BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE No 55 Autumn 2006 £1

Copyright photos courtesy David Flower Wanda Larrett & Liz Gregory Book Signing Full story and Book Review on page 24

CONTENTS INCLUDE: Parish Council Report page 8 Will Sharp page 16 Drs Corner page 18 National Trust page 23 School page 23 Pickwick Papers page 26 Pete’s Peeps page 31 Travellers’ Tales page 32 Letters page 34 Nature Notes page 38 Coastguard page 44 Seagulls - Friend or Foe? Seagulls e natural foodstuff of Gulls are scavengers Gulls sometimes make are part of seagulls is fish and fish and will feed amongst swooping attacks on people our local offal, carrion, crustaceans, discarded litter and waste, (usually only in the nesting ecology but molluscs, earthworms small often tearing plastic season, April - June) to have been birds and mammals - a diet rubbish bags that contain protect their young and ruffling a of bread, pasties etc does waste food. Gulls which they will also snatch food few feathers recently. ere not keep them healthy. regularly feed in the from people. are people who love them However if you offer it to same location sometimes Gulls are protected and others who view them them then they will eat decide to nest on the roofs under the Wildlife and as a nuisance. it as they are supremely of nearby properties. is Countryside Act & it is Regular feeding of gulls opportunistic and take can lead to properties illegal to do anything that should be discouraged as advantage of whatever is being damaged by bird will cause suffering to it encourages abnormal available – if it is edible droppings, blocked roof gulls. numbers of birds to an area. then they will eat it. Any gutters and broken roof is can cause nuisance to food left out for them that tiles / slates as well as an neighbouring properties. they do miss is attractive to increase in noise. rats. Blowhole Editorial Team e editorial team reserves the right to edit, accept, or reject any material submitted for publication in the Blowhole. e views expressed within the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team. e team are: Philippa Arthan, Arthur Bannister, Joan Cork , Chris Rodda, Daphne Rogers, Noel Ward and Mary Wright. For advertising queries, contact Daphne Rogers 01840 250244 Copies of the Blowhole are available by post at a cost of £1.75 per issue; cheques should be made payable to Boscastle WEA and can be sent to Boscastle Blowhole (FAO Philippa) c/o e Post Office, Boscastle, , PL35 0AA Contributions to the Blowhole can be sent c/o Boscastle Post Office or by email to [email protected] e Blowhole is published 4 times a year and printed by Easyprint of Launceston e next Blowhole will be published in mid December. Please ensure that your copy reaches us by 17th November or we may be unable to include it. Many thanks to all our contributors, without whom the Blowhole would be a much slimmer publication.

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.boscastle-oldmill.co.uk

Page 2 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Here and ere Openings: and the half acre walled YHA Hostel kitchen garden which e YHA hostel will open produces a variety of fruit on Wednesday 4th October and vegetables, including 2006. A report of the peaches nectarines and occasion will be published figs. in the next edition of the e rectory has been Blowhole the home of Sally and Harbour Light Chris for the past 10 e Harbour Light opens years and is now run on Saturday 7th October as bed and breakfast accommodation. Sally’s Jackie Jones ‘in the pink’ at Church 2006. Further details Copyright photos courtesy David Flower appear on page 15. grandparents bought the undergone treatment at house in 1956 when the all of which were raffled at Orchard Lodge the Mermaid Centre for Church of sold the end of the evening. Welcome to Geoff and breast cancer. Because of it. Family links reach e climax of the event Shelley Barratt who have the remarkable level of care back to World War II was a very packed house recently taken over Orchard and understanding and in when her grandfather on Sunday night for a Lodge B&B in Gunpool recognition of everything Cannon Welch was a Pasty and Pudding supper Lane. Bed and breakfast is that they were able to do rector there. which preceded an evening a new venture for them and for her she felt a real need ere are also special concert given by the very they have had something of to show her appreciation links with the Victorian in a tangible way - and “In popular Church Town a baptism of fire, opening literary giant omas Unity Jazz Band. Jackie up just at the start of a busy e Pink” has fulfilled that Hardy. As a young need. Clearly the event hit comments that she could season. ey are hoping to architect, Hardy was not have envisaged such a get to know more of the the right note with the local asked to visit St Juliot and wider communities successful outcome without community when they can church to draw up the support of her husband get out of the kitchen. attracting exhibitors from a plans for the proposed broad spectrum of the arts Chris and children, Philip, Open Garden Helps Laura and omas and restoration. Whilst and craft world. to Keep The Lid on St staying at the rectory her many supporters in On the first evening Juliot Church Tower he fell in love with the the community who have of the event over eighty e St Juliot Church tower rector’s sister-in-law, given in time and kind to ladies filled the church for a fund was increased by the Emma Gifford, whom ensure the success of the demonstration of floral art substantial sum of £880 he later married. It was festival. given by popular, local florists when Sally and Chris Searle their love and subsequent In all, with moneys still Elaine Bromell and Caroline of the Old Rectory St problems that became to be counted, the final Crabb who, appropriately, Juliot, opened their historic the inspiration for much total will exceed £4,400 - a used only pink flowers and of Hardy’s finest poetry truly remarkable outcome. garden at the beginning of accessories for their creations, June. Funds were needed In the Pink to replace the lead that has Davidstow parish church been on the tower since it was the venue for a three was restored and rebuilt in day festival of arts and Vacancies exist for adults and children (beginners or advanced) to have 1870. Hopefully, work can crafts recently. Entitled now go ahead in September “In e Pink” all proceeds Piano or Keyboard Lessons to be taught in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by a junior of this year. were for the benefit of school teacher with over 20 years of experience of piano teaching Visitors were able to e Mermaid Appeal, in Cornwall. Parents are welcome to attend the lessons For further details please ring enjoy the 3-acre garden, the Cornish breast cancer Peter L Henry BA, LTCL with its mature palms and charity. e concept and yews and rather special organisation of the event 01840 770470 monkey puzzle which is were to the credit of Jackie more than 100 years old Jones who has recently

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 3 Car Park A Drop of Nelsons Johnny Cowling What’s On? Residents in enjoy Blood! Fundraising Event September: the benefit of limited free Fri 22nd National Children’s Last year, the band Tinkers and District parking in the NCDC car HospiceCream Tea, 2pm, see p13 Bag played a great gig Cardiology Foundation rd park. Several spaces have Sat 23 Tinkers Bag, see left in the Village Hall. e HeartSWell—are th been allocated adjacent to Sun 24 Harvest Festival, good news is that they presenting an evening Chapel, 11am, see p12 the Post Office that they are coming back again on with Johnny Cowling at Mon25th Harvest Auction, can use, for a stipulated Saturday 23rd September. Bowood Golf Club on urs 28th Parish Council period, provided they th e theme for the night ursday 19 October Fri 29 Macmillan Biggest display the special badge, is ‘A Drop of Nelsons 2006 at 7.30pm. Tickets Coffee Morning, see left which has been issued to th Blood’, based on a show are strictly limited tickets Fri 29 : Superheroes & Villains them. written to celebrate the and cost £10 each, Charity Night, Wellington NCDC have indicated Trafalgar celebration in including a buffet supper. October that they will consider October 2005. with songs Payment with booking Wed 4th YHA reopening something for Boscastle th of the sea. on 01840 770671. Thurs 5 Quiz Night, Wellington residents although they see Sat 7th & Sun 8th Festival of Expect great tunes, possible problems using a Residents Association Food, Arts & Crafts, see p37 some rousing shanties, and similar system. What do Sat 7th Harbour Light great readings peppered Several people have you suggest? If you have reopens, see p15 with good humour and suggested that a residents th any ideas pass them on Fri 13 Hollow Bones, Welly great fun, and above all association be formed in th to our Parish Clerk, Bob Wed 18 Residents’ another storming night’s Boscastle. Smith preferably in writing Association Meeting, see left entertainment with songs, In order to discuss this th to Rock-Moor. Forrabury. urs 19 HeartSWell with music, dancing and all proposal the Village Hall Boscastle PL35 0DH or by Johnny Cowling, see left sorts of other traditional has been booked for th email - urs 26 Parish Council folk fare. Wednesday 18th October Friday 27th Hallowe’en Party [email protected] e gig starts at 7.30pm at 7.00pm. in aid of First Responders, Questionnaire Wellington and tickets cost £5. Bring Macmillan Biggest Included with your copy along something to drink November Coffee Morning of the Blowhole (locally if you fancy it. TicketsTickets Sunday 5th Bonfire Night delivered copies only) are available from the is year’s Macmillan Barbeque with live music is a Sustainable Energy Museum of Witchcraft, event takes place on from Firefish, Wellington Questionnaire. either in person or reserve Friday 29th September, Friday 10th GMW, Welly th Whilst the questionnaire by phone on 250111, or, at e Willows, White urs 30 Parish Council was not prepared by the subject to availability, on Smock Meadow, from December th Editorial Panel it was the door. 10am until 12 noon. Friday 8 Emma & e Professor, Welly considered to be a worthy For more information Donations, cakes cause and may well provide about Tinkers Bag please or other items for sale Also live music on Friday evenings at the Napoleon us with useful information. call Bob Berry on 07714 to Lynn Biddick, tel: and at the Cobweb on ( e author extends her 550990. 250448 thanks to our distributors). Saturday evenings. Boscastle Gallery SUE WALLIS e Bridge, Boscastle DESIGNER DRESSMAKER (01840) 250434 (01840) 250248 ALTERATIONS DRESSMAKING - LADIES Paintings by local artists GENTS & CHILDRENS WEDDINGS & EVENING WEAR A wide selection of prints and cards plus SOFT FURNISHINGS etc ... an unusual mix of gifts and gadgets.

