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."
Thursday, December 01, 2005
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.
--------------------------------
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
----------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------
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
----------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
