was very exposed and it was very dangerous," said Mrs Dunstan. "We never tolerated the site and we never said it was suitable."
Even though the travellers had left so much rubbish, she said the council would never have agreed to weekly removals as this would have legitimised their presence.
The travellers were believed to beheading to a site out of Cornwall.
However, this may not be the end of problems with the travelling community. Mrs Dunstan warned that new Government legislation placed the responsibility on local authorities to find sites for travelling families.
L Assorted rubbish and scrap left by travellers at Nancekuke on the cliffs between Portreath and Porthtowan. Picture by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Press
Now council tax payers are left to pick up the bill Joe Dyer reports
The group had moved last spring onto former mine workings between Porthtowan and Portreath on the world-famous South West coastal footpath. After months of behind-the-scenes work Kerrier District Council took out a court order to have the 13-strong group evicted, though one family remained when officials arrived on site on February 3.
Villagers and community leaders were horrified by the amount and variety of rubbish left behind by the travellers at a spot which is popular with walkers and holidaymakers.
"It makes St Day tip look like Buckingham Palace lawn. It's a pretty sad site," said John Beckinsale, a long-term resident of Porthtowan.
Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Press photographer Colin Higgs, who took these pictures for the West Briton, was stunned by what he saw. "It took my breath away. It's absolutely disgusting," he said. "Everything you can think of is on the ground - tables, bits of caravans, endless fires, children's toys, mobile phones, hundreds of gas bottles. There is an incredible amount of filth."
County councillor Richard Cooper said: "I'm not anti-traveller, all I'm anti is the mess being left behind, and we have to tackle the problem.
"Ultimately it's the public who will have to pay because it's the local authority that will have to move it."
A team from Kerrier's Direct Services was on site with a digger and clearing equipment this week having already secured the area by fitting a new gate on an approach road. A spokesman said they aimed to have carried out a full clean-up operation by the weekend.
Liz Dunstan, chief solicitor for Kerrier, sympathised with villagers who had put up with their sometimes unwanted neighbours for so long. But she stressed the onus was on the council to do everything above board.
"You have to do it professionally and correctly, taking account of everybody's situation otherwise we would still be open to challenge and we could still be in this position in a year's time."
Assessments were made of the families and of the site itself before the court could evict.
"It was on the coastal footpath, it was very exposed and it was very dangerous," said Mrs Dunstan. "We never tolerated the site and we never said it was suitable."
Even though the travellers had left so much rubbish, she said the council would never have agreed to weekly removals as this would have legitimised their presence.
The travellers were believed to beheading to a site out of Cornwall.
However, this may not be the end of problems with the travelling community. Mrs Dunstan warned that new Government legislation placed the responsibility on local authorities to find sites for travelling families.
TAXPAYER FOOTS BILL FOR TRAVEL DEBRIS
17 February 2006
A beauty spot was left blanketed with an assortment of debris, litter and junk following the eviction of a travelling community who had occupied the site for several months. Now it seems that council taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for cleaning up assorted rubbish left by travellers at Nancekuke on the cliffs between Portreath and Porthtowan. Last spring the group had moved on to former mine workings between Porthtowan and Portreath.
After months of behind-the- scenes work, Kerrier District Council took out a court order to have the 13-strong group evicted, although one family remained on the site.
Villagers and community leaders were horrified by the amount and variety of rubbish left behind by the travellers at a spot which is popular with walkers and holidaymakers.
"It makes St Day tip look like Buckingham Palace lawn. It's a pretty sad site," said John Beckinsale, a long-term resident of Porthtowan.
A beauty spot was left blanketed with an assortment of debris, litter and junk following the eviction of a travelling community who had occupied the site for several months. Now it seems that council taxpayers will have to pick up the bill for cleaning up assorted rubbish left by travellers at Nancekuke on the cliffs between Portreath and Porthtowan. Last spring the group had moved on to former mine workings between Porthtowan and Portreath.
After months of behind-the- scenes work, Kerrier District Council took out a court order to have the 13-strong group evicted, although one family remained on the site.
Villagers and community leaders were horrified by the amount and variety of rubbish left behind by the travellers at a spot which is popular with walkers and holidaymakers.
"It makes St Day tip look like Buckingham Palace lawn. It's a pretty sad site," said John Beckinsale, a long-term resident of Porthtowan.
Lee Hodge, 20, from Portreath
Dressed in their chef's whites, these youngsters are in training to become the best in the business.
The young men and women, all from Cornwall, are being trained to work at Jamie Oliver's new Fifteen restaurant in Watergate Bay, Newquay.
The 20 students have already been working hard to hone their culinary skills. And in just a few short months, they will work at Fifteen Cornwall when it opens in May. It is the first of Jamie Oliver's 15 restaurants to be unveiled outside London.
The chef, well-known for his crusade to improve school dinners, opened the first Fifteen restaurant in 2002. Based in Hoxton, it was inspired by the television chef's desire to help underprivileged young people forge themselves a successful career. Fifteen Cornwall will follow the same format.
Trainee Lee Hodge, 20, from Portreath on the North Cornwall coast, described the training as a "golden opportunity to succeed in life".
He said: "I'm so thankful that I've been given this opportunity and I'm really going to work hard to achieve the best possible outcome I can and make my friends and family proud. You only get one life and you've got to take every opportunity."
