BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE No 48 Winter 2004 £1
photo courtesy David Flower, Tintagel POSTIES NOMINATED FOR AWARD see page 19 for more details
Contents: National Trust p10 Church and Chapel p12 Parish Council News p18
Postie’s Corner p21 Useful Information p25 Fanfare p30 Crossword p34
WHAT'S GOING ON IN BOSCASTLE?
Well, everyone knows all about get worse. In villages like ours distribution of information the Boscastle Regeneration news travels quickly and it seems leaflets to each household. Steering Group and the work it is the more confidential it is the Village news could be collated doing. Everyone knows that quicker it travels. However, it by our Parish Council and there is Japanese Knotweed in the often becomes distorted on the incorporated in monthly bulletins village and everyone knows what way and may fail to reach issued by North Cornwall is going on behind Marine everyone. District Council. Terrace. or do they? What can be done? There is no The National Trust and the Communication can be a problem simple method which will Environment Agency may wish - even between two people guarantee to reach the entire to time their publications so that speaking the same language. community, but there are ways in they coincide with those of the Both can hear what the other is which communication can be District Council. What is more, saying but do they always improved. Several were listed in the bulletins could also provide understand what is said? As the the recent NCDC questionnaire. an opportunity for you to air number of people increases and They all have their own merits your views about what's going word is passed from one to but the method most likely to on in Boscastle. another the problem is likely to reach the majority is the
Boscastle Blowhole Editorial Team
The editorial team 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 next Blowhole will be published in mid March. The deadline for copy is 18th February. Please ensure that your copy reaches us by then or we may be unable to include it. Thanks.
The team are: Arthur Bannister, Chris Rodda, Mary Dummett, Philippa Arthan, Daphne Rogers, Joan Cork, Hilary Allen 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 01840 250483
Contributions to the Blowhole can be sent c/o Boscastle Post Office or by email to [email protected]
The Blowhole is published 4 times a year and printed by Swiftprint, Unit104, Carclaze Industrial Estate, Treverbyn Road, St Austell Tel: 01726 70700
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 2
money raised will go towards the Here and There Flood Appeal and the regeneration of Boscastle. Coffee Mornings
Lynn Biddick has held two Flood Relief Coffee Mornings, raising £373 and £500. She has also held a Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Relief, raising £500. This total raised includes money raised by the Sunday school children. The children have been sponsored for growing sunflowers: Lauren Edwards raised £66.50, Jerica and Nakita (Sandy Darlison’s granddaughters) raised £26 each.. Their chosen charity was the Nick Leeds’ watercolour painting of the Pixie House Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Hanging in the loo at Willapark All proceeds are going to the Flood Thank you everyone for supporting was a little water colour painting of Appeal Fund. the coffee mornings and thank you Lynn for all your hard work. the Pixie House,(the Harbour Nick would like to thank Jane Light) which Nick Leeds painted Moffett for her assistance with the Insurance Questionnaire over 30 years ago and gave to Liz. printing. An insurance questionnaire was Since the flood, many of the delivered to households in the regular guests at Willapark, some Boscastle Calendar 2005 village along with the Autumn of whom were visitors to Tolcarne A second fundraising calendar is edition of the Blowhole. Many in the 70's, wanted to buy it as a now on sale at various outlets in thanks to those who have memento of a well loved Boscastle the village. completed and returned them. landmark. Liz did not want to sell The calendar features colour Some households felt that they it, but agreed, providing that Nick pictures of Boscastle taken prior to were unable to fill their forms in as painted her another one. the flood, together with smaller, it was too soon since they were still Because of the interest shown by greyscale pictures of the in negotiations with their insurers. their guests, they decided to turn devastation wreaked by the floods It is not too late to do so, and the picture into a limited edition in August. further copies of the questionnaire print of 250 copies, to sell to raise The project was organised and can be obtained from Chris Rodda, money for the Flood Appeal. financed by John Gibson, Jane tel 250012. A summary of the The prints are available from the Moffett and Klair Hilland with the conclusions of the survey will be Post Office, Pubs, Newsagent or typesetting and design by Jane made. However, a reasonable Willapark, £50 framed or £35 Moffett and Octagon Design and number of completed forms are mounted (and ready to send as a Marketing Ltd of Worksop. needed for the results to be Christmas present !!!?). The calendar costs £6 and all the meaningful.
DAVID WASHER
Building Contractor
‘Penlea’, Tintagel Road, Boscastle
Tel:01840 250635 Mobile 07967 507457
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 3
Castle Goff Jumble Sale
The sum of £185 was raised at the Ten years ago in the Blowhole recent Jumble Sale in the Community Winter 1994 . . . plus ça change . . ? Centre for Castle Goff Cat Rescue. Many thanks to everyone who helped At a meeting of Forrabury and and supported us. Vivien Hircock South West Water constructed the Minster Parish Council: reservoir and roadway to the top of
Boscastle Chamber of "Flood Alleviation Scheme. A Gibbs Lane thus overcoming most Trade and Commerce letter from the National Rivers of the surface water drainage problems formerly so worrying to Following the devastation caused by Authority requested information the residents of Boscastle. I have the august flooding, a group of local with regard to areas liable to been intrigued, however, to business people decided to join flooding. The Council instructed observe that numbers of the together and form a local Chamber of the Clerk to write giving all known recently built houses stand on sites Trade and Commerce. Their prime information about 'historical where I can recall springs in spate. motivation was that it was necessary flooding areas' in Boscastle. This Caveat Emptor." to have such a body in order to have information will be used as part of
a voice on the committee of the the NRA Flood Alleviation Scheme." (Dreckly?) Forrabury Church Tower Steering and Regeneration Group set up by NCDC. "The latest news from the church is All businesses, large and small can As a postscript to an article by that the inside of the tower has Norman Hicks: been stripped of the rotting wood join the Chamber - hotels, pubs, restaurants, guest houses, B & B’s, "Reverting to Mr Gable's mention and plaster, and is now drying out. shops, builders, painters, electricians, of the Jordan stream; in April We are waiting for the workmen to craftspeople, etc. 1963, three months of very hard come and make good the original The Chamber have now agreed a frost was ended by so rapid a thaw revealed stonework." constitution and have elected a that neither branch of the Jordan could contain the floods that swept Lottery Winner committee. They are meeting on a regular basis. See their advert on through, filling every conduit with Madam Butterfly reported a win of page 34 for further details about rubble and cascading down every ten pounds on the first lottery and their meetings and activities. stairway, to flood every cellar of assured readers that it would not the Wellington and every house on change her life. Open Gardens 2004 the way. The same flood The proceeds from the Open Days completely eroded the farm track at Trefoil Farm and Tubbs Ground giving access to Tubbs Ground footnote, perhaps it did change her were in aid of Children's Hospice fields above Paradise, providing us life. She hasn’t been sending her with opportunity to landscape its highly individual contributions to the South West: not Church funds as Blowhole for quite some time . . . reported in the autumn edition of gardens afresh. Subsequently the Blowhole.
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Bottreaux Restaurant Air Ambulance Charity Items for sale are still being left on gains AA Rosette Shop, Delabole the doorstep causing an
obstruction; these should be Following a successful inspection If the weather forecasts are correct brought into the shop during on the 21st October, the Bottreaux we are in for a cold snap and opening hours as posted on the restaurant has been awarded a possibly a white winter so do look door. Please only donate articles in prestigious AA rosette. The award in and see what warmer clothes good saleable condition as the shop comes at the end of a successful are displayed on the rails and also is often inundated with items that year, with achievements such as in the shoe section. You might are only suitable for 'binning'. Our Restaurant of the Year 2003 even be thinking of some volunteers simply do not have the (Highly Commended from the Christmas shopping and there are time to sort through bags of articles Cornish Tourist Board) and Taste quite a number of items in the that are torn, dirty and/or broken. of the West Restaurant of the Year shop that would make nice gifts, Thank you. 2004 Bronze. Their website Christmas cards are also available Jane Sadleir achieved the position of finalist in as too are tickets for the Christmas Don’t forget the weekly Air the 2004 South West Tourism raffle. Ambulance lottery. If you want to awards. A half price sale of clothing took join, please phone local collector, ‘This Summer has been place during September ending in Barbara on 250347 particularly difficult for us and for early October with some bargains Boscastle’, admit Alan and as low as 50p, but even so the Carlotta Cooper, the proprietors. takings reached the excellent ‘The August flood has severely amount of £589.85. damaged business, and has affected In August the following two the morale of the whole village’. donations were received: £120 Luckily, although the Cooper’s from Gordon & Edna Sewell of home was badly flooded, the Tintagel on the occasion of their restaurant’s kitchen garden was Diamond Wedding Anniversary, almost entirely unaffected. ‘We are for which many congratulations still producing our own vegetables and a very big thank you for and herbs for the restaurant, and I raising this amount. am certain that the quality of these Very many thanks are also due to organic ingredients, along with the a local lady who donated £50 but excellent produce from other local wishes to remain anonymous. We suppliers, contributed to create the are extremely grateful for these right impression to the AA generous donations which, when inspectors.’ added to the August takings of They hope to achieve a second £564, brings the grand total for rosette next year.’ that month to £734,
WEBBERS Estate Agents (Estab 1924) Residential & Commercial Agents SELLING BOSCASTLE PROPERTY NATIONWIDE Voted “BEST UK INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS” 2003 BY Homesale Network DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR HOUSE IS WORTH? For your FREE market appraisal, with no obligation, contact: Webbers Estate Agents 11, Lansdown Road, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8BH Tel: 01288 353661 Fax: 01288 359392 Email: [email protected] Website: www.webbers.co.uk “Webbers, going further and achieving more!”
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 5
District Councillor Janey Comber News and Views from writes: North Cornwall District Council Neil Pendleton, Director of want the village to tap into all Community Services, NCDC available funding for regeneration writes: and we will not be able to do this
By now residents should have unless we have credible projects received a copy of the first that have public support that we can Boscastle Regeneration Newsletter. put forward to funding bodies. North Cornwall District Council The council is keen for the village to enjoy a good season next year. has put this together to keep I can start with the good news that We will maximise public parking everyone up-to-date on what is N.C.D.C. have been told that they by April, but will not embark on happening in the village, and we have achieved "Excellent" status in major works on the car park until plan to issue a monthly update from the recent audit by the the Autumn of 2005. We have now on. Government. We are the only already put temporary visitor The National Trust is also District Council in Cornwall to get facilities in place in the portacabin producing a newsletter and is the highest grade, and everyone is at the car park and will be arranging public meetings and tours really delighted. What we have to extending our staffing of this to let residents know what the do now is to build on this and keep facility to meet demand. We have Trust’s plans are over the coming on learning and improving, to also installed a temporary toilet months. continue to give the people of block. An information leaflet about North Cornwall the high standards Blowhole has specifically asked for the flood for visitors is being put an overview on what state we think they deserve. together and we will be arranging the village is likely to be in by next for a video loop about the flooding Being a trustee of the Flood Appeal April when the new holiday season to be available in the portacabin. has been a thought provoking starts. experience, with over 130 As residents will have seen from Contacts at NCDC: applications as I write. We are all the survey that has been sent out to Rebecca David, Visitor Centre well aware of the limitations of the all households, we want to ensure Manager: 01840 250 036 grants, and know that we can't that the local community has its say (portacabin) or 01840 250 010 make up fully for what people have about how the flood damaged (Tintagel Visitor Centre). lost. However we do try very hard public areas are rebuilt. Annie Moore, Policy & to consider each case on it's merits. Communications Team: 01208 The generosity of donors has been The information you provide will 893318 or wonderful, with all sorts of be combined with information from [email protected] fundraising events being held over organisations involved in rebuilding and reinstating Boscastle to help develop an improvement plan. ********************** There will be an opportunity for Log on to you to discuss and comment on more detailed proposals once a www.thisisnorthcornwall.com draft plan is prepared. This is likely to be in January. To find jobs and to win cash prizes. Residents have seen North Cornwall District Council in action Log on to advertise almost anything on our local notice boards. during the flood disaster so you will Log on and add your business to the North Cornwall Directory. know that we are able to deliver quickly and efficiently. We are also Go on…its free. keen to ensure that Boscastle benefits from the opportunity for www.thisisnorthcornwall.com improvement that the restoration process offers. This is why we are A resource for promoting North Cornwall to the masses, not rushing in to re-instate that exists purely through sponsorship everything as it was before and why we are leading the consultation and ********************** co-ordination exercise. We also Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 6
continuation of Janey’s article a widespread area, and it's been a North Cornwall Flood real pleasure to go and collect some of these donations and meet the Appeal Update people who have organised them.
