Issue 5

Our War Memorial – this year marks the September 2018 100th anniversary of the end of WWI

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE CIVIL PARISH OF ST. PINNOCK

This bumper 20-page issue marks the IN THIS ISSUE first birthday of the PostHorn since its PostHorn’s first birthday Page 1 re-launch as a paper version in This quarter’s calendar of events Page 2 Harvest Festival at Connon Chapel Page 3 September of last year! Macmillan coffee morning – Connon Page 3

Remembrance Service Page 4 Trigg Morris Page 5 East Taphouse Community Hall Page 6 St. Pinnock Band Page 7 Trevelmond Pump Page 8 Trevelmond Macmillan coffee morning Page 8

Pumpkin Wall Page 9 Trevelmond Chapel Page 9 Connon Bridge Landfill Site Page 10

Phil Seeva Page 11 Carol Spear Page 12 Boundary Commission Page 13 Speeding through East Taphouse Page 13 Connon Chapel Page 14

Doublebois – continued Page 15 It has been a busy year and there has SUEZ Recycling & Recovery Page 16 Trevelmond Dilly Cart Race Page 17 always been more than enough How to contact the PostHorn Page 20 material to fill its pages – in fact the are at the bottom of the back page. first edition was the only one published with just the intended eight If you would like to publicise a local pages! event or project or submit an article, How are we doing – do you find it the PostHorn would be very glad to interesting? Is it useful? Would it be hear from you – space will always be better if other information was found for your contributions. included? Are we getting anything The PostHorn would like to take this wrong? Please let us know so that we opportunity to thank all contributors who can concentrate our efforts on what have provided articles for inclusion in this you want to read – our contact details special issue and SUEZ who have funded its printing. 1

REGULAR CLUBS/EVENTS THIS COMING QUARTER

East Taphouse Short Mat Bowls Club plays General Sunday Auction Every other week every Thursday afternoon in the at East Taphouse Community Hall. This Community Hall from 2:00 to 4:30. Come quarter they will be on: along and give it a try, or ‘phone Doug Mills September 9th and 23rd on 01579 320015 for more information. October: 7th and 21st November: 4th and 18th. Slimming World meets in the East Lots taken from 1:00 p.m. Viewing starts at Taphouse Community Hall every Thursday 4:30 and selling from 6:00 p.m. morning from 9:30 to 12:30. Contact Rebecca on 07980 171679 Womens Institute – St. Pinnock and District Womens’ Institute invites new members to Connon Chapel holds a service every join our really friendly group. We meet on Sunday morning commencing at 9:30 with the second Tuesday of each month at the tea/coffee afterwards. East Taphouse Community Hall at 2:15 p.m. Also, our craft group meets on the 1st and Knit and Natter meets at Connon Chapel 3rd Mondays of the month from 2 p.m. and on the first and third Monday of the month caters for all skill levels from complete for two hours from 3:30. You don’t have to novices to the more experienced crafter. knit – just come and natter and enjoy some Ring Pauline Salt on 01579 320197 for more tea and lovely homemade cakes. Just £1 information. covers everything. Parkinson’s Drop-In Group Every third St.Pinnock Band - Band practice at East Wednesday of the month - East Taphouse Taphouse Community Hall from 7:45 to Community Hall from 10:00a.m. to 10:00 on Mondays and Thursdays. 3:00p.m. As well as the Parkinson’s nurse talks, speakers on many different subjects West Country Embroiderers – and a chance to try out new activities Group. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of ranging from art to Zumba. For more each month at East Taphouse Community information ring Sue Whipp on 01503 Hall from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For 262166 more information, contact: Secretary Mrs D. Smith 01579 321293 Sunday roast dinner at The Community Treasurer Mrs P Stratton 01822 614677 Hall, East Taphouse. Group Rep Mrs A Taylor 01579 326005 Two courses £8.00 (Bar open). Every other Sunday at 6:00p.m. Trevelmond Chapel holds a service on This quarter they will be on: Sunday mornings commencing at 11:00. September: 2nd , 16th and 30th October: 14th and 28th Vintage Motorcycle Club meets on the November: 11th and 25th. second Thursday of the month at the East Booking essential – ‘phone Laura on Taphouse Community Hall at 7:00 p.m. 07792 900987