Selected from more than 300 applicants, the 20 trainees were among a shortlist of 150 who faced interviews and selection exercises before taken on in late December. Aged between 16 and 24, they have been recruited from all over Cornwall and are currently undergoing a 12-week intensive training course at Cornwall College before they start work in the Fifteen Cornwall kitchen at the end of April.
Trainee Emily Ratcliffe, 19, from Launceston, North Cornwall said: "I was really speechless when I was selected. All I could say was 'wow'. I couldn't believe it was really happening."
The young men and women, all from Cornwall, are being trained to work at Jamie Oliver's new Fifteen restaurant in Watergate Bay, Newquay.
The 20 students have already been working hard to hone their culinary skills. And in just a few short months, they will work at Fifteen Cornwall when it opens in May. It is the first of Jamie Oliver's 15 restaurants to be unveiled outside London.
The chef, well-known for his crusade to improve school dinners, opened the first Fifteen restaurant in 2002. Based in Hoxton, it was inspired by the television chef's desire to help underprivileged young people forge themselves a successful career. Fifteen Cornwall will follow the same format.
Trainee Lee Hodge, 20, from Portreath on the North Cornwall coast, described the training as a "golden opportunity to succeed in life".
He said: "I'm so thankful that I've been given this opportunity and I'm really going to work hard to achieve the best possible outcome I can and make my friends and family proud. You only get one life and you've got to take every opportunity."
Selected from more than 300 applicants, the 20 trainees were among a shortlist of 150 who faced interviews and selection exercises before taken on in late December. Aged between 16 and 24, they have been recruited from all over Cornwall and are currently undergoing a 12-week intensive training course at Cornwall College before they start work in the Fifteen Cornwall kitchen at the end of April.
Trainee Emily Ratcliffe, 19, from Launceston, North Cornwall said: "I was really speechless when I was selected. All I could say was 'wow'. I couldn't believe it was really happening."
Monday, February 06, 2006
VILLAGERS KEEN TO OWN HARBOUR AT PORTREATH
People living in Portreath have given the "thumbs up" to the idea of taking their harbour into community ownership.
More than 250 people turned up for a consultation day at the Millennium Hall on Saturday, when details of Kerrier Council's proposal to sell off the harbour were on display.
After speaking to representatives of Kerrier's regeneration team, the parish council, and the harbour association, 86 per cent of residents present supported the proposal and said they wanted to see it move on to the next stage.
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, said the result was "a very strong mandate" to pursue community ownership.
He said: "We had a very successful consultation day. The questionnaires that people filled out showed 86 per cent support for community ownership, and that is a very strong mandate for Kerrier to take into a feasibility study.
"The parish council can now move forward to the next stage of this project by taking expert advice as to the terms of reference of the feasibility study and finding suitable surveyors to tender for the task."
Kerrier regeneration officer Scott James said the high turnout was a big advantage when applying for grant funding.
"In terms of both the Lottery application and other bids that we've got to put in, we can demonstrate a high level of support, and that's exactly what funders want to see."
Kerrier Council announced last November that it wanted to dispose of Portreath Harbour, because of high maintenance costs. It hoped it could pass into community ownership, and offered £5,000 towards a feasibility study.
In January it was announced that Portreath had been included in a potential £42 million programme of waterfront improvements, along with four other Cornish harbours.
Saturday's consultation day was opened by Julia Goldsworthy MP, one of the village's newest residents.
Mike Clayton, Kerrier's portfolio holder for assets, who also attended, reaffirmed the council's continuing commitment to the project.
Data gathered on the day will be analysed over the coming weeks.
More than 250 people turned up for a consultation day at the Millennium Hall on Saturday, when details of Kerrier Council's proposal to sell off the harbour were on display.
After speaking to representatives of Kerrier's regeneration team, the parish council, and the harbour association, 86 per cent of residents present supported the proposal and said they wanted to see it move on to the next stage.
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, said the result was "a very strong mandate" to pursue community ownership.
He said: "We had a very successful consultation day. The questionnaires that people filled out showed 86 per cent support for community ownership, and that is a very strong mandate for Kerrier to take into a feasibility study.
"The parish council can now move forward to the next stage of this project by taking expert advice as to the terms of reference of the feasibility study and finding suitable surveyors to tender for the task."
Kerrier regeneration officer Scott James said the high turnout was a big advantage when applying for grant funding.
"In terms of both the Lottery application and other bids that we've got to put in, we can demonstrate a high level of support, and that's exactly what funders want to see."
Kerrier Council announced last November that it wanted to dispose of Portreath Harbour, because of high maintenance costs. It hoped it could pass into community ownership, and offered £5,000 towards a feasibility study.
In January it was announced that Portreath had been included in a potential £42 million programme of waterfront improvements, along with four other Cornish harbours.
Saturday's consultation day was opened by Julia Goldsworthy MP, one of the village's newest residents.
Mike Clayton, Kerrier's portfolio holder for assets, who also attended, reaffirmed the council's continuing commitment to the project.
Data gathered on the day will be analysed over the coming weeks.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
PRESS FAIL TO PICK UP A PENGUIN
The West Briton's Redruth office received a tip off from a local resident and several 'eyewitnesses' phoned Radio Cornwall, declaring it was definitely a penguin; they had seen it. At one stage during the afternoon, hopes were high that the bird was Toga, a three-month-old penguin that disappeared from Amazon World on the Isle of Wight in December.