District Council life has been as GeorgeFindlay, Chairman of to relieve hardship due to being busy as ever, planning applications Forrabury & Minster Parish out of work, loss of business have increased significantly but Council and Flood Appeal Trustee income, property and material writes: they are still being dealt with quite things. Applications for help quickly, almost all within the 8 As one of your local trustees to the continue to come in and we try to week guideline. We are into the Fund I am pleased to say that the meet about three times a month to period of discussion for setting next Fund continues to attract many assess them and make payments year's Council Tax now, never an donations from far and wide as immediately if we can. easy task, with a balance to be well as from the local SW counties If you think you have been found between service provision of Devon and Cornwall. Our affected, either directly or and increased costs. However, I am thanks must go to these people and very hopeful that we will only have indirectly, by the flooding we I think worthy of special attention would be pleased to consider your a low percentage rise for next year, are communities who have in the probably less than 5%. claim in total confidence. Please past been victims themselves of don’t be shy, claim forms are Seeing that this issue of the serious flooding. Places like, to simple to fill out and are only a Blowhole will be arriving on your name just two of many who sent doorsteps before Christmas, may I phone call away at the NCDC sizeable donations, Lynton & office in Wadebridge, telephone take this opportunity to wish all Lynmouth and Polperro. The total readers a Peaceful Christmas, and a 01208 893352. paid into the Fund stands at well Happy, Healthy and Prosperous over £200,000. Church and Chapel and other New Year. organisations have also been able From the Fund we have so far paid Janey Comber: 01840 230497 to distribute help to many from the out far in excess of £100,000 to generous donations they have over a hundred applicants helping received.
NEED YOUR HOME MAINTAINING?
The Good Food Catering Co. are excited to KINGSLEY UGLOW announce the opening of their new delicatessen and
café in Tintagel, where we will be stocking a wide Will undertake any interior or exterior range of fresh and dried artisan foods including work on your house including: Cornish specialities and cheeses, meats, and olives from around the world. Decorating - Plastering - Tiling Renovation Work, Carpentry, Masonry Stonewall Building and Cornish Hedging CHEESE BREAD WINES ANTIPASTA Fence and Shed Building CONTINENTAL & LOCAL COOKED MEATS PASTA SALADS COFFEE CAKES FRESHLY Wooden Flooring PREPARED READY MEALS BESPOKE CATERING
All work guaranteed to a high standard We look forward to welcoming everyone from 11th Concrete bases and dwarf walls built for December onwards, Tuesday – Saturday 9-5.30 conservatories Bossiney Road (previously The Village Bakery) Telephone: 01840 211054 Mobile: 07976 412374 Lucy and Mike Tel: 01840 770880
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 7
Forrabury Church Flag Flies Again over a period of years, laboured in various ways to maintain the fabric of the church and raised money for its eventual restoration, as well as those who responded with remarkable generosity when the plight of the tower became more widely known. We hope that all of you, the anonymous contributers, will be as heartened and encouraged by the sight of the flag as we were. We eagerly await forthcoming editions of the Blowhole, when we shall no doubt read of the restoration of homes and businesses and be able to offer prayers of thanks that left to right: Yvonne Ayling, Rev John Ayling, Bishop Bill Ind, Rev Christine Musser and Brett Musser, photo courtesy David Flower, Tintagel your immediate ordeal is coming to an end. Work on Forrabury Rev John Ayling, the We recently returned to When we were unable to Church Tower has now previous vicar, had started Boscastle to be present `fly the flag' your support been completed. To the fundraising ball rolling when the flag was raised kept our spirits aloft. We commemorate the under his ministry and over the restored tower of pray now that there will occasion, the Bishop of succeeded in raising half Forrabury Church. soon be celebratory Truro, Bill Ind, pulled the the funds. The remaining It was good to see the Cornish flags flying rope to unfurl the flag on sum has been raised since children raise their flags throughout the village. the tower at a special Rev Christine Musser's and a great joy to once Our best wishes to you all, thanksgiving service on ministry. again view the tower, with John and Yvonne Ayling flag aloft, from above the Sunday, November 7th.. John and Yvonne, who village. Unfortunately we Restoration of the tower travelled from their new did not, on that occasion, cost £57,000; no grants home in Leominster to meet many of you who were received towards the attend the service, sent the made this restoration work, all the money was following letter to the possible. raised through fundraising Blowhole. We would like to record our activities. gratitude to all those who
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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 8
Good Food . . . Edith Gomoll gives us the news from Boscastle WI:
gets even better! Many WIs all over the It was only in March that difficult sourcing foreign country expressed their
Lucy Barber and Mike ingredients for our catering sympathy because of Bodmin Moor was Shone set up The Good in rural North Cornwall – the dreadful events in much enjoyed. Food Catering Company, now we have all those August, all as reported in an earlier delicious foods under our Boscastle acted as contributions went to hostesses at the edition of the Blowhole. own roof, and can serve the local Emergency them to our customers in Camelot Group Nine months on, Lucy and Fund and Boscastle WI Mike have prepared and the deli and café too.” Meeting and gave a tried to be of help at the little performance as delivered canapés, buffets The wide selection of fresh Emergency Centre. and celebration cakes and dried food includes glittery fairies looking across the county for Italian and Spanish cured We all learned flower for a job. Our speaker christening, birthday and meats, cheeses, wines and arranging at our Craft was the story teller Mrs anniversary celebrations, beers, olives, oils, pasta and Day at Trevalga Hall. Jill Lamede from business launches and confectionary as well as the Table tennis started on Tintagel, a lovely weddings. Their domestic best of West Country September 22nd. Mrs Y evening kitchen now sagging under produce, including Camel Toms was our speaker, the strain of professional Valley wines and Helsett For November tea and giving a lively report entertainment for the catering, they are now on ice cream. Mike, Lucy and about her life at the move to their newly their team will be making Camelford Disabled fitted premises in Tintagel. a range of quiches, main Buckingham Palace as Club is organised. a housemaid. “We enjoyed an amazingly courses and cakes which Our garden club is on successful summer, and will be available to take- In October an Autumn hold at the moment, we knew that we would away or enjoy in the café. Ramble along the due to bad weather and have to find suitable Lucy and Mike say “Our Saint’s Way at Withiel less attractive gardens business premises. When aim is to provide the area and an excursion over in autumn season. The Village Bakery with access to a great range became available we were of food, and a treat for the delighted as it has one of passionate cook or eater. the largest commercial Whether you’re searching kitchens in the area”, says for the best artisan cheese, Lucy. a spice or food for special The premises also came dietary needs, you should with an ample amount of find it here. If a customer retail area, enabling Mike asks for something we don’t and Lucy to create a well- stock we’ll do our best to stocked delicatessen, with source it for them”. shelves positively groaning with an enticing range of foodie delights. “It had sometimes been Boscastle Gallery
The Bridge, Boscastle. (01840) 250248
The Gallery will be opening in early 2005
Season’s Greetings from Chris and Judith
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 9
The National Trust has a major • meeting with the Boscastle Please remember that NCDC interest in and around Boscastle Fisherman’s Association to are offering free advice on owning over 300 acres of land discuss options in respect of the planning, and on building including the harbour, river, access material still remaining in the design and materials for Listed roads, bridge, several buildings and harbour. buildings. parts of the Valency Valley. • assessing when the harbour can Progress to date: be re-opened to the public and Even if your building is not
what work is needed to allow this Listed, it is essential for the • We now have an outline project future appearance of the village plan in place for the repairs to all to happen safely. to ensure the use of appropriate our affected properties. • planning repair works to design and materials in any buildings using techniques and • At Newmills works have been repairs. completed on two buildings and materials that will be sympathetic work has begun on reinstating in character, and taking the The Trust may be able to help the footpath. opportunity to improve buildings with advice if this is required. to comply with latest legislation • We are working with the eg the Disability Discrimination Boscastle Regeneration group. Act. For further information, contact:
• We are working with the • planning to recover some of the Property Manager: Environment Agency on slate and stone stored at a local Ian Kemp: 01208 863046 planning reinstatement works to farm which was removed in the Assistant Property Manager: the harbour, river banks and first few days after the flood to Jeff Cherrington: 01288 331372 or Valency Valley. be used in the rebuilding of river 07976 839855 • A big ‘thank you’ to those who walls. National Trust shop, Boscastle: helped out with the ‘Helping the • planning work on debris removal 01840 250353 (with answerphone) Harbour’ event on 12th and 13th with volunteers from SWEB and Area Manager: October. The days were Barclays bank. Andrew Davey: 01208 74281 successful in recovering over 200 tons of stone and removing • working with Environment Email: [email protected] Agency on the valley 75 cubic yards of rubbish. The Write to: National Trust, management and the flood days were supported by local The Old Forge, The Harbour, alleviation scheme for the River people as well as volunteer staff Boscastle PL35 0HD from North Cornwall District Jordan. Council and the Environment
Agency. A further clean up day is planned for 14th December. The Bottreaux Restaurant, Boscastle • We are assisting a project to look at the historic environment of One of Cornwall’s finest restaurants Boscastle (see article on next page). 2003 Cornwall Tourism Awards - Restaurant of the Year Highly Commended Looking ahead, we are : Sample Menu • awaiting a report from the Pan seared Bude scallops with roast courgette puree Environment Agency (due and a veloute of Cornish crab December) to help determine, amongst other things, when and Michaelstow pork belly with a rich scrumpy glaze with wilted spinach and potato gratin how rebuilding of the river walls can take place and further work Poached pears in red wine and Boscastle wildflower honey sauce with in the Valency Valley. clotted cream ice cream
• arranging a meeting with Parish Comfortable fully licensed slate floored 16th Century bar Located in the upper village opposite the doctor’s surgery Council to highlight progress to date and current plans for the Tel: 01840 250 231 future. Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 10
REINSTATING BOSCASTLE’S OASTWATCH NEWS UNIQUE CHARACTER C THE BIG TEST
A project by Cornwall County Photographs, drawings and The National Coastwatch Council’s Historic Environment surveys will be undertaken Institution at Boscastle is Service is supporting repair and wherever access can be gained preparing itself to become a reinstatement work in without inconvenience. Declared Facility Station - to Boscastle. pass a two day concentrated The information gained will add inspection of equipment and The project, jointly supported to our understanding of how personnel as laid out by the by the National Trust, English Boscastle has developed and Coastguard. Heritage and North Cornwall changed over time and will be Approved senior inspectors District Council, is providing available in the future for from the NCI will accompany detailed information on the education and community Watchkeepers on four shifts. town’s historic environment to interest. It is intended that the Not only will they monitor work guide practical action. It is project as a whole should in progress, but also set up test particularly aimed at helping contribute significantly to long- scenarios for the Watchkeepers both local residents and term conservation planning for to complete. Questions will agencies to maintain and Boscastle. also be asked about every aspect enhance Boscastle’s distinctive To find out more contact: of Watchkeeping, including the character, itself the direct result identification of shipping, day of its unique history and setting. Graeme Kirkham or Peter Herring at the Historic and night signals - flags and In addition to providing Environment Service, lights, radio communication information and advice for tel 01872 322360; Email: procedures, meteorology, sea rebuilding work, the project is [email protected] and tide states, working with the also aimed at recording police and Coastguard, and a Sarah Cawrse, Conservation information revealed in the host of other items. Officer, North Cornwall District course of repairs; for example, Council, tel 01208 265603 It is expected the inspection will features revealed by new take place early in the New service trenches or when plaster Jeff Cherrington, National Trust, Year. Until then Boscastle's is removed or floors lifted. at the National Trust shop in the Senior Watchkeepers will be Harbour, or tel 01288 331372 helping their colleagues through a series of questions concerning the working of the Station. One of the Station's original members has passed away after a long illness. Keith Soutter - known as ‘Sparks’ as he completed most of the electrics in the Lookout - was an enthusiast where Coastwatch was concerned. The funeral was held at the Tintagel Roman Catholic Church on Friday November 26th. His widow, Suzie, requested no flowers, and that all donations be given to the Boscastle NCI.
