Friday, February 11, 2005
Mining Division 2 Fixtures
Mining Division 2 Fixtures: "Saturday 12th February Illogan RBL 3rds Away Kick Off 2.30pm"
WHAT'S IN A NAME? PORTREATH MUM'S 'PERFECT' VENTURE
09:00 - 10 February 2005
A portreath mum thinks she has got the perfect new business venture - if only she could get people to understand what it is. In Louise Ford's own words it is the: "complete soft play area for children" though officially it is known as a "Play Trailer Experience".
How else do you describe a 20sq ft cage equipped with slides, trampolines and a ball pit that can be transported up and down the county?
Miss Ford's problem is that not many people can quite picture the equipment and, having relocated back to her home county from Spain to start the new business, needs bookings soon.
"I am hoping to get the trailer into rallies, village shows and local school events," explained the 30-year-old single mother.
Rental fees for private parties, which can take up to 12 kids at a time, are £120 per day; alternatively at public events, children are charged £1 for 10 minutes.
Miss Ford claims the yellow, red and green play area is unique to the county: "I have been told it is the only one in Cornwall and bouncy castles are ten a penny." Contact her on 01209 843444.
GROUP AIMS TO GIVE CARERS A BREAK
09:00 - 10 February 2005
A group has been set up in Portreath to allow carers a break from looking after incapacitated loved ones, and an opportunity to meet with people in a similar position. The first meeting was held at the Harbour Tea Rooms, thanks to a substantial grant from UkunLtd
Fourteen carers attended, and another seven gave their apologies, but said they were looking forward to attending in the future.
One of the group's organisers is Janet Smith who said: 'We had a lovely time. Harbour Tea rooms did splendidly. They put on a wonderful spread. We felt very pampered.
'There seems to be a glut of carers in Portreath. We decided to set up a group to try and brighten carers' lives and get them out of their homes.'
The group, which decided to meet at least once a month, has already planned activities include massage sessions and regular outings.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Utter Madness?_ Full size http://img12.exs.cx/img12/7900/wally3kh.jpg
Apart from injuring himself, his actions can cause problems for a lot of people.
Had this young fellow slipped or more likely, been washed off the pier, he would have needed rescuing, putting a number of volunteer and regular rescue services into danger. Had he then been recovered alive, there would have been the resources used to get him
to hospital and treated. What did he gain by his trespass and daring entry into poor surf? Nothing, as soon as he dropped in he was washed almost to the beach.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Beat Lines
When I look back on 2004 in relation to the policing of Portreath I have to conclude that it was a relatively successful year. With one or two notable exceptions we did not experience the same levels of anti-social behaviour and damage in the village that we endured in 2003. This is backed up by the figures, which show there were 20 crimes less in 2004 than the year before.
I am pleased to say that there were relatively few incidents for us to attend to in Portreath over the Christmas period just 6 crimes were reported for the whole of December.
During 2004 I met with the Parish council and other groups on several occasions to discuss ways of making the best use of available resources to improve the quality of life for Portreath residents. A few of the proposals that we discussed were: - Improving and extending the CCTV system that currently covers the car park so that it covered the majority of the village. Introducing a paid policing scheme (as successfully operated in other parts of the county) to provide a guaranteed police presence in the village every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer (in addition to the normal service). Making an application to restrict anti-social drinking in certain areas.
Unfortunately it was not possible to implement any of these initiatives last year. However I am fully aware that these things need careful consideration and that they cannot happen overnight. I am sure that some of these proposals will be taken forward this year and I look forward to working with the appropriate organisations to assist in the implementation process where ever possible.
Many readers will be aware of the dispersal order that has recently been imposed at Illogan. This order gives the police the power to disperse groups of people who are believed to be likely to engage in behaviour that may cause alarm, harassment, distress or intimidation to others. We are closely monitoring the effects of our actions in Illogan to ensure that Portreath and other surrounding areas are not detrimentally affected
May I wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe 2005.
PC Tim Roberts
I am pleased to say that there were relatively few incidents for us to attend to in Portreath over the Christmas period just 6 crimes were reported for the whole of December.
During 2004 I met with the Parish council and other groups on several occasions to discuss ways of making the best use of available resources to improve the quality of life for Portreath residents. A few of the proposals that we discussed were: - Improving and extending the CCTV system that currently covers the car park so that it covered the majority of the village. Introducing a paid policing scheme (as successfully operated in other parts of the county) to provide a guaranteed police presence in the village every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer (in addition to the normal service). Making an application to restrict anti-social drinking in certain areas.
Unfortunately it was not possible to implement any of these initiatives last year. However I am fully aware that these things need careful consideration and that they cannot happen overnight. I am sure that some of these proposals will be taken forward this year and I look forward to working with the appropriate organisations to assist in the implementation process where ever possible.
Many readers will be aware of the dispersal order that has recently been imposed at Illogan. This order gives the police the power to disperse groups of people who are believed to be likely to engage in behaviour that may cause alarm, harassment, distress or intimidation to others. We are closely monitoring the effects of our actions in Illogan to ensure that Portreath and other surrounding areas are not detrimentally affected
May I wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe 2005.
PC Tim Roberts
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Jan-March news
PORTREATH BROWNIES
Hello there! Resident Brownie Mouse reporting. I thought I would fill you in on what’s going on at the First Portreath Brownie Pack these days. I like to spy on them on a Monday evening in the school hall – they have so much fun!! Of course, it wouldn’t do for me to be seen, (not with all those owls about), but I like to sit in a corner and watch the proceedings and, more often than not, those kind Brownies leave a few crumbs for me to nibble at when they’ve all gone home – they like their food, you know – always bringing in cakes, biscuits and chocolates !
Well, they’ve been very busy this last term, particularly in the art and craft area, decorating some beautiful new bags to keep all their things in, making necklaces and bracelets out of beads, painting Christmas sun catchers and making Christmas cards. Consequently, quite a few of them have received their Craft Badges. The Brownies have been very musical too, enjoying an evening of musical games and competitions, using lots of very loud percussion instruments. I had to hide in my hole when it got too noisy!
The Brownies have had visitors to the pack, too. Recently, Kerrier On-Track visited to speak to them about bullying and how to deal with it and on another visit, Kerrier On-Track spoke about friendship and team-building; the Brownies were very keen to hear what was said and enjoyed participating in all the team-building activities and discussions. The Brownies have also been learning about how other people cope with various disabilities and have been taught some sign language by another visitor to the Pack whose name is Tammy and she was very friendly.
Recently, a number of new Brownies have joined the pack and it’s really good to see these new faces. I’ve counted a total of 21 Brownies at the meetings and they have re-grouped into four new sections (they call them ‘sixes’), namely: Squirrels, Rabbits, Badgers and Hedgehogs. (What, no Mice?!)
I promise that I will do my best:
To love my God,
To serve the Queen and my country,
To help other people
and
To keep the Brownie Guide Law
These are serious words, aren’t they? But I’ve heard several new Brownies quoting them at their Promise Ceremonies. These are when the girls get to be proper Brownies; their friends and family come to watch them say their Brownie Promise and it’s a really special occasion, (especially for me as there is always lots of food about !).
The Brownies have also been very fortunate in receiving a generous donation from the Harbour Fun Day Committee and because the Tax Man apparently gave them some money (I didn’t quite understand this part, that the tax man GAVE them money …) however, it seems this means they can all go to the Red Riding Hood pantomime in February – lucky girls !
The Brownies went out and about in November, joining in the Remembrance Day Parade through Portreath, followed by the service at St. Mary’s Church. I must say, they all looked very smart and it was good to see so many young people remembering the sacrifices made during the wars.
The Brownies were at St. Mary’s again recently, participating in the Christingle service. This was a wonderful occasion, with lots of lively singing, dancing and drama. The Brownies stood up at one point and gave thanks to God for all the things they are grateful for. Then, all the children lit their Christingles and the church looked radiant in the candlelight.
Well, I must be off now; I’m getting ready for the Brownie Christmas party – a riotous occasion, if last year is anything to go by, but I’m looking forward to the fun and games and (you’ve guessed it) the FOOD.
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Millennium BINGO Club
Happy New Year to you all,
Sylvia & Rod brown wish to thank all local businesses and individuals who have supported the club in the past twelve months and look forward to seeing more people in the coming year.
Dates for your diary 2005
We will be holding BINGO sessions in the Portreath Millennium Hall on the following Friday nights.
January 7th & 21st May 13th & 27th September 2nd & 16th & 30th
February 4th & 18th June 10th & 24th October 7th & 21st
March 4th & 18th July 8th & 22nd November 4th & 18th
April 1st & 15th & 29th August 5th & 19th * December 2nd & 16th**
* Summer Special
**Christmas Special
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Beach clean
On Sunday 12th December, a group of independent volunteers from the village cleaned the main beach, the little beach and part of the stream near the Basset Arms. We had decided that we were fed up with waiting for official bodies to get on with the cleaning so we thought we would do it ourselves. We put some posters around the village and Sara rang Kerrier who were very pleased to donate black bin bags, gloves and grippers. On Sunday morning, we walked down to the meeting point by the café near the beach expecting to be the only people there. But in the end about 16 people turned up- some very young ones- and rapidly set to work.
After about 2 hours, it was very satisfying to leave a now spotless beach and loads of full bin bags and assorted rubbish by the litterbin for the Council to collect as agreed.
We were so pleased with what we had achieved that we all decided we should do this on a regular basis. So watch out for posters and join us next time: it does not take long when we all get together. It felt great to do something positive for the village.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday.
NEXT BEACH CLEAN:
SUNDAY 11th FEBRUARY AT 11.00 A.M.
Meet by the promenade cafe and bring gloves
Sara and Roselyne
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Portreath Beach Landslide
In mid October 2004 a large chunk of Western Hill slid down to the sea taking with it a large nesting area used by Fulmars and completely burying one of the Bassets Bath pools.
The Fulmar colony have used that part of the cliff for breeding because of its inaccessibility to predators, now with the slope that has been formed and the lack of ledges, they will have to move on. The Fulmar is Amber list criteria, meaning, a historical population decline during 1800-1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled over last 25 years.
The Bassets Bath known as The Mermaid Pool will, I doubt, be seen again in any of our life times. The cave in which it was located is directly under the slip and probably contributed toward the weakness in the cliff. In recent weeks there have been further smaller falls causing concern from the National Trust. They have now erected warning signs asking people to keep clear. The slip spoil on the beach is also unstable and not suitable for climbing.
The National Trust and Kerrier District Council are closely monitoring
the landslide. Should anyone have any concerns or observations please
call the area Warden Bill Martin on 01872 552412
Chris Watts
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Portreath Badminton club has been meeting every Tuesday night since October 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. Two weeks ago some of us repainted the white lines to the correct specifications and Tony, a Badminton coach usually comes along to give helpful tips.
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
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PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Closure of toilets on Sundays through Winter
The Parish Council was very concerned to learn that Kerrier District Council had taken the decision to cease opening the public toilets near the Beach on Sundays throughout the winter. As it was felt that this decision would cause great difficulties, not only for local residents but to the many people who visit the Village over the weekends during the winter period, the Parish Council felt every effort should be made to keep the toilets open on Sundays and, having ascertained that there would be appropriate insurance cover, Members resolved to make monies available to ensure that the toilets were unlocked on Sundays throughout the Winter period.
Traffic Calming
Members have been assured that work to implement the various traffic calming measures, already discussed and advertised locally, would be commenced within the next few months. It is hoped that these measures will go some way to reduce the speed of traffic along Penberthy Road particularly in the vicinity of the School. The County Council will be giving consideration to additional calming measures along Beach Road in the near future.
Precept
Consideration was given to the setting of the precept for the coming financial year and Members were anxious that there should be no great increase in the Community Tax for local residents. After a full discussion it was resolved that, in view of increasing administration charges relating to Insurance cover, etc., and probable increases in the charges made by Contractors carrying out the litter picking and footpath trimming within the Parish, there should be an absolute minimum increase in the precept which was set at £6,700, an increase of approximately 10% over last year's figure. It was pointed out that this would, probably, still be the lowest precept of all local parishes within the Kerrier Area.
Sunnyvale Road
Members are of the opinion that some consideration should be given to the improvement of Sunnyvale Road in view of the every-increasing usage of this busy highway. The number of vehicular accesses off Sunnyvale Road is increasing rapidly and, with the promotion of the Mineral Tramway cycle path, the situation along this narrow highway is becoming more and more dangerous, particularly as some of the cyclists are very young children. An approach has been made to the County Council via the local County Councillor Mr. T. Rowe and it is hoped that some method can be adopted to ensure the safe passage of all users of this much used route, possibly by the segregation of the cyclists from the vehicular traffic. The County Highway Engineer has also been made aware of the fact that a section of the highway in the vicinity of Sunny Corner needs urgent reinforcement.
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Over 50’s Group
We hired an Age Concern Mini-Bus for the group Christmas trip to Presingoll Barns at St Agnes, on Thursday 2nd December. These vehicles include aids to mobility & specially selected drivers, something much appreciated.
The Group meets in the back room of the Millennium Hall on Wednesday afternoons between 2 & 4 pm. Everyone welcome, light refreshments provided.
Di Helyer
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More Badminton news:
Starting in the New Year
Is anyone interested in being coached by Tony Poole, County Badminton Development Officer? The sessions would take place in the Millennium Hall, possibly on a Thursday evening, 10 sessions costing £20 per person.