Page 4 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Centenary Camelford Show Ten Years ago in the Blowhole Wellington Victor and Solange at the Wellington are becoming well accustomed to film folk amongst their clientele - they recently played host to a BBC film crew here to produce an item for Breakfast TV. (A rarity in those halcyon days) Unforgettable Roger Little was astonished when a young woman browsing Boscastle. He said yes, through his shop asked on the Castle Site. The if he had enjoyed his Royal Marines would holiday. It seems that build it free of charge but she worked in the the insurance company Copyright photos courtesy David Flower Passport Office in said it would have to be is was the Centenary Pictured below are Cardiff and recognised inspected every day. This, Show held at Halwill Sam and Robin Haddy him from his passport he said, is impossible!” Barton, Camelford, on with Minster Blue 2. photograph. (Work on the playground in Under Road has begun. Wednesday August 9th Minster Blue 2 won Discoloured Water 2006 When finished and in use the Best Devon cow or An article, accompanied it will be inspected every Freddy Ruscomb-King Heifer in milk or in Calf by cartoons, in the day) is pictured above with summer edition of the class at the show. She is Chapel ‘Trafalgar Echo’ the Ewe Blowhole that year one of the North Devon A warm welcome to The which won 1st Prize & was read by the Water pedigrees in the Minster Rev. Leslie Barnes, the Reserve in the Ewe Any Age Herd at Home Farm, Distribution Manager at South West Water. new Methodist Minister Native Breed competition Boscastle. He wrote to the Editor (The new Methodist to apologise and Minister, The Rev. Bryan promised immediate Ede is now in residence action.(Drekly) at The Manse. A Delabole man, he had planned to Welcome retire but has agreed to Carole and Paul Lynam stay on for a couple of together with their years. children moved into the The telephone number at Londis shop. Manse is 01840 770274) Charlie and Rebecca Football David along with their family moved into Boscastle first team Forrabury House defeated St Stephens FC in the St Breward Cup final No place for us and brought the trophy Ross Yates, writing on home for the first time in behalf of the ‘young the club’s history ones’ complained about Short Mat Bowls the fact that there was nowhere to play after On Monday evening nd school. “I’ve asked Ron 2 September 1996, Hart if the Parish Council Boscastle Short Mat have ever thought Bowls Club held their first about a playground in session in the Village Hall Copyright photos courtesy David Flower

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 5 DAVIDSTOW MOOR RAF MEMORIAL MUSEUM e Davidstow Moor Davidstow hosted Memorial Museum is a many squadrons from small private museum. RAF Coastal, Bomber and It opened on the 30th Transport Commands, July 2006. It contains a the USAAF and US Navy. collection of airfield and Amongst the aircraft types aeronautical items together to be seen were: Hudsons, with personal accounts of Whitleys, Wellingtons, the wartime experiences of Lancasters, Beaufighters, those who were stationed Liberators, PB4Y-1, Beaufighter 404 Canadian Squadron, Davistow Moor, May 1944 there. Fortresses, Halifaxes, Stirlings, Warwicks,

Wellington M Mk X 304 Polish Squadron from Davidstow Moor 304 Polish Squadron Wellingtons, Davidstow Moor Sept 1943

e museum building Mosquitoes, Spitfires, was once part of the NCOs Martinets, Walrus, a ablution facilities. It was a Hurricane, C47 (Dakotas), shower block and evidence C46 (Commandos) and of this has been left with C54 (Skymasters). the pipe work and shower e air base was used heads still in situ. Since the by the Americans and war the building has had Canadians for training in several uses. For many years the run up to D-Day and it was a piggery and prior was visited by General to its recent renovation it Eisenhower during 1944. was used for farm storage e last operational and as a stable block. flying was carried out by Museum Site Davidstow e museum is helping No. 282 Squadron with to preserve the history of Warwick Air Sea Rescue RAF Davidstow Moor and aircraft. ey left on 19th TONY DOMINY & SONS to commemorate the men September 1944. e and women who served airfield continued under TRADITIONAL SIGNWRITERS there during the life of Care and Maintenance AND this WW II airfield which with diversion facilities VINYL SPECIALISTS opened on the 1st October until it closed in October 1942 as part of 19 Group 1945. PUB SIGNS–SHOP SIGNS–LORRIES – VANS Coastal Command. e museum is open MAGNETIC SIGNS-GILDING On the 5th November daily from 10.30am to THE HIGHEST WORKMANSHIP-THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICE 1942, 19 group declared 3.30pm until the end of Tel: 01840 250972 or 07866 901365 the station ready for September. Admission is operations. by donation. email: [email protected]

Page 6 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 It Seemed Like a Good Idea!!! Boscastle Rock Shop e decision was made, more and was very sad to 5, Bridge Walk, Boscastle give up work and lead a leave. She had been happy Tel: 01840 250527 life with much less stress. there and hoped that we too Unfortunately, that would would be happy. Without Specialist in Cornish Biscuits, also mean less money, but doubt we were now Fudge, Preserves, Chutneys, “what the heck”. acquainted with someone who would go “that extra Mustards and Honey What shall we do with mile”, to tell us who to our time? We could buy contact for this and that Cornish Ice Cream a motor home and tour and took time to explain Europe and Scandinavia, Hand made Chocolates the special little quirks a possibility. Or find a about our new home that building plot and build Jewellery would have taken us ages to our retirement home, also find or sort out ourselves. Off-licence selling wines and local real ales a good idea. On the other We have been very lucky. hand, we could find a nice We now think upon that www.boscastlerockshop.com little easy to maintain house lady as a very dear friend. with a reasonable garden, She has introduced us to not too big, just enough to all sorts of people, groups CORNISH STORES keep us occupied. and venues. at special THE VILLAGE SHOP Decision time! – lady is June Swanson, who Touring Europe would be seems to know just about Open daily all year round OK, but what do you do everyone in the village. when you’re fed up with June has recently celebrated For all your Grocery travelling, maybe not the her 80th birthday; many and every day essentials best option. Building plots of you reading this would in the right location are like Wholesale / Retail Fruit and Vegetables have attended her party. available to the catering trade looking for a needle in a We would like to wish June haystack, perhaps we’ll give belated birthday wishes Why not give us a ring to discuss up on that idea. erefore, and say a special thank you your catering needs? it seems like we look for to her for all her help. that easy to maintain house We are not sure what THE BRIDGE, BOSCASTLE with a reasonably easy to happened to “the easy maintain garden. at was to maintain house with 01840 250344 three years ago. reasonably sized garden” After much searching idea, but who cares, we have we happened upon our Nev and Sue the rest of our retirement to Chamberlain retirement home. e get there. Maybe it will get owner, a lovely lady, had done . . . drekly. Welcome you to lived there for 20 years or MW BOSCASTLE BAKERY

