BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE No 97 Spring 2017 £1

copyright photo courtesy David Flower

This year’s pantomime production was Peter Pan. The cast are pictured above on stage at the Village Hall prior to the Dress Rehearsal. Standing, left to right: Sophie Edwards (Myrtle), Michael Parsons (Tiger Lily), Don Lyle (Starkey & Mr Darling), Dawn Garrod (Mrs Darling), Charlotte Eagle (Wendy), Jo Kent (Peter Pan), Emma Goreham (Captain Hook), Laurence Eagle (Nana) and Bob Harver (Crocodile); Front: Star Isabella Trick (John), Keely Christie (Tinkerbell) and Betty Sellars Page (Michael). Missing from photo: Jeff Metters (Smee). Panto review inside on page 20.

Also inside: Flytipping page 5 Short Mat Bowls page 11 Crossword page 15 Harbourmaster’s News page 16 News from School page 24 Gardening Column page 36 Join us or Wave us goodbye Blowhole team members Furthermore, she deals and we usually twist her survives beyond its silver were dismayed when, at with sales via the lovely arm (pen?) to write a anniversary? the planning meeting local businesses who allow feature or review or two Don’t worry if you for this edition, our us to sell copies to visitors, for each edition. I expect don’t think you can fill all Treasurer, Gloria Quinlan, meaning that she keeps an all long-term readers will her roles, that would take announced that she eye on where copies are remember Kendra’s Diary, another truly exceptional intends to stand down needed and tops them up her tales of hazardous person (though that person from the Editorial team at on a regular basis. journeys undertaken via may be you, dear reader); the end of this year. Gloria, ably assisted by public transport, the joys but if anyone would like Replacing her will not Heather, also coordinates of Osprey watching and to volunteer to take on be an easy task - as well the distribution of many more interesting some of them, the team as keeping the accounts Blowholes to the kind and frequently amusing will welcome you with for the Blowhole and volunteers who pop each exploits. (metaphorical) open arms dealing with all financial edition through your So, who fancies and Gloria will be happy matters, Gloria also runs letterboxes. following in her footsteps to pass on what tips and the advertising for the If that was not enough, and helping to ensure knowledge that she can. Blowhole, with a bit of she is scribe for the WI that the Blowhole Thanks, Philippa help from yours truly. Boscastle Blowhole Team The editorial team reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any material submitted for publication. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the team. The editorial team are: Philippa Arthan, Arthur Bannister, Heather Colne, Audley Jarvis, Gloria Quinlan, Ann and Chris Rodda. The next Blowhole will be published in June 2017 Items for inclusion can be emailed to [email protected] Please also use this email address for advertising queries Copies of the Blowhole are available by post at a cost of £3 per issue or £12 for the year. To subscribe either email [email protected] or phone 01840 250891 Cheques should be made payable to ‘Boscastle Blowhole'. Communications to the Blowhole can be posted to: 44 Clover Lane Close, Boscastle, PL35 0AL The Blowhole is published quarterly and printed by: Easyprint of Red Post, Nr tel: 01288 381700 email: [email protected] ANDREW LEEDS CHIMNEY SWEEP HEDLEY VENNING AND STOVE INSTALLATIONS BUILDING CONTRACTOR Tel: 01840 250114 Your local tradesman with 30 years experience • Va c u u m & B r u s h • Stove Installations ------• • - no mess • Flue lining New Builds Renovations • Servicing & Repairs • HETAS certification • Roofing • Plastering • Cowls & Bird guards • Stonework • Drain Clearance • 20 mile radius ------Tel: 01840 250113 Mobile: 0797 4581836

Page 2 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Summer Fête Date This year’s annual Summer Fête at Boscastle Methodist Church will be held on Saturday, 24th June, starting at 2.30pm. All are most welcome. NHS New Bollards at Treatment Centre Waterpit Down Bodmin NHS Treatment Hopefully, drivers using Centre will shut down on the junction the on the Friday 31 March 2017. B3266 at Waterpit Down Since Monday 27 February will have noticed that referrals have not been new illuminated bollards accepted. Bus Shelter Come One and The parish council plans to have been installed on The centre opened in Come All erect a new bus shelter for the minor road. This will 2006 in a modern purpose On Saturday, 24th June school children on the open mean that traffic travelling built hospital. It has been 2017, between 10.30 – plot of land in Tintagel from the east or the west of run for a number of years 2.0pm, Boscastle WI will Road nearly opposite its the junction will be more by Ramsay Health Care be holding their annual junction with Paradise aware of its presence. on behalf of the NHS to Coffee and Light Lunches Road. The shelter will be Boscastle Oil- carry out the assessment, morning in the Village sited roughly half way Ordering Group diagnosis and treatment of Hall. between the wooden seat A reminder to place your conditions on a day care st adjacent to the substation next order by 31 March basis. and the point where the for a delivery first week Juliotter Garden Club of April. Do you have oil footpath comes out from The club meets every Clover Lane Close. central heating? Would you fourth tuesday at Otterham like to receive a 2p per litre They are also going to cut & St Juliot Hall starting at more vegetation from the discount on every order? 7.30pm. Tea and coffee is To join the group register land around the substation The event will be in aid served and there is a regular which is now exposed. telephone Myrna Lester on raffle. of the Hospice 01840 250250. Have you Parish Councillor Care and Boscastle WI The meetings focus on moved to a property which resigns Funds. topical subjects with advice has oil central heating? Mark Smith has resigned on how to make your There will be the usual Ring to check whether from Forrabury & Minster garden grow! Membership handi-craft, home baking the previous owner was a Parish Council. Members is £12 annually or guests and bric-a-brac stalls. We member of the group and decided not to hold a by- £3. For more information hope to see you there. let us know if you would election and the seat will contact Alan Green on like to arrange a name remain vacant until the 01566 781559 or Paul change for your address. local elections on 4th May ML Greatorex, 01840 269178. 2017. Ruth Puddick ARMCM GRNCM

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Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 3 Planning 2 Crackington Institute Parish Pump Proposal to install 21kw Film Club by Aeolus of roof mounted PVC March 26th: Le Concert On reflection Planning 1 onto the South facing roof A French Comedy Drama The parish council asked Oakford, Forrabury slope. Resubmission of from 2009. Golden Globe County Highways if it PA13/09275 at Boscastle winner Best Foreign Film. The parish council would be possible to install Farm Shop, St Juliot, In French with subtitles. objected to the application mirrors at road junctions Boscastle, PL35 0HH. For April 9th: Chinatown PA16/10068 regarding such as that with Potters Robin Haddy. An American neo-noir Oakford: (details appeared Lane and Forrabury Hill. Forrabury and Minster mystery film directed in the Winter 2016 issue of They replied as follows: parish council supported by Roman Polanski and the Blowhole). However, this application and starring Jack Nicholson “The current policy is the planning officer is have and Faye Dunaway. that mirrors should not be mindful to approve the approved it. April 30th: Second Best located within the limits of application and protocol Exotic Marigold Hotel the highway as although a means he has asked the Planning 3 Follow up to the successful mirror may seem to be a parish council to 1) agree PA17/00694 first film. A host of stars. positive help, they present with this decision 2) agree Outline proposal for four Sonny (Dev Patel) opens an hazard to the driver to disagree or 3) maintain new dwellings on land at: his second hotel as the first passing on the main road their objection. Trerosewill Farm, Boscastle, especially after dark when PL35 0DP for Steve one is full. The parish council were th the sudden appearance of Nicholls May14 : Central Station all in favour of maintaining reflected headlights can It was proposed that Brazilian/French drama their objection. cause the driver to take the council support this film set in Brazil tells the story of a young dangerous and unnecessary Tour of Britain cycle application on condition boy’s friendship with a avoiding action. race that 50% of the development middle aged woman. Won Although we do be starter homes. Six The council has been Academy Award for Best acknowledge that there asked if it would support councillors voted in favour and one against. Actress. are a number of mirrors an application by a third May28th: The Big Short (see also Chris Rodda’s article on p18) located on private land party to Cornwall Council Comedy drama, a dramatic across the network we do to request a stage of the Precept 2017 retelling of the 2008 not provide mirrors for the Tour of Britain cycle race The council felt that the financial crisis. A riveting above reasons . However if be staged in Cornwall. precept would have to world of chaos, corruption such mirrors were installed Without full details be increased to cover any and misfits. on private land it is unlikely the councillors felt, in possible shortfall. After All films start at 7.30pm. that that we would take principal, this would be a much discussion an increase Entry, £3 refreshments any action” good opportunity. of £2750 was proposed. available. The Old Manor House Restaurant Boscastle Tel: 01840 250251 Serving breakfast, lunches, evening meals, Homemade Cornish cream tea Fresh Crabs and Lobsters landed daily in Port Isaac from our own Enjoy your visit in the restaurant or our boat ‘Mary D’. Available cooked, dressed, in a sandwich, boxed to large sheltered tea garden. Dogs on leads welcome. take home or even alive. We also have a small seasonal selection of sustainably caught Cornish fish, mussels, oysters and smoked fish, locally roasted coffee, homemade cakes and lots more Call in for a crab sandwich or lobster salad and glass of wine Situated at the top of the hill near the Pea Pod Gallery SHARONS PLAICE Calum and Tracey Greenhalgh Boscastle’s very own FISH ‘N’ CHIP SHOP Fresh from the Sea Serving REAL FISH ‘N’ CHIPS 18 New Road, Port Isaac, PL29 3RE 01208 880849 cooked by professionals www.freshfromthesea.co.uk Served from the Manor House Cottage Both establishments open from Easter

Page 4 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Fly-Tipping ~ a Shameful Eyesore Ian Nicholls’ Marathon However committed people are to running the London Marathon for charity, places are not easy to attain. Ian Nicholls has successfully achieved a place in the April 2017 London Marathon, when he will be running for the National Osteoporosis Society and Lupus UK charities. Both of these charities have significance for him as his Mother, Cancer Ward at Treliske Cheryl, suffered with both Hospital, . Now, ailments most of her life. ten years on and despite Ian says ‘I am running the his own health problems, London Marathon on 23rd he has been in training for April 2017 in memory of 23rd April for some months my lovely Mum (Cheryl and would very much Nicholls) who died appreciate sponsorship unexpectedly on 27th April money. 2016.’ You can donate by going Whilst many people to www.justgiving.com/ Whoever FLY-TIPPED and it is not visitor’s have heard and/or know of fundraising/ianwnicholls on the road to Minster rubbish – I doubt visitors the disease Osteoporosis, or donations can be given Church should Hang would have packed two old, Lupus is not so well known. care of Steve Nicholls, Their Head in Shame. plastic plant containers It is an incurable ‘immune Trerosewill Farmhouse, The walk to Minster as part of their luggage. It system illness, mainly Paradise, Boscastle. was, however, a Shameful Church and then down to suffered by women’. It can Grateful thanks are sent Eyesore. the Valley is heartening. ‘principally, cause damage from Ian to all donors. At this time of year Spring It is inconceivable that to the kidneys, skin, heart, is making herself known anyone living in such lungs and brain’ and is to the sunny hedgerows, beautiful surroundings difficult to diagnose. awakening snowdrops, should think it acceptable Ian has already run a daffodils and primroses. to dump their rubbish in Marathon - in 2007. On Birds are more tuneful, this way. What do they that occasion he raised, having survived the think is going to happen ‘with very kind donations’, battering winds of winter. to it? There are more the handsome sum of The cooling sea scented adequate ways of getting £10,500 for Lowen Ward, breezes are welcome to the rid of rubbish than laying heated walker, who feels the onus on our Parish all is right with her world Council who, fortunately, and then - her equilibrium was swift to remove it. is shattered! There, lying It may have been a small against the hedgerow is heap of rubbish but the Fly-Tipped Rubbish. next time you – whoever From the picture you are - have to dispose you can see that it is not of your rubbish, use the commercial rubbish; it is proper services and Don’t not industrial rubbish; it Fly Tip in Our beautiful is not agricultural rubbish Countryside. GQ

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 5 Are you surviving or thriving? Council Elections 4 May 2017 Notices for parish council appointment system for In collaboration with elections will be displayed those who wish to have Mental Health Week, 8-14 on the parish notice boards their nominations checked. May, join us at Boscastle th from 20 March. Should there be more Village Hall on Saturday Candidates can obtain nominations than the ten 13th May from 1pm for information packs (which vacancies for Forrabury an afternoon of awareness contain required forms and & Minster Parish Council raising, education and guidance on the election then polling will take place entertainment and to process) from the Electoral between 7am and 10pm help prompt a national th Services office in on 4 May. conversation about what of anxiety, stress and (address below) either in Electoral Services we can do as communities, depression are the price person from the office, Cornwall Council schools, families and we have to pay for keeping collected from a one-stop Room 11, 39 Penwinnick individuals to move from our lives on track. But this shop by prior arrangement Road survive to thrive. Mental Health Awareness or posted by Royal Mail St Austell, PL25 5DR Week, we want to set out The Mental Health Special Delivery which Tel 01579 341234 the real scale and cost of Foundation has hosted has to be signed for and Email dholwill@cornwall. being stuck on survive, to Mental Health Awareness the cost charged to the gov.uk our health, relationships Week in the second week candidate. and future options. Elections for Cornwall of May since 2000. In Completed nomination Councillors will also previous years the week A guest speaker from papers must be returned take place on May 4th. has focused on how the Invictus Trust, a small by the candidate in person Our current Councillor, mindfulness, anxiety, charity which aims to to the appropriate Deputy Glenton Brown, is standing sleep deprivation and support and offer services Returning Officer asdown - read his column on relationships can impact to teenagers who are stated in the nomination page 38 of this edition. our mental health. This suffering from poor mental pack no later than 4pm on The Blowhole would year the theme is ‘surviving health and associated 4th April. to thriving’. issues, will be talking about like to take this opportunity It is advisable that to thank Glenton for all Too many of us their work. nomination papers are the hard work he has done experience daily life as a A full line up of returned as soon as for our community during battle. Emotionally, our speakers, workshops and possible before that date in his years as representative heads are only just above entertainment will be case any corrections need for the Tintagel Ward, water. Holding onto our publicised over the next to be made. The electoral and wish him well for the jobs, managing our family couple of months. For office will be operating an future. life, paying our bills more information and sometimes threaten to if you would like to get overwhelm us. involved Please contact: Increasing numbers Christina Whitaker-Jones, of us have accepted that on 07870 671522 or email experiencing high levels [email protected]

