RNLB Royal Shipwright
Saturday, July 23, 2005
LIFEBOAT DEMO TURNS INTO REAL-LIFE DRAMA
A demonstration by RNLI lifeguards ended in a real-life beach rescue.
Members of the St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew abandoned a presentation about safety and rescue techniques when they received an emergency call.
Within two minutes, their new rescue boat was fighting through heavy surf following a report that a man had become stranded in the sea at Portreath.
A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was also on stand-by but the man managed to reach the safety of the beach without injury.
Before the drama unfolded, the crew from Blue Peter IV had been at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, thanking members of the Cornwall branch of the Auto Cycle Union who raised £500 for the RNLI.
Operations manager at St Agnes lifeboat station Nick Marsh presented club president John Bassett with a framed certificate as thanks for the club's work.
Earlier this year the club donated £500 to the St Agnes branch of the RNLI during the annual car trial at Blue Hills.
And a commemorative bench was placed at the top of the infamous cliff top hill.
Club spokesman Rose Disney said: "The motorcycle club was really honoured to have been treated to a display. It was a dramatic day in the end," said club spokesman Rose Disney.
"We have always supported the RNLI because they save so many lives - they even saved mine once.
Mrs Disney said she once became stuck at the bottom of a cliff, and praised the RNLI crew which rescued her.
"They were out there so quickly. It is nice to know they are always on hand if you get into trouble."
Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marsh said: "It costs approximately £30,000 a year to run the lifeboat so we are always grateful for donations such as this.
The Blue Peter IV came to St Agnes in February following a naming ceremony by Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the International Boat Show, London.
She is the fifth boat St Agnes has received from the children's television programme and has been greatly modified from the previous one.
Members of the St Agnes RNLI lifeboat crew abandoned a presentation about safety and rescue techniques when they received an emergency call.
Within two minutes, their new rescue boat was fighting through heavy surf following a report that a man had become stranded in the sea at Portreath.
A helicopter from RNAS Culdrose was also on stand-by but the man managed to reach the safety of the beach without injury.
Before the drama unfolded, the crew from Blue Peter IV had been at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes, thanking members of the Cornwall branch of the Auto Cycle Union who raised £500 for the RNLI.
Operations manager at St Agnes lifeboat station Nick Marsh presented club president John Bassett with a framed certificate as thanks for the club's work.
Earlier this year the club donated £500 to the St Agnes branch of the RNLI during the annual car trial at Blue Hills.
And a commemorative bench was placed at the top of the infamous cliff top hill.
Club spokesman Rose Disney said: "The motorcycle club was really honoured to have been treated to a display. It was a dramatic day in the end," said club spokesman Rose Disney.
"We have always supported the RNLI because they save so many lives - they even saved mine once.
Mrs Disney said she once became stuck at the bottom of a cliff, and praised the RNLI crew which rescued her.
"They were out there so quickly. It is nice to know they are always on hand if you get into trouble."
Lifeboat operations manager Nick Marsh said: "It costs approximately £30,000 a year to run the lifeboat so we are always grateful for donations such as this.
The Blue Peter IV came to St Agnes in February following a naming ceremony by Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq at the International Boat Show, London.
She is the fifth boat St Agnes has received from the children's television programme and has been greatly modified from the previous one.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
PLAN TO CLEAN UP MORE DUMPS AT NANCEKUKE
Kerrier councillors have given their support to a proposal by the Ministry of Defence to clean up two more of the dumpsites at the former chemical defence establishment at Nancekuke.
The council supported the remediation of the first of RAF Portreath's five dumps sites - dump C - in December 2004.
The MOD now wants permission to investigate dumps A and B, which are located in the north-east quadrant of the air station.
Dump A is a disused quarry of about 2,000 square metres, and between 10-15m deep. It is believed it contains building materials, and technical and domestic waste.
Dump B is valley in-fill of about 7,200 square metres, between 4-5m deep.
In its application, the MOD said: "The principal purposes of the proposals are to prevent possible pollution from the dumps, to improve the environmental quality of RAF Portreath, and to prevent potential future hazards to the environment and human health due to the presence of material within the dumps."
Under the proposals, the dumps would be examined using a system designed to prevent the release of chemicals or dust into the atmosphere.
Any hazardous waste would be transferred to Porton Down for disposal.
In his report to members of Kerrier Council's planning committee, head of service Jon Pender said he had no objections to the proposal, "subject to its implementation in accordance with the details in the supporting environmental statement".
He said: "The remediation of this and other dumps clearly must be carried out. The only question before you is whether the proposed way of doing so to Dumps A and B are acceptable.
"There is no absolute knowledge of the materials to be excavated from there, but the element of uncertainty is considered to be small, and the scheme includes measures to address a range of eventualities."
Tommy Bray said he was against the clean up.
He said: "It's been left for 60 years, and suddenly we're going to dig it up. We don't know what we're going to find. Let's let sleeping dogs lie."
Councillors voted to support the proposal, which will now go before the county council's planning committee for a final decision.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
The council supported the remediation of the first of RAF Portreath's five dumps sites - dump C - in December 2004.
The MOD now wants permission to investigate dumps A and B, which are located in the north-east quadrant of the air station.
Dump A is a disused quarry of about 2,000 square metres, and between 10-15m deep. It is believed it contains building materials, and technical and domestic waste.
Dump B is valley in-fill of about 7,200 square metres, between 4-5m deep.
In its application, the MOD said: "The principal purposes of the proposals are to prevent possible pollution from the dumps, to improve the environmental quality of RAF Portreath, and to prevent potential future hazards to the environment and human health due to the presence of material within the dumps."
Under the proposals, the dumps would be examined using a system designed to prevent the release of chemicals or dust into the atmosphere.
Any hazardous waste would be transferred to Porton Down for disposal.
In his report to members of Kerrier Council's planning committee, head of service Jon Pender said he had no objections to the proposal, "subject to its implementation in accordance with the details in the supporting environmental statement".
He said: "The remediation of this and other dumps clearly must be carried out. The only question before you is whether the proposed way of doing so to Dumps A and B are acceptable.
"There is no absolute knowledge of the materials to be excavated from there, but the element of uncertainty is considered to be small, and the scheme includes measures to address a range of eventualities."
Tommy Bray said he was against the clean up.
He said: "It's been left for 60 years, and suddenly we're going to dig it up. We don't know what we're going to find. Let's let sleeping dogs lie."
Councillors voted to support the proposal, which will now go before the county council's planning committee for a final decision.
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Dispersal Order
Police officers posted notices throughout Portreath informing of the imposition of a Dispersal Order that takes effect on the 17th of July. This action comes about following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
Sunday, July 03, 2005
BOY AS YOUNG AS 12 INVOLVED IN THEFT
Police were this week hunting a boy as young as 12 after thieves grabbed money from a bus driver as she dropped them off at Portreath.
Officers said the youngster was part of a three-strong gang who escaped with change amounting to around £19 after the Truronian bus had ferried them to the seaside resort from Redruth railway station.
PC Dave Cracknell, the Camborne police officer heading the inquiry, said the bus driver was unhurt after a "tug-of-war" with the bags of cash.
But he raised concerns over the young age of one of the thieves, a ginger-haired boy of around 12 who was accompanied by two others aged in their late-teens or early-20s.
PC Cracknell said: "I am concerned that such a youngster is involved in a crime like this and that it was carried out when the holiday season in Portreath is getting into swing.
"It upsets me that you get silly incidents like this one which can have a detrimental effect on the image of Portreath. People work very hard in that community and this is not the sort of thing we want to see happening."
The trio struck last Wednesday lunchtime after travelling on the bus from the railway station to Portreath. They were dropped off near the village bakery.
As they walked off the bus, they grabbed several bags of money from a tray in the driver's compartment. Eyewitnesses reported them fleeing in the direction of Lighthouse Hill.
PC Cracknell said: "The driver said they had local accents but she does not recognise them as having travelled on the bus before. I have a feeling that they are living somewhere in the Portreath area. We are keen to hear from witnesses and anyone who can help in this inquiry."
The younger boy was said to be white and around 5ft tall. He was wearing a black top and blue, baggy jeans.
Both his accomplices were also white with tanned complexions and 5ft 10ins tall. One, who was bare-chested, wore blue jeans and was described as muscular and stocky. The second man was wearing a blue top with white writing on it.
Anyone with information on the theft or identity of the thieves is asked to contact PC Cracknell at Camborne police station on 08452 777444.
Officers said the youngster was part of a three-strong gang who escaped with change amounting to around £19 after the Truronian bus had ferried them to the seaside resort from Redruth railway station.
PC Dave Cracknell, the Camborne police officer heading the inquiry, said the bus driver was unhurt after a "tug-of-war" with the bags of cash.
But he raised concerns over the young age of one of the thieves, a ginger-haired boy of around 12 who was accompanied by two others aged in their late-teens or early-20s.
PC Cracknell said: "I am concerned that such a youngster is involved in a crime like this and that it was carried out when the holiday season in Portreath is getting into swing.
"It upsets me that you get silly incidents like this one which can have a detrimental effect on the image of Portreath. People work very hard in that community and this is not the sort of thing we want to see happening."
The trio struck last Wednesday lunchtime after travelling on the bus from the railway station to Portreath. They were dropped off near the village bakery.
As they walked off the bus, they grabbed several bags of money from a tray in the driver's compartment. Eyewitnesses reported them fleeing in the direction of Lighthouse Hill.
PC Cracknell said: "The driver said they had local accents but she does not recognise them as having travelled on the bus before. I have a feeling that they are living somewhere in the Portreath area. We are keen to hear from witnesses and anyone who can help in this inquiry."
The younger boy was said to be white and around 5ft tall. He was wearing a black top and blue, baggy jeans.
Both his accomplices were also white with tanned complexions and 5ft 10ins tall. One, who was bare-chested, wore blue jeans and was described as muscular and stocky. The second man was wearing a blue top with white writing on it.
Anyone with information on the theft or identity of the thieves is asked to contact PC Cracknell at Camborne police station on 08452 777444.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
July-September Quarterly
Portreath Harbour Fun Day will be held on Sunday 21st August this year. It is a family orientated event with plenty of fun and games for all ages. Please come with friends and relatives and support this village event which will benefit local groups and organisations.
Peta Redmore (Chair)
Stall Holders
Anyone interested in having a stall on Harbour Fun Day, please contact me by phone, or leave a note in the Post Office by 24th July. You will need to supply own table.
Cost £5.00 normal sized table
£10.00 larger table
£15.00 very large table
Raft Race
Teams wishing to enter, please phone me with name of team and number of team members – maximum of 5.
Thank you
Di Helyer (Secretary) 01209 842492
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Portreath Harbour Fun Day
12 noon Official Opening (name to follow – possibly Julia Goldsworthy)
12.15 Fancy Dress Competition : Theme is Nursery Rymes
Age Groups Under 5
5 – 9
10 – 11
12 – 14
14 +
12.30 * Welly Throwing
* Tribal Drums
1.0 Morris Men Dancing and / or Cornish Cloggers
1.30 Rebecca Whittaker singing
2.0 "Saqqara" – Portreath Belly Dancers
2.30 Tai Kwondo – on grass by Marquee
Run by John Lamb – classes on Wednesday and Sunday.
Interested ? Ring John on 01209 213558
3.0 "Stars in Your Eyes" – come and join in the fun.
Are you the next budding pop star ?
4.30 Gunge Tank : Junior and Senior –
Voting forms in Post office July/August
5.0 Beach to Harbour Swim – enroll at the Surf Club
6.0 * Raft Race – please enter your raft at the Raffle Tent during
approx the day and place raft on the slipway
* Presentations and Raffle Draw
6.30 * Family Disco – come and boogie in the Marquee
* Boat Trips from the Harbourside
8.0 End of the Day – we thank you all very much for your support
Throughout the day – Raffle tickets, stalls, BBQ, childrens entertainment in the Marquee (craft tables run by Portreath Play School; visit by Jed the Puppet, and parachute games) Beer Tent, Tea Tent etc.
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Portreath applies for a dispersal order
Today at the Parish Council meeting it was resolved by a unanimous vote of councillors to apply for a dispersal order. This has come about due to an increase in anti-social behaviour by a number of youngsters at various locations around the village. The main areas of concern are the beachfront car park, the harbour precinct, memorial gardens and Beach Road.
The Parish Council meeting was packed out with residents, organisation representatives and business owners all of one opinion that the anti-social behaviour has to stop and stop quickly. A well-supported petition was presented to the Council with the main points of complaint being, the congregation of youths in the previously mentioned areas, drinking, swearing, driving their cars in a dangerous manner, playing loud music, fighting and generally behaving in an intimidating way. There were a number of specific incidents mentioned, two of which were particularly dangerous. The first occurred on a busy Bank Holiday at 5:00 pm. A BMW drove through the village and down Beach Road by a driver above the alcohol limit, he lost control when he clipped a van parked outside the Beach Shop. Consequently the vehicle careered across the road into the entrance of the car park, destroying the gatepost and part of the wall and writing off the car. It was a miracle no one was walking on this usually busy path at the time. The second incident happened a few days later. Two vehicles full of youths were parked at the turning basin end of the Harbour, they then threw the Harbour Users Association hazardous waste material barrel into the harbour and used concrete blocks to split it open so releasing the waste into the harbour. They then released the mooring that is used for emergency landings. Malicious damage, that polluted the harbour for many days and put the emergency mooring out of use.
These are just two incidents of quite a long and rapidly growing list of anti-social behaviour that is becoming the "norm" in Portreath. Residents and businesses have had enough and voiced their protests extremely well to the full Parish Council.
Local Beat Manager PC Tim Roberts and Sargent Paul Marchent were present and assured the meeting that steps were being taken to increase the amount of patrols through the village in the early to late evening periods. PC Roberts is to progress the Dispersal Order as quickly as possible. If this order is obtained it will allow the police to move on any groups that are acting in an anti-social manor and prevent them from returning for up to 24 hours.
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£6 MILLION CASH BOOST FOR CORNWALL'S CENTRAL MINING DISTRICT
Great news, The Mineral Tramways Project has now secured the remaining £5.5million of funding to complete the largest heritage Project Cornwall has ever seen.
Half a million pounds was approved in November 2003 as Stage 1 to further develop Project proposals and costings. Stage 2 approval of £5.5 million, making an overall Project total of £6 million was granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective 1 and the South West Regional Development Agency on 16 March.
Project staff will now be appointed to complete the work on the ground, before the Project finally closes in December 2007.
The Project area covers, Camborne Redruth and Gwennap St Day which make up the Central Mining District of Cornwall, and will create 30.5km of new multi use trails which are predominantly off road, conserve and make safe 11 mining heritage sites, and carry out enhancement works in 13 villages. The following Project proposals will be carried out in your Parish.