2

St.Pinnock Parish Council Meetings are Bingo 1st Saturday of the month at East held on the third Monday of each month in Taphouse Community Hall. Doors open at the Chapel Room at the rear of Connon 7:00, ‘eyes down’ at 7:30 Chapel at 7:30p.m. Mobile Library – East Taphouse If you have any item of concern, you can Community Hall Car Park from 3:45 p.m. to either raise it with your local Councillor 4:05 p.m. beforehand or you can speak to the Parish 29th Sept: 27th Oct: 24th Nov: 22nd Dec. Council at the meeting - there is fifteen minutes allocated at the start of the The mobile library provides a library service meeting for this. to rural areas in where there is no static library or micro library. The agenda is posted on the Parish Council notice board which is on the forecourt of It holds a selection of books on many Valley View Garage on the Wednesday subjects, novels, large print books, books before the meeting. for children and talking books. Other materials, such as DVDs, music CDs and Chiropodist at East Taphouse music scores can be borrowed on request.

Community Hall – 2018 visits: Customers can request books for free from th th 18 September, 30 October, the online library catalogue or for a small 18thDecember from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 charge if placed by a Library Assistant. p.m. Appointments now needed - The stock is updated regularly. ‘phone Christine on 01579 321311 or

Neil on 07828 737814.

3

REMEMBRANCE DAY - 11 NOVEMBER

our fallen members of the armed th Our 100 services of World War I, but also to honour those lost in WW2 and other anniversary conflicts both before and since those wars Remembrance Day

Service

Sunday 11th November

commencing at 10:45 SERVICE

This years’ service marks the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War– to the day.

The names of 43 men from the Parish who fought in WWI are recorded on our memorial. Four lost their lives – two have no known graves, another is buried at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery and the fourth died of his wounds at a war hospital in Croydon - he is Once again Carol Spear will be buried at Connon Chapel. officiating and everyone is welcome The remembrance service at our War to come along. The Last Post will be Memorial in East Taphouse is of played by Alan Pendray and a Poppy course not just to remember these, Wreath will be laid on behalf of all residents of the Parish.

There is usually a decent turn-out for this service, but on this one– hundredth anniversary, an extra special remembrance would be particularly fitting – please come along if you can.

If you are unable to attend, join us in spirit at 11:00 by opening a window and listening out towards St. Pinnock. 4

TRIGG MORRIS MEN

Trigg Morris Men gave a performance at St.Pinnock on Thursday evening, 24th May.

They had musical accompaniment by Their horse called (wait for it) ………. Trigger players on melodeon, concertina and put in an appearance too – much to the washboard. amusement of the children.

Formed in 1971, their name is taken from They performed several sets, with the the ‘Hundred of Trigg’, a former audience joining in the last one. administrative area of mid Cornwall.

5

EAST TAPHOUSE COMMUNITY HALL

By Sue Knapman Use It or Lose It, a familiar saying which can were considered very favourably. The be applied to East Taphouse Community kitchen extension was completed at the Hall.** end of June 2016.

The Hall is primarily the home of The Hall is equipped with tables and chairs, Band but is also a centre for the whole and has a stage that can be erected for community to come together for whatever concerts, performances etc. The kitchen is reason in conjunction with the Social Club. a fully equipped catering kitchen and it can easily cater for up to 70 sit-down meals or Although run as 2 separate entities, the 100 buffet meals. There is free wi-fi Hall and the Social Club work closely available, which can also be picked up in together and jointly create a viable and the car park if your broadband at home valuable community resource. In reality breaks down. the Hall without the Social Club would struggle financially to exist. The Hall needs The Hall Committee welcomes new ideas to earn a minimum of £9000 per annum to for activities which will generate income meet the overheads and being able to offer either by hourly rental or by raising funds to prospective users the facilities of the for the Hall. Some suggestions that have Social Club, improves the possibility of a recently been discussed are a pop-up booking. coffee shop, pop-up lunch shop, a book exchange morning when people could drop If you are wondering what are these in, bring in books, browse and choose a overheads, they are for example: gas, book whilst having coffee and cake. (Cake electricity, water, broadband, insurance, is important!) waste disposal, cleaning, repairs and renewals. From the income point of view, **The official name of the Hall is St Pinnock we have some regular users i.e. St Pinnock Band Community Hall Association. WI, West Country Embroidery, Short Mat However, we found that people were Bowls, Parkinsons, Slimming World, getting lost and going to the old St Pinnock Vintage Motorcycle Club, Fortnightly School room (now a dwelling) and the Auctions, Fortnightly Dinners, and Monthly committee decided that the name should Bingo. All these groups welcome new be changed to East Taphouse Community people to join. Hall Home of St Pinnock Band. Although it is very important that St Pinnock Band is In 2015 the Hall Committee received a very recognised, it is also important that generous grant from SITA Cornwall Trust to potential users of the Hall and delivery build a large kitchen extension and storage people can find us easily. room. SITA Cornwall Trust award grants For people new to the area, the Hall throughout Cornwall from funds generated originated from funds raised from the sale from the Landfill Communities Fund and as of Bethel Chapel which was owned by and the landfill site is in our parish and only a was the home of St Pinnock Band. short distance from East Taphouse, we