Geoff Mills, Station Commander
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 11
“..Peace on earth, goodwill to all We don’t have the power to make hold up his hand and stop the people..” an immediate difference in Iraq, or water. But the more I hear people's Palestine; the Sudan or Zimbabwe, stories, the more I become or any of those countless places we ‘Tell me the weight of a snowflake’, convinced that God did perform a a coalmouse asked a wild dove. grieve over, but each one of us can miracle on that day, No lives were ‘Nothing more than nothing’, was make a difference to the overall lost and no one seriously injured. the answer. peace in the world. And maybe one Much of that was due to the ‘In that case I must tell you a day, that extra voice will be the last emergency services, but I believe it marvellous story’, the coalmouse one needed to bring about that remains a miracle never the less. said. which the angels sang about some Christmas is the time when we ‘I sat on the branch of a fir, close to 2,000 years ago, and that which remember God coming to be with its trunk, when it began to snow – Jesus was born to bring: Peace on us. In the birth of Jesus, God not heavily, not in a raging blizzard: earth, goodwill to all people. himself took human form, and no, just like in a dream, without a A peaceful and joyous Christmas came to live among us to rescue us sound and without any violence. and Happy New Year to you all. from sin and death. He was given Since I did not have anything better Revd. Chris Musser the name Immanuel, meaning ‘God to do, I counted the snowflakes with us’. It is the God who I settling on the twigs and needles of believe came as Saviour to my branch. their number was Methodist Chapel Boscastle last summer, who came exactly 3,741,952. When the My last contribution to the as Saviour in Bethlehem, 2000 3,741,953rd dropped onto the branch – Blowhole was written within a few years ago. Since then Christians nothing more than nothing, as you days of the August flooding.. Much have known God’s salvation and it say – the branch broke off’. has happened since then. In Having said that, the coalmouse can be experienced again this particular, many people have been Christmas time. flew away. sending me money, some from I pray that 2005 will truly be the The dove, since Noah’s time an Methodist Churches all over the authority on the matter, thought year for a new start, in rebuilding country, others from local traders about the story for a while, and our village, and in renewing our and organisations. Their request finally said to herself: lives. has been that I use it to meet ‘Perhaps there is only one person’s God bless you all at Christmas and voice lacking for peace to come to immediate needs, and use it not only in Boscastle, but in the other in the New Year. the world’. Rev. Andrew D. Sowden. Kurt Kauter from New Fables. parts of North Cornwall where there was flooding. Christmas, perhaps more than any As I write the fund has grown to Church & Chapel other time of year, is the time we over £17,000, of which over half Contact Details: think especially of, and pray for, has been distributed. It has been a peace. Which when you look around Boscastle Methodist Chapel: privilege to visit many of you and Rev Andrew Sowden, at the world, can seem little more offer a love gift from the Methodist than a pipe dream. The Manse, Tintagel people. We have tried to include Tel: 770274 Yet, as Kurt’s little story highlights, everyone who was effected by the Church of England: each person can make a difference, flooding, but that task is not easy, Rev Christine Musser each person living in peace; and no doubt some have The Rectory, Forrabury, Boscastle promoting peace; and working for accidentally been left out. If you Tel: 250359 peace, adds up. feel that you should have been Roman Catholic Church: Fr Storey Which means of course, that we all included, or know of anyone else St Paul’s Church, Tintagel have a responsibility to work for who seems to have been omitted, Tel: 770663 peace in our own little corner of the please contact me (Tel. 770274). Religious Society of Friends: world: in our families and Maybe the passing of time has led friendships; with our neighbours and Quakers meet each Sunday at 10am in to more questions? Where was God the John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge in our communities. on August 16th? Why did he not Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 12
A Gift of Daffodils Flood Damage at
Richards of Cornwall, based in Hayle, have given Minster Lesnewth Church Church one ton of Cornish daffodil bulbs. That is a lot of Lesnewth Church Yard and daffodils, so they have also stream was very severely given consent for some of the damaged in the flood of August bulbs to be given to the other Churches in the Boscastle 16th, with the footbridge being Group, and for use wherever washed away and the banks now Boscastle’s Christmas Tree lights up they would be appreciated in eroded to a dangerous state, all The Church wanted to cheer up the Boscastle. due to excessive water on that harbour area by getting a Christmas By the time that the Blowhole day. Tree; such is the goodwill towards goes to press we hope that most of the bulbs will have been Cornwall County Council will our community still, that the whole planted but there might be some reinstate the footbridge and the thing was donated! left, so if you are interested ring section of bank directly adjacent Many thanks to The Christmas Tree Bob Clark on 250156. to it, but Lesnewth Church has Farm at Clawton, and Woolacotts of The daffodils will be a spring- to repair the rest of the bank that Bude for their kindness. time symbol of the regeneration runs through the Church Yard. The lights were switched on on 1st of Boscastle and we are most December and a large crowd grateful to J.H.Richards and We are launching an appeal for gathered to admire the decorated Sons for their generosity. monetary funds for this purpose. tree , sing carols and enjoy a glass If any person should wish to of mulled wine. Service Times help us in our quest we would all be eternally grateful. There is Boscastle Methodist Chapel: a special fund. Sunday services at 11 am and 6pm: Christmas events and services Any donations should be made Forrabury Church, Boscastle: 11th December Davidstow Church 1st & 3rd Sunday each month: payable to Lesnewth PCC Flood 7.30pm: 100 voices sing excerpts from 10am, Morning Worship. Appeal. to be sent to either Rev The Messiah. Tickets £5, enquiries to: 2nd & 4th Sunday each month: Rosie 212818 (evenings) or Gina Chris Musser or to the Treasurer 10am, Family Communion. 770700. for Lesnewth PCC: 1st Sunday each month: th 12 December Davidstow Church 7pm: ‘Together@3’, Family Service Mrs V. Gill. Christmas Evensong followed by a Trevalec Party. St. Juliot Church, Boscastle: nd th Lesnewth th 2 & 4 Sunday each month: 19 December Boscastle Methodist 3pm Holy Communion PL35 0HR Chapel, 6pm: United Carol Service 3rd Sunday each month: 21st December Trevalga Hall, 7.30pm: 10am, Mattins Carols, mince pies, mulled wine. Lesnewth Church: Raymond, Taylor, Hayes rd 23 December Boscastle Methodist 1st & 3rd Sunday each month: Chapel, 7pm: Village carols with 10am, Family Holy Communion DEREK M. WOOD St.Gennys Band. 2nd Sundays: ACCOUNTANT AND AUDITOR 9am, Said Prayer Book Communion Christmas Eve Otterham Church: Accounts Preparation Lesnewth Church: 1st Sunday each month: Auditing Crib service at 4pm. 11.30am, Holy Communion Personal & Company 11.30pm Midnight Mass. rd 3 Sunday each month: taxation Forrabury Church: 3pm, Holy Communion On Crib service at 5.30pm. 4th Sunday Each Month: Book-Keeping, V.A.T. 11.30pm Midnight Mass. 11.30am, Morning Worship Cash Flows & Projections Davidstow Church: Trevalga Church: INITIAL DISCUSSION Service of Light at 7.30pm 3rd Sunday each month: Christmas Day. 11.30am, Holy Communion FREE OF CHARGE
St.Juliot Church: 10am 1st & 2nd Sunday each month: ‘Cedars’ 11.30am, Mattins Trevalga Church: 11.30 Trefleur Close Sunday 26th Dec. Davidstow Church: Boscastle 2nd & 4th Sunday each month: Otterham Church: 11am 11.30am Holy Communion 01840 250015
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 13
us and we'll try to fit tasted different types of which means we can you all in! bread and composed prod the board and There has been some dances to show the grain things will happen as if exciting work in growing. by magic! I write this school this term. Class Class 3 are in the middle slightly ‘tongue in 1 have been finding of Crunch Lunch Salads cheek’ as I am battling out about recycling, at the moment. This is against a computer virus basing their studies on part of their food which is trying to eat the book ‘Dinosaurs technology work. They this newsletter as I write and All That Rubbish’. have been discovering, it! Technology! They shared their after a great deal of Many of you will be work with us in a sampling, which healthy aware that the Bude fantastic assembly foods would make the Lions and the USA where the Reception best salad snack. They Maritime Personnel have children acted their have to price up the cost helped us clear the We are nearly at the end version of the story of their snack, design and garden at the back of of our first term already and the older children make it and then of Top School and the and as I write this we are explained all about course eat it. After this Valley in recent weeks. beginning to think about recycling. they evaluate it to say if There is still more work our Christmas play - a Class 2 have been they think their idea was needed on both these nativity this year, but studying bread and I successful and suggest projects but I would like knowing our staff there spent a memorable ways in which they might to express our thanks to will probably be a few afternoon with them improve it if they were to both of these agencies extra bits in it! We will when they we repeat the task. Gherkins for their hard work and be doing an afternoon crushing grain to make have proved remarkably to Lesley who has performance as usual and flour. The noise was popular! beavered quietly in the may well have some unbelievable and there By the time this goes to background! spare tickets for this. If are a few dented tables press we will be in I leave you with some you do not have children in there now, but it receipt of three poems that Classes 2 and at school but would like was great fun! Class 2 ‘interactive whiteboards’ 3 Class 2 have recently to come along please ring have also made and which will complete the written. upgrade of our computer Class 3 were studying Port Isaac system. An interactive debating and discussion whiteboard is linked to a and were looking at computer which means ‘conditional’ language. we can download teaching materials from If...... then ….. could the internet and store ….might, etc. This lead work which we would us to IF, by Rudyard ordinarily write on a Kipling. We applied a blackboard and then rub little artistic licence and Christmas menus off. They also have a we hope you will enjoy ‘touch screen’ facility the results. open all day every day from 11 till close Sarah Duffy
serving lunches, teas, coffees and dinners
Sunday roast lunches Boscastle School
we have a great selection of would like to wish wines and beers.
daily menu changes, with local fresh fish everyone A Very and meat on the menu Merry Christmas for all bookings or enquiries call 01208 880090 and best wishes for
“taste it and sea!!!” the new year www.theedgecornwall.com
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 14
And here are the poems:
If by Joe Henderson Year 5
If you don’t laugh when your friend is making funny noises to annoy the teacher But can keep a straight face, If you can shout at your friend when they kick the ball over And still laugh about it later, If you finish all your homework - doing the extra work BEFORE the dog eats it, If you don’t talk in assembly, Coastguard’s Report If you don’t tie all the skipping ropes together Hello Again And use them to climb the school We have had three call outs since Then you are a good pupil my child. my last report. 10/9/04 16:34hrs Faller at If by Tackashmah Langthorne Year 5 Bossinney Beach: Ambulance crew
If you can sit still without fidgeting all day needing assistance to carry the And be as quiet as a mouse, casualty. Due to heavy rain the cliff If you can write all day path was not safe, a helicopter was And not end up with ten inkless pens beside you, asked for rescue. 169 was tasked If you can write with neat handwriting all day and on scene at 1738hrs, the And don't wobble, casualty was airlifted to hospital. If you can never get a detention Returned to station 1810hrs And not run away, In Attendance: L.Siford, G.King, If you can keep up with homework D.Williams, T.Little.
And get loads of team points 15/9/04 12:12 Hangglider crashed at You are just like ME !!!!!!!!! Rusey Cliff: Ambulance crew needing assistance 12:37 on scene If Jack Fanshawe Year 6 13:00 stood down returned to
If you can remember your whole school kit for two whole days station. You've broken my record, In Attendance: L.Siford, G.King, If you can finish your homework without taking keep awake tablets D.Williams, T.Little, A.Williams. You are good - I need at least 612,405, 16/11/04 18:32 Call from Falmouth If you can eat the school's dinner and live to Les Siford at home to assist Bude God must be praising you! (No offence to Mrs Jones and Sarah) Coastguard in the recovery of a If you can stay awake when others are dozing in Ms Duffy's class, body at Foxhole point north of You must have something good to fiddle with, Millook near Widmouth Bay If you can't get into Boscastle School Football team, returned to station 21:45 Then you must be worse than D Beckham...... In Attendance: L.Siford, G.King, And that’s saying something! D.Williams, T.Little, A.Williams, J.Mills. If by Class 2 Training continues indoors on these dark nights. We have no flood If you can go into assembly and not shout or be late. lighting and generator so we can’t If you can remember if you are school dinners or packed lunch do cliff work outside unless we do every day, joint training with Bude or Port and remember to bring your dinner money. Isaac. Les Siford (Station Officer) If you can keep the football in the football pitch
and not kick it over into the garden. Answers to Twin Piers Crossword
If you can stop daydreaming when the teacher is talking. Baron 41. Hopi 22. Urdu 4. 45.Palm Ornate 23.
If you can try not to fall out with your friends more than three times Dapple 20.Krumbhorn37. Raisin 3. 42.Togs Nehru 21.
a day. 36.Act Po 16. Em 2. Fable 40. 19.Ski
18. Amnion 39. Char 1. Caisson 15. Carbine 35. Enemy Enemy 35. Carbine 15. Caisson 1. Char 39. Amnion 18.
11. Etui 33. Sty Sty 33. Etui 11. Down If you can wear a jumper to school and take the same one home En 38. Sudan 17. again. Oersted 32. 10.Iron Dent 54. Amnesty 36. 15.Croup
If you can keep your fingers out of your nose and your nose out of Ed 52. 31.Onager Yarmulke 9. Dye 53. Ace 34. Idaho 14.
other people’s business. Ode 48. Shy 29. No 8. Melon 30.Moonshine51. Art 13.
12. Amaretto 29. Spike 50. Unready 7. Atone 27. Excellent 47. Ray Ray 47. Excellent 27. Atone 7. Unready 50. Spike 29. Amaretto 12.