Daily Fresh Bread by Malcolm Barnecutt Home-baked Cakes, Pasties and Patisserie Delicious Filled Baps, Baguettes & Sandwiches Tea, Coffee, Chocolate and Cold Soft Drinks Telephone: 01840 250 205

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 7 not the Valency Field and and the general design suggested that a plaque which is not in keeping and information board be with the conservation area. placed at the exit of the car 4. ese houses would PARISH COUNCIL NEWS park into the valley when possibly become second work on the car park is homes and there was a Parish Council meet in the Village completed. strong feeling that there Hall usually on the last ursday of each month. Members of It was proposed that there was a greater need for more the public are invited to attend with public participation at affordable housing . the beginning of the meeting at 7 pm. be a site meeting before a Since the last edition of 1 e proposal by the decision was made on these e Council discussed the Blowhole the Parish National Trust to allow various schemes and this all of the above points and Council has been dealing food to be taken off the is now scheduled to take rejected the application on in the main with planning premises from Cornish place on 1st September the following grounds: applications from the Goodies. ere was wide Bus Service Janey Comber • Poor access and visibility Environment Agency and spread concern that this the District Councillor • Over development of from the National Trust would result in litter in reported that there was now the site, the height of the for work to be carried out the Harbour area. e a service bus from Boscastle buildings and resultant loss on the car park and the National Trust assured the to Exeter or Plymouth via of privacy. harbour area. meeting that this would Camelford. is will be a • Surface water. A Flood Chris Green from not be allowed to happen. valuable community asset. risk assessment was required HALCRO, Andrew 2 e work on the car Toilets in Harbour: A • Insufficient affordable Houghton from the park would cause great member of the public made housing Environment Agency and disruption for businesses in a plea for public toilets in • Overloading of the sewage Ian Kemp of the National the area, particularly those the harbour area. Lack of pipe which runs under the Trust attended the meeting running B & B’s. such a facility is causing of 27th July and did their Wellington Hotel 3. Loss of trees in a problems and is a potential best to answer concerns All councillors were in conservation area. e health hazard. from members of the public agreement apart from EA assured the meeting Development of Bottreaux about these applications. It one council member who that more trees would be Garage site by Belsham was emphasised that the declared an interest and Properties: public had been consulted planted in the car park area abstained from voting. though not in the overflow Planning applications throughout the planning Bus Shelter No further car park. were considered at the process with three public development regarding the meeting of the 24th August exhibitions and through 4 Change of use of Valency provision of a shelter. Field. is field had been for demolition of existing regular Regeneration Children’s play area newsletters. given to the NT as a sheds and garages and Cllr Findlay is in contact memorial and a plaque the erection of 15 new At the meeting with suppliers of play commemorated this. Ian dwellings including two members of the public were equipment. An agreement Kemp responded that affordable units. particularly concerned with with the National Trust for the following points:- the land bequeathed was ere was considerable public interest and use of the land will have participation at the meeting to be scrutinised and legal L READ GENERAL BUILDER and concerns expressed advice obtained. about the proposed Park and Ride Scheme FOR ALL BUILDING WORK You are welcome development e main ere have been New work to phone or email Renovation and for quotations points raised were: unfavourable comments Refurbishment information 1. Access to the site on what from people living near or advice Plumbing, Carpentry is already a very congested the route used. Cllr Smith PHONE Electrical, Plastering section of road opposite proposed that the Parish Roofing, Block Work 01840 250688 the surgery Council should not get Stone Work MOBILE Landscaping, Decorating involved in the scheme and 07966 753979 2. Run off of water from IN FACT JUST ABOUT email: the site this was carried by majority EVERYTHING! [email protected] 3. Height of the buildings vote.

Page 8 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 and ward at Treliske is not what we want to hear. Harbourmasters Turnaround Schemes must News be introduced promptly. I Most of the boats are back recall raising the question on their moorings hoping County Cllr Glenton Brown writes two years ago how would for good weather to get a August is a quiet month the historic debt of seven few mackerel etc. Peganina at County Hall, holiday or eight million be paid, is carrying on with fishing time for some of the staff, and was told plans were trips and potting. making the most of the in hand!! is pales into One of our fishing boats School holidays, perhaps insignificance as to the broke down just outside the off to faraway places, or position today! harbour. e Coastguards with the harbour with doing things together as a Devon and some were alerted and with the National Trust approval; family. other Shire Counties are help of Hedley Venning hopefully next season will However for key Officers also in trouble, but the with his boat, took off see much improvement. and Managers in Social Government refuses to some of the passengers. It is nice to see the gig Services & Health Services, help, pointing out that e boat was towed in by Torrent in action - a big pertinent questions are other Health Authorities the ILB Port Isaac (RNLI), attraction for the harbour. being asked and must be are quite solvent. and all ended well. Well done Chris and the asked and solutions must I believe our problems e National Trust has crew and also the Lady be found sooner rather stem from under funding provided a slip way for rowers. than later. by Government. It is a fact launching the smaller boats The Coastwatch You are probably aware that our Education budget until our main slipway is Barbecue was held at of 3½ Million cuts in falls over £100 short per ready. Slipway launches are Sunnyside on the 19th Social Services this year, pupil, and I believe it is £3.00 daily please pay either August and once again was and I don’t think the probably more per person myself or Hedley Venning a big success, enjoyed by 45 Books will balance at year to our Senior Citizens. e at Harbour Lights. Hedley to 50 members and guests. end either. e impact of South West is the most has been co-opted to help Fred Siford, Harbour Master. these cuts is going to be popular retirement area difficult to implement, and these days, and that itself I fear there will be many demands more Health Care instances where people facilities and services. will face hardship. If you I am meeting up with find you are not receiving 2 Bridge Walk, Boscastle, PL35 0HE Dan Rogerson our local the help and assistance you MP, to appeal to him to 01840 250433 Alan & Nita Partridge need, please contact me, I seek a united County may be able to press your LADIES’ & GENTS’ wide support of our MPs, case. CLOTHING to mount all the pressure GIFTS & FILMS Our other concern is they possibly can on the what’s happening to our Minister of Health, to County Hospitals, hints of promote extra Funding. closing an operating theatre Collins & Russell SMEETH Mini-digger - self drive Chartered Accountants HIRE Mini-digger + Operator WE PROVIDE A PROMPT, PERSONAL AND EFFICIENT SERVICE IN ALL ASPECTS OF ACCOUNTING INCLUDING: Tregath Business Units Dumper Camelford Station Accounts Preparation, Auditing Personal & Company Taxation Cornwall Disc Cutters Road Drills PL32 9TZ Book Keeping, VAT Pumps Compactors Cash Flows and Projections Phone: 01840 211220 INITIAL DISCUSSION WITHOUT CHARGE Mobile: 07782 393 887 Generators etc etc 22 Fore St, Camelford 01840 213381 Also Workshop to Let