But as the number of press photographers, reporters and well-wishers arriving at Portreath grew, so the doubts about the authenticity of the 'penguin' also began to increase.
Eventually, two local men struggled out across the rocks to where the bird was sitting and identified it is a guillemot.
One man declared it a bit of a wild goose chase.
"More of a wild guillemot chase," declared a freelance photographer, who until then had been salivating over a potential exclusive and lucrative snap of Toga.
Apparently, a huge shoal of sand eels arrived in the harbour earlier in the day, accompanied by seagulls and seals.
It appears that the Guillermot was also attracted by the chance of a free lunch.
But as the number of press photographers, reporters and well-wishers arriving at Portreath grew, so the doubts about the authenticity of the 'penguin' also began to increase.
Eventually, two local men struggled out across the rocks to where the bird was sitting and identified it is a guillemot.
One man declared it a bit of a wild goose chase.
"More of a wild guillemot chase," declared a freelance photographer, who until then had been salivating over a potential exclusive and lucrative snap of Toga.
Apparently, a huge shoal of sand eels arrived in the harbour earlier in the day, accompanied by seagulls and seals.
It appears that the Guillermot was also attracted by the chance of a free lunch.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
MAJOR SCHEME FOR PORTREATH HARBOUR
Portreath harbour will be a major beneficiary of a £42 million programme of waterfront improvements, if a bid to the Big Lottery's Regional Living Landmarks fund is successful.
Cornwall County Council, acting on behalf of the Cornish Harbours project, has applied for £25 million towards the cost of the five-year project, which would also see major regeneration work at Newlyn, Falmouth, Newquay and Looe.
The aim is to bring disused or run down harbours and neighbouring waterfront locations back into use for the benefit of their communities.
Georgina McLaren, from Cornwall Enterprise, which would administer the project, said: "Cornwall remains one of Europe's most deprived areas, and while much of the rural coastline is in the stewardship of the National Trust, many coastal communities are still struggling to find ways to adjust to the social, economic and environmental challenges they face."
All five locations chosen for the project have been assessed over several years and, although different in character, share common goals.
In all cases their aims include the promotion of community access, active enjoyment, learning, and local enterprise. The harbours would be the focus for regeneration actions and high quality physical improvements.
Just two months ago Kerrier Council announced it wished to dispose of Portreath harbour and expressed a desire to see it pass into community hands. Portreath's inclusion in the Cornish Harbours bid would appear to be perfectly timed and to provide the resources to make it happen.
As a result, the news has been greeted with delight by community groups in the village.
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, said: "The parish council, the harbour association and Portreath Improvements Committee are working together on this project and we are delighted to be included in the bid. It's a really strong bid, with a good chance of success, and we're extremely optimistic about the outcome."
If successful, the Cornish Harbours project would run from 2007-12. Portreath harbour would be regenerated and brought in to community ownership; the Edwardian pier at Falmouth would be refurbished and a new marine college built; East Looe would get a new promenade on its sea front; Newquay would get a new events area and seafront pathway; and there would be a new multi-use fish market building at Newlyn.
Mevagissey, Porthleven and Hayle have been put on standby for the scheme, although the latter is expected to be the subject of a separate bid led by its private sector owners and supported by Penwith District Council.
There is a consultation day about the future of the harbour at Portreath in the Millennium Hall on January 28 from 11am to 4pm.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Cornwall County Council, acting on behalf of the Cornish Harbours project, has applied for £25 million towards the cost of the five-year project, which would also see major regeneration work at Newlyn, Falmouth, Newquay and Looe.
The aim is to bring disused or run down harbours and neighbouring waterfront locations back into use for the benefit of their communities.
Georgina McLaren, from Cornwall Enterprise, which would administer the project, said: "Cornwall remains one of Europe's most deprived areas, and while much of the rural coastline is in the stewardship of the National Trust, many coastal communities are still struggling to find ways to adjust to the social, economic and environmental challenges they face."
All five locations chosen for the project have been assessed over several years and, although different in character, share common goals.
In all cases their aims include the promotion of community access, active enjoyment, learning, and local enterprise. The harbours would be the focus for regeneration actions and high quality physical improvements.
Just two months ago Kerrier Council announced it wished to dispose of Portreath harbour and expressed a desire to see it pass into community hands. Portreath's inclusion in the Cornish Harbours bid would appear to be perfectly timed and to provide the resources to make it happen.
As a result, the news has been greeted with delight by community groups in the village.
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, said: "The parish council, the harbour association and Portreath Improvements Committee are working together on this project and we are delighted to be included in the bid. It's a really strong bid, with a good chance of success, and we're extremely optimistic about the outcome."
If successful, the Cornish Harbours project would run from 2007-12. Portreath harbour would be regenerated and brought in to community ownership; the Edwardian pier at Falmouth would be refurbished and a new marine college built; East Looe would get a new promenade on its sea front; Newquay would get a new events area and seafront pathway; and there would be a new multi-use fish market building at Newlyn.
Mevagissey, Porthleven and Hayle have been put on standby for the scheme, although the latter is expected to be the subject of a separate bid led by its private sector owners and supported by Penwith District Council.
