BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE

No 45 Spring 2004 £1

New Faces and Old Favourites in Smash Hit Cave of Harmony

Contents: Mike Hircock p6 Seaside Parish p8 Recycling p12 Historic Houses p16 Swaziland p17 Church & Chapel p18 Music Hall p23 District & County Councillors p29 Postmen p30 Doctors Surgery p36 Useful Numbers p41 Sports News p46

Editorial

We are sorry to report that, due to ill health, Jim with articles and artwork but there is still room Castling has given up the helm of the Blowhole. for others to join the team. There is a need for Jim has been involved with the publication for someone with computer skills, also more help eight years or so, contributing many articles and with distribution would be much appreciated. most of the photographs. Since John and Yvonne Of course, we are also always on the lookout for Ayling left he has also been responsible for interesting copy to publish. The winter edition production, aided for a while by Alastair Priest. showed a marked rise in income from both sales Whilst we hope that Jim will still be involved from and advertising, covering the expenditure and time to time it does mean that more help is needed leaving a small reserve. if the Blowhole is to continue in its present form. Note from Philippa: Apologies for any errors or omissions Philippa Arthan finished off the production of this but setting up the Blowhole is not as easy as you would think! edition. Chris Rodda and Hilary Allen helped us

Boscastle Blowhole Editorial Panel

The editorial panel reserves the right to edit, accept or reject any material submitted for publication in The Blowhole. The views expressed within the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team.

The team are: Jim Castling, Arthur Bannister, Chris Rodda Philippa Arthan, Daphne Rogers, Joan Cork and Noel Ward, Hilary Allen

Photography and artwork by Jim Castling, Chris Rodda, Joan Cork and Noel Ward

To advertise in the Boscastle Blowhole, please contact Daphne Rogers on 01840 250244

Copies of the Blowhole are available by post at a cost of £1.75 per issue Contact Philippa Arthan on 01840250483 or email: [email protected]

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 2 unchanged at 120 times the highway" in Section 41 the new charge of 50p for of the Highways act 1980. View of the Village one hour! The Railways and Road by Arthur Bannister Coastal Car Parks Suffer Safety Act 2003 which received Royal Assent on So once again Coastal Car 10 July last year has added Parks suffer: at least in a clause to the Highways To encourage coaches to places such as Bude the Act. The clause states that use the car parks the blow is softened as there "a highway authority are charge has been reduced are Shoppers Cars Parks under a duty to ensure, as to £1.10 for the whole day. and Long Stay Car Parks far as reasonably The previous charges were as well as free practical, that safe £1.50 for two hours and supermarket car parks. passage along a highway £3.00 for the whole day. Boscastle has just one car is not endangered by snow Two years ago coaches park and it happens to be or ice." were charged £4.00 to the most profitable in No doubt there will be NCDC Press Release re park all day. North Cornwall. Even if debate about the Boscastle Car Park: the District Council thinks Now down to earth interpretation of "as far as The Press Release issued that visitors have District Councillors reasonably practical" by NCDC boasts “North bottomless purses they originally considered but hopefully we should Cornwall reduces Parking should spare a thought for raising the one-hour see an improvement in and Prices for the third year to Boscastle residents. charge in Shoppers Car around Boscastle next help Shoppers and Local Parks by 10p to pay for True Grit winter. Traders. NCDC will the reduction in the continue to offer the Local Councils and the Seats and Benches charges for coaches. Highways Agency will cheapest parking charges However, it was Malcolm Drover has been in Devon and Cornwall. now have a duty to grit awarded the contract to eventually decided to dangerous icy roads and For the third year running, increase the charge for carry out essential repairs prices in Shoppers Car pavements thanks to a to a number of seats and parking up to four hours in change in the law. Under Parks are being dropped to Coastal Car Parks from benches in the Parish. help local businesses and the new rules they must Several, beyond repair, £2.00 to£2.20. In addition grit skidding blackspots. attract customers to the weekly charge will be will have to be replaced. independent retailers. In England and Wales Our Parish Clerk, Bob increased from £14.00 to legal judgement has Last year the one-hour £15.00. Winter charges Smith, will be pleased to charge was reduced, this concluded that there is no hear from anyone who for up to two hours will duty upon authorities to year the two-hour charge rise by 25% to 50p. would like to donate the was dropped and next year remove ice from highways cost of a seat. Bob's The exorbitant Excess under the general both will again be Charge of £60 remains telephone number is reduced. responsibility to "maintain 01840 250440.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 3 public lavatories. Most taken this course of action disabled people would reluctantly and emphasise View of the Village prefer a less than perfect that they have no objection to service to no service at all. Post Office customers and From 1 October 2004, any Public lavatories are those collecting school Public Toilets - body that provides a service essential to everyone and children, staying for no more Cleaner to the public has a new legal should be protected. Local than 15 minutes. As part of a joint venture with businesses will lose out responsibility to consider Merlin Magic at Nansalsa the Parish Council, North what improvements they can because disabled and non Cornwall District Council is make to ensure their service disabled will not spend a Anne and Tim Dawson advertising for a cleaner in isn't impossible or pound if there's nowhere to recently opened their home in local newspapers and the unreasonably difficult for spend a penny…" Old Road over four days to aid the Merlin Project. They current Blowhole (see p 7). disabled people to use. That Parish Council Changes The cleaner will be might involve changes to put on an interesting art and After twenty-five years responsible for cleaning all of buildings. However the new jewellery exhibition, sold service Mike Hircock has the three toilet blocks on a law only requires what is books, clothes and bric-a- retired as Chairman of daily basis. reasonable. But many local brac as well as cream teas Forrabury and Minster councils claim the new and pasties. Raffle prizes Parish Council; he will Disability Rights legislation means that included a self-catering remain as a member of the Commission inaccessible public toilets holiday, a hamper and a Council. George Findlay "Councils warned not to must be closed. The DRC lovely pendant. replaces Mike and Arthur blame disable people for has heard of toilets being The Merlin Project is a new Bannister becomes Vice- public toilet closure" shut down in towns and charity set up in 2001 to raise Chairman. funds for a Multiple Sclerosis Writing to the Blowhole, cities across Britain where Therapy Centre in Cornwall. Graham King referred to a the new duties have been Wheel Clamping. News Letter published on the used as a reason for There are more than seventy On an increasing number of Disability Rights closure." MS therapy centres in the UK occasions vehicles parked but not one in Cornwall. This Commission's web-site which Bert Massie, Chairman of without authorisation in the is in spite of the fact that it said: "Local Councils are DRC comments "I urge Community and Recreation has the second highest using the introduction of the councils not to use the Centre car park has meant number of sufferers in the new disability laws to close Disability Discrimination that people using the Centre country. Only the Orkneys public toilets. Act as a false alibi to close have been unable park there. have a higher figure and they There have been as many as do have a centre. seven vehicles at one time At least £1 million is needed and some of them have been to set up and build the left for several weeks. When therapy centre. Anne and Tim gentle persuasion failed the raised more than £1,000 and committee members felt that took the central fund over the they had no option other £350,000 mark. They thank than to introduce clamping all those who helped them to and a security company has achieve this amount. been commissioned to carry For more information contact out this task. Committee Anne and Tim or visit members say that they have www.merlinproject.org.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 4 discuss plans to erect twenty two wind powered generators at View of the Village Worthyvale and ten at Otterham. Euphemistically named wind farms Best Kept Village are still a frequent topic of discussion Over Fifties Lunch but what would be interesting to Boscastle will be entering the Best Kept know is just how much electricity Every year, in January, the Cobweb plays Village competition again this year. would be saved if only low energy host to the Boscastle Over Fifties Social Points will be awarded for: Club. This year eighteen members tucked lamps were used throughout the land. • No litter or unsightly refuse dumps into a splendid meal and enjoyed a Michael Turner wrote about the plot • Tidy churchyards and war pleasant couple of hours. The Cobweb of land opposite his house in Paradise memorials also makes an annual donation to the Road and the many attempts to build Club from various fund raising activities • Well kept fences, verges, gardens on it including one, current then, for held in the pub. Writing on behalf of all and allotments three blocks of terraced houses. members Eileen Marriott extends a big • Clean bus shelters and telephone Happily this application was finally "Thank you" to Adrian and his team. kiosks rejected and today we have pleasant, The Over Fifties Club is run by Eileen • Up to date notice boards well-tended woodland. and husband Bob. Judging will take place during June and Meanwhile, at a meeting of our Meetings are held in the Village Hall at July 2004 Parish Council, the Clerk was asked, 2.00pm on the first Monday in the Ten years ago "to reiterate to the District Council its month. New members are most welcome view that the Harbour Toilets should and Age Concern transport is available Ten years ago it was reported in the remain open and should not be the for those unable to make their own way. Blowhole that nearly two hundred responsibility of the Parish". people gathered in the Village Hall to

Learners at a recent computer class in the Village Hall

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 5 36 YEARS Serving the Village

Mike also represented He is anxious to Boscastle on the former emphasize that the Camelford Rural District Council must abide by Council. His success as planning and other laws parish council chairman is laid down by Whitehall. It attributable to his calm, can, of course, recommend unflappable authority. the acceptance or rejection “Everyone must have a of a proposal. Inevitably fair say,” he insists, “even he has presided over a if,” he ruefully admits, number of controversial “some people can be a bit decisions, such as moving wordy.” One such meeting the car park from the he recalls was the harbour to Valency field. ‘interrogation’ – if that’s On another occasion, in a Chris Rodda finds out more for installing underground the best word – of Brian packed meeting, the locals about long-serving parish hydraulic rams in the coal Coombes, then NCDC’s amply expressed their councillor and plumber Mike fields at Midsomer chief planning officer, feelings against a Hircock Norton. quizzed by local residents proposed wind farm. In hindsight, these decisions Following a spell of until 11.30 at night. “The “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix National Service, Mike most important quality in made good sense. it!” is perhaps the best became a heating and a councillor,” comments Mike’s only regret is that reason for Mike Hircock’s plumbing engineer. After Mike, “is a sense of his present incapacity long tenure as Chairman living in Taunton for a humour.” prevents him getting out of Forrabury and Minster while the young couple Despite a long career and about with his friends, Parish Council. One of the moved to Boscastle in only twice has Mike used neighbours and customers. youngest members on 1967. Both their daughter his casting vote. “If a Hopefully medical science joining the Council in Theresa and son Anthony, Chairman has anything to will quickly deal with the 1968, by 1979 he was who followed his father’s say,” he advises, “he problem and so he can elected Chairman. This profession, were born should say it in the middle once more contribute his was only time the election here. One of Mike’s first of the discussion, so as not wisdom and experience to was contested. Thereafter jobs was at Courtyard to influence the outcome.” the parish council. he was re-elected Farm, Lesnewth, where unopposed a further the oil-fired central twenty-four times. He has heating system he fitted is seen off no less than five still functioning perfectly Parish Clerks and six thirty-six years later. Vice-Chairmen. The last Mike has successfully of these, George Findley combined the increasingly (featured in this issue’s demanding duties of “Born in Boscastle”) took Chairman with his family over in January this year life and his job, from eight when Mike, for reasons of in the morning until late, ill-health, stepped down. five, six or seven days a Mike is a true cockney, week, in order to satisfy born at Bow Hospital in his equally demanding London’s East End, but customers. No wonder brought up in Somerset. then that Mike is looking There he met Vivian forward to a bit of peace Hilton, visiting her sister and quiet, and time to at Buckland St Mary. devote to his hobbies, Vivian was born in Fore restoring an old Morris Street, Boscastle, and 1000, building a miniature Mike was trained as an railway, and looking after engineer tool fitter, at one a large vegetable plot. point foreman responsible Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 6

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Technical Services Department Windwhistle House, received from the public. The final Forrabury and Minster Parish Cooksland Estate, Bodmin Council usually meet in the Village draft was approved at the February In Partnership with Hall on the last Thursday of each meeting and the plan will be posted Forrabury & Minster Parish Council month. Meetings begin at 7.00pm. on the notice boards in the village. (Boscastle Area) Members of the public are invited to Bathing Beach Status TOILET CLEANER attend It was agreed at the February POST REF : TS Boscastle Sewage Treatment Scheme meeting that application be made for Salary £6.07 per hour At the November meeting of the Bathing Water Status. The above Councils are seeking a Cleaner to clean the three Toilets Blocks in Boscastle at Parish Council Keith Field from Benches Minster, The Harbour and Cobweb Car Park, on a South West Water was invited to Repairs on various benches around daily basis. The successful applicant will be speak to report on progress of the the village will shortly be required to carry out a regular range of cleaning Sewage Treatment Scheme. He undertaken. duties, and will form an important part of a valued reported that it was hoped work Parish Plan Cleaning Team. would start in November 2004 and Cllr Arthan has suggested that The hours of work will be :- that it was planned to provide November to March 10 hours interested parties within the village April to October 16 hours Primary Treatment only. There was should form a committee in order to All the usual Council Conditions of Employment strong public opposition to this produce a Parish Plan. Funding is will apply, including access to the Council’s proposed level of treatment. Full available for this. Pension Scheme. consultation at a Village meeting was For an application form and job description, please th Chairman contact the COUNCIL’S JOBLINE on 01208 893233 arranged for February 26 . This date At the January meeting Cllr M (24 hour answerphone service), was later postponed until April or e-mail [email protected] Hircock resigned as Chairman. Cllr write to Head of Personnel, May. G Findlay was elected Chairman and Council Offices, Higher Trenant Road, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6TW, Toilet Closure Cllr A Bannister as Vice Chairman. or visit www.jobsgopublic.com. Please quote the post In partnership with NCDC it has Council tax reference. been agreed that the PC will finance NCDC have just published the notice NORTH CORNWALL and operate the toilets at Minster. of council tax for the district. FMPC DISTRICT COUNCIL The post of a cleaner for all three th North Cornwall District Council is an equal opportunities is the 7 highest, exceeded only by toilet locations will be advertised. (see employer and welcomes applications from all sections of right) Bodmin, Launceston, Camelford, the community. Traffic Plan Bude/Stratton, Wadebridge and The draft Traffic Plan has been Michaelstow! adjusted in response to letters SENIOR COAST & COUNTRY SENATE We cordially invite you to the inaugural meeting of the Senior Coast & Country Senate, a forum for the over 50s in an area stretching roughly from Rock to Boscastle, from Bodmin Moor to the sea. When? Wednesday 28th April Time? 2pm to 4 pm Where? Camelford Hall, Clease Road, Camelford A group of speakers will be there to tell us about public transport in our area and to answer questions on, eg how Corlink demand- led services and the timetabled routes have fared during since last year’s reshaping of services took place. If you need transport to the meeting, please contact either Robin Armer on 01840 770721 or Robert Manders on 01840880022