If you can hand in your homework when you are supposed to Hem 44. Ie 26. Ethane 6. 49.Prey Nu 28. Yield 9.
without being reminded a thousand times. Dry 43. 24.Tins Lead 5. Retrorse 46. Obliged 25. Cerulean 1. Then you will be a real smartie-pants! Across
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 15
OUR DAY AT FLAMBARDS out. I think the Thunderball ride and the Extreme ride Carolyn Edwards describes an exciting day out were the two favourites of We set off from home in the day, closely followed by the rain in all our the log ride and roller waterproofs, and made coaster. our way to the bus stop Mid afternoon it stopped which just happened to be raining so we had chance to next to the garage. We all dry out. The workers in descended on Anne and Flambards dressed up in Aubrey Cronin who I'm their Halloween costumes sure did very well with they looked great too it the sale of drinks and added to the atmosphere. sweets for the journey!. We waited patiently for fantastic firework display the two buses to arrive We even had time to go and which they did at see Gus Honey Bun which Caroline, Steve and Lauren on the Hornet Ride 11.30am. So we set off. took us oldies back a bit. We had a good journey Jodie were very taken up the first time she had ever Time just flew by we had so down with no stops! The with the different themes, been on a roller coaster much fun, and to finish it atmosphere was very costumes and before. It was the first and off, after we had burgers exiting all the children surroundings. Lauren last ride on it for her. and chips, we watched the were very well behaved liked everything about the Joanne, Jodie and myself grand finale of the day, the too. We arrived at museum except the air went on it a few more fireworks. They were Flambards after a wet raid siren - she wasn't sure times, whilst on it for the excellent, a fantastic journey there at 1pm-ish. of that at all, Jodie loved second time the heavens display, we all enjoyed it so We were all given meal the models of the opened - we were like much. Then it was time to vouchers when we got off bedrooms and the drowned rats when we got find the express buses the buses, which was a wedding dresses too. Two off; we laughed so much, somewhere in the car park very kind gesture. of the dresses were similar it was great fun. which we eventually found. Everyone went their designs to their Nan’s favourite rides We got home about 9.30pm dresses. the bus journey home was separate ways from then These rides were not onwards. like drowned rats very quiet, I think one or daring enough for Jodie two went to sleep! looked round the museum We then ventured outside so we headed off for the We had a fantastic day and We teamed up with Jo to go on some rides. It was Extreme ride next. Joanne still raining but it didn't and I volunteered Steve to would like to thank and Jodie Safhill and everyone for making it thought we'd do lunch make any difference to our go on this ride with Jodie wonderful day, we all of course someone had to possible for us all to go. first then we looked Everyone had a wonderful around the museum to let decided to go on the stay on the ground to take hornet first (the roller photo’s! I volunteered for day . Thank you Flambards the food go down before for your very kind the white-knuckle rides! coaster). We got very wet that. We all really but it was good to get the enjoyed our day and generosity you made a lot The museum was of children and adults happy fantastic; Lauren and adrenaline going. Lauren packed as many rides in was not sure of it as it was as we could inside and that day! CE THE OLD MILL BOSCASTLE ANTIQUES, PRINTS, OLD BOOKS, BEARS, LINEN, SOFT TOYS, ANTIQUE FRENCH BEDS, GIFTS, CARDS, CHILDREN’S CLOTHES, SOFT FURNISHINGS, TEA ROOMS ...... AND MUCH MORE! COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF tel: 01840 250230 www.boscastleoldmill.com
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 16
News from The Wellington Suzanne keeps us up to date with what’s been going on behind closed doors: Well, things have changed traditional, comfortable but in every way possible - it's sumptuous restaurant for been approximately 14 you all to enjoy! weeks since the floods and The next big project is the we still look like a builder's Kitchen and the designers yard! But things are have been, inspected and progressing albeit slowly. planned instalment date is Plans are underway for all January. Laurence Llewellyn Bowen in the revamped restaurant sorts of new and exciting For the local builders Paul and Rosie’s next task the gardens of The changes employed with is, the Bar is to tackle the lounge. Wellington. What a Our first completed task is the main bulk of work Rosie, having been inspired difference it will make to being The Waterloo left to do. New beams are by the Changing Rooms our lives to be able to get Restaurant. BBC Changing being installed, old beams designers, is undertaking away from the hustle and Rooms came, invaded and have been sand blasted, the task of planning, bustle of the hotel for R&R left us with a tranquil walls being replaced and painting and refurbishing in the busy season. dream! It was a hard slog plans shortly will be the Residents’ Lounge with Our proposed date of for three or four days of underway for the design Paul, including, of course, opening is on target for just filming but the end result and location of the bar!?! (to those who know her), Planning before Easter so watch this lots of shopping trips to get space for invitations to our permission is it just perfect. also in progress opening parties! If you for a gallery! Myself, Scottie and Welly would like to get hold us at have new plans too - anytime, please feel free to
planning permission is call the usual Wellington Want to see underway for us to have phone number: 01840 what's our first own little home in 250202. happening? Then don't forget to pop by on a POOP DECK & Wednesday night singing continues Wednesday night from 7pm - Singers for us and as far as I am Night is still a hit with LAURIE HOOCH aware the other 3 properties locals popping in for a chat involved was fantastic! and catch up of progress in Never would we have the village around a blazing The Old Mill, Boscastle. dreamed of using the fire, the occasional barrel colours they did but it of free beer and of course worked. We now have a the odd song thrown in for good measure. A WIDE SELECTION OF STYLISH AND DESIGNER A M HIRCOCK HOME ACCESSORIES. PLUMBING AND HEATING OPEN DAILY FROM 11am RAYBURN, AGA AND OIL-FIRED BOILER SERVICING TEL: 01840 – 250552 OFTEC REGISTERED
CRACKINGTON HAVEN www.poopdeck.co.uk www.lauriehooch.com 01840 230228
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 17
Forrabury and Minster Parish Council usually meet in the Village Hall on the last Thursday of each month. Meetings begin at 7.00pm. Members of the public are invited to attend. Recycling plant flow of the river Jordan. There will be a visit to Mr Trapmore said that he the recycling plant in would confirm in writing Bodmin on 13th that the old culvert would Meeting 29-10-04 results from this survey they December at 10.am. be used for the main flow of the river and that the Neil Pendleton from NCDC would hope to hold a public The visit will last about new culvert would only and Jo Talbot from Atlantic meeting and possibly an two hours. take excess flow when the Consultants attended the exhibition of the proposed Chairman of the Parish old culvert would be meeting to report on plans before Christmas of Council reported that the unable to cope. progress for the this year. Flood Appeal Fund was regeneration of Boscastle. It was emphasised that any over £200,000 of which Precept was set at £3,000 Neil Pendleton reported plans had to be balanced £100,000 had already lower than last year. The that Atlantic Consultants within the realities of been distributed. reduction was possible financial restrictions. had been employed to make Three businesses in The because no cleaner has a framework plan of work There were several points Mill had re-opened and been employed for the to be carried out. He made by the public Cornish Stores are hoping toilets in the harbour or further reported that the car 1 Time was passing and to open on 4th January. adjacent to the Doctor’s park had been re-opened to there was still much rubbish Work on the culvert surgery. the public with 60 – 70 that had to be cleared. behind Marine Terrace is New Councillor spaces and that temporary 2 It was suggested that a in progress and should be Three applications had toilets had been installed in village plan was essential, completed by Christmas. been received to fill the the car park. and that this should take into vacant position of Parish EA representative The car park capacity consideration the needs of Councillor. Anthony Gordon Trapmore was would be increased for the disabled and that there Brewer, Ian Dawson and present at the November Easter 2005 when it was was no playground for the Malcolm Grant. Anthony meeting, when plans for hoped that more businesses children of the village. Brewer was elected by would be open. However, the storm relief culvert 3 A public meeting should majority decision. there would still only be a beside Marine Terrace be held so that everyone Planning Applications temporary surface at that were presented for could express their views. have been received from time. approval. Concern was businesses damaged by Jo Talbot from Atlantic District Councillor, Janey expressed by members of the flood. Consultants said they Comber, reported that North the public and by the These have been wanted to circulate a Cornwall had been rated as parish council that the discussed and returned to questionnaire to every excellent by the National wording seemed to the District Council with household in Boscastle by Audit Commission. indicate that the new recommendations. late November. With the culvert would redirect the
John & Denise Tillinghast Valency, Penally Hill, Boscastle, The Chairman, councillors and staff Cornwall, PL35 0HF 01840 250397 of NCDC [email protected] Quality accommodation in an excellent location between wish everyone at Boscastle the foot of the wooded Valency Valley and Boscastle Harbour. a Merry Christmas and a B&B en suite and Self-catering annexe. Happy and Prosperous New Year! Two rooms currently operational. Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 18
Posties nominated for ChipsAway National Award
Both Karen and Tracey worked beyond the call of duty to keep mail and vital supplies delivered in the wake of the devastating downpour. Residents were John Hopkins with his ChipsAway van astonished to see ‘the Karen Cowling and Tracey Smith mail get through’ on the A new business has been he has been working as a day following the flood. started in the village, called barman at The Cobweb. Boscastle posties, Tracey The business was launched Tracey helped to supply “ChipsAway”. No, they Smith and Karen Cowling in November at a outlying areas with food don’t serve pies and mushy have been nominated marketing event in Bude. parcels, clothes, tools and peas with it! ChipsAway is under the category of The major advantage of cleaning materials, a car care franchise that has Community in the Royal using this service for st having arranged with been taken up by John and Mail's new 1 Class people in rural areas like Royal Mail for the Norma Hopkins. People awards, following Boscastle is that the temporary use of a John and Norma, former their outstanding efforts service is fully mobile. after the August floods. Landrover to enable him owners of Lower Meadows House, moved back into the The repairs are carried out There are four categories to reach the more remote village in November 2003, at your own home or for an award. Bravery, places. having been away for eight workplace. So you don’t Charity Fundraising. Karen delivered as much years running a sailing have the problem of Charity and Community. mail as she could on foot business in the Solent. getting to and from the All postmen and women through the village but Some readers will know body-shop, and losing the shortlisted for an award many of the houses were (Big) John, as until recently use of your car for several will receive £100. inaccessible and most of days. Royal Mail spokesman the roads had been closed Mike Dalton said because by the police. Many every house in the South routes were littered with West is visited by a debris and pollution and postman they are more it took her an extra hour visible on the streets than to complete the post the police. He added: round. ‘Postmen and women can Final judging will take often discover problems place in January. when making deliveries - Congratulation to both someone may have had a Tracey and Karen for fall, been taken ill and reaching the final rounds collapsed.’ of this prestigious award.
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 19
Watch out for Aliens! The aliens have arrived in Boscastle! A small infestation on the banks of the Small amounts should be thoroughly Due to the recent flooding, Japanese Jordan stream provided the source of burnt. For the disposal of larger knotweed has been washed out of the the rhizome that was washed down into volumes, contact either Gitty Ankers riverbank on the Jordan stream and the village. This rhizome has already 01208 265060 for commercial dispersed amongst the flood sediment premises or Malcolm Mills 01872 within the village. 322000 ex:3183 for domestic premises.
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica For leaflets concerning the treatment of was introduced into the UK during the knotweed contact Cornwall County mid-nineteenth century as an Council 01872 222000. It is an offence ornamental plant. It has since become under the Wildlife & Countryside Act one of the most problematic alien 1981 to plant or spread knotweed in the invasive weeds in Europe. wild, so it is important to ensure that Japanese knotweed is a perennial rhizome, or soil potentially containing rhizome, is disposed of appropriately.
knotweed beside the river started growing and had achieved a height of 45cm (18”) one month after the flood of 16th August. Deposited in the rich alluvium, these pieces of rhizome will soon become established and form new colonies.