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 9 mix of slate roofs of different although Belsham appeared Would be Bottreaux Garage styles sitting cheek-by- to believe its architectural jowl.” eir suggestion style would integrate easily Development - Update for incorporating dormer within the village previous windows in the roofs was experience had shown that An official planning reached by outside spiral based on single example in in reality their work failed application has now staircases. Apart from the the area. Each house would to meet expectations. been submitted to North visual impact, this would have an integrated garage, Latterly the report intrude on the privacy of Cornwall District Council to avoid a ‘suburban’ feel, regarding the Clease Road nearby residents. by Belsham Court they claimed. Timber development at Camelford Properties to build fifteen gazing at balconies cladding and a variety of has become publically houses on the site of wall colourings would be “a Alex and Ian Stewart’s available. e planning Bottreaux Garage. reference to traditional slate property would be one officer, Simon King, hanging but in a modern, When the application of those most severely rejected the application more ecological and more came before the Parish affected, overlooked on similar grounds. e colourful form.” Its impact Council on 24th August by seven three storey site, consisting of closely- would be softened by detailed drawings of the houses, built on raised packed three storey houses, landscaping, installing tree new development were land. Belsham’s suggested would be “over-dominant and shrub cover along the placed on view and the screening of the Stewart’s and over-developed”, boundaries and the use subject opened for public and other properties with contrary to Policy DVS1 of natural stone walls and debate. Alex Stewart led the trees or shrubs would be, in of the District Local Plan. planters. discussion by reiterating Alex’s opinion, ridiculously It would have an adverse a number of important inadequate. e effects on Critics, such as Myrna effect on the amenities reasons, both public and other residents in Paradise Lester, focused on the of the surrounding area, personal, for rejecting the Road would be equally abandonment of traditional overlooking adjoining application and produced dire. Instead of distant materials to create “trendy” houses (Policy DVS3). her own computer views of Forrabury Church exteriors with an urban He deplored the extensive projections illustrating or the sea they would ambience. Many of the use of timber cladding the visual impact the instead be gazing at first additional features, she as inappropriate, and development would have floor balconies at the same alleged, were installed for expressed fears of damage to on the area. level as their roof eaves, cosmetic purposes only, existing trees as detrimental e Parish Council only fifteen metres away. and given that many would to the general appearance had previously written to Likewise Michael Turner’s be holiday homes, would of the site. the Planning Department fine manor house would quickly deteriorate without e proposed height objecting to further face the backs of three new constant maintenance. of the development would development in an area properties. Others commented that make it clearly visible already over-burdened Alex also expressed some with second homes and doubt that development holiday lets. e design was permitted over the Christopher Key and cost of the proposed whole of the designated properties, not to mention area. Some of it, prior to the Solicitor small gardens, would flood, had been woodland, make them unsuited to and only cleared to allow Trebiffen, Boscastle, PL35 0BN local needs, especially the contractors’ vehicles to Tel: 01840 250200 Fax: 01840 250900 elderly and young families. park there. e properties would Belsham’s design Established 1997 most likely appeal instead statement maintained the to second-home owners, serving the local community development would be several additional features conveyancing & wills “sympathetic to the local in their layout seeming to character of Boscastle probate, general litigation, etc cater for this market. ey without resorting to would have first floor living Member Law Society Personal Injury Panel pastiche.” A juxtaposition rooms extending out to Agricultural Specialist of various roof lines would full length balconies, some reflect the village’s “jumbled Harbour Secretary

Page 10 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 from as far away as the increase the likelihood of homes out of a total of to provide more housing, coastal path, and wholly surface runoff and on this thirty five. By contrast this is not a carte blanche overwhelm the area of basis planning applications Belsham was providing just permission to ignore Doctor’s Hill, Doctor’s in the area have been two flats. As these would local considerations. e Corner and Paradise Road. routinely turned down. In have only two bedrooms Structure Plan specifically reduce available parking NCDC’s own judgment and no gardens it was felt allows for the needs of “Any development within these would be unlikely to residents to be weighed It would have a further the catchment area of benefit young families and against the value of any detrimental effect on the River Jordan would especially not the elderly or proposed development. road usage, already under exacerbate the present disabled. It is likely that the stress at the junction of unsatisfactory surface ose members of Bottreaux site at some point Doctor’s Corner, and water drainage problem.” the public present at the will be used for housing, reduce available parking. (93/1383). meeting were unanimous but perhaps concerted In fact extra parking would overburdened sewage pipe in condemning the efforts by residents will have to be found for the application. After discussing ensure these are low-rise, new residents, as the site Lightening the the matter at some length fewer in number, fit in allocation is inadequate. discussion slightly, it was the Parish Council resolved architecturally and include Belsham has stated the commented that any by a majority vote (one a significant proportion of question of access had additional development abstention) to reject both of affordable homes. already been agreed with would put further strain on Belsham’s applications, to the Highways Department, the already-overburdened Anyone who has views demolish present buildings but when contacted the six inch pipe beneath the on the subject should on the site and erect new Department were unable Wellington Hotel which write to NCDC as soon dwellings. to confirm this. already carries the entire as possible. Letters should While Cornwall, be addressed to: NCDC e dangers of flooding effluent of the village . in accordance with Development Control, 3/5 have long been recognized. It has been noted government policy, is Barn Lane, PL31 e Environment Agency that two recent planning obliged to develop so- 1LZ, quoting Application and Highways Department applications, in Camelford called “brownfield” sites No.2006/01578. are aware of the possibility and St Erth, have both of future overflows from the been rejected by district River Jordan and currently councils on the grounds The Bottreaux Restaurant planning improvements to that they represented an the culverts at Paradise and “unsympathetic suburban Boscastle Gunpool, but this will not form of development.” And prevent surface water from at St Erth the developers AA rosette cascading down the village had offered ten affordable street. e new site would Under new management

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Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 11 e Reverend Brian Ede, who condemning such actions and feeling As Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks originally hails from Delabole, starts deeply that there has to be a better has said: “Any proposed reduction as Methodist Minister this September. way, I for one would not want to be of that diversity through the many We wish him well and look forward in Bush, Blair or Olmert’s shoes at forms of fundamentalism that exist to reading his message in the next the present time. today – market, scientific or religious edition of the Blowhole. It does seem to be a particular – would result in a diminution of Harvest Festival will be at 11 am kind of madness though, that can the rich texture of our shared life, a on Sunday 24th September, with Mr view mass destruction and huge potentially disastrous narrowing of Edward Elson from Tresparett, and at loss of life as any kind of answer, the horizons of possibility…there 6pm with the Rev Ede. whether in New York, London, Iraq, are many cultures, civilisations and On Monday 25th at 7pm there Afghanistan, Palestine, Lebanon, or faiths, but God has given us only one will be a short service with Glenton Israel. world in which to live together – and Brown, followed by the auction of Madness that, most recently, will it’s getting smaller all the time.” harvest gifts. refreshments will be cause as much destruction to the Maybe a topic for a ‘What available. ‘other side’ as possible for weeks, About…?’ discussion, which begins then agree to a ceasefire with others Revd Chris Musser writes: again this autumn, 1st ursday to police it, and the only thing that of every month in the Village Hall My apologies for not writing in the has changed is the level of suffering at 7pm. And if you think that it’s last issue of ‘Blowhole’, despite my of those caught in between. useless to talk about such things here, best efforts I am always late with my ere are no simple answers of because we can’t affect what goes on contribution; last time I was just too course, but surely history should have anyway, you are missing the point. It late! taught us something by now. Conflict all starts with individuals on a very It’s been quite a summer and of any sort arises out of differences- personal level, discovering how we I daresay you, like me, have been between individuals, nations and deal with the differences between us watching with horror the latest faiths; and insecurity. e insecurity and learn to live together, hopefully developments in the Middle East and that dictates that I need to know that one day in the peace and harmony the ‘war on terrorism’. the system I operate under is the right that God intends us to enjoy. It has been pointed out to me, one because it defines who I am. If I Revd Chris Musser as a representative of one of them, am right and you are different to me, that it is the three main religions of then you must be wrong and I have Contact Details: a duty to show you the error of your the world, all who profess a God of Boscastle Methodist Chapel: love, that are involved in killing on a ways, and impose my system on you. Rev Brian Ede, massive scale at the present time. It takes a certain kind of arrogance The Manse, Tintagel Which is brutally ironic to say the that says that my democracy is the Tel: 01840 770274 least, but I do think it can be too easy right one, or my understanding Roman Catholic Church: to blame the religion or the God it of God is the only one. Human Fr Storey professes, when in fact it is people arrogance of course, that seems able St Paul’s Church, Tintagel who do these things, and people to ignore the clues all around us; that Tel: 01840 770663 will always find justification for their this glorious world that God created, Religious Society of Friends: actions; if not religion there would be however ‘she’ or ‘he’ created it, is a Quakers meet each Sunday at 10.30am in something else. fantastic multiplicity of different the John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge It can also be a little too easy to organisms, life systems, climates, Church of England: blame the ‘people of power’ who peoples, languages, faiths and so on Rev Christine Musser give the command for others to start and so on, all of which contribute to The Rectory, Forrabury, Boscastle hurling missiles at each other. While the rich diversity that is life. Tel: 01840 250359