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 7

A Critical Review

of the Programme by Chris Rodda

ew of our readers can have missed watching director Nigel Farrell's A Seaside Parish (BBC2) that F follows the fortunes of a new, young, divorced female cleric in Boscastle. The series explores the Reverend Christine Musser's efforts to reinvigorate the spiritual life of a Cornish parish and the efforts of a group of local builders to raise cash for church Scene from the opening titles of the TV series “A Seaside Parish” repairs by an unusual method - a nude calendar. Reality is somewhat different. The It was written into Christine's Inevitably the media has compared Daily Telegraph likened her tightrope contract that she should have secretarial her to the fictional Vicar of Dibley, appointment to that of Jamie Allen, the backup if necessary. She said, trying to drag a motley assortment of star of a previous BBC2 series A "Obviously I considered what happened die-hards and village oddities into the Country Parish, forced to resign from his to Jamie. It must have been very sad for twenty-first century. The calendar idea living in Wiltshire because of the him and his family and his parishes". was lifted straight from the successful pressures of becoming a celebrity. That She also had editorial control of the movie Calendar Girls, but instead of series prompted thousands of personal programme. Having seen all the rough- middle-aged Tory ladies a bunch of and pastoral inquiries from a vast cuts she was able to ask for some minor muscular young men bare all for charity. television audience that came to see Mr changes. Allen as their priest. People wrote to It is ten years since the first women Strolling the cliff-tops him with their innermost problems and priests were ordained in the Church of he and his family became affected by the England. Now there are more than two Cornwall has had its share of strain thousand. The notion of a female priest eccentric clerics. The famous Robert Hawker of Morwenstow always wore a fisherman's jersey and sea boots under his vestments and used to spend spent many happy hours strolling the cliff tops with his opium pipe. He once excommunicated a cat for catching a mouse on a Sunday. The Reverend F W Denham, rector of Warleggan, who died in 1953, had the habit of dining on porridge and nettles, and so loathed his parishioners that he surrounded the rectory with barbed wire. He solved the problem of his dwindling congregation by filling the vacant pews with cardboard cut-out models of the entire community. Boscastle is portrayed rose-tinted: televisual clichés of sun-washed cottages, fishing boats, jolly locals carousing in pubs against a soundtrack of accordion and pan pipes, even Christine herself, on a cliff top, clad in a long black cloak, gazing out over turbulent seas, like an advert for Scottish Widows.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring2004 Page 8 caused insurrection amongst picturesque harbour side properties matters helped her in turn to give. others traditionalists and still there are still featured in the programme lie empty all support and insight into the meaning of episcopal areas where no woman winter while young people are deserting faith. "You have a lovely way of making wearing a dog collar can show her face - the county to find jobs and homes Christ real and understandable," a the C of E is specifically excluded from elsewhere. colleague told her. She became deacon the provisions of the Sex Discrimination The conflicting demands of her in 2000 and a priest a year later. Act 1975 ministry are perhaps most poignantly The freshness of her ordination On several counts therefore Christine illustrated when, because of a church shows in her approach: "The Cornish are Musser faces a formidable task. The meeting, Christine is unable to give direct and my style of preaching is programme described hers as a spiritual comfort to a dying parishioner different from what they're used to. "controversial appointment." She was in his last hours. Downcast, she Once I decided not to stand in the pulpit entering a parish, it said, which had a observed: "Most people need a hug." to preach, but to engage the congregation "deeply traditional faith." The and ask for their thoughts. That was congregation regards her as "their" vicar, Concern and support difficult." someone required to know each and Some would argue that a modernistic every one of them personally. Christine She is the mother of three grown up stance is what is needed to revive the herself felt it an "intensely spiritual daughters, one of whom still lives with church. If numbers continue to fall place." her with her own two children. Christine within a decade or so it will, in practical In The Vicar of Dibley, the moved to Cornwall from Staffordshire terms, cease to exist. Although phenomenon of a lady vicar fills the and married Brett in 1999. He is head of challenging traditionalists by visiting the church with curious onlookers. Not so in music at Richard Lander in Truro. His Witchcraft Museum or marrying Boscastle. The congregation remained constant concern and support, when divorced couples in church, Christine obstinately sparse. A few of the endless days of trying to gather in her reveals both her awareness and congregation have ceased attendance. scattered flock leave her feeling acceptance of the way society has Others will not partake of communion. exhausted and introspective; this is when changed, without countenancing moral On one occasion at Otterham church not the strength of their relationship and her decline. She knows that some of her a single parishioner turned up for own inner determination are tellingly evensong, so Christine was forced to revealed. take prayers alone. Christine experienced, " a series of little nudges" towards the Church. She Steer it past the Bishop came to her calling through working as special needs assistant in a compre- Help comes from an unexpected hensive school, running church youth quarter. Daniel Roots and Raymond clubs and acting as a verger. The death Rogers invite her to a drink at the of her father when she was a teenager "Welly" to discuss the idea of a nude and the consolation she found in spiritual builders' calendar. Initially startled, Christine warms to the idea, provided she can steer it past her bishop. VENNINGS David Lamond, churchwarden, was less enthusiastic: "Call me Mr Boring," Fishing Tackle he comments, " But I think the idea of a vicar and a nude calendar, is essentially tasteless." David insists that his FORE STREET, apparently negative comments were TINTAGEL quoted out of context. The programme’s simplistic presentation of old versus new (Next to Lloyds Bank) cast him unfairly in the role of devil’s Tel: 01840 770 212 advocate. He supports Christine’s ministry but fears the church will be exploited for commercial ends. Later episodes delve deeper into the Fishing Tackle and life of the community and more complex issues are addressed. Boscastle is shown Bait to be the victim of its own desirability, * riven by contradictory stresses of tourism Special offers on Rods and and tradition. Incomers, few of whom are practising Christians, have rapidly Reels diluted Christine Musser's core of native Cornish parishioners. Most of the *** Boscastle Blowhole Spring2004 Page 9 Sundays she conducts hour-long It is too early to judge whether services at two, three or four churches. Christine's ministry is, or will be a The day and evenings are taken up with success. She is attempting to draw official parish business and visits to her attention to the tenets of Christianity and parishioners. Despite the pressure she is what it offers, and the programme will anxious to stress that the prayers she certainly help, at least in the short term, offers up are specific to the people and to raise public awareness of the church the needs of each individual as an institution, and her work in congregation. Boscastle. The number of letters and e-mails Continued from Page 9 Only six people turn up already received reveal that in today's fragmented society, broken families can ideas may offend members of her The first episode ended with no longer rely on support from their congregation but handling criticism and preparations for the first ever 'open' relatives or the community. Many even opposition is part of her job, evening at the village hall, aimed people have no one to turn to in times of "Sometimes we just have to agree to specifically at non-churchgoers and even trouble or someone to act as a friend or disagree." non-believers. Only six people turn up. confidant. Christine's brand of

Disappointed but unbowed, Christine Christianity helps to meet this need and continues her "What about?" evenings, she personally sees herself as a shoulder with much improved attendance, but still to lean on or as a sounding board, lacking outsiders. someone to bounce ideas off, in the By contrast it is all systems go for search for a personal decision or the calendar. With wide ecumenical solution. awareness of the value of publicity, One does not have to be in Bishop Bill gives the go-ahead and, to Christine's presence for long to perceive her delight, will even be present at the in her a quality of something, if not launch. holiness, then wholeness: a fusion of Interspersed are photo-sessions of personality and belief. She is what she Boscastle's builders, posing with (pardon does. I felt moved by her transparent the expression) their tools of trade desire to do what was best not just for David supports Christine’s ministry artfully concealing man-hoods. Final her parishioners, but everyone. We are shot: Christine (clothed) in yellow safety lucky to have her. helmet in front of a shirtless crew. At She looks after seven parishes: the time of writing calendar sales are half- churches at Forrabury and Minster, St way to £7,500 target and Raymond is Juliot, Otterham, Lesnewth, Trevalga confident the tourist influx will boost and Davidstow. She says prayers each Sir James Smith’s morning at Forrabury and evening these further. Community School prayers at the others in rotation. On Camelford Require as soon as possible

COMMUNITY GOVERNORS

Do you have the interest to

play these three key roles ? • Provide a strategic overview

• Act as a critical friend • Ensure accountability

If your answer is “yes”, we would like to hear from you.

Please call 01840 213274 The days and evenings are taken up with and ask for Shirley Hoskin official parish business and visits to her

Boscastle Blowhole Spring2004 Page 10 Vin Garbutt, from His impassioned singing, with an Honorary Degree of News from Middlesborough, is brilliant whistle playing, Master of Arts. the funniest and madcap sense of humour Vin was congratulated as most serious man and crazy haircut need to "Teesside’s roving be seen and heard to be ambassador of folk music" the Welly on the folk scene! He believed! In 2002, for his 30 years as a In January we celebrated our has global appeal with a Teesside University professional performer. Vin first year of business in disarming ability to honoured him with an was the winner of “The Best move seamlessly Boscastle with a fantastic Live Act” BBC Radio 2 Folk between sidesplitting anniversary party. We were Awards 2001. overwhelmed with the amount humour and conscience of people that turned up and a wrenching performance. fun night was had by all. We He is presently embarking on a year- Come to the Village were entertained by Steve and th long tour, which Hall on June 15 at 8 Simon of Smugg Jugglers, includes the length and p.m. and you will see some guys with fantastic breadth of the UK and why. Advance tickets, voices together with some of also Australia, New priced £7.00 will be the talented musicians of Zealand, and the Far available from Boscastle who kept us East. Have a look at his Bottreaux Filling dancing until the wee small web site Station. Any remaining hours. Thanks to everyone www.vingarbutt.com tickets will be £7.50 on who came and all the locals His world tour now the door. and staff that have supported includes a gig here in us through the last 12 months. Boscastle, which is guaranteed to be a sell- We've updated a further 7 out! rooms: extended some, refurbished some and totally changed others! We also now have a private dining room, Music at the Welly The Duke’s Room that can accommodate up to 20 people Easter Sunday for private dining, a Folk Music in the Bar conference or just a coffee with visiting Morris morning for friends. We are Dancers. also happy to hire out the Restaurant for private use. Every Monday We tested it for a birthday Folk musicians night - breakfast in December and 9 pm onwards - bring received rave reviews. an instrument if you We have also refurnished the play - all welcome to Welly Long Bar, you'll be join in amazed at the difference: new Every Wednesday chairs and tables, new Folk Singers night - 9 lighting, and new carpet! But pm onwards - just obviously the same warm bring you and your welcome we've been offering voice! for the last 12 months. Hope to see you soon.

Across 24 Tar 43 Occurs 5 Ark 30 Cecropia Fine Art by Local Artists 1Goulash 25 Ahead 44 Plew 6 Stack 32 Nainsook 7 Lyceum 29 Karachi 45 Ooh 8 Yashmak 36 Rollmop Paintings, Sculptures, Ceramics, Prints 12 Robert 31 Swan 47Aim 9 Cep 37 Knot 14 Aeon 33 Cake 48 Fatuous 10 Eolith 42 Awl Jewellery, Books, Cards and Clothing 15 Alaska 34 Tenants 50 Gaol 11Unavailable rd 16 Splat 35 Cran 51 Skew 13 Attract 46 Hue Open daily from 12pm until 5pm from 3 April 18 Pict 37 Kea Down 17 Tyr 47 Age 19 Catch 38 GI 1 Grappa 20 Curassow (Closed Tuesdays) Telephone 01840 779245 21 Ivy 39 Rob 2 Oolith 26 Estancia www.rocky-valley-gallery.co.uk 22 PT 40 En 3 Ubac 27 Awe 49 SW 23 Rum 41 Corolla 4 Lest 28 Dangerous 23 Rum 41 Corolla 3 Ubac Answers to crossword

Bboscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 11 Where does it all go?

Ware, and shown how the Chris Rodda follows the trail of company retrieves, sorts our trash and re-cycles 99.5% of all the material it processes. Some years ago I stayed with Only a tiny half a per cent friends in Switzerland. In her goes to fill rapidly gleaming kitchen my hostess carefully disappearing landfill sites. separated her trash: carefully washed Various large machines and pet food cans and plastic bottles were conveyor belts sift, crush placed into sacks, vegetable peelings and bale plastics, cans and saved for compost. It seemed a newsprint. Much of the typically over-controlled continental sorting work still has to be thing, which could never catch on done by hand as eagle-eyed here. operatives remove the Wash and Squash employs 50 people dangerous and the silly – not the I confess I found it all quite interesting. But it seems we were ahead of the place to dispose of a can of old sump Can the householder help still further, I Swiss. The father of the present MD, oil or the remains of Tiddles. asked Tracy? ‘Yes,’ she replied, ‘by Alan Smith began the Cornwall Paper The sorted products then supply taking the lids off plastic containers. Company thirty years ago by our steel, aluminium and paper These are often made of a different type collecting cardboard boxes for re-use industries in the British Isles. of brittle, un-recyclable material.’ Wash and was badgered by his customers to Textiles are sent to charity shops and and Squash is the motto – flattened get rid of all manner of waste. The organisations. The company is proud containers use up much less space.Also, original Steptoe & Son act now of two things: that British waste is I did not know this, but crisp packets are employs 50 people, with sites in being used to support UK industry, not aluminium foil so should not be put Redruth and Bodmin, and collects 750 transported to depots by otherwise in with cans or paper. Waxed fruit juice tonnes of ‘rubbish’ a week from all empty return load lorries, and that containers are also unusable. Finally, she over Cornwall, Plymouth and West ‘ethics comes before profit’. The pleaded, do not overload sacks – if you Devon. company refuses to send plastics to can’t pick them up, think of the poor 16kg of rubbish recycling plants in China, both for collectors! A typical family apparently generates patriotic reasons and a desire not to As yet, the company are not disposing about 16kg of rubbish a week, a exploit cheap Chinese labour. of old fridges or three-piece suites but quarter of this is used packaging, Best Kerbside Recycling The Sofa Project will look at modern about a third kitchen waste and one- The company has over 300 glass, (fire-resistant) soft furnishings. eighth plastics. Metals and textiles are paper and can collections units Otherwise it is a question of contacting also re-usable. By persuading us to dotted around the county. It sells on the district council or taking stuff to the separate out newspapers, plastic and reclaimcardboard boxes and bubble local amenity centre. metal containers and vegetable matter, wrap at 10p a time, a boon to house- For further information Cornwall Paper we both help preserve the environment movers, plus writing and drawing Company have two websites: and lighten the load for council refuse paper to Falmouth Art College. It www.cornwallpapercompany.co.uk collectors. gives prizes and funding to schools www.recyclingcornwall.co re-cycles 99.5% through its Yellow Pages scheme and in 2003 was the National Award At Bodmin I was giver a guided tour for Best Kerbside Recycling by the company representative, Tracy Scheme.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 12

Boscastle School We followed out teacher and she Fourth we went to this really Class 3 have combined Health & took us to one side of a big barn. The dark alley way and it was pitch Safety Education with their study of wall was painted like a beach and on black. We kept tripping up over all recount writing. the floor there was sand. The lady these pretend bodies. It was In the olden days this would began “This is the beach. Now horrible. Then after the lady said mean that we went on a trip and where would you put these flags?” “were you scared?” So we all said wrote about it! Today we do things So me and Abigail Haddy were very honestly YES! We were. slightly differently. To learn how to given the orange and yellow flags That was it we had finished. write a recount we look at many then the swimming ones. We were We went back to the room and took examples and pick out the key also shown the buoy and how we off our tabards. We put on our features e.g. written in the past tense, could save people. coats and got on the bus and went it needs to be in time order, it needs Secondly we went to the farm. home. Then a miracle happened, it to be consistently personal or The lady said “look for some objects began to snow. Annie Warren impersonal. which are dangerous”. There were We also look at the different all sorts of different dangerous words we could use to start objects. Some of us said 9 some said VENNINGS 23 – there were loads. Then the lady paragraphs in an interesting way. Fishing Tackle The children visited the Flash Point pressed a button and this tractor Centre in Bodmin, which is - well I started pretending to reverse at us. It think the children’s writing explains was quite scary. Then the lady asked FORE STREET, the rest far better than I. what we should and shouldn’t do if TINTAGEL the tractor was reversing at us really. Recount of Flashpoint Trip (Next to Lloyds Bank) Third we went to this bedroom. When Class 3 arrived at Flashpoint The lady said “Imagine you are Tel: 01840 770 212 we took off our coats and put a trapped in here and the fire alarm tabard on. Then we sat down and the goes off”. Then the siren really did lady began. She told us the rules of go off. We all got really scared then what we should and shouldn’t do. Abigail Haddy had to open the door Fishing Tackle Then we were given a plain sticker in the correct way. So she opened the and pen. So we wrote out names on door and all this smoke came and Bait it. We were directed into groups, and gushing in. Then we rang 999, it was then the learning began. * really fun. Special offers on Rods and Reels GOING, GOING, GONE!