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Page 6 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Dog Fouling in the following locations: Thank You, David Dog fouling in certain areas Paradise Road, Green The Blowhole Team would of the village has become Lane/Forrabury Lane like to thank David Flower a serious problem which, junction by the Football for the many photographs sadly and surprisingly Field, bottom of Old he has allowed us to print seems to have got worse Road, Harbour Slip (c/o - (and we sincerely hope he over the winter when there National Trust) plus will allow us to use more of are very few visitors. several positions around them in the future!) As well as the obvious the carpark, so there`s David attends a wide mess and smell Dog faeces really no excuse. variety of local events taking are dangerous and can carry Incidents of Dog photographs, and also has various unpleasant diseases Fouling can be reported a website www.tintagelweb. Failing to clean up after which can be harmful to: co.uk which has a wealth of your dog has fouled can especially to children, eg: • Cornwall Council local information. Do have result in a fixed penalty Whipworms via their website www. a browse. being issued - £80 (reduced Hookworms cornwallcouncil/report- to £50 if paid within 10 Thank You Roundworms (Toxocariasis) it then scroll down to days) or prosecution where, Shirley and Arthur Bannister Tapeworms Environment and Click if found guilty, you could wish to thank all their many “Dog Fouling” Parvo face a maximum fine of friends for the best wishes Corona £1000. • By Phone 0300 1234 and love sent to them on 212 and choose option 4 th Giardiasis Whilst Cornwall the occasion of their 65 Salmonellosis Council only have a • Email the Parish Clerk wedding Anniversary. Apart from the list above limited number of Dog [email protected] Shirley wonders which of dog faeces are also a danger Welfare and Enforcement and it will be forwarded the two is more deserving of to livestock carrying: Officers in Cornwall,on to the relevant the Long Service Medal!! Neosporosis – which can there are a number of authorities. A Bee Fact cause abortions in cattle other officers who are able Please give as much Bees have smelly feet! They Sarcocystosis – which can to issue fixed penalties information as possible – leave a temporary scent cause neurological disease (many of whom are not Who, When, Where etc behind on the flower they and death in sheep uniformed officers) asplus photos if possible. have just visited. Other bees well as most PCSO’s. The law is quite clear: if The Dog Welfare and use these scent marks as cues This means that there is a you have a Dog then you Enforcement officersto avoid landing on a flower relatively high chance that must clear up after it . are aware and will be which has no nectar left in you will be caught should Fines and criminal carrying out spot checks it. These efficient foragers are you not clear up after your offences: Cornwall and surveillance around also able to figure out how dog has fouled. Council introduced a Dog the village in the coming long the nectar takes to refill Fouling Order to ensure all As a village we have months. We are very and associate this with the areas of Cornwall have the numerous Dog Waste fortunate to live in such a strength of the scent on the same levels of enforcement Bins which are emptied beautiful place please lets flower – meaning they don’t for dog fouling. regularly. They are situated keep it that way. waste any precious time! THE The Old Coach House HARBOUR Relax in the beautiful surroundings of this 300 LIGHT year old coach house, with large, secluded mature garden and We are approved stockists of famous brand names private parking including PACHAMAMA, DEAL, LAZY JACKS, NOMADS We stock Ladies’, Men’s and Children’s Clothing Tastefully refurbished en suite rooms Come and Browse, we’d be delighted to see you Geoff & Jackie Horwell tel: 01840 250374 Tel: 01840 250398 www.old-coach.co.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 7 theoldbankcamelford Friday monthly (there could Sunday 15th October, be an additional afternoon Liz Berry, winner of the A local charity breathing of writing, early March, group) this is our programme: Somerset Maugham Award new life into ’s Saturday: disused NatWest Bank Monday: and the Forward Prize for 14.00 Children’s film club Best First Collection in building 12.00-12.45 weekly Zumba 2nd Saturday monthly Gold class 2014 reads from her work. The old NatWest Bank 19.00 Film Night for adults We’d like more live building in Camelford has 19.00 fortnightly Model 2nd Saturday monthly Making alternates with (Twelfth Night April) music, stand-up comedy, been rented on a five year Camelford & District Sunday: some practical art lease as a community hub Photography group 19.00 Sunday Night Live activities, perhaps you for a wide variety of events Tuesday: nd could approach us with and activities; read on to 2 Sunday monthly starts 19.00-21.30 weekly some amazing proposals? find out more! soon: guest speakers share untutored Life Drawing knowledge and enthusiasm, We’re hoping to house a Managed by a group group and lead discussion with us local branch of Cornwall’s of local trustees, the Old Wednesday: over a glass of something. Credit Union, maybe Bank hosted a number of 19.00 fortnightly Language There have been a visiting Citizen’s Advice public meetings to explore Club (with on 5 April a guest number of successful one- Bureau and other advice speaker talking all things what events and activities off events including the and advocacy groups. people are interested in. French) which alternates with Wind Band Christmas Craft Fair, a Although Camelford The trustees have done Model Railway Show, suffered the loss of all their best to deliver these - Thursday: a concert by Blackweir three of its banks in and continue to plan even 14.00 weekly Camelford Walkers Brass (5 students of the 2015, it has fought back, more. Visit the website to Royal Welsh College of as it always does, and all see what’s on offer, e-mail 19.00 weekly Games Night in the meeting room (bridge, Music) and still to come, three banks are, or soon us (contact details at end of rd chess, other games of your on Sunday 3 April, T S will be, in use. The old article) to join something, choice) Eliot Poetry Prize winning Lloyds Building is being to volunteer to help us or 19.00 weekly Youth Café in Jacob Polley reads from used by the Camelford to run an activity, to rent the main room Jackself and discusses his History & Archive Trust the space, or to suggest Friday: work prior to running a to exhibit its collection of new ideas. 15.00 weekly You & Me Café sold-out poetry workshop documents, photographs th The Old Bank isstarts 28th April to introduce on Monday 4 April. On and other items relating to currently only open when you to the Old Bank, have a there is an event or activity chat, support you if you’re on so if you’d like to look going through a tough time, and introduce you to others. around, please e-mail to nd arrange a visit. At the time 19.00 Book group on 2

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Page 8 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 theoldbankcamelford Sharon’s Plaice on the history of Camelford, the Mend as well as being a visitors’ Just a little update for you centre; Barclays Bank all. Sharon’s Plaice is now is being renovated by on the mend as many of someone intending to you will have seen. open a business there; and Dan Roots and his then there’s us, the old team are doing a fantastic NatWest Bank: that’s the rebuild and we will be up Old Bank, Camelford, and running in time for opposite the Chapel, with Easter so keep your eyes a smart new blue sign peeled. above its windows. Visit the website, our Facebook Thank you all again page, or e-mail us or tweet for the support, we look #theoldbank24 and we forward to once again can arrange to show you serving you all the best around. You are most fish n chips around (plus more). welcome to join us! BD Helen Wood for the trustees, Old Bank, Camelford Another Fantastic New Year’s Eve Party Once again the Napoleon Contact Details: Inn held their annual The oldbank New Year’s Eve party in 24 Market Place Boscastle village hall and Camelford a great deal of fun was PL32 9PD had by all! Music this year Website: www. was from the fabulous theoldbankcamelford.org.uk Mike Fox (pictured below Email: theoldbankcamelford@ right), you can catch him gmail.com regularly in the Nap during Facebook: www.facebook. the year. Check our website com/theoldbankcamelford (see ad below) for details. Twitter: twitter.com/ Hosts Sharon & Ron and theoldbank24 their team definitely know Napoleon Inn Boscastle www.napoleoninn.co.uk

A delightful 16th century pub full of character Delicious food using local ingredients how to put on a good freshly cooked by our team of talented chefs party! Real ales served straight from the barrel Thank you to Our Sunday roast is one of the best around everyone who helped so ring and book your table set up, worked and LIVE MUSIC Every Friday Night came along to enjoy. Traditional Cornish singing from the I’m sure there were BOSCASTLE BUOYS every Tuesday night a few sore heads but OPEN MIC NIGHT every other Monday nothing the Nap’s Large, safe beer garden Dogs on leads welcome hangover cure brekkie Looking forward to this year’s didn’t solve on New party….watch this space. Tel: 01840 250204 Year’s Day!! BD

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 9 Thanks for the Festive Fun Pete’s Peeps at the The harbour area was full of Past th festive feeling on Friday 9 9 NOV 1874 Trevose Head. [The loss of THE GROWING PORT OF December as the Boscastle this vessel is commemorated Chamber of Trade and in the name of Bloodhound The S.S. “Wilkinson”, 850 Commerce (BCTC) held the baubles to decorate Cove in Harlyn Bay.] tons, came into Fowey on its annual carol singing for the tree; Sue Webster, 4 MAR 1831 Friday afternoon for iron the village. Providing both Becky Harrison and Iain COAL DUTY ABOLISHED ore for Middlesboro’, and Christmas trees and with Lewis for supplying the The duty on coal was was loaded and stood out donations of mulled wine electricity; Morwenna Gee discontinued and was now to sea the following day. and mince pies, Morwenna for organising the children selling for 8d a bushel a Great activity prevails in the and pre-carol singing; reduction of 2d. Cornwall splendidly organised some shipment of china clay, and Michael Parsons and Maria had petitioned for many of her younger students not the slightest delay takes years on this because of its in entertaining a waiting Nicholls for leading the place in the loading of the importance to their industry. crowd with some pre-carol carols; Tracy and Adrian vessels. Bright from The Cobweb 9 SEPT 1831 singing. This proceeded 20 OCT 1873 REPEAL OF SALT TAX with carols led by Michael Inn for the mulled wine; A VILLAGE OF CORNISH Parsons and Maria Nicholls Paul Langford from MINERS There was a repeal of the salt with a jubilant crowd Cornish Stores for the Up to Thursday last over tax and enabled the poor showing that Christmas mince pies; and to all those 900 picked miners had left people to save fish at a cheap was underway in the who attended or supported Cornwall to supply the places rate. Before foreign salt was village. the event to make a lovely of the locked-out colliers of increased from 3d to 2sh a community evening. one coal mine in Lancashire. bushel and pit (Liverpool) Our gratitude extends salt reduced 15sh to 2sh. out to all those who Anyone wishing to join The executors of the late 6 FEB 1824 gave time and goodwill in funding, organising, Mr. John Hargreaves, aided by their active agent, Mr. TREBARWITH SANDING- in supporting this erecting, decorating and ROAD event including: Robin disposing of a larger tree Waddington, have made Burnley a village of Cornish A public meeting was Haddy for sourcing and that we can currently miners. held within the borough transporting the trees; provide for our village, of Camelford to consider 20 DEC 1811 Paul Stedman, Geoffplease do contact the WRECK AT the best plan for making Beszant and John Forde BCTC before our meeting a new sanding road from In a gale H.M Brig for erecting, decorating on the 12th September as Trebarwith Beach in “BLOODHOUND”, additional help is always Tintagel to Condolden- and dismantling the tree; Lieut: Bray, ran on shore in welcome. bridge in St. Minver. the school for filling Harlyn Bay by mistaking DB [Sand and sea-weed for Trevose Head for Stripper, manure was brought over the western entrance to steep cliffs on horseback. Padstow harbour, where she The new road cost £2000 intended to go, and lost 11 but was recouped by a toll- lives. This proves the great gate.] necessity for a lighthouse at