Page 12 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Revd Chris Musser continues: Local Service Times On a different subject altogether, you may have heard by now that Brett Methodist Church: began a new teaching post as Head of Sunday services at 11am Music at a school in Surrey from the Forrabury Church, Boscastle: start of this term, which begins a new 1st & 3rd Sunday each month: way of operating for both of us. 10am, Morning Worship. As with many other couples, it 2nd&4th Sunday each month: means that he will now be away 10am Family Communion. MILLER’S PANTRY during the week, returning home 1st Sunday each month: ‘Together@3’, Family Service At The Old Mill here as many weekends as is possible 01840 250223 for him. St. Juliot Church, Boscastle: Decorative Home I have spoken with Bishop Bill 2nd & 4th Sunday each month: Accessories & about our changed circumstances, 3pm Holy Communion Unusual Gifts and sought his advice and prayers 3rd Sunday each month: for us both. While it was never likely 10am Mattins Coffee + Light + Teas that I would remain here until I Lunches retired, the Bishop agrees that it does Davidstow Church: mean that I now need to be thinking 2nd & 4th Sunday each month: Bottreaux Filling Station about where my future ministry will 11.30am Holy Communion Tel: 01840 250 108 be rather sooner than we originally thought. Church: Fresh locally produced meats I shall not be leaving these 1st & 3rd Sunday each month: Fresh bread daily 10am Family Holy Communion parishes yet, certainly not this side Wide range of groceries of Christmas, and when the time 2nd Sundays: 9am Said Prayer Book Communion Fresh fruit and vegetables comes it will be a wrench for both Off Licence of us. Brett and I would be grateful Church: for the support of your prayers as 1st Sunday each month: Opening hours he faces new challenges, and I begin 11.30am Holy Communion Mon-Fri 8am-6pm exploring where God can use me 3rd Sunday each month: in the future; that I may be able to 3pm Holy Communion Sat 9am-5pm fulfil the promises I have made in 4th Sunday Each Month: Sun 10am-2pm my calling both to serve Him in His 11.30am Morning Worship Church, and in my marriage. Support your local shop Revd. Chris Musser Church: Bottreaux Filling Station 3rd Sunday each month: TOLCARNE HOUSE 11.30am Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sunday each month: HOTEL 11.30am Mattins Boscastle, Cornwall ere will be a Cream Tea as part of National Children’s Hospice Week on Friday 22nd September at Trefoil, Mount Pleasant, A Victorian house of character Large gardens. Ample Parking 2pm - 5pm Graham & Margaret Crown ere will be a raffle, Tel: 01840 250654 bring-and-buy stall etc. All welcome AA ♦♦♦♦ You will find us in the upper Enquiries to Vivien Hircock village on the Tintagel Road tel 250315

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 13 Thoughts of an Ex-Pat over a glass of Port Earlier this year my Like many many other everyone knew everyone. Polson Bridge and on brother Simon ‘came people he says there is If there was a wedding or through Launceston town home’ from Melbourne, nowhere else in the world a funeral everyone turned was a nightmare. People Australia to visit the like it. As you come up. e holiday season used trains, coaches and family. Our family came down over Tredorn hill was restricted mainly to buses to visit. It would be to Corentin in the late from Camelford the vista the school holidays and so all hands to the pump in 1950`s from Rustington, opens out in front of you, Easter was eagerly awaited Piper’s Café when Mrs Piper Sussex; Simon, Hugh, Jon displaying just part of the for the arrival of the first spotted coaches coming and I spent our formative houses nestling in the folds holiday makers. In Simon’s around Hairpin Bend. We teenage years in the of the hills with Forrabury words ‘more birds to pull’. spent many happy hours village. My sisters Sally Church standing guardian By the end of the summer beside the jukebox with a and Frances spent all of over the village and Willa we had our village back for cup of coffee in the summer their childhood here. Park protecting those at ourselves. Day trippers were or winter. sea. Coming down from During our school New Bridge the trees seem holidays we lived at the to envelop you with open harbour. We had our own arms welcoming you home. special places where we left Like every Cornishman you our clothes and sandwiches speak to about Cornwall, and changed into swimming Simon says it gets into your trunks in boy’s or man’s pit. heart and soul. On a wet, If the weather was right we cold and windy day there would go out fishing with is a warmth in the fabric Les Stedman or Fred Swan of the village which is very who owned Lundy View. comforting. On one occasion a heavy Simon & Hugh Mills inRustington Simon met his wife sea mist came in off Beeny Although Simon was Ann at the Cobweb when Head and we had to keep only in Boscastle for a she was on holiday in the the coast in view. Simon, in few years and is now an 1960’s. Sadly Ann died the bow, had to keep an eye Australian citizen, like shortly before Simon’s visit swimming at the harbour out for the rocks known as many others who live but walking on the cliffs and not so common. People Beeny Sisters. Too late he abroad, the village is very looking out to sea helped to didn’t travel then like they spotted them. Disaster was special to him. After far gather his thoughts and start do now. ere were no averted only when a large too large a meal Simon, the process of getting his life motorways and the old swell lifted the boat and Rod and I sat together back into perspective. A30 would grind to a halt carried it right over them. one evening reminiscing We had a wonderful in every town you travelled Pulling up lobster pots was over a glass of port. ese stress-free childhood, through. Okehampton not without hazard either as are a few of Simon’s just magic. e village was a notorious bottleneck they sometimes contained thoughts about his time saw little if no crime and and climbing the hill from a Conger eel. You then had here. continued on next page

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Page 14 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 continued from previous page The Harbour Light shines again to put your hand in and pull it out. On the way back to After two years’ absence, harbour we would throw out and months of hard work lines with little silver spinners by Hedley and his team, on and catch mackerel to sell Trixie Webster’s shop, the to tourists. Harbour Light is about As summer turned to to be back in action. autumn the boys would go Trixie hopes to have up to Home Farm to help an official opening on load hay bales onto trailers October 7th at 11am for 2s.6d a day. We’d pick inviting Chrisitine crab apples, blackberries, Musser to open it and she elderberries, sloes and rowan would like to welcome all the Harbour Light 2006 berries for mum to turn members of the village to the life of the building. e operation. Picking through into jams, jellies and wine attend. for Christmas. We’d look flood waters that swept the mud of the harbour to e following write- forward to bonfire night through the village gathered salvage building materials, with the Willet family at up was written by Kate devastating force as they Trixie was heard to say, Beeny or the Bamford and Painter of the North headed for the sea - and “Anything that’s painted Burgess families and to Cornwall Advertiser the last building directly in white is mine,” and duly shopping trips to Plymouth. and Trixie asked that we their path was the Harbour any chunks of granite that Simon refers to these days as reproduce it here: Light. It seemed that a bore a lick of white paint the days when Frank Bridge Since time immemorial the very old slice of Boscastle’s were gathered, piece by was an outsider! Harbour Light, standing history had been literally piece, ready for rebuilding. washed away. Trixie was left with a huge, Simon and Ann’s at the head of Boscastle incomplete jigsaw. daughter Tina never lived harbour, has offered a e owner of the in Boscastle but it is still a welcome. Greeting sailors Light, Trixie Webster, was Now, two years later, special place to her. Like home from the sea in one determined to rebuild and on reaching the harbour, so many people worldwide direction and visitors to not only to rebuild but it lifts one’s heart to see she watched the 2004 flood the village from the other, to recreate it as nearly as the Harbour Light risen event unfold on television the building had become a possible to the original, again. Trixie has decided and when the Harbour landmark. With a roof that that roof included. to re-open as a tea shop Light was destroyed she seemed to defy gravity and Her father, Norman, had in the near future and it said ‘oh no! at’s Boscastle higgledy-piggledy walls, it first converted the building stands as a testament to her gone!’ I`m sure that she will evoked childhood images into a shop and Trixie felt dedication and faith that be thrilled to bits to see what of a gingerbread cottage that it wasn’t just a business once again the Harbour a wonderful job Trixie and and was photographed but an important part of Light offers a welcome to Hedley have done on the thousands of times. Boscastle’s community. seafarers and landlubbers new Harbour Light. August 16th 2004 Sustained by her Christian alike. Anne Knight brought a brutal end to faith she began the clean-up Kate Painter Relieve stress & tension with a back/body Swedish massage. H. VENNING Relaxing aromatherapy/holistic massage with soothing - MASON - essential oils. Facial massage For Professional and Quality Work Specific medical conditions i.e. trapped nerves • RENOVATIONS •EXTENSIONS andd whiplash. Skin disorders - psoriasis, eczema. Arthritis/rheumatism, sciatic pain, •PLASTERING • STONEWORK minor aches and pains. Slimming Treatment. G5. • ROOFING By appointment only - Home visits by arrangement Lundy House, Boscastle lynne kelly I.T.E.C. Qualified Physical Therapist & Local areas Tel: 07751 508800 TEL: 01840 250113