Trail Creation works
The overriding aim of the Project is to create an accessible heritage experience, following as closely as possible the original mineral tramways and railways within the Project area, to connect important sites of Cornish mining, and mining villages with a network of multi use trails, although it has been necessary through Stage 1 of the Project to revise the route of some sections of the trail which were presented in the original funding applications. Earlier phases of the Project have created the Coast to Coast, Great Flat Lode, and Tresavean Trails. The new 30.5km multi use network consists of 4 new trails, two of which are within the parish of Portreath:-
Portreath Branchline Trail – running up the disused incline railway, using the original Portreath Branch Line to Alexander Road and Spa Lane on the outskirts of Illogan, onto Park Bottom, Tuckingmill finally connecting with the existing Great Flat Lode Trail at Brea village.
Tehidy Trail – running from the top of the disused Incline in Portreath to the Tehidy East Lodge car park on Cot Road, and west through the Park to Coombe.
Village Enhancement Works
The proposed Project enhancement works in the village will vastly improve its present appearance for both locals and visitors by forming a village square, narrowing the wide tarmac roads, and improving the appearance of the bleak car park and bus stop area. Thank you to all who took the time and trouble to fll in the questionnaire issued in the last Parish Tram. The Parish Council and the Minerals Tramway Team were pleased with the response.
The Project hopes to create more of a village square outside the shops and Portreath Arms, narrowing the wide sweeping expanse of tarmac, and creating smaller landscaped areas with improved paving and planting.
Beach Road will also be narrowed creating areas for new planting and a streamside pathway with parking retained. The Beach car park entrance will be altered and the car park itself will have new railings installed and disabled access improved. Other work is also proposed in the car park by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Penberthy Road is already the subject of traffic improvement works, however there may be some scope for further Project input, particularly at the entrance to the Square. Gateway features are proposed at the entrances to the village from when approaching from Bridge, or down Tregea Hill.
Detailed layout plans will be displayed over the coming months.
For further Project information contact the Mineral Tramways Project team on (01872) 322646, or the Kerrier Community Regeneration Office on (01209) 614061.
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CARER'S CAR CLAMPED AS SHE HELPS ELDERLY MAN
A carer whose car was recently clamped as she popped into a cafe to get change for the beachside car park at Portreath this week warned other motorists to be on their guard.
Jean White, of Gwinear, near Hayle, claimed the clamper pounced within about six minutes of her parking her car and escorting the 84-year-old man she was looking after into the nearby cafe.
Trouble began after Mrs White, aged 48, picked up the elderly man from his home at Camborne and drove him to Portreath last week.
She said: "One of our policies is that you are not allowed to leave a client in the car. I took him into the cafe and was given the change straight away. The lady in the cafe said she would bring out the coffees I had ordered.
"She said, 'You'd better go back to your car because the clamper's there.' He was by the car and said he had tried three different clamps."
A boss at her company, Penhellis Community Care, of Penryn, paid the £70.50 fee to have the clamp released.
But Mrs White insisted she was in the car park for no more than six minutes and the patrolman for Truro-based Armtrac Security Services had failed to give her 10 minutes' grace to buy a ticket.
She said: "I've heard that a lot of people get clamped at this car park but Armtrac have got to be fair and give people a chance to get the change for a ticket."
A spokesman for the firm's appeal centre said it had decided to make a full refund as Mrs White was a carer and was looking after an elderly man at the time.
He added: "The patrolman was doing his job. We have looked into it and felt a little compassion wouldn't go amiss."
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Incline Project
The Incline project continues to support and assist in securing funding for various village projects. In this issue of the Tram you will find a "Portreath information Pack" A leaflet full of contact numbers and web sites relevent to the village. We hope you will find it informative and useful. A big thanks to Malcome and Daphne for the work they put into it.
The Cares group, C.H.I.C, Belly Dancing and the C.O.G continue at a steady pace.
If any reader wishes advice or support or both, to start a community project please email chris@parishtram.co.uk or phone 01209 843873 or drop a line to the Parish Tram c/o Portreath Post Office.
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Portreath AFC
Managers Reflections
( a look back at the season )
Well what a first season as manager of Portreath AFC I have had. When I was first approached to take charge of the team, I thought long and hard, what players would join the club and would we attract any sponsors etc. Little did I know what a roller coaster of a season it would be.
There have been lots of rumours about Portreath this season, from the paying of players, to me having a vehicle supplied - all are false.
The players play for Portreath because they enjoy it, I manage them because I want to, it's that simple.
I have had players from 7 clubs sign on for the New Portreath. I asked them to change the way they played and play a new system. They took it all on board, and in my opinion, have at times played some very exciting and adventurous football. The mixture and blend of players that I have had the pleasure to manage this season, has sometimes made my life easy, and sometimes made it difficult because of the pure talent and commitment of the players.
The club has had a very successful season, we have gained promotion to the top flight at the first attempt, breaking the all time record of goals scored in the Mining League with 164 scored and only 30 conceded.
We have won the Jubilee Cup against Storm in an action packed final.
We had a great run in the Arthur Pearce Cup beating three highly placed Div 1 teams on the way, only to be beaten by Gwinear in the semi-final.
We faced the Mining League Div 1 winners Gulval in the second round of the Junior Cup and in my opinion acquitted ourselves well.
If there is a downside to the season it is that Big Ross, ( as he is known within the club ), will not be with us next season due to work commitments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done for me personally and for the club, but I am sure that the foundations that he has helped to lay will last for many seasons to come.
I am looking forward to Div 1 football next season and all the challenges that it brings.
We will be training every Wednesday, starting Weds the 29th of June at RAF Portreath, meeting in the car park at 6 - 30pm, if any players out there think they might like to join this successful club ( don't worry we are a friendly bunch ), please come along to a training session or contact me direct by e-mail at roger.sowden@btinternet.com or ring / text me on 07969 954911.
In closing I would like to say a big thank you to all our committee members who have worked so hard and believed in me and a big thanks to our sponsors who were so generous last season.
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Portreath Parish Council Report
Appointment of Chairman
At a meeting held on 16th May Councillor C.J. Watts was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Council and Mrs. D. Butler was appointed Vice Chairman. Upon taking office Councillor Watts
thanked the outgoing Chairman, Councillor K Bowden, for the able manner in which the Council had been chaired during the past year
Regrading of Footpaths
Cornwall County Council have adopted an updated system for the grading of footpaths throughout the County. The most important and most used footpaths will now be graded as Gold footpaths, the less used as Silver and those rarely used will become Bronze paths. The Parish Council noted with pleasure that all the footpaths within this Parish would now become Gold Paths and would, therefore, be upgraded and would be maintained to a higher standard.
Portreath Harbour
The Chairman reported on a recent meeting with Heads of Service at Kerrier District Council regarding the future of the Harbour. Ways in which the future of the Harbour could be assured were discussed and the possibility of incorporating 2 lock gates, one on the outer Harbour so that this would always be full of water, and a second scheme to erect a curved wall between the end of the pier and Horse Rock. This would create a number of advantages as it would relieve the force of the water on the pier and would mean that the area could be used all year round.
Various other aspects of the use of the Harbour were discussed including the re-siting of the 'fishermans' hut , the possible sources of funding and the possible advantageous knock on effect for the Village of such improvements.
A Working Party is to be formed as part of the Council's Regeneration Steering Sub-Committee and funding is to be sought for the carrying out of a feasibility study into the various proposals.
Planning Applications
Various planning applications received consideration since the last publication including the proposed Remedial Works to be carried out at RAF Portreath. This work would be carried out over a fairly lengthy period and Members were assured that all possible safety precautions would be taken during the course of the work.
Beach Toilets
Due to various acts of vandalism to the Beach Toilets, the owners of the building, Kerrier District Council, issued a directive that the toilets be locked at 5:00 each evening in a effort to prevent further acts of destruction and instructions to this affect were issued to the person carrying out the daily locking of the toilets. Members of the Council were of the opinion that this very early locking time would cause problems for those visiting the Village and Beach during the evenings and following representations to Kerrier District Council it was agreed that from the end of June until early September the toilets could remain open until 8:30.. It is to be hoped that the few persons causing damage to the toilets will appreciate the difficulties caused to others as a result of indiscriminate vandalism.
Dispersal Order
Following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
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TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
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Class 2 from the Portreath Primary School made an acrostic poem about the Seaside,
which they recently read out in assembly –
Sun, sand and sea
Everybody enjoying the fun
All children playing the sand
Surfers surfing into shore
Ice-creams melting in the sun
Dolphins diving in the sea
Every fisherman catching a big one
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EXPLOSION FAILS TO MAKE CLIFF SAFE
24 May 2005
A loud bang and a plume of smoke marked the places where explosives tore into a cliff-face on the 24th May, but the eruption was more of a damp squib, with very little rock crashing to earth. The National Trust owns the cliff above Portreath beach and after the winter cliff fall of many tonnes of rock onto the Western end of the beach leaving dangerous looking faults, it was decided to consult experts.
South Western Mining and Tunnelling was called in by the Trust and carried out a controlled explosion to stabilise a 20m section of cliff and remove 100 tonnes of rock, but the blast failed to dislodge the main dangerous crag, which was more stable than previously thought.
Bill Makin, the Trust's Assistant Property Manager for mid-Cornwall, said: "It is still a work in progress really because not a lot of stone came down at all."
"It is the first time we have had to take action here but there have been some quite big falls over the winter and we are moving in to the summer season and the risk to beach users is that much higher."
An exclusion zone was set-up around the blast area to maintain safety while the specialist team used 160g charges to blow out the crumbling rocks.
Subsequently at the 6th of June Parish Council meeting Mr Makin gave a talk on the present situation. He explained that after a fairly extensive survey it has been decided that no further action is to be taken as the survey shows there is a large buttress of rock underlying the visible cracks.
To advise and warn the public of the possibility of any further falls, the National Trust has prepared highly visible warning signs and have made arrangements with the Portreath Life Saving Club to have them prominently displayed every day throughout the holiday season.
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Leanne's Eden Summer Ball
Saturday 9th July 2005
7.30pm
at the Eden Project, St Austell
Individual tickets £25.00
Guests will be taken down by land train to the biomes, eat a summer feast, and be entertained by the amazing 'Tequila' band, a 25 piece steel band.
There will also be a Summer Ball Auction, with Lots including:
A week in a luxury villa in Tenerife
A private plane to take you and 7 people off for a weekend
2 Hospitality tickets in a box at Old Trafford
A private helicopter to whisk you off to London for a shopping trip
A Conservatory
A Hot Air Balloon Ride
An 'off road' experience
and much more including meals, hotel breaks, oysters & bubbly, etc !!!
Tickets are available from :
Ottakers Bookshop, Truro 225765
The Body Shop, Truro 241562
Lush, Truro 20469
Next, Truro 0870 386 5497
Carbonara Restaurant, Truro 223008
Or by by emailing Leanne at lgrose@tiscali.co.uk
This Black Tie Benefit Summer Ball will be excellent value for money and at the same time will raise funds for a very special young lady of 24 who is fighting cancer. The tumour has meant Leanne has now had to have her left leg amputated above her knee and this means she is desperately trying to raise money for an extension to her home to give her a ground level bathroom and shower.
Many of you will have seen the articles in the West Briton, and if you want to find out more about Leanne, her web site is www.leannesfundraisingappeal.co.uk. From this you will see that she is also holding a bandage appeal, is willing to go into schools to talk to children about her experience, and is willing to talk to anyone else who is needs advice about fundraising or a chat about a forthcoming operation or amputation.
My reason for advertising this particular event is because Leanne is such a fantastic person and having attended her event "A Girl's Night In" at the Alverton Manor in May, I can assure you that you will have a memorable, wonderful evening at Eden – she is certainly very good at giving amazing value for money ! She is never self pitying, just a caring, warm, lovely person, with a bubbly fun sense of humour, who is fighting cancer and pain with an indomitable spirit, which affects all of us who are lucky enough to know her.
If you can support her in any way, that would be fantastic.
Shena Watts
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Beat Lines
Summer has finally arrived and I am sure that most of us will look forward to enjoying the sunshine and lighter warmer evenings that this time of the year brings (occasionally!). However I am equally as sure that no one will look forward to the poor behaviour that the good weather seems to bring out in some groups of people. Many residents and business people have already complained to me about incidents of drunkenness, harassment, intimidation and threats. Anti-social behaviour of this type is unpleasant to experience and has the ability to make responsible holidaymakers want to leave the area vowing not to return.
The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are committed to stopping anti-social behaviour to improve the quality of life for all. I have recently submitted an application to seek authorisation for a dispersal order for the village covering the summer months only. There has been very strong support for the application within the local community resulting in a strong attendance by members of the public at the parish council meeting on 6th June. The council unanimously agreed that the order was necessary. In addition, I have been handed a petition signed by local people in favour of a dispersal order.
I would like to thank all those people that have taken the time to consider the issues and have been prepared to state their opinions. Without public support such an order would be more difficult to implement.
You may be wondering what a dispersal order is all about so I will briefly explain.
If authorised, an area (within Portreath) will be designated as the dispersal zone. Groups of 2 or more people who gather within the zone may be ordered by an officer to disperse or leave the zone for a specified time (up to 24hrs). They can only be given this order if they are suspected to be involved in or are likely to engage in behaviour that will cause alarm, harassment, intimidation or distress to others. For example if the beach were included within the zone and a group of people were causing trouble here this group could be ordered to leave the zone and not return for up to 24hours.
A dispersal order also empowers police officers and police community support officers to return any person aged under 16years to their home address if they are found within the zone after 9pm without responsible supervision.
The orders may only be authorised for a maximum of six months.
It is important to stress that the aim of a dispersal order is to prevent anti-social behaviour. It is not legislation that designed to specifically target young people and it will not be used against any group that is not involved in anti-social behaviour.
The parish council and I have discussed a designated public place order for Portreath – if this is applied for I'll explain about it in the next edition!
PC Tim Roberts
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letter page
The Feadon Residents Group is in the midst of an application to Cornwall County Council to correct an anomaly on the definitive map. Although the footpath that Feadon residents use to access the amenities of the village appears on old maps, guides, aerial photos etc, and has been used daily for as long as residents here can remember, it is not shown on the latest definitive map. The path also appears on the 1973 planning application for the houses at Hillside, and it was a condition that there were to be no enclosures.
The Feadon Residents Group would like to hear from anyone else who has used this path (which runs parallel to the track known as "Glenfeadon Lane" but higher up the bank of the hill) for the past 20+ years
Contact Marj on tel: 843194
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BID TO SAFEGUARD FUTURE OF PORTREATH HARBOUR
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath, as opposed to cause for concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
The vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
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DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine."
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses."
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by."
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge."
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
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Over 50s Leisure Week
Activities for Older People
Monday 19th September – Sunday 25th September
As some residents of West Cornwall may be aware an extremely interesting and active week of leisure and recreation activities took place in April. For those of you who had not heard about it, don't worry the Over 50s Leisure Week is back, this time between September 19th and the 25th!