Contact Tony on 01872 530277
Booking is essential- Maximum 8 places
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Litter
Good news for the village
The Portreath Improvements Committee has agreed to pay for a litter picker every month over the winter, and twice monthly during the summer. This means that between the Parish Council and the PIC, the village will have a litter pick every two weeks over the winter and every week over the summer.
Unfortunately Kerrier District Council have decided not to replace litter bins that have been vandalised, one in front of Tabbs restaurant and one at the top of Tregea Hill.
Consequently, if you see or are concerned about an area within the Parish that you think needs attention, please call Kerrier District Council on 01209 614332 / 333. Kerrier are usually very prompt in their response, especially when informed of rubbish clogging the stream along Tregea Terrace.
Sara Clasper
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KERRIER U-TURN ON CLOSING PUBLIC TOILETS ON SUNDAYS
Kerrier District Council's decision to close the beachside public toilets at Portreath on Sundays has been overturned following protests from villagers.
Ken Bowden, Chairman of Portreath Parish Council, said that he and his Clerk, Jean Oates, had persuaded the Authority not to continue to close the toilets during the winter after talks with council officers. He said: "I took the matter directly to the chief officers of Kerrier and at the end of the evening they agreed that Portreath was a slightly different case. Two of the beaches belong to Kerrier – as does the little harbour beach and some of the main beach - so they have an obligation to keep the toilets open."
Recently, Graeme Hicks, Kerrier Council's portfolio holder for the environment, had said that vandal-hit conveniences would be shut on those days during wintertime in a move to make budget savings and help prevent a hike in council tax bills next year. He said that after a public consultation the Authority had decided to focus on regeneration, quality homes and open spaces and that keeping some public lavatories closed on Sundays would create "substantial savings".
Mr Bowden stepped into the debate after the authority closed the public toilets at Portreath on two Sundays in a row saying. "When you've got 50 to 100 cars in the car park and 100 people on the beach at Portreath on Sundays, the pubs and restaurants in the village would not want to tolerate that many using their toilets for too long. It's going to perhaps cost the Parish Council £20 to keep the toilets in the village open on a Sunday."
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HEAD TO HEAD WITH A RARE SHARK
The remains of a suspected hammer-head shark found washed up on Portreath beach has been making waves in the marine world this week. Kevin Melton stumbled upon the head of the shark in the harbour in what experts described as only the second discovery of a hammer-head in Britain since records began.
As marine researchers hailed the find as one of the most exciting in recent times, the head has been undergoing a detailed examination at the Plymouth-based Marine Biology Association. Mr Melton said that he had received a series of phone calls from shark experts, one of whom believed the hammer-head was only the second confirmed sighting of the species in Britain for almost 120 years.
He said: "I was just walking back from the cliffs along the harbour when I saw it. My wife, Sharon, thought at first that it was a big crab. I climbed down the ladder, recognised it as the head of a hammer-head shark and brought it back home." After alerting marine staff at the Blue Reef Aquarium at Newquay, Mr Melton was advised to store the head in his freezer to help preserve it.
Ruth Williams, a marine conservation officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said the rare find had triggered great interest. "It is very exciting," she said. "As far as I know, there has only been one previous recording of a hammer-head shark around the UK. Usually, they are seen as tropical or sub-tropical sharks. It's either just wandered off into our waters and died of natural causes or in fishing nets. Or it could have been swept here. Either way, it's died somewhere close to the South West." Mrs Williams said that Dr David Sims, a shark expert, was due to carry out tests on the head and hoped to establish its species, age and any injuries the shark suffered.
Becs Smith, a senior aquavist at Blue Reef, said that hammer-heads spent most of their time combing the sea floor for fish, including stingrays, and posed 'very little' threat to people. "Sharks are usually more scared of us than we are of them," she added. "We are getting lots of different species around our coast including amber jacks - they are related to tuna - which were caught in the UK recently. It could be a sign of warmer water temperatures."
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VILLAGE PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO DIED IN TWO WORLD WARS
Portreath fell silent for a short period on Sunday afternoon, the 7th November, as the village paid tribute to those who have died in two world wars and other conflicts. With standards fluttering in the autumn breeze, the procession marched from the sea front car park to St Mary's Church to the sounds of Illogan Sparnon Band.
At the war memorial, wreaths were laid by groups and dignitaries, including the parish council, Portreath Improvements Committee, Brownies, Sea Cadets and RAF Portreath.
Last Post and Reveille were played by Jessica Hutchens and Naomi Goldsworthy, two young members of the band.
After a service in the church led by the Rev Mike Kippax, refreshments were served in the institute.
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NEW ORIENTEERING COURSE IN THE PARK
A new orienteering course has been completed at Tehidy Country Park, Camborne, offering visitors a challenging way to explore its 250 acres. It took Cornwall County Council's Countryside Service nearly two months to complete and consists of 35 posts made-up of both short and long courses.
Park Ranger, Tony Sciascia, said: "Anyone can use the course and it's a great way to get fit. Visitors can buy a map for £1 and either do the course by themselves or as part of a group. In the past, we have had many people use the old course including students from schools and colleges, the Scouts and cadets and even trainees from the fire brigade."
The map can be bought at the Tehidy visitor centre or by calling 01872 323 963. Bookings can also be made on this number.
Tehidy Country Park was once part of the estate owned by the wealthy mining family, the Bassets. It was bought by the county council in 1983 and turned into a recreational country park. Visitors can stroll around the lake, explore leafy glades or wilder areas of woodland or be immersed in the rich flora and fauna.
The park hosts a variety of facilities, including an events field, where a range of activities are held, BBQ hire facilities in a designated woodland, a summer and winter events programme, outdoor education facilities, and a schools' and youth campsite.
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Your village needs You
Portreath Improvements Committee AGM 24th January 2005
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. This year, two of our long serving officers are standing down from their respective positions. Connie Trewella has been the PIC Treasurer for many years and has done an outstanding job and Nigel Mathews has stood down as Chairman, after eleven years of dedicated service. Both Connie and Nigel will, we hope, remain members of the PIC.
This past year the PIC has for the first time for many years had a full committee and as a democratically elected body every member stands down and puts up for election every year. We need members that are prepared to attend the majority of meetings throughout 2005. 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 whom 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.
To stand for election write a letter to:
Secretary to the PIC
5 Belerion Road
Portreath
TR16 4PA
giving your name and address, and the name and address of two village residents aged 18 or over, who will support your application.
If you can’t spare the time to put yourself up for election, please still come along to the Portreath Institute on the 24th of January at 7:00pm and vote for the residents you would like to see 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 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 other times in the year.
For those of you who would like more information about the Portreath Improvements Committee, there is a brief history printed on page ?
As you can see, the Portreath Improvements Committee is a major influence within the village and needs your support. Please come along on the 24th of January at 7.00 and vote for those you want to represent you for the coming year.
Chris Watts
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The Incline Church Community Project
In the coming months, as we work on our publicity, you will be hearing more about this exciting initiative! We have been running for almost nine months and in that time a number of projects have begun in the village of Portreath. On Wednesday CHIC (Care and Hospitality in the Community) meet in the church between 10-12.00. People can 'pop in' for a cuppa, a chat, to be quiet or to seek advice and sign posting to resources and services on a number of issues. The Veg Box scheme also runs from CHIC and between 28-32 people per week collect their value veg box from the church at around 11.15am. In the process they support local growers and farmers. the boxes are great value at £4.00. We have organised a trial cooking group from CHIC, this went well and may start as a regular Wednesday lunch time group in the future. Incline also supports COG, the Community Outings Group, the 'Over 50's Group' who meet on Wednesday afternoon in the Millennium Hall and Mish Mash an exciting once a month club for children aged 4-11 years. On December the 4th, Mish Mash hosted a community feast at the school, the children shopped for and prepared the food and enjoyed a morning of activities and action with members of the community.
In January there will a belly dancing class starting at the primary school, this is a project Incline are currently developing with Family Learning and is open to anyone in a family group (at least two generations need to attend for free admission). The Incline Church Community Project has secured funding to develop further and very soon, will be supporting a new group for people who are Carers in the village.
We now have our own logo, at the top of this article and please do look out for posters and leaflets that should be appearing early in the Spring. Our next meeting is on the 16th February 05 in the Church Hall at 7.30p.m. If you would like to know more, do come along or phone Terry on 843181 or Treve on 610260. We want to work with existing groups, develop new ideas and promote the wellbeing of our community through social action and developing individual and group ideas. Do come and talk with us if you have an idea you would like to develop.
Terry Reynard
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SURPRISE: YEARS OF SERVICE TO SCHOOL ARE RECOGNISED
A surprise presentation was made to the retiring chairman of governors of Portreath School, when parents and children gathered for the Christmas lights switch-on. Jean Oates was expecting just to throw the switch and join in the singing of carols, but found herself thrust into the limelight once more as the school presented her with a gift in gratitude of her decades of service.
The picture, a pastel drawing of Gull Rock, was specially created in her honour by local artist Peter Skinner.
"It was a big surprise," she said. "I only went down there to turn the lights on. It was a lovely occasion, particularly as it took place in 'Sarah's Garden'."
Even county council records do not show exactly how long Mrs Oates has been a governor at the school, but her association there extends beyond 30 years.
She began by running the playgroup, and when her own children joined the school, her involvement increased.
She joined the governors, and within a short time became chairman.
She relinquished her role last term, believing the 'time was right', but is adamant she will keep in touch.
She said: "I will miss the children terribly. I've had wonderful support from John (Whetter) throughout his time at the school and the rest of the staff and governors."
Headteacher John Whetter paid tribute to Mrs Oates contribution: "Jean has been a great support to me personally as Headteacher, because she was chairman of governors throughout my 13 years at the school so far.
"She has always shown a great interest in everything the children have done. She's spent a lot of time with them in school and out of school on trips.
"We hope she will continue to come in, albeit in an unofficial capacity."
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Reviving the Chamber of Commerce?
There is a move in Portreath to breathe some life back into the local Chamber of Commerce. The Tram has been approached by two local business owners suggesting that the time has come to fire up some enthusiasm for this once busy and effective group. Small businesses have a strong record of contributing to their local communities including sponsoring local events and involvement in neighborhood watch schemes. Crime stunts business growth and this has negative consequences for the community as a whole. A well-organised Chamber also has good lines of communication into local authorities, parish, district and county councils.
Anyone interested in helping to reorganise, build an interactive business community and become a member of the Portreath Chamber of Commerce please call Mark Savage on 01209 843931.
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Portreath Cooking Session with EatWell
The EatWell project aims to provide hands on support and training to community, voluntary and statutory organisations in Kerrier, wishing to increase their emphasis on healthy eating. The project is part of the Kerrier Healthy Living Centre and is based in Health Promotion Services, in Pool.
The cooking session in Portreath linked with the Healthy Boxes project, which supports local farmers and growers by providing weekly boxes of local vegetables to families in Kerrier and Penwith, to give people inspiration around new healthy cooking ideas. Terry Reynard was the key link to the Incline Project and so it was decided that to encourage more people to engage with the Healthy Boxes and to provide information around healthy cooking and healthy eating information in general, a cooking session would be run with hope of continuing the sessions into the new year. The cooking session on 8th December was attended by 7 people who all seemed to enjoy the lunchtime cooking and especially the eating! We used the ‘Healthy Box’ to inspire us and cooked a delicious feast of wholesome vegetable soup, soda bread and stuffed peppers.
The EatWell Project took along a wide range of healthy eating leaflets and numerous recipes for the group to take away and we talked about what can be done to improve your diet, including reducing fat and salt intakes.
No further dates have been confirmed but it is hoped a couple more sessions will be run early next year.
Finally, with the imminent finish of the Eatwell Project in March, the Eatsome Project, the countywide healthy eating project, could help to further fund healthy eating projects in Portreath as the project offers small amounts of funding in the guise of Bitesize Grants! These grants are open to community groups wishing to increase their emphasis on healthy eating and may be a great way in which the cooking sessions can continue, or any other projects that can be thought of….!
Sophie
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Portreath Bonfire and Firework Display
An Extra fourteen village shops and businesses and organisations joined in the sponsorship of various aspects of the event this year. Their community spirit was appreciated and encouraging for the future.
Disappointingly the collection taken during the display failed to cover the cost of the fireworks and I was very disturbed to hear of one collector being verbally abused, several times. Many other people made appreciative comments afterwards, particularly regarding the quality of the display.
However at present, the 2005 Display is in jeopardy.
On a personal level my thanks to the sponsors, the team of collection stewards, the Bar-B-Q team, St Johns Ambulance, First Bus Co, The Gold Centre and the Community Police team who all worked hard to make this a happy and safe event.
Di Helyer
Hello there! Resident Brownie Mouse reporting. I thought I would fill you in on what’s going on at the First Portreath Brownie Pack these days. I like to spy on them on a Monday evening in the school hall – they have so much fun!! Of course, it wouldn’t do for me to be seen, (not with all those owls about), but I like to sit in a corner and watch the proceedings and, more often than not, those kind Brownies leave a few crumbs for me to nibble at when they’ve all gone home – they like their food, you know – always bringing in cakes, biscuits and chocolates !