6

ST. PINNOCK BAND

by Simon Denman but to remain true to this key role in the Like a faithful old shovel after numerous community. replacements of both handle and blade, Having taken advantage of the stunning the St Pinnock band has undergone many transformations in its 152-year history weather this summer with weekly Thursday evening concerts on the West within the parish. And while its founding goal of spreading the virtues of abstinence Quayside as well as leading the recent carnival and flora dances, the band will also has thankfully gone the way of the silver and lead mines at which its first members be marching through for the regatta as well as taking part in the Looe Music toiled, its underlying role as a cohesive Festival later in September. force for good within the community remains as important now as it was back Somewhat further afield in Porthcurno, St. then. Pinnock Brass Band has

So, in an age of instant been chosen as an integral part of the wireless access to any music that has ever Third Light production being staged at the existed, what exactly is the role of a parish Minnack Theatre between the 10th and brass band? th 14 of September. Ever since our ancient ancestors gathered around the first camp At a recent concert at the Sterts Theatre, where St. Pinnock shared the stage with fires, people have been coming closer together through the shared experience of Rock Choir Cornwall, one member of the audience commented, “I was expecting a making and listening to music. Within the band itself, players as young as nine sit small local brass band doing their best to entertain. Instead, we got blown out of our shoulder to shoulder with those in their seats by a fantastic performance!” 80s. Whatever their background, education or social standing, band members find MD David Johnson added, “With so many themselves united by a common passion bands struggling right now just to get and the desire to share this with the rest of enough players, it’s exciting to see such the community. energy and enthusiasm in a Cornish band. That’s why local concerts such as our Recently revitalised with the appointment “Music at the Quayside” series are so of veteran Musical Director, David Johnson, important - they give the local community an influx of new players - both young and old, and the acquisition of a smart new an opportunity to enjoy and support the endeavour.” uniform, kindly donated by the band’s president, Dave Tamblyn, St. Pinnock Brass For more information, please email Band is now determined not only to [email protected] or visit the website become one of the top bands in Cornwall, at http://www.stpinnock.band/

7

TREVELMOND VILLAGE PUMP

have replenished easily, albeit several villagers must have drawn water from it.

During spells of dry weather, it would

cease to provide; that is when we had

to carry water up the hill from the

chute at the bottom.

The pumping mechanism was disconnected, I don’t know when, but TREVELMOND VILLAGE PUMP thankfully the box & trough was by Brian Jewell allowed to remain here & I have taken

If it moves, salute it, if it doesn’t ……. pleasure in maintaining its appearance several times since my I think this old ‘gent’ deserves both. return to the village to live 45 years Finished painted today (12 July ‘18), ago. no date of installation found during preparation. It became redundant in the mid-fifties when mains water was brought to the village. I logically believed the well was beneath it, & drainage from the trough returned to it. Yes, somewhat unsavoury, & undesirable!

Upon discussion with our late Len Pearce, a few years ago, it transpired that the well was a goodly distance behind it, under the floor of what is now the kitchen, at the rear of the house on the right, & was about 8 feet deep. Maybe not a great depth compared with some, but Len found when he modernised that pair of cottages, there was so much natural spring water in the hillside, it must

8

PUMPKIN WALL

TREVELMOND CHAPEL

By John Cole. Trevelmond Chapel Steward For example: - I have been requested to write a few notes 1. Pews taken out (more space & more regarding the new roof being replaced on flexibility) Trevelmond Methodist Chapel. (work going 2. New kitchen installed. on at the present time, 75% completed) 3. Disabled toilet fitted. 4. Serving hatch. The work consists of: - 5. New heating, boiler etc. all under a 1. Replacing old broken slates with new extension (at the rear of the new. main building) 2. Reusing sound slates. 3. Replacing all the old timber with new The Methodist Chapel is very central and (treated) wood. is now used by the village for many 4. Installing insulation (never heard of functions other than Sunday worship. Quiz when the chapel was built in 1895 nights, Skittles (Smite Nights), Monthly opened in 1896 for worship) Book Club, Coffee mornings / afternoons, Village Fete's, Special meals together etc. All this work will help keep the building in good working order for many years to All these things under a new roof!!!! come, and also to enhance the work bringing Trevelmond Community Church already achieved!!! to the 21st Century.