The week is organised by Kerrier & Penwith District Council, in conjunction with the West of Cornwall LEAP (Local Exercise Action Pilot) project. The activities take place right across West Cornwall, using sports clubs, leisure centres and other leisure providers such as golf clubs and the adult education service. All activities are fun, led by suitably qualified coaches and most importantly are FREE of charge.
The April week was enormously successful. There was a wide range of activities including bowls, walking, pilates, tai-chi, cycling, swimming, windsurfing, sailing plus many more. The week in September will include similar activities and will be a great chance to try something new, meet new people or just have some fun while being active.
If you think this may be your sort of thing, its easy to book:
Ring LEAP on 01209 313419 to register for a timetable which will be sent once it has been finalised.
The whole Over 50s Leisure Team would like to pay special thanks to all the sports clubs and leisure providers who have delivered activity sessions in April and those who are going to take part in September.
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PORTREATH HARBOUR ASSOCIATION
As this is the first time the Association have taken a space in the Parish Tram, it would seem a good time to tell you more about us.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. Most boats being used for private fishing and pleasure.
You may have noticed that the boat yard area has been tidied up by the Harbour Association members and all discarded maintenance materials put in a skip and taken away. In the winter especially at weekends boat maintenance is at fever pitch, no more so than Jeanette a timber built boat of which I will feature in the next issue, along with any news regarding the Harbour.
NS
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Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
Eight members of the club travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Australian National Surf Life Saving Competition that was held at Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast from the 15th - 20th March 2005.
The 'Aussie Nationals' as this competition is colloquially known attracts in excess of 7300 entrants from all round Australia. It is the second biggest world-sporting event; the Olympics being the first.
Jenna Hawkey, Rachel Pascoe, Ryan Doble, Matt Bowden, David Green and Katy Whear were competitors. Rob Phillips the club's chairman was the Great Britain team manager and Penny Whear was the team masseuse and 'Girl Friday'.
These young athletes all performed exceptionally well and given that they were competing 'out of season' against the very best in Australia came up with superb results.
Ryan Doble got to the quarterfinals of the beach sprint in the men's open and Matt Bowden got to the semi finals in the Under 17 boy's beach sprint. Jenna Hawkey paddled her ski in a superb manner and got into the semi final of the under 19 ski race against some very strong and 'die hard' ski paddlers. Katy Whear ran very well despite a niggling hamstring injury and got into the finals of the open women's beach sprint, in which she attained 6th place overall.
The week after the Australian National competition the Portreath members representing Great Britain were competing again in The International Surf Challenge 2005. This was a five nation's challenge between the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan. The top athletes from these countries took part, some being Olympic and Commonwealth champions. Again, despite the incredibly hot weather and the fact that they were competing out of season (the competitors from the southern hemisphere were in their peak season) superb results like Rachel Pascoe finishing second in the ski behind the current world champion which boosted the overall aggregate and helped at beating the USA over the two-day test.
The final result was;
1 Australia
2 New Zealand
3 Great Britain
4 USA
5 Japan
It is all down to the dedication to their sport and the serious training that the team put in that gave us such a fantastic result. They are a credit to their club and their country and surf life saving.
It is also thanks to the Portreath Improvements Committee for the grant of £1000 for easing the financial burden for these young athletes to be able to travel so far and perform so well.
Thank you
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club.
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TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Peta Redmore (Chair)
Stall Holders
Anyone interested in having a stall on Harbour Fun Day, please contact me by phone, or leave a note in the Post Office by 24th July. You will need to supply own table.
Cost £5.00 normal sized table
£10.00 larger table
£15.00 very large table
Raft Race
Teams wishing to enter, please phone me with name of team and number of team members – maximum of 5.
Thank you
Di Helyer (Secretary) 01209 842492
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Portreath Harbour Fun Day
12 noon Official Opening (name to follow – possibly Julia Goldsworthy)
12.15 Fancy Dress Competition : Theme is Nursery Rymes
Age Groups Under 5
5 – 9
10 – 11
12 – 14
14 +
12.30 * Welly Throwing
* Tribal Drums
1.0 Morris Men Dancing and / or Cornish Cloggers
1.30 Rebecca Whittaker singing
2.0 "Saqqara" – Portreath Belly Dancers
2.30 Tai Kwondo – on grass by Marquee
Run by John Lamb – classes on Wednesday and Sunday.
Interested ? Ring John on 01209 213558
3.0 "Stars in Your Eyes" – come and join in the fun.
Are you the next budding pop star ?
4.30 Gunge Tank : Junior and Senior –
Voting forms in Post office July/August
5.0 Beach to Harbour Swim – enroll at the Surf Club
6.0 * Raft Race – please enter your raft at the Raffle Tent during
approx the day and place raft on the slipway
* Presentations and Raffle Draw
6.30 * Family Disco – come and boogie in the Marquee
* Boat Trips from the Harbourside
8.0 End of the Day – we thank you all very much for your support
Throughout the day – Raffle tickets, stalls, BBQ, childrens entertainment in the Marquee (craft tables run by Portreath Play School; visit by Jed the Puppet, and parachute games) Beer Tent, Tea Tent etc.
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Portreath applies for a dispersal order
Today at the Parish Council meeting it was resolved by a unanimous vote of councillors to apply for a dispersal order. This has come about due to an increase in anti-social behaviour by a number of youngsters at various locations around the village. The main areas of concern are the beachfront car park, the harbour precinct, memorial gardens and Beach Road.
The Parish Council meeting was packed out with residents, organisation representatives and business owners all of one opinion that the anti-social behaviour has to stop and stop quickly. A well-supported petition was presented to the Council with the main points of complaint being, the congregation of youths in the previously mentioned areas, drinking, swearing, driving their cars in a dangerous manner, playing loud music, fighting and generally behaving in an intimidating way. There were a number of specific incidents mentioned, two of which were particularly dangerous. The first occurred on a busy Bank Holiday at 5:00 pm. A BMW drove through the village and down Beach Road by a driver above the alcohol limit, he lost control when he clipped a van parked outside the Beach Shop. Consequently the vehicle careered across the road into the entrance of the car park, destroying the gatepost and part of the wall and writing off the car. It was a miracle no one was walking on this usually busy path at the time. The second incident happened a few days later. Two vehicles full of youths were parked at the turning basin end of the Harbour, they then threw the Harbour Users Association hazardous waste material barrel into the harbour and used concrete blocks to split it open so releasing the waste into the harbour. They then released the mooring that is used for emergency landings. Malicious damage, that polluted the harbour for many days and put the emergency mooring out of use.
These are just two incidents of quite a long and rapidly growing list of anti-social behaviour that is becoming the "norm" in Portreath. Residents and businesses have had enough and voiced their protests extremely well to the full Parish Council.
Local Beat Manager PC Tim Roberts and Sargent Paul Marchent were present and assured the meeting that steps were being taken to increase the amount of patrols through the village in the early to late evening periods. PC Roberts is to progress the Dispersal Order as quickly as possible. If this order is obtained it will allow the police to move on any groups that are acting in an anti-social manor and prevent them from returning for up to 24 hours.
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£6 MILLION CASH BOOST FOR CORNWALL'S CENTRAL MINING DISTRICT
Great news, The Mineral Tramways Project has now secured the remaining £5.5million of funding to complete the largest heritage Project Cornwall has ever seen.
Half a million pounds was approved in November 2003 as Stage 1 to further develop Project proposals and costings. Stage 2 approval of £5.5 million, making an overall Project total of £6 million was granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Objective 1 and the South West Regional Development Agency on 16 March.
Project staff will now be appointed to complete the work on the ground, before the Project finally closes in December 2007.
The Project area covers, Camborne Redruth and Gwennap St Day which make up the Central Mining District of Cornwall, and will create 30.5km of new multi use trails which are predominantly off road, conserve and make safe 11 mining heritage sites, and carry out enhancement works in 13 villages. The following Project proposals will be carried out in your Parish.
Trail Creation works
The overriding aim of the Project is to create an accessible heritage experience, following as closely as possible the original mineral tramways and railways within the Project area, to connect important sites of Cornish mining, and mining villages with a network of multi use trails, although it has been necessary through Stage 1 of the Project to revise the route of some sections of the trail which were presented in the original funding applications. Earlier phases of the Project have created the Coast to Coast, Great Flat Lode, and Tresavean Trails. The new 30.5km multi use network consists of 4 new trails, two of which are within the parish of Portreath:-
Portreath Branchline Trail – running up the disused incline railway, using the original Portreath Branch Line to Alexander Road and Spa Lane on the outskirts of Illogan, onto Park Bottom, Tuckingmill finally connecting with the existing Great Flat Lode Trail at Brea village.
Tehidy Trail – running from the top of the disused Incline in Portreath to the Tehidy East Lodge car park on Cot Road, and west through the Park to Coombe.
Village Enhancement Works
The proposed Project enhancement works in the village will vastly improve its present appearance for both locals and visitors by forming a village square, narrowing the wide tarmac roads, and improving the appearance of the bleak car park and bus stop area. Thank you to all who took the time and trouble to fll in the questionnaire issued in the last Parish Tram. The Parish Council and the Minerals Tramway Team were pleased with the response.
The Project hopes to create more of a village square outside the shops and Portreath Arms, narrowing the wide sweeping expanse of tarmac, and creating smaller landscaped areas with improved paving and planting.
Beach Road will also be narrowed creating areas for new planting and a streamside pathway with parking retained. The Beach car park entrance will be altered and the car park itself will have new railings installed and disabled access improved. Other work is also proposed in the car park by the Portreath Improvements Committee.
Penberthy Road is already the subject of traffic improvement works, however there may be some scope for further Project input, particularly at the entrance to the Square. Gateway features are proposed at the entrances to the village from when approaching from Bridge, or down Tregea Hill.
Detailed layout plans will be displayed over the coming months.
For further Project information contact the Mineral Tramways Project team on (01872) 322646, or the Kerrier Community Regeneration Office on (01209) 614061.
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CARER'S CAR CLAMPED AS SHE HELPS ELDERLY MAN
A carer whose car was recently clamped as she popped into a cafe to get change for the beachside car park at Portreath this week warned other motorists to be on their guard.
Jean White, of Gwinear, near Hayle, claimed the clamper pounced within about six minutes of her parking her car and escorting the 84-year-old man she was looking after into the nearby cafe.
Trouble began after Mrs White, aged 48, picked up the elderly man from his home at Camborne and drove him to Portreath last week.
She said: "One of our policies is that you are not allowed to leave a client in the car. I took him into the cafe and was given the change straight away. The lady in the cafe said she would bring out the coffees I had ordered.
"She said, 'You'd better go back to your car because the clamper's there.' He was by the car and said he had tried three different clamps."
A boss at her company, Penhellis Community Care, of Penryn, paid the £70.50 fee to have the clamp released.
But Mrs White insisted she was in the car park for no more than six minutes and the patrolman for Truro-based Armtrac Security Services had failed to give her 10 minutes' grace to buy a ticket.
She said: "I've heard that a lot of people get clamped at this car park but Armtrac have got to be fair and give people a chance to get the change for a ticket."
A spokesman for the firm's appeal centre said it had decided to make a full refund as Mrs White was a carer and was looking after an elderly man at the time.
He added: "The patrolman was doing his job. We have looked into it and felt a little compassion wouldn't go amiss."
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Incline Project
The Incline project continues to support and assist in securing funding for various village projects. In this issue of the Tram you will find a "Portreath information Pack" A leaflet full of contact numbers and web sites relevent to the village. We hope you will find it informative and useful. A big thanks to Malcome and Daphne for the work they put into it.
The Cares group, C.H.I.C, Belly Dancing and the C.O.G continue at a steady pace.
If any reader wishes advice or support or both, to start a community project please email chris@parishtram.co.uk or phone 01209 843873 or drop a line to the Parish Tram c/o Portreath Post Office.
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Portreath AFC
Managers Reflections
( a look back at the season )
Well what a first season as manager of Portreath AFC I have had. When I was first approached to take charge of the team, I thought long and hard, what players would join the club and would we attract any sponsors etc. Little did I know what a roller coaster of a season it would be.
There have been lots of rumours about Portreath this season, from the paying of players, to me having a vehicle supplied - all are false.
The players play for Portreath because they enjoy it, I manage them because I want to, it's that simple.
I have had players from 7 clubs sign on for the New Portreath. I asked them to change the way they played and play a new system. They took it all on board, and in my opinion, have at times played some very exciting and adventurous football. The mixture and blend of players that I have had the pleasure to manage this season, has sometimes made my life easy, and sometimes made it difficult because of the pure talent and commitment of the players.
The club has had a very successful season, we have gained promotion to the top flight at the first attempt, breaking the all time record of goals scored in the Mining League with 164 scored and only 30 conceded.
We have won the Jubilee Cup against Storm in an action packed final.
We had a great run in the Arthur Pearce Cup beating three highly placed Div 1 teams on the way, only to be beaten by Gwinear in the semi-final.
We faced the Mining League Div 1 winners Gulval in the second round of the Junior Cup and in my opinion acquitted ourselves well.
If there is a downside to the season it is that Big Ross, ( as he is known within the club ), will not be with us next season due to work commitments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done for me personally and for the club, but I am sure that the foundations that he has helped to lay will last for many seasons to come.
I am looking forward to Div 1 football next season and all the challenges that it brings.
We will be training every Wednesday, starting Weds the 29th of June at RAF Portreath, meeting in the car park at 6 - 30pm, if any players out there think they might like to join this successful club ( don't worry we are a friendly bunch ), please come along to a training session or contact me direct by e-mail at roger.sowden@btinternet.com or ring / text me on 07969 954911.
In closing I would like to say a big thank you to all our committee members who have worked so hard and believed in me and a big thanks to our sponsors who were so generous last season.
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Portreath Parish Council Report
Appointment of Chairman
At a meeting held on 16th May Councillor C.J. Watts was unanimously appointed Chairman of the Council and Mrs. D. Butler was appointed Vice Chairman. Upon taking office Councillor Watts
thanked the outgoing Chairman, Councillor K Bowden, for the able manner in which the Council had been chaired during the past year
Regrading of Footpaths
Cornwall County Council have adopted an updated system for the grading of footpaths throughout the County. The most important and most used footpaths will now be graded as Gold footpaths, the less used as Silver and those rarely used will become Bronze paths. The Parish Council noted with pleasure that all the footpaths within this Parish would now become Gold Paths and would, therefore, be upgraded and would be maintained to a higher standard.