Well, they’ve been very busy this last term, particularly in the art and craft area, decorating some beautiful new bags to keep all their things in, making necklaces and bracelets out of beads, painting Christmas sun catchers and making Christmas cards. Consequently, quite a few of them have received their Craft Badges. The Brownies have been very musical too, enjoying an evening of musical games and competitions, using lots of very loud percussion instruments. I had to hide in my hole when it got too noisy!
The Brownies have had visitors to the pack, too. Recently, Kerrier On-Track visited to speak to them about bullying and how to deal with it and on another visit, Kerrier On-Track spoke about friendship and team-building; the Brownies were very keen to hear what was said and enjoyed participating in all the team-building activities and discussions. The Brownies have also been learning about how other people cope with various disabilities and have been taught some sign language by another visitor to the Pack whose name is Tammy and she was very friendly.
Recently, a number of new Brownies have joined the pack and it’s really good to see these new faces. I’ve counted a total of 21 Brownies at the meetings and they have re-grouped into four new sections (they call them ‘sixes’), namely: Squirrels, Rabbits, Badgers and Hedgehogs. (What, no Mice?!)
I promise that I will do my best:
To love my God,
To serve the Queen and my country,
To help other people
and
To keep the Brownie Guide Law
These are serious words, aren’t they? But I’ve heard several new Brownies quoting them at their Promise Ceremonies. These are when the girls get to be proper Brownies; their friends and family come to watch them say their Brownie Promise and it’s a really special occasion, (especially for me as there is always lots of food about !).
The Brownies have also been very fortunate in receiving a generous donation from the Harbour Fun Day Committee and because the Tax Man apparently gave them some money (I didn’t quite understand this part, that the tax man GAVE them money …) however, it seems this means they can all go to the Red Riding Hood pantomime in February – lucky girls !
The Brownies went out and about in November, joining in the Remembrance Day Parade through Portreath, followed by the service at St. Mary’s Church. I must say, they all looked very smart and it was good to see so many young people remembering the sacrifices made during the wars.
The Brownies were at St. Mary’s again recently, participating in the Christingle service. This was a wonderful occasion, with lots of lively singing, dancing and drama. The Brownies stood up at one point and gave thanks to God for all the things they are grateful for. Then, all the children lit their Christingles and the church looked radiant in the candlelight.
Well, I must be off now; I’m getting ready for the Brownie Christmas party – a riotous occasion, if last year is anything to go by, but I’m looking forward to the fun and games and (you’ve guessed it) the FOOD.
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Millennium BINGO Club
Happy New Year to you all,
Sylvia & Rod brown wish to thank all local businesses and individuals who have supported the club in the past twelve months and look forward to seeing more people in the coming year.
Dates for your diary 2005
We will be holding BINGO sessions in the Portreath Millennium Hall on the following Friday nights.
January 7th & 21st May 13th & 27th September 2nd & 16th & 30th
February 4th & 18th June 10th & 24th October 7th & 21st
March 4th & 18th July 8th & 22nd November 4th & 18th
April 1st & 15th & 29th August 5th & 19th * December 2nd & 16th**
* Summer Special
**Christmas Special
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Beach clean
On Sunday 12th December, a group of independent volunteers from the village cleaned the main beach, the little beach and part of the stream near the Basset Arms. We had decided that we were fed up with waiting for official bodies to get on with the cleaning so we thought we would do it ourselves. We put some posters around the village and Sara rang Kerrier who were very pleased to donate black bin bags, gloves and grippers. On Sunday morning, we walked down to the meeting point by the café near the beach expecting to be the only people there. But in the end about 16 people turned up- some very young ones- and rapidly set to work.
After about 2 hours, it was very satisfying to leave a now spotless beach and loads of full bin bags and assorted rubbish by the litterbin for the Council to collect as agreed.
We were so pleased with what we had achieved that we all decided we should do this on a regular basis. So watch out for posters and join us next time: it does not take long when we all get together. It felt great to do something positive for the village.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday.
NEXT BEACH CLEAN:
SUNDAY 11th FEBRUARY AT 11.00 A.M.
Meet by the promenade cafe and bring gloves
Sara and Roselyne
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Portreath Beach Landslide
In mid October 2004 a large chunk of Western Hill slid down to the sea taking with it a large nesting area used by Fulmars and completely burying one of the Bassets Bath pools.
The Fulmar colony have used that part of the cliff for breeding because of its inaccessibility to predators, now with the slope that has been formed and the lack of ledges, they will have to move on. The Fulmar is Amber list criteria, meaning, a historical population decline during 1800-1995, but recovering; population size has more than doubled over last 25 years.
The Bassets Bath known as The Mermaid Pool will, I doubt, be seen again in any of our life times. The cave in which it was located is directly under the slip and probably contributed toward the weakness in the cliff. In recent weeks there have been further smaller falls causing concern from the National Trust. They have now erected warning signs asking people to keep clear. The slip spoil on the beach is also unstable and not suitable for climbing.
The National Trust and Kerrier District Council are closely monitoring
the landslide. Should anyone have any concerns or observations please
call the area Warden Bill Martin on 01872 552412
Chris Watts
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Portreath Badminton club has been meeting every Tuesday night since October 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. Two weeks ago some of us repainted the white lines to the correct specifications and Tony, a Badminton coach usually comes along to give helpful tips.
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
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PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Closure of toilets on Sundays through Winter
The Parish Council was very concerned to learn that Kerrier District Council had taken the decision to cease opening the public toilets near the Beach on Sundays throughout the winter. As it was felt that this decision would cause great difficulties, not only for local residents but to the many people who visit the Village over the weekends during the winter period, the Parish Council felt every effort should be made to keep the toilets open on Sundays and, having ascertained that there would be appropriate insurance cover, Members resolved to make monies available to ensure that the toilets were unlocked on Sundays throughout the Winter period.
Traffic Calming
Members have been assured that work to implement the various traffic calming measures, already discussed and advertised locally, would be commenced within the next few months. It is hoped that these measures will go some way to reduce the speed of traffic along Penberthy Road particularly in the vicinity of the School. The County Council will be giving consideration to additional calming measures along Beach Road in the near future.
Precept
Consideration was given to the setting of the precept for the coming financial year and Members were anxious that there should be no great increase in the Community Tax for local residents. After a full discussion it was resolved that, in view of increasing administration charges relating to Insurance cover, etc., and probable increases in the charges made by Contractors carrying out the litter picking and footpath trimming within the Parish, there should be an absolute minimum increase in the precept which was set at £6,700, an increase of approximately 10% over last year's figure. It was pointed out that this would, probably, still be the lowest precept of all local parishes within the Kerrier Area.
Sunnyvale Road
Members are of the opinion that some consideration should be given to the improvement of Sunnyvale Road in view of the every-increasing usage of this busy highway. The number of vehicular accesses off Sunnyvale Road is increasing rapidly and, with the promotion of the Mineral Tramway cycle path, the situation along this narrow highway is becoming more and more dangerous, particularly as some of the cyclists are very young children. An approach has been made to the County Council via the local County Councillor Mr. T. Rowe and it is hoped that some method can be adopted to ensure the safe passage of all users of this much used route, possibly by the segregation of the cyclists from the vehicular traffic. The County Highway Engineer has also been made aware of the fact that a section of the highway in the vicinity of Sunny Corner needs urgent reinforcement.
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Over 50’s Group
We hired an Age Concern Mini-Bus for the group Christmas trip to Presingoll Barns at St Agnes, on Thursday 2nd December. These vehicles include aids to mobility & specially selected drivers, something much appreciated.
The Group meets in the back room of the Millennium Hall on Wednesday afternoons between 2 & 4 pm. Everyone welcome, light refreshments provided.
Di Helyer
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More Badminton news:
Starting in the New Year
Is anyone interested in being coached by Tony Poole, County Badminton Development Officer? The sessions would take place in the Millennium Hall, possibly on a Thursday evening, 10 sessions costing £20 per person.
Contact Tony on 01872 530277
Booking is essential- Maximum 8 places
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Litter
Good news for the village
The Portreath Improvements Committee has agreed to pay for a litter picker every month over the winter, and twice monthly during the summer. This means that between the Parish Council and the PIC, the village will have a litter pick every two weeks over the winter and every week over the summer.
Unfortunately Kerrier District Council have decided not to replace litter bins that have been vandalised, one in front of Tabbs restaurant and one at the top of Tregea Hill.
Consequently, if you see or are concerned about an area within the Parish that you think needs attention, please call Kerrier District Council on 01209 614332 / 333. Kerrier are usually very prompt in their response, especially when informed of rubbish clogging the stream along Tregea Terrace.
Sara Clasper
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KERRIER U-TURN ON CLOSING PUBLIC TOILETS ON SUNDAYS
Kerrier District Council's decision to close the beachside public toilets at Portreath on Sundays has been overturned following protests from villagers.
Ken Bowden, Chairman of Portreath Parish Council, said that he and his Clerk, Jean Oates, had persuaded the Authority not to continue to close the toilets during the winter after talks with council officers. He said: "I took the matter directly to the chief officers of Kerrier and at the end of the evening they agreed that Portreath was a slightly different case. Two of the beaches belong to Kerrier – as does the little harbour beach and some of the main beach - so they have an obligation to keep the toilets open."
Recently, Graeme Hicks, Kerrier Council's portfolio holder for the environment, had said that vandal-hit conveniences would be shut on those days during wintertime in a move to make budget savings and help prevent a hike in council tax bills next year. He said that after a public consultation the Authority had decided to focus on regeneration, quality homes and open spaces and that keeping some public lavatories closed on Sundays would create "substantial savings".
Mr Bowden stepped into the debate after the authority closed the public toilets at Portreath on two Sundays in a row saying. "When you've got 50 to 100 cars in the car park and 100 people on the beach at Portreath on Sundays, the pubs and restaurants in the village would not want to tolerate that many using their toilets for too long. It's going to perhaps cost the Parish Council £20 to keep the toilets in the village open on a Sunday."
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HEAD TO HEAD WITH A RARE SHARK
The remains of a suspected hammer-head shark found washed up on Portreath beach has been making waves in the marine world this week. Kevin Melton stumbled upon the head of the shark in the harbour in what experts described as only the second discovery of a hammer-head in Britain since records began.
As marine researchers hailed the find as one of the most exciting in recent times, the head has been undergoing a detailed examination at the Plymouth-based Marine Biology Association. Mr Melton said that he had received a series of phone calls from shark experts, one of whom believed the hammer-head was only the second confirmed sighting of the species in Britain for almost 120 years.
He said: "I was just walking back from the cliffs along the harbour when I saw it. My wife, Sharon, thought at first that it was a big crab. I climbed down the ladder, recognised it as the head of a hammer-head shark and brought it back home." After alerting marine staff at the Blue Reef Aquarium at Newquay, Mr Melton was advised to store the head in his freezer to help preserve it.
Ruth Williams, a marine conservation officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said the rare find had triggered great interest. "It is very exciting," she said. "As far as I know, there has only been one previous recording of a hammer-head shark around the UK. Usually, they are seen as tropical or sub-tropical sharks. It's either just wandered off into our waters and died of natural causes or in fishing nets. Or it could have been swept here. Either way, it's died somewhere close to the South West." Mrs Williams said that Dr David Sims, a shark expert, was due to carry out tests on the head and hoped to establish its species, age and any injuries the shark suffered.
Becs Smith, a senior aquavist at Blue Reef, said that hammer-heads spent most of their time combing the sea floor for fish, including stingrays, and posed 'very little' threat to people. "Sharks are usually more scared of us than we are of them," she added. "We are getting lots of different species around our coast including amber jacks - they are related to tuna - which were caught in the UK recently. It could be a sign of warmer water temperatures."
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VILLAGE PAYS TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO DIED IN TWO WORLD WARS
Portreath fell silent for a short period on Sunday afternoon, the 7th November, as the village paid tribute to those who have died in two world wars and other conflicts. With standards fluttering in the autumn breeze, the procession marched from the sea front car park to St Mary's Church to the sounds of Illogan Sparnon Band.
At the war memorial, wreaths were laid by groups and dignitaries, including the parish council, Portreath Improvements Committee, Brownies, Sea Cadets and RAF Portreath.
Last Post and Reveille were played by Jessica Hutchens and Naomi Goldsworthy, two young members of the band.
After a service in the church led by the Rev Mike Kippax, refreshments were served in the institute.
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NEW ORIENTEERING COURSE IN THE PARK
A new orienteering course has been completed at Tehidy Country Park, Camborne, offering visitors a challenging way to explore its 250 acres. It took Cornwall County Council's Countryside Service nearly two months to complete and consists of 35 posts made-up of both short and long courses.
Park Ranger, Tony Sciascia, said: "Anyone can use the course and it's a great way to get fit. Visitors can buy a map for £1 and either do the course by themselves or as part of a group. In the past, we have had many people use the old course including students from schools and colleges, the Scouts and cadets and even trainees from the fire brigade."
The map can be bought at the Tehidy visitor centre or by calling 01872 323 963. Bookings can also be made on this number.
Tehidy Country Park was once part of the estate owned by the wealthy mining family, the Bassets. It was bought by the county council in 1983 and turned into a recreational country park. Visitors can stroll around the lake, explore leafy glades or wilder areas of woodland or be immersed in the rich flora and fauna.
The park hosts a variety of facilities, including an events field, where a range of activities are held, BBQ hire facilities in a designated woodland, a summer and winter events programme, outdoor education facilities, and a schools' and youth campsite.