9

CONNON BRIDGE LANDFILL SITE

On 28th June, SUEZ gave local residents and calculations of incoming and outgoing Parish Councillors the opportunity to see loads instead of putting the lorries over the the trial shredder operation in action at weighbridge in between unloading and re- Connon Bridge. loading which necessitated the articulated lorries turning around on the public road The bulky waste received at every HWRC in outside the site entrance – this caused the county is being transported to Connon mayhem when there were queues of traffic Bridge – much of it going past the door of trying to get into the site or local residents the incinerator! After shredding it is added needing to go past. to the locally collected black bag waste and re-loaded for transportation to the The legitimacy of the planning consent incinerator – incurring an extra 50-plus being used for the shredding operation has miles round trip between Connon and St. yet to be tested – the consent states that: Dennis for each load of bulky waste, going “The approved RDF facility shall only be back and forth through East Taphouse. utilised for the receipt and processing of Whilst the noise levels inside the shed were municipal solid /commercial/industrial in the 80dbA’s, outside it was a lot quieter. wastes originating from Cornwall's waste collection routes …..” (i.e. collected ‘black bag’ waste). Whereas the plant is being used to shred bulky waste items taken to household waste recycling centres by members of the public.

Of course, with the ‘mouth’ size limitation at the incinerator of just 2ft. square, this still begs the as yet unanswered question as to why a shredding operation to reduce the size of the inevitable bigger items was not Mattresses needed special attention as incorporated into the original design of the they ‘floated’ on the top of other bulky incinerator at St. Dennis. Plymouth’s waste being fed into the shredder, so they incinerator has this facility built in, so why were saved until the end of the day and fed was it overlooked at ours? It seems that the into the shredder like slices of bread into a frenzied and belated rush to set up this toaster. shredding facility at Connon was a knee- Local residents were pleased to learn that jerk reaction to the realisation that the SUEZ were now using tare weights in their EFW plant at St. Dennis is not fit for purpose. 10

PHIL SEEVA – CORNWALL COUNCILLOR, MENHENIOT DIVISION

It seems a long time ago that I took over St Pinnock is to solve the ongoing problem from Bernie Ellis as the Cornwall Councillor with speeding through East Taphouse. I for the Menheniot division (which includes actually think it’s got worse in recent the parish of St Pinnock) but it’s only been months and I know there’s plenty of people just over two years. that are willing to help and support any action required to get this sorted. It has however been a very busy two years, which started with a by-election We all know that there is a legal in 2016, included a standard speed limit in place for the village election in 2017 which means that drivers are and some significant changes for either unaware of it or they’re me personally with the political choosing to ignore it as they’re not group that I represent, but this being caught and punished. note isn’t about politics today. Personally, I’d like to see a combination of better and more I consider it to be a real privilege consistent signage through the to represent the division on village, while also having a Cornwall Council and I’ve permanent way of catching thoroughly enjoyed working with offenders such as a speed camera the five Parish Councils that are in my patch (and preferably one that works). … especially this one of course. I have to say that St Pinnock in particular is a well-run During my short time on Cornwall Council Parish Council with a number of hard I’m please to say that I’ve been involved in working individuals that make up a really some large-scale projects for the county good team and they should be applauded which have included infrastructure for the effort they put in. projects, large scale development, the Stadium for Cornwall and most recently the I note with interest that the proposed Space project, all of which I feel will have a changes to the Boundary Commission positive impact on Cornwall as a whole. could potentially have an impact on St Pinnock and there seems to be significant However, I always try and remember the resistance to this potential change. I’d like advice that Bernie Ellis used to offer up … to make it clear that I fully support the ‘your best work as a councillor is the work Parish Council in its effort to get this you do in the division that you represent proposal altered so that the whole thing and not down there in ’ … sensible remains largely the same … with a bit of advice from someone that’s still sadly missed. luck the Commission will see sense and listen to what residents and councillors are If you need to get hold of me for any reason saying. please feel to call me on 07746 815302.