Page 10 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Boscastle Short Mat Bowls Club win Cornwall Northern Area Championship Boscastle Short Mat Bowls Club has won this year’s Northern Area Bowls Championship, run by Cornwall County Short Mat Bowling Association. This is a major achievement by Boscastle SMBC. The Club won last year’s Second Division Championship by a large margin, and had been newly promoted into the Premier Division this year. To win both Championships in successive years is a unique achievement. Not only did Boscastle Left to right – John & Shirley Wakelin, Dave “Two Shirts” Ferrett and Mike Lawrence, SMBC win, they have (Home match against A) performed consistently – and you can have a well throughout the season. chat, a cup of tea and Out of the 16 games they at the same time enjoy played, the Club won 11, a sport in the warm drew 1, and only lost 4. and dry. We meet at On their home mat, they Boscastle Community remain unbeaten. None & Recreation Centre, of the other Clubs in the in Dunn Street, on Championship came close Monday evenings at to matching that record. 19.00, and again on Club Captain, Mike Friday afternoons at Lawrence said – “I am 14.00. There is no delighted that Boscastle has age limit – we have won the Championship. members ranging from We had set our sights 12 to 90 – so do come on consolidating our and have a go! promotion to the Premier Telephone Roy Left to right – Mike Lawrence, Bob Banks, Sue Dundon and League, but our teams (Christie) on 01840 David Topliffe, (Home match against Blisland) have been outstanding in 250602 or Mike their match play and this Lawrence on 01840 has been a deserved, if 770256. hard-fought, outcome to And follow us on the season. Well done to Facebook at @ everybody!” boscastlesmbc Boscastle SMBC The club has also welcomes new members invested in new shirts. to short mat bowls. No These have green collars experience or special for club colour, yellow equipment is needed – piping and black to the Club can provide represent Cornwall everything to start you off colours.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 11 and, thanks to the size of the oak timbers used, it should stand the test of time. The structure is a space built for the enjoyment of everyone to use and visit, so please go and have a look. Richard Nokes volunteer ranger What’s on this spring? Tuesday 4th April, 10am- 4pm, Boscastle harbour spring clean up Let’s get the harbour ready for Easter! We will be doing various bits of spring cleaning and If you go down Our volunteers into place. With everyone improvements around the to the woods (pictured above) set to soaked to the bone, and at harbour, including litter picking, clearing vegetation today……. work with characteristic a safe stopping point, the back, cutting the grass, “…Tomorrow afternoon gusto dismantling the old decision was made to finish and maybe even installing will see persistent and structure while a smaller for the day. some new benches nearby. widespread rain across group went up into A week later a return Meet in overflow car park the south west…” the Minster wood to collect visit was made to complete Boscastle, (GR: SX100 weather forecast said the the new pieces of timber. the build. The day was 913) evening before we were These had been cut from completely different, the due to rebuild the wooden nearby trees which had sun shone, there wasn’t Sunday 21st May, 10am- structure that stands in recently been felled to help a breath of wind and it 4pm, Strangles/Trevigue- the Valency valley. Rain diversify the age structure was warm enough for bracken management and was not a major problem of the woodland, thus butterflies to come out of more! but it would make the increasing the biodiversity hiding and investigate this We have several jobs whole project a little whilst also building the new feature in the woods. to do on the undercliff more difficult. At 9:30am woodlands’ resilience Soon the new structure at Strangles. Bracken the following morning a against pests, diseases and had risen, finishing touches and ragwort both need dedicated team of National climate change. were made and all stood managing to keep them Trust volunteers would be The new uprights,back to admire a fine day’s under control. New signage waiting to get stuck into measuring around eight work. also needs to be installed to help visitors plan their the build. To call it off was foot long, had to be carried The new structure day out. Meet at Strangles not an option. Anyway, by hand down into the commands a greater car park. (Grid ref: SX135 how bad could a bit of rain valley, across the river and presence in the meadow be? up to the build site. It wasn’t 952) EX23 0LQ At 9.30 the mizzle fell easy but the volunteers but the rain had not yet managed admirably. arrived. On approaching Back down in the the old structure with the valley the old structure SUE WALLIS volunteers it was plain to had been dismantled and DESIGNER DRESSMAKER see why it was in need of the new mapped out on (01840) 250434 re-building. The uprights the floor. Three holes had and crossbeams were either been dug, so there was ALTERATIONS gone or in a poor state, no going back, and in the DRESSMAKING - LADIES slowly decomposing or face of intensifying and GENTS & CHILDRENS removed since installation unrelenting rain, three of WEDDINGS & EVENING WEAR SOFT FURNISHINGS etc ... in 2011. the new timbers were put

Page 12 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Music: Dutch Serenade: A choral Tuesday 6th June, 10am- journey by Kamerkoor 4pm, and Sunday 18th Collegium Utrecht Friday June, Himalayan Balsam 28 April, 7.30pm pull, Valency Valley This mixed chamber choir Balsam season starts again, from the Netherlands take so help us remove this us on a journey from sacred invasive weed to allow our to secular and romantic to native plants and wildlife minimalist, connecting to flourish. Bring wellies. different times and places. Meet in overflow car park Misbehavin: Elemental Boscastle, (GR: SX100 Saturday 20 May, 7.30pm 913) Endelienta’s favourite For more information: jazz foursome returns 01288 331372 or northcornwall@ with with new songs and nationaltrust.org.uk instrumentals inspired by the elements. Fiery, virtuosic playing and Endelienta Events, at sumptuous, earthy vocals. St Endellion Church See www.misbehavinjazz. & Hall The Corineus String Quartet Exhibitions: these are & guests: A Concert for held in the Hall and Summer Friday 2 are open at weekends June, 7.30pm between 11.30 and The programme includes 16.30, entry free: Dvorak’s String Quartet in 22 April – 7 May David G Major and the Cornish Marl: Pilgrims première of Jeffrey Joseph’s Stunning evocative Colloquy. NEATE For all your foot small acrylic paintings Concerts £10 (free for health needs Professional foot care in the exploring the magical accompanied under 16s) comfort of your own home reality between dream available from: FEET and belief. Online: www.endelienta. Painful Callus Reduced Verrucae Treatment 20 May to 18 June Paul org.uk Toenail Clipping Reflexology Ingrowing Toenails Everything you require to keep Jackson ceramics & Mark Phone: 07787 944935 Painful Corns Removed your feet pain free Cullen textiles Email: tickets@endelienta. Paddings & Dressings Claire & Simon Exquisite pottery and org.uk Neate DIPCFHP colourful hand woven In person: Wadebridge Qualified foot health practitioners rugs are juxtaposed in this Bookshop gorgeous exhibition Mob: 07968232344 / 07870508867

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 13 Do insecticides harm our honeybees? clothianidin, deltamethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid, and Local bee-keeper John sulfoxaflor. Let’s hope our Maughan discusses the supermarkets follow Aldi’s harmful effects of some lead in recognising the insecticides and pesticides: dangers. Many people are aware that Health Canada has bees, butterflies and moths also announced a special have suffered massive review of clothianidin declines in recent years. outwit the mites. There is a affecting the central nervous and thiamethoxam and a Currently, honeybees possibility that honeybees system of insects, resulting recent publication from cannot survive without could evolve, in time, to in paralysis and death. The the Canadian Government beekeepers because they cope with this mite, but German company Bayer, concludes - “Following are carrying a parasitic evolution is a slow process. is the main producer of a recent evaluation, the current use of imidacloprid mite called varroa, which Butterflies, moths and neonicotinoids. These is not sustainable, and quickly overwhelms a most insects are also in pesticides have been the levels of this pesticide colony living in the wild. steep decline but are not implicated as a key issue in found in waterways and The varroa mite arrived affected by varroa. Much pollinator declines. When aquatic environments are in England in 1990. It of this decline is a result of exposed to neonicotinoids harmful to aquatic insects.” looks like a tiny crab and a changing environment. there are many immediate sucks the body fluids from Since the invention of bee deaths, but a sub-lethal Bayer is said to be adult bees. It also feeds on DDT in 1939, gardeners exposure can seriously “extremely disappointed” bee pupae. As a relative and farmers have relied impact bee reproduction, by the decision. My size comparison, a varroa more and more on navigation and foraging. sympathies are with the feeding on a human would insecticides, herbicides Manufacturers are insects, particularly bees, be the size of a rat. and artificial fertilisers to responsible for the safety moths and butterflies. At first treatment was control unwanted pests, testing of their products Please check the details of easy in the form of plant- weeds, and improve plant but are not obliged to any of your garden shed derived pyrethrums that growth. It is clear that many declare all their results. insecticides to see if they killed most of the mites but insecticides are bad for bees They are able to edit their contain any of the products not the bees. Within ten and other pollinators. results to their advantage. mentioned, and remember not to spray when plants years, the mites developed Neonicotinoids are Several countries have are in flower. a resistance to pyrethrums a relatively new class of already banned these JM and beekeepers now have to insecticide that share a chemicals but not the UK. use a large box of tricks to common mode of action, Aldi has now decided to remove neonicotinoids The Wellington and some other pesticides from its food sales in Hotel Boscastle the USA. These include thiamethoxam, deemed ICO “moderately hazardous to https://ico.org.uk humans” by the Food and The ICO (Information Agriculture Organization Commissioner’s Office) is an of the United Nations; independent authority set Pub Restaurant Hotel chlorpyrifos, which has up to uphold information been linked to several The Long Bar The Waterloo Restaurant rights in the public interest, Open from 11.00 am for: Open from 6.30 pm for: autoimmune disorders; and promoting openness by Bar Meals Award Winning Dining cypermethrin, which the public bodies and data Local Ales, Wines & Spirits Locally Sourced Produce Environmental Protection privacy for individuals. Coffee, Tea & Cold Drinks Fine Wines Agency has cautioned poses You can report nuisance Families Welcome Beer Garden Freshly Cooked Food an acute risk to honeybees, calls and messages, as well as is the case with many The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0AQ Tel 01840250202 as finding out how to access neonicotinoids. Other www.wellingtonhotelboscastle.com official information held pesticides on the list include about you.

Page 14 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Moira Hart’s D SCOTT ELECTRICAL Fiendish Crossword 1, JORDAN VALE OLD ROAD BOSCASTLE CORNWALL PL35 0AJ 1 2 3 4 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 11 INSTALLATIONS 12 13 14 17 SALES & SERVICE 18 15 16 17

18 22 19 20 For all your electrical requirements 21 22 23 24 28 25 TEL : 01840 250155 26 27 28

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Across Down 1 fruit 1 small buoy 5 inhabitant 2 tractable 10 nurse 3 chart 11 iris 4 trefoil 13 Asian country 5 type of china 15 use 7 parasite’s egg 16 man’s name 8 small island MK Computers 18 musical note 9 ignorant ♦♦ PC Upgrades and Repair 19 aged 11 abundant 20 cab 14 get rid of ♦♦ Virus Removal and Protection 21 religious leader 17 plant ♦♦ Custom PC Builds 23 fish 18 manufacture ♦♦ Networking 25 expire 22 South African Dutch Web: http://www.mk-computers.co.uk 26 combination of groups 24 thrust ♦♦ Websites E-Mail: [email protected] 27 boredom 30 overflow ♦♦ Spares Mobile: 07780910578 28 man’s name 31 respect 29 unpleasant smell 33 thank you 31 urge on 34 country 32 stupid 35 vacant 36 insect 37 subsequent 39 kiln 38 art gallery 40 consider 40 animal 41 drink 43 bone 42 nest 44 fish 45 enlarge 46 printing measure 4* Apartments Open All Year 47 duck 46 speak Caravan Club CL open March to October 48 incline 47 regarding 01840 250599 [email protected] 49 fossil resin 48 result Minster, Boscastle, Cornwall PL35 0EG answers on page 32 www.venndownfarmhouse.co.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 15 flooding. Of course Cotton, who worked Harbourmaster’s News the cost of maintaining Sheila Pat for many years, the harbour structures and ,looking fit as a fiddle is huge and often tells me he is now 84 and overlooked by casual intending to keep a few users. Although it will pots again this year. I wish not go very far we are him good luck and I know introducing a launching that he knows all the best fee for kayaks this year spots between here and which although I am Crackington. sure will not be popular I was lucky to spend is in line with most other some time in Brazil again private harbours around this winter and I even the coast. had ago with one of the

Well it has been a long of the harbour during winter and as I write this winter which makes it cold the boats Beeny Black Jack for repainting and general and Rene are still high and maintenance. It is also very dry on the harbourside damp and salty causing with a little winter work corrosion to the metal to complete before they parts and all the engines go back into the water this and hauling equipment spring. Over the last few need plenty of attention years several members of before ready to work again. the Fisherman’s Association Looking at the outer have kept their boats here breakwater we seem to at Boscastle rather than have suffered some storm The annual general running to the relative throwing nets that the damage again to this meeting was held in safety of the boat yards fishermen there use. I took which I know is of great the Cobweb on the 27th at Rock and this is really some photos and they can concern to the harbourside February and I was very on the grounds of cost catch quite well in the property owners as the pleased to see some old and convenience. Having shallows. structure does help to stop members including Roy Chris Key said that we get very little storm surge and restrain sunlight on the quay side