Kelvin Heard, auctioneer takes a bid for ‘Norah Batty’ (Odette Rigby Jones) at the Auction of Promises held in the Cobweb Inn to raise money for Forrabury Church Tower Fund. Congratulations to all who took part and to the Cobweb for hosting the event, which raised an astonishing £2,700.

This photo and the one of Nicky Nicholls on page 30 are by David Flower, Tintagel Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 13 Boscastle School ICAS buoy and how we could save Class 3 have combined Health & Do you want to complain Safety Education with their people. about NHS treatment? study of recount writing. Secondly we went to the The Independent Complaint In the olden days this would farm. The lady said “look for Advocacy Service (ICAS) based mean that we went on a trip and some objects which are at the Citizens Advice Bureau in wrote about it! Today we do dangerous”. There were all Liskeard offers support to things slightly differently. To sorts of different dangerous patients in Cornwall through th learn how to write a recount we objects. Some of us said 9 NHS Complaints Procedure. look at many examples and pick some said 23 – there were out the key features e.g. written We can help with complaints loads. Then the lady pressed a about GPs, dentists, in the past tense, it needs to be in button and this tractor time order, it needs to be pharmacists, opticians, hospital started pretending to reverse consistently personal or and ambulance services. We can at us. It was quite scary. impersonal. provide information help you Then the lady asked what we compose letters or write on your We also look at the different should and shouldn’t do if the behalf, attend meetings with you words we could use to start tractor was reversing at us about your complaint and ensure paragraphs in an interesting way. really. that details of your complaint are The children visited the Flash kept separately from your Third we went to this Point Centre in Bodmin, which medical records. is - well I think the children’s bedroom. The lady said writing explains the rest far “Imagine you are trapped in The service is free and better than I. here and the fire alarm goes independent of the NHS. For off”. Then the siren really did more information contact ICAS Recount of Flashpoint on 01579 346500 or 0845 go off. We all got really 1203782 Trip scared then Abigail Haddy had When Class 3 arrived at to open the door in the correct Flashpoint we took off our coats way. So she opened the door and put a tabard on. Then we and all this smoke came gushing sat down and the lady began. in. Then we rang 999, it was She told us the rules of what we really fun. VENNINGS should and shouldn’t do. Then Fourth we went to this Fishing Tackle we were given a plain sticker and really dark alley way and it was pen. So we wrote out names on pitch black. We kept tripping FORE STREET, TINTAGEL it. We were directed into up over all these pretend (Next to Lloyds Bank) groups, and then the learning bodies. It was horrible. Then began. after the lady said “were you Tel: 01840 770 212 We followed out teacher and scared?” So we all said very she took us to one side of a big honestly YES! We were. Fishing Tackle barn. The wall was painted like a That was it we had beach and on the floor there finished. We went back to the was sand. The lady began “This room and took off our tabards. and Bait is the beach. Now where would We put on our coats and got on * you put these flags?” So me and the bus and went home. Then a Special offers on Rods and Reels Abigail Haddy were given the miracle happened, it began to orange and yellow flags then the snow. *** swimming ones. We were also Annie Warren shown the Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 13 Boscastle Sewerage Scheme risks associated with bathing in As feared, South West Water has Treatment Levels sewage-contaminated waters. It lays confirmed that Boscastle will have • Preliminary down minimum water quality only a Primary Settlement standards relating to sewage Treatment Scheme. At a meeting Preliminary Treatment involves the pollution for designated bathing held in the Village Hall Keith Field, settlement of sewage to separate the waters. Under this Directive EU a Senior Project Leader with the suspended solids. There are two Member States are obliged to company outlined their draft preliminary stages; grit removal and designate bathing waters where proposals. He said that it would be screening. These stages aim to bathing is authorised or where necessary to construct a pumping remove the larger solid debris, bathing is not prohibited and is station in the harbour area to pump which is then disposed of as practised by a large number of sewage up to the treatment works. landfill. bathers. In order to minimise the amount to • Primary be pumped it was likely that they Primary Treatment is a further The Environmental Agency would install a directionally drilled settlement process to remove monitors bathing waters every pipe running from the allotments to suspended solids. Effective fortnight from May to September. the to the treatment plant. It is sedimentation removes 50 to 70% There are over 500 designated proposed that the treatment plant of the suspended impurities but only coastal bathing waters in this will be installed underground 20 to 30% of the biological demand country and around 260 beaches beyond the trees at the far end of from the sewage. The discharged that are not designated but the car park. effluent will still contain high levels monitored under the terms of the of bacteria and viruses. Directive. However there are many Sludge will be removed from the other places, like Boscastle, which installation by means of tankers. • Secondary are not monitored at all and They intend to provide a suitable Secondary Treatment is a biological pollution levels are unknown. static odour control unit through purification stage in which settled which foul air will pass before sewage from primary sedimentation Exceptional Circumstances being discharged. Work will is digested by micro-organisms. commence at Boscastle, Bossiney This process can reduce biological There are exceptional circumstances and Tintagel in the autumn of 2004 demand and is capable of removing at Boscastle and even at this late and by the summer of 2005 all three up to 99% of indicator bacteria and stage it may be possible to persuade installations will be fully 90% of indicator enteroviruses. In the Environmental Agency to operational. September 1998 the government authorise a higher level of announced that secondary treatment treatment. They acknowledge the Statutory Obligations would be the minimum requirement fact that under certain conditions effluent can enter the harbour There are two principal pieces of for all significant coastal discharges because of the close proximity of legislation, which dictate a water and over half the UK population is the sewer outfall to the seaward end company's obligations; the EC now served by this treatment. of the blowhole as well as to the Urban Waste Water Directive • Tertiary harbour entrance. Also South West 91/271/EEC and the EC Bathing Tertiary Treatment is an additional Water admit that they cannot Water Directive 76/160/EEC. The treatment process designed to guarantee that their inspection former is a matter for the achieve higher standards of water covers will not continue to leak. Environment Agency and the quality; it can be an active or a latter the Department for the passive system. Active systems Whilst Boscastle harbour is not a Environment and Rural affairs. include sand filters, micro filters designated bathing area it can be Urban Waste Water Directive and UV treatment or pebble beds. Passive includes reed beds, Grass monitored and the fact remains that This Directive stipulates that plots or lagoons. Disinfecting people do bathe there; they have sewage treatment to at least systems, either UV or micro done for over a hundred years and secondary level must be provided filtration can remove remaining will do so what ever level of for all discharges to coastal waters viruses and up to 99.9% of faecal treatment is provided. There is serving two thousand people or bacteria. ample room in the fields beyond the more. As the population of car park to accommodate a plant Boscastle is below that figure South Bathing Water Directive capable of the top-level treatment. West Water is only obliged to The National Trust owns the fields This Directive came into force in provide a primary treatment facility. and they would surely make them 1976 and its primary aim is to available in order to achieve this protect the public from the health goal. AB Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 14 The number of inns and shops of Harbourmaster’s Boscastle WI bygone days were recalled. Tea Annual Meeting followed with home made Cornish News Jill Clark was elected President Fairings in plentiful supply. and June Swanson Vice- A Great Day for the President when Boscastle WI Scrap Book Harbour held their Annual Meeting on The WI scrapbook is missing. Tuesday 10 February. Other The book which is about 12" x After a phone call from our offices were Gloria Quinlan 18" contains many old camera crew I was asked if the appointed as Secretary, Edith photographs and press cuttings. Harbour would take the Padstow Gomoll as Minute Secretary and Please contact Jill Clark if you Lifeboat, as they wanted to film Pam Jordan the Treasurer. have any idea where it might be. Rev Christine on board. Having Boscastle History arrived at the quay Christine and Edith Gomoll has written about Broadband myself were invited aboard and the previous meeting when Yay! We have reached the were taken for a trip out to sea. Anne Knight took members trigger level and BT have What a thrill it was! The sea had back as far the Iron Age, when announced a ‘ready for service quite a swell which made it even Willapark Cliff Castle was date’ for 7th July for enabling the more of a thrill. The lifeboat built. She talked of Bottreaux Boscastle exchange. crew are all volunteers and Castle built in 1080, the grants www.asdlguide.org.uk is a useful deserve more help than we can of markets in 1200 and the site for information about ever give them. importance of the harbour broadband, including FAQs, After the Rev Christine and I which had been trading with the reviews of ISPs, were given the chance to take the Romans as far back as 250 AD. wheel, we came back into the There was talk about the Parish Website harbour, where the coxswain Cornish language, early Keltic The website is online, but still showed his skill in bringing the farming found on the stitches as under construction. boat alongside the quay. A very well as the wealth and influence Copy for inclusion is welcomed – memorable trip! of the Bottreaux family. WI please give to Arthur Bannister. Many thanks to the coxswain and members born and bred in the The address is: crew and also to ‘our camera village responded with their www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk crew’. I’m sure they will be sorry own stories. (of more recent to finish the series! years!) The Blowhole is printed by: Swiftprint Unit 104, Carclaze Industrial Estate, Fred Siford Treverbyn Road, St Austell Tel: 01726 70700

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 15 Historic Houses of Boscastle

The Old Manor

House

By Anne Knight oscastle has been a manor since Norman B times, taking its name from the first lords of the manor, the Breton family of Bottreaux. The manor was only sold in the 1950's and so it retained a The Old Manor House (right) in the 1920’s with the continuity for over 800 Bowering family enjoying the wel l-manicured lawn that is now the Boscastle car park years. The castle built by the of the manor and he lived at manor estate. The estate Bottreaux on the steep rooms and a large banque- Valency House. described it as a Georgian prominence in the Jordan ting hall. The manor house So where, you may ask, residence and it was let valley included a manor or stables stood in 1870 on the does Manor House at Bridge together with the cottage mansion house in which the fight hand side of Fore fit into the story? There is next door. There were lord of the manor lived. The Street immediately north of no evidence that it was ever gardens, tennis court, last Bottreaux lord of the Bottreaux Cross. Behind the lived in by a lord of the summerhouse and lawn on manor died at the battle of St stables were gardens and a manor, but it was part of the the opposite side of the road. Albans in 1462 and the gigantic pear tree. manor passed to the Hungerford family through Old foundations revealed William Bottreaux daughter Margaret. In 1575 the The building of New family sold the manor to the Road in the mid 1800s cut Hender family. Unlike the through High Street and Hungerfords, who had been Fore Street at Bottreaux absentee landlords, the Cross. In doing so the Henders, a family of old foundations of an old bam Cornish lineage, lived were revealed close to the mainly in Boscastle. The site of Lundy View and were house within the castle had mistakenly believed to be long fallen into disrepair and that of the Elizabethan so they set about building a manor house. replacement. During the initial building of the surgery in Not turreted & moated 1984 several pieces of carved granite were found John Hender, was including a piece of granite responsible for building an window frame similar to that Elizabethan manor house at outside Kiddlywinks today. the top of the village on a The manor house itself was site now occupied by destroyed by fire in the Bottreaux surgery. It was 1700's along with the early not like the moated and manor and parish records, turreted manor houses we which were stored there. learned about at school but The materials in the remains was more the size of the building were sold in and style of Welltown 1818 when the Amy family Manor, built of local stone were lords of the manor. with granite quoins and Rebecca Amy married mullioned windows. It was Richard Benoke and they still a large building for lived at Paradise. On the Boscastle having wainscoted death of Rebecca, Thomas Rickard Avery became lord

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 16

The Old Manor House Parish Plans

Continued

Groups of people within the addresses their feasibility

area are always busy and how they can be and amongst their guests t the beginning of fundraising for various implemented. were potter Bernard the 1900's the projects that will make a The process of producing Leach and his family and ABowering family difference to the facilities, a parish plan takes about some of the young ladies were living at Manor well being and services of a year, during which time of the Ginner Mawer House. Harry Bowering the community. it is hoped to contact and School of Greek and his wife Lilian had All community projects identify the needs of Deportment and Dance. arrived in Boscastle from need to show that they will everyone within the During the Second London in 1904. Harry be used by the local community. This is done World War the cast iron went into partnership with community, that they cater in several ways such as railings were removed, it W. S. Hawker who owned for local needs and that questionnaires public was said, to build the buildings which we they will be sustainable meetings, etc. Spitfires or at least aid the now know as the Cobweb without grant funding in Having written the plan – war effort and the Inn and the longer term. with the assistance of building of the car park in Boscastle Pottery. A parish plan provides a experts from Cornwall the1960's took away the Manor House is an framework to ensure that Rural Community lawn and tennis courts. elegant and attractive all the needs of a Council – it should be The Manor House today building and brought community are catered for simpler for projects to continues to trade in the some important visitors in and prioritised. The plan gain access to funding as tourist business as a its davs as a hotel. Fred will include results from a the plan shows local restaurant serving Scott and his family ran survey of locals needs, and needs. Boscastle's hungry the hotel from 1927 until match these with plans and The parish council are in visitors. 1965 strategies from favour of developing a Anne Knight organisations that have an parish plan, but you don’t impact on the development have to be a councillor to of community services and be part of facilities, for example the steering committee. planning and development There is match funding issues or environment or available to produce the health issues. plan. The parish plan draws If you are interested in together the identified finding out more, please needs of the community, contact a member of the parish council.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 17 Church of England I guess that a few million people sense of humour, and intends that we now know what we do already; that should enjoy and have fun with the life He has given us, and I’m sure that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country! I hope that includes our worship. Church Contact Details: you are enjoying watching the Talking of which, Easter will soon be television series, and would like to upon us, and there will be services in Roman Catholic Church: Fr, Storey, St Paul’s Church, Tintagel thank you for your support over the every parish in the group, with Easter eggs given to all the children at each Tel: 770663 last few months with the filming. Masses: Sunday 10am, Monday Many thanks also of course, for the one. I hope that you will join us in 10am, Thursday 10am, Friday 6pm support of the whole community for celebrating the resurrection of Christ, (1st Friday 7pm), Saturday 6pm. fundraising for the tower appeal; the and the great gift that He is to the builder’s calendar has been a terrific world. Boscastle Methodist Church: success, and the Auction of Revd Chris Musser Rev Andrew Sowden Promises at the Cobweb, and many The Manse, Tintagel other events. Tel: 770274 Sunday services at 11am and 6pm. As well as the money raised, there Methodist Church has been a great sense of everyone I recall someone saying to me, ‘I’m Church of England: pulling together for a common not a big Christian, vicar’, (Methodist Rev Christine Musser, The Rectory, cause, and having fun into the Ministers soon get used to being Forrabury, Boscastle bargain, part of what makes this a called vicar!). It left me wondering Tel: 250359 special place to be. what a ‘big’ Christian would be like? Religious Society of Friends: There have been a few delays, but Firstly, a big Christian would attend Quakers meet each Sunday at we now have a firm date for work Christian worship regularly. Christians 10am in the John Betjeman Centre, to start; scaffolding goes up on the need to worship to be challenged, to Wadebridge. tower on 17th May, and it’s be comforted, to be reminded of the expected that work should finish by Christian message, and to share mid-November. The Church will fellowship with other Christians. remain open, services as usual Secondly, a big Christian would throughout the duration of the work, witness to his or her faith. Christians and we’re planning a big have a message of hope to share, the Easter Services at Boscastle celebration when it’s all finished. message of God’s love, shown in the Methodist Church: We have introduced some new life, death and resurrection of Jesus th things recently. The ‘What Good Friday: 9 April 8.30am Holy Communion Christ. th About…? evenings in Boscastle Easter Sunday: 11 April 11am and 6pm st Thirdly, a big Christian would be Hall continue on the 1 Thursday of involved in Christian service, engaged every month, 7.-8.15pm: a chance in good works. All Christians are for people of all faiths or none to called to put their faith into practice get together for supper, drinks and and to work for the good of others, to share views on all sorts of topics. especially those in need. There is also a new service on the st I respect the honesty and humility of Easter Church Services: 1 Sunday of each month at th my friend. None of us is likely to go Lesnewth : Maundy Thursday, 8 April 8pm Forrabury Church at 3.00pm. th boasting, ‘I’m a big Christian’. Yet Forrabury: Good Friday 9 April 1.30pm ‘Together @ 3’, is a short, informal th I’m sure that the world would be a Otterham: Easter Eve 10 April 6.30pm service for everyone, especially th better place if there were more people St Juliot: Easter Sunday 11 April 9.00am children, as it’s relaxed, lively and th who worshipped God regularly, Lesnewth: Easter Sunday 11 April 11.00am fun. Faith, deeply held beliefs, is of th witnessed to a faith in Jesus Christ and Trevalga: Easter Sunday 11 April 10.45am course, serious th worked for the benefits of others. So Minster: Easter Sunday 11 April 11.30am th stuff, but that doesn’t mean we let us commit ourselves to being big Davidstow: Easter Sunday 11 April 3.00pm always have to be serious or solemn Christians. The world desperately in our worship. When you look needs us. around at our world sometimes it seems that God must have a great Rev Andrew D Sowden Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 18