There is a consultation day about the future of the harbour at Portreath in the Millennium Hall on January 28 from 11am to 4pm.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
KEN WITNESSES VITAL WORK OF SHELTERBOX
A Portreath man has spent nine days of his own time witnessing the relief effort in one of the world's remotest areas.
Ken Wilkins, of Green Lane, who is a police inspector based at St Ives, travelled to the mountainous Kashmir region of Pakistan, witnessing first hand the scale of devastation caused by October's huge earthquake and assisting in the massive relief effort.
Mr Wilkins is also a member of the Rotary Club whose renowned Shelterbox initiative, instigated by Helston Rotary Club, has become a focus for scores of local fund raisers.
At a cost of nearly £500 each, every Shelterbox is packed and dispatched from their warehouse at the Water-ma-Trout industrial estate. Carried inside are a tent and sleeping bags for ten people, a shovel and tools, cooking aids, water purification equipment and other basic survival tools, even pencils and books for children. The difference they make is all too apparent from the positive feedback that has been received.
As well as the massive donations and very hard work of those involved in the operation at Helston, including many volunteers who turn up regularly to help with packing, another contributory factor is the work of the Rotary Club's 4R teams (standing for Rotary, Reconnaissance, Review and Recover) which fly out to disaster zones with the boxes to ensure the aid is deployed to those who need it most. Mr Wilkins is a member of a 4R team.
During his stay in the country he assisted in the distribution of sufficient Shelterboxes and additional tents to provide shelter to approximately 10,000 people. Overall the Shelterbox operation in Pakistan provided tents and the equipment listed to approximately 90,000 people. Now back in Cornwall, he said: "This part of Pakistan is a remote but beautiful area and looking out over a valley all that was left of the vast majority of homes were the roofs as the walls had just collapsed. "Some areas were totally devastated; we were shown one area which had seen a massive landslide in which an estimated 1,800 bodies were buried in the rubble.
"Each day our brief was to distribute boxes to those we had allocated them to the day before, and then go with a Kashmiri guide .... to visit more villages."
Rotary had a logistics team working at Islamabad airport getting the gear out to both other teams and this was essential as there was an incredible amount of red tape to overcome.
But there were also unorthodox means of getting aid to where it was needed: "It wasn't unusual to see men in their 60s arrive wearing just sandals, and then put the Shelterbox on their back, with a strap around their forehead tied to both sides of the box, before walking back several miles across the mountains to their families."
Mr Wilkins first became involved in the project after speaking with a colleague in the police who is also a 4R team member and he then helped pack boxes at the warehouse near Helston. He was then offered the opportunity to train to be a member of the 4R team. Just a week after completing an induction weekend he was offered a deployment to Pakistan replacing another team member who had to come back to the UK.
"Being a member of the 4R team is a great opportunity to see that the equipment fund-raisers work so hard to pay for, ends up going to the right people," said Ken. "Having done some packing I must admit that it was a pretty good moment seeing a string of green boxes going down the mountain on people's backs or hung between poles." Following his trip Inspector Wilkins would like very much to give talks and presentations to any groups interested in hearing more about Shelterbox. Ken added that groups can be any size or age, including children. Insp Wilkins can be contacted on 01736 792733. To make a donation, volunteer or for more information on Shelterbox visit www.shelterbox.org or telephone 01326 569782.
Ken Wilkins, of Green Lane, who is a police inspector based at St Ives, travelled to the mountainous Kashmir region of Pakistan, witnessing first hand the scale of devastation caused by October's huge earthquake and assisting in the massive relief effort.
Mr Wilkins is also a member of the Rotary Club whose renowned Shelterbox initiative, instigated by Helston Rotary Club, has become a focus for scores of local fund raisers.
At a cost of nearly £500 each, every Shelterbox is packed and dispatched from their warehouse at the Water-ma-Trout industrial estate. Carried inside are a tent and sleeping bags for ten people, a shovel and tools, cooking aids, water purification equipment and other basic survival tools, even pencils and books for children. The difference they make is all too apparent from the positive feedback that has been received.
As well as the massive donations and very hard work of those involved in the operation at Helston, including many volunteers who turn up regularly to help with packing, another contributory factor is the work of the Rotary Club's 4R teams (standing for Rotary, Reconnaissance, Review and Recover) which fly out to disaster zones with the boxes to ensure the aid is deployed to those who need it most. Mr Wilkins is a member of a 4R team.
During his stay in the country he assisted in the distribution of sufficient Shelterboxes and additional tents to provide shelter to approximately 10,000 people. Overall the Shelterbox operation in Pakistan provided tents and the equipment listed to approximately 90,000 people. Now back in Cornwall, he said: "This part of Pakistan is a remote but beautiful area and looking out over a valley all that was left of the vast majority of homes were the roofs as the walls had just collapsed. "Some areas were totally devastated; we were shown one area which had seen a massive landslide in which an estimated 1,800 bodies were buried in the rubble.
"Each day our brief was to distribute boxes to those we had allocated them to the day before, and then go with a Kashmiri guide .... to visit more villages."
Rotary had a logistics team working at Islamabad airport getting the gear out to both other teams and this was essential as there was an incredible amount of red tape to overcome.