But all is not lost. The residents of Marine Terrace, ably directed by Raymund Rogers have fought back. Fastidious sieving of soil and careful carrot-like appearance of rhizome burning of rhizome has already We are currently looking at the significantly reduced the amount of potential to dispose of the original knotweed. Raymund even had the material on the Jordan stream. It is our Japanese knotweed in flower assistance of the US Marines. weed, producing tall canes, up to 3 objective that knotweed is eradicated Cornwall leads the world in knotweed metres (10 feet) in height during the from the catchment and we appeal to management and the Cornwall summer. The canes have characteristic local landowners for their support to Knotweed Forum purple flecks, and produce branches this end. (www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/ from nodes along its length. These Trevor Renals knotweed) has worked hard since its branches support shovel-shaped leaves Chairman, Cornwall Knotweed Forum inception in 1997 to control this and clusters of white flowers in problem. A collaborative partnership autumn. The canes turn brown and die without dedicated staff or budget, the off in winter, shedding their leaves and Forum has raised public awareness and producing a dense mulch that precludes co-ordinated the control programmes the growth of native plants. of its constituent members. The Forum Knotweed forms dense monocultures is keen to provide assistance to the that exclude native fauna and detract community of Boscastle to prevent this from the aesthetic value of an area. It weed from blighting the village. also causes structural damage to The Environment Agency, a founder buildings and hard surfaces. member of the Forum is currently For a plant that has become so considering its options for the safe ubiquitous throughout the UK it is disposal of soil from the works surprising that it rarely spreads by currently underway on the culvert MILLER’S PANTRY seed. Almost all of the Japanese behind Marine Terrace. Working At The Old Mill knotweed encountered in the UK is together, we can prevent knotweed 01840 250223 derived from the original female clone from getting a hold. introduced by the Victorians. New Decorative Home The Forum has produced a leaflet that knotweed infestations arise from pieces Accessories & provides some advice to residents. of cane, crown or rhizome, often Unusual Gifts Copies are available from Raymund at moved in soil or by floods. A piece of 4, Marine Terrace (Tel: 01840 rhizome the size of a fingernail is Coffee + Light + Teas 250652). The rhizome has a distinctly sufficient to start a new plant. carrot-like appearance when snapped. Lunches
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 20
Postie’s Corner On another note, to our surprise Harbourmaster’s . we learned that Karen and I have been nominated for an award of News devotion to the community in our troubled time. Media attention Boscastle Harbour News: turns around and is focused on Since the last edition things how it is said we served our haven't changed very much. community as post persons during Debris is still a major problem the flood and how they say we but it is getting better. Well, some sort of normality begins worked above and beyond the call Reoprts from the Diving Club of duty. I will let you know more to return to our bedraggled village. say that there are no major as this award will not be presented Most roads have been repaired, obstructions in the harbour area, bridges rebuilt, drives relayed. So until the middle of January 2005. Who would believe that in four but the tides can change with this meant that the posh four wheel ground sea. drive Landover had to be returned. It weeks a new year will have begun, Boscastle Fisherman's was nice while it lasted but Jess doesn't time fly! Association are hoping for a preferred the more comfortable ride As I drive around I see that the of the mail van and with Christmas river authority have successfully meeting in February to sort out looming the extra room in the van is cleared half way down the the mooring chains and other required for your big Christmas Valency, sawing up the trees and matters. parcels. removing the roots as they go The National Trust had I hope Christmas in Boscastle won't along. The National Trust has volunteers removing stones be so dull and dreary as some of the cleared the harbour and volunteers from the inner harbour under media are leading us to believe. If are busy planting a ton of daffodil their 'taskmaster', Jeff only some of the business premises bulbs. Spring could be very bright, Charrington. even if we are still looking at could get some sort of Christmas 'William', we hope, is still lights up to brighten what seems a boarded up shop fronts. Or could we be looking at MDF and one around in his Ford Focus!! desolate village. coat plaster courtesy of Changing 'Sunnyside' had the privilege of By the time this goes to print you Rooms coming to Boscastle (I did should have all posted your Christmas having 'Changing Rooms' to like Laurence's Wellington boots). redecorate the Breakfast Room. cards. Last delivery this year will be Anyway I must draw to a close on Christmas Eve. Let’s hope you They have transformed it and it because Santa has come to the looks lovely, June and I are very haven't all left it till this day. door to ask where some of your pleased with the results. Most of all, all properties have now children’s addresses are. Even he got a temporary redirection of their relies on the post Men for help to Many thanks to 'Changing mail so if you send it to their old deliver his letters to the North Rooms'. The staff were great as address they will still receive their Pole. We are sworn to secrecy but too were the camera crews, all post for Christmas. he does exist! I’ve even held his were very considerate. Now the weather is turning colder reindeer for him. Merry Christmas Despite the knocks that some those hot cups of coffee and mince to one and all and remember your people have given them they did pies will go down well, I never say neighbour, he could be homeless a great job. this Christmas. no, and I know as far as Karen is Fred Siford concerned the more the merrier. Yours Postie Tracey
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 21
incredibly welcome and in the short time that we spent in Boscastle felt Lettters Page that we were accepted into the The Forrabury and Minster PC website road from Tubbs with my goat and community. It was amazing as an www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk taking it into Ernie Pridham’s house outsider to be allowed a glimpse into recently received the following email: where it commenced to eat his wife’s a community and to speak to so many table cloth! people personally about their Hello Parish Council, experiences. Boscastle was a delightful village to Hi there, I would especially like to thank Ruth grow up in and I was devastated to It is strange to be sitting at my desk in and Alan from St. Christophers Hotel hear the news of the flood. I was in Queensland and read all about the and Olaf for letting us stay, and to all England at the time as my Mother had village in which I grew up in. the people who took the time to speak passed away. Dad and I rang Sam I attended the local school when Dick to us and help us with our project and Hancock up who was a great family Lewin was Head Master. who made us feel so welcome. friend after seeing his daughter I read your obituary notice on Mr We are now back in London with 39 interviewed on TV. Scott and realised that I was at school hours of Boscastle to be turned into a It is a miracle that lives were not lost. with his daughter Elizabeth. 20 minute film. I hope that this will My name was Alison Lane and lived I think another resident emigrated as happen by February next year....! at Tubbs Ground Farm. when we arrived the village had a Dr All the best, good luck and see you All fond memories. Watson, with a daughter Anne and again soon, Alison Prince twin girls, I am not sure what part of Lenka Clayton & Alison Dale Oz they settled in but I know they Arthur Bannister replied on behalf of were missed by all. Former Blowhole editor, Yvonne the council, mentioning that the Thank you so much for replying and Blowhole deadline was fast Ayling, emailed this, which, at the risk reminding me of a wonderful of seeming to be patting our own approaching and that Alison may like childhood that I will treasure for ever. backs, we choose to print: to write something for inclusion: Best wishes
Dear Blowhole Team, Hi,
I arrived in Boscastle in 1964. The Blowhole received this open Greetings! A Red Letter Day today. The Blowhole arrived this morning. I I remember the school opened a letter from film student, Lenka: have only one complaint; it makes me swimming pool further up the road more ‘homesick’. and we had great fun, prior to this we Dear Boscastle, all used to go down to the harbour and Alison and myself recently spent It is a small miracle that you managed have swimming lessons in the natural almost four weeks in Boscastle, to publish an Autumn edition, given rock pool. researching and filming for a student the present circumstances - another
I was a rather naughty child and rang documentary film about peoples example of just how gutsy the village the bell rope which hung down from personal experiences of the flood and is and of your tenacity in sticking the ceiling in the little School. the events taking place in the village with it. There must be many people as a result of it. who, like us, are immensely grateful I think I alarmed the village and had to I arrived not knowing a soul and for your efforts. spend the afternoon sitting in silence when the first people I met were the It was good to read more of Jim's life in the corner. crew of Changing Rooms, I realised which filled in various gaps of the My friends were Mandy Fernley who I that Boscastle wasn't the sleepy town stories he told us during the many think is now a Palmer and Elizabeth that I had imagined, and that yet hours he spent at the Rectory - on Parsons. I remember Arthur (Hockey another film crew might not be Blowhole business, much of the time! Parsons) who was a lovely man. exactly what was needed. We did not know that June Metcalfe I also remember walking down the Nevertheless we were made to feel had died. I well remember that when M. BIDDICK & SON LTD
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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 22
mounted it for display in our church surprise me if it did as the stories and here. So many people have expressed vivid pictures of that day in August cont concern and Leominster has boosted this year will remain firmly Letters the appeal fund. embedded in the mind of the nation the first edition of the Blowhole was I smiled at your doggy story and was for many years. mooted, she stopped me in the Post impressed by Chris’ review of Anne I know Boscastle very well as my Office and expressed strong opinions and Rod’s book (our copy is a coffee wife and I visit Cornwall twice a year about our capability of producing table feature). Hope everyone will and it has become a tradition that we anything of good quality. At a later heed Anne’s advice when naming always stop at Boscastle for lunch date, I seem to remember, she revised their houses. I wept a few tears about before travelling on to wherever we her opinion. I also remember some those Boscastle gardens, most of are staying. In fact I believe we have more pieces of Roger Little’s pottery fine art work of hers in an early which will no doubt need some than he does! exhibition at the Post Office Gallery. restoration before they are ‘open’ I liked the simplicity of Postie's again. How good it was to see some Tears filled our eyes when we visited on the way to St. Agnes last week and report of the flood and suspect that of the regular features. Others might saw the devastation that had occurred that will be a valuable piece of well have decided that this should be in the village that we have grown to archive material in the distant future. a ‘disaster’ edition. love. However, there is no difference I have a bit of a conscience about Thanks again for all your hard work. between the affection that the people Tracey; recently when we visited the It really does keep us informed, of Boscastle have for their village as village and were down at harbour amused - and reduce the distance the people of Lynmouth had for theirs level, we met him and he was keen to between us. 52 years ago and with resolve and tell us all about the terrible day. I fear We shall be in Boscastle for the determination there is no doubt that he must have felt quite snubbed, as Thanksgiving service on November Boscastle will recover. Although we were so shocked at what we were 7th and hope to see you then. beautiful today Lynmouth lost over a seeing that we were incapable of Yours affectionately, quarter of its buildings that were responding to his conviviality. The Yvonne never replaced and sadly will never Coastguards’ report made us so be the same as it was 52 years ago. aware of how ‘alone’ the village was Thankfully Boscastle has fared better in the early stages of the tumult, Carolyn Edwards visited Lynton and and as long as the community and the Lynmouth and wrote a comment in the something that didn't strike us from authorities work together she will visitor’s book in the Memorial Hall media reports. soon once again be the village you all there. Subsequently she received a love. Who knows? Considering our The photograph of the school reunion letter from the historian of the common experience perhaps we in Bude astonished me; I remember Lynmouth flood, Tim Prosser, which could twin our communities one day. these youngsters so well. To see we print here: Thank you for visiting Lynton and them as they are in this picture makes Lynmouth. me feel very ancient. Are you 10th October 2004 By the way, my wife and I are keeping the originals of all the flood Dear Carolyn looking forward to our lunch at the pictures? Such good material for a After collecting the full Visitor Book teashop next door to the greengrocer future ‘then and now’ edition once from the Memorial Hall and reading next spring. the new Boscastle rises from the your comments I hope you don't mind me writing to you. Kind regards and best wishes to you mud, I should think. And did the Red all in Boscastle Arrows do a special ‘whoosh’ over As historian of the Lynmouth Flood it Tim Prosser Boscastle to remind you of all the never ceases to amaze me how the concern felt outside Cornwall? Or disaster still arouses people's emotions were they there for other reasons? so strongly after all these years. Time Write to the Blowhole c/o The Post John made a display of the photos he will tell if the same happens with the Office or email [email protected] took of the flood damage and flood at Boscastle. It would not WESTERINGSWESTERINGS L READ GENERAL BUILDERS FOR ALL BUILDING WORK You are welcome
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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 23
as well as women. Women DOCTOR’S CORNER traditionally have a good uptake of screening programmes, eg cervical Usually most of tried- faecal occult blood testing screening and mammography. the articles from (which looks for hidden blood in It is uncertain whether men will be the surgery stools) and the more invasive as amenable to this approach concentrate quite flexible sigmoidoscopy, which medical records allows a careful examination of the reasonably on The second issue I would like to lower bowel. local issues. This draw to everyone’s attention is the time however I The results of the pilots revealed change in the way our medical feel there are a that the first method would detect 2 records are held. As many of you couple of national cancers for every 1000 people are no doubt aware there has been issues that screened and detect polyps in a significant change over the last deserve a another 3-4 people that could go on few years from paper-held records mention. to develop into cancers. The to those held on computer. This has The first is the studies also found that there was a had numerous benefits for patients announcement by high level of acceptance of faecal and doctors alike. As a result we John Reid the occult blood screening amongst are able to keep a much closer eye health minister of patients with an uptake rate of on repeat prescriptions, recall a new national around 60%. patients for regular check ups when screening programme for bowel start in April 2006 they suffer with chronic illnesses cancer. The second is an important The national programme is and in addition the poor chemists change in the way that all of our scheduled to start in April 2006 no longer have to try and interpret medical records are held. amongst men and women in their our dreadful writing! screening for bowel cancer 60’s. People will be sent a testing However, despite the advance of The new national screening kit in the post, they will be asked to technology all the records at the programme for bowel cancer is to smear a small sample of stool onto surgery are only held there and are be introduced in 2006. The a card that will then be sent back to not accessible to any third party government first included a the testing centre. Those who test without the doctor’s and the commitment to this in the 2000 positive for blood will be invited patient’s consent. NHS plan and since then several for a more thorough examination national database pilot studies have been done which of the bowel. The government are now proposing show that there is a potential for Apparently the programme will screening to cut the annual death that there should be a national cost £37.5million and will be the database which holds all NHS rate from this illness by 15%. Two first ever national screening methods of screening have been records. This would mean that programme to be directed at men patient records would be accessible to anyone in the NHS who needed them. This is fine in principle, as it will mean that when you or I are PARKWAY admitted to hospital all our record ESTATE AGENTS, BUSINESS TRANSFES, SURVEYORS & VALUERS would be instantly available. I, however, have my doubts. We all Contact Parkway Estate Agents for a Free Market Appraisal remember the chaos of the new air traffic control computer and that of • ESTATE AGENTS the new passport office. I am • INSURANCE equally concerned about the • SURVEYING & ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING security of the system to which • PERMANANT TENANCY LETTING huge numbers of people will have • MORTGAGE AND INVESTMEMT access. • STROUD & SWINDON BUILDING SOCIETY • BUSINESS TRANSFER I think the government will have to offer some serious reassurance
before I would want my medical www.parkwaycornwall.co.uk records sent over the net. So, I would imagine, will Mr Blair - OFFICES AT: after all we might eventually CAMELFORD, 6 MARKET PLACE 01840 212121 discover whether or not Leo has TINTAGEL ,FORE STREET 01840 770825 had his mmr vaccination!
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 24
Opening Hours and Useful Phone Numbers
Boscastle Post Office Emergency Services: for Coastguard, Fire, Tel: 01840 250259 Police, Ambulance Dial 999
Police : For non-urgent issues: eg to report a crime Monday 8.30—1.00 2.00 - 5.00 or criminal damage; to request police advice or at- Tuesday 9.00—1.00 2.00 - 5.00 tendance; to enquire about lost property; to be con- Wednesday 9.00—1.00 2.00 - 5.00 nected to a police station, service or department: Thursday 9.00—1.00 2.00 - 5.00 08452 777 444 Friday 9.00—12.30 Closed Saturday 9.00—12.00 Closed Harbourmaster: 01840 250453 Cash machine during business hours for Doctors’ Surgery and out-of-hours Alliance & Leicester and Barclays. emergency doctor: 01840 250209 Cheques cashable for Alliance & Leicester Lloyds TSB, Co-op and Barclays NHS Direct (24 hour helpline): 0845 4647
Hospitals: (* with Minor Injuries Units)
*Bodmin (East Cornwall) 01208 251555 Boscastle Newsagent *Launceston General 01566 765650 Tel: 01840 250419 *Stratton 01288 287700 Truro (Treliske) 01872 250000 Cash Machine during business hours Plymouth (Derriford) 01752 777111 Open daily at 7.00 am Dental Helpline: 0800 371192
RSPCA: 08705 555999
Mobile Bank Local Churches: 01840 250359
HSBC Bank plc Parish Council Clerk: 01840 250440
Mondays and Wednesdays Boscastle Village Hall: 10.30 - 10.45 am Barn Park, Tintagel Road Bookings: 01840 250558 Pay Phone: 01840 250171
Boscastle Community & Recreation Centre:
Mobile Library Bookings: 01840 250378 Tel: 01208 812202 Cornwall County Council: Calls on alternate Thursdays Switchboard: 01872 322000 Bottlebanks: 01872 323913 Wellington Hotel: 11.35 - 12.00 Barn Park, Tintagel Road: 12.05 - 12.30 North Cornwall District Council: 01208 893333
Camelford Library Town Hall, Market Place, Camelford Waste Tip, Bowithick Quarry Tel: 01840 212409 Sanding Road, Penpethy, Tintagel Tuesday 10.00 - 5.00 Tel: 01840 770778
Thursday 10.00 - 5.00 Monday - Friday 8.30 - 4.15 Friday 10.00 - 4.00 Saturday 8.30 - 12.00 Saturday 9.30 - 12.30
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 25
After the Flood - the Rainbow?