Boscastle Born

George Findlay

George Findlay has the rare, perhaps unique distinction of having lived within half a mile of Boscastle parish boundaries all his life. His parents took over the tenancy of Trehane Farm, Trevalga, a year before George’s birth in January 1940. His father had Scottish connections and the view across Boscastle reminded him of the West Coast. The village was then owned by Gerald Curgenven, lord of the

manor of Trevalga, on whose death public speaking and drama it passed into trust held by For some reason they escaped with merely a good telling-off! presentations, and several times Marlborough School, in Wiltshire. was member of the teams Family business This is where George, his two competing at County level. He George was always keen on sports, younger sisters and brother grew up, was also involved in stock judging especially athletics, so he was and from where he attended competitions at the Royal overjoyed to discover that the Boscastle School before moving on Cornwall Show and represented Camelford Grammar School, then to Camelford Grammar School. the County at Smithfield and the sited in College Road and now Sixty or seventy pupils Dairy Show at Olympia. In the slight confusion immediately Town Council offices, boasted a proper gym with vaulting horse and Married in 1967 after the war George somehow He served as chairman and avoided starting school until he was climbing bars. Despite being a “scholarship boy” George was a treasurer at Camelford and was nearly seven. He remembers, in chair of the finance and general those carefree days, walking back practical thinking person rather than academic, enjoying geometry, purposes committee for the and forth to Boscastle with his County. Along with these high- companions across the fields, woodwork, and even French. He left school at fifteen without any profile events the YFC provided a spending dinnertime and breaks busy social scene and at one wandering the village and generally formal qualifications – not unusual then for pupils who wanted to earn annual rally he met his wife-to-be, enjoying a freedom unheard of Jill Neale. Her family farmed at today. Just three teachers looked a living straightaway – to work on his parents’ farm. Werrington, near Launceston, after sixty or seventy pupils aged They were both just twenty-three between five and fifteen. The whole Asked now if he enjoyed it or and married three years later in school constituted two rooms, the would have chosen a different 1967 at Boyton Methodist Church. larger divided by a canvas curtain. career route George replies simply Later on top school next to the that, given the opportunity, he George’s own parents Methodist Chapel was used as an would have considered engineering meanwhile moved to Welltown extra classroom. but as the oldest son he was Farm and George took over the management of Trehane, at the A good telling-off expected to take over the family time when Claude Peter, of Peter, Discipline was harsh, the cane being business. Although the work, on a mixed 110-acre farm, was always a Peter & Sons, Launceston, was freely used, especially on the senior Steward of the Manor. The arrival boys, who packed their trousers challenge and holidays non-existent the one thing he could never rely on of son Julian and daughter Sonya with old newspapers in anticipation reluctantly obliged George to of punishment to come. Once, was the weather, which could destroy a field of crops overnight. reduce his involvement with the George and some friends were so YFC. Fortunately over the past involved in climbing Bell Tree at Young Farmers Club few years he has had the time to The Butts (near Pete Stedman’s George most enjoyed membership renew his interest in matters such cottage) they did not get back to of Camelford Young Farmers Club. as the organisation of the school until three o’clock. Over the years he took full part in Camelford Show. all club activities, particularly Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 19 himself acting as a “devil’s perhaps youngsters today expect advocate,” prepared to put forward too much too soon. When he was Boscastle the other person’s point of view. young married couples sometimes If he has any criticism it is that in shared a back bedroom in a Continued the past the council was rather slow parents’ house until they saved up Born to implement decisions. He cites enough for a home of their own. the example of a certain Still interested in the work of the Many practical skills developer’s reluctance, despite the Young Farmers he is pleased that In 1988 George – burdened like so parish’s constant reminders, to they are carrying on the traditions many others with mountains of make good a grassy verge – of thirty or forty years ago. His government paperwork set against impatient with the delay, George philosophy is to take life as it diminishing financial rewards – did the job himself, half a day’s comes – “If you don’t make too decided to quit farming. However work. many plans you don’t get too many the many practical skills he picked disappointments” – he says, with a Take life as it comes up over the years has stood him in twinkle in his eye, a man clearly at Although now 64, retirement is not good stead. “Show me a job,” is ease with life. an option. He is too busy taking on George’s motto, “And I’ll show you CR new responsibilities. Reflecting on a result.” If asked to tackle a his own experience he feels that building project, carry out maintenance work, landscape gardening or produce fancy metalwork – even act as relief postman – nothing fazes George. He moved into his present abode – an imposing bungalow overlooking Forrabury in 1997. Built by a retired banker from South Africa it was named ‘Ikoyi’, Swahili for ‘Lookout’ but George refers to it as Villa Nova. He and Jill shared the house with Uncle George Findlay, formerly a Detective Chief Superintendent with the Met, head of the murder and fraud squad, retired 1958, until his death aged nearly 102, two years ago. George is justifiably proud of Investigating alternative methods of transport his daughter Sonya who is a whilst fulfilling responsibilities as tree warden financial consultant and now lives in the United Arab Emirates where she met her husband, Trevor John de www.thisisnorthcornwall.co.uk Pattenden, a well-known wildlife ‘This is North Cornwall’ currently receive over artist, whom she married two years 500,000 visitors per annum to our websites. ago at Tintagel United Methodist Church. If you have a tourist oriented business in North Cornwall, then this is the site for you: here you can have a free listing of your business. Parish Council If you have a website that promotes your business, then this is also George first joined Forrabury and the site for you: here you can have a direct live link to your own site. Minster Parish Council in 1994 and took over as Chairman this January If you have a business in North Cornwall that is reliant on visitors after ill-health forced Mike Hircock (Hotel, Leisure attractions or facility, Holiday Let, Campsite, Caravan to step down. He sees the role of Park, Self Catering or Bed and Breakfast): this is the site for you the council to reflect the concerns of This resource will be at the disposal of over 700 Travel the parish, to give advice, and agencies* throughout the UK and abroad seeking information provide support for or reject about, and accommodation in North Cornwall, as well as being proposals raised in meetings. He available to the general public worldwide. joined the council because he felt, at the time, other voices needed to be www.thisisnorthcornwall.co.uk heard. George occasionally finds

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 20 BOSCASTLE COMMUNITY & RECREATION CENTRE Table Tennis Short Mat Bowls Anyone wishing to use Wheel Clamping The Table Tennis Club The Short Mat Bowls the Gym can obtain a key The car park is for meets every Wednesday club meets every Monday card from Carole Flower those using the Centre, afternoon. The hall is also evening and would at Tolcarne Cottage, see ‘View of the available for hire for welcome new members. Tintagel Road. Tel: Village’, page 4 for Badminton or any social The Club entered the 250558 full details. occasion. Please contact North Cornwall S M the Secretary, Barrie Bowls League and is James, Castle House, currently lying equal Fore Street, Boscastle. fifth out of eight teams Tel: 250398. with three matches left to play. NCDC Advice Starting on Thursday 1st Snooker April a representative The Snooker Club has from NCDC will be in the two teams, one entered Community Centre in the Camelford and between 10am and 3pm District first Division on the first Thursday in and one in the second. the month. The Both teams are around representative will be on the middle of the hand to give confidential league table. The advice and assistance Billiards team is with any query people leading the Handicap may have about the League and third in the services provided by the Scratch League. council including Gym Equipment housing, council tax, The gym equipment is benefits and now back in working environmental matters. order and is available This is a new service for for use at any time. the village and it is hoped There were problems that over the coming year with some of the it will prove to be a exercise machines, but successful addition to these have now been those already available in repaired or replaced. the Centre.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 21

Visitors Centre News New Website Coast Guard’s In the Visitor Centre we are doing all the back room bits that have to be in place 10 years ready for the next season. Apart from the Report Did you know that this year Boscastle usual sorting out of the accommodation Visitor Centre is 10 years old? Many adverts and preparing ‘Coast Lines’ for Hello again, just three call-outs since of the displays had begun to show this year, I have also been busy with a the last report: their age and some details needed new website that went live on 30th changing. So we decided to redo the 21/11/03 1907hrs Call from Falmouth January. This has taken up a lot of time boards completely. This included a lot and is still developing. Management of to L Siford: Lights seen at some point more information that had been found between the youth hostel Glebe Cliff the website will be an ongoing process to out about the area. Anne and Rod ensure all the information is up to date. and Trebarwith at beach level. On Knight were most helpful with scene at 1930hrs. We proceeded to If you’ve a business you’d like to have photographs and much historical on the site or would like to advertise the Bluff, from there we could see at information. By the time you read village events, please contact me at the least 2 or 3 persons on the beach with this, the Visitor Centre could be Visitor Centre. The more information on hand torches and did not seem to be sporting its new attire! it the more it will help visitors and locals in any apparent danger. Returned to Public Internet Access alike. station 2028hrs. In attendance All the boards have been updated. Please take a look at the site: L Siford & T Little. They are more targeted to providing www.visitboscastleandtintagel.com 7/2/04 1732hrs G King called by information about the village and If you don’t have internet access you can Falmouth: Body seen at Trebarwith surrounding area. The small room, come into the Centre and use it there. Strand in the sea. On scene 1756hrs. which used to house the audio-visual Do visit the centre, I would like to think A search was carried out but the light display, has now been incorporated as that although it is called a 'Visitor Centre was going fast, nothing found. 1815 part of the overall display area. There it plays a useful and expanding role for returned to station. In attendance G will also be a computer in there to the residents of the village as well. King, B Mills, D Roots, T Little. enable the public to have internet access. This should definitely be up Rebecca David, Manager 8/2/04 1130 hrs Extended search from and running by Easter. the day before of Trebarwith area. 1147hrs on scene. A full search was st carried out from Trebarwith to Hole Grand Plant Sale, Monday 31 May Beach. Nothing found in the Trebarwith area, the search was Open Doors (the hard working, fund raising committee of the continued to Tintagel area. Cliff top Boscastle Group of Churches) are planning the Grand Plant Sale search from Glebe Cliff on to Castle for Monday 31st May on the Valency Lawn, Boscastle, by kind Beach and on to Bossiney and permission of Mrs Jane Castling. Benoath Beaches. Still nothing found, returned to station 1535hrs. In They need your help – if anyone is sowing seeds please sow a few attendance L Siford, B Mills, D extra or if buying plug plants on a bulk offer please spare a few to Roots, T Little, BBC film crew. add to the great variety already in hand for the Sale. Training continues on inside harness Perennials are preferable, pansy's are playful, petunias are and rope work, radio comms, search petulant, pelargoniums are proud, poppies, penstemon, primulas, theory, etc. potentillas, phlox, progagate plants, please, please, please!!!! Until the next time take care on our There will also be Gardening Tombola and all contributions will be coastline. gratefully received. Les Siford, S/O If you could ring 250116 to pledge your plants to Caroline & Donald it would be very helpful.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 22 cartoon by the late Thelwell. I could just A Hundred Years of Harmony imagine him with a Shetland pony! Rupert Whitaker, a professional singer of some renown with a wonderful By Cheryl Maughan deep bass voice, treated us to a guest rom the song and supper rooms appearance. His chilling rendition of and cider cellars in London’s ‘The Ballad of Sam Hall’, was an F Covent Garden to Boscastle’s inspired piece of drama. He was totally Cave of Harmony, the magnificent unrepentant of his murderous sins and Michael Turner navigated us through his was so vicious as he looked accusingly at musical journey of a hundred years of the audience that I felt totally damned! music hall. February in Boscastle is Rudyard Kipling himself would have Turner Time, and this is the culmination been impressed with his appearance and of many hours of rehearsal, dedication rendition of ‘The Road To Mandalay’! and hard work! Then the Company performed ‘And th st The show, running from 17 to 21 The Great Big Saw Came Nearer and February, was in three halves! It began Nearer!’ an extreme melodrama in song. with songs from 1850 to 1880, then Everyone had their role to play, and we featured the golden years from 1880 to could see what a great team they were. 1920. The final half concentrated on A rafter lifting Trelawney ended the songs from 1920 to 1950. concert. The Chairman commanded the The lamps were lit as the marvellous audience to stand and join in - a cunning maestro, Martin Nash, ably aided by his ruse that led to a standing ovation! amiable assistant, Miriam James, flexed Backstage, the new Stage Manager, his fingers to tickle the ivories, and we Paul Lynham, and his young assistants, began our eighth journey through time George and Arthur, ensured a clockwork made by Boscastle’s Cave of Harmony. performance. The wonderful costumes, Boscastle Builders? Her Medley of the the make-up, the décor, the lights - all Audience on their toes Masters was superb! proved that there is no business like ‘Father’s A Drunkard And Mother Is At the helm, steering us through the show business. The FOH managers were Dead’ had Flo James tugging at the extremely decorous in the cleavage and rough passages and calm waters was the heartstrings with perfect pathos! Later inimitable David Whitaker. As pearls of Joan Kinsman, sparkling she sang ‘Daddy Wouldn’t Buy Me a sequins of Sylvia Pinn, and the perfect Chairman, he keeps both performers and Bow-wow’ with pouting petulance and it audience on their toes, with his wicked Pickwicks in plaid! was proved that there really is room to Here’s to next year? asides and topical references! Audience swing a cat in the hall! This great talent participation is a key element in music was aiding the Maestro last year and hall performance. The Nicholls family obviously learned a lot at his side! seated behind us certainly needed no Ratcatcher Roger Nicholls was the Bottreaux encouragement! The chairman all singing, all dancing, all whistling star! congratulated Nicky Nicholls on both his He just gets better and better. It must be Filling Station big birthday and retirement, adding he in the genes! Joining in the chorus of was so glad that Nicky and Maria had ‘She Told Me To Meet Her At The Gate’ Tel: 01840 250 108 time off together thirty one years ago to was the biggest challenge of the evening create their own production! for the audience. With well-lubricated Fresh locally produced meats The evening began with sentimen- larynxes, we only had to insert one word, Fresh bread daily tality and sauciness, liberally sprinkled and still stumbled! Perhaps that sums up Wide range of groceries with death and disaster. The Gaslight the challenge for the performers! Fresh fruit and vegetables Girls and the Piccadilly Johnnies opened Rhyming St Pancreas with the evening in grand and immaculate cantankerous, Mary Baum set her sights and style. They make it look so effortless as on marrying Sir John. This singer has Off Licence they sing and dance with such panache, more innuendo in her left eyebrow than Opening hours even when clog dancing! The three new most of us have in a lifetime, as shown Mon-Fri 8am-8pm members of the chorus looked as if they when she and Clare Kingsbury, as The had been strutting their stuff for years! Two Ladies leered their way through Sat 9am-5pm ‘You Naughty, Naughty Men’ was a several cheeky little numbers! Sun 10am-2pm most spirited performance by Helen The gay old stager, rumbustious Pincus. She always manages to look so Roger Toy as ‘The Galloping Major’ Support your local shop saucy as she sings, and I don’t think the reminded me of a grown up version of a Bottreaux Filling Station song title was anything to do with the Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 23