Portreath Harbour
The Chairman reported on a recent meeting with Heads of Service at Kerrier District Council regarding the future of the Harbour. Ways in which the future of the Harbour could be assured were discussed and the possibility of incorporating 2 lock gates, one on the outer Harbour so that this would always be full of water, and a second scheme to erect a curved wall between the end of the pier and Horse Rock. This would create a number of advantages as it would relieve the force of the water on the pier and would mean that the area could be used all year round.
Various other aspects of the use of the Harbour were discussed including the re-siting of the 'fishermans' hut , the possible sources of funding and the possible advantageous knock on effect for the Village of such improvements.
A Working Party is to be formed as part of the Council's Regeneration Steering Sub-Committee and funding is to be sought for the carrying out of a feasibility study into the various proposals.
Planning Applications
Various planning applications received consideration since the last publication including the proposed Remedial Works to be carried out at RAF Portreath. This work would be carried out over a fairly lengthy period and Members were assured that all possible safety precautions would be taken during the course of the work.
Beach Toilets
Due to various acts of vandalism to the Beach Toilets, the owners of the building, Kerrier District Council, issued a directive that the toilets be locked at 5:00 each evening in a effort to prevent further acts of destruction and instructions to this affect were issued to the person carrying out the daily locking of the toilets. Members of the Council were of the opinion that this very early locking time would cause problems for those visiting the Village and Beach during the evenings and following representations to Kerrier District Council it was agreed that from the end of June until early September the toilets could remain open until 8:30.. It is to be hoped that the few persons causing damage to the toilets will appreciate the difficulties caused to others as a result of indiscriminate vandalism.
Dispersal Order
Following a well attended Open Session prior to the recent Council Meeting , when members of the Public reported on various acts of anti-social behaviour within the Village, Councillors unanimously resolved to approve the setting in motion of action to introduce a Dispersal Order in respect of parts of Portreath Village. This Order would enable the Police Officer to disperse groups where there is felt that the presence of groups has resulted or is likely to result in a member of the Public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals could be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours. The Police Officer would also have the discretionary power, within the designated area, to return young people under 16 years of age, who are out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, to their home. A refusal to follow an Officer's direction to disperse is a summary offence and the penalty for conviction for such an offence is a fine or a maximum, for adults, of three months' imprisonment
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TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
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Class 2 from the Portreath Primary School made an acrostic poem about the Seaside,
which they recently read out in assembly –
Sun, sand and sea
Everybody enjoying the fun
All children playing the sand
Surfers surfing into shore
Ice-creams melting in the sun
Dolphins diving in the sea
Every fisherman catching a big one
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EXPLOSION FAILS TO MAKE CLIFF SAFE
24 May 2005
A loud bang and a plume of smoke marked the places where explosives tore into a cliff-face on the 24th May, but the eruption was more of a damp squib, with very little rock crashing to earth. The National Trust owns the cliff above Portreath beach and after the winter cliff fall of many tonnes of rock onto the Western end of the beach leaving dangerous looking faults, it was decided to consult experts.
South Western Mining and Tunnelling was called in by the Trust and carried out a controlled explosion to stabilise a 20m section of cliff and remove 100 tonnes of rock, but the blast failed to dislodge the main dangerous crag, which was more stable than previously thought.
Bill Makin, the Trust's Assistant Property Manager for mid-Cornwall, said: "It is still a work in progress really because not a lot of stone came down at all."
"It is the first time we have had to take action here but there have been some quite big falls over the winter and we are moving in to the summer season and the risk to beach users is that much higher."
An exclusion zone was set-up around the blast area to maintain safety while the specialist team used 160g charges to blow out the crumbling rocks.
Subsequently at the 6th of June Parish Council meeting Mr Makin gave a talk on the present situation. He explained that after a fairly extensive survey it has been decided that no further action is to be taken as the survey shows there is a large buttress of rock underlying the visible cracks.
To advise and warn the public of the possibility of any further falls, the National Trust has prepared highly visible warning signs and have made arrangements with the Portreath Life Saving Club to have them prominently displayed every day throughout the holiday season.
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Leanne's Eden Summer Ball
Saturday 9th July 2005
7.30pm
at the Eden Project, St Austell
Individual tickets £25.00
Guests will be taken down by land train to the biomes, eat a summer feast, and be entertained by the amazing 'Tequila' band, a 25 piece steel band.
There will also be a Summer Ball Auction, with Lots including:
A week in a luxury villa in Tenerife
A private plane to take you and 7 people off for a weekend
2 Hospitality tickets in a box at Old Trafford
A private helicopter to whisk you off to London for a shopping trip
A Conservatory
A Hot Air Balloon Ride
An 'off road' experience
and much more including meals, hotel breaks, oysters & bubbly, etc !!!
Tickets are available from :
Ottakers Bookshop, Truro 225765
The Body Shop, Truro 241562
Lush, Truro 20469
Next, Truro 0870 386 5497
Carbonara Restaurant, Truro 223008
Or by by emailing Leanne at lgrose@tiscali.co.uk
This Black Tie Benefit Summer Ball will be excellent value for money and at the same time will raise funds for a very special young lady of 24 who is fighting cancer. The tumour has meant Leanne has now had to have her left leg amputated above her knee and this means she is desperately trying to raise money for an extension to her home to give her a ground level bathroom and shower.
Many of you will have seen the articles in the West Briton, and if you want to find out more about Leanne, her web site is www.leannesfundraisingappeal.co.uk. From this you will see that she is also holding a bandage appeal, is willing to go into schools to talk to children about her experience, and is willing to talk to anyone else who is needs advice about fundraising or a chat about a forthcoming operation or amputation.
My reason for advertising this particular event is because Leanne is such a fantastic person and having attended her event "A Girl's Night In" at the Alverton Manor in May, I can assure you that you will have a memorable, wonderful evening at Eden – she is certainly very good at giving amazing value for money ! She is never self pitying, just a caring, warm, lovely person, with a bubbly fun sense of humour, who is fighting cancer and pain with an indomitable spirit, which affects all of us who are lucky enough to know her.
If you can support her in any way, that would be fantastic.
Shena Watts
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Beat Lines
Summer has finally arrived and I am sure that most of us will look forward to enjoying the sunshine and lighter warmer evenings that this time of the year brings (occasionally!). However I am equally as sure that no one will look forward to the poor behaviour that the good weather seems to bring out in some groups of people. Many residents and business people have already complained to me about incidents of drunkenness, harassment, intimidation and threats. Anti-social behaviour of this type is unpleasant to experience and has the ability to make responsible holidaymakers want to leave the area vowing not to return.
The Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are committed to stopping anti-social behaviour to improve the quality of life for all. I have recently submitted an application to seek authorisation for a dispersal order for the village covering the summer months only. There has been very strong support for the application within the local community resulting in a strong attendance by members of the public at the parish council meeting on 6th June. The council unanimously agreed that the order was necessary. In addition, I have been handed a petition signed by local people in favour of a dispersal order.
I would like to thank all those people that have taken the time to consider the issues and have been prepared to state their opinions. Without public support such an order would be more difficult to implement.
You may be wondering what a dispersal order is all about so I will briefly explain.
If authorised, an area (within Portreath) will be designated as the dispersal zone. Groups of 2 or more people who gather within the zone may be ordered by an officer to disperse or leave the zone for a specified time (up to 24hrs). They can only be given this order if they are suspected to be involved in or are likely to engage in behaviour that will cause alarm, harassment, intimidation or distress to others. For example if the beach were included within the zone and a group of people were causing trouble here this group could be ordered to leave the zone and not return for up to 24hours.
A dispersal order also empowers police officers and police community support officers to return any person aged under 16years to their home address if they are found within the zone after 9pm without responsible supervision.
The orders may only be authorised for a maximum of six months.
It is important to stress that the aim of a dispersal order is to prevent anti-social behaviour. It is not legislation that designed to specifically target young people and it will not be used against any group that is not involved in anti-social behaviour.
The parish council and I have discussed a designated public place order for Portreath – if this is applied for I'll explain about it in the next edition!
PC Tim Roberts
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letter page
The Feadon Residents Group is in the midst of an application to Cornwall County Council to correct an anomaly on the definitive map. Although the footpath that Feadon residents use to access the amenities of the village appears on old maps, guides, aerial photos etc, and has been used daily for as long as residents here can remember, it is not shown on the latest definitive map. The path also appears on the 1973 planning application for the houses at Hillside, and it was a condition that there were to be no enclosures.
The Feadon Residents Group would like to hear from anyone else who has used this path (which runs parallel to the track known as "Glenfeadon Lane" but higher up the bank of the hill) for the past 20+ years
Contact Marj on tel: 843194
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BID TO SAFEGUARD FUTURE OF PORTREATH HARBOUR
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath, as opposed to cause for concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
The vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
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DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine."
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses."
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by."
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge."
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
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Over 50s Leisure Week
Activities for Older People
Monday 19th September – Sunday 25th September
As some residents of West Cornwall may be aware an extremely interesting and active week of leisure and recreation activities took place in April. For those of you who had not heard about it, don't worry the Over 50s Leisure Week is back, this time between September 19th and the 25th!
The week is organised by Kerrier & Penwith District Council, in conjunction with the West of Cornwall LEAP (Local Exercise Action Pilot) project. The activities take place right across West Cornwall, using sports clubs, leisure centres and other leisure providers such as golf clubs and the adult education service. All activities are fun, led by suitably qualified coaches and most importantly are FREE of charge.
The April week was enormously successful. There was a wide range of activities including bowls, walking, pilates, tai-chi, cycling, swimming, windsurfing, sailing plus many more. The week in September will include similar activities and will be a great chance to try something new, meet new people or just have some fun while being active.
If you think this may be your sort of thing, its easy to book:
Ring LEAP on 01209 313419 to register for a timetable which will be sent once it has been finalised.
The whole Over 50s Leisure Team would like to pay special thanks to all the sports clubs and leisure providers who have delivered activity sessions in April and those who are going to take part in September.
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PORTREATH HARBOUR ASSOCIATION
As this is the first time the Association have taken a space in the Parish Tram, it would seem a good time to tell you more about us.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. Most boats being used for private fishing and pleasure.
You may have noticed that the boat yard area has been tidied up by the Harbour Association members and all discarded maintenance materials put in a skip and taken away. In the winter especially at weekends boat maintenance is at fever pitch, no more so than Jeanette a timber built boat of which I will feature in the next issue, along with any news regarding the Harbour.
NS
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Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
Eight members of the club travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Australian National Surf Life Saving Competition that was held at Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast from the 15th - 20th March 2005.
The 'Aussie Nationals' as this competition is colloquially known attracts in excess of 7300 entrants from all round Australia. It is the second biggest world-sporting event; the Olympics being the first.
Jenna Hawkey, Rachel Pascoe, Ryan Doble, Matt Bowden, David Green and Katy Whear were competitors. Rob Phillips the club's chairman was the Great Britain team manager and Penny Whear was the team masseuse and 'Girl Friday'.
These young athletes all performed exceptionally well and given that they were competing 'out of season' against the very best in Australia came up with superb results.
Ryan Doble got to the quarterfinals of the beach sprint in the men's open and Matt Bowden got to the semi finals in the Under 17 boy's beach sprint. Jenna Hawkey paddled her ski in a superb manner and got into the semi final of the under 19 ski race against some very strong and 'die hard' ski paddlers. Katy Whear ran very well despite a niggling hamstring injury and got into the finals of the open women's beach sprint, in which she attained 6th place overall.
The week after the Australian National competition the Portreath members representing Great Britain were competing again in The International Surf Challenge 2005. This was a five nation's challenge between the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan. The top athletes from these countries took part, some being Olympic and Commonwealth champions. Again, despite the incredibly hot weather and the fact that they were competing out of season (the competitors from the southern hemisphere were in their peak season) superb results like Rachel Pascoe finishing second in the ski behind the current world champion which boosted the overall aggregate and helped at beating the USA over the two-day test.
The final result was;
1 Australia
2 New Zealand
3 Great Britain
4 USA
5 Japan
It is all down to the dedication to their sport and the serious training that the team put in that gave us such a fantastic result. They are a credit to their club and their country and surf life saving.
It is also thanks to the Portreath Improvements Committee for the grant of £1000 for easing the financial burden for these young athletes to be able to travel so far and perform so well.
Thank you
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club.
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TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Friday, June 17, 2005
TRAVELLERS DESCEND ON CLIFF-TOP BEAUTY SPOT
The cliff-top location is perfect, with panoramic views stretching from the headland beyond St Ives to Trevose Head, near Padstow.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
Planning permission would never be granted for a house to be built there but a group of families have set up home beside the coastal footpath between Porthtowan and Portreath.
Their presence has brought complaints from local residents because, after several weeks, they are showing no sign of moving on.
A cluster of caravans, a bus and a converted lorry are parked on the site of old mine workings close to the edge of the near 300ft high cliffs.
One of the group, who declined to give his name, said this week: "Most people are friendly and say hello as they walk past."
He claimed that as it was so out of the way, with no houses within half a mile, they were causing no offence to anyone. "We will be off soon," he added.
The site almost straddles the boundary between Kerrier and Carrick districts but is in fact on land owned by Kerrier Council.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "It's a nightmare situation because we have nowhere else to put these people.
"I have been approached about this but it's not a planning enforcement issue because we own the land."
Mr Hicks said he understood the travellers had been served with notices to leave the site but the issue was complicated because the group includes a number of children.
A Porthtowan resident claimed: "Kerrier have done absolutely nothing to stop the site being used.
"I just think it's appalling that a group of travellers can be allowed to take over such a beautiful area, where thousands of pounds have been spent restoring the mine workings."
She added that the travellers came and went at will, without any attempt being made to prevent them returning to the site.
TABB RESTAURATEURS HEAD FOR THE CITY
After 14 years, Nigel and Melanie Tabb have served their last customers at their Portreath restaurant. The couple have sold the premises, which will now become a Chinese restaurant, and are moving to Truro.
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
"After so many years here, we wanted to take on a fresh challenge," said Nigel, who is one of Cornwall's top chefs.
"We will be really sorry to leave. We wouldn't be where we are now, without Portreath. It has been really good to us."
Their restaurant has been rated as one of the best in the county but Tabb's will be reborn in Truro later in the summer.
They have bought the Royal Standard pub in Kenwyn Street, which has been closed and boarded up for several months.
After a major refurbishment, it will reopen as Tabb's bar and restaurant in August.
Nigel said: "We will be doing similar sorts of meals to what we have been doing at Portreath but we will also be open for lunches."
DRIVE A MONSTER IN A CHARITY CHALLENGE
An appeal has gone out to women to take part in the ultimate driving event, the Marie Curie Ladies' Driving Challenge. The annual event on September 18 at RAF Portreath, Cornwall, involves driving some of the most unusual and challenging vehicles, from a double decker-bus to a fire engine and maybe a luxury salon or an off-road car.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine.
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses.
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by.
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge.
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
To date more than 60 ladies have signed up, but there are still places available.