But there were also unorthodox means of getting aid to where it was needed: "It wasn't unusual to see men in their 60s arrive wearing just sandals, and then put the Shelterbox on their back, with a strap around their forehead tied to both sides of the box, before walking back several miles across the mountains to their families."
Mr Wilkins first became involved in the project after speaking with a colleague in the police who is also a 4R team member and he then helped pack boxes at the warehouse near Helston. He was then offered the opportunity to train to be a member of the 4R team. Just a week after completing an induction weekend he was offered a deployment to Pakistan replacing another team member who had to come back to the UK.
"Being a member of the 4R team is a great opportunity to see that the equipment fund-raisers work so hard to pay for, ends up going to the right people," said Ken. "Having done some packing I must admit that it was a pretty good moment seeing a string of green boxes going down the mountain on people's backs or hung between poles." Following his trip Inspector Wilkins would like very much to give talks and presentations to any groups interested in hearing more about Shelterbox. Ken added that groups can be any size or age, including children. Insp Wilkins can be contacted on 01736 792733. To make a donation, volunteer or for more information on Shelterbox visit www.shelterbox.org or telephone 01326 569782.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Parish Tram Issue 11
Since the last issue of the Parish Tram there has been some progress with regard to the harbour. The parish council's regeneration team has been working closely with Kerrier District Council to work out the details of the feasibility study. The first step is to hold a public consultation day similar to the event the parish council held for the village enhancement scheme. Hopefully the results will demonstrate to KDC and potential funders the village is backing the Parish Council and the Harbour Association's efforts to commission the feasibility study.
The process of obtaining funding for the study continues, at present there are contributions from the Parish council, Kerrier district Council and Portreath Improvements Committee. Applications for further funding from various other sources including the National Lottery fund are ongoing. There have been offers from developers to assist, at present the Regeneration Team believes the project should stay independent so an unbiased study can be achieved.
A harbour charitable trust management committee will soon have to be formed. This committee will be the driving force behind the feasibility study and the harbour improvements should the study have a positive outcome. The members will most likely be drawn from the Parish Council, Portreath Improvements Committee and the Harbour Association plus other interested groups or individuals. There will be forms to register interest available at the consultation day.
The consultation day is to be held on Saturday January 28th between 11:00am and 4:00pm at the Millennium Hall, a good turn out and your support is essential to gauge the opinion of residents. The harbour project could change the village significantly in a number of areas, employment and tourism could increase, more business opportunities could become available and the harbour could become a very busy area both on and off the water. Your local councillors need to know what the opinion of residents is so they can act for the majority.
Inside this issue is an advert for the event with a very short questionnaire. Should you be unable to attend on the day please fill out the form and drop it into the Post Office or if you prefer write to the parish council.
The Clerk
Cosoleth
Cambrose
Redruth,
Cornwall TR16 4HS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greenslade.png with this
A chance meeting
While giving out Christmas trees for the PIC in the harbour car park I met a very sprightly elderly gentleman who after we introduced each other turned out to be Captain Gordon Greenslade, the last Cornish captain to bring a coal coaster into Portreath harbour. We had an interesting chat and I later went to harbour house where we were able to talk at length about his Merchant career.
Gordon is 92 years of age, was born in Portreath and went to school here and then finished his education at Illogan Boys School. At the age of fourteen and a half he went to work in the harbour. His first boat was the Treliegh. He worked his way through the Bains fleet until April 1939 when he was made Captain of the SS Isleman. In his own words this is his account of the war years.
"At the start of the 2nd World War, I was Master of a Coasting Vessel, the SS Islesman, trading out of Portreath Cornwall, to Newport Cardiff and Barry in the Bristol Channel, for steam coal for the mines, and cement, to Preston and Garston, and to Whitehaven and Maryport for house coal. To Charlestown and Par for China clay.
In the first winter of the war, in December, one of our ships, the SS Ruban, hit the rocks off the Lizard in fog and sank - all crew saved.
Later in the war, the SS Florence Reynolds, on voyage to Newport, was in collision with one of our destroyers and sank all crew were saved.
We used to fly a Barrage Balloon at 1,000 feet from the masthead against low flying aircraft and had three Naval Gunners and a 40mm gun mounted on the stern.
We used to go in convoy part of the way, sometimes enemy aircraft attacked us.
There were moored mines, acoustic and magnetic mines and submarines about.
Later on another of our ships left Maryport for Portreath, she was lost with all hands – we don't know what happened to her – she was the SS Kyle Rona.
The SS Rosemore left Hayle for the Bristol Channel and was bombed and sank off Newquay, most of her crew were lost.
Another ship from Hayle, the Porthgarret, went ashore at the Nash Bank in a gale and Black out.
We in the SS Isleman were bombed off Bardsey Island- it was a near miss.
We came safely through the war – the only Portreath ship left."
Sandra Beckett on behalf of Captain Gordon Greenslade submitted the above to the People's War web site.
Captain Greenslade stayed with the Isleman until October 1946; he had a daughter of two at the time and wished to spend more time with his family so took a job with a firm in Redruth working with automotive coachwork.
Gordon is presently spending Christmas and the New Year at Harbour house retirement home.