Page 16 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 BOHO Bats in the Belfry The newly launched Boho the taxidermist country “Folksy Bohemian Style” beasts, fowl and fish even shop in Boscastle under the a ptarmigan and extinct management of Vanessa dodo, under glass. Percival is a stylistic rebirth All these moulded in of the former Boscastle meticulous detail hand Artists Co-Operative. painted, just one-twelfth One of the Co-Op’s life size. original exhibitors, Vanessa A self-taught set up her own successful artist, Vanessa began a online business Mini- career in hairdressing, Things.co.uk in 2000. It interspersed with a spell displays an eclectic range in dog-grooming when of miniature dolls house she swapped hair salon Minster Church is home to This species is listed as a furniture, tiny, exquisite for poodle parlour. the largest greater horseshoe rare and threatened species, models, sculptures and Now nine years in bat maternity roost in which means that landowners figures, a rustic farmhouse Cornwall she operates Cornwall, and one of the are not allowed to disturb largest in the UK, but it the animals, even if they is still a small population. wanted to. Steve Coom, Monitoring records show of the church’s fellowship that the highest number committee, said: “They’re recorded has not exceeded very messy but we do co- 200 during the last 9 years. exist. When we have a service This colony, sustained by the or a function we have to go in high-quality habitat in the and wipe the poop away.” Valency Valley, is also limited The Heritage Lottery Fund by its boundaries. has recently pledged an initial Greater horseshoes have £3.8 million funding for the suffered more than most five year “Bats in churches” other bat species from partnership project, bringing table groaning under the out of Hendraburnick human activities. Changing together wildlife and heritage weight of country produce, Farmhouse at , land use, loss of woodlands, conservation and church the interior of Tudor which she occupies diminished insect resources, organisations to save bats kitchen, an extraordinary alongside her equally disturbance and destruction and protect churches. Mike confusion of pheasants, artistic daughters Chloe of roosts plus human Symes, a Devon Greater hares, kestrel, larks, sides and Madeleine. persecution and ignorance Horseshoe Bat Project of beef and deer carcases, Boho remains have resulted in dangerously advisory officer, said: “This pewter tankards and true to its philosophy low numbers. The British funding announcement copper jelly moulds. of exhibiting and population is estimated is fantastic news, it will Vanessa is also on showcasing the work of to have declined by 91% complement the important Facebook. Amusing asides some twenty local artists, since 1900 and this once work that we are already include a scavenging in paint, sculpture, widespread species is now doing here in the South West seagull attacking a ceramics, folk art, confined to South-West to help protect one of the discarded carton of fish textiles and jewellery. England. UK’s rarest species.” n chips or, a particular Visitors will appreciate Greater horseshoes are The most immediate fondness of Vanessa’s, mad the range of styles one of the largest British bats outcome is developing March hares in variety exemplified by Vanessa’s with a wingspan of between proposals for 100 churches of poses. A not-for–the- own contributions 14 and 16 inches. They can in England to put in place squeamish tableau features including her amazing eat up to 3000 insects a night solutions to protect resident the contents of a traditional macramé dream catcher - a third of their bodyweight. bat population while butchers, the delicatessen and signature version Bats in general have suffered preventing further damage to theme continental velveteen hare. huge declines and churches the buildings. sausages, hams, pies, CR provide important safe spaces cheeses and fruits, and for for nine species to shelter.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 17 DANGLING THE CARROT – NEW HOUSING IN BOSCASTLE In Autumn 2006 a Apart from the Belsham developer called Belsham development there has Court Properties applied been little proposed to build fifteen houses on expansion in Boscastle, the Bottreaux Garage site. most applications confined The proposal aroused a to single owner-occupiers, good deal of controversy and almost no proposals and local objection but was for affordable dwellings. In eventually passed with the the Parish Plan response to proviso the development the question of new homes included three “affordable” was overwhelmingly in this particular problem. For interests’ sake dwellings. Whether or not favour of those aimed at Re-inventing the wheel, readers might look online this was a factor, to date no low income families. some companies now at the lengthy application houses have been built. Recent statistics: sell prefabricated off-site regarding PA17/00694 Cornwall Local 27,000 on the waiting properties, which is a part Outline Planning Plan stipulates that list for social housing in solution, not however Permission with matters developments should Cornwall, the proportion reducing the cost of reserved for up to four new contain a proportion of of owner-occupation in acquiring land. Farmland dwellings on land West affordable housing, (inthe UK fallen from 73% in is about £10,000 an acre, of Trerosewill Bungalow Camelford area 30%) 2007 to 67% today, point as building land many (location plan shown but where five houses to a worsening situation times that, hence the above) provided 50% were or fewer were proposed for the average buyer, thrust to acquire planning designated starter homes a cash contribution especially as the definition permission. Even so, which was granted consent (under Section 106 of “affordable” is up to developers are accused of at the Parish Council th of the Housing Acts £250,000, a fair whack by land banking, deliberately meeting 9 February. 1990/2004) towards other Cornish standards. hoarding sites for future CR housing developments or Where large-scale profit. (Planning applications community projects was an development has occurred, It will be quite that have been submitted acceptable alternative. in Bude, Wadebridge interesting to see what to Cornwall Council can At present the and elsewhere desirable, developers propose next for be found online at www. Camelford area is projected a worrying number of the coastal strip between cornwall.gov.uk and about 625 new homes of new homes have been Bude and Port Isaac. then follow the links to which only half are either purchased as buy-to-lets planning). built or planned leaving or holiday homes. While a significant shortfall for rents of a three bedroom developers to exploit. social housing property Normally these would be are typically under £400 a restricted to brownfield month, private tenancies or infill sites or within are twice that, so that community “rounding off” the intention to provide curtilages. Later proposals reasonably priced starter not currently planned homes for young families are variously labelled has been circumvented. “windfall” sites. Camelford The barrier to buying Town Council has long is two-fold, the high protested that the town mortgage cost beyond neither needs or wants such average local income and a large increase in housing the size of deposit required. within the town, giving While varieties of shared some leverage for those ownership schemes are who seek development theoretically available these outside its boundaries. have not effectively solved

Page 18 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Council Offers Exemption from Council Tax for Anyone Providing Evidence of Ten Years ago in the Blowhole Dog-Owners Failing to Clean up after their Dogs.... Sadly, not Boscastle or ground, where a walk in even Cornwall Council, the dark is likely to result but Liverpool’s Mayor has in fouled shoes. Children made the offer to anyone use the road and pavements supplying tip-offs, photos to practise skateboarding or video evidence, leading etc and a fall on fouled to the conviction of tarmac could have serious irresponsible dog-owners consequences for them. or fly-tippers. The Council There appear to be will also send out under- three different types of construction work continued around the village cover staff with video dog owner. Those who Food & Craft Festival Craft Festival in the Car equipment after a tip-off clean up, those who don’t, 2007 Cancelled Park this year. from the public. and those who do, only to The Boscastle Chamber Bus Shelter 2007 Many areas of Boscastle, throw the non-degradable of Trade and Commerce No decision has been made, have suffered a steep rise in plastic bag into the bushes have, following a members but it is expected that the dog faeces deposited on as soon as they are sure meeting on 7th February, cost of a shelter would be in its roads and pavements that no-one is watching. regretfully decided not to the region of £2,000. and The Blowhole has Environmentally, the third hold the Food Arts and frequently covered this type is probably the worst. persistent problem. It has I am not sure how Twenty Years ago in the Blowhole become clear that the dogs to cure the problem at a in question must belong local level but I think it Millennium Project Parish Council News to residents, not visitors, is time the Government Members of the Snooker The Clerk has requested because the problem is re-introduced the dog- Club have been busy behind that District Cllr, J Lugg constant in the same areas, licence. Now that dogs are the scenes working on the should try to arrange a even in winter. micro-chipped, it would be details of the proposal for a collection in Boscastle of Some public-spirited easy to apply a substantial new Community Venue. plastics etc for recycling. resident has been fee. This may deter impulse New Hosts at the Nap Music Hall conscientiously raising buying, thereby reducing Richard and Sherry The Blowhole produced Cornish flags next to each the number of dogs on Claridge have become a splendid, full colour offering to warn the public the streets. It would also tenants of Boscastle’s centre spread to celebrate and shame the dog owners. transfer the huge cost of famous Napoleon Inn on Boscastle’s first music hall. Sadly, the owners appear to dog-waste collection from the retirement of Ivor and The audience was taken have no conscience. general taxation to dog Vera Bright. back to 1897 and Queen Potters Lane seems to owners, which seems very Home Farm Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee be a favourite dumping reasonable. year. Twenty-eight talented JM The National Trust confirmed that it was their artists backed up by a team intention to purchase of almost as many backstage Home Farm. The plan was and front of house. to let the farm to a local Plans for School person so that traditional Village School to get much farming could continue. needed improvements...a The purchase would enable new classroom building, the Trust to create a new a library and the outside footpath from Minster toilet block will be Church through Minster demolished [so no more] Wood. And it might be cold damp sojourns for possible to link up with the staff and children in winter knoll above the Wellington. days!

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 19 they and the cast have to be applauded Boscastle Pantomime 2017: Peter Pan (and were!) for their enthusiasm and We are very fortunate in Boscastle memory - we were not reminded very to have talented people, willing to often that Sue Digby was ‘Prompt’. give up their time to entertain less As in past years, the colourful theatrical villagers - like myself! backcloths were skilfully painted Rehearsals began in September by John Blunt. Presiding over the last year for this year’s Boscastle mouth-watering refreshments were Pantomime of ‘Peter Pan’ (with the Carolyn Edwards and her helpers. usual humorous local references and On the night I attended, some of the apologies to the author). The first refreshments had been provided by of five performances was on 25th January, so with high expectations and my ticket in hand, along I went - and I was not disappointed. We were introduced to Peter Pan (the talented and musical Jo Kent) in Mr and Mrs Darling’s home. The scene then moved to the Neverland Forest where the irrepressible Tiger Lily (Mike Parsons) introduced us to some of the ‘Indians’. I am sure Native Americans would have wondered at the phonetic and imaginative spelling Keely Christie played Tinkerbell of their tribes names - ‘a patchee’ copyright photo courtesy David Flower (Apache?); ‘poor knee’ (Pawnee?) and despite anxious looks on some of their ‘shy Ann’ (Cheyenne?). The scene faces, the children went through their then shifted to the Pirate Ship where synchronised ‘paces’ perfectly. An Peter Pan’s arch-enemy Captain Hook annual visit to Boscastle’s Pantomime Tiger Lily, Mike Parsons (Emma Goreham) bullied pirate reminds us how fast these children are copyright photo courtesy David Flower Smee (Jeff Metters) unmercifully; he growing up. (We know how versatile Mandy Washer and were selling like soon gained our sympathy for having and talented they are, since twelve of the proverbial ‘hot cakes’. to deal with such a scary (??) boss. the children joined the Tap Dancing The evening was enjoyed by all The main characters were ably World Record attempt at the end the audience and an astounding supported by the other members of of November 2016, helping to raise £2159 was raised for the Village Hall the cast, particularly the children. £271.86 for Children in Need.) funds, over the five performances. So Tutored by Morwenna Gee and The ‘backroom girls and boys’ a well-deserved ‘Congratulations’ to provided a seamless programme and everyone involved. The Still Point Treatment Room GQ Boscastle

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Page 20 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 The New Team arrives at Forrabury with Tintagel Benefice To conclude we wish Heather and Paul long and over the past months. The arrival of The end result is a happy ministries with us, As with all Church of meteorological spring, this Rectory that is safe and and hope that all living England properties in the year coinciding with the fit to live and work in. We in the benefice will enjoy Truro Diocese, the Rectory start of Lent, heralded a hope that Heather, and all their fellowship. new start for Forrabury is owned and maintained Priests and their families Trevor Lloyd with Tintagel Benefice. under the direction of that succeed her, will find Church Warden New Priest-in-Charge Church House in Truro. it a comfortable home, Forrabury and Minster Heather Aston has arrived On Robert Thewsey’swhich is also suitable for all (Heather and Paul to live in the Boscastle departure a full evaluation the many church activities introduce themselves to the Rectory, whilst part time of the building was carried take place there. Blowhole on p22 & 23) Assistant Priest Paul out and it was found Spreadbridge has moved to be in need of serious Bottreaux Surgeries Patient Participation into the Priest’s house refurbishment. Group Update in Tintagel in readiness The prime concernDr Paul Abbott is leaving rather than a GP could for their joint Licencing was the kitchen, where the Practice at the end of help. Service at St Materiana hazardous asbestos was March 2017 Dr Rebecca Dropped kerb for church, Tintagel, on found in the floor and Walker is due to join the wheelchairs often blocked Sunday 26th March. They in ‘boxing’ cladding pipe Practice in April 2017. by parked cars. MG – Car will jointly celebrate their runs to the celling. This park to be refurbed & first service in the benefice, The new dispensary also continued in the room remarked. a group Holy Communion at Boscastle surgery has above. A specialist team Patients need to be at St. Materiana, Forrabury, increased work & storage was called in to remove advised as to procedure for on the following Sunday, space which should the asbestos safely, after prescriptions after seeing April 2nd. All are welcome improve service to patients. which the kitchen had to GP. Do they sit & wait to attend. be redecorated, re-floored There will shortly be a card payment system in or knock at pharmacy. The departure of Rector and new units fitted. In place for patients to pay Some confusion exists at Robert Thewsey and Curate all other rooms plaster was for prescriptions & other present. MG to check with Paul Beynon, combined found to be suffering from items by debit card. pharmacy staff. with the retirement of major cracks and bulges on A handrail would help Assistant Priest Mike one or more of the walls, The Practice holds funds of £1,445 received along the steep part of Parsons last summer, left the necessitating re-plastering entrance for patient access benefice without any clergy and redecoration. in donations which are at the disposal of PPG, walking down the hill? attached to us. During our It would have been good  to be used for the benefit Handrail also needed interregnum we have had if local tradesmen could in patient toilet. A raised superb help from Rural have carried out the work, of patients. Plans include a re-vamp of the waiting toilet preferably as disabled Dean Tony Windross and but Church House in Truro facility is not good. Soap is retired priest Rob Yeomans, lacks the staff required to room, removing the brick benches, a general re- not easily accessible. but it will be good when project manage, solicit and Are diabetic blood Heather and Paul take up review tenders for every organisation & creating a space for wheelchair use. testing sticks available in their ministries with us. work package required Cornwall? MG to check. Heather and Paul will be Patients’ Queries on the many properties For information spreading their activities include: that it administers. After about PPG or to pass throughout all the parishes When a patient phones a competitive tendering on compliments or in the benefice, with neither for a GP appointment, process some time ago information about taking special responsibility could a nurse ‘call back’ be a single company was procedural problems to for any of them. Both are carried out to see if they, appointed to project the surgery, see www. very outgoing and eager to rather than a GP would manage all works in church boscastlecornwall.org.uk/ meet all in the area, not just be appropriate. Mathew properties in the diocese, ppg/ppg.htm ‘churchgoers’. and that company has its Gibbons (MG) – no You can also contact John own team of tradesmen, slots available for nurse Many will have noticed Wakelin 01840 250314 call back. Receptionist the extensive works carried who carried out the works or Janey Comber 01840 maybe trained as ‘clinical out at Boscastle Rectory at the Rectory. 230497 navigators’ in case a nurse