For all the local casework that I’ve been involved in, there’s always still plenty to do. Thanks There is two and half years to go until the Phil Seeva next council election and my main aim for Cornwall Councillor, Menheniot Division 11

CAROL SPEAR – CHAIR, ST. PINNOCK PARISH COUNCIL

Things that annoy your parish council chairman

Drains Speed of traffic through the village. In the olden days (and I am rather old) 30mph is often exceeded by we had a gang of men responsible for motorists. The police speed camera our area – I should know, my dad was comes occasionally and guess what, if one of them! Now, a lorry will come I am travelling back from I along and pump out the drains, not always know they are there because do a good job and we still get oncoming vehicles flash at me. There flooding. So a different lorry comes is a reason for the speed limit: we are along (or so it seems to me) and we a built-up area with many children still get flooding Are and elderly people crossing the actual drain the road. No-one should be pipes blocked we warned or be exceeding the ask at the Parish 30mph limit. We are trying Council? My dad and to get a permanent speed his mates knew all control of some kind the drains and pipelines in our area. The shredder for bulky They did a good job, waste is temporarily (????) everyone knew being sited at the landfill them, so if they site, bringing lorries from all didn’t someone in over Cornwall. I think we the village would tell them - and the have had enough of Cornwall’s cost would be a lot less than the rubbish coming through our village repeated visits we get now. and what a waste of money bringing Early one Sunday morning recently, it all the way from west Cornwall to we had a heavy rain storm. The A390 here. road outside Highway was flooded. If you get annoyed about things like Vehicles were speeding through and this, please come to your Parish great waves were hitting the cottage Council meetings. If more people across the road from Highway This complain, there is a small chance that caused damage to the cottage Are Cornwall Council might take more some motorists brain-dead? notice of us.

12

THAT DAMNED BOUNDARY COMMISSION AGAIN!

Have you sent your views to the Boundary Commission yet? It is not too late – the closing date is 17th September. The map to the right is the proposal that the Parish Council is supporting which keeps us aligned with Liskeard and district, rather than annexing us to Lostwithiel. It is one of Cornwall Council’s earlier proposals – before they became embroiled in their quest to achieve exactly equal electorate sizes! It also overcomes the problem with the Liskeard Town Council’s proposal which was to ‘swap’ Lanreath with us – and (understandably) upset Lanreath.

COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH

Whilst the PostHorn does not know significant calming effect on the day, the exact circumstances of the or traffic going the other way is accident on 15th July at the warning oncoming vehicles! A390/Highway junction which closed the road for over 4 hours, it is understood that speed was not a contributory factor.

However, the question of traffic speeding through East Taphouse has once again been raised. So, it is most surprising to see that the Community Speed Watch figures for 2017/18, each taken over a one-hour period do not appear to substantiate this – it can only be assumed that their high- viz jackets and radar camera have a

13

CONNON CHAPEL

by Barbara Tamblyn Over the years as founder members passed Connon Chapel was built in 1865. Local to their eternal glory, it became necessary Christians who had been holding services in to enclose a portion of ground for a a farmer’s barn felt inspired to build a cemetery. Another addition was the stable permanent place to worship. A plot of building. Most walked to Chapel but others land, known as Fisher’s Field, became came by pony and trap. The horses were available and stones from a nearby quarry tied up in the stables during the service. were used to build a plain hall. It was furnished with painted wooden seats. Over the years many good Christian people were called to be leaders and Sunday On completion many families brought their School teachers. A choir was formed, bible children to worship. On the first study classes took place and many of the anniversary in 1866, a turf platform was young men became local preachers. built against the road hedge from which open-air services were The Band of Hope was a conducted, with celebration looked children reciting verses forward to. Every Good and singing hymns. Friday people came from a wide area to A Sunday School was march from Bethel to Connon behind the needed and young local men volunteered Band of Hope Banner and St Pinnock Band to each give a day’s wages to make a start. and then enjoyed a sumptuous tea at The Sunday School was an extension of the Connon. main Chapel and made a useful addition. The roof was made of corrugated iron but Thanks to the generosity of the Knapman the first severe storm blew it off and Family who gave the land, a new Sunday deposited it in nearby Hurlands yard. A School room adjoining the old building was permanent slate roof was laid, which is still built, the cemetery extended and a car park there today. created. The building was used for Sunday School and is a pleasant function room The Sunday School Anniversary used for Chapel events and by other celebrations continued for many years, organisations. It was also used for worship followed by a weeknight service and a when extensive repairs were carried out in delicious tea prepared by the ladies. The the main Chapel. children especially looked forward to the annual outing to by coach. In the Today descendants of the original founders early days a horse and wagon used to still worship at Connon together with many transport the children to Looe. new friends.