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Your village needs You
Portreath Improvements Committee AGM 24th January 2005
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. This year, two of our long serving officers are standing down from their respective positions. Connie Trewella has been the PIC Treasurer for many years and has done an outstanding job and Nigel Mathews has stood down as Chairman, after eleven years of dedicated service. Both Connie and Nigel will, we hope, remain members of the PIC.
This past year the PIC has for the first time for many years had a full committee and as a democratically elected body every member stands down and puts up for election every year. We need members that are prepared to attend the majority of meetings throughout 2005. 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 whom 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.
To stand for election write a letter to:
Secretary to the PIC
5 Belerion Road
Portreath
TR16 4PA
giving your name and address, and the name and address of two village residents aged 18 or over, who will support your application.
If you can’t spare the time to put yourself up for election, please still come along to the Portreath Institute on the 24th of January at 7:00pm and vote for the residents you would like to see 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 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 other times in the year.
For those of you who would like more information about the Portreath Improvements Committee, there is a brief history printed on page ?
As you can see, the Portreath Improvements Committee is a major influence within the village and needs your support. Please come along on the 24th of January at 7.00 and vote for those you want to represent you for the coming year.
Chris Watts
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The Incline Church Community Project
In the coming months, as we work on our publicity, you will be hearing more about this exciting initiative! We have been running for almost nine months and in that time a number of projects have begun in the village of Portreath. On Wednesday CHIC (Care and Hospitality in the Community) meet in the church between 10-12.00. People can 'pop in' for a cuppa, a chat, to be quiet or to seek advice and sign posting to resources and services on a number of issues. The Veg Box scheme also runs from CHIC and between 28-32 people per week collect their value veg box from the church at around 11.15am. In the process they support local growers and farmers. the boxes are great value at £4.00. We have organised a trial cooking group from CHIC, this went well and may start as a regular Wednesday lunch time group in the future. Incline also supports COG, the Community Outings Group, the 'Over 50's Group' who meet on Wednesday afternoon in the Millennium Hall and Mish Mash an exciting once a month club for children aged 4-11 years. On December the 4th, Mish Mash hosted a community feast at the school, the children shopped for and prepared the food and enjoyed a morning of activities and action with members of the community.
In January there will a belly dancing class starting at the primary school, this is a project Incline are currently developing with Family Learning and is open to anyone in a family group (at least two generations need to attend for free admission). The Incline Church Community Project has secured funding to develop further and very soon, will be supporting a new group for people who are Carers in the village.
We now have our own logo, at the top of this article and please do look out for posters and leaflets that should be appearing early in the Spring. Our next meeting is on the 16th February 05 in the Church Hall at 7.30p.m. If you would like to know more, do come along or phone Terry on 843181 or Treve on 610260. We want to work with existing groups, develop new ideas and promote the wellbeing of our community through social action and developing individual and group ideas. Do come and talk with us if you have an idea you would like to develop.
Terry Reynard
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SURPRISE: YEARS OF SERVICE TO SCHOOL ARE RECOGNISED
A surprise presentation was made to the retiring chairman of governors of Portreath School, when parents and children gathered for the Christmas lights switch-on. Jean Oates was expecting just to throw the switch and join in the singing of carols, but found herself thrust into the limelight once more as the school presented her with a gift in gratitude of her decades of service.
The picture, a pastel drawing of Gull Rock, was specially created in her honour by local artist Peter Skinner.
"It was a big surprise," she said. "I only went down there to turn the lights on. It was a lovely occasion, particularly as it took place in 'Sarah's Garden'."
Even county council records do not show exactly how long Mrs Oates has been a governor at the school, but her association there extends beyond 30 years.
She began by running the playgroup, and when her own children joined the school, her involvement increased.
She joined the governors, and within a short time became chairman.
She relinquished her role last term, believing the 'time was right', but is adamant she will keep in touch.
She said: "I will miss the children terribly. I've had wonderful support from John (Whetter) throughout his time at the school and the rest of the staff and governors."
Headteacher John Whetter paid tribute to Mrs Oates contribution: "Jean has been a great support to me personally as Headteacher, because she was chairman of governors throughout my 13 years at the school so far.
"She has always shown a great interest in everything the children have done. She's spent a lot of time with them in school and out of school on trips.
"We hope she will continue to come in, albeit in an unofficial capacity."
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Reviving the Chamber of Commerce?
There is a move in Portreath to breathe some life back into the local Chamber of Commerce. The Tram has been approached by two local business owners suggesting that the time has come to fire up some enthusiasm for this once busy and effective group. Small businesses have a strong record of contributing to their local communities including sponsoring local events and involvement in neighborhood watch schemes. Crime stunts business growth and this has negative consequences for the community as a whole. A well-organised Chamber also has good lines of communication into local authorities, parish, district and county councils.
Anyone interested in helping to reorganise, build an interactive business community and become a member of the Portreath Chamber of Commerce please call Mark Savage on 01209 843931.
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Portreath Cooking Session with EatWell
The EatWell project aims to provide hands on support and training to community, voluntary and statutory organisations in Kerrier, wishing to increase their emphasis on healthy eating. The project is part of the Kerrier Healthy Living Centre and is based in Health Promotion Services, in Pool.
The cooking session in Portreath linked with the Healthy Boxes project, which supports local farmers and growers by providing weekly boxes of local vegetables to families in Kerrier and Penwith, to give people inspiration around new healthy cooking ideas. Terry Reynard was the key link to the Incline Project and so it was decided that to encourage more people to engage with the Healthy Boxes and to provide information around healthy cooking and healthy eating information in general, a cooking session would be run with hope of continuing the sessions into the new year. The cooking session on 8th December was attended by 7 people who all seemed to enjoy the lunchtime cooking and especially the eating! We used the ‘Healthy Box’ to inspire us and cooked a delicious feast of wholesome vegetable soup, soda bread and stuffed peppers.
The EatWell Project took along a wide range of healthy eating leaflets and numerous recipes for the group to take away and we talked about what can be done to improve your diet, including reducing fat and salt intakes.
No further dates have been confirmed but it is hoped a couple more sessions will be run early next year.
Finally, with the imminent finish of the Eatwell Project in March, the Eatsome Project, the countywide healthy eating project, could help to further fund healthy eating projects in Portreath as the project offers small amounts of funding in the guise of Bitesize Grants! These grants are open to community groups wishing to increase their emphasis on healthy eating and may be a great way in which the cooking sessions can continue, or any other projects that can be thought of….!
Sophie
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Portreath Bonfire and Firework Display
An Extra fourteen village shops and businesses and organisations joined in the sponsorship of various aspects of the event this year. Their community spirit was appreciated and encouraging for the future.
Disappointingly the collection taken during the display failed to cover the cost of the fireworks and I was very disturbed to hear of one collector being verbally abused, several times. Many other people made appreciative comments afterwards, particularly regarding the quality of the display.
However at present, the 2005 Display is in jeopardy.
On a personal level my thanks to the sponsors, the team of collection stewards, the Bar-B-Q team, St Johns Ambulance, First Bus Co, The Gold Centre and the Community Police team who all worked hard to make this a happy and safe event.
Di Helyer
Letters
Mish Mash
We are writing this from all the Mish Mashers. Our names are Brendon and Becky. On the 4th December we held a community feast (thank you to the Healthy Living people for giving us the money to do this). We got the food ready and made banana, melon, strawberry and raspberry smoothies in our new smoothie maker. We welcomed people at the door with fruit warm punch.
We had written letters to people to ask them to come and Candy Atherton came, the police workers, and the vicar, and Mr Whetter as well as lots of others people from the council and our families. We liked having letters from people to say if they were coming as the letters came to the school.
We had Jason come and do African drumming and Mike to do juggling with us, the grown ups joined in and this was funny and fun! Mike did juggling over our heads while we lay on the floor but not the grown ups. We showed everyone what we had made and brought such as our new books and puppets and the felt and silk we had made. We played Christmas music and made craft and ate the feast.
We really like Mish Mash because it gives us something to do on weekends and also we like running it and choosing what to buy and do. Some of us went shopping for the food for the feast and we all chose two things we wanted to have at the feast. We like to run around and play with bats, balls and hoops as well as talk and do new stuff.
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The Old Harbour Masters House on Harbour Terrace: A success story – so far!
As many people will be aware, a planning application was received by Kerrier District Council Planning Services to renovate and considerably extend this historic building at the beginning of October. The proposals would have transformed the present 3 bed 2 bath house into 6 bed /3 bath accommodation by adding another story to the rear and opening up and enlarging the roof space thus completely changing its profile from all aspects. In addition the classic view of Gull Rock along Harbour Terrace would have been lost to all.
Local residents in Harbour Terrace, Kingsley Terrace and Lighthouse Hill decided to oppose the application as it stood whilst supporting appropriate renovation of the building. They went in force to the Parish Council meeting where it was being considered and presented their various views. The Parish Council decided to oppose it. They were also able to enlist the help of Portreath’s County Councilor, Terry Rowe, and the District Councilor who represents Portreath’s interests on Kerrier Planning Committee, Tommy Bray.
I think the most powerful argument was the historic nature of the house and its environs. The harbour, the Harbour Masters House and the Harbour Terrace properties are closely related and date back to the 18th century and earlier. They are the last group of related 18th century historic structures to survive in Portreath. The Harbour is a grade 2 listed structure and the Harbour Master’s House lies within its curtilage. They both lie within the proposed World Heritage Site area. So the World Heritage Site team at the Department of Historic Environment at Cornwall County Council were very interested in this application. Redruth Old Cornwall Society and many others were also alerted and many letters opposing the application were sent in.
We also decided to get up a petition and copies were posted in Costcutter, The Portreath Arms, The Waterfront Inn and The Basset Arms. We also went door to door and hung about on the harbour to solicit signatures. Michael Tangye did sterling work collecting signatures from Redruth Old Cornwall Society and other local organisations helped out too. Drawings of befores and afters were made so that everyone could easily see what the changes would be. Initially the petition was circulating for three weeks but this was extended for another month when we were informed that it would go before the December Planning Committee meeting, not November.
The results were really encouraging as well as very interesting. Out of a total of 272 signatures 141 were Portreath and Bridge residents, a further 108 were local to the area (Camborne-Redruth etc) and 23 were from elsewhere in Cornwall or upcountry. A good number of signatures were collected in Costcutter and an unknown number in the Basset Arms – the petition fell down the back of a large and heavy fridge never to be seen again. A new petition was started but from all accounts fell far short of the first one. As to The Waterfront and the Portreath Arms, not one signature was collected. Residents from every street, road and close in Portreath signed the petition.
Our concerns were heard. The applicant withdrew his application on learning of the strong opposition, which now included Kerrier District Council. The application never went to Committee. However the applicant will resubmit with more appropriate proposals, and soon probably. Then the whole process will begin all over again.
I feel very heartened that so many Portreath residents care enough about their historic village to put pen to paper. I am grateful that they have not let disappointment or bitterness from past failures to protect our historic buildings make them feel hopeless. I know some do. However I am not so naïve as to think that the story is now over for who knows what the next application will be like?
By Rose Lewis
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LOCALS ONLY' AGAIN?
As we already pay the highest water rates in the country, and they are going up again because we have to clean up the beaches, perhaps certain surfers at Portreath had the right idea, after all, with their "locals only" slogan. If we are the only ones who have to pay for it, then perhaps we should be the only ones to be able to use the facilities.
HEATHER NETTLE
Illogan
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Dear Parish Tram
What a fantastic night our beach bonfire turned out to be. It was the best firework display yet, enjoyed from my favourite position standing between fire and sea, trying to avoid the incoming tide and cowering from the loudest explosions rebounding from the cliff! All of my party were very impressed, thought it must have cost a tidy sum and hoped enough money would be collected to cover costs – and donated freely when we could find a bucket to put our money in.
Later I made a point of finding out if all the costs had been covered and in the process discovered what this lovely village event entails. I think everyone should be aware of this so that they can have some idea of what a reasonable donation is and so ensure that it continues into the future.
Briefly the number of spectators varies between 1500 and 2000. Bonfire insurance for that number costs £200 of which £100 came from Portreath Improvements Committee and £100 from local businesses. A firework company was hired to provide the firework display and they had their own insurance for that. They charged £1500. Free park and ride was put on from The Gold Centre. A team of local volunteers collected, made and tended the bonfire and more volunteers collected the donations.
So donations need to add up to the cost of the firework company, which was £1500, divide that by 1500, being the lowest estimate of people attending, and you get £1 per person. Lets assume that half of those attending are kids under 16 and should be able to pay less than an adult. Then adults at £1.50 and kids at 0.75p would cover it. A family of four would then donate £4.50. Make it a round fiver and the firework fund might even carry over for the next year. Pretty good value for a real fun night out!
This year, even after The Parish Tram asked people to be generous for the above reasons, there was a shortfall of £75. It was a fine night and we can assume that there were nearer 2000 than 1500 spectators. So where were all the generous donations? It wouldn’t matter so much if an organisation with financial reserves was behind this, but that is not the case. It is an individual. So any shortfall is born by one person. If we want the beach bonfire and fireworks display to continue into the future we all need to be a bit more realistic and a lot more generous.