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 21 A Methodist Ministers View said such words as: - Dear Blowhole Readers Although you will be reading this “The greatest love a person can I am delighted to have been appointed article in early April I am actually have for his friends it to give his life as Priest in Charge of the Boscastle writing it in early March on the for them. And you are my friends” and Tintagel Group of Parishes. I am (John 15:12 & 14) day that has been marked as World to be licenced on Sunday 26 March “I have come in order that you Book Day, an annual event which in St Materiana, Tintagel at 18.30. is marked in Bookshops, Libraries might have life- life in all its fullness” The Reverend Paul Spreadbridge will and Schools. The discussion on our (John 10:10). be licensed as Associate Priest for local radio breakfast programme was “For God loved the world so much the benefice at that same service and about favourite books. One person, that he gave his only Son, so that I hope you will be able to come to a retired clergyman, phoned in to everyone who believes in him celebrate that occasion with us. say that his favourite book was ‘The may…. have eternal life” (John Although Paul will be living 3:16). Bible’, a response that you would in Tintagel and I will be in the naturally anticipate. There is much for all of us to take Rectory at Forrabury, we will both be The Bible is really a library of 66 to heart for our own living from the ministering across all four parishes in books, 39 in the Old Testament and Bible, and the Easter Story. We need the benefice, taking services, visiting 27 in the New Testament. Some of to ask questions of ourselves about people and getting involved in village you may remember a hymn which these eternal truths for our everyday and parish events. Please feel free to has the line ‘God has given us a book living. contact either of us as necessary, and full of stories…’. These stories and Every Blessing at Easter. do introduce yourselves when you see writings tell us of people’s experiences Bryan Ede us out and about. of God and his inspiration of them I thought I would take this over some 2,5000 years, and its st opportunity to tell you a little themes are relevant for 21 Century about myself. After leaving school living having inspired many people I spent twelve and a half years in across the world over many years. the Women’s Royal Naval Service, The Bible stories and messages leaving in the rank of Second Officer reach their climax in the events WRNS. I then worked for British which we Celebrate at Easter – the Aerospace in Lancashire, and studied Crucifixion of Jesus, God’s Son on part time to gain a Master’s Degree Good Friday, and his Rising from in Business Administration. I went Death – the Resurrection – on to work as an NHS manager first Easter Sunday, leading to God’s in South Staffordshire and then in power through the Holy Spirit being South Birmingham, before taking experienced by the early followers in up an NHS management post in the following days and weeks, and Cornwall in 2007. still experienced. We celebrate these During this time my parish events with Holy Days – Holidays, priest, Canon Pat Robson, persuaded and mark them as we eat Hot Cross me that God was calling me to the Buns and Easter Eggs. As we celebrate ordained ministry. I trained with we are celebrating as millions have South West Ministry Training in years past, and still do across the Course for three years and was made world. These events bring to life Deacon in June 2013. I was sent to some of the words of Jesus when he

Page 22 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 the Meneage benefice, on the Lizard, I have also had other jobs Boscastle National Trust to serve my curacy and was ordained including the police when I learnt t National Visitor Centre Priest in June 2014. much about working with many Trust Shop & Café I have a 31 year old son called Ben different and interesting people, who lives and works in Dahab, South both young and old, rich and poor Sinai, but when he is in the UK he and many with big problems. This lives with me. My two sisters and my community role, and a spell of self- father (who will be 90 in September) employment in between, drew me live in the Midlands and so I travel to to being considered for training for The Harbour, Boscastle,PL35 0HD see them on a regular basis. I am in ministry as I responded to the call OPEN ALL YEAR March - October 10.00am - 5.00pm the third year of studying part time and after the usual long training I November - February 10.30am - 4.00pm was ordained a priest at Rochester Information on local accommodation & attractions for a Master’s degree in Christian plus a wide range of books, maps, walking guides, Liturgy with Sarum College in cathedral in 2003. gifts and refreshments. Free Wi-Fi throughout Second hand bookshop now open. Salisbury, which should be completed Since then I have served at three If you are interested in volunteering or in September this year. different parishes in Kent with my donating some books drop in or give us a call. Tel: 01840 250010/250353 I look forward to meeting you last appointment being in the Truro www.visitboscastleandtintagel.com [email protected] all and to working with you in the diocese which was a very happy time www.nationaltrust.org.uk benefice in the years to come. Please and to which I am pleased to return. pray for Paul and for me as we begin I say that, because we went to live our ministry with you, as we indeed at Plymouth after retiring last year, will pray for you. but the pull of vocation is strong God Bless and can’t be ignored - at least not for Heather long! Now here I am and as a priest A first message from Paul for have a joyful and committed job the Blowhole trying to bring God’s love and the uplifting message of healing and forgiveness of Jesus to those I have been called to serve in this beautiful, rugged and historic benefice of eight churches. The challenge may be big, but I am not alone as I feel your good will is with me and together with Hello. Good to be with you after Heather as your new priest in charge some waiting following the interview we can achieve great things in God’s in November. It is actually a well name. Arthur W Bryant known process of discernment by Along with my wife Alison, who Independent Family both the parish and the priest, but it is also a priest, and to whom I have Funeral Service is good to be with you at last and both been happily married for a long time, Our Family, Caring for your my wife Alison and I look forward to I bring myself along with plenty of family, for over 50 years getting to know you and the area in hope and positivism to help grow Phone attended 24 hours a day. the coming months. the church numerically and most Covering all areas My journey to being a priest, I importantly spiritually. Prepayment funeral plans, believe, started when I was small I like visiting and pastoral Memorial Supplied, Fixed when as an altar boy my parish priest outreach and meeting people and and Refurbished said ‘have you thought about being a look forward to getting to know you Private Chapels of Rest at: priest?’ Not bad when you are aged and learning more in the time ahead. Morwenna Court, Princes Street, BUDE, Cornwall, EX23 8AT 10! But then followed a varied and My prayer is ‘Lord work through Tel: 01288 352282 exciting life for having joined the me and what lies ahead. With your or Royal Navy aged 16 I stayed for a full guidance together our endeavours 19 Market Place, CAMELFORD, career serving on different ships at Cornwall, PL32 9PD will be blessed’ Tel: 01840 214891 home and abroad. Love to all www.awbryant.co.uk Paul & Alison

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 23 Walters in the playground time now and this was an to participate in the and then around the opportunity for the girls to Bloodhound workshop. village – well wrapped up train with other schools and This was to learn about the against the elements and, to play some competitive vehicle that will try and fortunately, mainly dry. games. We won three of break the land speed record Bikeability is the modern our six matches with the and will be completing equivalent of the cycle girls learning quickly and some testing at . proficiency course. The finding entertaining ways This term as a continuation children improve their bike of celebrating goals. of this we have entered the handling skills enormously Class 1 will be visiting Bloodhound race along and learn a great deal the Lifeboat station at with most of the other Welcome to our Spring about road positioning for Padstow next week as part schools in Cornwall. We update. I can remember left and right hand turns, of their project on the were given five foam ‘brick’ when I first startednegotiating junctions emergency services. They kits to shape to make an teaching (many, many that are both uphill and have been writing fact aerodynamic car. A team years ago) that this was the downhill and how to books about people who of five children will take term when ‘we got things navigate their way around help us and I have enclosed our cars along to Stratton done’ as there were fewer the village safely. Tony some examples of their School where they will be celebrations and events. always makes a point writing. fitted with a rocket, secured to a wire and blasted down Nowadays the whole year on complementing our Class 3 have a race track. All cars will is packed full of exciting children and saying how been stretching their be timed with the winners happenings. much he enjoys working imagination and enjoying representing Cornwall in It seems to be part of with us. communications with the the regional finals. We our tradition that our Years Mr Rix took a group of beings on the planet Zog. think our cars look very 5 and 6 complete their girls to a football festival There has been a number sleek and are hopeful that Bikeability training in the last week. We have had of letters winging their we will do well. depths of winter. They a girls football club at way back and forth with spent two days with Tony lunch time for quite a long the descriptions about It is the time of year life in Boscastle and all that Janet and I don our of the peculiar things running gear and spend we Earthlings do. Star’s an hour or so after school writing has been included on a Friday with our for you to enjoy cross country runners. We always have a good You may remember proportion of children that at the start of the year joining this club. It is one we visited Truro Museum NEED YOUR HOME MAINTAINING? KINGSLEY UGLOW

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Page 24 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 of my favourites as we have end – a least that what it a great mixture of children feels like to me! and not always those that By the time you read you would expect. What this we will be near our generally happens in Easter holidays and two training is that Janet and I thirds of the way through trot along at a steady pace, the school year already! I some are far too fast for us wish you sunny Easter and and lap us quite regularly look forward to reporting and others adopt a more on our activities next term. walk and chat then sprit Best wishes, Sarah Duffy style! Our first race is a Landrake which, if the weather is bad can be epic with a various slopes, some with ropes to slide down, a marsh. An enormous ditch and something the height of Mount Everest at the Literacy Tuition There are quite a few adults out there who are not confident of their reading and writing skills, but they are understandably shy about coming forward. Being retired, and having the skills, I would like to offer private tuition to such people, free of charge and in strictest confidence. Just give me a ring on 01840 250186 to see what we can arrange.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 25 Eric Leslie Gill, 12 Dec 1940 – 18 Dec 2016 had such good times meeting other locals and having a joke and a jar of ale. He and Val enjoyed great sing-a-long nights in those early days. The Cobweb was such a great place. In 2015 due to Eric’s ever continuing bad health, Eric and Val sadly, decided to move to be Eric joined the sergeant’s exam and so loved Lesnewth and the closer to services, hospitals Metropolitan Police Force moved on again to Kings characters who lived in etc. Neither really wanted in 1963 and retired in Cross police station, a very the area and yes, they were to leave Lesnewth but 1991 with ill health after busy and stressful place to characters, very individual it was just too far from 28 ½ years serving in work. Next he decided that people, some lived there hospitals. So it was to be various districts of London, a more leisurely position to get away from the St Dominick in the Tamar having walked the beat for would serve him to the hustle of daily city life and Valley where they made the first 2 years, with an end of his time, that was to others who had lived there their new home but never old time copper showing be in charge of the central all their lives, with many forgetting the friends they him the ropes, as they did London underground car stories to tell of years gone left behind at Lesnewth in those days. Eric always parks where the public’s by. Eric loved listening and Boscastle. said that during that time cars where taken when to them. Most of all was Eric passed away on the beat, he never got removed from the streets The Cobweb at Boscastle, peacefully at home after wet or cold on a rainy day on parking penalties. Well, Ivor and Vera were then a battle with pancreatic or night, hmmm! Wonder he thought it was to be less the landlord and lady. He cancer, nursed by Val. where he went? 2 years stressful, but there he had on the beat was enough, to deal with irate drivers Adrian & Staff welcome you to the so then he applied for the who wanted their vehicles C.I.D. where he loved back. However, Eric always working. After a few years said that he enjoyed his Cobweb Inn he moved on yet again to days in the Met. BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL Diplomatic Protection, Eric and Val moved FREE HOUSE  REAL ALES  where he was an armed to Lesnewth March officer on a motor cycle, 1992. Eric settled into BAR SNACKS racing round the capital gardening vegetables and  FAMILY ROOM  RESTAURANT  doing his duty. renovating the house using  SUNDAY CARVERY  Eric passed his Class 1 his carpentry skills that he Lunch 12.00pm-2.30pm Police Car Driver course in obtained on leaving school Evening Meals 6.00pm-9.00pm 1975 and went into Traffic after a five-year joinery Division TDS North apprentice. LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS, TILL MIDNIGHT London. He experienced Over the years Eric’s many horrific road traffic health declined even more Tel: (01840) 250278 accidents during that until he could no longer www.cobwebinn.com time. He passed his police do physical work. Eric

Page 26 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 of October. It is Our members are all full of information looking forward to the and there is so return of speaker Lynn much to absorb Gould in March. Lynn that one visit isn’t was one of our memorable January mists crept enough. speakers in 2015, when she across Bodmin Moor, led us though ‘Daphne du muffling sounds and On Jan th, Maurier’s Cornwall’. This softening the view, 24 the Coffee Morningers met time she will talk on ‘The the day Boscastle WI Life of Kenneth Grahame’ members visited RAF at Boscastle Farm Shop, where and his book ‘Wind in Davidstow Moor the Willows’. Although Memorial Museum. they indulged in delicious cakes Kenneth Grahame was With such a desolate born in Edinburgh, he aspect, it was difficult and snacks –it is always a favourite spent his childhood years in to imagine the noise Cookham Dene, with his of aircraft and vehicles café with the members. Grandmother. It is believed and the comings and that the setting for ‘Wind goings of service men Our February meeting focused in the Willows’ came from and women on the his association firstly with missions by aircraft, looking on nominating a committee Moor in the 1940’s. the river Thames, which The dedication thatfor aircrews ditched in the for 2017 - one new face flows passed this ‘rural David Keast and his wife English Channel and the was added to eight re- idyll’, and his Cornish Pat have bestowed on the Bay of Biscay. The airfield elected members. There is holidays at Fowey, where creation of the Memorial was multi-national, having no speaker when arranging his marriage took place, Museum and their American, Canadian and a new committee so, as it with Elspeth Thomson on cataloguing of the history Polish squadrons flying in was St Valentine’s Day, a 22nd July, 1899. of RAF Davidstow, is and out or being stationed quiz followed the business impressive. David’s passion there. of the day focusing on all Should you be interested in joining us at any of our for the history of RAF Whilst many items things romantic – and your meetings, we are a friendly Davidstow Moor Coastal in the Museum were writer’s team won! group. We get together Command is evident in his familiar and brought back It was agreed that the every second Tuesday of the presentation of information, memories to the older WI Coffee Morningers will month in the Village Hall photographs, uniforms, old Members, one surprise was attend the Otterham and St at 2pm, come along and get style technology and other a tiny chapel dedicated to Juliot’s Hall Pancake Day to know us. You may even interesting objects the RAF. Tucked behind a on 28th February, where know some of us already. curtain and having a small there will be a raffle, books RAF Davidstow was an GQ operational station opened strained glass window, it and bric-a-brac on sale. in October 1942, where was a place for prayer and aircraft flew daily, carrying contemplation. CENTRAL GARAGE bombs and depth charges. The Museum is free to High Street, Delabole It was also an important visit and open 10.30am- base for search and rescue 4pm from Easter to the end Stuart Biddick Tel: 01840 212388 Piano Tuner ~ Pianos for Sale GOOD FURNITURE & ALADDIN’S CAVE BosCars We Buy & Sell Second-hand Furniture Private Hire Especially Pine, Old & New Airport Transfers Coach & Train Connections Open Monday - Friday noon - 4pm Luggage Transfers for Walkers Give us a visit - without obligation Friendly & Reliable, 24hr Service You’ll be surprised what you’ll find! Telephone 07790983911