Bridget Pentecost 01840 770134 www.thenaturalhealingclinic.co.uk

Glittering Cast – Sparkling Performances at The Boscastle Cave of Harmony 2004

David and Susan Saxby Cele- Behind the Scenes at brate 4 years at the Counter

ou may expect your stration and Lending wealthy Boscastle mer- but the Sub Post Master, Y sub-post-master to side. All originally the chant Jabez Brown), se- is paid a fee to supervise know all about pensions, responsibility of the cured the appointment as their activities on the postage stamps and branch manager; now postal orders. But, surely, there was to be a man- he will also know where ager for each. David was Mrs Cleeve lives, how given the option of ap- much they want for that plying for one of the cottage on the corner and managers’ jobs or taking the time of high tide ? redundancy. Each of the And so, more often than two managers’ jobs was not, he will. But when less senior than the one David and Susan Saxby he already held so David bought the Boscastle post opted for redundancy. office in Dunn Street (they first laid eyes on it Finance sales manager 4 years ago to the day His knowledge and when I interviewed them) David and Susan Saxby behind the counter the day came for them to experience of banking were valuable assets and open shop knowing very Sub Post Master and ground. He has no role he settled into a new role little. They had been moved in. in sorting and delivery in the motor-trade selling regular holiday-makers Unusually, Boscas- but he has a watching finance; David quite and David had been one a tle’s post office has a brief to see that all the rapidly became Finance one-day course, at his Royal Mail sorting office mail has gone out every Sales Manager. Later own cost, on how the attached. The Saxbys’ day. David’s relation- the company was taken Post Office likes their main role is to run the ship with Tracy Smith over by the huge Reg offices to be run. Other post office but, as land- and Nicky Nicholls, Vardy dealership, who than that, and the pres- lords, they let out the Boscastle’s two principal had their way of inserting ence of a PO Trainer who sorting office element, postmen who sort and their own people into stayed with them for two including services like deliver the mail, is managers’ jobs in the weeks at the beginning, lighting and heating, to squarely based on mutual companies they acquired. they had to pick up their Royal Mail. The post- trust. Both have keys to After six years, David business on the job. men who work the sort- the sorting office and found himself on the ing office are employees come and go at their own street once more. “I Bankers for 20 years of Royal Mail at Bodmin discretion and they ac- swore it was the last time It had not been their that I would ever work original career plan to run for anyone else,” David a post office. Both David says. “I went straight and Susan were bankers out and bought a copy of for more than twenty Dalton’s Weekly.” years; David was a senior Two week later they cashier with TSB for had a list of post offices many years, ending up as for sale in Cornwall and City Centre Manager at Boscastle soon emerged Lloyds TSB in Notting- as the one that best fitted ham. Susan was a branch all their criteria. It was a inspector and auditor big building, which they with the same bank. preferred, it was near Then, not much more their favoured holiday than a year after his pro- patch and the business motion, the bank decided was big enough for them to split their business to employ help, allowing operations in two: Insur- them time away from the ance, Pensions and Mort- ‘stamp-face’. They gages, called Bank As- bought the building (once surance, and the Admini- the chapel built by

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 26

the number of transac- point that he would have tions they handled they to make up any shortfall Boscastle Post Office would soon need extra from his own pocket. staff. And given that Post Office business they only get a flat fee for is static or in decline all cept his supervisory re- tween the number of each deal, no matter how over the country. David sponsibility. transaction it averagely large, it would not be and Susan’s business has David’s main source handles and the man- possible in a small vil- remained the same over of income is called the power needed to cope lage to raise the amount the four years they have Assigned Office Payment with it. David and Susan of business necessary to been there. To that ex- which accounts for about can comfortably handle pay the cost of extra tent, they are beating the 60% of the post office the existing business wages. trend. But David is very income generated by the mostly working alone, branch. It is his payment each being relieved by They sell the Blowhole for being open and pro- one of two part-time viding post office ser- helpers to give them Boscastle Post Office vices in the district. The some time to themselves. does sell some items that remaining 40% derives (Perhaps to zoom off on are not part of the post- from over-the-counter one of their two glinting office remit: stationery, transactions with the pub- some confectionery, lic. There are fixed fees greetings cards and the for each type of transac- like. (They also kindly tion, say sales of stamps, ‘sell’ the Blowhole.) Such sales provide some Just key in your PIN issuing TV licences or number and get the cash paying out pensions but extra income for the Sax- bys and they fund that the fee does not vary with optimistic about the fu- side of the business the amount involved. ture with the advent of themselves. The liquid- David is paid the same Automated Banking at Zoom off on their two ity of the post office ele- fee, often only a few the Post Office. glinting motorbikes ment, however, is the pence, whether a transac- As you can read in responsibility of the Post tion is worth £10 or motor bikes that are their their advertisement, you Office Ltd. Income, say £100. He would, how- pride and joy.) can now cash cheques or from TV and vehicle ever, increase his gross The office can mostly make bank deposits abso- licence payments or sav- income if he were to in- run satisfactorily with lutely free at Boscastle ings receipts, can be used crease the number of only one person behind Post Office if you bank for pensions or cash pay- transactions. the counter, except on with Barclays, Lloyds ments but the income As a viable business, Mondays, when people TSB or Alliance and varies greatly with the our village post office is draw their pensions. But Leicester. You can take season. In the winter it is delicately balanced be- if they were to increase cash from your account necessary for David to either by means of forecast the cash required cheque or debit card. All to supplement a week’s you do is hand over your incoming funds and that cheque or card, say how is delivered by the Post much you want, then key Office’s own security in your pin number on services. the counter keypad and The cash they will your money is paid out need is an crucial calcula- on the spot. It is un- tion because it is clearly doubtedly a great boon not desirable to have un- for both residents and necessary cash on the visitors. David believes premises. Financial re- that this service could be sponsibility extends to the saving of the Post the sub-poster master Office in small rural being personally liable communities. There are for any shortfalls of cash still many people who are against recorded transac- not happy getting money tions. On ‘Balance Day’, out of a machine on the Wednesdays, David signs street and mobile banking off all Post Office prop- is largely a thing of the erty with a reconciliation Live music every Friday night past. statement. It is at that with special drinks promotions Meanwhile the Royal

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 27

men. Behind the One condition of being employed in delivering Scenes at mail in the district is that they must know every the Post Of- one of the 8 rounds in the district. They also have Mail, itself reeling with to be signatories to the change and reappraisal of Official Secrets Act be- its role, continues its cause of the confidential business at the back of nature of some of the David and Susan’s prem- mail they handle. ises. Postmen Tracy or There is a strong tra- Nicky open up the build- dition among many ing at 5.30 AM, pick up Boscastle families of their van and collect the In the Royal Mail sorting office there is a rack with a working for the Post Of- Boscastle and district slot for every address in the village and rural outskirts fice. In addition to those mail from Camelford. mentioned here, Rodney This assignment will drive to make the Royal and bundles them accord- Knight who, with his have arrived by train to Mail viable in its new ing to his own system of wife, Anne, keeps the Bodmin and then taken to competitive environment. delivering them. Of village archive, has Camelford on a hub sys- Its loss has had the effect course, it is not always worked at the Camelford tem where the mail from of making the local mail Tracy that will call at post office for many all its sources finds it half an hour later by the years. way, stage by stage, to its time it reaches the vil- In spite of the final address. Back by lage. changes to the service 06.00 AM with the first that seem so radical and posting they begin the 480 village addresses frequent these days, it is job of sorting it all in the a service we all still rely order they will deliver it There are two rounds upon and value in the around the village. At in Boscastle: first, the daily routine of our lives. 07.00 they set off for 480 or so village resi- And it is because of the dences which is carried Tintagel, where the sec- A service we all rely dedication and flexible out on foot. Second is to ond posting will have upon and value attitude of Post Office arrived by road. This will the 170 addresses on the and Royal Mail people ‘rural’ round including St be combined with the your door; it may quite like ours that the service Juliots, Beeny, Lesnewth Camelford mail into a often be George Findlay remains so reliable and etc, which is usually cov- single daily delivery. or one of a number of thus so valuable. ered by Nicky in the van. Royal Mail relief rounds- Alternative duties (By the time this Blow- hole is distributed, Nicky As of 12th January the Nicholls will have retired famous TPO (Train Post and Tracy Smith will Office) was discontinued have taken over the van and, after many years on round. Karen Cowling is the job, our own Keiran taking over the regular Kehoe has been assigned village delivery.) alternative duties with the In the Royal Mail Royal Mail. You’d know sorting office of Boscas- if Kieran had handled tle Post Office there is a your mail on the way system of racks and there down from London be- is a separate slot for cause he would some- every address in the dis- times add his own cheery trict. They are set out in pencil greeting on the the order that the post- back of the envelope: a man walks on his round. smiling face above the The incoming mail is word ’Morning. This tipped into a large plastic service, whose origins trough and each letter is went back to the dawn of then placed into its ap- the railways, was sacri- propriate slot. The post- ficed in the cost-cutting man then collects them

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 28 Councillors’ Viewpoint - on Council Tax

Janie Comber, our District Cornwall amounts to about £2.58 a it difficult to fund some welfare, Councillor and County week. Even though your Council highways and libraries, as we would Councillor Glenton Brown have tax is going up this increase will wish. The firemen's pay settlement both written on the topical only amount to an extra 15 pence a and Newquay airport have still to week on the NCDC part of your tax. resolved at a cost of some one and a subject of Council tax. half million. A 9% increase would However, I still feel that Council be a total budget of £479,106,ooo Janie Comber gives a few facts Tax is unfair. I have long said that I but this is now unlikely on a lower would support a local income tax settlement. With a special Mori poll that is based on people's ability to in Cornwall 31% voted in favour of pay, as I believe that this is the only 7-9% increase, and 37% voted for a fair way to do things. I feel that it is 4-6% increase. The County very hard on people with a fixed Council is to carry out an efficiency income to have to face these higher drive for 2004 - 2005. than inflation increases, but under the present system it is the only way The second homes issue of reduced to ensure that we provide the discounts should raise £3,958,841 services that are needed. I would extra, with £2,969,131 going back like to stress that there are still a lot into the six district authorities for ‘Council Tax is fairly high on of households which could claim building affordable homes, (What everyone's agenda at the moment so Council tax benefit but don't. If in price is an affordable home?) with a I thought I would try and give you a doubt ring the Council Benefit review after 5 years. This, I fear, few facts. North Cornwall District office on 01208 893333. will probably only lead to about 6 new houses per district per annum. Council has an annual turnover of I know that nobody likes to pay tax I very much believe we need to between £100 - 150 million and and there is always the feeling that relax the rules on barn conversions employs over 600 staff. Our Councils must waste lots of money. to be allowed permanent residential community commitments are to As your District Councillor part of status, this really would give real make North Cornwall a better place my job is to make sure that the progressive people a real chance, to live and work in and to visit, and finances of the Council are well run, and I am encouraged that our to deliver high quality public and I really do believe that they district member is sympathetic to services. When you pay your are.’ Council Tax only a small part of it this viewpoint. Glenton Brown writes about the goes to the District Council, the rest I end with a quote from the budget tax settlement going to Parishes, County and the debate at County Hall by Councillor Police. On a band D property less ‘The Council Tax settlement for Brinle Morris who said "Jean than £135 goes to the District, with Cornwall may well be above some Baptist Colbert a French chief £850 to the County, £117 to the other shire counties if it settles on financier in the 17th century stated Police and on average £58 to the 6.9% or 7% plus yet will still be that the art of taxation was to pluck Parishes, but a bit less in our rural amongst the lowest rates overall. the maximum amount from the area. The part paid to North Education and most social services goose with the minimum amount of have been passported. We will find hissing"’.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 29

Postie’s

Corner

Well winter came and went and spring is in the air. I hope you've had chance to charge your batteries up for another busy year. The grass is

growing, the buds are on the trees and shrubs are starting to flower. Once again we're blessed with daffodils early in the year, will there be any left for

mother's day I wonder? The seasons are coming earlier and earlier we'll soon be wearing short-sleeved shirts in February. It’s all change again here at the post

office due to the end of the travelling hen Churchill said, “We And of those men whose service post office or trains to you. We shall be shall not flag or fail”, we salute starting later, the reason for this is He might have had in mind One especially stands in high W because it takes longer to sort and the Royal Mail repute transport the mail by road, which means Who owe the steadfast record And thirty years since Nicky’s your delivery time maybe an hour later. they enjoy stint began They tell us this is progress, but it's the To all the loyal people they He finally forsakes the crimson usual story one step forward and two employ van steps backwards.

Those cheerful qualities we value And those Boscastle folk among Nicky hanging up his bag their number most; That sense of duty proven with Who gather up the mail bags But this has come too late to affect our Post, while we slumber Nicky Nicholls. He's decided to hang Now blend to give support in Continuing those handed-down his bag up and call it a day after 31 years equal measure traditions loyal service. They don't make them To Nicky Nicholls’ well-earned Delivering our post in all like him anymore, even wheels now a life of leisure conditions. days have rubber on them not like when he started they were made of wood

(ha ! ha ! just joking Nicky) He doesn't look a day over 100. I wish him well in his retirement and hope he manages to do everything he has not had time to do.

Hopefully he will find time for a more active social life, getting up early in the morning does mean you have to miss out on some things. By the time

this goes to print we will have celebrated with a retirement dinner with Nicky and his fellow Postman and their wives. He will have been presented with a CD

Music System from all his customers (to whom he sends his thanks) and a Pewter Mailbox and Pewter Salver from his Royal Mail Colleagues.