Lynne Juleff, who took part last year, said "The day was a wonderful experience, a day to be enjoyed by all. I can highly recommend driving the fire engine.
"The day raises vital funds to enable local families, who have a loved one with cancer to be cared for in their own home by Marie Curie Nurses.
"The outstanding work that Marie Curie Cancer Care provides is priceless. My mum experienced their dedicated care nearly five years ago and was able to die peacefully at home with family and friends close by.
"My family and I will always express our thanks to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. Ladies, this opportunity does not occur every day and I hope you fancy taking up this year's Ladies Driving Challenge.
"I will not be driving this year. I will be coordinating the day, as part as my new job role as a community fundraising coordinator for Marie Curie Cancer Care."
Entry for the event is £10 and everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Places are limited so early entry is recommended.
Call Lynne Juleff for an entry form on 01872 260500 or e-mail lynne.juleff@mariecurie.org.uk for an electronic entry form.
BID TO TACKLE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN PORTREATH
09:00 - 16 June 2005
Hopes are high that a dispersal order can be introduced in parts of Portreath in time for the summer season to combat anti-social behaviour.
The legislation, which will have to be approved by Kerrier Council and police chiefs, would give police the power to move on groups of people, including youths, causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" to others. Unaccompanied under 16s could be taken home after 9pm.
The decision to apply for the order was taken at last week's meeting of the parish council when residents turned out in force to demand action against groups of youths who terrorise the resort with their drinking, fighting, vandalism and intimidating behaviour.
The residents handed in a petition highlighting the problems of "boy racers", car horns blaring late into the evening, sexual behaviour in public places, broken bottles, and aggression.
They claimed the problems had been made worse by the dispersal order in Illogan, which had shifted troublemakers into their village. Businesses were being affected, and Portreath's reputation as a holiday resort was being tarnished.
One resident described how someone from Birmingham had been on the point of taking on a long-term rental of a property in the village until they witnessed some of the problems. They had changed their mind, comparing the village to parts of Manchester.
Another resident reported seeing youths racing cars backwards through the village, and doing "donuts" in the car park.
Another said she found a young couple having sex in the women's toilet in the early afternoon.
A businessman said his takings were falling as tourists saw the problems, promised never to return, and told their friends to stay away as well.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Tim Roberts said he recognised there were problems in the village, and he believed a dispersal order would help policing efforts.
"We recognise that there has been trouble. In previous years dispersal orders have not been available to us," he said.
"I would like to think the parish council and the public recognise the police are trying to do something about these problems."
He believed the dispersal order in Illogan had been effective, and would be renewed for a further six months as a result. Portreath would benefit from a similar order during the summer months.
Ashton White wanted to know which parts of the village would be covered.
Mr Roberts said: "The parish council can comment on the areas to be included, but it will be drawn up by the police where historically there have been problems, or where we believe there may be problems to do with legislation introduced elsewhere."
He suggested the areas likely to be covered would include the beach, car park, harbour, Beach Road and the square.
Nigel Mathews proposed the council ask the police to pursue a dispersal order in the village. His fellow councillors supported him unanimously.
Sgt Paul Marchant, who was also at the meeting, said the police planned to introduce another initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.
Instead of working in isolation, Redruth neighbourhood beat managers would be teaming up.
He said: "They will roam the area in a marked police van. They will carry out foot patrols in the summer. You will see a lot higher police presence than you have in the past."
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Hopes are high that a dispersal order can be introduced in parts of Portreath in time for the summer season to combat anti-social behaviour.
The legislation, which will have to be approved by Kerrier Council and police chiefs, would give police the power to move on groups of people, including youths, causing "intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress" to others. Unaccompanied under 16s could be taken home after 9pm.
The decision to apply for the order was taken at last week's meeting of the parish council when residents turned out in force to demand action against groups of youths who terrorise the resort with their drinking, fighting, vandalism and intimidating behaviour.
The residents handed in a petition highlighting the problems of "boy racers", car horns blaring late into the evening, sexual behaviour in public places, broken bottles, and aggression.
They claimed the problems had been made worse by the dispersal order in Illogan, which had shifted troublemakers into their village. Businesses were being affected, and Portreath's reputation as a holiday resort was being tarnished.
One resident described how someone from Birmingham had been on the point of taking on a long-term rental of a property in the village until they witnessed some of the problems. They had changed their mind, comparing the village to parts of Manchester.
Another resident reported seeing youths racing cars backwards through the village, and doing "donuts" in the car park.
Another said she found a young couple having sex in the women's toilet in the early afternoon.
A businessman said his takings were falling as tourists saw the problems, promised never to return, and told their friends to stay away as well.
Neighbourhood beat manager PC Tim Roberts said he recognised there were problems in the village, and he believed a dispersal order would help policing efforts.
"We recognise that there has been trouble. In previous years dispersal orders have not been available to us," he said.
"I would like to think the parish council and the public recognise the police are trying to do something about these problems."
He believed the dispersal order in Illogan had been effective, and would be renewed for a further six months as a result. Portreath would benefit from a similar order during the summer months.
Ashton White wanted to know which parts of the village would be covered.
Mr Roberts said: "The parish council can comment on the areas to be included, but it will be drawn up by the police where historically there have been problems, or where we believe there may be problems to do with legislation introduced elsewhere."
He suggested the areas likely to be covered would include the beach, car park, harbour, Beach Road and the square.
Nigel Mathews proposed the council ask the police to pursue a dispersal order in the village. His fellow councillors supported him unanimously.
Sgt Paul Marchant, who was also at the meeting, said the police planned to introduce another initiative to combat anti-social behaviour.
Instead of working in isolation, Redruth neighbourhood beat managers would be teaming up.
He said: "They will roam the area in a marked police van. They will carry out foot patrols in the summer. You will see a lot higher police presence than you have in the past."
E-mail: julianr@c-dm.co.uk
Thursday, June 09, 2005
£5.5 MILLION GRANT FOR MINERAL TRAMWAYS
09 June 2005
Millions of pounds of conservation and regeneration work is to be carried out in Camborne, Redruth, Gwennap and St Day, thanks to a partnership between Cornwall County Council and Kerrier District Council.
Between them they have secured £5.5 million of funding to create "an accessible heritage experience" in the former central mining district, by connecting important mining sites and villages via a network of multi-use trails.
The new grant follows on from the £500,000 granted in 2004 to carry out a 12-month feasibility study.
The Mineral Tramways Heritage Project will see the preservation of 11 mining heritage sites, 10 Grade II listed structures and three schedule monuments, and the making safe of numerous dangerous mine shafts.
A 30km heritage trail will be created linking mine sites, mining heritage attractions, settlements, public transport and visitor attractions, to add to the existing 30km of the Coast to Coast and the Great Flat Lode trails.
Thirteen villages adjoining the Mineral Tramways trail will undergo enhancement work, with new links created to attract people in to boost the economies.
And there will be a major marketing, education and interpretation programme to increase awareness of the area's heritage.
Simon Murray, acting principal project officer said: "The project has so far received tremendous support from the local community and both district and county councils. I now hope that continued liaison with the local community will ensure that the project is successfully delivered on the ground."
Adam Paynter, the County Council's executive member for environment and heritage, said: "This is fantastic news for Cornwall. It's another feather in the cap for Cornwall where a lot of work is being done to preserve and enhance our important history."
Mark Kaczmarek, Kerrier's portfolio holder for regeneration and chairman of the Mineral Tramways Partnership Steering Group, said: "I am delighted that all the hard work we have put into the project has resulted in the extra funding being granted.
"This is going to have a real positive impact on the regeneration of the mining villages by linking them to the very popular coast to coast multi-use trail network by upgrading some of the existing footpaths and bridleway and creating many kilometres of new trails."
Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership said: "The programme has invested more than £1.5 million in this project. Cornwall's mining landscape is of international importance and the central mining district is a key part of the proposed World Heritage Site.
"Investing in the conservation of this key aspect of the distinctiveness of Cornwall and provides new and exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors to visit and explore the countryside.
"This will provide the building blocks for heritage-led tourism, bringing benefits to local businesses and people."
Funding partners for the project include the Objective One Programme, South West Regional Development Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cornwall County Council, Kerrier and Carrick District Councils, and parish councils in the project area.
Millions of pounds of conservation and regeneration work is to be carried out in Camborne, Redruth, Gwennap and St Day, thanks to a partnership between Cornwall County Council and Kerrier District Council.
Between them they have secured £5.5 million of funding to create "an accessible heritage experience" in the former central mining district, by connecting important mining sites and villages via a network of multi-use trails.
The new grant follows on from the £500,000 granted in 2004 to carry out a 12-month feasibility study.
The Mineral Tramways Heritage Project will see the preservation of 11 mining heritage sites, 10 Grade II listed structures and three schedule monuments, and the making safe of numerous dangerous mine shafts.
A 30km heritage trail will be created linking mine sites, mining heritage attractions, settlements, public transport and visitor attractions, to add to the existing 30km of the Coast to Coast and the Great Flat Lode trails.
Thirteen villages adjoining the Mineral Tramways trail will undergo enhancement work, with new links created to attract people in to boost the economies.
And there will be a major marketing, education and interpretation programme to increase awareness of the area's heritage.
Simon Murray, acting principal project officer said: "The project has so far received tremendous support from the local community and both district and county councils. I now hope that continued liaison with the local community will ensure that the project is successfully delivered on the ground."
Adam Paynter, the County Council's executive member for environment and heritage, said: "This is fantastic news for Cornwall. It's another feather in the cap for Cornwall where a lot of work is being done to preserve and enhance our important history."
Mark Kaczmarek, Kerrier's portfolio holder for regeneration and chairman of the Mineral Tramways Partnership Steering Group, said: "I am delighted that all the hard work we have put into the project has resulted in the extra funding being granted.
"This is going to have a real positive impact on the regeneration of the mining villages by linking them to the very popular coast to coast multi-use trail network by upgrading some of the existing footpaths and bridleway and creating many kilometres of new trails."
Carleen Kelemen, director of the Objective One Partnership said: "The programme has invested more than £1.5 million in this project. Cornwall's mining landscape is of international importance and the central mining district is a key part of the proposed World Heritage Site.
"Investing in the conservation of this key aspect of the distinctiveness of Cornwall and provides new and exciting opportunities for both residents and visitors to visit and explore the countryside.
"This will provide the building blocks for heritage-led tourism, bringing benefits to local businesses and people."
Funding partners for the project include the Objective One Programme, South West Regional Development Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cornwall County Council, Kerrier and Carrick District Councils, and parish councils in the project area.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
BID TO SAFEGUARD FUTURE OF PORTREATH HARBOUR
09:00 - 26 May 2005
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath as opposed to cause concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
Mr Watts's vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
A charitable trust is one option being considered by Kerrier Council as it looks at ways of safeguarding the future of Portreath's historic harbour.
In recent years the Grade II listed structure has become a drain on council funds, with almost £20,000 spent on repairs to the pier last year, and more needed this year.
Graeme Hicks, Kerrier's portfolio holder for the environment, believes a long-term solution must be found.
He said: "Last year we allocated £18,000 and there'll be more this year. It's throwing money on the fire really, but we've got to do it, it's a Grade II Listed structure.
"There are a lot of options on the table. It's all very well selling these things off, but some company will come in, asset strip it, and then the district council will still be left responsible to take enforcement action when something goes wrong.
"Personally, I'm very keen on the charitable trust idea. I think a trust would be able to draw down grant funding.
"Clearly, we've got a duty to make sure public money isn't thrown into a bottomless pit, but we will not do anything without consulting local people - the fishermen, residents, the parish council, the improvements committee - that's a guarantee."
Chris Watts, chairman of the parish council, believes a charitable trust is an idea worth further investigation, but says the first step has to be a feasibility study.
He said: "The feasibility study would look at returning it back into a working harbour, with the aim of bringing in employment, more tourism and generally regenerating the local area and most importantly making the harbour self-maintaining, and even once again become a profitable business that will help Portreath as opposed to cause concern."
In the early nineteenth century Portreath harbour provided a gateway for the mining parishes of Gwennap, Illogan, Redruth and Camborne. It had its own tram road and railway, and was the base for such industries as fishing and shipbuilding. Today, the harbour survives largely thanks to its appeal as a tourism attraction.
Mr Watts's vision for the harbour includes investment in the overall structure, an extension to the breakwater to Horse Rock, the building of a dockside facility for storage tanks and bait freezers, two lock gate installations to enable deep water moorings, and the building of a 70-plus berth marina in the inner harbour.
He said: "We have an opportunity to turn around the fortunes of Portreath harbour, with financial funding from Government, Kerrier Council, Europe and Lottery grants, and with the support of residents, I and others believe it is possible."
Story by Julian Ridge
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Royal Marine excersise
Today there is to be an exercise by the Royal Marines to simulate an attack on RAF Portreath. The Royal Navy are involved as the Marines are using HMS Ocean as their launch platform. There will be a good deal of low flying helicopters and the beach could be used for landings of the Marine forces, although most activities will be at RAF Portreath.
Keep your heads down locals!!
Keep your heads down locals!!
Monday, April 18, 2005
PORTREATH HARBOUR ASSOCIATION
As this is the first time the association have taken a space in the Parish Tram, it would seem a good time to tell you more about us.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. The boats will be back in the water on the 9th and 10th April “Where they look best”. However you may have noticed Good Fortune has been in for some weeks earning a living.
We have plans to bring you articles of interest in the future, so look out for HARBOUR NEWS next time.
STOP PRESS...... Good News. Kerrier D Council have organised sand removal from the harbour. This is planned to be carried out by week ending 8th April. The purpose to reduce seaweed build up and the associated smell in this part of the village, and help navigation within the harbour. The harbour association thanks Kerrier D Council , Portreath Improvements Committee for helping us to fund this much needed job.
The Portreath Harbour Association constitution and rules were adopted in January 1993.
The objective being to act in the interest of members as decreed by the membership.
To conserve Portreath as a working harbour and to promote good practice in harbour management in the interest of fishermen, boat enthusiasts, members of the association, and the public.
Any person who has interest in furthering the objectives of the association shall be eligible to apply in writing for membership. Meetings are open to all members, and are held on the first Friday of the month, at the Portreath Institute.
Officers- Chairman Doug Coates
Vice Chair Junior Walters
Treasurer Brian Mills
Secretary John Buckland
Committee Peter Goode, Keith Porter, Lawrence Hosken, & Winston May
We have over 70 members now, not all need moorings in the harbour, in fact 37 moorings have been allocated to date. The boats will be back in the water on the 9th and 10th April “Where they look best”. However you may have noticed Good Fortune has been in for some weeks earning a living.
We have plans to bring you articles of interest in the future, so look out for HARBOUR NEWS next time.