Connon joined the new Wesleyan Reform A warm welcome awaits those who wish to Circuit with other local chapels. This join us for Sunday morning services at 9.30 administration continued for many years am. The Chapel door is always open during until this Circuit was dissolved and Connon the day and we invite you to enter and use was taken over by the Methodists at the quiet surroundings for private prayer Liskeard. and contemplation.

14

“DOUBLEBOISBy WAS A GREAT PLACE TO GROW UP IN” - cont’d

By Brian Jewell Further to my memories of growing up in stopped just short of the walk way. How Doubleboise, (1947 – 1954) soon would it move? That settled it, the The thought that comes to mind is, what a unknown factor! I went back & followed high degree of freedom we had in our the others. activities at that time. At the other end of the platforms there was We could visit the station. We were never another board walk. From the up side it led told that we ‘shouldn’t be there ‘. to another much larger sidings, running On one day, the shunting engine was busy. towards Treburgie. Put there in war time The engine driver invited us two boys to to handle munitions I think. My recollection take a ride on the engine. We went up line of it is when it was stacked out with to the cross over points & back again on the redundant rail sleepers. Hundreds of down line. Thrilling is the word I choose! them. They could be bought for 2 shillings Another memory is of two men staying a …. or 10 pence! few nights in their caravan like rail car on When cut into 8” lengths, it made chopping the small siding behind the waiting room for fire lighting sticks so, so easy! I know on the down side. Their job was to operate because that was my job at home! a tamping machine. It’s function being to We did discover one day that we could plunge a paddle down both sides of a access the railway from the woodland sleeper & then vibrate them to compact down line and as it was just around the the ground beneath it. bend, we couldn’t be seen from the mill. We would brazenly go on to the track with Apart from walking on the rail and keeping them! It was quite daunting when a train balance or putting something on it for a passed. They appeared to be so huge! train to run over, like a small piece of These men showed us how they could wet ballast stone or a penny coin, there wasn’t their finger with methylated sprit & light it! much of interest to make us go there again. We concluded that stones got crushed and Occasionally I would have the audacity to the penny we couldn’t find again! We had take the short cut to the mill via the line no fear of any trains catching us unaware, crossing point at the end of the platform & ever confident we would hear & see any on under the bridge & past the cattle pens. coming our way! The freedom to do this was probably because no-one saw me doing it! We were intrigued by one discovery. Just But then, confidence nearly exceeded where the woodland started beyond the common sense! field between the main road & the railway, After a train ride from Liskeard one evening was an outlet of a drainage tunnel. A 4-foot I thought I’d be clever. Instead of going concrete pipe that came out of the bank with the others up the long sloping path to below the railway. This ran underground the road & over the bridge, I would cross for a short distance & where it ended the the line & get home first! It was dark, and tunnel angled sharply upward & now stone the drop in level from the platform to the built. It levelled out several feet up but we board walk …… I was suddenly confronted never had the courage to climb up & see by this huge beast of an engine, which had where it went. 15

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery

Restoration of Connon Bridge Landfill

Our dedication to Cornwall’s natural 2. Lowland mixed deciduous landscape means we are already working woodland with a locally based ecology consultancy, 3. Open water/ponds Code7 Consulting, to develop a biodiversity 4. Wetland focussed plan for the restoration of 5. Hedges Connon Bridge landfill site. 6. Existing agricultural fields

Our consultants have found evidence of The unused landfill footprint is proposed to natural regeneration of a number of be used as an attenuation pond so that rain habitats, most notably of wet willow falling on the landfill is directed to the pond woodland and wet grassland. We are and allowed to make its way from there to therefore seeking to revise the current the stream more gradually than it restoration scheme, which is mainly otherwise would in times of high agricultural fields, to work with nature to rainfall. This pond could also provide great create more valuable wet willow woodland biodiversity benefits. habitats across the landfill site to mirror those that have established well on Old The environmental management Connon, thereby improving biodiversity infrastructure and quality of soils available benefits. for restoration at the site lend themselves better to this type of woodland and glade As the site begins to be restored we should restoration and we plan to open see the following key habitats emerging: discussions on the revised proposals with 1. Wet willow woodland with planning and other council officers later wildflower and grassland glades this year.