Many thanks to you all for your generous donations and a good evening

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 30 Newly retired Nicky Nicholls now has time to write letters instead of always being busy collecting and delivering them! He writes:

Dear One and All I have been overwhelmed in every meaning of the word, by your kindness of cards, letters, books, book tokens, cakes etc, cheques and money and in particular the surprise gift from you all of the Sony Hi-Fi Music centre which I received on my retirement from the Royal Mail, presented to me at our Post Office Farewell Postie’s Corner (Contd) Dinner Evening. Thank you to all my Post Office Colleagues and their was had by all at Trencreek Farm House wives for the dinner held for Maria and myself. Thank you for the they really did us proud. beautiful bouquet of flowers presented to Maria and to the engraved This means now that I shall have a pewter ornamental mailbox for myself. easier life on 4 wheels I hope. I shall have a tough job to follow in Nicky's A very big thank you to Tracey for all the work behind the scene, footsteps as he did a lot more behind the everything carried out in great detail and for keeping it such a scenes than just deliver your letters. A wonderful surprise. new recruit who has already worked at Camelford and lives in Boscastle will My sincerest thanks to you all take over from me on the village walk. For those of you who don't know her, From Nicky her name is Karen Cowling, I know she will do just as good a job as I did. Every winter Boscastle has its Do you want to complain changes: when properties go through a The Book of spring clean and refurbishment and on about NHS treatment? this note I wish the Harbour Light well The Independent Complaints Boscastle in their new enterprise. It certainly Advocacy Service based at the looks good from the windows; please Rod and Anne Knight have now make a visit yourself and step inside. Citizens Advice Bureau in completed The Book of T'he Welly is still busy with its ongoing Liskeard offers support to Boscastle, which will be refurbishment. May Cottage has patients in Cornwall through published in June this year. It is doubled in size, Jordan Vale has its own the NHS Complaints an A4 format, 160 page hardback parking and Pippins Cottage in Paradise Procedure. Road is near completion, all work for book containing over 250 our busy local builders. Even Lundy We can help with complaints historical photographs, maps, View is complete (no more wet mail). about GPs, dentists, opticians, drawings and other illustrations. (Can they fit it in now they are all film pharmacists, hospital and stars as well ?) Hopefully it’s all good The book is priced at £19.95 and PR for Boscastle and there won’t be a ambulance services. We can can be ordered by using the bed to be had for the forthcoming provide information, help you special form, available from Rod season. From what I've seen so far it has compose letters or write on or Anne. been a good advert for our tourism your behalf, attend meetings Publication is dependent on there industry. with you about your complaint It is a shame the only time churches being more than two hundred and ensure that details of your seem to be full is births, deaths and orders received before 21 April complaint are kept separately weddings. What does everyone do with 2004. their Sundays the rest of the time I from your medical records. would like to know? (answers on a Those who subscribe before that The service is free and postcard). date can have their name or that of independent of the NHS. For Anyway time I shut up and got some friend, printed in this edition and shut eye, 4 am will soon be here. more information contact ICAS will be entered in a prize draw on 01579 346500 or 0845 Cheerio ! - Postie Tracey with a chance to win a free copy. (Tracey's alarm failed to go off the other morning. 1203782. Perhaps Nicky would let him have his!) Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 31

‘Twas Pleasant and Delightful...

Carol O’Rourke Reports on Boscastle’s Thriving Music Scene

ednesday is a funny old the studios, Mike Silver (above) surprise really. This is the gentle day. It sits in the middle brings his guitar along. So, centre and melodious CD with beautiful W of the week, just like a stage, please, for Mike Silver. lyrics. Listen again and hear the signpost that says, “2 days gone and Last year, a CD called “Solid chord progression on some tracks, two more to go for the weekend.” Silver” arrived on the producer’s giving it a laid-back, jazzy feel, es- It’s neither here nor there. But what desk at Radio 2. It lay there for two pecially with the soprano sax. Other makes Wednesday a special day is months waiting to be heard. When he tracks have a Celtic edge. Listen and that, come the evening, the signpost listened to it Phil Swern was straight you are on the edge of appreciating leads you down the hill to the hotel on the phone, playing to down the the wide-ranging love of music Mike where you can sample some of the line to Bob Harris; then it went to has. It takes him on a compelling Wonderful Wellington Cocktails. Pauli Walters, who produces Terry music journey, through many differ- It’s something to suit all tastes and is Wogan’s show. That was it. Bob ent landscapes which become his regularly enjoyed by all who partake. gave it lots of airtime, Wogan took it songs. They’re not all relevant to his To make this glorious combination, on board and the first track, “Not a own experiences, as with “A Matter you must first take a good measure Matter of Pride”, became one of the if Pride”, he is able to step into of Cornish laced with English, liven favourite plays of the summer. No someone else’s shoes. it up with a shanty, a dash of the Caribbean and a pinch of Africa. Decorate with a Cheryl, and a twist of Lennon, and finally dust with the Ruth & Allen welcome you to sound of Silver. Scotch and Irish make good chasers.

Infinite variety of songs

This is the mix for Singers’ Night. When John strikes up, “Twas Pleasant and Delightful” that’s exactly what it is. With their infinite variety of songs and lovely harmonies, John and Cheryl are the basic ingredients for this recipe, the rest depends on you, the many who turn up on the night providing a dif- ferent flavour each week. Some eve- nings when he is not gigging or in

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 32

The complete song just came

into his head; it was simply a Village Hall

matter of writing it down….. Jumble Sale

t’s all about how you reach peo- friends, Guenter Pauler, who produced ple. The voice sings words that Solid Silver, Chris Jones (guitar) and he sum of £270 I hit the heart. Some songs can take Nils Tuxen (almost anything with was raised at the six months to sort themselves out; strings !which will be released later on others like, “Old Fashioned Saturday in the year. In the meantime get your annual jumble st T Night”, only ten minutes. The com- diaries out and mark in 21 May. sale held at the plete song just came into his head; it That’s when you can hear Mike and was simply a matter of writing it down. Nils playing for the Blue Note Club in Village Hall on Friday There are no borders, no constrictions the Villager Hall, so make sure you 23rd January for his lyrics or his guitar, invention, don’t miss that. always learning. The song is the whole Ah ! Yes, The Blue Note Club. thing, his song, his guitar is his band. Let’s have a Fanfare for that and for The proceeds were Pete Rothwell whose idea it is. The “A bit loud—sing quiet” divided between club opened its doors at the Village th Children’s Hospice First audience, and it’s his Mum; Hall on 27 February, presented he used to play for her while she was Basil’s Blues Band to an appreciative South West doing the cooking. She liked funny audience. Pete plans to introduce us to And C.L.I.C. songs and Val Doonican, but it was “a some new faces, as well as old friends. bit loud, sing quiet”, for his rock and In future line-ups at The Blue Note. roll ! At 19 he was doing the ‘60’s Info available from Wild Wood, Bude, Thanks to everyone who thing, playing rhythm guitar in various or from Pete himself. There will be helped or contributed in R & B bands, when two things hap- plenty of posters to jog the memory as pened that set him on his road. Dylan well. any way hit the scene and he heard Gerry So, 21st May. The Blue Note. Loughran sing and playt the blues. It Village Hall. was Dylan who inspired him to write Vivien Hircock and songs and Gerry who showed him what Mike Silver and Nils Tuxen, Marion Ferrett amazing sounds could come from a guitar. see you there – Carol

The door has opened

Having been dragged along to a folk club to hear Gerry play,. He could- n’t wait for the next week to come around ! Hearing the likes of Swar- brick and Martin Carthy, learning to play the claw-hammer guitar, and won- dering where it had all been all his life. The door has opened and the view was great so it was on to Ronnie Scott’s to be bowled over by the great Al Jarrow; James Taylor, Ray Charles, Randy Newman, in concert. Always listening, hoping for the perfect moment. Al- though he knows, with a wry smile, it is sometimes better to travel hopefully than to arrive, the search for something perfect is a driving force behind every- thing he does. For him the music is the most im- portant art form; the one, true, interna- tional language. As this goes to print Mike will be in Germany, putting down a new CD, working with old

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 33 conductor, Mrs Doreen Rogers (now Hancock) accompanist and Dorothy (Arthur’s wife) as soloist. Arthur also formed a male quartet with Charles, which continued, after Charlie’s tragic death, with Dick Pethick, Bob Symons and brothers Bob and Stuart. Orpheus Male Voice Choir, Tintagel: Arthur sang with this choir and progressed to Conductor until he handed over to Melville Rowe. The choir still sing some of Arthur’s compositions and arrangements. Arthur helped form the Boscastle & District Church Choir. He became its conductor; his daughter Maire and Bob Cape were organists. After the Rev Maddocks left Boscastle, the choir had to leave Forrabury Church and they then practised at Delabole Wesley until that chapel closed. Finally the choir was based in Tintagel, where it became known as Arthur Biddick St Materiana’s Choir after Arthur and his family moved to Goonhavern,

He became a member of the Holman Climax Male There are many family members and friends in Boscastle who will mourn the passing of Arthur Voice Choir. He continued until health impeded the Biddick who died on the 26th February. high standards he set for himself. While a member of the choir he formed and trained the Compair Quartet. Boscastle has much for which to thank Arthur. He He is survived by his wife and four children. contributed greatly to the musical life of the village.

Arthur was born in Boscastle at Honeymoon Cottage, the second son of Cyril and Ethel Biddick. The other The family have loaned the Blowhole a photo sons were Bob, Gill and Stuart. of the Boscastle & District Choir, which we have printed on page 43 Arthur was schooled at Boscastle Council School. He left at 14 and worked first for D T Ferrett, then Bowering’s Bakery, Ball’s Cinema (now the Harbour News from the Churchwardens Café), E Dennis & Son and finally as HGV driver for Forrabury Church Mewton’s Sawmills and other transport undertakings. The hedge around Forrabury Church has had a In 1952 he married Dorothy Pridham at Forrabury "short back and sides" and the area in front of Church. They lived at Treforda Water before moving the churchyard has been cleared by a small, to Cambeak. They had four children, Trevanion, energetic working party. Sadly there have been two thefts from the church; some candles and Colin, Maire and Cyril. Arthur had a unique musical the brass aumbry lamp. The aumbry and lamp talent, and Dorothy and the children became very were given by the Boscastle Memorial involved with his many musical activities in the area. Committee in memory of the fallen in the 1939- Arthur was accordionist/pianist for Biddick’s Dance 45 war. Band, which sadly ended shortly after the death of his Minster Church father Cyril in 1956. Thieves have also visited Minster Church; a Arthur was a member of several bands: Boscastle piece of slate, forming part a stile at the back of Silver, 2nd Battalion DCLI & Indian the building has been stolen. The National Trust Queen’s Band. Trained by Mr Grigg and Charles has kindly tidied up the damaged area. After due consideration it was decided not to replace Berryman, Arthur progressed to being Bandmaster at the slate as it was likely to suffer the same fate Boscastle, in his turn training many youngsters, as the missing piece. including his own sons. Part of his Army service was Cleaning at Minster as a bandsman and he was a supporter and bandsman at Help is needed, from time to time, with the “Queens”. cleaning at Minster Church. Anyone who can Boscastle Male Voice Choir performed throughout give an hour or so of their time should contact North Cornwall and Devon, with Charles Berryman, either of the Church Wardens

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 34

Anna in Swaziland Last summer, Anna David travelled to Swaziland Helena with a group of fellow Truro college students and Joyce was struck by the plight of the children there. She writes: Hicks 1913 – ‘Swaziland is a small landlocked country about the size of Wales…It was once governed by Britain and 2004 was granted autonomy in 1968. It is an amazing place, full of beautiful wobbly mountains that look

like red jelly and bustling African cities that have dusty markets and show a real liking for KFC, Swazi’s like their chicken! However Swaziland is Joyce Hicks, née Hackney, was born and brought up in one of the worst hit countries of all by the global Coventry. On leaving school in 1931, she went to Bristol pandemic of AIDS. The adult prevalence of AIDS is around 33% and the life expectancy has been cut University and gained a BSc in Botany and Geology. She to 39. There are currently around 12,000 deaths then taught Botany for a few years before her marriage in per year from AIDS ... an inevitable side effect … is 1939 to Norman Hicks, whom she had met when they both the increasing number of orphans… had a holiday job in the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire. Joyce and Norman made their first home in the village of ‘In 2001 International Baccalaureate (IB) students of Charlton Horethorne in Somerset where, until the children Truro College went to Swaziland to investigate the arrived, she helped the war effort by taking in evacuees and problems brought on by AIDS… In Swaziland doing farm work. They then lived for a few years in the people must pay for their education, including Home Counties before moving to Boscastle in 1953. primary education. This is a major problem for AIDS orphans as they have no parents to pay for They lived at Paradise for the next 33 years, where they their schooling… In two schools (they visited) there brought up their two children, Sarah and Jeremy. Joyce took were no tables, chairs and a distinct lack of paper, a keen interest in village life. She was a member of the books and chalk. When the students returned … Women’s Institute and the Mothers’ Union. She also served they set up the Boom-shewula-wula registered on the Parochial Church Council as Treasurer for 24 years. charity and started to raise money. Consequently Joyce was full of energy, and she devoted a great deal of it when we arrived in the same place in 2003 there towards recreating and maintaining a beautiful garden at were some noticeable improvements, with one of Paradise. the schools having tables and chairs and some In 1978 she and Norman were pleased to be able to open textbooks and stationery. However the number of the garden in aid of The Friends of St Lawrence’s Hospital. AIDS orphans requiring education had increased This was a cause for which Joyce was a voluntary visitor. dramatically. So on return from Swaziland we too he garden has since featured in Boscastle Open Gardens started fundraising: days. She loved Cornwall and its heritage. She became a founder member of Cornwall Family History Society, and On 17th April, from 10.30am, there will be was proud to be able to trace her lineage back to the a coffee morning/cake selling/raffle prize Killigrew family of Falmouth. thing at Forrabury House, opposite Eventually the time came to leave Paradise, as the large Forrabury Church. garden with its steep slopes and steps became too much for A group of IB students will be there and them to handle. In 1986 they moved to Philleigh, near will be also to able to provide further Truro, in the Roseland. When Norman died in 1997, Joyce information about the trip to Swaziland returned to Boscastle to be nearer her son, Jeremy, who had and serve teas, coffee etc. by then returned to the village on his retirement from the Metropolitan Police. She lived in Langford’s Meadow for There will be cakes and Fair Trade items three years before moving into Highermead Residential to buy and photos of the trip to browse. Home in Camelford. Last September she celebrated her 90th Any donations of cakes or prizes would birthday. Joyce leaves her son and daughter and three be most welcome and can be left with grandchildren, Huw, Elinor and Charlotte. Rebecca at the Visitor’s Centre.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 35 Monday Morning at the Office . . .

answering the telephone first - she day. The kettle has now boiled 3 Practice Manager, Catherine can see that the person at reception times but no coffee as yet….. Pethick reveals what goes on is okay; she can't however assume Dispensing prescriptions behind the screen at the Doctors’ the person on the other end of the surgery telephone is. The receptionist now Moving into the dispensary. During the morning, 2 dispensers are What do they all do in there you tackles a good 4 inch bundle of mainly responsible for generating might ask yourself from time to post, most of which I have to admit repeat prescriptions, dispensing time? Drink coffee, catch up on the is junk mail. Nevertheless, it still repeat/acute prescriptions and weekend's news, answer the phone needs opening and sorting to ensure bagging them up for collection. In a few times in between, count out a important documents are not addition they maintain acceptable few pills...... ignored. It is approximately 11am and the courier arrives to collect the stock levels so as not to be Today is Monday and at 8.15am the samples and deliver a post bag detrimental to patient care and first member of staff arrives at the containing another bundle of respond to drug related queries surgery and opens the doors. Within assorted mail. liaising with the Doctor/ Nurse the next 15 minutes she switches on when appropriate. The number of No coffee as yet … 12 computers, empties the repeat prescription items generated by the prescription box, sorts the faxes At 11.30am the Doctor wants her dispensers this morning amounted which have arrived over the undivided attention so he can work to 182. It is mid-morning and weekend, starts opening the post his way through his daily non-drug the drug delivery has just arrived to and books in any patients who have related queries. A ‘query’ can be replenish the stock used on Friday arrived for their appointments. anything from a request for a sick afternoon. When the van driver Between 8.30am and 9.00am a note, advice or a complicated brings the order in on a trolley it receptionist, 2 dispensers and a request for information from either just adds to the despair so much so secretary arrive, very aware of what a patient or another healthcare that the jackets come off and the is ahead. professional requiring further dispensers have now had to move investigation. Before the end of the up into 6th gear. The order has to be This morning we have 2 Doctors, a morning the receptionist files away transmitted by 11am to ensure an Nurse Practitioner, a Practice Nurse any medical records and attempts afternoon delivery and all dispensed and a Health Care Assistant offering the filing that consists of hospital prescriptions need to be bagged up a total of 82 pre-booked letters, results, KernowDoc slips by 1pm. Mondays are just not good! appointments. With so many clinics etc. On average we receive Continued on next page running simultaneously this in itself approximately 50 clinical letters per is a demanding task for the receptionist. She is responsible for the smooth running of the computerised appointment system ensuring patients end up seeing the person with whom they had booked. Many of these patients will require follow-up appointments resulting in them having to see the receptionist on their way out as well as on the way in. In addition to this, the receptionist is also responsible for a number of other duties. 4 inch bundle of post On a rough count this morning she received 64 incoming calls relating to various enquiries/queries and appointment requests. Juggling between the reception window and the telephone, she prioritises by Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 36