Chris Watts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Badminton club has been meeting every Tuesday night since October 2004 in the Millennium Hall and it has been great fun. We have about 16 members now, of varying abilities from regular players to complete beginners. The annual membership fee is a mere £15, which gives you insurance through the Badminton Association and each session is £2 per person. It is possible to attend as a guest before you have to join, so come and try it out.
At the moment, we are only playing on Tuesdays, but it is possible to book the Hall at other times according to availability. We have received a generous grant from the P.I.C. this has enabled us to buy a net and some shuttles so far.
It is not just a chance to get fit, it is also a social occasion and a chance to meet new friends. As there is only one court, between badminton games, we play backgammon, charades, dominoes, juggle or just chat together.
Portreath Badminton Club
At Portreath Millennium Hall
Tuesday 7-10
New Members welcome
All abilities – coaching available- all ages
Contact: Sara, tel.843213
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.A.T.C.H
Baby and Toddler group to be held in the new Church Hall every Friday morning from 10:00 to 12:00
Come along for tea and a chat
50p
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTREATH MILLENNIUM
COMMUNITY HALL
This venue is available to everyone, and the Hall can be used for a wide range of activities. Any individuals or groups interested in booking the Hall should contact the Bookings Secretary Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960. Hire costs are £25.00 a session (3 hours) for the large Hall and the smaller meetings room can be booked for £8.00 per session and these fees include the use of the fully equipped kitchen.
If you wish to run an event and would like to publicise the information in the next Parish Tram, please send your copy to the Editor.
chris@parishtram.co.uk
or leave at the post office
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local Lad will play for cornwall
Sam Newman aged 15, from Portreath has been selected to play rugby for
Cornwall. Sam started playing tag rugby at Portreath school, before joining
the mini/junior rugby section at Redruth rugby club aged 9.
he still plays his rugby with the Redruth club and also for Redruth school.
Playing either center or fly-half.
His first Cornwall game will be at St Austell Against Bristol Schools on the
8th January 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.O.G.
A dozen people went on the pre-Christmas shopping trip to Exeter on Saturday 26th November. Despite concerns over weather conditions, everyone had a good time and a smooth journey.
There will be a Spring trip before Easter, any requests welcome.
Di Helyer 842492
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can any of your readers help?
I am trying to discover details of the last working ship to enter Portreath harbour, her name, tonnage, dates etc. Also does anyone know the date the port ceased to have its own harbour master and loss of its port status. The records should be somewhere but I've drawn a blank. I believe this to have been around 1967 or '68 just before the harbour houses were constructed. If anyone could help me I would be very grateful.
Allen Forster
68 East Pool Park
Pool Redruth TR15 3LD
allen.forster@btinternet.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.jpg or png we used last year
Your village needs you
Portreath Improvements Committee AGM 23th January 2006
7.00 p.m. in the Portreath Institute
Yes, it's January and that means the Portreath Improvements Committee elections are upon us once again.
We need members that are prepared to attend the majority of meetings throughout 2006. These are held on the second Monday of each month. The main order of business at the meetings is to make decisions on the best use of the income created by the sea front car park, which is owned by the PIC. This is a substantial sum and the Constitution states that the income is to be spent for the good of Portreath village and it's residents. Consequently the agenda at the monthly meetings can be extremely varied, ranging from litter picking and property maintenance to long term financial investment and constitutional matters.
Another responsibility is the day to day running and management of the sea front car park. This is carried out by the Portreath Association Ltd. (PAL), a small limited company that was formed because by law, a charity (the PIC) cannot trade to make a profit. Five people run the PAL, three of who are elected at the March meetings (they are elected from within the membership of the Portreath Improvements Committee) the other two members coming from the board of directors of the PAL.
If you can't spare the time to put yourself up for membership, please still come along to the Portreath Institute on Monday the 23rd of January at 7:00pm for the election and vote for the residents you want to sit on the committee. There are 24 seats available and the rules of the PIC allow all village residents aged 18 or over to vote for up to 24 fellow residents. Voting slips will be passed around on the night.
Currently the January meeting is the only time residents can attend the PIC meeting, so this is your chance to ask questions and put suggestions forward other than in writing, which you can do at any other time in the year.
The Portreath Improvements Committee is a major influence within the village and needs your support. Please come along on the 23rd of January at 7.00 and vote for those you want to represent you for the coming year.
Portreath Improvements Committee application form
To stand for election please fill out the following application:
(Applicants must reside in Portreath village, as must your two supporters.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name and address of applicant:
Name and address of 1st supporter:
Name and address of 2nd supporter:
Post to:
Secretary to the PIC
5 Belerion Road
Portreath
Cornwall
TR16 4PA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Annual Bonfire and Firework Display
Took place on Sunday 6th November, when we were exceptionally lucky to have a "window" from the bad weather, and yet another quality display.
Thanks must go to Roger Bricknell and his team; also to PC Tim Roberts and the community Policing Team; the Gold Centre for the free use of their car park; 1st Buses for the park and ride shuttle. An especially big thank you to the Bonfire Building Team led by Trevor Tonkin, who all spent over three hours in bitter conditions that morning and to the stewards who collected donations during the evening and the Bar-B-Q team for cooking. Also the Promenade Cafe, the Retreat and the ShoreShop, who all stayed open throughout.