Rose Lewis
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a local girl (Portreath) who is currently in the third year of veterinary training at Liverpool University. During the Christmas break I worked at the Cornwall Animal Hospital at Treleigh, Redruth. This is a good local service that many people do not know about. I was very impressed with the quality of care and the ethics of the hospital. The hospital is a charity and relies upon donations as well as private patients to support the work that it does. They are often given animals to re-home and currently they have several cats, two dogs and a gerbil. If you can offer any of the animals a home or would like to know more about the work of the hospital, please contact the hospital on 01209 313214. Please also remember that they are always happy to care for private animal patients and this really does go a long way in supporting the wider work of the hospital. Consultations are by appointment only and the hospital is open Monday to Friday 9 am until 1 pm and 3-6pm. Saturday the hospital opens 9 am until noon and there is a 24-hour emergency cover provided.
Jo Reynard
We are writing this from all the Mish Mashers. Our names are Brendon and Becky. On the 4th December we held a community feast (thank you to the Healthy Living people for giving us the money to do this). We got the food ready and made banana, melon, strawberry and raspberry smoothies in our new smoothie maker. We welcomed people at the door with fruit warm punch.
We had written letters to people to ask them to come and Candy Atherton came, the police workers, and the vicar, and Mr Whetter as well as lots of others people from the council and our families. We liked having letters from people to say if they were coming as the letters came to the school.
We had Jason come and do African drumming and Mike to do juggling with us, the grown ups joined in and this was funny and fun! Mike did juggling over our heads while we lay on the floor but not the grown ups. We showed everyone what we had made and brought such as our new books and puppets and the felt and silk we had made. We played Christmas music and made craft and ate the feast.
We really like Mish Mash because it gives us something to do on weekends and also we like running it and choosing what to buy and do. Some of us went shopping for the food for the feast and we all chose two things we wanted to have at the feast. We like to run around and play with bats, balls and hoops as well as talk and do new stuff.
-------------------------------------
The Old Harbour Masters House on Harbour Terrace: A success story – so far!
As many people will be aware, a planning application was received by Kerrier District Council Planning Services to renovate and considerably extend this historic building at the beginning of October. The proposals would have transformed the present 3 bed 2 bath house into 6 bed /3 bath accommodation by adding another story to the rear and opening up and enlarging the roof space thus completely changing its profile from all aspects. In addition the classic view of Gull Rock along Harbour Terrace would have been lost to all.
Local residents in Harbour Terrace, Kingsley Terrace and Lighthouse Hill decided to oppose the application as it stood whilst supporting appropriate renovation of the building. They went in force to the Parish Council meeting where it was being considered and presented their various views. The Parish Council decided to oppose it. They were also able to enlist the help of Portreath’s County Councilor, Terry Rowe, and the District Councilor who represents Portreath’s interests on Kerrier Planning Committee, Tommy Bray.
I think the most powerful argument was the historic nature of the house and its environs. The harbour, the Harbour Masters House and the Harbour Terrace properties are closely related and date back to the 18th century and earlier. They are the last group of related 18th century historic structures to survive in Portreath. The Harbour is a grade 2 listed structure and the Harbour Master’s House lies within its curtilage. They both lie within the proposed World Heritage Site area. So the World Heritage Site team at the Department of Historic Environment at Cornwall County Council were very interested in this application. Redruth Old Cornwall Society and many others were also alerted and many letters opposing the application were sent in.
We also decided to get up a petition and copies were posted in Costcutter, The Portreath Arms, The Waterfront Inn and The Basset Arms. We also went door to door and hung about on the harbour to solicit signatures. Michael Tangye did sterling work collecting signatures from Redruth Old Cornwall Society and other local organisations helped out too. Drawings of befores and afters were made so that everyone could easily see what the changes would be. Initially the petition was circulating for three weeks but this was extended for another month when we were informed that it would go before the December Planning Committee meeting, not November.
The results were really encouraging as well as very interesting. Out of a total of 272 signatures 141 were Portreath and Bridge residents, a further 108 were local to the area (Camborne-Redruth etc) and 23 were from elsewhere in Cornwall or upcountry. A good number of signatures were collected in Costcutter and an unknown number in the Basset Arms – the petition fell down the back of a large and heavy fridge never to be seen again. A new petition was started but from all accounts fell far short of the first one. As to The Waterfront and the Portreath Arms, not one signature was collected. Residents from every street, road and close in Portreath signed the petition.
Our concerns were heard. The applicant withdrew his application on learning of the strong opposition, which now included Kerrier District Council. The application never went to Committee. However the applicant will resubmit with more appropriate proposals, and soon probably. Then the whole process will begin all over again.
I feel very heartened that so many Portreath residents care enough about their historic village to put pen to paper. I am grateful that they have not let disappointment or bitterness from past failures to protect our historic buildings make them feel hopeless. I know some do. However I am not so naïve as to think that the story is now over for who knows what the next application will be like?
By Rose Lewis
-----------------------------------------------------------
LOCALS ONLY' AGAIN?
As we already pay the highest water rates in the country, and they are going up again because we have to clean up the beaches, perhaps certain surfers at Portreath had the right idea, after all, with their "locals only" slogan. If we are the only ones who have to pay for it, then perhaps we should be the only ones to be able to use the facilities.
HEATHER NETTLE
Illogan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Parish Tram
What a fantastic night our beach bonfire turned out to be. It was the best firework display yet, enjoyed from my favourite position standing between fire and sea, trying to avoid the incoming tide and cowering from the loudest explosions rebounding from the cliff! All of my party were very impressed, thought it must have cost a tidy sum and hoped enough money would be collected to cover costs – and donated freely when we could find a bucket to put our money in.
Later I made a point of finding out if all the costs had been covered and in the process discovered what this lovely village event entails. I think everyone should be aware of this so that they can have some idea of what a reasonable donation is and so ensure that it continues into the future.
Briefly the number of spectators varies between 1500 and 2000. Bonfire insurance for that number costs £200 of which £100 came from Portreath Improvements Committee and £100 from local businesses. A firework company was hired to provide the firework display and they had their own insurance for that. They charged £1500. Free park and ride was put on from The Gold Centre. A team of local volunteers collected, made and tended the bonfire and more volunteers collected the donations.
So donations need to add up to the cost of the firework company, which was £1500, divide that by 1500, being the lowest estimate of people attending, and you get £1 per person. Lets assume that half of those attending are kids under 16 and should be able to pay less than an adult. Then adults at £1.50 and kids at 0.75p would cover it. A family of four would then donate £4.50. Make it a round fiver and the firework fund might even carry over for the next year. Pretty good value for a real fun night out!
This year, even after The Parish Tram asked people to be generous for the above reasons, there was a shortfall of £75. It was a fine night and we can assume that there were nearer 2000 than 1500 spectators. So where were all the generous donations? It wouldn’t matter so much if an organisation with financial reserves was behind this, but that is not the case. It is an individual. So any shortfall is born by one person. If we want the beach bonfire and fireworks display to continue into the future we all need to be a bit more realistic and a lot more generous.
Rose Lewis
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a local girl (Portreath) who is currently in the third year of veterinary training at Liverpool University. During the Christmas break I worked at the Cornwall Animal Hospital at Treleigh, Redruth. This is a good local service that many people do not know about. I was very impressed with the quality of care and the ethics of the hospital. The hospital is a charity and relies upon donations as well as private patients to support the work that it does. They are often given animals to re-home and currently they have several cats, two dogs and a gerbil. If you can offer any of the animals a home or would like to know more about the work of the hospital, please contact the hospital on 01209 313214. Please also remember that they are always happy to care for private animal patients and this really does go a long way in supporting the wider work of the hospital. Consultations are by appointment only and the hospital is open Monday to Friday 9 am until 1 pm and 3-6pm. Saturday the hospital opens 9 am until noon and there is a 24-hour emergency cover provided.
Jo Reynard
Cornwall Alphacam
Mounted and framed photographs of Cornwall and Cornish lifestyles
Old damaged photographs restored.
Photographs re-sized, mounted and framed.
Choice of frame type and mount colour.
Photographic greeting cards with quality paper inner pages, which can be printed with your own message or left blank.
Give us your Christmas card list and the cards can be made out to the names and font of your choice.
Corporate greetings cards for small companies undertaken.
Examples of work are displayed in galleries at the Harbour Tea Rooms and in the restaurant at the Basset Arms in Portreath.
Very affordable prices. We won’t make a hole in your wallet.
Where restoration work is not possible we will tell you without charge.
Postal and local collection / delivery services available
Tel: 01209 314218 (Answer phone available)
Mobile: 07910124041
Old damaged photographs restored.
Photographs re-sized, mounted and framed.
Choice of frame type and mount colour.
Photographic greeting cards with quality paper inner pages, which can be printed with your own message or left blank.
Give us your Christmas card list and the cards can be made out to the names and font of your choice.
Corporate greetings cards for small companies undertaken.
Examples of work are displayed in galleries at the Harbour Tea Rooms and in the restaurant at the Basset Arms in Portreath.
Very affordable prices. We won’t make a hole in your wallet.
Where restoration work is not possible we will tell you without charge.
Postal and local collection / delivery services available
Tel: 01209 314218 (Answer phone available)
Mobile: 07910124041
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Locals Only
Spoof website causes media mayhem.
A spoof Cornish website caused absolute mayhem in the national British press over the weekend of 20-21 November. The site, Locals-Only.co.uk, lampoons local Cornish surfers, surfing tribalism (localism), and the local councillors responses as to what they perceive to be the cause of the ‘Locals only!’ graffiti on Portreath harbour wall.
In truth nothing of the sorts exists in Portreath, a small Cornish fishing village nestling amongst the craggy cliffs that face the Atlantic. Not that would bother the journalists about to descend in search of blood and gore. Surfers fighting fellow surfers for wave rights in Cornwall could sell a lot of newspapers, and spring any journalist lucky enough to uncover such goings on into the national headlines. And that is exactly what happened.
The tale begins some ten years ago when some young oik painted 'Locals only' on the harbour wall. Apparently he didn’t really know why he was doing it as there had never been any localism there ever, and it wasn’t likely that there was ever going to be as most the surfers in Portreath are pretty friendly bunch.
Fast forward to October 2004 and someone on an irregular visit to the village spots the graffiti, mistakes it for Cornish nationalism and complains to the local newspaper, the West Briton. The paper then runs letters on the subject for three consecutive weeks.
The highly entertaining letters covered nationalism/terrorism/racism/a protest against inflated house prices/holiday and second homes, in fact everything and anything but surfing. The sum was a hilarious series of newspaper articles that completely missed the point and had all the local surfers in west Cornwall thoroughly enjoying the free entertainment... Then www.locals-only.co.uk popped up, obviously taking the micky out of the whole situation. Localism was especially satired with ‘the Locals Only group” being portrayed as rather stupid ‘pards’ who couldn’t decide who was local, holed up in a disused mine with all their best laid plans ending in ridicule.
Enter a local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who got hold of the website address and decides to ask if they intend to branch out into Newquay. A stupid question answered, well, stupidly. “Newquay has been annexed by Manchester so it would be too big a job...We got some red ‘Locals only’ tape that we can put up though.” (Yes, that would stop surfers rampaging toward perfect surf wouldn't it?) actual corrospondence can be read on page 3 of the view points section of this site
Only the imaginative local journo manages to get some mileage out of the quote and announces “Selfish plan to block beach” in the Newquay Voice, continuing “An emerging ‘Locals Only’ campaign which aims to keep visiting surfers out of the water along Newquay’s beaches has been condemned by tourist leaders...” The head of tourism for Cornwall expresses concern for the regions 40 million surfing industry, the head of the British Surfing Association condemns the group and from there all media hell breaks loose.
As locals-only.co.uk were demanding ‘carrot free pasties”, “free cider”, “discount cards” to a discount store to be “anonymously distributed (names to be supplied later)” and a new ladder, respected journalists from local TV, Arifa Akba from the Independent and Simon de Bruxelles from the Times descend upon the small village to find the heavy locals who were now apparently holed up in disused Cornish tin mines! (It has to be pointed out here that ALL the journalists had read the entire sites contents, but all ignored the fact that it was obviously a spoof.)
Being good natured welcoming sorts that would have hated to see the hard working journalists leave without a story, Portreath’s local surfers agree to meet them. Local radio station, Radio Cornwall, carries a three hour phone in on the apparent problem swiftly followed by an only marginally more amusing ‘Aliens have landed’ phone in. Later that evening a ‘free thinking cell” dressed in a ridiculous coloured wetsuit and armed with the best beaten up 1980’s surfboard he could find, appears on BBC Spotlight TV news. After donning an open faced balaclava for anonymity (yes, one that covers everything but his face) he addresses the waiting TV cameras. “I’ve got a bit of red ‘locals only’ tape that I’m going to put around the beaches!” he imaginatively proclaims.
A local comedy legend is born, but it’s red tape to a journalist, and subsequent articles are published in the Times, The Independent, The Scotsman plus their associated websites and an interview with Radio 4 which wasn’t aired as they smelled a rat!
In fact there was so much media madness snowballing that the sites creator is forced to up a new opening page declaring in no uncertain terms that the site is definitely a hoax, and utters his disgust at the journalists for being such unprofessional fools.
It’s now Monday; the Locals Only website has now taken thousands of hits. More importantly the second Time’s piece “Beach boys wage war of the waves” by David Lister, who apparently mounted “a one man invasion” of the beach, is published.
The surfers are now having a field day. Some have even taken time of work after concocting hideous stories of beatings, bottle throwing and the intimidation of “foreign” surfers for more flocking journalists. Of course it’s all made up for the eager Mr Listers ears.