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 27 What’s more one such event This book was highly The Reading Room is going to happen on our recommended to us by The time has come for me to, of got a pedlar’s doorstep! another bookworm. We once more, open the door of licence in 1907 and travelled The event is on May were all grateful to have had The Ancient Reading Room the countryside as umbrella- 30th 2017 – June 1st 2017 it placed in front of us and in our little Cornish Fishing man and knife grinder. He at TINTAGEL CASTLE also for that bookworm for Village. The sense of history became well known for his between 11a.m. and 5 p.m. explaining the essence of it always surrounds me and I songs and stories. He was If you would like more to us all. The text has clear call to mind the traditions also a well-known seer but information or tickets technical and mathematical which are embedded deep his credibility deserted him phone 01840770328. Be explanations and portraits of in Cornish culture. when his prediction that the prepared to be spellbound the remarkable personalities who wrote and broke the Cornwall is rich in world would end in 1968, by traditional tales of world’s most difficult codes. Celtic myths and legends failed! Oral storytelling is Arthurian folklore and take He is a very readable writer: and Cornish Folk are born as one of the most ancient part in medieval games and storytellers, it is part of their art forms. Passed on by role-play. ‘Code-breakers are inheritance. In bygone days, word of mouth, long before Or step inside a book or linguistic alchemists, a stories would have been reading and writing became two with the bookworms in mystical tribe attempting to told by wandering ‘droll’ commonplace. It served as The Reading Room!!! conjure sensible words out a means of communicating of meaningless symbols’ storytellers, sung in ballad The Code Book: The form by Balladeers, and then news, teaching moral Evolution of Secrecy from He attempts to chart told by folk around a fire on principles and tribal law as Mary Queen of Scots to the evolution of codes and a winter’s night. They would well as explaining the origins Quantum Cryptography by also to demonstrate how be welcomed by villagers of life and the universe. Simon Singh. the subject is more relevant today than ever before. and given friendship, a meal It encompasses a vast Simon Singh was born and a bed in exchange for heritage of love, myths, epic in Wellington Somerset in Most of the bookworms their stories and perhaps tales, folk tales and traveller’s 1964. His parents emigrated did not manage to read this a chore or two. Of course tales. Tales of the creation of from Punjab in India in book for themselves even these travellers became the world, its destruction, 1950. He is the youngest of though it truly fascinated a source of information sagas of Gods and men from three brothers. He graduated us all. I found it was well about the people of the around the world- brought from Imperial College beyond me! I got through it neighbourhood. Such folk to our shores by visiting London with a degree in but I skipped a lot of ‘stuff’. had largely disappeared traders and seafarers. Each Physics and later achieved However, I also found bits by the middle of the storyteller’s interpretation is a PhD in Particle Physics at interesting, well written and nineteeth century but unique. It can inspire and CERN in Geneva. fascinating. Every so often one of their obvious change lives. I was forced to stop as my He taught for many descendants survived until brain hurt! I took solace Luckily such storytelling years but then joined the 1974. A certain Bill Chubb from Simon Singh himself can still be experienced! BBC where he produced who said: and directed ‘Tomorrow’s World’ and ‘Horizon’. ‘The only people who are He became famous when in a position to point out he won a BAFTA for his my errors are also those who documentary ‘Fermat’s Last are not at liberty to reveal Fresh locally produced meats Theorem’. them’. Barnecutt’s bread and hot pasties Wide range of groceries, fresh fruit & veg TAN PARTRI Gluten free products stocked RIS CK Off Licence and Pay Point T Opening hours: CONSTRUCTION Mon - Fri: 8am-6pm Saturday: 9am-5pm EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS Sunday: 9am-1pm NEW BUILD • BATHROOMS Tel: 01840 250108 Phone: 07989 327 873 www.bottreauxfillingstation.co.uk FREE QUOTATIONS

Page 28 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 continued that began life just over nine to explore the island. It The Reading Room years ago. It allowed stressed also allows her to identify Cutting for Stone it hard to reconnect with urban dwellers to appreciate changes in her walking by Abraham Verghese the story after leaving it for pleasures of the countryside pace indicating her walks This is a novel written a while. One bookworm and to re-engage with were becoming slower and by an Ethiopian-born suggested there is such nature. It has since expanded more contemplative. The medical doctor and author. a contrast between their to encompass a magazine, juxtaposition of the online It is a saga of twin brothers, culture and ours that it book publishing, a record and natural worlds is at the orphaned by their mother’s affected how much we could label, live events and now heart of this book and of death at their births and retain the characters enough boutique festivals. her impulse to write. She forsaken by their father. It is during a gap away from the The Outrun is thealso believes Broadband a book full of medical jargon story. author’s first book and it might be a force against which can be confusing to Some bookworms found was published in 2016 when depopulation of the islands. the layman and difficult to it good after the initial slow Liptrot was aged 34. It is a Her writing is a mix of understand at times. The start and felt several felt a real memoir about overcoming clear-eyed insight and a book enlightens the reader connection with the main addiction whilst exploring poetic heart. Amy Liptrot on Ethiopian culture and characters. One bookworm The Orkney landscape. It welcomes her readers by the living conditions. It felt it was the best book she blends an evocative account describing the scene of her highlights the lack of medical had read for a long time. If of her life on the edge and mother being wheel-chaired care available to the majority you like a challenge, most sublime nature writing. from a small plane flying of Ethiopians and how they bookworms felt this book Will Self said, in his into Orkney after giving live in daily fear due to the was a worthwhile one. review for The Guardian, birth, prematurely, whilst level of corruption which is Storyline: 8.5 Liptrot: “writes extremely her father is being wheeled to rife. Quality of writing: 7 well about this voyage into the plane in a straightjacket The bookworms all The Outrun the Stygian, obsessive- following a manic episode agreed the book showed by Amy Liptrot compulsive depths-she has of his Bi Polar disorder. He meets Amy for the first time beautiful descriptive Amy Liptrot was born a sharp eye for social detail as the wheelchairs pass. writing but all had some in 1982 on Orkney where and is ruthless in dissecting reservations. It took about her parents ran a sheep her own pathology.” She is desperate to leave four hundred pages to ‘get farm and this is where Amy A unique feature of the isolation of the islands in to’ the book which was grew up and spent her early this memoir is the author’s and moves to London at a waste of about 20% of life. She went to University obsession with the digital the age of 23. Life unfolds the book in our opinion. in Edinburgh where she world. Even on the remotest and she becomes torn apart The description, though became editor of the student island she needed to know by drink and drugs. She, well-written, were very newspaper. She also wrote she had a broadband eventually, decides to leave detailed and the medical for the local newspaper at connection. She used an behind the chaos of her ones could also be too gory. home, ‘Orkney Today’. Later online app. on her phone metropolitan life and return One bookworm suggested she had her work published to track the routes she uses to Orkney, knowing there that the style of writing in various magazines and perhaps reflected the culture journals as well as blogs. FAULKNERS – examining the minutia of She also became a regular life and taking joy in detail. columnist for ‘Caught by PLUMBING AND HEATING Most bookworms found the River’. This was a website Full range of plumbing services Installation, servicing & repair of Oil, LPG & natural gas central heating systems

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Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 29 The Reading Minster Community Fellowship – Spring 2017 a whole/part window or a single Room continued pane of glass. Information on how to donate can be found at was a hard challenge ahead Minster, Facebook or contact to regain her sobriety. Malcolm Baker on 01840- Several bookworms 250482. found this book repetitive. One bookworm found Now spring is upon us we it tedious and one found are still selling our Spring cards it self-indulgent. Most (pictured left) by artist Kirsty bookworms admired her Hosking and via Harbour ability to have clarity of Lights, Cornish Stores, The thought and of having Picture Parlour, The Farm Shop depicted so well the issues or by contacting Liz or Garry she deals with in her on 01840-250466. These are writing. She was very honest perfect for Easter and all profits about her dilemmas. Many go towards Minster. bookworms found the Minster Muckers will again story absorbing and well be busy with the spring tidy written. It gave a sense of up at Minster, so if you would place, describing Orkney like to be involved please with true understanding. contact Andy Humpreys at It gave an insight into the The Old Forge Gallery by communities on the islands Since the last edition of the Minster last year, phone 01840-250588 or email and how they each differ. It Blowhole, we can confirm we have had many was interesting to witness that £2,875 was raised in donations from [email protected] someone getting to know, 2016. Once again, a big home and abroad, We are always looking for as an adult, the place they thank you for all your from as far as Canada new members, or if you just knew as a child. support with concerts, and the United want to help in any way please Several bookworms donations and the States. However, we contact us by Facebook, website admired the ability to write purchase of merchandise still need donations, (contact details below) or by such beautiful prose. Liptrot last year. Fundraising so it is not too late if phoning Justine Chater (new has undoubted power as a will continue in 2017 you wish to sponsor Chair Person) 01840-250677. writer and I, for one feel she and will hopefully involve JC is a real find. A writer whose another fun evening of Website: www.minstercommunityfellowship.co.uk voice seems fully formed on entertainment. Facebook: www.facebook.com/minsterchurchboscastle the page. From these funds we The majority ofhave now paid Minster HIGHFIELD MOTORS bookworms would insurance costs of £1,119 Proprietor: F Luffarelli recommend that you read and approximately £200 this book. is required to fund the Storyline: 7.5 materials needed by the Quality of writing: 7 Minster Muckers to replace Servicing, Repairs & Tyres at Highly We hope you have been the existing steps leading Competitive Prices for all cars, inspired to pick up one of to the spring. These are these books and we hope much needed works and motorcycles and vans you will join us next time in will improve access for The Reading Room. visitors to Minster. MOT’s Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7 Yours truly The major expenditure The Keeper of the Key for 2017 continues to be Tel: 01840 212666 the window renovations Highfield Road Industrial Estate which will start early this year. Since the information Camelford boards were put up at PL32 9RA

Page 30 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Victor Tobutt celebrate, but to keep it did lend a hand behind the a secret from us. Victor bar, chambermaiding and th ctober th pril 12 O 1944 -10 A 2016 agreed wholeheartedly and waitressing. It was obvious Landlord of the Wellington Hotel 1986-2003 said he would spread the she had a special bond with Many Blowhole readers people,’ - an appropriate word. We arrived at there her Dad and was very proud will remember Victor and epithet for Victor. for the extra music night of all his achievements, as will have been saddened The Wellington Hotel to find it packed and then he was of hers! to hear he passed away last was a real hub for village it slowly dawned they were He was a great husband, year in France. A church life and Victor was a great all friends and family. It friend, soulmate and the service was held in the promoter. He thoroughly was amazing and utterly love of Solange’s life. She village of Cadillon and enjoyed the folk sessions, unexpected. Victor and has wonderful memories he was cremated in Pau welcoming everyone in Solange had organised a of their time together both surrounded by close family with an expansive grin like wonderful buffet on the here and in France. Victor and friends. A service of a landlord in a Hogarth house - and a champagne embraced the French rural thanksgiving for Victor painting. Pool, darts and toast. Such a generous life, and was adopted by took place back in his charity nights were other gesture demonstrates his Solange’s family and the home country of England highlights. He relished thoughtfulness as a family local community. The at the church of St Oswald, his golf and walking on man. Mayor raised a Union Jack Cheam in October. the coastal paths with his Victor loved his family flag in memory of Victor I would like to focus dog, Murphy. He also sat and family gatherings and at last year’s celebration of on his time in Boscastle. on many committees and he enjoyed entertaining, Armistice Day on 8th May. He had led a very busy trade associations and was being a great raconteur. Everyone who knew life before moving into the a Parish Councillor. Sharon, his daughter, often him will also have very Wellington Hotel in 1986. I have many memories visited Victor and Solange special memories of a very Victor and his lovely French of Victor, notably our at the Wellie, regarding it as special man. wife, Solange, were a great Silver Wedding in 1995. her sanctuary – even if she Cheryl Maughan team and easily adapted Our son, a regular player to their new lifestyle. I at the music sessions, Jane’s Table Top Sales Boscastle School Duck nd thought of him as larger asked us if we were going Valency Lawn 2017 Race Day - JULY 2 ! These will begin on than life as, according to to celebrate. I jokily You can look forward to Sunday May 7th. Thereafter the Cambridge dictionary, replied that I thought the the human-fruit machine, ‘If someone is larger than (weather permitting) on cake stall, Treasure Hunt, children usually arranged May 28th, June 11th/25th, life, that person attracts a Hoopla and Tombola, something. His solution July 16th/28th, August 13th lot of attention because coconut shy, face-painting, a was to ask Victor if he and 28th. Proceeds towards they are more exciting bouncy castle, a skittles alley could hold a special music Macmillan/Marie Curie, or interesting than most and numerous booths that night at the Wellie to Air Ambulance, Last sell cakes and other food, Chance Hotel, Moorland drinks, bric-à-brac and toys. Ponies, Castle Goff Cat Race for Life Sanctuary, Coastwatch, Merlin Trust and Nowzad. Boscastle school will be holding a Race for Life Given the location Event (for cancer research) (by kind permission and th support of Jane Castling) on 9 April at the Football there is a constant stream Field. The race is divided of passersby and interested by ages and open to ALL! locals so an ideal location On the day you will find a for getting rid of preloved tombola, a great cake stall items and raising money for and other opportunities good causes. New faces and to spend your money for a goods welcome! good cause! Pre-registration If interested in either for runners is preferred, a regular or one-off stall, contact Julie Potter on: please contact Jane on 01840 250488 or via 250046 or Chris Rodda www.facebook.com/ 250012 events/133929490463684 CR