Monday Morning Sure Start Centre Continued from p36 The search goes on to find a site for a Sure Start Centre in Mountain of tasks Boscastle. The aim is to re-house the village pre-school in a new The secretary has least patient or refurbished building. contact but is very much an essential member of the team. Whenever Pre-school want to extend their opening hours and this is not possible, she tucks herself away in a possible whilst they share the Village Hall with other users. The room and embarks upon the mountain centre needs to offer full day care facilities for sixteen children up of ‘behind the scenes’ tasks. There are to four years old. Accommodation is required to provide breakfast, referral letters to type (with an after school and holiday clubs for children aged between five and imminent holiday, one of the Doctors eleven years. dictates at least a week’s worth of letters adding to an already full typing In addition, a toy library and an enclosed play area will have to be tray), recall letters to send, hospital provided. The centre will contain consulting rooms for speech and letters to computerise, disease registers language therapists, mental health and social workers. In addition to update, letters to photocopy, patients it will provide room for adult education courses covering parenting to register and anything else I dare push and employment skills as well as healthy living. their way. There will be rooms for families to engage in a variety of support Coffee at last! activities such as parent and toddler sessions as well as family I'm sure you'll all agree that we are play and learning. very fortunate to have such exceptional It will also be a meeting point for organisations such as Credit practice staff all of whom work equally Unions, the Citizens Advice Bureau as well covering debt hard, work well as a team and are 100% committed to their job, resulting in a management and domestic violence. quality service being provided to all our Once operational the Sure Start building will have to self financing patients. and run by its own management committee. And me?.... you now must be wondering what I do all day. I'll save that for another day! Catherine Pethick

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 37

National Trust

Giant Sculptures Project. The children will be given the chance to show off ome of our recent their work here. Creative work has been due Partnerships aim to mar- S to the Trust's in- ket a Trail Guide and pos- volvement in this Creative sibly a postcard pack to Partnerships arts project. publicise the sculpture The aim of the Partnership trail to members of the is to work with local or- public. ganisations, communities and schools to create a Habitat Manage- 'trail' of giant sculptures in ment for butterflies. North Cornwall as a re- By NT Warden Mike Simmonds source for children, teach- Over the winter we ers and to appeal to tour- have undertaken work to ists. Ten schools are in- help enhance the habitat in volved and each have es- the Valency Valley for tablished a relationship butterflies - specifically with artists and writers the pearl- bordered fritil- with a view to creating lary. Our surveys over the locally inspired pieces of years have always identi- art. In this area, sculptress fied their presence but in Serena de la Hey (she fairly small numbers. By made the willow man next cutting a glade linking the to the M5 in Somerset) meadow with the sunny has devised a project with south-facing bracken Boscastle School, which slopes we hope to facili- will involve sculpture tate the spread of this in- making, poetry and story- creasingly rare species. telling and earth walks. Follow up scrub and bracken cutting will aid Fritillary butterflies the spread of violets and

She wishes to link this other flowering plants that with the nature conserva- are essential in the butter- tion work the Trust are flies lifecycles. This area doing in the Valency Val- will also be where we ley for fritillary butter- hope to site the main flies. Serena, the school- sculpture that Serena de la children and the National Hey is creating - see Trust will all be involved above. in creating and siting Similar habitat man- sculptures in the Valency agement work is taking Valley woodlands. In place on non-NT adjoin- addition the school teach- ing land – so it is great ers see this as an opportu- that complementary work nity to undertake some is going on to increase the more scientific study range for fritillary butter- flies. through outings with Trust wardens - maybe helping Orchard area at with butterfly surveys. Home Farm. An official launch date for the whole project is We have started some scheduled to take place at restoration work on a Delabole Gaia Centre to- small orchard of fruit trees wards the end of March. on Home Farm.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 38

Seats ∗ Meet a vole, shrew Boscastle Community In recent months 2 or a mouse. & Recreation Centre National Trust new slate seats have been ∗ Go river dipping created. One, in a new for mini bugs and beasties section of Cornish hedge * Do a nature scaven- “Pop-Ins” on Pentargon Cliff and ger hunt or harbour quiz Recognised by English another in the wall, mid- * Make badges, key- Monday and Thurs- Nature as a valuable wild- way along the meadow in rings and magnets life habitat and traditional * Try a Un-nature day 10 am—12 am the Valency Valley. landscape feature, an or- Trixie Webster has do- treasure hunt Come and meet your chard is an 'item' within nated a seat to the parish, * Try your hand at E.N's Wildlife Enhance- and it will be placed along making a bird, bat or dor- old friends, make some ment Scheme that can the Green Cut. The seat mouse box new ones and catch up attract extra grant aid. In on the coast-path over- The drop-in days are with village news agreement with the tenant looking the blowhole is based at the wardens' store we have decided to in- also up for replacement. in the harbour. clude this project in the Extra oak slats have been whole farm plan. The area needed to be added to two known locally as 'Cold slate and wood benches

Frame' on the southern for increased comfort! slopes above the Jordan New staff. While the already had some remain- core staff remain the same ing damson trees - the rest other changes to our team of the surrounding trees in have taken place. Tom

the copse being self- and Kath, who were vol- seeded sycamore with unteer wardens with us for some large ash there also. much of last year have

Hedges damaged by stock moved on - both of them recently gaining paid jobs We have cleared some in the countryside sector. sycamore to open up light Dax Ansell who was our for the fruit trees, rescued Assistant Warden has what damsons we could gone to work as a Project and repaired some of the Officer for Creative Part- Cornish hedging, dam- nerships - this has meant aged by stock and tree recruiting a replacement roots. Cut timber and to undertake the remain- brash will mostly be left ing 5 months of the origi- for deadwood habitat piles nal contract! Matt Hayes - good for bugs and beast- joins us as a volunteer ies! The next stage will warden, and Rickie con- involve planting up some tinues with us in a similar new Cornish variety fruit role. trees and fencing- the area School holidays activities off from stock. The foot- path to Minster Wood will Looking ahead to Sum- not be affected. In fact we mer Events. Following on would like to encourage from the popularity of last access by also using the summer's school holiday space as an outdoor class- activities, we will be do- room for environmental ing similar this year. activities with the school. Throughout August, every Taking inspiration from Wednesday there will be Creative Partnerships' the opportunity to drop in project mentioned earlier, and participate in a variety we will be including some of environmental activities small scale chainsaw including: sculptures to make the * Discover what we area more fun for the chil- found in the previous eve- dren. nings moth trap.

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 39 18th September 1873 Strike-Breakers Pete’s Peeps at for the North Several collieries refuse to employ any union men so a lot of colliers are the Past locked out and this must be partly th attributed to the present drain on our 7 May 1868 Aid from the Queen miners and others from this county. The he wives of two Cornish miners, departures from St Cleer, Pensilva and Mary Dodds and Jane Tremewan, Linkinhorne have been so numerous that T could not find the money to scores of houses are tenantless and secure an emigration grant from the consequently, property is of very little Cornwall Central Relief Committee to value. On Monday, so many men left the join their husbands in Nova Scotia. So station for the north, and on Tuesday, 90 overboard, they seemed too numb and they wrote to Her Majesty about their men assembled but had to wait a few weak to understand the instructions of plight and, after inquiries were made on days as the cheque for their fares had not the lifeboat crew or make use of the the accuracy of their statement, the arrived. It is said that for the ten years apparatus. Only one of their number had Queen commanded that £10 be trade has not been known so dull ion a lifebelt. forwarded to the Rev J G Wulff, Rector Liskeard and it will probably not of Illogan for their use. improve for a while. No less than 1,000 4th September 1873 The Harbour at th men were advertised for last week to 9 June 1870 The Gibraltar, Malta & Newquay proceed India Cable This harbour is formed by the two th breakwaters enclosing a piece of the 26 May 1873 Serious Shortage of The Telegraph Construction & beach. Only the southern breakwater can Miners Maintenance Company’s “SS be used for discharging vessels, there About 40 miners left St Just on Investigator”, Captain F.N. Worsley (the being room for two at a time and lines of Monday last and more than that left the gentleman who successfully laid the rails laid along the quay. But in 1872 the week previously. The effect of the drop Mid-Channel line), left Penzance to lay Cornwall Minerals Railway Co in the price of tin is much felt in the the shore-end of the Porthcurnow & constructed a stone jetty 100ft long by parish. Not a single mine was paying Gibraltar section of the Indian line; the 20ft wide inside the harbour with wharf dividends before so they are not likely to last link in the new telegraphic chain room for a vessel on each side. This do so now. Mine managers complain which binds England to her great jetty has two lines of rails along the top about the men and their loss of character dependency in the East. A large party and is through 150 ft of heavy timber for honest toil. Scarcely anything can be went out in the “Sea King” to witness the trestle work, or stays, connected with the more disheartening than the present splice of the main cable with the shore- land. So that the accommodation for prospects of mine adventurers in this end. The signals are now all perfect and exporting heavy materials has been very locality. There is not a single mine west communication has been opened with much increased. of Camborne paying dividends, even if Malta. By August the 22 electricians and paying costs.for the north. clerks employed at Porthcurnow on the Gibraltar and India Telegraph were doing what was reported to be a ‘roaring trade’ and the small hamlet was feeling overwhelmed at its own importance.

10th March 1873 A Gruesome Wreck Five of the drowned sailors who belong to the “Boyne”, of Scarborough, wrecked at Mullion, were washed ashore more or less mutilated. A thigh and a hand have also been picked up. A sailor who survived said that the ship broke up as he noticed a shipmate nearly cut in two. The wreck of the “Boyne”, bound for Falmouth from Batavia with sugar, was one of the worst experienced beneath the terrible cliffs which fringe Mounts Bay on the east. In the past 6 years, 7 ships have been wrecked there with the loss of 69 lives. 4 men of the “Boyne” survived but 15 were washed

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 40 Opening Hours and Useful Phone Numbers

Boscastle Post Office Emergency Services: Coastguard,

Tel: 01840 250259 Fire, Police, Ambulance - Dial 999

Monday 8.30 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 Police Station: 08705 777444 Central switchboard - 24 hours Tuesday 8.30 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 Wednesday 9.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 For reporting non-life threatening Thursday 9.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 but urgent crime: 08705 700400 Friday 9.00 - 12.30 Closed Harbourmaster: 01840 250453 Saturday 9.00 - 12.00 Closed Sunday Closed all day Doctors' Surgery and out-of-hours emergency doctor: 01840 250209 Cash machine during business hours for Alliance & Leicester and Barclays NHS Direct (24 hour helpline): Cheques cashable for 0845 4647

Alliance & Leicester / Lloyds-TSB / Co-op Hospitals: (with *Minor Injuries Units) and Barclays Bodmin - East Cornwall 01208 251555 * Launceston General 01566 765650 * Stratton 01288 287700 Boscastle Newsagent * Truro -Treliske 01872 250000 Tel: 01840 250419 Plymouth - Derriford 01752 777111

Dental Helpline: 0800 371192 Cash machine during business hours Open daily at 7.00 am RSPCA: 08705 555999

Boscastle Visitor Centre: 01840 250010 Mobile Bank Local Churches: 01840 250359 HSBC Bank plc Parish Council Clerk: 01840 250440 Mondays and Wednesdays 10.30 - 10.45 am Boscastle Village Hall: Barn Park, Tintagel Road Bookings: 01840 250558 Pay phone: 01840 250171

Boscastle Community & Recreation Mobile Library Centre:

Tel: 01208 812202 Bookings: 01840 250627

Calls on alternate Thursdays Cornwall County Council:

Wellington Hotel: 11.35 – 12.00 Switchboard: 01872 322000 Bottle Banks: 01872 323913 Barn Park, Tintagel Road: 12.05 – 12.30 North Cornwall District Council:

01208 893333

Camelford Library Town Hall, Market Place Tel: 01840 212409 Waste Tip Monday Closed all day Bowithick Quarry, Sanding Road, Tintagel Tuesday 10.00 - 5.00 Tel: 01840 770778 Wednesday Closed all day Thursday 10.00 - 5.00 Monday to Friday 8.30 - 4.15 Friday 10.00 - 4.00 Saturday 8.30 - 12.00 Saturday 09.30 - 12.30 Sunday Closed all day Sunday Closed all day

Boscastle Blowhole Spring2004 Page 41 Regeneration in Camelford Ron Hart, Camelford Town Clerk, pictured below in his office, tells about the changes happening in Camelford

Park has, following many Road, school projects such as years of endeavour by the new theatre and arts generations of committee building and much much members, become a reality. A more, too many to list here. lot of really hard work by a With the new residential few local traders and building programmes at residents, plus the generosity either end of the town and the of the Town trust in leasing regeneration programme it is the old cattle market and the hoped that Camelford will Gaia centre for donating a return to the busy times when suitable portable building for the toll money was collected a meeting place coupled with at the bridge and business a friendly architect has given flourished – mind you, most the youth a splendid outlet. traffic not visiting the town Opposite the club is a youth should be using the café in the old furniture distributor road!!!? When I was asked to the original gateway will be makers (now Souls Harbour) All the above has been submit an article on the used as the new entrance to adjacent to Clease Car Park. achieved by a partnership of projects completed and about the park beyond the toilets. Enfield Park has been the Town Council, Town to start in Camelford, I The intention of this new area awarded a demonstration site Forum, Camelford & foolishly agreed. Readers are is to put the market back into award from Westcountry Delabole Development asked to bear in mind that the old name ‘Camelford Rivers and will shortly be Group, NCDC, Cornwall this is one person’s view Market Town’. receiving seating and County Council and many working within the Churchfield Car Park will information posts around the more small groups and regeneration programme become the property of the park. individuals. and not that all residents residents of Camelford and There are many more minor For all the grant funding welcome the changes, will be managed by the Town works to be completed eg the bodies who took the although I do. Council. At first it will stay riverside walk, new town opportunity to support The proposed distributor free of charge to all users, but furniture, a conservation style Camelford projects, I say road to the NE of Camelford it is well to remember that the bus shelter at Victoria ‘God bless ‘em all’. RH is still trying to find a way of residents of Camelford will coming to the build stage; it be paying for the purchase in is struggling through official their rates. and unofficial protests over The Heritage Economical the declared route, ever rising Regeneration Scheme North Cornwall Museum costs and engineering (HERS) is at last under way. decisions that become the life This scheme offers a grant Celebrating 30 years of the museum blood of heavy discussion. It to commercial properties st th will, in my personal opinion, to improve the fabric of 1 April - 28 May eventually be built, but at my their buildings and will tender years I shall not look also extend to town ‘Four Corners’ forward to driving on it. improvements such as Paintings by Linda Irwin Enfield Park entrance, resurfacing the ‘awks’ Pottery by John Webb subject to one last grant (alleys) once called ‘opes’ st th application being agreed to, that run from the High Street 31 May - 25 June will become the centre of to the river on one side and to Camelford with facilities for Chapel Street on the other. ‘Merlin Mountain’ live music on a bandstand The first building to receive Paintings by Franciscus van Reemen (the Environment Agency this money is the library, nd originally opposed planning which is administered by the Saturday May 22 on the grounds that Town Trust. Free entry to the museum as part of the bandstands are noisy) and a Camelford AFC will have a market stall area to cater for new football pitch with Eisteddfod of Cornwall arts and craft stalls an training facilities and more North Cornwall Museum & Gallery farmers’ markets. The whole than one pitch; this project, area will have a local granite after many hard fights by the The Clease, Camelford, Cornwall, PL32 9PL floor cover with a large AFC, is due to come on Tel: 01840 212954 Email: [email protected] seating area made of local stream late 2005. Open 10am – 5pm, Mon – Sat, 1 Apr – 30 Sept slate on the east side. The Camelford & District original trees will stay and Youth Club and Skateboard Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 42