On land the spoofed reporters from the BBC Spotlight, The Times and the Independent are back in their offices with tails firmly between legs, and are trying to blame the website for their follies... Bittered by the whole experience they are now hell bent on wreaking revenge. After tracing the website registration they are on the case of the person they see as the main instigator.
The local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who is in the truth the main culprit in originally giving the story airtime and credibility, is calling around the surf industry trying to discredit a local surf photographer. The Spotlight cameraman is bombarding the Locals Only site’s forum with emails trying to post incriminating photos of who he thinks is the main protagonist. Journalistic.co.uk has published the name listed on the ‘Locals Only” website registration document, and are urging other journalists to do the same. (In their desperation they’ve even gone as far buying a similar sounding domain name to intercept any google searches and direct traffic to their journalistic site.) In truth they have all got rather bitter about the scene that they themselves created in search of word rates, and sensationalism. There’s egg on faces, down ties, all over suits and splattered over office walls. Careers have gone down the pan.
Down on the water off Portreath beach all is calm. The surf is still particularly average, there have been no beatings, no stabbings, no bottle throwings. There never have been, and probably never will be. The ‘Locals Only’ website has published a picture of the other side of the wall on which is daubed “Visitors only”. Some other bright spark has posted a note on the forum that he has kidnapped a local brass band trumpeter for the cause. Apparently it’s backfired and the trumpeter has drunk all his cider and is causing such a racket and he wants someone to someone and get him. Local newspaper hack Warren Walkins has published a story in the “Newquay Voice” stating “Group apologise over 'Locals Only' protest“ It’s about as far from the truth as his first piece that started the whole circus, but in his mind it’s made the word a happier place. It’s his way of saving face.
So if you thought journalists for such respected institutions as the BBC, and The Times were intelligent beings reporting unbiased honest manner, take note! All must have known it was a hoax from the beginning but relentlessly pursued the story and basically made up a war to suit their headlines. Then when things backfired and they looked like the fools they were, they threw all their toys out of their prams. As the website says, if they treat a story of this insignificance in this way who knows how they are acting in more important areas of life. Mind you, if you were a surfer in west Cornwall following the action, it was a very, very funny weekend!
* Please note: there has never been an incidence of localism at Portreath, ever!
A spoof Cornish website caused absolute mayhem in the national British press over the weekend of 20-21 November. The site, Locals-Only.co.uk, lampoons local Cornish surfers, surfing tribalism (localism), and the local councillors responses as to what they perceive to be the cause of the ‘Locals only!’ graffiti on Portreath harbour wall.
In truth nothing of the sorts exists in Portreath, a small Cornish fishing village nestling amongst the craggy cliffs that face the Atlantic. Not that would bother the journalists about to descend in search of blood and gore. Surfers fighting fellow surfers for wave rights in Cornwall could sell a lot of newspapers, and spring any journalist lucky enough to uncover such goings on into the national headlines. And that is exactly what happened.
The tale begins some ten years ago when some young oik painted 'Locals only' on the harbour wall. Apparently he didn’t really know why he was doing it as there had never been any localism there ever, and it wasn’t likely that there was ever going to be as most the surfers in Portreath are pretty friendly bunch.
Fast forward to October 2004 and someone on an irregular visit to the village spots the graffiti, mistakes it for Cornish nationalism and complains to the local newspaper, the West Briton. The paper then runs letters on the subject for three consecutive weeks.
The highly entertaining letters covered nationalism/terrorism/racism/a protest against inflated house prices/holiday and second homes, in fact everything and anything but surfing. The sum was a hilarious series of newspaper articles that completely missed the point and had all the local surfers in west Cornwall thoroughly enjoying the free entertainment... Then www.locals-only.co.uk popped up, obviously taking the micky out of the whole situation. Localism was especially satired with ‘the Locals Only group” being portrayed as rather stupid ‘pards’ who couldn’t decide who was local, holed up in a disused mine with all their best laid plans ending in ridicule.
Enter a local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who got hold of the website address and decides to ask if they intend to branch out into Newquay. A stupid question answered, well, stupidly. “Newquay has been annexed by Manchester so it would be too big a job...We got some red ‘Locals only’ tape that we can put up though.” (Yes, that would stop surfers rampaging toward perfect surf wouldn't it?) actual corrospondence can be read on page 3 of the view points section of this site
Only the imaginative local journo manages to get some mileage out of the quote and announces “Selfish plan to block beach” in the Newquay Voice, continuing “An emerging ‘Locals Only’ campaign which aims to keep visiting surfers out of the water along Newquay’s beaches has been condemned by tourist leaders...” The head of tourism for Cornwall expresses concern for the regions 40 million surfing industry, the head of the British Surfing Association condemns the group and from there all media hell breaks loose.
As locals-only.co.uk were demanding ‘carrot free pasties”, “free cider”, “discount cards” to a discount store to be “anonymously distributed (names to be supplied later)” and a new ladder, respected journalists from local TV, Arifa Akba from the Independent and Simon de Bruxelles from the Times descend upon the small village to find the heavy locals who were now apparently holed up in disused Cornish tin mines! (It has to be pointed out here that ALL the journalists had read the entire sites contents, but all ignored the fact that it was obviously a spoof.)
Being good natured welcoming sorts that would have hated to see the hard working journalists leave without a story, Portreath’s local surfers agree to meet them. Local radio station, Radio Cornwall, carries a three hour phone in on the apparent problem swiftly followed by an only marginally more amusing ‘Aliens have landed’ phone in. Later that evening a ‘free thinking cell” dressed in a ridiculous coloured wetsuit and armed with the best beaten up 1980’s surfboard he could find, appears on BBC Spotlight TV news. After donning an open faced balaclava for anonymity (yes, one that covers everything but his face) he addresses the waiting TV cameras. “I’ve got a bit of red ‘locals only’ tape that I’m going to put around the beaches!” he imaginatively proclaims.
A local comedy legend is born, but it’s red tape to a journalist, and subsequent articles are published in the Times, The Independent, The Scotsman plus their associated websites and an interview with Radio 4 which wasn’t aired as they smelled a rat!
In fact there was so much media madness snowballing that the sites creator is forced to up a new opening page declaring in no uncertain terms that the site is definitely a hoax, and utters his disgust at the journalists for being such unprofessional fools.
It’s now Monday; the Locals Only website has now taken thousands of hits. More importantly the second Time’s piece “Beach boys wage war of the waves” by David Lister, who apparently mounted “a one man invasion” of the beach, is published.
The surfers are now having a field day. Some have even taken time of work after concocting hideous stories of beatings, bottle throwing and the intimidation of “foreign” surfers for more flocking journalists. Of course it’s all made up for the eager Mr Listers ears.
On land the spoofed reporters from the BBC Spotlight, The Times and the Independent are back in their offices with tails firmly between legs, and are trying to blame the website for their follies... Bittered by the whole experience they are now hell bent on wreaking revenge. After tracing the website registration they are on the case of the person they see as the main instigator.
The local reporter, Warren Wilkins, who is in the truth the main culprit in originally giving the story airtime and credibility, is calling around the surf industry trying to discredit a local surf photographer. The Spotlight cameraman is bombarding the Locals Only site’s forum with emails trying to post incriminating photos of who he thinks is the main protagonist. Journalistic.co.uk has published the name listed on the ‘Locals Only” website registration document, and are urging other journalists to do the same. (In their desperation they’ve even gone as far buying a similar sounding domain name to intercept any google searches and direct traffic to their journalistic site.) In truth they have all got rather bitter about the scene that they themselves created in search of word rates, and sensationalism. There’s egg on faces, down ties, all over suits and splattered over office walls. Careers have gone down the pan.
Down on the water off Portreath beach all is calm. The surf is still particularly average, there have been no beatings, no stabbings, no bottle throwings. There never have been, and probably never will be. The ‘Locals Only’ website has published a picture of the other side of the wall on which is daubed “Visitors only”. Some other bright spark has posted a note on the forum that he has kidnapped a local brass band trumpeter for the cause. Apparently it’s backfired and the trumpeter has drunk all his cider and is causing such a racket and he wants someone to someone and get him. Local newspaper hack Warren Walkins has published a story in the “Newquay Voice” stating “Group apologise over 'Locals Only' protest“ It’s about as far from the truth as his first piece that started the whole circus, but in his mind it’s made the word a happier place. It’s his way of saving face.
So if you thought journalists for such respected institutions as the BBC, and The Times were intelligent beings reporting unbiased honest manner, take note! All must have known it was a hoax from the beginning but relentlessly pursued the story and basically made up a war to suit their headlines. Then when things backfired and they looked like the fools they were, they threw all their toys out of their prams. As the website says, if they treat a story of this insignificance in this way who knows how they are acting in more important areas of life. Mind you, if you were a surfer in west Cornwall following the action, it was a very, very funny weekend!
* Please note: there has never been an incidence of localism at Portreath, ever!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Harbour Fun Day
Harbour Fun Day
1st August
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea Tent BBQ Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft Race Bouncy Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums Puppets Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
1st August
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea Tent BBQ Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft Race Bouncy Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums Puppets Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Dear Editor As a member of the PIC and Portreath Regeneration Group I am aware that both groups are endeavouring to find a favourable solution to th
Dear Editor
As a member of the PIC and Portreath Regeneration Group I am aware that
both groups are endeavouring to find a favourable solution to the
traffic problems in Penberthy Road.
Every meeting I have attended, to include the Parish Council meetings
has spent a large amount of time discussing how to reduce traffic
problems, in particular focusing of encouraging drivers to slow down.
There are no easy answers however, if numbers of cars using Penberthy Road could be reduced this would help.
We now have a great new bus service opening in the village. As the
service is much more regular and uses newer and cleaner buses, this in
turn hopefully will encourage more residents in the village to use this
service thereby helping to reduce the traffic volumes in the village.
Other initiatives such as encouraging parents to walk their children to
Primary School rather than driving would also help with reducing the
traffic problems.
We all use our cars but if we each consider whether we need to use the
car for our journeys before getting behind the wheel we can then all
make a positive contribution to reducing traffic problems in the
village.
Sara Clasper
'The Incline Project, On Track and with the support of Portreath
Primary School are starting a new club for children on the first
Saturday of the month. Please come along to our Open Morning on the
26th June 04 between 10.00 and 12.30 pm. in the school hall. There will
be lots of activities and food to try (including Circus
Skills!). Children will need to sign up for the new
club on the 26th June..only 18 places for the 8-11 year age group and
18 places for the 4-7 year age group. This is an exciting opportunity
for local children, The group will help raise children's
confidence and their self esteem, help them to work as a team, improve
their health and wellbeing and support children in being involved in
local issues. There will also be loads of laughter and fun, and the
chance to learn new skills such as drumming, felt making, papermaking,
sports activities and lots more! The group will be run by trained
Children's Workers and we offer a warm welcome to local children.
See you on the 26th June
Terry (Incline) Sandy (On Track) and Emma and Sam (Community Workers).
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE
Foreign Currency
Going on holiday? Why not pick up your currency and travelers
cheques commission free (excluding sterling travelers cheques) from the
Post Office. In some cases your order can be collected the next
day, but we recommend you allow three working days. Payment to be
made when ordering.
Travel Insurance
The Post Office now offer a competitive travel insurance. Children are free!
Pick up a leaflet today for our rates.
BRIDGE STITCHERS
WILL BE DISPLAYING
A RANGE OF OUR
CROSS-STITCHING
AND OTHER
HANDMADE ITEMS
AT
BRIDGE CHAPEL
BRIDGE, PORTREATH, CORNWALL.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
JULY 29 – 31ST
11.00 am until 6.00 pm
VARIOUS ITEMS FOR SALE
REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE
SUPPORTING CANCER RESEARCH
Sounds Good
(Millennium Hall News)
I wonder how many readers remember that popular ‘ditty’ of many years
ago. Little Sir Echo ‘How do you do’ and no doubt it did pretty well
for its composers bank balance. However, there can be an expensive
downside if you want to rid your pride and your restoration project of
such an unwelcome phenomenon.
I am reliably informed that the old chapel in its heyday never suffered
from any such trouble and therefore it came as an unpleasant surprise
for all concerned. When we realised that yet more money was needed to
get rid of an echo we hadn’t budgeted for but must be removed.
If our village community was to get full benefit from the very
expensive refit as it posed as a serious threat to any event relying on
the spoken word.
Therefore as soon as the official opening by Prince Edward and Princess
Sophie in October 2002 was behind us, we undertook a brief study of the
service, practice and cost of acoustics and then felt able to accept a
professional plan using walled drapes and sound absorbent panels.
That work was basically completed last month and some cosmetic
fine-tuning since has brought the great improvements we hoped for –
sounds good already. These drapes are designed to prevent sound
reflection from the wall surfaces where they hang. They are not
curtains for the windows and should not be used as such.
Have you any ideas?
However, these improvements are only a means to an end – an increase in
revenue from these new facilities. If you, the reader, have any
practical ideas for drama events, music concerts or instructional
classes of any description please let us know via the editor. Modest
stage facilities can be available if necessary.
Ashton White
On behalf of the Management Committee
OPEN STUDIO
As part of an “Open Studio Southwest”, 2 artists in the village will be opening their studios to the public.
Catherine Dennis is a painter who is interested in Landscape and
Portraits. She lives in Greenfield Terrace and has a studio at the end
of her garden.