STOP PRESS...... Good News. Kerrier D Council have organised sand removal from the harbour. This is planned to be carried out by week ending 8th April. The purpose to reduce seaweed build up and the associated smell in this part of the village, and help navigation within the harbour. The harbour association thanks Kerrier D Council , Portreath Improvements Committee for helping us to fund this much needed job.
Report of Portreath Parish Council
Traffic Calming
It is hoped that, by the time that this publication is distributed to
residents, work will have commenced on the traffic calming measures to
be implemented by the County Council in Penberthy Road This will
involve the installation of 'speed humps' along the length of
Penberthy Road and various other methods of traffic calming which,
hopefully, will reduce the speed of traffic along this very busy
highway, particularly in the vicinity of the School.
Footpaths
The attention of the County Council has been drawn to the damage being
caused to the surface of the Mineral Tramway at Bridge where heavy
vehicles have been crossing this footpath/cycleway to gain access to
the recently widened St Anne's Lane. Residents have been very
concerned not only by the damage being caused to the path but to the
possible danger to walkers and cyclists using the Mineral Tramway.
The Parish Council has been in contact with Mineral Tramways Warden
and Councillors have been informed that it is anticipated that the
County Council will carry out some improvements to
the surface and drainage during the coming financial year. The
legality of the right of access to the lower section of St. Anne's
Lane is being investigated by the County Council.
Due to the unsafe nature of the coastal footpath a 400 metre section
of the path adjacent to Lighthouse Hill Playing Field has been closed
for a period of 6 months. Consequently the Lighthouse hill car park
will not be opened for the time being.
RAF Portreath
Approval has now been granted by the county Council to the carrying
out of the remediation of contaminated land by the Ministry of Defence
at RAF Portreath. This will comprise the construction of on-site
engineered landfill, construction of secondary waste transfer station
and associated works. Stringent Health and Safety measures,
controlled traffic routes, etc., have been imposed in respect of the
works including the restoration of the landfill site by 31st December
2009
Parish Precept
As reported in the previous issue of the Parish Tram, Members of the
Council gave very careful consideration to the setting of the Parish
Precept for the coming Financial Year and, as a result of careful
budgeting, the tax levy for a Band D property in Portreath Parish is
the lowest in the whole
Kerrier District area.
Public Toilets
Again, as reported in the previous issue of the Parish Tram, the
unlocking of the toilets caused a problem, particularly over the long
Christmas period, as Kerrier District Council employees were not
authorised to carry out the unlocking of the toilets in the mornings.
However, it was agreed, as a matter of urgency, that the local person
who carries out the locking of the toilets on behalf of this Council
on a daily basis, would also unlock over this period and that the cost
would be borne by the Parish Council. As the weather over the very
long Christmas holiday period was very good there were a large number
of visitors to the Village and Members of the Council felt that the
toilets should be available during this time.
Greenfield Gardens
As Members of the Parish Council have become more and more concerned
regarding the unkempt condition of Greenfield Gardens an approach has
been made to Kerrier District Council to investigate the possibility
of the leasing of the Gardens. This would enable this Council, upon
obtaining a satisfactory lease, to make an application for a
Liveability Grant to carry out much needed improvements and upgrading
of the Gardens. At the present time investigations into the various
aspects of a possible lease and the financing of the future
maintenance of the Gardens are proceeding.
Due to the very unsafe condition of the closed toilets in Greenfield
Gardens the demolition of this building will be carried out by Kerrier
District Council commencing in early April.
Portreath Beach
The Royal Marines will be carrying out an amphibious exercise on
Portreath Beach between 9th and 11th May which, it is understood, will
include landing of Marines from ships anchored in the bay.
(could offer some great photo-shoot opportunities)
In response to a letter regarding the amount of litter washed onto the
Beach in recent weeks, Kerrier
District Council have informed Members that whilst the local authority
have a statutory duty to clean the amenity beach between 1st May and
30th September only. However, cleaning will, in fact, be carried out
during the week prior to the Easter period.
Western Power – Safety
The following telephone numbers have been forwarded to the Council by
Western Power:-
South West Enquiries 0845 601 2989 (general enquiries)
South West Emergency 0800 365 900 (power failure or emergency)
The Arch, Glenfeadon Terrace
Members of the Council have been very concerned regarding the safety
of children playing in the vicinity of The Arch in Glenfeadon Terrace
and contacted the County Council in an effort to obtain signage
informing motorists of the possible presence of children. However,
the County Council is not prepared to meet this request and
Councillors would like to impress on parents and children the possible
dangers in using this section of Glenfeadon Terrace as a play area.
Primrose Terrace
This Council is continuing to press the County Council Highways
Section to carry out the surfacing of the section of Primrose Terrace
leading to Illogan Woods. Following representations from the Council
the Divisional Surveyor accepted that this section of the Terrace was
a 'maintained' highway and that upgrading would be carried out but, to
date, no action has been taken in this respect. Hopefully continued
pressure will ensure that the work will be carried out shortly.
Theft from to vehicles
PC Roberts, Neighbourhood Beat Manager, has drawn the attention of
Councillors to the number of offences involving theft from vehicles
that had occurred over recent months urging that valuables are not
left in unattended vehicles and that residents and visitors remain
vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIGHTHOUSE HILL GARDEN
Passers by will have noticed the devastation that took place at the
end of February in the isolated garden at the bottom of Lighthouse
Hill. As I have attempted to rescue the one raised bed remaining many
people have stopped and asked me what is going on. This is the story –
as far as I know it.
The garden has belonged to Portreath Improvement Committee (PIC) ever
since Benyon Shipping Company sold up and handed it into their care
together with the Pepperpot and other sites in the early 1960's. An
old photograph shows there was, what appears to be, a very small
cottage on the site, presumably let to a harbour worker. The remnants
of an old slate floor underlie one of the raised beds and I broke up a
concrete floor when I created another bed. No structures still stood
when the PIC took the site over.
The site remained derelict until a local resident approached the PIC
and offered to create a garden. The PIC agreed and charged a
peppercorn rent on the condition that it was kept tidy and no
buildings or sheds erected. There have been several tenants since
then. The garden was neglected when I took it over in 1994. I have
added several new raised beds and a small lawn since then. Countless
passers by have stopped to have a chat, admire the garden and enjoy a
tour.
Unfortunately the cliff at the back of the garden is unstable. There
have been small cliff falls for years but over the last two they have
got much bigger, engulfing my seat and leaving badly overhanging rock
and vegetation. This has endangered the private access path, which
runs along the top of the cliff to the gardens at the rear of Cliff
Terrace, frequently used by children. The PIC decided that it should
be made safe.
Work began late February. Unfortunately, once the vegetation was
cleared, the cliff proved to be more unstable than it appeared and a
mini-digger was required to scrape it back to a more stable angle. In
doing so a SWEB electrical earth was uncovered from the transformer
just above, originally set well back from the cliff now perilously
near the edge. At the same time SWEB said they wanted to replace the
pole transformer with a ground level one and were looking at creating
a 3-meter square platform, considerably lower than existing levels.
No one has any idea what they will actually do or if they will require
some or all of the garden space to do it. In the mean time PIC have
called a halt to all work until agreement is reached with SWEB and
their work is complete.
What with creating access for the mini digger, the enormous amount of
debris scraped down and removal of it all from the site, my lovely
garden has been pretty much destroyed and what is left may not survive
whatever SWEB does. Sadly, it all happened so quickly, that I was
given no time to rescue my precious plants one of which was a rare
Michaelmas Daisy named after my father who was a well known
horticulturist in his day.
The only bright spot is the number of people who have offered to help
me restore the garden once all the work is complete - help ranging
from wall building to providing plants. So if any one else would like
to aid the restoration, just let me know. But it might be a long wait
knowing the speed at which SWEB move and, worst of all, there may be
no garden left to restore.
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John Martin
Much has been written about those who have helped to shape the local
governing bodies in Portreath in recent years. One such gentleman was
my father the late John Martin. He was born and bred in the village,
the younger of two children born to the merged dynasties of the
Greenslade and Martin families. After service in the RAF during the
Second World War, John eventually settled back in Cornwall with his
wife and family.
Moving from Redruth back to Portreath in the 1960's, John soon became
immersed in local life. He joined the Portreath Improvements Committee
where he served as Secretary for over 20 years. He was also active in
the Portreath Association which oversaw the management of the car park
and seafront areas for a large part of this time. John's efforts to
achieve Parish Council status for the village have already been well
documented.
John always maintained a sense of public duty and agonised over some
of the decisions that had to be made during his terms of office on
both the Improvements Committee and the Parish Council. He always had
the best interest of the village and its people at heart and was noted
for his integrity in business matters.
John also ran an exhibition of photographs of Portreath for many years
in St Mary's Church Hall, drawing return visits from locals and
holidaymakers alike. This collection now resides with my sister, his
younger daughter Kate Shaw and can still be exhibited. Not confined
to public duties in serving the village John also spent many hours
woodcarving and woodturning, teaching it at the local college and
delighting many with his displays of the craft at the Annual Art
Exhibition. His most taxing commission, which was also a labour of
love, was to carve a complete set of choir stalls for St. Mary's
Church, along with a carved chair in memory of his late wife Hilary.
All this the very public face of the man who was my father, but there
was so much more to him than that. I remember a dad who was always
interested in what we were doing, who took us for walks, whose
Christian faith was an integral part of his life, who loved Morecambe
and Wise, the Two Ronnies and the Last of the Summer Wine; someone who
enjoyed football and sport, amateur dramatics, writing poetry and
listening to classical music, as well as the natural beauty of his
environment. In chronicling his own early years and ancestry he left
us his children with a unique view of life in this village as it was
from the turn of the century to the 1950's.
Yes much as changed in Portreath but the legacy of men like my father
and his contemporaries' lives on and we have much to remember and
thank them for.
Alice Allsworth (nee Martin)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COG
Anyone interested in trips to Exeter or Trago Mills at Liskeard,
please contact me before April
Di Helyer
01209 842492
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Coastguard rescuing a sheep from the cliffs by Battery
House. The animal was recovered safely although was suffering a broken
leg.
(caption for the rescue pic)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROTHERS, CRAIG AND LIAM SMITH WIN FIRST EVER BARN TOURNAMENT.
The Barn Youth Club enjoys the facilities of the millenium hall
badminton court and every Monday from 6.30 till 7.45 youngsters
battle it out on the badminton court.
Standards have improved greatly over the months and scoring is a
cinch! so a tournament was arranged and a mixed group of 24 keen
players entered. It was a knock out tournament which ran over a
number of weeks culminating in a fantastic final on Monday February
7th.
The final was between 4 boys - Jack and Justin against Craig and Liam.
There were line judges, an umpire and a crowd silently watching, only
to cheer on points won! It was a hard fought match with the winners
trailing by 10 points to 3 at one point, they scrambled back to 6 - 12
and then gritted their teeth for a win and put everything into
catching up to 13 each. The crowd ooohed and aaaaahed to smashes,
dropshots and breathtaking rallies. The final score was 15 - 13 to
Craig and Liam.
Craig is 13 and Liam12 and they have been invited to join the
Portreath Badminton Club, so their rewards were bars of galaxy, an
invitation to a club and of course the honour of winning the first
tournament at the Barn Youth Club.
(badmington pic with this)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellydancing
The Incline Project, Family Learning and Portreath School are running
bellydancing classes on a Friday afternoon at the school. This is
great fun, lots of laughter, dressing up, exercise and a new
experience for most of us. The youngest member is 7 and the oldest 85
and we are all female! We really enjoy the sessions, Vronnie our
teacher is great and always performs an inspiring dance to whet our
appetites for the future! We hope to start another class when this
ends in April so if you are interested, phone Terry 843181.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEAT LINES
Portreath has had a relatively quiet time for the first few months of
the year. Reported crime and calls for our assistance are both down
on last year. However this is not to say that the village is crime
free. There have been a number of incidents where vehicles have
either been broken into and had items removed or have been damaged.
The bulk of these offences were committed in the areas of Greenfield
Terrace and Tregea Terrace.
Reducing vehicle crime is an important policing objective. We often
find that items are stolen from vehicles simply because it has been
left unlocked. A very easy and straightforward measure that we can
all take to prevent this type of offence is to ensure that your
vehicle is locked and has no valuables left in it when you park up.
As a vehicle crime prevention measure the importance of doing this
cannot be stressed enough. I would ask any vehicle owner reading this
article (particularly those who park on the street or in a driveway)
to think about the way in which they have left their vehicle. I
suspect many will find that it is unlocked and has some item inside it
that a thief would find desirable.
I am pleased to say that technology has provided us with additional
means to bring to justice those people who break into vehicles. You
may have seen recently in the press that we are now able to deploy
'Covert Capture Cars'. These are ordinary looking vehicles that if
broken into, will film the thief in action and at the same time will
automatically notify us that the offence is taking place. A thief will
not know that he has broken into such a vehicle until it is too late!
Whilst I can tell you that we can use these vehicles anywhere at
anytime I am sure that you will excuse me for not detailing the exact
locations of deployment!
PC TIM ROBERTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beach clean
Thank you very much to all those who joined in with the 3 beach
clean-ups. They were really successful so we have decided to start
again in the autumn, out of season, when the beach is not regularly
cleaned professionally.
We will put a clear announcement in the Tram beforehand.
Meanwhile, don't hesitate to pick up any litter you see lying around!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Carers Group
This new group has now begun and a big thank you to UnLtd for their
initial funding, the Incline Project and the P.I.C. Fourteen of us
recently went out for a Thai meal and a group of between 8-12 enjoyed
weekly relaxation and massage sessions at the Millenium Hall (with
more planned). We have a full programme of activities ahead of us
including a trip to Trebah, a Cream Tea and an information session.
This supportive group is open to local carers, we want to hear from
you! Further details from Cath 842797 or Janet 842658
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(front page with pics please)
Portreath Harbour
The present dredging operation of the harbour has come about due to
numerous complaints regarding seaweed build up and attendant odour
nuisance. (Portreath Pong!) Kerrier Senior Engineer Steve Wood is
overseeing the project. He has told the Tram that he hopes to remove
5000 cubic metres of sand benefiting the harbour users and local
residents. The sand is not to be deposited on the beach as has been
the case in previous works, but will be recycled by the plant hire
company that are carrying out the work.
Kerrier District Council and The Harbour Users Association share the
cost of the project. The Portreath Improvements Committee, having
heard of the works in progress then generously offered to match fund
the project so enabling a far more thorough operation. Let us hope
that this will minimise the Portreath Pong for many years to come,
many local observers are confident that with the removal of the infill
of granite blocks from the slipway end of the harbour, that this will
be the case.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Improvement Committee
At the January meeting of the PIC a full membership was duly nominated
and selected. The committee then went on to normal business, one item
of which was to donate funds to the tsunami appeal.
£1000 was also donated to the Surf Club to pay for uniforms for the
team members representing Great Britain in Australia where they are
competing in the Five Nations International and the Australian
National Championships. Many letters were subsequently received from
the club members thanking the PIC.