16

THE TREVELMOND TORPEDO! – 10th June

The Trevelmond Torpedo! By Cate Gaskain enough to make the corner and almost ended up in the hedge. The video taken for Of all the things we have done in the Trevelmond and St. Pinnock Trevelmond over the last few years this one community page has been watched over has created some of the biggest smiles and 290 times, there is it seems nothing more certainly the biggest laughs. We’ve had fun than fools whizzing down a hill almost curry nights and Italian food nights, quizzes unable to stop! and Smite nights (Smite is a game a bit like skittles) in the chapel, a Paella get together, Beer and Wine tasting and Horse Race evenings in people’s houses and been part of The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research but none of these compare to a bunch of fools hurtling down a hill on wobbly wheels.

Lanhydrock House has for the last 8 years, held a Dilly Cart Race day in the park land just outside the front gate house. Nigel has often thought it would be a fun thing to do, so this year having found the basics for a possible chassis he decided to invite the village, friends and neighbors, to help build and decorate a cart and on race day get together for a picnic.

With lots of help from John Cole an old quad bike frame was adapted. The original seat was removed and a new one added in Liz Wagner helped with painting it while a lower position (a small piece of wood!) Margaret Cole and I had the two most and the steering height adjusted. Any and important tasks of all...tea and flag making, all spare weight was chopped off with lots even finding time to open a packet of of loud cutting and sparks flying, welding biscuits. gear flashing, small foot plates were added, Race day dawned dry and sunny and the the wheels freed up and the brakes Trevelmond Torpedo was loaded in the mended. back of Nigel’s van. The staff at Lanhydrock This dilly was no slouch! it even had took one look at the creation and everyone suspension to smooth out some of the thought it brilliant, that it would fly down bumps on the race track. Test runs were the course. But looking around we saw done through the village down Back’ill some amazing creations that all had one (typing the proper Back Hill just doesn’t thing in common, large circumference slim sound right!). The brakes were great but no wheels and we had wide and squat ones - match for the steepness of the hill on a our confidence but not our smiles were damp evening and Nigel couldn’t slow knocked. 17

We all had a blast and can’t wait for next The other teams had really gone to town year! with their inventions and decorations some including fancy dress costumes. There was even a toilet! yes, a lavatory with a raised cistern, flush chain and a roll of paper that unrolled itself in the breeze as it raced down the hill. This went on to win the most votes for best or most fun design.

Racing down the bumpy hill youngsters with too little body weight to get any real momentum going were helped along by parents running behind them giving a handy shove as needed. These amazing parents literally ran the course each time Plans are already being made for 2019, the the children had a turn, running full tilt Torpedo will run again with a few down an inclined bumpy field, Mummies adaptations. It might go faster but who and Daddies alike all huffing and puffing minds if it doesn’t? and if the ground is but laughing and smiling... LOTS! It really is damper next year it might stand a better a fun day out for all. chance. I’ve also noticed a disturbing pile of old bike wheels growing in the corner of The Torpedo supporters (there were a our garage and I’ve heard talk of a bath tub, dozen of us), set up camp about half way Nigel is definitely up to something! down the race track. With picnics, blankets and chairs we sat in the long grass with Cart Building by John Cole butterflies flitting passed. Although I am not a person who now lives As each competitor rumbled, bounced or in the village of Trevelmond, I lived there in flew passed we cheered them all on. Finally my formative years 4-30 until I got married. came the grown-ups (in years only) it was I left and now live in with my wife, nearly time for the Torpedo to fly! Adults our children all grown up, left home and squashed into carts made for their live with their spouses. children, with long adult legs dangling over I fondly look upon Trevelmond as my the sides. Some lying almost flat looking “home” as I visit frequently calling in on my like an entry in a winter Olympic sledge Father who resides at Aldwyn House and to event. various chapel/village events. Sadly the Trevelmond Torpedo was more At one of these said events I was asked if I of a crawling slug than a racing machine would like to help build a ‘Dilly Cart’ for and eventually came a long way down in Trevelmond’s entry in the Dilly Cart Race at the finishing times but even so the silly Lanhydrock. My interest was sparked and smile created when bumbling down a hill so off to my friend Nigel’s I went, on one of on a sunny day while your friends and the specified dates to lend a hand in neighbours are cheering you on was well making this Cart. worth it and to cap it all Nigel has a medal I found out later that I could not attend the for taking part. race as I was already committed to