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 15 Will’s 7 Summit Challenge Brian Holland meets a Boscastle youth with a passion for mountain climbing and a zest for adventure Vinson in Antarctica – and the necessary equipment, not forgetting the highest, guides and his travel costs, Mount Everest, in Asia. having so far raised over Talking with Will £1000 that he has spent on about his challenge it’s kit. His parents are helping clear to see that he’s well too, but he still needs to organised, determined and raise around £2000 for this has the enthusiasm and first phase and is looking commitment necessary to for sponsorship from local see this through. His aim companies etc and anyone is to split the challenge who might be able to help, into three phases, the first both from within and being to tackle Mounts outside Cornwall. Elbrus and Kilimanjaro I asked Will about as these are not too high the training necessary Will reaches the top of a cliff climb an altitude and therefore to achieve his challenge comparatively easy – and so far he has already Boscastle teenager Will will benefit the disabled or although for someone who completed the ree Sharp has set his sights high, those connected to outside gets dizzy walking up to Peaks climbing challenge in more ways than one, as I sports. the lookout tower, I needed here in the UK, along found out recently when I Will is presently some convincing of that! with winter ice climbing called to see him about his 7 studying at Duchy College Along with his studies, and mountaineering in Summit Challenge. Rather for a national diploma in Will has been working in the Scotland. Long distance appropriately he lives up at outdoor education and evenings and at weekends running, cycling, swimming the top of the village and is looking to eventually to raise funds towards concludes on page 17 has set himself the goal carve himself a career of climbing the world’s 7 in mountaineering and highest mountains before outdoor education. he reaches age 20, which However, before that would put him in the record he is aiming to climb books as the youngest ever Mount Elbrus in Europe, Briton to achieve this. At Mount Kilimanjaro in the same time he is looking Africa, Mount Denali in to raise in the region of North America, Mount NEED YOUR HOME MAINTAINING? £40,000 for his chosen Aconcagua in South Charities, which are likely America, Mount Kosciusko KINGSLEY UGLOW in Australasia, Mount to be something which Will undertake any interior or exterior work on your house including: Decorating - Plastering - Tiling WESTERINGS Renovation Work, Carpentry, Masonry Spacious Self-Catering Stonewall Building and Cornish Hedging Fence and Shed Building Accommodation Wooden Flooring - Open All Year - All work guaranteed to a high standard Shirley Wakelin Concrete bases and dwarf walls built for Forrabury, Boscastle conservatories Tel: 01840 250314 Telephone: 01840 211054 Website: www.westeringsholidays.co.uk Mobile: 07976 412374

Page 16 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Will’s 7 Summit Challenge HAIR & BEAUTY 01840 213974 14 Market Place Camelford

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tackling a slope near Long Island - more usually host only to seabirds! and other sports are all part challenge that sponsorship of the endurance training and further support will be necessary to tackle what lies forthcoming. before him, with the goal of Anyone who wants to completing the challenge find out more can contact by Christmas 2008. Will on 01840-250401 or “I am really looking look up his website at www. forward to it” Will told wills7.com which explains me. “It will be a massive all about his challenge. experience meeting the As I was leaving Will people and travelling to all was about to set off on these different countries, yet another long distance and at the same time run and from speaking raising money for those less with him I was definitely Boscastle Chamber of Trade fortunate than myself”. impressed. Personally I and Commerce Details about Will’s have no doubt at all that Challenge has already he will achieve his goal, Have your say; voice your ideas or concerns made some of the local but it will be interesting For more information on joining contact: newspapers, including to see if those who are in Ron Muffett (vice chairman) 250204 interviews with Radio a position to help the lad Adrian Prescott (secretary) 250570 Cornwall, Pirate FM and will be forthcoming with Chris Searle (treasurer) 250225 Westcountry Live TV, sponsorship and support. I Suzanne Harari (membership secretary) 250202 but he hopes that as more really hope so - he certainly Membership fee is £20 per year and is open people get to hear about his deserves it! to all businesses within the PL35 postcode area Brian Holland w r perry & Son Building contractors stone masons Boscastle roofIng specialists renovations/extensions Gates, Railings, Fire Grates Weather Vanes, Security Bars family business - established for Ornamental Ironwork, Welding 40 years Tel: 01840 261340 tel: Boscastle 01840 250081

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 17 that the ‘Out of Hours’ that we have much to learn NHS or NHS.plc? provider formerly known from the American system form. Many readers of this as Kernowdoc became of Health care where ability article, my own family Kernow Urgent Care. is to pay largely defines the included, have reason was not just a re-branding outcome. No doubt the to praise this particular - but a fundamental shift Department of Health will hospital for its very high in who was providing the be watching closely the quality of care. Wearing my service. Kernowdoc was a outcome of the Derbyshire professional hat I must also co-operative of local GPs case. commend it on its ability to who worked together in a All the above are communicate information non-profit making manner significant changes in the to patients’ GPs. to provide evening, night way that health funds are It would appear that St and weekend medical care. being utilised and I’m Michael’s is under threat When the service came up hard pressed to remember for re-contracting earlier anything related to this in Last month a letter to the because of ‘significant this year it was awarded the Labour manifesto for Times warned of the “risk of overspends’ in the County’s to Serco - a commercial the last election. If there sleepwalking towards the health budget. is at a company. was something in there I’m destruction of the NHS at time when the new Bodmin Treatment Centre has been In the last couple of sure an informed reader an accelerating pace”. You opened to reduce NHS weeks the Appeal Court will contact the Blowhole might well ask why such a waiting lists. I suspect that ruled in Derbyshire that to correct me. statement could be made few people are aware that the the local Primary Care It looks very much as if since successive new Labour Bodmin Treatment Centre Trust had failed in its duty the current trend towards governments have poured lies within the private to consult with patients partial privatisation will large sums of money into sector – that is to say that before embarking on plans continue. It is clearly driven the NHS. It’s certainly true it is privately owned and to transfer two local GP by central government and that the reasons for the its services are sold to the Practices to the US private also presumably by the viewpoint expressed in e NHS. Albeit on favourable health provider United civil service. I don’t have a Times aren’t widely known terms in respect of the fees Healthcare. It seems particular axe to grind on a and you would need to paid to the Centre and also curious that a multinational limited privatisation within have looked fairly hard to of its ability to provide with no NHS experience or the NHS but as they say – I amass enough evidence to shorter waiting times than local knowledge managed thought you should know support the statement. I’ll the standard NHS. to win the contract against - because if you do you’ll try and explain. is is just one part of a a consortium of local GPs. be able to ask the right Recently all local parish rather quiet and very major I have to say that very few questions if problems arise. doctors or nurses believe councils received a letter change which has been Chris Jarvis 4 Sept 06 warning that St Michael’s occurring in the NHS over Valency Bed & Breakfast Hospital in Hayle was under the last few years and which threat of either closure or a is gathering momentum. I major reduction in services. think the first sight of it You don’t have to look too was when private hospitals far back to remember the were contracted to provide possibility of similar cuts surgery to NHS patients as affecting our closer cottage a means of reducing waiting hospitals in Launceston and lists - a scheme known as Stratton. anks in part to the waiting list initiative. a campaign to save them In essence I might refer you We are delighted to have been awarded these have - for the time to Derriford hospital and Four Diamonds and a prestigious Silver Award being at least - been spared in our recent Inspection. if the waiting lists there Excellent location. Parking. from major changes. At the became too long – the Three double rooms. S/C Studio. end of August a march was NHS purchased your care John & Denise Tillinghast organised to support the at the Nuffield. Valency, Penally Hill, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HF Telephone: 01840 250397 Mobile: 07891067746 continuation of St Michael’s is has all gone much and its services in its present E- Mail: [email protected] further. You may remember Website www.valencybandb.com