Sarah Clasper lives on Primrose Terrace, she paints landscapes locally
and her studio is in a walled garden. Work is for sale and visitors
will be made very welcome..
Open Days
Saturday & Sunday 21st & 22nd August
Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th August
For further information Tel: 01209 843213
Badminton Club
At the Millennium Hall Portreath
Now seeking members, Senior and Junior.
Possible days Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Anyone interested please call Sara on 843360
Mineral Tramways Heritage Project - Appeal for information for the proposed Portreath Branch Line Trail.
Cornwall County Council in partnership with Kerrier District Council
are proposing through this final phase of the Mineral Tramways Project
(Nov 2003-Mar 2005) to create a network of new multi use trails linking
important heritage mine sites and mining villages within the project
area of Camborne- Redruth, Portreath, Gwennap-St.Day. The feasibility
stage of this multi-funded project includes assessments of mine sites
and features, trails routes and the identification and negotiation with
landowners.
Readers are asked for their assistance in identifying ownership details
along the length of the Portreath Incline. If you have information
which you believe may be of help please contact Simon Murray at the
County Council based team on tel. 01872 323607', and thank you!'
Simon Murray
Incline Project
On the 26th June The Incline Church Community Project launched a new
club for children aged 4 to 11 years. Despite the rain, almost one
hundred adults and children came along to the village school and
enjoyed a fantastic morning of fun to launch the new club. Local
children entered a competition to choose a name for the club and
to design a logo. Sheena's name 'Mish Mash Club' and Dannielle's logo
(will be published shortly) were chosen by the judges. Rosie Clifton
from the Children's Fund presented art and craft prizes to the girls.
Candy Atherton came along to the launch and said a few words of praise
and encouragement. The children enjoyed a variety of craft
activities, healthy snacks and a chance to make 'snail
sandwiches'. Circus Skills were there (there are some very
skilled tight rope walkers and stilt walkers in the village). The
morning provided opportunities to dress up as a carrot, turnip or pea
in fabulous costumes loaned to the group by The Healthy Living
Initiative (adults and children all had a go!), chance to play
with Missy the Ferret, have faces painted, join in with a Felt Making
activity and enjoy lots of cups of tea, coffee and cake (much
appreciated by the adults present). The new club has had the very
best of starts, well supported by the local community so thank you to
all who came along, members of the Parish Council and the Portreath
Improvements Committee, the local church, Sandy and staff from Kerrier
Ontrack (who have helped from the beginning and continue to support
us), the Network Fund for making it all possible, Portreath School and
most of all, the children, parents and grandparents.
We now look forward to meeting monthly, 8-11 year olds first but with
some joint sessions with the 4-7 year olds to be held before Christmas.
The club is now full for the older group but there is a reserve list so
do contact me, Terry on 843181 if you want to put your name down.
African Drumming is planned for July and Circus Skills will be with us
again in August!
Terry Reynard .
HEALTHY EATING IN PORTREATH
The Eatsome Project, from Cornwall's Healthy Living Initiative,
is working with the Incline Project to promote healthy eating and the
"Healthy Boxes" vegetable box scheme.
The Eatsome project is a two year funded project, which is part of the
national 5 A DAY campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.
Our aims are to increase the consumption of healthy foods, especially
fruit and vegetables, through addressing barriers such as
affordability, access and awareness of healthy foods, and to promote
local produce.
The project offers cooking sessions, training for cookery club leaders,
and grants for growing, cooking and other healthy eating projects for
community groups.
Healthy Boxes is a scheme led by Penwith District Council, which will
help community groups to access fresh, quality local produce at
affordable prices.
Rob Poole, Penwith District Council's Rural Economy Officer, says that
"the project will actively support and work in partnership with
community shops and will support local growers and producers".
The Incline Project will be working with the Eatsome Project to set up
some healthy eating projects, including the healthy boxes scheme.
The Incline Project, through CHIC, is setting up a drop off for the
vegetable boxes on Wednesday mornings in the Church. This scheme will
start as soon as we have the minimum number of 10 boxes required.
If you are interested in receiving a box, at a cost of no more than £5
for an assortment of eight different vegetables plus recipe card,
please contact Incline Project: Terry 843181 or Yvonne on 842005
To:- The Editor, Portreath Parish Tram.
From:- Captain P. J. Fleming,
‘Anneth Lowen,
Tregea Hill,
Portreath.
18-06-04
Dear Sir,
Green Waste Project
With regard to the setting–up of the green waste project along the
coastal road to Hayle, I am very concerned to note that some of the
heavy goods vehicles transporting waste to and from the site are coming
through Portreath village.
As I understand it, this is against the permission given to them by
Cornwall County Council, which stipulated that they must use Cot Road,
Halgoss and Tolvaddon as a route to access the site. In fact, a new
roundabout has recently been constructed at Tolvaddon in order to
facilitate this traffic.
Since the project started, however, a significant number of these
vehicles have been routed through Portreath, sometimes when school is
coming out.
With the summer holidays almost upon us, and the large number of
visitors trying to find a parking space in the village, together with
the many pedestrians using the beachfront area and toilets, it does not
take too much imagination to envisage the problems that this large flow
of heavy goods vehicles could cause.
If anyone sees these vehicles progressing through the village, I urge
them to make a note of the number plate and, if possible, the time of
observation of the sighting.
Please then inform your Parish Councillor so that they may take action on this matter.
P. J. Fleming
Dizine Computer Services
Computer tuition and problem solving
Are you having problems with a new computer or even an old one? Would
you like to learn in the comfort of your home on your own computer?
Call for friendly competent tuition at very competitive rates.
Photograph Manipulation
Would you like a collage/montage made up from a set of favourite photos?
A beautiful print made to look as though it is one photograph.
Great for a special gift or to make a mixture of wedding photos for that something different.
If you are interested please contact me for details.
Dizine 07779158704
COG
Due to low numbers and expressions of concern with the weather, trips
to Penzance and Falmouth were cancelled. We have now got a chance to
book an 8-seater minibus for small group trips but this can mean
increased costs.
If any groups of 4 or 6 wish to go on a local coach trip e.g. William
Oates or Mounts Bay Travel, it can be booked with a pick up point in
the square, however they will not come down for just 1 or 2 people.
Please contact me if you are interested for trips in July, August and
September, as bookings are harder to get at this busy time so we need
to book as early as possible.
Broadband Update
1st Broadband SW is now connecting customers to the wireless network.
Those of you who have the service have been giving extremely good
feedback about the installation process and the speed of the wireless
connection.
1st Broadband have kindly sponsored a website for the Parish Tram
and Microcomms have loaned a camera to set up a SurfCam.
www.parishtram.co.uk. I have also added a tide time page.
I am hoping to set up a forum on this site for all local Internet
users, wireless or dialup to post and read views and issues that come
up in the Portreath area. In the mean time I hope you enjoy your fast
Internet connection and I would appreciate any comments good or bad to
chris@parishtram.co.uk.
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Highways
The Parish Council is still making a concentrated effort to achieve a
reduction in the speed of traffic through the village with the Local
County Councillor, Mr T Rowe, fully supporting these efforts. At the
present time investigations are being made by the County Council into
the possible installation of 2 “build outs” along Penberthy Road but
members are concerned at the resulting loss of parking spaces where
these “build outs” are to be sited. Other traffic calming methods are
also being investigated together with
(a) the extension of the 30 mph speed restriction to a point higher up Tregea Hill
(b) the imposition of a time restricted 20 mph speed limit in the vicinity of the School
Memorial Horse Trough
Following up on the article on the history of this Trough in the
previous issue of the Parish Tram by Mr Ashton White, orders have been
issued for the upgrading/renewal of the lettering including the
cleaning of the Memorial Trough.
Footpaths
Orders have now been issued for the trimming and cleaning of the
various Definitive Footpaths within the Parish. The timing of this work
is not always easy, particularly this year when growth of weeds etc had
been rigorous. The weeding of the harbour precinct area has also been
carried out.
Appointment of Chairman
At the Annual Meeting of the Council held in June, Councillor Mr K
Bowden was unanimously elected Chairman for the coming year with
Councillor Mr Chris Watts being elected Vice Chairman.
Heavy Transport Vehicles
Concern has been expressed by residents due to the fact that some of
the heavy vehicles transporting organic matter to the composting area
at Downs Farm, North Cliffs, Camborne have been using the route through
the village rather than the officially approved route via Halgoss and
Cot Road to the junction at the top of Tregea Hill and thence along the
B.3301 North Cliff Roads to the site.
The Parish Council has drawn this to the attention of the appropriate
Officer of the County Council, as this is a deviation from a prescribed
route and therefore a contravention of the conditions of the Planning
Approval.
The Officer has been informed that there is an urgent need for the
hauliers concerned to be instructed to adhere to the prescribed route
particularly in view of the ever-increasing holiday traffic both within
and through the village.
Portreath Harbour Family Fun Day
Sunday 1st August 2004-06-18
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea
Tent
BBQ
Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft
Race Bouncy
Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums
Puppets
Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club has had an eventful year having recently
purchased a new carpet with a grand and from “The Penwith Community
Development Committee”, together with a set of coloured balls which
after some delay due to supply problems arrived about 3 weeks ago.
The old carpet has been given to Portreath Primary School together with the old woods and jack.
Two teams, “The Gulls & The Dolphins” were entered in the
Camborne/Redruth winter indoor league but unfortunately both have been
relegated – The Gulls to division 3 and The Dolphins to
division 4.
We hold 2 domestic competitions each year, “The Nancy Kessell Cup” in
November, which was won by Mr Steve Brown, runner up was Mrs Sally
Harding.
More recently Mr Roger Bunt, Mrs Hilary Bunt being the runner up, won the Chamber of Commerce Cup.
A team entered in The Ted Smith Memorial Evening in February at
Camborne RFC and came in a joint third, which was a very pleasing event.
Membership remains in the mid 20’s. The treasurer reports in April a healthy balance in excess of £200.
Beat Lines
This year is passing so quickly that I can’t believe that we are
already fast approaching the summer equinox. Min you I seem to think
that at about this time every year.
Although the days are longer there is sill does not seem to be enough
time to do everything that people would like us to. To explain what I
mean I will give you some facts and figures so that you are aware of
the challenges face by your local officers. I don’t intend to bore you
on a regular basis with such figures but thought you might be
interested on this one occasion.
Last month (May) Camborne and Redruth officers dealt with 2045
incidents of which 46 were in Portreath. It doesn’t take a
mathematician to work out therefore that 1999 incidents were dealt with
outside of the Parish in one month alone. So far for the whole of this
year the crime level in Portreath is virtually the same as last year,
at the time of writing there have been 66 reported crimes, last year
there were 64 for the same period.
However in the whole of Camborne and Redruth there have already been in
excess of 2700 crimes. One noticeable difference in the figures of
Portreath this year is the amount of arrest made in the Parish.
This year we have made 38 arrests already whereas last year for the
same period we had made 7 arrests. I read in a local paper recently
that Devon and Cornwall is the most popular tourist destination in the
Country. With this huge increase in numbers to the area each year
obviously brings a large increase in the workloads of all officers. All
this at a time when there are the various summer shows, events and
other seasonal functions, which require a police, input.
I present you with these figures so that you have some idea where you
policemen are and what they are doing on a day to day basis. They will
always be available to respond to any call you have to make but please
be aware that at times to calls to us by necessity have to be
prioritised and you may have to wait a little while if you ring us
about a non urgent matter.
Sill on a summer theme – at this time of year people like to go walking
along North Cliffs and in the woods often leaving their car in a
relatively isolated location. If you take your car to any of our local
beauty spots please leave your valuables at home. To assist you in
letting any would be criminal know that your car does no contain
valuables I have signs available at Redruth police station.
Alternatively I would be pleased to speak to you whilst out on foot
patrol in the village.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer
P C Roberts
Organic Vegetable Box Scheme
Available in the village with free delivery on Wednesday from a local farm in Guscarne.
A good selection of seasonal vegetables and fruit, also available eggs, chicken and beef.
Further details Tel: 01872 865922
Not only helping the environment but providing local jobs
Dear Ed
I’m a Cornish exile living in Yorkshire and today I received a copy of
The Parish Tram from my Great Niece who lives in Redruth. I lived at
Ventourage, Illogan until I was 20 years old when my Dad died. My
Mother, sister and myself then went to Yorkshire to live with my Uncle.
My reason for writing this letter is mostly because it brings back so
many memories. I am wondering if I could receive a quarterly copy and
if necessary I will pay the postage and any other costs involved. The
piece about the granite drinking trough was very nostalgic as I
remember it well. That in turn bought back memories of a granite trough
that was located at the top of Tregea Hill where the road to
Tehidy joined the one to the coastal road.
Perhaps someone could explain its purpose and when it was installed. My
belief is that it was for horses, but I have been “cooled down” many a
time in hot weather.
Wishing you all the best with your next issue.
I remain yours truly
Mr R H Parr
As part of an “Open Studio Southwest”, 2 artists in the village will be opening their studios to the public.
Catherine Dennis is a painter who is interested in Landscape and
Portraits. She lives in Greenfield Terrace and has a studio at the end
of her garden.
Sarah Clasper lives on Primrose Terrace, she paints landscapes locally
and her studio is in a walled garden. Work is for sale and visitors
will be made very welcome..