Mention must also be made of the many village businesses, shops and pub that continue to sponsor:
1. The Park and Ride scheme.
2. The Bonfire insurance.
3. Insurance donation to Bicknells by the PIC.
4. Attendance by St Johns Ambulance by the Parish Council.
This year the costs of numbers 1, 2 & 4 all increased substantially and without the continued support and community spirit of those mentioned, the event could not take place.
Fortunately and increase the collection money was sufficient to cover the cost of the fireworks and ensure a display next year.
Finally, thank you to those who contacted me afterwards by phone and letter; it was much appreciated.
Di Helyer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Table Tennis Club
Every Wednesday 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. in St Mary's Church Hall
All very welcome. Under 18s should be accompanied by parent or guardian
Please come along
Or ring Malcolm on 01209 842695 or Geoff on 01209 843181
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
copy of last quarter?
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?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The process of obtaining funding for the study continues, at present there are contributions from the Parish council, Kerrier district Council and Portreath Improvements Committee. Applications for further funding from various other sources including the National Lottery fund are ongoing. There have been offers from developers to assist, at present the Regeneration Team believes the project should stay independent so an unbiased study can be achieved.
A harbour charitable trust management committee will soon have to be formed. This committee will be the driving force behind the feasibility study and the harbour improvements should the study have a positive outcome. The members will most likely be drawn from the Parish Council, Portreath Improvements Committee and the Harbour Association plus other interested groups or individuals. There will be forms to register interest available at the consultation day.
The consultation day is to be held on Saturday January 28th between 11:00am and 4:00pm at the Millennium Hall, a good turn out and your support is essential to gauge the opinion of residents. The harbour project could change the village significantly in a number of areas, employment and tourism could increase, more business opportunities could become available and the harbour could become a very busy area both on and off the water. Your local councillors need to know what the opinion of residents is so they can act for the majority.
Inside this issue is an advert for the event with a very short questionnaire. Should you be unable to attend on the day please fill out the form and drop it into the Post Office or if you prefer write to the parish council.
The Clerk
Cosoleth
Cambrose
Redruth,
Cornwall TR16 4HS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
greenslade.png with this
A chance meeting
While giving out Christmas trees for the PIC in the harbour car park I met a very sprightly elderly gentleman who after we introduced each other turned out to be Captain Gordon Greenslade, the last Cornish captain to bring a coal coaster into Portreath harbour. We had an interesting chat and I later went to harbour house where we were able to talk at length about his Merchant career.
Gordon is 92 years of age, was born in Portreath and went to school here and then finished his education at Illogan Boys School. At the age of fourteen and a half he went to work in the harbour. His first boat was the Treliegh. He worked his way through the Bains fleet until April 1939 when he was made Captain of the SS Isleman. In his own words this is his account of the war years.
"At the start of the 2nd World War, I was Master of a Coasting Vessel, the SS Islesman, trading out of Portreath Cornwall, to Newport Cardiff and Barry in the Bristol Channel, for steam coal for the mines, and cement, to Preston and Garston, and to Whitehaven and Maryport for house coal. To Charlestown and Par for China clay.
In the first winter of the war, in December, one of our ships, the SS Ruban, hit the rocks off the Lizard in fog and sank - all crew saved.
Later in the war, the SS Florence Reynolds, on voyage to Newport, was in collision with one of our destroyers and sank all crew were saved.
We used to fly a Barrage Balloon at 1,000 feet from the masthead against low flying aircraft and had three Naval Gunners and a 40mm gun mounted on the stern.
We used to go in convoy part of the way, sometimes enemy aircraft attacked us.
There were moored mines, acoustic and magnetic mines and submarines about.
Later on another of our ships left Maryport for Portreath, she was lost with all hands – we don't know what happened to her – she was the SS Kyle Rona.
The SS Rosemore left Hayle for the Bristol Channel and was bombed and sank off Newquay, most of her crew were lost.
Another ship from Hayle, the Porthgarret, went ashore at the Nash Bank in a gale and Black out.
We in the SS Isleman were bombed off Bardsey Island- it was a near miss.
We came safely through the war – the only Portreath ship left."
Sandra Beckett on behalf of Captain Gordon Greenslade submitted the above to the People's War web site.
Captain Greenslade stayed with the Isleman until October 1946; he had a daughter of two at the time and wished to spend more time with his family so took a job with a firm in Redruth working with automotive coachwork.
Gordon is presently spending Christmas and the New Year at Harbour house retirement home.
Chris Watts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Badminton club has been meeting every Tuesday night since October 2004 in the Millennium Hall and it has been great fun. We have about 16 members now, of varying abilities from regular players to complete beginners. The annual membership fee is a mere £15, which gives you insurance through the Badminton Association and each session is £2 per person. It is possible to attend as a guest before you have to join, so come and try it out.
At the moment, we are only playing on Tuesdays, but it is possible to book the Hall at other times according to availability. We have received a generous grant from the P.I.C. this has enabled us to buy a net and some shuttles so far.
It is not just a chance to get fit, it is also a social occasion and a chance to meet new friends. As there is only one court, between badminton games, we play backgammon, charades, dominoes, juggle or just chat together.