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 31 into rough strips and tossed Pat’s Cookery Corner into a crisp salad made gas mark 1/2 , cover the with iceberg lettuce, radish, meat with stock, beer or cucumber, baby plum wine and return to the tomatoes and red onion oven for three hours. After slices. I dressed it with a this time, the beef should mustardy vinaigrette and, be very tender. Remove the if anything, it made even lid, baste it with its juices better eating than having and turn up the heat to it hot – the soft beef soaks 170C/325F/gas mark 3 up some of the dressing and and cook, uncovered, for was so moreish that there another forty minutes or so. and then we polished off the lot. In praise of brisket open-grained texture, You can serve the hot beef in thick slices now with Pat Thorne. I’m a big fan of the cheaper generous fattiness and deep flavour make it perfect for potatoes and the reduced cuts of meat. I think long cooking juices, or leave it slow roasting, as well as Used Postage Stamps slow cooking produces lots to cool in its liquid until of flavour but in truth it boiling. Ask your butcher Thank you very much for for the thick end of the the next day. Again, slice probably all goes back to thickly and reheat in its continuing to bring your brisket, boned and rolled, stamps to the surgery or my childhood when the cooking juices. Some claim and make sure he doesn’t through my letterbox at 8 casseroles and stews of our it is better left overnight like trim off the fat. Pentargon Road. The sales weekday meals were all this although we like to eat from the group I work for based on what we could The following recipe it the day it’s cooked. provides lenty for four to raised over £26,000 for the afford and that meant Last week I had enough six people and you ought to RNIB last year so keep them rabbit, pork bones or beef silky brown brisket for the have some over. coming!

shin with lots of home- next day, which I pulled ML

grown vegetables from the 3lb piece boned, rolled en 46 ide 44 rib 43 deer 40

garden. And at weekends beef brisket Tate 38 next 37 empty 35 USA 34 ta 33 esteem 31

2 or 3 garlic cloves, abound 30 lunge 24 Boer 22 fabricate 18 ixia 17 we’d have a joint of brisket, eradicate 14 opulent 11 nescient 9 islet 8 nit 7 Erse 6

1 dan 2 amenable 3 map 4 shamrock 5 Dresden Dresden 5 shamrock 4 map 3 amenable 2 dan 1 another cheap cut which bruised Down

2 or 3 carrots cut into comes from the side of a amber 49 tend 48 eider 47 extend 45 aerie 42 tea 41

cow’s ribcage so it’s naturally chunks deep 40 oast 39 ant 36 obtuse 32 egg 31 reek 29

tough. This is not an excuse 2 celery stalks cut into Ian 28 ennui 27 bloc 26 diee 25 eel 23 abbot 21

to buy the mysterious chunks taxi 20 old 19 fa 18 Eric 16 use 15 pestle 13 Nepal 12 orris 11 amah 10 denizen 5 damson 1 Across shrink-wrapped package 2 onions peeled and Crossword: to Answers from your supermarket’s quartered selection of half-price Couple of sprigs of thyme meats. But do the right Olive oil thing and buy from one of Black peppercorns Boscastle IT Services our excellent local butchers. Wine or beer or stock I recently bought superb •Microsoft certified & Apple authorised brisket at around £5.50 a Preheat the oven to computer technician 200C/400F/gas mark 6. kilo from Button Meats at •PC/Mac sales & service, home or business Michaelstow. Yes, it does Put the brisket in a large casserole pot. Tuck the •Hardware repair, software troubleshooting need long, slow cooking garlic and thyme inside and but there the advantage •Anti-virus/system maintenance under it. Pour over two to is that it will do most of three tablespoons of olive •WiFi/network consultancy & installation its cooking in a cool oven oil and massage into the •Website design & construction whilst you can go away and meat, then season well. Add do something else. Give it •Tuition & training the chopped carrots, celery a good sear to start with and onion. Put the meat in Contact Tim Ferrett at : to develop some flavour, the oven for 20-30 minutes, [email protected] add carrots, onions, celery, then remove it. Turn down TEL : 01840 250 106 MOB : 07976 046 810 seasoning then braise until the oven to 130C/250F/ meltingly tender. Brisket’s

Page 32 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 News from the so we are investigating a of advice when it’s needed a national campaign is simpler flag that will convey and we had the chance to under way explaining its Lookout the message without the catch up with people we purpose to professional and drama. don’t share a shift with recreational sea-goers alike. However, the winter at our annual Christmas We expect it get a lot weather did give us the dinner. This year it was more use as the summer opportunity to enjoy our at the Wellington and begins in earnest. new integrated heating 31 members and guests Remember you don’t system which removed had a most enjoyable have to walk up to the the ever present risk of evening. Some half a dozen Lookout to help our cause, scorched trousers that we members also attended last we are always happy to suffered if we stood too November’s Remembrance welcome volunteers as fund close to its predecessor. Day parade. raisers to keep the station Three of the Boscastle At least this year didn’t Even though we have going. Cliff Rescue team, made start with the bang of more really local members So if you, or any one you an impromptu visit to the the lightning strike that than we have ever had, know, would be interested watch which gave us an heralded the arrival of both as Watchkeepers in spending a few hours opportunity to demonstrate 2016. and Supporters, it’s still a each month looking out out our facilities/ But we have had strong surprise to find that some for others, then call our of our number come from capabilities, including our Manager, Chris Evans on winds in plenty, some even dedicated VHF channel. the other side of the A30 01566 781449 powerful enough to bring Channel 65 was awarded one of our Watchkeepers and live closer to Tavistock Have a good season to the NCI last year and MW to his knees on his way than Boscastle. up to the Lookout.In the There’s got to be Rainfall totals measured in Boscastle best traditions of the Bond something that keeps SX 09697 90138 films, although he was them coming, whatever Dec 2016 Jan 2017 Feb 2017 the weather. Knowing that shaken he wasn’t stirred to Total rainfall in resign. you are doing something 65.2 101.2 91.8 mm Some of you may have that could help others Max daily rain- noticed that when the is obviously one reason, 15.8 19 19.4 fall in mm winds are at their strongest particularly for those of us not cut out to help in a Date on which we don’t fly our flags but 10th 6th 1st a traditional Storm Cone, Charity Shop, but it might max fell point up for a gale from also be the company. Number of We have people from the North, point down days with no 11 12 8 for a gale from the South. every background from rainfall Unfortunately this quite engineers to educators, a heavy piece of kit that from pilots to policemen, Total rainfall has put a major strain on artists to advertising and for same month 180.8 196.8 122.2 our mast and halyards and so there’s never a shortage in previous year

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Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 33 The evening will be structured to allow plenty of time for vocal warm ups (very important to get the A new and exciting only is it best out of your voice), venture for Boscastle and sociable and fun, for learning songs and for the surrounding area! many experts and a tea break. It’s as much We are a new, all female studies agree there is a sing... in the shower, in the about catching up with old contemporary vocal group, benefit to you physically car, to your dog, wherever friends and new friends, for ladies with or without and psychologically; it’s takes you fancy! Anyone and enjoying yourselves, as singing experience, meeting an easy aerobic exercise, can do it, and everything it is about the music. at 7pm in Boscastle Village benefiting your heart and you need to know you’ll Hall on Monday evenings, lungs. It’s also been shown learn with us in a supportive starting on the 8th May. to help your body release and friendly environment, And we’d love for you to natural chemicals that with likeminded ladies. come and join us! promote happiness, and Our Director is skilled and knowledgeable; she’s Having a fair bit of reduce anxiety and stress. We really hope you’ll an accomplished singer, knowledge in these things, But more than that, we come and join us, and specialising in female and having moved in to the love meeting and spending as your first week is free, vocal harmonies, and area from another part of time with ladies who love you’ve got nothing to lose. experienced in working the county (well, one of us to sing, helping them to Why not come along and with ladies who have little anyway!), we came to the grow in confidence and see what we’re about? or no musical background. conclusion over the winter develop their voice, and We’ll provide you with all If you want to know that we really missed the we love when it all comes the resources you’ll need more, please do get in sound of ladies group together and some amazing at home; recordings of the touch on the details below, harmonies. “What shall harmonies are created. songs we’re learning and or just feel free to turn we do?” we asked “Start a “How do I get copies of the sheet music up on the night. We look vocal group!” we replied involved?” We hear you (don’t worry, you don’t forward to meeting you! (we don’t often talk to each ask. It’s simple really; come have to be able read music, Contact info: other in unison, but hey, to the Village Hall on just the song words). There 07814 992820 we were excited). And so, Monday evenings and sing is no extensive homework, northcoastharmony@ North Coast Harmony was (no need to book, just turn and all you need to do is gmail.com, born. up). You don’t need to have listen to the recordings done anything like this Facebook.com/ So, why do we sing, whenever you can find NorthCoastHarmony before; all you need is to be and why do we want you time. Melanie & Sian to come and join us? Not a lady over 16, who loves to Christopher Key Solicitor Trebiffen, Boscastle, PL35 0BN Tel: 01840 250200 Fax: 01840 250900 Established 1997 serving the local community conveyancing & wills probate, general litigation, etc

Member Law Society Personal Injury Panel Agricultural Specialist ~ Harbourmaster

Page 34 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic the theme of cursing at the Davey, the Cornish Piper Wellington Hotel. We will and Grand Bard where The Museum has been to create a new display of also be having late night, there will be traditional closed for several months “Charms, Talismans and candlelit evenings on the Cornish dance and folk but we will re-open on April Amulets” from around the following Saturdays: April music. Another busy year 1st and remain open daily world. In our gallery on 15th, 3rd June, 22nd July, 5th ahead at the Museum until October 31st. Our witchcraft today, we have August, 26th August and and we hope there will be 2017 exhibition is called created two new sections 28th October (also the date something to intrigue and “Poppets, pins and power: to reflect recent donations of our All Hallow’s Eve dark entice everyone to visit! the Craft of Cursing” and to the collection: one on happening). More dates for this year’s explores the dark side of Shamanism (in a nutshell, th events in future edition of magic and the human the magical practices of On June 24 , we will the Blowhole. instincts that inspire people be holding a Midsummer indigenous peoples) and JH to make dolls for cursing. the other on The Northern Celebration with Merv This features dolls from Tradition (the use of Britain, Africa and the Runes, the worship of Kindred Spirits Tickets Selling Fast! Americas (including Peru, Gods and Goddesses such This year’s Kindred Spirits ground and amply serviced Haiti and New Orleans). as Freya and Woden, and festival will be held over by running water and Over winter, we have the importance of trees the weekend of 27/28 toilets. The on-site catering, also revamped quite a lot to magic). Outside the May at Waterloo Farm offers a choice of mouth- of the displays including Museum, we have created in North Petherwin. watering meals and snacks our Images of Witchcraft a fantastic wishing well to The site is in flat pasture to keep everyone fuelled gallery which now has raise money for Cornwall surrounded by rolling hills through the weekend and a section on “famous Air Ambulance and we and ancient woodland, the licensed bar has a range witches” such as Mother have also extended our herb creating a beautiful natural of real ales, lagers, wines, Shipton, Circe, Medea, garden to make it more of a amphitheatre for the spirits and soft drinks. Joan of Arc and Morgan feature and to teach people festivities to take place. Adult tickets are £60 le Fay. Our upstairs gallery about the symbolism and The line-up so far per person, accompanied now includes a detailed folklore of plants. includes six-piece Plymouth children 10-17 £30, under look at the life and work of We have lots of events groovers Land of the Giants, 10s free. The price includes “The Great Beast” Aleister coming up in 2017 and legendary party DJs Hong two nights camping and all Crowley which features the have created a special events Kong Ping Pong as well as entertainment. Day tickets relationship between the leaflet to help people keep a long list of quality acts are available via the website Museum’s founder, Cecil track of what is going on. including Dusk at Dawns, - £20 for adults and £10 for Williamson and Crowley. Please come and pick one Innereyefull, Ten Bob Notes children. For more details, They seem to have known up free from the Museum and The Countrymen. or to book your ticket go each other quite well and at any time. Coming up Kindred Spirits prides to www.kindredspirits. Cecil’s notes suggest that soon is a workshop on itself on being a family- co.uk or check out the there was more to each man the Folklore of Magic and friendly festival with plenty festival’s Facebook page than their public, media a Straw Craft day. On of things to entertain at www.facebook.com/ representations. We have the weekend of May 6th- children as well as adults. kindredspiritsfestival also taken a lot of objects 7th, we will be hosting an The campsite is on flat See you in a field! out of the Museum’s store academic conference on AJ Boscastle Gallery The Bridge, Boscastle 01840 250248 Paintings by local artists A wide selection of prints & cards plus an unusual mix of gifts and gadgets