At the March meeting the present three members of the Portreath
Association Ltd agreed to carry on representing the PIC in the
administration of the car park.
The PIC voted to donate match funding for the dredging of the harbour.
If you have any views or comments for the PIC any correspondence can
be sent to
The Secretary
5 Belerion Road
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PULLING LEEKS FOR PINKS
Nine intrepid conservationists got on all-fours last Thursday (17th
March) to remove a pernicious invader from Portreath's New Walk. The
three-cornered leek had invaded the path, ousting a very rare
neighbour – Deptford pink – from its natural habitat. Deptford pink -
so called due to a seventeenth century muddle in which it was mistaken
for a related species that grew in Deptford, London – has suffered a
massive 90% decline. It is now known only from only 30 localities in
the Britain. The leek in question – Allium triquetrum – originated
from the Mediterranean, being brought to these shores for cultivation
in 1759. It has since naturalised, sometimes becoming a nuisance in
south-west England, forming dense stands to the exclusion of native
wildflowers.
Working with the Parish Council and English Nature, Plantlife
International and Duchy College joined forces to tackle the problem at
Portreath where it has also declined in recent years. The surface of
the path was dug by hand – removing bulbs of the leek and coarse
grasses. Tim Wilkins of Plantlife said, "The underlying cause of the
invasion isn't known but Deptford pink tends to grow on low nutrient
soils whereas three-cornered leek seems to flourish on enriched soils.
Dog fouling could be altering the soil conditions and accelerating
the leek's colonisation of 'New Walk'. Local dog owners can do their
bit to help protect this wonderful and very rare plant by using the
poop-scoop bin provided." It is hoped that Deptford pink will respond
well to the clearance and put on a spectacular show of flowers in two
years time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Report
There has been some welcome movement on the regeneration front. In
this issue of the Parish Tram the Minerals Tramway team have asked to
distribute a questionnaire concerning the proposed design of the
village square. They have put forward three designs and are very keen
to receive as many replies as possible, even supplying post paid
return envelopes.
The regeneration committee had a meeting with Kerrier representatives
regarding the lease of Greenfield Gardens. It could be possible for
the parish council to obtain funding to enable a "make over" in the
gardens, suitable plans have been drawn up for a low maintenance area
that can be used and enjoyed by all age groups. The Parish Council is
now actively searching for funding to enable long-term future
maintenance before committing to a lease.
If you wish to comment on these plans please send any correspondence to
The Clarke
Cosoleth
Cambrose
Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4HS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur Rodney Brown
As many people in the village are aware, very sadly Rod Brown recently
died at Treliske Hospital. As editor of the Parish Tram, living in
the village and knowing Rod for a number of years I find this
particular item very difficult to write. We worked together on a
number of projects and many more were in the planning stage. Rod gave
his time very freely to the local community including raising £15,000
for the Millennium Hall by holding fortnightly bingo sessions, he had
been involved in the Harbour Fun Day for many years , was a member of
the Senior Citizens Party Committee and various other fund raising
activities including the dreaded gunge tank and he was always a
steward on bonfire night.
Rod was a man who always put others first and he will be sorely missed
by his family, and all who knew him in his various walks of life.
Rod's wife Sylvia has agreed to let us reproduce the obituary written
by the funeral directors Colin Matthews / John Jenkin of Camborne
(telephone 01209 717772).
Rod was born at Shirley, Birmingham where he attended the local
village school and late the Sharman's Cross Boys School. From an
early age he loved working with wood and enjoyed model making. He was
also a lifelong jig-saw fan and the bigger and harder they were, the
more he enjoyed them. In his earlier years, Road had played golf at
the Warwick Gold Club.
Rod had been employed as a trainee manager at George Mason Grocery
Stores and when the store closed he became an apprentice carpenter.
Rod had continued working in the building trade, working in England
and also in Denmark.
Rod met Sylvia and married in Solihull in March 1978 and then moved to
live in Warwick.
In 1985 the family moved to Cornwall. Rod worked as a sub-contract
carpenter for local builder Colin Bishop and later was employed by
Perkins and Perry fitting roof trusses.
When still quite young, Rod had become involved with youth clubs and
when he could no longer work at his trade, he started to work with
children with special needs, in colleges, schools and in his own
workshops and at Police Stations, dealing and helping minors and grown
ups with learning difficulties.
From 1988 Rod and Sylvia had fostered several children, mainly those
with special needs. He was also very involved with charity work and
in recent yers he had organised and run fortnightly bingo sessions in
aid of the Millennium Hall in Portreath.
Any donations are going to the Sunrise Oncology Unit at Treliske and
the total to date is £520.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 2nd April Trispen Res Home Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 6th April Mount Ambrose Away Kick off 6.15pm
Saturday 9th April Gulval Res Away Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 13th April Gwinear Church Town Illogan Kick Off 6.00pm
Authur Pearce Cup Semi Final
Saturday 16th April Truro G.W.R.S.A Away Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 20th April Redruth Utd Goonhavern Kick off 6.00pm Jubillee
Cup Semi final
Saturday 23rd April Storm Away Kick off 2.30pm
Wednesday 27th April Frogpool Away Kick Off 6.15pm
Saturday 30th April Frogpool Home Kick Off 2.30pm
Sunday 8th May Cup Final
Sunday 15th May Cup Final
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
will send attachments and a few bits and pieces tomorrow.
--
Chris
P{
ReplyForward
Chris Watts
to Jeremy
More options Apr 7
hi Jeremy, here is the rest of the Tram,
Adverts
Portreath Garden Machinery
Promenade Cafe'
Redwoods (new add attached) back page as usual please
Shore Shop (add attached) Full page
Crafts by Laura (add attached) 1/4 page
Mitchell Garages (there is a slight change to this add, i will phone to discuss)
HandPrint
Harbour Tea Rooms
Mobile Library (every other Tuesday from 12th April)
Contact the Tram details.Deadline for next issue June 20th
Attached .jpg's
dredge and plug to go with the harbour story front page
coastgaurd to have the sheep rescue caption
badminton to go with badminton story
then the three .pdf's
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Late entries
Extracts of News from the Portreath Badminton Club – March 2005
The full version of the article submitted by the users of the
Badminton Club can be found on the web page for the Tram - due to
limited space in the paper, here are just some of those comments.
"We are having such fun on Tuesday evenings"
"Fun is guaranteed where expertise is not needed - just a little
fitness as it is best to avoid falling on the floor !"
"Young and old can participate and you can while away the time with a
friendly crowd"
"We all have a brilliant time on and off court – we have made new
friends and got fit at the same time. We really look forward to
Tuesday night"
"I am one of those rare German's with a sense of humour ! I think its
great fun – come and join"
"I won the badminton doubles tournament and got in the Link and in the
Tram in April. I think that the Portreath Badminton Club is lots of
fun and there are lots of nice people"
"I was also in a tournament with my brother and I think joining
Portreath Badminton Club is the best thing that has happened to me"
Club Membership £15.00
£2.00 per session
Hall available for members to book badminton sessions outside of club
evenings (Tuesday 7 p.m – 10 p.m)
Contact Sara on 01209 843213 or Roselynne on 10209 843541
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTREATH MILLENNIUM
COMMUNITY HALL
Any individuals or groups interested in booking the Hall should
contact the Bookings Secretary Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960. Hire
costs are £25.00 a session (3 hours) for the large Hall and the
smaller meetings room can be booked for £8.00 per session and these
fees include the use of the fully equipped kitchen.
Traffic Calming
It is hoped that, by the time that this publication is distributed to
residents, work will have commenced on the traffic calming measures to
be implemented by the County Council in Penberthy Road This will
involve the installation of 'speed humps' along the length of
Penberthy Road and various other methods of traffic calming which,
hopefully, will reduce the speed of traffic along this very busy
highway, particularly in the vicinity of the School.
Footpaths
The attention of the County Council has been drawn to the damage being
caused to the surface of the Mineral Tramway at Bridge where heavy
vehicles have been crossing this footpath/cycleway to gain access to
the recently widened St Anne's Lane. Residents have been very
concerned not only by the damage being caused to the path but to the
possible danger to walkers and cyclists using the Mineral Tramway.
The Parish Council has been in contact with Mineral Tramways Warden
and Councillors have been informed that it is anticipated that the
County Council will carry out some improvements to
the surface and drainage during the coming financial year. The
legality of the right of access to the lower section of St. Anne's
Lane is being investigated by the County Council.
Due to the unsafe nature of the coastal footpath a 400 metre section
of the path adjacent to Lighthouse Hill Playing Field has been closed
for a period of 6 months. Consequently the Lighthouse hill car park
will not be opened for the time being.
RAF Portreath
Approval has now been granted by the county Council to the carrying
out of the remediation of contaminated land by the Ministry of Defence
at RAF Portreath. This will comprise the construction of on-site
engineered landfill, construction of secondary waste transfer station
and associated works. Stringent Health and Safety measures,
controlled traffic routes, etc., have been imposed in respect of the
works including the restoration of the landfill site by 31st December
2009
Parish Precept
As reported in the previous issue of the Parish Tram, Members of the
Council gave very careful consideration to the setting of the Parish
Precept for the coming Financial Year and, as a result of careful
budgeting, the tax levy for a Band D property in Portreath Parish is
the lowest in the whole
Kerrier District area.
Public Toilets
Again, as reported in the previous issue of the Parish Tram, the
unlocking of the toilets caused a problem, particularly over the long
Christmas period, as Kerrier District Council employees were not
authorised to carry out the unlocking of the toilets in the mornings.
However, it was agreed, as a matter of urgency, that the local person
who carries out the locking of the toilets on behalf of this Council
on a daily basis, would also unlock over this period and that the cost
would be borne by the Parish Council. As the weather over the very
long Christmas holiday period was very good there were a large number
of visitors to the Village and Members of the Council felt that the
toilets should be available during this time.
Greenfield Gardens
As Members of the Parish Council have become more and more concerned
regarding the unkempt condition of Greenfield Gardens an approach has
been made to Kerrier District Council to investigate the possibility
of the leasing of the Gardens. This would enable this Council, upon
obtaining a satisfactory lease, to make an application for a
Liveability Grant to carry out much needed improvements and upgrading
of the Gardens. At the present time investigations into the various
aspects of a possible lease and the financing of the future
maintenance of the Gardens are proceeding.
Due to the very unsafe condition of the closed toilets in Greenfield
Gardens the demolition of this building will be carried out by Kerrier
District Council commencing in early April.
Portreath Beach
The Royal Marines will be carrying out an amphibious exercise on
Portreath Beach between 9th and 11th May which, it is understood, will
include landing of Marines from ships anchored in the bay.
(could offer some great photo-shoot opportunities)
In response to a letter regarding the amount of litter washed onto the
Beach in recent weeks, Kerrier
District Council have informed Members that whilst the local authority
have a statutory duty to clean the amenity beach between 1st May and
30th September only. However, cleaning will, in fact, be carried out
during the week prior to the Easter period.
Western Power – Safety
The following telephone numbers have been forwarded to the Council by
Western Power:-
South West Enquiries 0845 601 2989 (general enquiries)
South West Emergency 0800 365 900 (power failure or emergency)
The Arch, Glenfeadon Terrace
Members of the Council have been very concerned regarding the safety
of children playing in the vicinity of The Arch in Glenfeadon Terrace
and contacted the County Council in an effort to obtain signage
informing motorists of the possible presence of children. However,
the County Council is not prepared to meet this request and
Councillors would like to impress on parents and children the possible
dangers in using this section of Glenfeadon Terrace as a play area.
Primrose Terrace
This Council is continuing to press the County Council Highways
Section to carry out the surfacing of the section of Primrose Terrace
leading to Illogan Woods. Following representations from the Council
the Divisional Surveyor accepted that this section of the Terrace was
a 'maintained' highway and that upgrading would be carried out but, to
date, no action has been taken in this respect. Hopefully continued
pressure will ensure that the work will be carried out shortly.
Theft from to vehicles
PC Roberts, Neighbourhood Beat Manager, has drawn the attention of
Councillors to the number of offences involving theft from vehicles
that had occurred over recent months urging that valuables are not
left in unattended vehicles and that residents and visitors remain
vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIGHTHOUSE HILL GARDEN
Passers by will have noticed the devastation that took place at the
end of February in the isolated garden at the bottom of Lighthouse
Hill. As I have attempted to rescue the one raised bed remaining many
people have stopped and asked me what is going on. This is the story –
as far as I know it.
The garden has belonged to Portreath Improvement Committee (PIC) ever
since Benyon Shipping Company sold up and handed it into their care
together with the Pepperpot and other sites in the early 1960's. An
old photograph shows there was, what appears to be, a very small
cottage on the site, presumably let to a harbour worker. The remnants
of an old slate floor underlie one of the raised beds and I broke up a
concrete floor when I created another bed. No structures still stood
when the PIC took the site over.
The site remained derelict until a local resident approached the PIC
and offered to create a garden. The PIC agreed and charged a
peppercorn rent on the condition that it was kept tidy and no
buildings or sheds erected. There have been several tenants since
then. The garden was neglected when I took it over in 1994. I have
added several new raised beds and a small lawn since then. Countless
passers by have stopped to have a chat, admire the garden and enjoy a
tour.
Unfortunately the cliff at the back of the garden is unstable. There
have been small cliff falls for years but over the last two they have
got much bigger, engulfing my seat and leaving badly overhanging rock
and vegetation. This has endangered the private access path, which
runs along the top of the cliff to the gardens at the rear of Cliff
Terrace, frequently used by children. The PIC decided that it should
be made safe.
Work began late February. Unfortunately, once the vegetation was
cleared, the cliff proved to be more unstable than it appeared and a
mini-digger was required to scrape it back to a more stable angle. In
doing so a SWEB electrical earth was uncovered from the transformer
just above, originally set well back from the cliff now perilously
near the edge. At the same time SWEB said they wanted to replace the
pole transformer with a ground level one and were looking at creating
a 3-meter square platform, considerably lower than existing levels.
No one has any idea what they will actually do or if they will require
some or all of the garden space to do it. In the mean time PIC have
called a halt to all work until agreement is reached with SWEB and
their work is complete.
What with creating access for the mini digger, the enormous amount of
debris scraped down and removal of it all from the site, my lovely
garden has been pretty much destroyed and what is left may not survive
whatever SWEB does. Sadly, it all happened so quickly, that I was
given no time to rescue my precious plants one of which was a rare
Michaelmas Daisy named after my father who was a well known
horticulturist in his day.