Page 18 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Open Gardens the lower garden and the Saturday 8th and Sunday woodland walk with its lovely 9th July both dawned dry shaded areas accommodating PENNING and fair for the annual a wide variety of shrubs, trees, PAINTING National Garden Scheme’s architectural plantings and PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS open gardens event in wild flowers. Boscastle. ‘Half Acre’ I think both Carole and looked really lovely and was Alex and Ian Stewart can be BUILDING & much admired by the many proud of the declaration by visitors who made this their the Treasurer of the National PROPERTY MAINTENANCE first port of call, many Gardens Scheme that they are of them took advantage included in the top four fund- CORNWALL DEVON of being able to enjoy raising gardens in Cornwall - tea in the beautiful Blue so well done to you three! 01840 250047 01626 337596 Circle garden. A delightful e event raised £575 exhibition of garden at the gates, £181 on paintings by painters who refreshments, £17 from Opticians now open in Camelford have studied with Carole plant sales and £52.25 from Vincent for over fifteen commission on paintings JS EYECARE / ANDREW REYNOLDS years was an added treat at sold - a marvellous total of this venue and plant-lovers £825.25, of which £644 OPTICIANS were not able to resist the was donated to the National good range of plants offered Gardens Scheme and £181 to 5 Market Place, Camelford for sale. the church. Telephone 01840 213011 Complete spectacles from £ 39.00 Feel free to call in an browse our wide selection of frames including designer ranges

Lower Meadows Quality En-suite B&B Accommodation ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Offering a warm welcome, our own parking, all facilities and above all a relaxing stay. Anne & Adrian Prescott Yvonne & John Ayling showing off the peas in their allotment Lower Meadows Boscastle ere is a marked contrast A propos of gardens - I between Carole’s garden and spent a great one-night stop- 01840 250570 ‘Wildwood’; although both over up in Leominster with gardens face north there is John and Yvonne Ayling www.lowermeadows.co.uk an appreciable difference in in June. It was lovely to see what plants can tolerate the them both looking so well more elevated and exposed and happy. eir garden ‘Half Acre’ location and the is an absolute delight, but Reflexology very noticeable protected their latest pride and joy is Can relieve: stress and anxiety warm ‘bowl’ of ‘Wildwood’. the allotment they acquired It was evident that a in April and I was more than • sinus congestion•stiff neck and lot of hard work had been happy to be given the grand shoulders•painful muscles•sciatica undertaken at ‘Wildwood’ tour of their plot and sample •digestive problems•period pain which allowed visitors some of the abundant •persistent tiredness•depression• to enjoy the formal and produce! ey send warmest ... is both relaxing and brings fresh energy woodland aspects of this greetings to all their Boscastle Thelma Stewart Boscastle 250444 challenging garden with its friends. wonderfully imaginative Member of the Association of Reflexologists Myrna Lester. planting schemes throughout

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 19 the Air Traffic Control one another through was rounded off with tea, tower they were able to the artwork they had scones and cake at Jill, our watch the movement of produced. president’s home. live aircraft on radar and e month ended with Who said WI was witness the low level fly another garden visit. A boring? If you have enjoyed past by a Hawk Jet. special thank you to Basil reading about our activities “Pure indulgence”: It would e “Birthday” cream and Jean Jose for inviting and feel you would like seem that Boscastle WI tea hosted by Camelford members to look around to join us, as a visitor or ladies have been enjoying WI, was thoroughly their lovely garden, with its member, then do come themselves far too much enjoyed by all, having hanging baskets and pots along to our next meeting, this summer - charming rained it was a bit muddy cascading with colourful in the Village Hall at male speakers and guides, underfoot, but worth it to begonias and fuchsias, 7.30 pm on Tuesday 12th days out in the sunshine, see the donkeys. flower gardens, well September, where Valerie cream teas and therapy. July’s weather was stocked fruit and vegetables Tomlinson will be talking What happened to Jam the icing on the cake and even melons in the to us about “Climate and Jerusalem? for the annual outing. greenhouse. e afternoon Change”. June commenced with Commencing with a picnic WI Recipe: Edna’s Biscuits lunch in a shaded spot a talk about “Collectables 12ozs Self Raising Flour overlooking the water at with a Feminine Interest”, 8ozs Soft Margarine by David Lamond of Siblyback Lake, watching 8ozs Caster Sugar Pickwick Antiques. the antics of young people Members were delighted tying to keep their sailing 2 Level Teaspoons Bicarbonate of Soda to view the beautiful glass, boats the right way up, this 1 Desert Spoon Syrup silver and jewellery items was followed by a guided Method: Mix margarine and sugar together, and then as David told them, in tour by Kenneth Willcock add syrup, flour and bicarbonate of soda.. Put small his usual charming and around the four-acre Ken- amount, the size of a walnut, on greased baking tray. amusing style, about the Caro Gardens at Bicton. Bake at 140° C (275° F), for about 15 minutes or until history and changes in e garden was awash with golden brown. fashion for those items that colour, day lilies ranging would be deemed to adorn from pale yellow to deep red a ladies dressing table and hydrangeas, deep blue, Boscastle Post Office from Victorian and times almost purple. e day BANKING ON YOUR DOORSTEP past, to items that would ended with tea, taken in the be pleasing to the senses Summer House, enjoying If you bank with: today. Sharing his wealth of the panoramic views across Barclays the countryside. knowledge, members were Lloyds TSB afforded a brief insight into e speaker at the July Alliance & Leicester social history. meeting was Ros omas, CO-OP Young men and an Art therapist who their modern day flying works for the Cornwall We provide FREE OF CHARGE Partnership Trust in adult machines were next on the ● Cash withdrawals agenda. e ladies who mental heath and with ● Cash and cheque deposit visited RNAS Culdrose, the elderly at Bodmin the Royal Navy base for Hospital. Ros shared Plus some of her amazing work training aircrews, support ● Motor vehicle licensing staff, and engineers, experiences and explained enjoyed a very interesting how art therapy was able ● Bunches of flowers by post guided tour of the base. to liberate some people ● Photocopying and laminating A special treat was to be who were unable to express ● Mobile phone top-ups permitted to climb aboard themselves in other ways. ● Greetings cards and stationery the Sea King Helicopters, Members were invited to some of which had been “introduce themselves” David and Susan using art, and amazed that involved in the Boscastle Tel: 01840 250 259 Flood Rescue. On visiting they were able to identify