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 35 Getting Ready for Spring Planting It always amazes me how the time cropping sweet cherry type seems to slip through your fingers and I am sticking with the between the itching-to-get started San Marzano plum tomato period around the beginning of as a good cooking variety January and the rush of better-get- for making and freezing my it-done-this-month by the time you own passata. get to March. I thought I’d got off The seed potato order to a pretty early start by sowing my arrived last month and I set tomato seeds in the propagator in them to chit in egg boxes February and was impatient to see the in my bright, frost-free first true leaves appear so that I could conservatory. I saw a programme chitting potatoes pot them on. It’s been windy and wet about Mayan Gold last autumn and plastic for drainage and fill the bag to all week and I put off going out into have been lucky enough to get some about the depth of six inches. I mix the greenhouse and now they really from Marshall’s seed catalogue. A soil from molehills, John Innes and do look leggy. I shall have to brave the mid-season/main crop variety, they compost about a third of each. Then wind and rain and get the job done will roast, chip or mash and have a I bury two tubers per bag the soil/ today, holding them by their little glorious deep creamy yellow colour. compost mix and back fill another Best of all, they are said three or four inches on top. Water in to be delicious. I’ll report well and leave the sacks in the green back later in the year on my house or somewhere bright, frost free success or failure, provided and a little warm. Within 3 weeks or I can keep them clear of so, they begin to shoot, move them the dreaded eel worm. The outside before the bag gets too heavy other variety I am planting to move and keep topping up as the is Pink Fir Apple, a late plants grow. You should reap the maturing salad variety that reward of a good, clean, early harvest. tomatoes ready to pot on has an exceptionally good flavour I also gave the raised beds a jolly cotyledon leaves so as not to damage though it is very knobbly and not the good going-over in the autumn and the stem, and burying them up to most beautiful tuber to look at. It’s tipped a couple of wheelbarrows-full their necks in order to encourage a said to be susceptible to blight (I’ve of compost over each one. Now that good strong stem and root system. just learned) so I could be in for yet the winter weather has done its job Having experienced two successive another disappointment. But that’s I’ve raked the soil and covered each years of crop failure with the heritage gardening for you, mostly it’s just a one with black plastic to warm up and beefsteak strains, I’m going for hostage to fortune, or in my case – ready for the main sowing season. I Sungold this year – a delicious heavy- the weather. I might also give them a go in plastic sacks or potato grow BLOCKED bags. That will give me an early crop and this is a useful and successful DRAINS technique if you have a small veg patch, or a persistent pest problem, CLEARED such as eel worm, wire worm and slugs, all of which can make potatoes FAST ungrowable on some soils. Even if you have no garden, just a balcony 24 hr call out or yard, you can still get a good crop of potatoes like this. Plant 2 tubers Hedley in an inside-out compost bag in the Venning greenhouse in March (or in August if you want potatoes for Christmas). I 01840 250113 will roll down the sides of the compost bags to about half their height, make 0797 4581836 a few holes in the bottom of the

Page 36 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Pat’s gardening Column continued

broad beans in root trainers sowed my broad bean seeds and have been planted up in root-trainers in January in big terracotta pots. I and they are nice strong chose this method last year Moorheat Services plants ready to go out in and managed to keep the the next couple of weeks. fruit away from the slugs, Oil Fired Boiler, Aga & I love the whole bean though sadly the crop was family but broad beans disappointingly meagre, Rayburn Maintenance are my favourite; they are partly compensated by Replacement OIl Tanks so versatile in the kitchen the fact that the fruit was Landlord Certificate and so well-behaved in the absolutely tasteless anyway. Boiler Replacement & New Installations freezer. During February I This year I have chosen also dug a couple of deep Mara des Bois – a cross OFTEC Registered & 600a certificate to install oil tanks trenches to bury kitchen between a wild strawberry Tel: 01566 772262 waste ready for the sweet and a commercial variety peas and the runner with an absolutely beans. It was only after I’d delicious flavour. They lifted two whole rows of do not crop heavily, but WESTERINGS soil, painstakingly filled they do crop all season them over the weeks with long and I take the view Spacious Self-Catering that a handful Accommodation of delicious - Open All Year - strawberries is worth a bushel Shirley Wakelin of boring Forrabury, Boscastle ones. Tel: 01840 250314 The days Website: www.westeringsholidays.co.uk are getting longer now; it’s nearly the newly planted Mara des Bois equinox, and peelings and scraps and there really is a tad more raked it level that I realised I warmth in the sun on still usually plant these climbers days. The snowdrops are on tepee frames rather than over, the clocks go forward rows. Ah well, some peas at the end of the month, and beans will be lucky and and the daffodils in the some won’t; I wonder if I wild flower meadow herald will notice the difference? the spring. So I say let’s get My new strawberry plants going in the garden! Pat Thorne also arrived in January

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 37 business tax by now, but operation, and I believe that that figure will now now it’s not looking like it these meetings will be be 99 instead of 123. will be until 2021. There chaired by our Cornwall This would involve the is also talk that we might Council Chief Executive Members and network get Council Tax money as which I think is very areas endeavouring to well! However, I fear that fortunate. There is every work in a more serviceable there could be a sting in optimism at Council that order. I note by new the tail in all this, because figures for Members to Cornwall Councillor, together, an exemplary Glenton Brown writes: although we want to have model system of leadership serve their electorate will devolution powers and for Cornwall and the Isles mean just over 1,000 extra Cornwall Council met in freedom to manage some of Scilly can be achieved, constituents per division, Full Council on Tuesday of our own business within and spurred on by a shared but with the reduction of 21st February to debate the County, I can foresee mission to improve health seats I rather foresee our and approve the Annual Governments saying and wellbeing of our local own Camelford Network Budget, and I expect to Cornwall Council, population as well as Area will drop from three you have heard that the “well now look, you have achieving financial stability members to two. Council Tax has gone up business tax and council across health and social Another point of yet again.The increase of tax, and you must balance care, and this really is a interest, you may have 3.99% Council Tax rise these budgets yourselves” most demanding situation been listening or reading to has been approved for this and we know what that that must be resolved to the the suggestion of the City year and probably will would entail. benefit of the population of Truro being a City of be put for approval again Cornwall’s car parks of Cornwall. Culture in 2023, and this in the next financial year have come out OK this has caused considerable as well, this budget will Locally it would just year with no change in the controversy as it is generally release over £3m extra for be unthinkable of no set charges. I believe our believed that however good Cornwall social care work. local hospitals at Bude, approved budget now takes that may be, we are not The Council has been on a Launceston and Bodmin. I us to a figure of something in a financial position to cost-cutting saving exercise still believe that the wards like £260m per annum spend £5m to just start it for the last three to four in our local hospitals are to have to administer. It up, and the more millions years and has managed to not being filled to the level may also interest you to of costings that will have make savings of £136m, they need to be, that it know that since the year to be found to bring it to although over the next still allowing some space 2000 Cornwall has 48,000 fruition. It is of course not three to four years there for emergency transfers more residents within the just the City of Truro, but will be increased costings from Plymouth or Truro authority. the whole of Cornwall that of £12m to £13m to be hospitals to come in at any this would serve and where met, and so the Council I would like now to time. We must use our local it is already established will still face a funding gap. make some reference to hospitals to the utmost. the STP (Sustainability there are, I believe, No one is in any doubt The Council, in its and Transformation Plan) some modest progress. that the NHS and social deliberations, also voted meetings and discussions Liverpool, I believe, seems care budgets are creaking to through the new number that have been held in to be suggested as an breaking-point throughout of Councillors there will recent months and the outstanding example of the whole country and be from 2021 onwards wonderful public response. whilst it may be right It is now reaching the for the Government to Oakwood Building point where all the health, examine costs and make social care, foundation, certain cost savings to DANIEL ROOTS NHS partnerships and enhance the service, CONSTRUCTION the Cornwall Council will nevertheless the money 01840 250644 / 07968 808135 have to come together that the Government to analyse very carefully [email protected] proposes to invest in the and come forward with NHS is far from adequate, Roofing • Carpentry • New Build recommendations that and there must be more Extensions • Renovations they can put to the funding given. Kitchens • Bathrooms Government and demand Cornwall should have the Governments full co- FREE QUOTATIONS had clearance of all its

Page 38 Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Cornwall C’llr, Glenton Scott Mann, MP treatments, as it’s vital that getting a much better bus Brown continued: all patients are now referred network. The Bill will the benefits of being a to other facilities as soon introduce new partnerships City of Culture. Truro as possible to ensure that for local authorities and bus City Council at their they get their treatments as companies, as well as an recent meeting approved originally planned. option for local authorities to have franchising powers this forward move by I know that this will be if they need them. one vote! Also it was a blow for people living in suggested that private North Cornwall and I will The Cornwall money should be put up be writing to the KCCG to Devolution Deal includes these same franchising to promote this, and not highlight the importance powers, and by the mere burden the taxpayer any I was delighted to join my of services at the centre and neighbouring MP Geoffrey to ask whether they can be fact of Cornwall being more at this particular given the permission to time of restraint. Cox to meet with farmers moved to Bodmin Hospital from Devon and Cornwall or if some services can be use them, we are seeing I now come to the recently for a Q&A session provided at GP’s surgeries. better cooperation between point where I would on agriculture and Brexit. I also held a public meeting Cornwall Council and like to say thank you Understandably, this is a where constituents were bus companies. If the bus for all your co-operation challenging time for farmers able to raise their concerns companies can deliver and friendship to me, and it’s important that local I visited the centre only on giving us more buses, not only over the life of MPs including Geoffrey and a few months ago and I more services and better this Council, but also I take feedback from farmers witnessed a very good level integration with other the last 20 years I have to give to the ministers and of care being provided. I public transport, then the been Member for the provide assurances wherever hope that this is just a short franchising powers will not need to be used, and Tintagel division. I have we can. term measure and that the Transport Secretary reluctantly come to the Farming is one of three NHS treatments can be re-introduced in the near recognised this positive decision that it is time Brexit priorities for me as step in the debate. for me to stand down North Cornwall’s MP, the future. I have meetings It has been hard to as I will be getting a bit others being fishing and with NHS Kernow on a deliver quality public regional funding. The EU’s regular basis and I will raise ancient by 2021! My transport in rural North one-size-fits-all Commonany concerns with them health is not so good as it Cornwall, and I’m looking Agricultural Policy has which have been expressed was, and I think my wife forward to seeing the hindered farmers and I am to me by constituents. deserves a little more of contents of this Bill coming lobbying for a domestic In Parliament I recently my time. to fruition on the ground policy for both farming and took part in the Second to provide better services Nevertheless I fishing which puts Britain Reading debate on the Bus shall miss the work at for us all. first and promotes our Services Bill, which will SM County Hall, meetings fantastic produce. pave the way for Cornwall and case work at home I just recently met with very much. I have made the Taiwanese Ambassador many friends over the to the UK to discuss years and I hope not too amongst other things how many enemies! It is not important farming and easy, or in fact should fishing are in Cornwall, and I say it is impossible to I hope Taiwan is a country please everyone all the we can build trade links with time! Again, many, many in the coming years. thanks for your support I am saddened to hear, and understanding. however, that NHS Kernow Needless to say, if you and Ramsay Health Care require any help I am still have been unable to reach around until the end of an agreement on continuing non-emergency treatment April so you can contact services at the Bodmin me: gbrown@cornwall. Treatment Centre. gov.uk or on 01840 770302. I am seeking assurances at present about ongoing

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2017 Page 39 Opening Hours and Useful Numbers Bottreaux Filling Station Emergency Services: Tel: 01840 250108 Coastguard, Fire, Police, Ambulance: Dial 999 Police Station: For non-urgent issues: 101 Monday - Friday 8am-6pm, Doctors’ Surgery and out-of-hours emergency Saturday 9am-5pm doctor: 01840 250209

Sunday 9am-1pm NHS Advice : If you are feeling unwell and need a telephone health assessment, please call the NHS 111 service free of charge Boscastle Spar from any phone by dialing 111 Hospitals: Tel: 01840 250419 Bodmin - East Cornwall 01208 251300 Cash machine during business hours Minor Injuries Unit 8 am – 10 pm, seven days a week Post Office facilities X-Ray department Monday to Friday 9am until 4.45pm. Launceston Community 01566 761000 Shop open daily at 6am Minor Injuries Unit open 8 am - 8pm, seven days a week X-Ray department Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sun 9am-5pm Cornish Stores Stratton Community 01288 320101 Minor Injuries Unit open 24hrs, seven days a week Phone for opening hours X-Ray department Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm Tel: 01840 250344 Truro -Treliske 01872 250000 Plymouth - Derriford 01752 202082 NatWest Bank NHS Emergency Dental Appt: 01872 354 375 The Mobile NatWest bank calls at the main carpark on Fridays, from 1.45pm until 2.45pm Boscastle National Trust & Visitor Centre: 01840 250010 or 01840 250353 Local Churches: Mobile Library Church of England 01840 250359 0800 032 2345 or 01872 272702 Methodist 01840 214818 Now visits every fourth Friday: Catholic 01840 770663 Due at Boscastle, Paradise Road 10.20 -10.40 Harbourmaster: 01840 250200 Tintagel- King Arthur’s carpark 10.55 -11.15 Parish Council: 21st April, 19th May, 16th June Chairman: 01840 250529 Clerk: 01840 230609 email: [email protected] Community Centre Bookings: 01840 250442 Camelford Library Cornwall Council One Stop Shop: 0300 1234 111 and Council One Stop Shop Town Hall, Market Place Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 Tel: 01840 212409 Floodline: 0345 988 1188 Tues: 9.30am - 5pm Thurs: 9.30am - 1.30pm South West Water emergency: 0344 346 2020 Sat: 10am - 1pm SWW leak reporting 0800 230 0561 Waste Tip, Bowithick Quarry Highways: 0300 1234 222 Sanding Road, Tintagel RSPCA: 0300 1234 999 Tel: 01840 770778 Western Power emergencies: 0800 365 900 Open Friday to Monday: 9am – 4pm Village Hall Bookings: Jo Kent: 01840 250879 Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day Village website: www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk

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