The only bright spot is the number of people who have offered to help
me restore the garden once all the work is complete - help ranging
from wall building to providing plants. So if any one else would like
to aid the restoration, just let me know. But it might be a long wait
knowing the speed at which SWEB move and, worst of all, there may be
no garden left to restore.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Martin
Much has been written about those who have helped to shape the local
governing bodies in Portreath in recent years. One such gentleman was
my father the late John Martin. He was born and bred in the village,
the younger of two children born to the merged dynasties of the
Greenslade and Martin families. After service in the RAF during the
Second World War, John eventually settled back in Cornwall with his
wife and family.
Moving from Redruth back to Portreath in the 1960's, John soon became
immersed in local life. He joined the Portreath Improvements Committee
where he served as Secretary for over 20 years. He was also active in
the Portreath Association which oversaw the management of the car park
and seafront areas for a large part of this time. John's efforts to
achieve Parish Council status for the village have already been well
documented.
John always maintained a sense of public duty and agonised over some
of the decisions that had to be made during his terms of office on
both the Improvements Committee and the Parish Council. He always had
the best interest of the village and its people at heart and was noted
for his integrity in business matters.
John also ran an exhibition of photographs of Portreath for many years
in St Mary's Church Hall, drawing return visits from locals and
holidaymakers alike. This collection now resides with my sister, his
younger daughter Kate Shaw and can still be exhibited. Not confined
to public duties in serving the village John also spent many hours
woodcarving and woodturning, teaching it at the local college and
delighting many with his displays of the craft at the Annual Art
Exhibition. His most taxing commission, which was also a labour of
love, was to carve a complete set of choir stalls for St. Mary's
Church, along with a carved chair in memory of his late wife Hilary.
All this the very public face of the man who was my father, but there
was so much more to him than that. I remember a dad who was always
interested in what we were doing, who took us for walks, whose
Christian faith was an integral part of his life, who loved Morecambe
and Wise, the Two Ronnies and the Last of the Summer Wine; someone who
enjoyed football and sport, amateur dramatics, writing poetry and
listening to classical music, as well as the natural beauty of his
environment. In chronicling his own early years and ancestry he left
us his children with a unique view of life in this village as it was
from the turn of the century to the 1950's.
Yes much as changed in Portreath but the legacy of men like my father
and his contemporaries' lives on and we have much to remember and
thank them for.
Alice Allsworth (nee Martin)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COG
Anyone interested in trips to Exeter or Trago Mills at Liskeard,
please contact me before April
Di Helyer
01209 842492
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Coastguard rescuing a sheep from the cliffs by Battery
House. The animal was recovered safely although was suffering a broken
leg.
(caption for the rescue pic)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROTHERS, CRAIG AND LIAM SMITH WIN FIRST EVER BARN TOURNAMENT.
The Barn Youth Club enjoys the facilities of the millenium hall
badminton court and every Monday from 6.30 till 7.45 youngsters
battle it out on the badminton court.
Standards have improved greatly over the months and scoring is a
cinch! so a tournament was arranged and a mixed group of 24 keen
players entered. It was a knock out tournament which ran over a
number of weeks culminating in a fantastic final on Monday February
7th.
The final was between 4 boys - Jack and Justin against Craig and Liam.
There were line judges, an umpire and a crowd silently watching, only
to cheer on points won! It was a hard fought match with the winners
trailing by 10 points to 3 at one point, they scrambled back to 6 - 12
and then gritted their teeth for a win and put everything into
catching up to 13 each. The crowd ooohed and aaaaahed to smashes,
dropshots and breathtaking rallies. The final score was 15 - 13 to
Craig and Liam.
Craig is 13 and Liam12 and they have been invited to join the
Portreath Badminton Club, so their rewards were bars of galaxy, an
invitation to a club and of course the honour of winning the first
tournament at the Barn Youth Club.
(badmington pic with this)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellydancing
The Incline Project, Family Learning and Portreath School are running
bellydancing classes on a Friday afternoon at the school. This is
great fun, lots of laughter, dressing up, exercise and a new
experience for most of us. The youngest member is 7 and the oldest 85
and we are all female! We really enjoy the sessions, Vronnie our
teacher is great and always performs an inspiring dance to whet our
appetites for the future! We hope to start another class when this
ends in April so if you are interested, phone Terry 843181.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEAT LINES
Portreath has had a relatively quiet time for the first few months of
the year. Reported crime and calls for our assistance are both down
on last year. However this is not to say that the village is crime
free. There have been a number of incidents where vehicles have
either been broken into and had items removed or have been damaged.
The bulk of these offences were committed in the areas of Greenfield
Terrace and Tregea Terrace.
Reducing vehicle crime is an important policing objective. We often
find that items are stolen from vehicles simply because it has been
left unlocked. A very easy and straightforward measure that we can
all take to prevent this type of offence is to ensure that your
vehicle is locked and has no valuables left in it when you park up.
As a vehicle crime prevention measure the importance of doing this
cannot be stressed enough. I would ask any vehicle owner reading this
article (particularly those who park on the street or in a driveway)
to think about the way in which they have left their vehicle. I
suspect many will find that it is unlocked and has some item inside it
that a thief would find desirable.
I am pleased to say that technology has provided us with additional
means to bring to justice those people who break into vehicles. You
may have seen recently in the press that we are now able to deploy
'Covert Capture Cars'. These are ordinary looking vehicles that if
broken into, will film the thief in action and at the same time will
automatically notify us that the offence is taking place. A thief will
not know that he has broken into such a vehicle until it is too late!
Whilst I can tell you that we can use these vehicles anywhere at
anytime I am sure that you will excuse me for not detailing the exact
locations of deployment!
PC TIM ROBERTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beach clean
Thank you very much to all those who joined in with the 3 beach
clean-ups. They were really successful so we have decided to start
again in the autumn, out of season, when the beach is not regularly
cleaned professionally.
We will put a clear announcement in the Tram beforehand.
Meanwhile, don't hesitate to pick up any litter you see lying around!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Carers Group
This new group has now begun and a big thank you to UnLtd for their
initial funding, the Incline Project and the P.I.C. Fourteen of us
recently went out for a Thai meal and a group of between 8-12 enjoyed
weekly relaxation and massage sessions at the Millenium Hall (with
more planned). We have a full programme of activities ahead of us
including a trip to Trebah, a Cream Tea and an information session.
This supportive group is open to local carers, we want to hear from
you! Further details from Cath 842797 or Janet 842658
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(front page with pics please)
Portreath Harbour
The present dredging operation of the harbour has come about due to
numerous complaints regarding seaweed build up and attendant odour
nuisance. (Portreath Pong!) Kerrier Senior Engineer Steve Wood is
overseeing the project. He has told the Tram that he hopes to remove
5000 cubic metres of sand benefiting the harbour users and local
residents. The sand is not to be deposited on the beach as has been
the case in previous works, but will be recycled by the plant hire
company that are carrying out the work.
Kerrier District Council and The Harbour Users Association share the
cost of the project. The Portreath Improvements Committee, having
heard of the works in progress then generously offered to match fund
the project so enabling a far more thorough operation. Let us hope
that this will minimise the Portreath Pong for many years to come,
many local observers are confident that with the removal of the infill
of granite blocks from the slipway end of the harbour, that this will
be the case.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portreath Improvement Committee
At the January meeting of the PIC a full membership was duly nominated
and selected. The committee then went on to normal business, one item
of which was to donate funds to the tsunami appeal.
£1000 was also donated to the Surf Club to pay for uniforms for the
team members representing Great Britain in Australia where they are
competing in the Five Nations International and the Australian
National Championships. Many letters were subsequently received from
the club members thanking the PIC.
At the March meeting the present three members of the Portreath
Association Ltd agreed to carry on representing the PIC in the
administration of the car park.
The PIC voted to donate match funding for the dredging of the harbour.
If you have any views or comments for the PIC any correspondence can
be sent to
The Secretary
5 Belerion Road
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PULLING LEEKS FOR PINKS
Nine intrepid conservationists got on all-fours last Thursday (17th
March) to remove a pernicious invader from Portreath's New Walk. The
three-cornered leek had invaded the path, ousting a very rare
neighbour – Deptford pink – from its natural habitat. Deptford pink -
so called due to a seventeenth century muddle in which it was mistaken
for a related species that grew in Deptford, London – has suffered a
massive 90% decline. It is now known only from only 30 localities in
the Britain. The leek in question – Allium triquetrum – originated
from the Mediterranean, being brought to these shores for cultivation
in 1759. It has since naturalised, sometimes becoming a nuisance in
south-west England, forming dense stands to the exclusion of native
wildflowers.
Working with the Parish Council and English Nature, Plantlife
International and Duchy College joined forces to tackle the problem at
Portreath where it has also declined in recent years. The surface of
the path was dug by hand – removing bulbs of the leek and coarse
grasses. Tim Wilkins of Plantlife said, "The underlying cause of the
invasion isn't known but Deptford pink tends to grow on low nutrient
soils whereas three-cornered leek seems to flourish on enriched soils.
Dog fouling could be altering the soil conditions and accelerating
the leek's colonisation of 'New Walk'. Local dog owners can do their
bit to help protect this wonderful and very rare plant by using the
poop-scoop bin provided." It is hoped that Deptford pink will respond
well to the clearance and put on a spectacular show of flowers in two
years time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regeneration Report
There has been some welcome movement on the regeneration front. In
this issue of the Parish Tram the Minerals Tramway team have asked to
distribute a questionnaire concerning the proposed design of the
village square. They have put forward three designs and are very keen
to receive as many replies as possible, even supplying post paid
return envelopes.
The regeneration committee had a meeting with Kerrier representatives
regarding the lease of Greenfield Gardens. It could be possible for
the parish council to obtain funding to enable a "make over" in the
gardens, suitable plans have been drawn up for a low maintenance area
that can be used and enjoyed by all age groups. The Parish Council is
now actively searching for funding to enable long-term future
maintenance before committing to a lease.
If you wish to comment on these plans please send any correspondence to
The Clarke
Cosoleth
Cambrose
Redruth, Cornwall TR16 4HS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur Rodney Brown
As many people in the village are aware, very sadly Rod Brown recently
died at Treliske Hospital. As editor of the Parish Tram, living in
the village and knowing Rod for a number of years I find this
particular item very difficult to write. We worked together on a
number of projects and many more were in the planning stage. Rod gave
his time very freely to the local community including raising £15,000
for the Millennium Hall by holding fortnightly bingo sessions, he had
been involved in the Harbour Fun Day for many years , was a member of
the Senior Citizens Party Committee and various other fund raising
activities including the dreaded gunge tank and he was always a
steward on bonfire night.
Rod was a man who always put others first and he will be sorely missed
by his family, and all who knew him in his various walks of life.
Rod's wife Sylvia has agreed to let us reproduce the obituary written
by the funeral directors Colin Matthews / John Jenkin of Camborne
(telephone 01209 717772).
Rod was born at Shirley, Birmingham where he attended the local
village school and late the Sharman's Cross Boys School. From an
early age he loved working with wood and enjoyed model making. He was
also a lifelong jig-saw fan and the bigger and harder they were, the
more he enjoyed them. In his earlier years, Road had played golf at
the Warwick Gold Club.
Rod had been employed as a trainee manager at George Mason Grocery
Stores and when the store closed he became an apprentice carpenter.
Rod had continued working in the building trade, working in England
and also in Denmark.
Rod met Sylvia and married in Solihull in March 1978 and then moved to
live in Warwick.
In 1985 the family moved to Cornwall. Rod worked as a sub-contract
carpenter for local builder Colin Bishop and later was employed by
Perkins and Perry fitting roof trusses.
When still quite young, Rod had become involved with youth clubs and
when he could no longer work at his trade, he started to work with
children with special needs, in colleges, schools and in his own
workshops and at Police Stations, dealing and helping minors and grown
ups with learning difficulties.
From 1988 Rod and Sylvia had fostered several children, mainly those
with special needs. He was also very involved with charity work and
in recent yers he had organised and run fortnightly bingo sessions in
aid of the Millennium Hall in Portreath.
Any donations are going to the Sunrise Oncology Unit at Treliske and
the total to date is £520.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday 2nd April Trispen Res Home Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 6th April Mount Ambrose Away Kick off 6.15pm
Saturday 9th April Gulval Res Away Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 13th April Gwinear Church Town Illogan Kick Off 6.00pm
Authur Pearce Cup Semi Final
Saturday 16th April Truro G.W.R.S.A Away Kick Off 2.30pm
Wednesday 20th April Redruth Utd Goonhavern Kick off 6.00pm Jubillee
Cup Semi final
Saturday 23rd April Storm Away Kick off 2.30pm
Wednesday 27th April Frogpool Away Kick Off 6.15pm
Saturday 30th April Frogpool Home Kick Off 2.30pm
Sunday 8th May Cup Final
Sunday 15th May Cup Final
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
will send attachments and a few bits and pieces tomorrow.
--
Chris
P{
ReplyForward
Chris Watts
to Jeremy
More options Apr 7
hi Jeremy, here is the rest of the Tram,
Adverts
Portreath Garden Machinery
Promenade Cafe'
Redwoods (new add attached) back page as usual please
Shore Shop (add attached) Full page
Crafts by Laura (add attached) 1/4 page
Mitchell Garages (there is a slight change to this add, i will phone to discuss)
HandPrint
Harbour Tea Rooms
Mobile Library (every other Tuesday from 12th April)
Contact the Tram details.Deadline for next issue June 20th
Attached .jpg's
dredge and plug to go with the harbour story front page
coastgaurd to have the sheep rescue caption
badminton to go with badminton story
then the three .pdf's
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Late entries
Extracts of News from the Portreath Badminton Club – March 2005
The full version of the article submitted by the users of the
Badminton Club can be found on the web page for the Tram - due to
limited space in the paper, here are just some of those comments.
"We are having such fun on Tuesday evenings"
"Fun is guaranteed where expertise is not needed - just a little
fitness as it is best to avoid falling on the floor !"
"Young and old can participate and you can while away the time with a
friendly crowd"
"We all have a brilliant time on and off court – we have made new
friends and got fit at the same time. We really look forward to
Tuesday night"
"I am one of those rare German's with a sense of humour ! I think its
great fun – come and join"
"I won the badminton doubles tournament and got in the Link and in the
Tram in April. I think that the Portreath Badminton Club is lots of
fun and there are lots of nice people"
"I was also in a tournament with my brother and I think joining
Portreath Badminton Club is the best thing that has happened to me"
Club Membership £15.00
£2.00 per session
Hall available for members to book badminton sessions outside of club
evenings (Tuesday 7 p.m – 10 p.m)
Contact Sara on 01209 843213 or Roselynne on 10209 843541
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PORTREATH MILLENNIUM
COMMUNITY HALL
Any individuals or groups interested in booking the Hall should
contact the Bookings Secretary Mrs. Jan Sowden on 01209 842960. Hire
costs are £25.00 a session (3 hours) for the large Hall and the
smaller meetings room can be booked for £8.00 per session and these
fees include the use of the fully equipped kitchen.
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