The sterling efforts of particular Marine Terrace is under way individuals have ensured that but, amongst other projects, there will be something worth reconstruction is needed to deal looking at. The Cobweb and with the problems of the water Newsagency recovered quickly courses higher up the village, after the flood, as did Boscastle that cascaded through Boscastle Pottery and parts of The Old wrecking homes and cars. This Mill. Guy’s groceries, the was the result, as one Witches’ Museum and The independent engineer has stated, Wellington Hotel should be open of the presumed effects of for business despite suffering climate change, increasing the Chris Rodda explores issues about some of the worst of the chances of heavy rainfall, and the restoration of the village inundation. the greater density of building in the village that blocked natural At a recent Parish Council The question is whether the tourists, having taken a quick outflows, thus forcing water to meeting Neil Pendleton, North seek exits elsewhere. Cornwall District Council's walk around the harbour and a Director of Community Services, few photos, will simply tick almost deliberate tardiness was asked if Boscastle would be Boscastle off their list and The experiences of individuals open by Easter. His answer continue elsewhere. Can the vary enormously, and while indicated that while there would village survive socially and most seem satisfied with the be some parking and restoration commercially another year? progress of their claims some of bridge parapets, a temporary strategic plans formulated have become frustrated by the toilet block and a Visitors’ This evidently worries a lot of almost deliberate tardiness of Centre housed in a portakabin, different agencies, whose insurers delaying repairs from most of the village would still be presence in yellow jackets and proceeding as quickly as looking pretty sad. hard hats has become a daily possible. Given the prominence By then a new series of A feature of the past months. While of the event, insurers are Seaside Parish and the final, their concern is appreciated, the balancing the cost of claims Christmas edition of Changing hard practicalities of restoration against the impact of negative Rooms will have been shown on remain in abeyance while publicity. “The insurance TV so undoubtedly there will be strategic plans are formulated. industry needs to get its act numerous curiosity seekers. Work on the culvert behind together,” commented one
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Bakery Anne & Aubrey send Christmas Greetings to all their customers Opening times over the holiday period will be:
Christmas Eve 8am – 6pm Sue and Nev would like to wish all Christmas Day Closed their friends and customers Boxing Day 10am – 2pm Monday 27th 10am – 2pm a very Happy Christmas. Tuesday 28th 9am – 5pm New Year’s Eve 8am – 6pm New Year’s Day Closed We look forward to seeing you Usual Opening hours: all when we re-open, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-2pm hopefully by Easter. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOP
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 26
Harbour Restaurant, originally a chapel, was once used as a After the Flood (continued) cinema. Even Cornish Goodies could be adapted to this purpose. claims adjuster, “so that they all Flood provides an opportunity to It must be stressed that this would sing from the same hymn sheet.” look again at what the village only occur if present owners and There are also criticisms that offers to resident and visitor the public were happy with such a some larger companies appear to alike. radical notion. be squeezing out local trades the car park a more vernacular style people. The results of the insurance survey contained in the Maybe the most contentious issue The general appearance of the last edition of the Blowhole are is the car park. Many regard it as village could be improved by still being collated. a necessitous and profitable evil, refurbishment in a more even if its acres of treeless tarmac vernacular style of architecture Employed by NCDC, Atlantic are unused most of the year. and discreet use of signage. One Consultants have now sent out a NCDC is to consider moving it, if has only to glance at the main detailed questionnaire to all a similar site could be found street of Tintagel or any number householders asking for their within reasonable distance of the of resorts to wince at the results of views on the restoration harbour. It would then be poor planning and galloping programme. possible to reinstate a pleasant commercialism. Granted that what the village offers village green as a venue for fetes tourism contributes to the Boscastle has fortunately retained and fund raising events rather prosperity and provides services the seven P’s so beloved of estate than rely upon the kindness of the visitors expect in coastal resorts, agents, i.e. Pub, Parsonage, owners of Valency House. Given nevertheless it must co-exist Primary School, Post Office, that most of North Cornwall, comfortably with the desires of Purveyors, Public Transport and never mind the Valency Valley, the majority of its inhabitants. It is Petrol. Thirty years ago it had all is now designated a flood plain, important that we do not destroy these, plus a hardware emporium prevention of a similar disaster is what we first came to enjoy, the
(Munden’s), an electrical retailer of primary concern. unique character of the place. (Turner’s) at the bottom of the public meeting room CR village, a bank, chemist, butcher The intended sewage works must and baker. The car park was a also be positioned out of danger, Do you have any comments or village green and there was a perhaps concealed by trees on the opinions on these matters? If so, saddlery of sorts on New Road side of the Valley. Ditto the voice your concerns or comments (The Green Shop, as was). Visitor Centre. It might be by writing to NCDC, to Forrabury Gradually, as in most villages, possible to incorporate a public and Minster Parish Council or, if these have all disappeared to be meeting room in its rebuild, you just want to air them over a replaced by gift shops and tea which would be more accessible wider forum, write to the rooms catering for the tourist and with better parking than the Blowhole. trade and usually shut in winter. present Centre in Fore Street. It It would be unrealistic to try and could be sited somewhere along put the clock too far back, but the the harbour. One recalls that the HIGHFIELD MOTORS Proprietor: F Luffarelli Servicing, Repairs & Tyres at Highly Competitive Prices for all cars, motorcycles and vans
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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 27
CHRISTMAS PAST recalled by Anne Knight With much of Boscastle looking schoolrooms. The carol singing was win a free Christmas dinner etc; the towards the rebuilding of the performed by the choir and the day naked electric bulb in the shop damaged homes and shops and ended with a coffee evening. window was changed for fairy lights getting back to normal after raised a few geese and the Christmas stock displayed August`s disastrous floods I have Another great pleasure of Christmas and decorated with tinsel and been looking back at Christmas was the chance to indulge in one of greenery. past, a time when we all celebrated the seven deadly sins – gluttony. My chocolates by the quarter pound the birth of Christ. mother baked for days before, fruit The shop was stocked with dates, figs Many Cornish families continued filled, moist cakes and Christmas and oranges, which gave off a the long tradition of having a holly puddings containing silver wonderful Christmas smell, loose Christmas tree rather than the fir threepenny pieces, mince pies, nuts in their shells, jars of mincemeat, tree introduced by Prince Albert in extra dried fruit, marzipan and the 19th century. I can remember decorations for cakes and puddings, previous generations of my family tins of chocolates to be bought by the having a ‘bush’ which consisted of quarter or half pound, fancy boxes of two large hoops covered in holly chocolates not normally seen and ivy and linked together at right throughout the rest of the year, angles to form a ball which was crystallized ginger and Turkish hung in the front window of the delight. There was ginger punch, a house and decorated with oranges large tinned tongue, cured ham and apples. It was illuminated at covered in yellow breadcrumbs ready to be sliced and sold. Boxes of night by a candle placed inside it. Hugh & Simon Mills meet Father Christmas Christmas crackers which had Whilst I was writing The Book of Christmas biscuits, white buns, exciting gifts in them, perhaps a Boscastle, Mary Smee told me she saffron cake and splits. Turkey was magnifying glass, a metal puzzle or a remembered the Christmas trees and the usual Christmas dinner with whistle that worked, as well as a tea parties that were provided for stuffing and bacon rolls. Father was paper hat and a motto. the children of the Council school always careful to ensure the turkey by the Boscastle branch of the Claude and Muriel Knight ran a had not been fattened on fish meal, a British Legion in the 1920`s. Both Christmas club so that customers custom at the time but which led to the tree and the tea were donated to could put money by throughout the the meat having an unpleasant fishy the legion by Mr. Juswant Rikh, an year to help with all the Christmas taste. One year in an attempt to make Indian potentate, who lived at food and presents. There were a little extra money for Christmas, Penagar. The tea was supervised by pressed tin plate action toys, dolls in father raised a few geese. One was the ladies’ committee and was boxes decorated like cradles, teddy kept back for dinner and mother did followed by Christmas crackers and bears and metal puzzles impossible to it proud. We all declared goose the a present for each child presented untangle unless you cheated and equal to turkey until one of my by Father Christmas, who was there looked at the instructions. There were brothers asked if father knew which complete with sleigh. Mary kaleidoscopes, yo-yo`s, skipping goose we were eating and turned the particularly remembered the tree ropes, toy boats, paint boxes and festivities into a wake for the goose! was large and lit by many coloured wooden two tier pencil boxes with candles. This tradition continued I remember little of present giving, sliding lids. after the second World War and into my memories being of gathering The shop also stocked crêpe paper the 1950`s. greenery, decorating the tree, which could be cut into strips and traditional ‘curls’ making a wish as I took my turn to plaited together to make decorative stir the pudding, singing carols, Whilst writing this I am indulging streamers. The school children made sitting down as a family to dinner one of the greatest Christmas such decorations at school and, as and hearing those wonderful Cornish pleasures of all by listening to well as using crêpe pape,r they made basses singing Cornish carols. Cornish carols. My Christmas paper chains from coloured strips of would not be complete without the wonderful Christmas smell gummed paper. The schoolmaster, singing of traditional ‘curls’ or Many of my husband, Rod’s, Mr. Fradgeley, added a few fold-out, carols. As a child in a family of six memories centre around the family honeycomb bells and balls. With the children we all had our parts to sing shop which was in Paradise Road. A classrooms decorated the children both at home and in our choirs. few weeks before Christmas whilst could enjoy their carol service and Boscastle United Methodist Chapel people were attending the Christmas the turkey dinner which was prepared would hold a Christmas ‘effort’ Whist Drives and tombolas trying to by the dinner ladies in the school with a public tea in the canteen. The turkey was followed by Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 28
without a comment from Gran or Grandad but in the end Gran couldn’t contain herself any longer and said ‘Claude when are you going to put some more coal on the fire?’ We all tried to explain about the electric effect but she wasn’t convinced. It wasn’t until dad showed her he could switch it on and off that she grudgingly accepted the explanation and even then, to her, it was a new fangled, modern contraption, that defied explanation! Poor Gran!” Christmas Dinner was followed - Boscastle School Nativity Play circa 1977 after a suitable interval - by a tea of cold pork sandwiches complete Christmas pudding and custard clipped on; in later years a variety with crispy crackling and a jar of instead of the well remembered of electric lights were used. After pickled onions, mince pies and the jam and sponge pudding or the Rod, Anne, Sandra and Elizabeth Christmas cake covered in chocolate concrete! had gone to bed, Father Christmas marzipan and royal icing. left a pile of presents on the landing. Running the shop before Christmas Boxing day saw the meet of the In the immediate post-war years was a busy time and in addition, North Cornwall Hunt. In the these were wrapped in brown paper, Claude Knight was a postman at a middle of the 20th century the hunt not that that mattered, it was soon time when deliveries were made on met at the Napoleon Inn. Landlord ripped off. In the 1950’s Christmas Christmas Day and included John Doubleday was a familiar greetings telegrams as well as wrapping paper became the norm, cards and all the parcels, for there but it was still ripped away with were no private delivery great excitement. On each bed one companies. Muriel ran the shop as of mum’s stockings was found well as cooking and baking and filled with oranges, nuts, chocolate there was always a customer bars and small presents like gloves knocking on the door out-of-hours or scarves. asking for something they had run new fangled electric fire out of. With the sitting room fire Christmas dinner, like the whole of especially lit and an extra supply Christmas was a family affair with of coal put by, the house was warm Gran and Granfer Knight present. John Doubleday presents the stirrup cup and welcoming - as was the bottle Rod recalls, “One year dad bought a sight presenting the stirrup cup to of Christmas sherry in the new fangled three bar Belling coal those mounted for departure. For sideboard should anyone drop in. effect electric fire and this was left better or worse this looks like an candles clipped on on whilst we all sat down to the event now firmly in the past but as On Christmas Eve, Claude came feast. To save electricity dad turned for the rest of the celebrations we home with the Christmas tree the electric bars off and left the coal both wish you a very happy which in the early days was effect flickering away. We managed Christmas and a prosperous New decorated with Christmas candles to get through Christmas dinner Year. R & A K The Old Coach House Relax in this beautiful 300 year old coach house and stables All rooms • En suite • TV & radio • Tea & coffee Ruth & Michael Parsons Tel: 01840 250398 www.old-coach.co.uk Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 29