18

something else on this date. I was very very much an understatement. The poor disappointed but I could help to build it. Trevelmond Torpedo was more like the Nigel had already got a base and wheels, so Trevelmond Trundler, not quite coming last we were half way towards it, it just needed but not worrying the winner either. some alterations and modifications. Never the less it was fun helping construct Knowing I could not attend the race, Nigel this cart and we have learnt a lot for next was to be the driver, as he was (and is) time. Like I said earlier it brought back lighter than me, this was always going to be many fun childhood memories of us boys the case. racing our trolleys and carts through the All the alterations and modifications were village. Also making new friends in Nigel made to custom fit for him. We set about and Cate along the way. the base grinding off surplus metal, to make it lighter and adding a seat. Bending Dilly Race by Brian Jewel, with heat the steering, welding foot plates I can’t help feeling that term is very much a to fit Nigel’s specifications. misnomer! After a few days it started to take shape. My memories of a Dilly Cart are of a four We were then concerned about the overall wheeled unit for transporting milk churns! weight and wether it would stay within the Nevertheless, in this context describing a rules set out by Lanhydrock, so before we home-made unit with wheels. put the finishing touches to it (i.e. painting What Nigel constructed with valuable help and adding a flag etc.) off we went to from John, but not me, (I forgot about it!) Nigel’s brother to have it weighed on his was a superb piece of work that on sight machine. impressed and was envied by others. With the weight and Nigel’s weight But as we discovered on the day at combined it was well inside the limits with Lanhydrock not fit for purpose! some to spare. Then we set about painting The grass track soon proved the need for it and adding the flag of St.Pirran with the large narrow wheels, like the bicycle words Trevelmond Tornado written in the wheels used on virtually all other units middle. competing. Sadly, Nigel had chosen small Making this Cart brought back many wide wheels which in any other situation childhood memories for me, of making may have worked well. Trolleys and Carts and racing them through Race day proved be very entertaining the village (not so many cars around back watching all the competitors, and then). When we built the finished product educational as to what worked best. of course we had to try it out, so off we went for several trial runs down the hills in DILLY CART RACE by Elaine Mutton. the village. Cate (Nigel’s partner) filmed Although we are very familiar with these episodes for the village Facebook Lanhydrock House and parkland it was the page and great fun was had by all. first time we had attended the annual Dilly Unfortunately, like I said earlier I could not Cart race. Nigel first suggested entering a attend the race itself but I had great hopes community cart at one of the Trevelmond for it. Community meetings earlier in the year. On the day of the race Cate informed me of He had already gathered together various the outcome. To say I was disappointed is items to piece together in the grand design.

19

With the help of a few skilled others his The first two competitors waited patiently dream soon became reality with updates at the top of the park on purpose built on our facebook page along with hilarious wooden ramps which helped them gain video footage of the test drives. All topped momentum quickly. The first run for each off with a customised St.Piran flag of dilly cart was a practice. At the bottom of course. the track each cart was loaded onto a trailer and transported back to the start The entrants had to be at the car park early ready for the next heat. Two timed runs so that their carts could be taken by trailer then followed one on each of the tracks. down to the starting line. Apparently, the The heats were divided into age groups for marshals gasped in amazement as they saw the children and then on to adults. This Trevelmond's entry being wheeled out of enabled all age groups to take part and the van, resplendent in red complete with some families shared the dilly with say a shock absorbers and disc brakes! different family member in each race.

It was a beautiful sunny day and the We were very proud as we saw Nigel taking spectators mixed with visitors to the house position and we all cheered madly as he as we wandered down to the start. Two majestically went past. Perhaps not the wide tracks had been cut from the top of fastest entrant, but certainly the most the parkland down the historic park with robust with definite attention to detail. people gathered on each side to cheer their respective teams or individuals. The At the end we all had to vote for our Trevelmond group of friends and family favourite dilly. Of course, the toilet-entry were half way down so we settled in with and was well-deserved as far as novelty our picnics to enjoy the scenery, good food, was concerned. views across the Fowey valley and of We may not have won, but it was a great course the Dilly carts. community project and although not all of

What an array of designs there were, from us are budding engineers, we certainly the super-go faster stripes built made up for it with enthusiasm and aerodynamically around bicycles to the encouragement on the day. crowd's favourite, the toilet on wheels, A great day out, originally started as a complete with high-level cistern and Father's Day event, and I am sure Nigel is flowing toilet roll!! already sourcing and drafting his design for next year.

TO CONTACT THE POSTHORN:

Editor: Doug Mills  01579 320015 [email protected] http://posthorn.btck.co.uk/

20