Portreath Badminton Club
At Portreath Millennium Hall
Tuesday 7-10
New Members welcome
All abilities – coaching available- all ages
Contact: Sara, tel.843213
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.A.T.C.H
Baby and Toddler group to be held in the new Church Hall every Friday morning from 10:00 to 12:00
Come along for tea and a chat
50p
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTREATH MILLENNIUM
COMMUNITY HALL
This venue is available to everyone, and the Hall can be used for a wide range of activities. Any individuals or groups interested in booking the Hall should contact the Bookings Secretary Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960. Hire costs are £25.00 a session (3 hours) for the large Hall and the smaller meetings room can be booked for £8.00 per session and these fees include the use of the fully equipped kitchen.
If you wish to run an event and would like to publicise the information in the next Parish Tram, please send your copy to the Editor.
chris@parishtram.co.uk
or leave at the post office
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local Lad will play for cornwall
Sam Newman aged 15, from Portreath has been selected to play rugby for
Cornwall. Sam started playing tag rugby at Portreath school, before joining
the mini/junior rugby section at Redruth rugby club aged 9.
he still plays his rugby with the Redruth club and also for Redruth school.
Playing either center or fly-half.
His first Cornwall game will be at St Austell Against Bristol Schools on the
8th January 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C.O.G.
A dozen people went on the pre-Christmas shopping trip to Exeter on Saturday 26th November. Despite concerns over weather conditions, everyone had a good time and a smooth journey.
There will be a Spring trip before Easter, any requests welcome.
Di Helyer 842492
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can any of your readers help?
I am trying to discover details of the last working ship to enter Portreath harbour, her name, tonnage, dates etc. Also does anyone know the date the port ceased to have its own harbour master and loss of its port status. The records should be somewhere but I've drawn a blank. I believe this to have been around 1967 or '68 just before the harbour houses were constructed. If anyone could help me I would be very grateful.
Allen Forster
68 East Pool Park
Pool Redruth TR15 3LD
allen.forster@btinternet.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.jpg or png we used last year
Your village needs you
Portreath Improvements Committee AGM 23th January 2006
7.00 p.m. in the Portreath Institute
Yes, it's January and that means the Portreath Improvements Committee elections are upon us once again.
We need members that are prepared to attend the majority of meetings throughout 2006. These are held on the second Monday of each month. The main order of business at the meetings is to make decisions on the best use of the income created by the sea front car park, which is owned by the PIC. This is a substantial sum and the Constitution states that the income is to be spent for the good of Portreath village and it's residents. Consequently the agenda at the monthly meetings can be extremely varied, ranging from litter picking and property maintenance to long term financial investment and constitutional matters.
Another responsibility is the day to day running and management of the sea front car park. This is carried out by the Portreath Association Ltd. (PAL), a small limited company that was formed because by law, a charity (the PIC) cannot trade to make a profit. Five people run the PAL, three of who are elected at the March meetings (they are elected from within the membership of the Portreath Improvements Committee) the other two members coming from the board of directors of the PAL.
If you can't spare the time to put yourself up for membership, please still come along to the Portreath Institute on Monday the 23rd of January at 7:00pm for the election and vote for the residents you want to sit on the committee. There are 24 seats available and the rules of the PIC allow all village residents aged 18 or over to vote for up to 24 fellow residents. Voting slips will be passed around on the night.
Currently the January meeting is the only time residents can attend the PIC meeting, so this is your chance to ask questions and put suggestions forward other than in writing, which you can do at any other time in the year.
The Portreath Improvements Committee is a major influence within the village and needs your support. Please come along on the 23rd of January at 7.00 and vote for those you want to represent you for the coming year.
Portreath Improvements Committee application form
To stand for election please fill out the following application:
(Applicants must reside in Portreath village, as must your two supporters.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name and address of applicant:
Name and address of 1st supporter:
Name and address of 2nd supporter:
Post to:
Secretary to the PIC
5 Belerion Road
Portreath
Cornwall
TR16 4PA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Annual Bonfire and Firework Display
Took place on Sunday 6th November, when we were exceptionally lucky to have a "window" from the bad weather, and yet another quality display.
Thanks must go to Roger Bricknell and his team; also to PC Tim Roberts and the community Policing Team; the Gold Centre for the free use of their car park; 1st Buses for the park and ride shuttle. An especially big thank you to the Bonfire Building Team led by Trevor Tonkin, who all spent over three hours in bitter conditions that morning and to the stewards who collected donations during the evening and the Bar-B-Q team for cooking. Also the Promenade Cafe, the Retreat and the ShoreShop, who all stayed open throughout.
Mention must also be made of the many village businesses, shops and pub that continue to sponsor:
1. The Park and Ride scheme.
2. The Bonfire insurance.
3. Insurance donation to Bicknells by the PIC.
4. Attendance by St Johns Ambulance by the Parish Council.
This year the costs of numbers 1, 2 & 4 all increased substantially and without the continued support and community spirit of those mentioned, the event could not take place.
Fortunately and increase the collection money was sufficient to cover the cost of the fireworks and ensure a display next year.
Finally, thank you to those who contacted me afterwards by phone and letter; it was much appreciated.
Di Helyer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Table Tennis Club
Every Wednesday 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. in St Mary's Church Hall
All very welcome. Under 18s should be accompanied by parent or guardian
Please come along
Or ring Malcolm on 01209 842695 or Geoff on 01209 843181
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
copy of last quarter?
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?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, December 19, 2005
Sterling effort by pub
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
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
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.
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