Boscastle and District Choir: photo taken in 1979, at Tolcarne, at the farewell party for Arthur and Dorothy Biddick, prior to their move to Goonhavern. Quite a few faces are instantly recognisable.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Across 48 Silly 1 Hungarian Stew 50 Prison 12 13 14 7 A Teaching place 51 Slant 12 Man’s name 15 16 17 14 Period of time Down 15 American State 1 Type of brandy 18 19 20 21 16 Piece of thin wood 2 Rounded grain (limestone) in chair back 3 Mountain slope 22 23 24 18 Ancient Scot 4 In case of 19 Snag 5 Ship 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 Climbing plant 6 A pile 22 Physical exercise 8 Vigil 31 32 33 23 Spirit 9 Mushroom 24 Sailor 10 Flint 34 35 36 25 Before 11 Otherwise occupied 29 City in Pakistan 13 Interest 37 38 39 31 Bird 17 Norse end of battle 33 Sweet food 20 Tropical African bird 40 41 42 34 People who rent 26 Cattle ranch 35 Measure of herrings 27 Great respect 43 44 37 New Zealand Parrot 28 Perilous 38 American Soldier 30 Tropical African Tree 45 46 47 39 Steal 32 Cotton Fabric 40 Printing measure 36 Pickled herring fillet 41 Petals of a flower 37 Northern sandpiper 48 49 50 43 Happens 42 Tool 44 Beaver skin 46 Shade 51 45 Exclamation of surprise 47 Length of time 47 Object 49 Compass point

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 43

National Coastwatch Boscastle's own Karate Kid

Institution Lewis Jones has lived in Boscastle Membership of the Boscastle National for five years and attends the local Coastwatch Institution has now hit the Primary School. He enjoys several 50 mark. The new members are now hobbies including football, Tintagel undergoing their initial training prior to Surf Life Saving Club and water becoming Watchkeepers. Another piece colour painting, but his most of good news was also heard recently – successful pastime has to be the operating licence for the radar has at Shotokan Karate; he is a dedicated last come through. A training package member of the Camelford Karate has been put together, and through a Club. cascade system, it is hoped Lewis started to learn Karate at the Watchkeepers will be able to see all, age of six and now at eleven he has progressed to an impressive Brown despite bad weather conditions. rd There have been considerable Belt, 3 kyu. misgivings concerning the wooden Having recently taken part in the shutters at the Lookout. During the tenth annual Karate competition at recent high winds there have been Camelford Leisure Centre Lewis several ‘near misses’ when shutters have gained first place in the Individual been wrenched from their folded Kata section. The competition was of a high standard with children position. With public safety in mind, as competing not only from Camelford Karate Club but also as far afield well as the safety of Watchkeepers, the as Wadebridge, Launceston and Bude. National Trust was consulted as to what Congratulations to Lewis on his achievement. to do to rectify the situation. It has been agreed that Boscastle NCI purchase white security roller blinds, fixed from BOSCASTLE WEA: Use it or Lose it! the inside of the Lookout by those on duty. These will meet all the necessary The WEA is in need of an enthusiasm boost! Neither the Tai Chi safety standards and the prevention of a nor the Herbal First Aid classes arranged for this year were able to nasty accident. run due to lack of interest. The WEA AGM will be held in the During the past few weeks groups of Village Hall in late April, precise details to be given on posters Watchkeepers have visited the RNLI at closer to the time. Falmouth, being given guided tours of Please come along and show your support the sea-going lifeboat as well as the It’s now time to plan courses and book tutors for next year. Will inshore boat. One party also went to there be 11 people who all want to study something at the same meet H M Coastguards at their Falmouth time? What is that something? If you have any ideas then get in Headquarters, to put faces to voices and touch with Philippa on 250483 0r Sally on 250225 learn more about the massive operation carried out from that building, and the tremendous responsibility of those involved in helping to save lives. G Mills, Secretary, Boscastle NCI

Village Hall At a recent meeting of the Village Hall Committee Michael Parsons agreed to remain as Chairman for a second year. Arthur Bannister, having completed his terms of office as Chairman and Vice- Chairman stood down; there were no nominations for Vice-Chairman. Noel Ward agreed to remain as Treasurer and Daphne Rogers remains as Secretary. iBoscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 44 Harbour Light Makeover for her son -in-law, Hedley Venning to carry out the more serious repairs. Now, completely refurbished, The Harbour Light embarks upon a new phase in its long history.

Trixie is keen to give people in the village the opportunity to see the changes for themselves and try on her new range of clothing.

The Harbour Light is holding an

Open Day on Saturday, 27th March.

Refreshments will be available

throughout the day and a 10%

discount will be offered on all

articles of adult and children’s

clothing.

Transformed the building t is now ten years since Trixie Harbour Light has always been a I Webster’s Pixie Shop was family concern ever since Trixie’s transformed into The Harbour Light. father, Norman Webber, bought the She found that her new Christian building from the Bottreaux estate faith was not compatible with many soon after WWII. Thought to date of the items if merchandise she had from the same period as the harbour been stocking. Still selling a wide quay, it has seen many roles in its range of gifts of interest to the 400 year history; not the least of visitors’ trade in the meantime, Trixie which was as a pigs’ house until it has now decided she wants to move was bought and transformed by on further. “I felt I wanted to Trixie’s father. He fitted the gothic specialise in clothing and Christian granite windows that transformed the merchandise”, she says. building into, what he described as The Harbour Light now has a “the second most photographed wide range of clothing to fulfil the building in North Cornwall”’ (after needs both of fashion and the North The Old Post Office in Tintagel, that Cornwall climate. The range clearly is.) reflects her own sensitive taste in Trixie’s brother Michael has been clothing and will undoubtedly be helping with the refurbishment but, popular, not only with visitors but when he discovered some structural also with local residents. beams needed replacing, they sent

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 45 A dedicated group of Anthony’s family at this First Team News parents (including the Club difficult time. Sports Captain, Robin, ‘The Boscastle’s First Team’s Badger’ Haddy and Radio Funds struggle to field a team has News Cornwall presenter Laurence seen the signing of Nigel Reed) are doing their bit by Yet another generous Dennis to take over the goal- coaching the local Primary donation from Adrian and keeping duties, thereby School children. But will the Staff at he the Cobweb has releasing Nev ‘The Tank’ club still exist by the time helped swell the club’s Turner from his stint these youngsters are eligible coffers. The proceeds from ‘between the sticks’ to fill to play? This is the question the Harvest Auction were the No 9 jersey vacated by on many people’s lips. divided up and donated to Simon Biddick. And fill it All the club’s players various organisations around he has! Goal scoring has and committee members are the village. The football been Boscastle’s problem of fully aware of these club was again lucky enough late so Nev is hoping to problems and will, no doubt, to receive a sizeable cheque address this crisis and start work hard to preserve which was gratefully knocking in some goals. Boscastle’s league status as accepted by the club There is another motive well as their reputation for Secretary, Sharon Pethick. behind Nev’s move outfield: being a competitive but Once again, many thanks to he needs more exercise in friendly club. Committee the Cobweb.again order to shed the pounds so

meetings take place once a that he can fit into his outfit Dinner / Dance for his forthcoming month when any problems by Martin Pethick marriage. Player-Manager, are usually ironed out. But a The Annual Dinner and Richard Pethick has needed notable absentee has been Dance will take place this Blowhole’s Candid th to call up several Second the Vice Chairman, Stephen year on Saturday, June 5 . Team players on occasions Sports ‘Jordan’ Jose, who, since the The venue will once again to plug the gaps left by calendar shoot and the be the Eagle House Hotel. Correspondent unavailability and these television appearances, has Tickets are available by players have done the club Club News become quite a celebrity. phoning 250341 or 213954. He is in such great demand proud whenever called upon.

ith yet another to appear at various winter nearly over functions that it leaves him

W another football unable to attend the season draws to an end. meetings.

Both Boscastle teams have Obituary shown some improvement since Christmas but a mid- table finish is the best each Everyone connected with the club was saddened to team can hope for, even though both teams still have hear of the death of Anthony Harvey who, at the youngish an interest in various cup competitions. age of 51, lost his battle against cancer. Many of A serious lack of young, eligible players is the main Boscastle’s regular suppor- ters would have witnessed reason Boscastle are struggling but this isn’t a Anthony’s appearances on the football field and would problem confined to Boscastle but is shared by have noticed that what he may have lacked in ability, many neighbouring villages. So, where have all the teen- he more than matched with effort. agers gone ? On match days, anywhere upwards of as In one particular Second Team match he scored a dozen younger boys and girls can be seen staging goal with a shot from deep on his own half. Something their own matches on the outskirts of the pitch. A he was always proud of (and something he reminded you healthy sign for the future, perhaps, but not a cure for of every time you met him !) The club would like to solving the immediate problem. express their sympathy to all

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 46

the line for the original Boscastle team at the Sports football field, following the conclusion of WWII. Since the club reformed, many News different household names Continued such as Arthur Olde, Louis Pearce, Lionel ‘Tubby’ Reynolds, Brian ‘Tacker’ Wickett and Ron Hancock he First Team still have been regular flagmen. remains in the Nowadays teams who T divisional cup and the compete in the Duchy Launceston K.O. Cup but Boscastle’s Second Team, proudly parades its new strip. Premier League have to some improved perform- Copyright picture by courtesy of David Flower provide a registered lines- ances are needed if they are person who has to pass quite to continue in these it the World Cup Final, the a challenging exam in order competitions. Cricket News Barclaycard Premiership to qualify. At present the League or the Duchy League role is filled by the club Second Team News Following another fairly Division 5. No referee in the chairman, Mr George successful Evening League world can be expected to Brown, with Anthony After a stuttering start season, the Cobweb Cricket keep up with the pace of a Biscombe as his understudy Boscastle Reserves have Team held their end-of- moving ball so, even if the Anthony is presently shown much improvement season dinner at the Cobweb appointed linesman only learning his trade with the in their performance and a Restaurant by kind invit- indicates whether the ball is second team and there is no mid-table finish looks highly ation of the Landlord, in or out of play, this is a doubt that he will make a likely. Many of the team’s Adrian ‘Superdad’ Bright, great help to the man in the competent replacement defeats have been by the odd who very generously footed middle. when the time comes for goal so, with a bit more the bill. Twenty-eight people Dick Kernick used to run him to make the step up into determination in defence, were in attendance and, first team duties. more points could be gained. following a fine meal, The Second Team has numerous awards were made recently lost the defensive to several of the players with qualities of stalwart Julian stalwart, Andrew Cooke, Findlay, who is recovering taking the main prize of from an operation. So his ‘Player of the Year’. place has been filled by the The new season ‘Kangaroo Kid’ Alex Higgs. commences in April and the Player-Manager David Cobweb Team will start as a Bosley has a mixture of favourite for one of the top youth and experience at his three spots, especially with disposal, even though it is the return of Alex Higgs, difficult to work out which whose all-round ability will of these categories John strengthen an already Mugford falls into. When formidable-looking line-up. fully fit, Paul Saffs is a vital Once again the Captain will part of David’s team and, be Phil Higgs. even though he isn’t quite Even though most of the influence he used to be, last season’s squad have he still caps some fine remained, new players are performances with some always welcome. So any one useful goals. keen to play is welcome The usual centre-half to attend the net practice pairing of Steve Dray and sessions in March. Ring Roger Perry can boast over Phil for details. eighty years between them Linesmen and, although they have been playing fairly solidly, Linesmen, or assistant they let a fifty-year-old centre-forward through to referees, are an essential part of any football match, no score in a recent match ! matter what the standard; be

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 47

“It’s a Dream Come True ! Boscastle Solicitor’s Thousandth Job

B oscastle solicitor, Christopher Key admits that the life he leads is a ‘dream come true’. But it took many years of hard work and risk before he could take such a satisfied view. The dream dates back to when he was sixteen and he first decided that the law in Cornwall would be the job for him. (That’s with a lot of surfing and fishing thrown in as well.) A ‘Port Isaac boy’, he went from PI Primary School to Sir James Smith’s School in Camel- ford when it was still a grammar school. Already clear about what Christopher Key at his desk at Trebiffen Farm, where he runs his solicitors’ practice he wanted to do, he went up to Manchester University also wanted to find time for centrating on beef and Chris’s law business is for three years to take his another of his great pas- sheep production. Weather- now flourishing and he has LlB. Then, after a six sions—fishing. Thus, in ing the BSE crisis very been joined by Liz Bordin, months’ course at Guild- 1998, he launched his new early on, his strategy was to another part-time solicitor . ford College of Law, where practice right from scratch. join the Countryside Stew- The firm has just passed the he took the further degree ardship Scheme, employing landmark of completing needed to make him a so- Boscastle suitable market extensive (as opposed to their first thousandth job. licitor, he was articled to intensive) methods. “Part of And fishing ? “Only to Harvey and Sproull’s firm Choosing an area in the role is looking after the feed the family, now,” says of solicitors in Bodmin. He which his earlier employers countryside,” says Chris, Chris, who somehow finds was to stay there for eight- were not especially active, who now runs an accredited time to tend his 20 lobster een years Chris decided that Boscas- organic farm. pots. He is proud of his 18 tle would make a suitable Chris’s partner, Steffie ft, Phil Washer-built lob- Practicing law on his own market for his skills. He has her own reputation in ster-fishing boat. “I started had purchased Trebiffen Boscastle as an accom- with a fishing licence for 50 As a local man and, Farm jointly with his old plished party cook. She has pots but it was not viable. having spent many years school-friend, Johnny Bam- four children from an early But I still like to get out in gaining valuable insight ford; Chris taking the barns marriage and she and Chris my boat whenever I can. into local legal affairs, and land and Johnny the have a son, presently at That’s when I’m not surf- Chris Key then started to farm house. So after some Bryanston School. ing, of course.” think about practicing law months of building conver- on his own account. But sion he was able to set up even at that stage, he had practice on his own door- developed a unique plan for step. the sort of ‘firm’ he wanted He was joined by Jean to found and operate. Ever Evans who had been his the country lad, he had al- assistant for 18 years. She, ways harboured yearnings too, was attracted to the to be a farmer. He was con- idea of working part-time vinced he would be able to and, before long, they were combine both interests in a joined by Wendy Drayson, single career. Essentially it their administrative assis- meant notionally assigning tant, all of them agreeing to half each day to each. work for 20 hours a week. All that might have In the meantime, Chris been simple except that he established the farm, con-

Boscastle Blowhole Spring 2004 Page 48