Open Days
Saturday & Sunday 21st & 22nd August
Saturday & Sunday 28th & 29th August
For further information Tel: 01209 843213
Badminton Club
At the Millennium Hall Portreath
Now seeking members, Senior and Junior.
Possible days Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
Anyone interested please call Sara on 843360
Mineral Tramways Heritage Project - Appeal for information for the proposed Portreath Branch Line Trail.
Cornwall County Council in partnership with Kerrier District Council
are proposing through this final phase of the Mineral Tramways Project
(Nov 2003-Mar 2005) to create a network of new multi use trails linking
important heritage mine sites and mining villages within the project
area of Camborne- Redruth, Portreath, Gwennap-St.Day. The feasibility
stage of this multi-funded project includes assessments of mine sites
and features, trails routes and the identification and negotiation with
landowners.
Readers are asked for their assistance in identifying ownership details
along the length of the Portreath Incline. If you have information
which you believe may be of help please contact Simon Murray at the
County Council based team on tel. 01872 323607', and thank you!'
Simon Murray
Incline Project
On the 26th June The Incline Church Community Project launched a new
club for children aged 4 to 11 years. Despite the rain, almost one
hundred adults and children came along to the village school and
enjoyed a fantastic morning of fun to launch the new club. Local
children entered a competition to choose a name for the club and
to design a logo. Sheena's name 'Mish Mash Club' and Dannielle's logo
(will be published shortly) were chosen by the judges. Rosie Clifton
from the Children's Fund presented art and craft prizes to the girls.
Candy Atherton came along to the launch and said a few words of praise
and encouragement. The children enjoyed a variety of craft
activities, healthy snacks and a chance to make 'snail
sandwiches'. Circus Skills were there (there are some very
skilled tight rope walkers and stilt walkers in the village). The
morning provided opportunities to dress up as a carrot, turnip or pea
in fabulous costumes loaned to the group by The Healthy Living
Initiative (adults and children all had a go!), chance to play
with Missy the Ferret, have faces painted, join in with a Felt Making
activity and enjoy lots of cups of tea, coffee and cake (much
appreciated by the adults present). The new club has had the very
best of starts, well supported by the local community so thank you to
all who came along, members of the Parish Council and the Portreath
Improvements Committee, the local church, Sandy and staff from Kerrier
Ontrack (who have helped from the beginning and continue to support
us), the Network Fund for making it all possible, Portreath School and
most of all, the children, parents and grandparents.
We now look forward to meeting monthly, 8-11 year olds first but with
some joint sessions with the 4-7 year olds to be held before Christmas.
The club is now full for the older group but there is a reserve list so
do contact me, Terry on 843181 if you want to put your name down.
African Drumming is planned for July and Circus Skills will be with us
again in August!
Terry Reynard .
HEALTHY EATING IN PORTREATH
The Eatsome Project, from Cornwall's Healthy Living Initiative,
is working with the Incline Project to promote healthy eating and the
"Healthy Boxes" vegetable box scheme.
The Eatsome project is a two year funded project, which is part of the
national 5 A DAY campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.
Our aims are to increase the consumption of healthy foods, especially
fruit and vegetables, through addressing barriers such as
affordability, access and awareness of healthy foods, and to promote
local produce.
The project offers cooking sessions, training for cookery club leaders,
and grants for growing, cooking and other healthy eating projects for
community groups.
Healthy Boxes is a scheme led by Penwith District Council, which will
help community groups to access fresh, quality local produce at
affordable prices.
Rob Poole, Penwith District Council's Rural Economy Officer, says that
"the project will actively support and work in partnership with
community shops and will support local growers and producers".
The Incline Project will be working with the Eatsome Project to set up
some healthy eating projects, including the healthy boxes scheme.
The Incline Project, through CHIC, is setting up a drop off for the
vegetable boxes on Wednesday mornings in the Church. This scheme will
start as soon as we have the minimum number of 10 boxes required.
If you are interested in receiving a box, at a cost of no more than £5
for an assortment of eight different vegetables plus recipe card,
please contact Incline Project: Terry 843181 or Yvonne on 842005
To:- The Editor, Portreath Parish Tram.
From:- Captain P. J. Fleming,
‘Anneth Lowen,
Tregea Hill,
Portreath.
18-06-04
Dear Sir,
Green Waste Project
With regard to the setting–up of the green waste project along the
coastal road to Hayle, I am very concerned to note that some of the
heavy goods vehicles transporting waste to and from the site are coming
through Portreath village.
As I understand it, this is against the permission given to them by
Cornwall County Council, which stipulated that they must use Cot Road,
Halgoss and Tolvaddon as a route to access the site. In fact, a new
roundabout has recently been constructed at Tolvaddon in order to
facilitate this traffic.
Since the project started, however, a significant number of these
vehicles have been routed through Portreath, sometimes when school is
coming out.
With the summer holidays almost upon us, and the large number of
visitors trying to find a parking space in the village, together with
the many pedestrians using the beachfront area and toilets, it does not
take too much imagination to envisage the problems that this large flow
of heavy goods vehicles could cause.
If anyone sees these vehicles progressing through the village, I urge
them to make a note of the number plate and, if possible, the time of
observation of the sighting.
Please then inform your Parish Councillor so that they may take action on this matter.
P. J. Fleming
Dizine Computer Services
Computer tuition and problem solving
Are you having problems with a new computer or even an old one? Would
you like to learn in the comfort of your home on your own computer?
Call for friendly competent tuition at very competitive rates.
Photograph Manipulation
Would you like a collage/montage made up from a set of favourite photos?
A beautiful print made to look as though it is one photograph.
Great for a special gift or to make a mixture of wedding photos for that something different.
If you are interested please contact me for details.
Dizine 07779158704
COG
Due to low numbers and expressions of concern with the weather, trips
to Penzance and Falmouth were cancelled. We have now got a chance to
book an 8-seater minibus for small group trips but this can mean
increased costs.
If any groups of 4 or 6 wish to go on a local coach trip e.g. William
Oates or Mounts Bay Travel, it can be booked with a pick up point in
the square, however they will not come down for just 1 or 2 people.
Please contact me if you are interested for trips in July, August and
September, as bookings are harder to get at this busy time so we need
to book as early as possible.
Broadband Update
1st Broadband SW is now connecting customers to the wireless network.
Those of you who have the service have been giving extremely good
feedback about the installation process and the speed of the wireless
connection.
1st Broadband have kindly sponsored a website for the Parish Tram
and Microcomms have loaned a camera to set up a SurfCam.
www.parishtram.co.uk. I have also added a tide time page.
I am hoping to set up a forum on this site for all local Internet
users, wireless or dialup to post and read views and issues that come
up in the Portreath area. In the mean time I hope you enjoy your fast
Internet connection and I would appreciate any comments good or bad to
chris@parishtram.co.uk.
PORTREATH PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Highways
The Parish Council is still making a concentrated effort to achieve a
reduction in the speed of traffic through the village with the Local
County Councillor, Mr T Rowe, fully supporting these efforts. At the
present time investigations are being made by the County Council into
the possible installation of 2 “build outs” along Penberthy Road but
members are concerned at the resulting loss of parking spaces where
these “build outs” are to be sited. Other traffic calming methods are
also being investigated together with
(a) the extension of the 30 mph speed restriction to a point higher up Tregea Hill
(b) the imposition of a time restricted 20 mph speed limit in the vicinity of the School
Memorial Horse Trough
Following up on the article on the history of this Trough in the
previous issue of the Parish Tram by Mr Ashton White, orders have been
issued for the upgrading/renewal of the lettering including the
cleaning of the Memorial Trough.
Footpaths
Orders have now been issued for the trimming and cleaning of the
various Definitive Footpaths within the Parish. The timing of this work
is not always easy, particularly this year when growth of weeds etc had
been rigorous. The weeding of the harbour precinct area has also been
carried out.
Appointment of Chairman
At the Annual Meeting of the Council held in June, Councillor Mr K
Bowden was unanimously elected Chairman for the coming year with
Councillor Mr Chris Watts being elected Vice Chairman.
Heavy Transport Vehicles
Concern has been expressed by residents due to the fact that some of
the heavy vehicles transporting organic matter to the composting area
at Downs Farm, North Cliffs, Camborne have been using the route through
the village rather than the officially approved route via Halgoss and
Cot Road to the junction at the top of Tregea Hill and thence along the
B.3301 North Cliff Roads to the site.
The Parish Council has drawn this to the attention of the appropriate
Officer of the County Council, as this is a deviation from a prescribed
route and therefore a contravention of the conditions of the Planning
Approval.
The Officer has been informed that there is an urgent need for the
hauliers concerned to be instructed to adhere to the prescribed route
particularly in view of the ever-increasing holiday traffic both within
and through the village.
Portreath Harbour Family Fun Day
Sunday 1st August 2004-06-18
12 Noon to 10pm
Large Raffle Tea
Tent
BBQ
Wellie Throwing
Stalls Raft
Race Bouncy
Castle Line Dancing
Tae Kwando Display African Drums
Puppets
Unicycle
Jugglers Parachute Games
Competition “Best Dressed Pirate”
Under 5’s
5 – 7 years
8 – 10 years
11 years and over
Adult
Sand Castle competition
Pavement Artist competition
Service at St Mary’s at 6pm
Children’s Disco in Marquee at 6pm
Three live bands will be playing from 7pm – 10pm
Please come and enjoy yourselves and support this family event
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club
Portreath Carpet Bowls Club has had an eventful year having recently
purchased a new carpet with a grand and from “The Penwith Community
Development Committee”, together with a set of coloured balls which
after some delay due to supply problems arrived about 3 weeks ago.
The old carpet has been given to Portreath Primary School together with the old woods and jack.
Two teams, “The Gulls & The Dolphins” were entered in the
Camborne/Redruth winter indoor league but unfortunately both have been
relegated – The Gulls to division 3 and The Dolphins to
division 4.
We hold 2 domestic competitions each year, “The Nancy Kessell Cup” in
November, which was won by Mr Steve Brown, runner up was Mrs Sally
Harding.
More recently Mr Roger Bunt, Mrs Hilary Bunt being the runner up, won the Chamber of Commerce Cup.
A team entered in The Ted Smith Memorial Evening in February at
Camborne RFC and came in a joint third, which was a very pleasing event.
Membership remains in the mid 20’s. The treasurer reports in April a healthy balance in excess of £200.
Beat Lines
This year is passing so quickly that I can’t believe that we are
already fast approaching the summer equinox. Min you I seem to think
that at about this time every year.
Although the days are longer there is sill does not seem to be enough
time to do everything that people would like us to. To explain what I
mean I will give you some facts and figures so that you are aware of
the challenges face by your local officers. I don’t intend to bore you
on a regular basis with such figures but thought you might be
interested on this one occasion.
Last month (May) Camborne and Redruth officers dealt with 2045
incidents of which 46 were in Portreath. It doesn’t take a
mathematician to work out therefore that 1999 incidents were dealt with
outside of the Parish in one month alone. So far for the whole of this
year the crime level in Portreath is virtually the same as last year,
at the time of writing there have been 66 reported crimes, last year
there were 64 for the same period.
However in the whole of Camborne and Redruth there have already been in
excess of 2700 crimes. One noticeable difference in the figures of
Portreath this year is the amount of arrest made in the Parish.
This year we have made 38 arrests already whereas last year for the
same period we had made 7 arrests. I read in a local paper recently
that Devon and Cornwall is the most popular tourist destination in the
Country. With this huge increase in numbers to the area each year
obviously brings a large increase in the workloads of all officers. All
this at a time when there are the various summer shows, events and
other seasonal functions, which require a police, input.
I present you with these figures so that you have some idea where you
policemen are and what they are doing on a day to day basis. They will
always be available to respond to any call you have to make but please
be aware that at times to calls to us by necessity have to be
prioritised and you may have to wait a little while if you ring us
about a non urgent matter.
Sill on a summer theme – at this time of year people like to go walking
along North Cliffs and in the woods often leaving their car in a
relatively isolated location. If you take your car to any of our local
beauty spots please leave your valuables at home. To assist you in
letting any would be criminal know that your car does no contain
valuables I have signs available at Redruth police station.
Alternatively I would be pleased to speak to you whilst out on foot
patrol in the village.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer
P C Roberts
Organic Vegetable Box Scheme
Available in the village with free delivery on Wednesday from a local farm in Guscarne.
A good selection of seasonal vegetables and fruit, also available eggs, chicken and beef.
Further details Tel: 01872 865922
Not only helping the environment but providing local jobs
Dear Ed
I’m a Cornish exile living in Yorkshire and today I received a copy of
The Parish Tram from my Great Niece who lives in Redruth. I lived at
Ventourage, Illogan until I was 20 years old when my Dad died. My
Mother, sister and myself then went to Yorkshire to live with my Uncle.
My reason for writing this letter is mostly because it brings back so
many memories. I am wondering if I could receive a quarterly copy and
if necessary I will pay the postage and any other costs involved. The
piece about the granite drinking trough was very nostalgic as I
remember it well. That in turn bought back memories of a granite trough
that was located at the top of Tregea Hill where the road to
Tehidy joined the one to the coastal road.
Perhaps someone could explain its purpose and when it was installed. My
belief is that it was for horses, but I have been “cooled down” many a
time in hot weather.
Wishing you all the best with your next issue.
I remain yours truly
Mr R H Parr
Sunday, June 13, 2004
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