Blue Note Club this summer? That was a lovely evening and maybe gave a taste of the new album Ah! The Blue Note Club, how we Carol O’Rourke reviews the have missed you!! Every month, musical state of Boscastle - the last Friday was becoming a and finds that ‘we are much looked forward to habit, as musically rich beyond belief’ more and more people fell under Well, here we are at ‘that’ time of your spell. A variety of excellent the year again!! Celebrations bands were introduced to the galore and all that Jazz. But don’t village, most of whom enjoyed the get too jaded or tired out, because evening as much as we did. And I there is plenty waiting in the wings am happy to say The Blue Note’s to get excited about. Even though back in town. We had an appetiser our village may still look like a on 27th November when The track from Muddy Waters singing Bucket Boys dropped by, and boy the Blues, our music scene is oh boy didn’t we have our dancing vibrant and 2005 promises to be a shoes on, the first gig since the very exciting one. waters broke and we made the best Talk about ‘the show must go on’ - of it. it most certainly has, come what We will have to wait till the end of may. February before the doors open The Wednesday night sing at the regularly again, then we will be Wellington has never faltered. The able to see some old favourites wonderful cocktail hosts some more such as The Witch Doctors who Nick and Robert using crates as seats distinctive and ‘never to be went down a bomb also The Back imagined before’ flavours. A few the ‘Harbour Lights’, rise you up Door Men as well as experiencing storm lanterns, firelights glow and with ‘The Mary Ellen Carter’, then some new bands to Bos. some upturned beer crates furnish gentle you down again with In the meantime Pete will invite us the cavern where the Long Bar used ‘Thousands or more’, (one of my to the Christmas Party on 10th Dec to be, almost creating an favourites). when Fluid Druid will be strutting atmosphere of memories where the We are missing Mike Silver, their stuff and another party on old songs belong, still calling to us though. He is gigging in Germany, New Years Eve, more about that down the years. and with Nils Tuxan putting the later. Pete has been very busy Old and new together, John and finishing touches to the new cd, putting down some notes with Cheryl can fly you away on their which should be available in the Simon of Fluid Druid as well as magic carpet to ‘The Old Bazaar in New Year. Did you see them at the Cairo’, whisk you back in time for
Pete outside The Blue Note venue organising his Studio. A rehearsal space to give Boscastle its own musical voice is how Pete explains it. A workshop where musicians of all genres can bring their ideas, sounds and rhythms, mixing the influences into new music,, as he puts it, “to draw the musical experience out” some interesting journeys beginning there and, I’m told, an ideal situation, the studio is
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 30 well equipped and equals anything their performances. They’re programme in autumn will have up in the ‘smoke’. working hard at some new covers, seen them in two episodes, playing Musically speaking, I suppose the the growing set list providing a at the wedding and the village hall highlight of the year for Emily, more and more varied set. They scene. They enjoyed the filming a must have been performing at the introduced some good songs last lot and have had good of feedback WOMAD Concert held at the Eden year, Kev’s ‘Tweeter and the from the viewing. Their cd was a Project. A dream to be performing Monkey Man’ comes over very success as well, making good sales. in front of such a discerning well, as does’ Come up and see They are working on another one audience and to have a standing me’ and a good few more. Kenny is using new, original material, which ovation as well. One helluva buzz, certainly putting on the style, means lots of writing in the on the big stage alone for 20 especially in his tutu, which is a meanwhile. minutes, just her and her guitar, she sight to behold, although Kev says Albert, the youngest Mordue he has a different aspect from brother has taken to the stage with where he’s sitting behind his drum them bringing a new technique kit!! called ‘scratching’, this is very You can see Fluid Druid at the effective but too complicated for Cobweb on 14th January but look me to explain, you’ll just have to out for their amazing posters which go and see for yourselves!! New are a work of art in their own right, Years Eve may be a good time. Its thanks to Marcus. Albert’s first band, all very exciting Strung Out isn’t any more. But he says, he describes himself as a there will be a new duo coming lyricist - speaking words -definitely along, Andrew has signed up Lisa not in the accepted rap style Emily Maughan Clarke, same formula, different though. says it was quite scary really!! No flavour, bye bye Queen and The Smug Jugglers are happily time to glam up, Emily in her jeans Beatles. Lisa has the bluesy soul juggling around, Steve says and baggy top, all that talent sort of Motown sound, that’s very nothing major on at the moment, I shining through. Her songbook is ‘in’ at the moment; we’ll soon be do hope lots more of you have very busy at the moment, she is seeing them around. discovered them, New Years Eve rehearsing with Simon, Kev and would be as good a time as any in Pete P, the new material is working their best venue. well, she says, we can look forward to something interesting coming As if this isn’t enough there’s so out of that, as well a the promise of much to look forward to; as our other surprises in store. Troubadour says, “We are Another change, which is a bit old musically rich beyond belief, a As for Fluid Druid, going from hat now, is Lodestar becoming happy state for all of us”. Keep strength to strength. Having a good ‘Nothing 4 Miles’, which I expect your dancing shoes handy! I’ll see time and still enjoying it, which is you already know. Any of you you there. something that always shows in watching the Doctor Martin T.V. Carol O’R
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WOULD YOU LIKE NICE CUP OF TEA?
or a tale of a serpent in the garden by Chris Rodda
while we thought we were safely gave as much help as possible to tucked up in bed. the police and, to our mutual The police arrived in 40 minutes satisfaction, it paid off. and obligingly did not remark what My thief wasted no time. In a prat I'd been. Whilst both pleasant Camelford at 4.17 am, he deduced Early one Monday last July I came and efficient they counselled the combination of one of my down to the kitchen to make coffee against fitting too many bolts and credit cards (it was my birth date, and noticed the sliding door to the bars. In a real emergency, say a printed on my driving licence) and conservatory was open a couple of house fire, you do not want to withdrew £500. Later, unwisely, (I inches. I assumed I had forgotten to spend precious seconds hunting had cancelled all lost cards pull it shut the previous night. keys or disabling alarm systems. immediately), he tried again at an Outside on the patio was a small Exeter service station and got quantity of broken glass. Kids, I There had been a wave of caught on CCTV. thought, throwing stones. Then I burglaries in the area. Ian and saw that the joints of a window Mandy Dawson found someone Hooray! had try to jemmy a window, poor pane had been chiselled out and a ‘A persistent burglar’ neat semi-circle of glass removed. Joan Cork lost a valuable diamond The penny finally dropped. The ring which the thief tested on a His trial was reported in the thief had reached through and bedroom mirror before pocketing it. Camelford and Delabole Post: turned the key which thoughtfully I Meanwhile, Noel Ward had his ‘A persistent burglar who operated had left in the lock. Also there had wallet emptied one afternoon while in the North Cornwall area was been several cash tins on the they were both out at the village given his ‘last chance’ at Truro kitchen table and over a chair back hall. Crown Court when Judge Jeffrey my jacket, containing wallet, credit not overly confident Rucker warned that if he broke the cards and driving licence. terms of a Community A few weeks later an anonymous Rehabilitation Order he could someone had entered our house well-wisher returned my driving expect a prison sentence of four licence, which I gave to the police My first thought was not to frighten years or more. for fingerprinting, a process which, my wife. “I don't want to alarm you Most of the offences were incidentally, ruined it, so it cost me dear”, I said, “But I think we've had committed at night in Wadebridge, a further £19 to obtain a a break in.” Detach wife from Padstow, Delabole, Camelford, replacement. While not overly ceiling. The horrific realisation was Rock and Port Isaac during June confident it would do much good I that someone had entered our house and July.
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learned the hard way to be more WOULD YOU LIKE NICE CUP OF TEA? careful. Bolts have been added to continued doors and windows. Vehicles are locked. I no longer leave cash and Steven Paul Hommell, 37, whose targeted by villains. Government credit cards downstairs. I do not home is in Hughes Avenue, lawyers had advised that ‘as use an easily identifiable PIN Newport, Barnstaple, pleaded guilty members of the public, burglars number. I take note of characters to two dwelling house burglaries have the right to be protected from acting suspiciously. However, I do and breaking into commercial violent householders’. A recent not feel, as some victims do, premises, and asked for a further 11 Times article concluded, ‘there violated, or afraid to walk the to be taken into consideration. may be a few real vigilantes, but streets after dark. I have not not many. By and large people Defence counsel revealed that the become paranoid, but, after years want a quiet life. Burglars, on the probation and social services away from big cities, I just got too other hand, presumably do not. If wanted to help Hommell qualify as relaxed. The burglaries took us all your victim happens to be lucky, or a heavy goods vehicle driver. by surprise. Even in Boscastle strong, you could be badly hurt. there was, after all, a serpent in the Judge Rucker referred to Hommell's Well, hard luck.’ garden. ‘astonishingly long criminal offer him a cup of tea. record’ which began in 1984. His CR last burglary conviction was in I have no idea how I would react if 2001 when he received three years I came across some character in jail. Hommell was also given a rifling through my belongings, but three month, six-days-a week I doubt I would offer him a cup of curfew from 7pm to 7am daily.’ tea. I suspect that soon there will be
some changes to even up the Some might say he got off lightly. balance on the side of the The judge obviously wanted to householder, at least a clearer break the cycle of offending and re- definition of what degree of offending. Actually I feel quite ‘reasonable force’ can be used to sorry for the bloke. Judging by his defend one’s home and loved ones. record he is not very good at I was intrigued by the opinion of an staying out of jail so, who knows, it ex-victim support counsellor I might work. chatted to in Wadebridge. “There's only one way to treat burglars”, he want a quiet life volunteered, “Hang 'em by their The newspapers have recently b***!” started a campaign on behalf of Sadly, it is probably better to be burglary victims, especially the prepared than trust to the elderly and vulnerable who are community to police itself. I have quality beef & lamb
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Boscastle Chamber of Trade HOW TO GIVE and Commerce
Come and have your say. A CAT A PILL Voice your ideas or concerns. Meet other like minded business people
Forthcoming Meetings Drink glass of water 1 Pick cat up and cradle in the crook of to remove taste. Date 14th December 2004 25th January 2005 the left arm as if Apply plaster to Time 7pm 7pm holding a baby. partner’s arm. Remove blood from Venue Boscastle Community Boscastle Village 2 Position right carpet with cold Centre Hall forefinger and thumb water and soap. on either side of cat's Please note the change of venue for the December meeting mouth and gently 8 Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree Boscastle Chamber of Trade and Commerce offers:- apply pressure to cheeks. As mouth across road. • Representation on Boscastle Regeneration Steering group Apologise to opens pop pill in and • Discount card allow cat to close neighbour who crashed into fence • Topical and timely speakers mouth and swallow. whilst swerving to “Find out about interest free loans and 3 Retrieve pill from avoid cat. help propose the BCTC Constitution floor and cat from 9 Take last pill from at the December meeting”. behind sofa. Cradle • Promotion of Boscastle cat in left arm and foil wrap. Tie cat's front paws to rear Membership is just £20 for the year repeat process. paws with garden Committee elected at AGM 4 Retrieve cat from twine and bind bedroom and throw Chairman Mr Tim Sharp tightly to leg of table. away soggy pill. Find heavy duty Vice chairman Mr Ron Muffett 01840 250204 5 Take new pill from pruning gloves from Secretary Mr Adrian Prescott 01840 250570 foil wrap .Cradle cat shed. Force cat's in left arm holding mouth open with Treasurer Mr Chris Searle 01840 250225 rear paws tightly small spanner. Push Membership Secretary Miss Suzanne Harari 01840 250202 with left hand. Force pill into mouth Assistant Secretary Mr Mike Parsons 01840 250398 jaws open and push followed by large pill to back of the piece of fillet stake. For more information or application form please contact a mouth with right Hold head vertically committee member. forefinger. Hold and pour half a pint mouth shut for count of water down throat. of 10. 10 Get partner to 6 Retrieve pill from drive you to casualty. goldfish bowl and Sit quietly while cat from top of Doctor stitches finger wardrobe. Call and removes pill partner. remnants from right 7 Wrap cat in large eye. Stop at furniture towel and get spouse shop on way home to to lie on the cat with order new table. head just visible Arrange for vet to from spouse's make house call. armpit. Put pill on the end of drinking This piece has been straw, force cat's doing the rounds of mouth open and the village, but it is blow pill down so funny that we straw. Check label to thought we’d include make sure pill not it in case anyone has harmful to humans. missed it!
Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 34
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8th Oct 1868 (The year 1871 was most St Columb Petty Sessions Pete’s disappointing for Phillipa Richard, a young pilchards because of the girl of base character, was glut, prices fell very low charged by PC Kite, with Peeps and many cargoes having been found by him, unwanted in Italy were sleeping among some at the returned to Cornwall to timber in West Back Lane, be purchased for St Colu,b. He said he had manure). had several complaints of Past 12th Feb 1874 Erect but her lying about in quite Dead outhouses etc. Plate and landed in good A miner named James Elizabeth Stephens, an old in Penzance Harbour, condition 144 bullocks, Tucker, working at North woman who had been 1028 hogsheads of pilchards 300 sheep, 6 cows, 5 Crofty, had fired a hole found sleeping in an ash for the Mediterranean and calves and 7 horses. She and was about to remove house, was ordered to be sailed with them. She also experienced bad weather the burthen, when a large taken to the Union. Annie takes to Italy 3 tons of tin all the way and had to put rock fell upon him and Benney, another young and 10 boxes of pressed into Pernambaco and St crushed him to death woman found sleeping in a pilchards – the last a new Vincent for coals where against the side of the barn, was discharged with a and experimental was of she stayed for 7 days. She level. When found he caution. preserving this kind of fish is the pioneer of a regular was standing erect, with (An ash house was a small to Italian consumers. The service now being the candle still in his round granite building for ‘Havre’, on her way from organised to run from hand, but quite dead. An storing ashes from furze, Dunkerque and London to London to the River Plate, inquest was held at heather, bracken etc for use Swansea (at which place taking out goods and Illogan when a verdict of as fertiliser. she will take in copper) for emigrants and bringing Havre, has called for a ‘accidental death’ was 22nd March 1870 Cattle recorded goods and cattle home. quantity of ingot tin, from the River Plate th 29th January 1874 shipped in Penzance for 25 September 1873 The screw steamer Pressed Pilchards and Havre on account of Messrs Deficient School ‘Ariadne’ arrived at Tin Bolitho. Accommodation Falmouth from the River The ‘Orianna’ has loaded Of the 128 school districts, 48 have ‘no th 28 March 1872 efficient school’ while a Pilchards back from large number have Italy considerable The disastrous results of requirements & in some too successful a pilchard instances, season are illustrated by accommodation for the dilemma in which one hundreds of children. A body of seine owners is large deficiency for now placed. The first sale elementary education of the captures of the year exists in the county. 1871 was of 81 Gwennap needs 5 schools hogsheads of fish, at 50 for 1279 children and St shillings the hogshead; Just and Morvah have 2 the second of 199 at the schools and need 6 more same price; the third of for 1200 children, 264 at 40s 3d; the fourth (Although the 1870 of 288 at 18s 6d. But the Education Act aimed at unlucky fishermen have elementary education for 854 hogsheads at Genoa all children between 5 yrs for which no offer can be and 13 yrs, there were obtained. A gentleman still not enough schools had bid 15s per hogshead to make this possible and but brought back here it was not until 1880 that and delivered free at attendance was Penzance, by which time compulsory. The mining they will have cost most areas were the most of that amount in freight. deficient). Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 36
Martin Pethick’s Sports Column renowned for being a team in the Devon and found. This was proving battler and as the signs Cornwall Veterans Cup difficult until a sponsor are good for a full competition. This is a came forward and offered recovery, hopefully this competition for players to donate two brand new battling quality will help of 35 and over with the kits. him through. final being played at a Western Power were so b) Club News: top ground in Devon. grateful for the use of the This season has seen a The team is based mainly football pitch during the huge influx of new on Boscastle’s regular clean-up operation that signings which is good playing ‘oldies’ plus a they were only too news for the club but not few friends from Tintagel willing to donate the kits FOOTBALL so good for the managers and a sprinkling of the as recompense for the more agile ‘has-beens’, CLUB NEWS who are finding it damage caused to the difficult to keep which includes Phil. field The pitch has Intro: Having been everyone happy by Boscastle have subsequently been accused of being ‘too giving them all a chance progressed past the first restored to its former tautological’, changes have to prove their worth. round with a win against glory, thanks to the TLC been made to the The first team is under Goonhavern and now given by head production of this column. the new hegemony of meet either Tideford or groundsman, Anthony Hopefully this will then joint-managers, Nev Western Inn in the Brewer and his assistant, stop the grumblers from Turner and John quarter finals. Johnny. grumbling!! McLaughlin, who have d) New Strip: e) Competition: a) Bad News: introduced some new When John 1: How many of the Boscastle’s sporting world younger talent to what McLaughlin’s car went present day signings were was shocked and saddened was an aging squad. The floating down the preceded at the club by by the unfortunate news running of the second harbour during the their fathers in years gone that Ian Nicholls has team has now been taken horrendous floods, along past? contracted a rare form of over by Richard Pethick with it went the kitbag 2: Which is the odd one cancer, which is a who has made that many which contained both out? devastating blow for any player signings that some home and away strips. Telephone your answers person, but especially for weekends they are up to With the new season fast to the club secretary on one so young. eight players on the subs approaching, local 250341. Ian has been a playing bench. At least the club’s ‘rivals’ Tintagel and member of Boscastle future looks a lot more Wadebridge stepped in football club for many promising. to provide years and during this c) Veterans: replacements until a period he has made many Because Phil Higgs was more permanent good friends who are still feeling left out in the solution could be finding it hard to cope with cold as he couldn’t even sorted out. As the loss the situation. command a place on the of the kit was not covered by the club’s football team in new strip - look Throughout his footballing second team bench, it forward to a larger picture in the career Ian has been was decided to enter a insurance, another way to next edition! replace it had to be
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Cornwall PL35 0AJ 01840 250047 Tel or Fax: (01840) 250155 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICE Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 37 20 Questions for a local midfielder, getting stronger every sportsperson: match since breaking his leg. featuring athlete and marathon runner Janet Lathom John Bosley: although one of the older players, he remains rock solid 11 Favourite sportsperson? Paula at the back. A referee’s nightmare! Radcliffe John Brewer: assistant groundsman 12 Favourite place in Cornwall? and left-sided player who is yet to Valency Valley (before the flood) fulfil his undoubted potential. 13 Childhood hero? George Best Nick ‘Hunter’ Fillery: quite possibly 14 Best country visited? Spain the most talented player in the club 15 Favourite dish? Shepherd’s pie on his day. (Still to discover which day!!) 16 Favourite TV programme? Mark Hewitt: a manager’s dream. Coronation Street Will play anywhere without any fuss 17 Favourite film? Bridget Jones’ and still very fit for his age! Diary Alex Higgs: a gifted player who can 18 Hobbies? Road running, play equally well outfield or in goal, coaching athletics, reading, but can’t decide which! listening to music Simon ‘the Spark’ Biddick: has 19 Place you would most like to returned to the club fully refereshed visit? America after a year off. Leads the attack with 20 With whom would you most like panache. to be stranded on a desert island? Mark ‘Horse’ Horwell: a right-sided Roger Black player who,when fully fit is a class Janet Lathom act. Lacks his father’s pace though!! 1 Name? Janet Lathom Giles Reynolds: a talented youngster 2 Age? Late 40’s Football Squad in his first season for Boscastle. A 3 School life? Sonning Primary and strong tackler following in his Here is a brief résumé of each of the father’s footsteps. Wargrave Piggott Secondary players signed on this season: Modern Andy Boxall: has stepped up from the First Team: second team and although he is very 4 Favourite sport? Athletics Robin ‘the Badger’ Haddie: left- small he has a competitive edge. 5 Favourite sports club? sided defender of some distinction John ‘Macca’ McLaughlin: a player Manchester United who has yet to learn how to kick with natural ability whose form has 6 Greatest achievement to date? with his right foot. been affected since taking on the London marathon in 4hrs 28mins Daniel Ovens: hails from a very joint managers job. He will hopefully 7 Ambitions? To go and watch the useful footballing family and scores soon rediscover his best form. Olympics his fair share of goals each season. 8 Most embarrassing moment? Nev ‘the Tank’ Turner’: joint Second Team: Tripping up in the 3000metres at manager who plays in goal or in Richard Pethick: took charge of the Exeter Arena attack; is still feeling his way into team at the beginning of the season. His vast knowledge of the game 9 Dislikes in sport? Wrestling management. Paul ‘Trigger’ Dray: son of one of should help to resurrect the fortunes 10 Favourite sports arena in the of the second team. county? Carn Brae Boscastle’s stalwarts. A useful
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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2004 Page 38
Football résumé cont. Roger Perry: a player with many Boscastle Short Jimmy Siford: son of the now famous years of experience. Still an Mat Bowls Club Les, who used to play for the club. accomplished full-back in any team. Though the winter the Bowls Club Small in stature but big in effort. is playing matches in the Northern John ‘Muggy’ Mugford: not as swift Paul Safhill: his experience will definitely help the younger players Area League. Each match consists as he used to be but still a valuable of a hoem and away game with six member of the squad. of the team. Busy at the moment with television appearances with matches during the season. Sam ‘the Phoenix’ Washer: has So far, Boscastle have won two become a regular member of the his mate Laurence! David Bosley: has agreed to help games, drawn one and lost one, team and really enjoys playing resulting two match wins, putting alongside his brother. out whenever possible. A good clubman who wants to take life the club at the top of the league Albert Mordue: has been nicknamed table at the time of writing. ‘the Potters Lane Rapper’! He is a easier. We have lost several club members, fresh signing and is improving with Mike Casey: a forward who doesn’t either through moves away or every game. ever live up to his potential but through health reasons. We need Martin Seldon: has his uncle’s skill scores valuable goals in tight games. some new members and would and his father’s goal scoring ability. welcome anyone to give it a try. One to watch for the future. Mark Collins: a burly centre-half The club night is on Mondays at Gareth Grant: hasn’t yet lived up to recently moved down from the 7pm at the Community & his nickname of the ‘Gunpool goal Bristol area. A first team fringe Recreation Centre, just turn up or scorer’. Hopefully his luck will soon player. phone Carole Flower on 250558. change. Gareth Furse: another lad who has Graham Jory: has gone into semi- recently moved into the area. retirement but is still available when Hopefully one for the future. Other Sports News needed. Still versatile but not quite so Julian Findlay: a stalwart of many People are involved in many other agile. seasons. A steady full-back who sports in the village. The winter Ryan Parrish: very skilful on the ball never lets the team down. months see the return of the pool, but needs some fitness training with Nicknamed ‘the Troglodyte’, he billiards, snooker and dart leagues his stepfather! has been ever present this season so which involve competing against Frankie Page: one of the local boys far. the neighbouring towns and Jamie Dominy: returned to the villages. come good! Always gives 100% when he does turn out for theteam. football scene after nearly 20 years The Community Centre is home to Gary Boyde: has been playing local absence. Still has a lovely touch. two snooker teams and a billiard football for a long time. Relishes the Andew Smith: another useful team; the cobweb Inn runs three dart new challenges this year. signing who can play in any and three pool teams. Also the Aaron Washer: a talented player who position. Has turned in some fine Napoleon Inn have re-formed their can play with the same level of performances/ dart team and compete in the artistry whether outfield or in goal. Nathan Ovens: another from the Boscastle and District league after long line of Ovens footballers. quite a long absence. Peter Wilton: even though he has only just turned sixteen he commands Hopefully just as useful as the rest. It is still too early in the season to a regular spot on the team. Ian Nicholls: a ‘local lad’ who is a gauge how these teams will fare, but Antony Biscombe: although not the tough competitor and never lets his by the next edition we will have a most talented player in the team, his team-mates down. better idea of what the upshot will effort has never been questioned. be.
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A CATACLYSMIC EVENT Unlike the Great Flood of August ‘04 the Cataclysmic Cabaret of 29th and 30th of October left the recipients stirred but unshaken. Courtesy of several anonymous donors and various worthies like the Pickwicks and the cast and crew of the Boscastle Cave of Harmony, two Storm Veterans’ Evenings of music, song and laughter, delectable comestibles and liquorish libation dispelled all thoughts of watery inundation. On Friday guests were cheered by receipt of a very generous £5000 collected from passengers by the Lynton & the cataclysmic cast Lynmouth Light Railway David Nash at the piano did his best us ‘A Ghostly Recitation’, a Company.. Invitation was extended to restrain the vagaries of specially devised tragi-comic tale to washed-out worthies in order to impresario David Whitaker who of a shipwrecked crew of dry their socks and indulge in a had, rising to the challenge, smugglers, whose ghosts are little light relief. scavenged the attic for his coolest conjured to return from their tuxedo and oldest watery grave in order to aid the jokes, eyes glinting village in its distress. villainously at the So there’s the happy ending. beauty of George The end before the start, Findlay’s legs (rumoured to be Roof before foundations, insured by Lloyds) but foundations at the heart: sweeping by on stage. For basically, together, The audience could (with assistance from outside!) scarcely contain the The spirit of community is what excitement aroused by will turn the tide. Roger Toy’s rumbustious rendition of ‘The Galloping The year, 2005, is the bicentenary Joan Kinsman helps to ensure that glasses are replenished Major’ - or was it the ’orse’s ’ead poking of the death of Horatio Nelson at Dear hearts like Jane Castling, between his thighs? the Battle of Trafalgar. Daphne Rogers, Sylvia Finn and Perhaps the dodgiest pair of Ever in tune with current events, Mary Nicholls meeted and greeted, Boscastle’s citizens, Roger Nicholls Boscastle Cave of Harmony’s kept the plates full and glasses and Stephen Piggott, gave us a annual production will have the overflowing. disturbingly knowing version of theme of the sea, and will be a rich Entertainment was supplied by the ‘Any Dirty Work Today?’ In maritime musical medley, with pulchritudinous Helen Pincus and amongst the mayhem, sanity was ballads of sailormen and women & savagely handsome John Bolitho briefly restored by Marianne on the ocean, some songs robust, who flirted through ‘Do-Do-Do’, a Privett’s touching rendition of some hilarious and some tragic. delicious duet of love. The lissom ‘Shine On Harvest Moon’ and There will be high jinks at the Flo James reviled her canine phobic David Pinn’s poignant ‘Rose of seaside, comic songs of pierrots dad. (‘I've got a little cat, I am very Tralee’. on the pier - and much more. fond of that, But I’d rather have a But not forgotten was the evening’s Look out for posters for details of bow-wow-wow!’) Fountain of true purpose, a promise of times and dates of performances. youth Michael Turner recalled the regeneration. Ably assisted by far off days of Empire and the More information from Michael Roger Nicholls, Mary Baum gave revenge of the Little Yellow God. Turner on 250250.
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