Page 20 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 been restored, and you can now travel direct from PAR Boscastle to Exeter six days TAN TRI RIS 10 years CK a week. If you have a bus T experience pass you can even travel for free!! I do hope that this EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS service will be well used, as NEW BUILD • BATHROOMS e District Council it took a lot of work to get has a bit of a break from it running. Call Mobile 07989 327873 meetings in August, but The–Environment Home 01840 250673 the day to day business Agency planning keeps on going. For a lot of application is now being FREE QUOTATIONS the services it is the busiest considered by the District time of year, especially for Council, which if passed the rubbish collections and will bring a lot of benefits to services like the Lifeguards the village, but also a lot of IVAN JONES and Leisure Centres. e disruption. As always these ELECTRICAL amount of traffic on the projects are a balancing SERVICES Ltd. roads has a big impact on act between benefits and “A Local Service to National Standards” the work of the Council, drawbacks, and we want to ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS get it as right as possible. Homes □ Shops □ Offices □ Restaurants □ Farms with all travelling taking Pubs □ Caravan Sites □ New Developments so much longer. As North Most of the agencies From A New Socket To Complete Design And Installation Cornwall covers one third involved in the future work Portable Appliance Testing around the Harbour have Fault Finding □ Testing & Inspecting □ Re – Wires of the whole of Cornwall E-mail: [email protected] □ www.IJESLtd.com it has quite a big effect on joined together to employ Fax: 01840 213033 how the Council runs. a coordinator to try and ensure that all the work Tel: 01840 213683 Without the deadline progresses as smoothly as of meetings it is often possible. Unfortunately, a good opportunity to South West Water did not bend a few ears, and feel able to join with the Glenton and myself are others which I feel is a great still progressing matters pity. However I do hope concerning Bowithick that it will not affect the Tip, and we are both very works too much. hopeful of a successful outcome, with District and Please do contact me if County Councils working you think that I might be in partnership. able to assist you in any way. Janey Comber I am delighted that the Bus Service from tel: 230497 Camelford to Exeter has [email protected]

Fine Original Art by Local Artists Also Prints, Books, Jewellery, Clothing & Cards Open daily from 10am - 6pm (closed on tuesdays) Telephone : 01840 779245 www.rocky-valley-gallery.co.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 21 Air Ambulance Charity Shop, 80th Birthday Celebration Delabole When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple July was quite a busy month with with a red hat that doesn’t go, a number of visitors coming into and doesn’t suit me. the shop mostly seeking bargains And I shall spend my pension on brandy in summer clothes. Lots of babies’ and summer gloves and satin sandals, and say we’ve and children’s clothes, books and no money for butter. toys have been donated and at the I shall sit down on the pavement when time of writing there are some school I am tired dresses,shirts and trousers on the and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells rails. and run my stick along the public railings Takings for July totalled to and make up for the sobriety of my youth. £658.65 which is an excellent amount I shall go out in my slippers in the rain - many thanks to customers who have and pick the flowers in other people’s gardens supported the shop. and learn to spit. cutting the cake You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat Quite a number of Carnival and eat three pounds of sausages at a go costumes were made from items June Swanson had her 80th birthday or only bread and pickles for a week bought in the shop and some recently. A large crowd of friends and hoard pens and pencils and beer mats stunning outfits were produced. e and family helped her celebrate the and things in boxes. Toy Tombola on Carnival Night occasion at a party in the Village Hall. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry raised £70. so thanks are due to all and pay our rent and not swear in the street June performed a brilliant recitation of and set a good example for the children. who ‘had a go’. Jenny Joseph’s poem, ‘Warning - When We must have friends to dinner and read the Opening hours are posted on the I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear papers. smart new shop doors - but are, of Purple’, reproduced alongside. But maybe I ought to practice a little now? course, subject to the availability of So people who know me are not volunteers. JS too shocked and surprised Carn Awn Singers When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. e Singers ended their summer Jenny Joseph season with two very successful June writes: ank you to all my concerts, their Annual Concert at friends who made my birthday such St. Peter’s Church, Port Isaac and a happy occasion. Your generous the 125th Anniversary Concert at donations amounted to £250 which Bethel Chapel, Hallworthy. Both I have sent to Mount Edgcumbe the concerts were well attended by June and her daughter Polly Hospice. very appreciative audiences and the ladies at Bethel provided a wonderful supper after the concert which was compered, at short notice, by Jeremy Ward who kept the audience and Singers well entertained. Carn Awn Singers are now taking A real treat for anyone who loves great food a break until October but if you are planning a concert and would like Cornish food galore: Cheeses, Preserves, Wine & Beer, Ice Cream The best selection of food & wine from around the world to be found in Cornwall the Singers to take part or require Cookery books & culinary gifts, including Nigella Lawson’s Living Kitchen further information please contact Enjoy great food in our licensed café throughout the day Jane Sadleir on 01840 213796. High quality ready prepared meals ‘Bubbles’ Claim back your £1 parking fee at The Sword in the Stone Car Park (first car park Ron Hart & David Flower are driving on the right hand side when you arrive from Boscastle) when you spend over £10 a 1929 Austin 7 from John O’Groats Open All Year Round Close to Tintagel Visitor Centre to Lands End, raising money for Monday – Saturday 10am-5.30pm (Sundays in the School Holidays) Shelter Boxes & Rotary Charities as Tel: 01840 770880 the Blowhole goes to press. Bonne Route!

Page 22 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 THE NATIONAL TRUST

Planning Applications • Visitor Centre for both the Flood Alleviation and Shop (former Scheme and the Lower Bridge Harbour Restaurant): replacement have been lodged is is progressing by the Environment Agency with well but experiencing North Cornwall District Council. a slight delay due to Also South West Water have lodged extra walls needing a planning application for pumping renovating and the stations and control room in the lower need to change harbour with the County Council. lighting circuits. e National Trust in principle Building work due to supports the plans submitted. In finish in September deciding upon this support, the Trust 2006. Internal fittings has taken advice from many different of displays will then sources into account, balancing the follow before opening hydrological perspective with the to the public. vital need to preserve the historic Youth Hostel, showing the access ramp e n v i r o n m e n t that underpins • Slipway (north side) so much of the economic life of the Once the work to the Youth village. We will continue to discuss Hostel has been completed the various plans with the agencies the slipway will become to agree upon the finer detail and co- available again, after safety ordination of work programmes. inspections have been carried out. • Work begins . . . if planning consent is given then work on the • BT phone kiosk flood alleviation scheme will start in Discussions are under way October – this will include reptile with BT payphones to look fencing, tree removal and office at the most appropriate installation for the work compound. provision within the lower Work would then begin in the lower village. harbour in November. Jeff Cherrington 01288 331372 view across the harbour from YHA window • Cornish Goodies jeff[email protected] e owners of Cornish Goodies have agreed to sell their premises and business to the National Trust. PARKWAY Planning permission has been received ESTATE AGENTS, BUSINESS TRANSFES, SURVEYORS & VALUERS to convert this into a café. e Contact Parkway Estate Agents for a Free Market Appraisal conversion work is currently planned to commence over the winter period ● ESTATE AGENTS but will have to be co-ordinated with ● INSURANCE other works within the lower harbour ● SURVEYING & ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING ● PERMANANT TENANCY LETTING area. ● MORTGAGE AND INVESTMEMT • Youth Hostel ● STROUD & SWINDON BUILDING SOCIETY ● BUSINESS TRANSFER With the building works progressing well, the plans for an opening www.parkwaycornwall.co.uk ceremony are being arranged. On October 4th, Lord Tyler has OFFICES AT: been invited to officially open the CAMELFORD, 6 MARKET PLACE 01840 212121 refurbished youth hostel. TINTAGEL ,FORE STREET 01840 770825

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 23 HeadteacherSarah Duffy explains: Mary Broad Whilst searching for a birthday Old rusty shackles rubbing into the present for my Mum I came across bare flesh, a book entitled ‘ To Brave Every Empty stomach, Throbbing pain increasing in my head. banger - The epic life of Mary Old rotten compost flying through the air. Bryant (nee Broad) of Fowey1. I’ll admit to being a little wary of The posh snooty Judge bellows, ‘Silence, silence in the court, biographies or historical factual I declare Mary Broad to be hung accounts as I don’t always find them By the neck til death.’ easy to read and know that Mum She leaves court upset and down, feels the same. However, on the Head full of terrible thoughts, basis that I’d bought a goodly supply Back to gaol feeling uneasy. of her favourite chocolate, and the Three months later… book was about a Cornish Maid, I Feeling better than before, though I’d risk the purchase! Four No more gaol, days later the book was read ... it She’s set free from this terrible must have been good there was still place, Mary Broad chocolate left! After I had read the And transported instead. book I decided that Class 3 would In 1784 a disaster struck an already poor county called Cornwall. This was Faye Haywood & Abbie Brooks Yr 5 also find the story interesting and such a devastating effect on Cornwall were ready to tackle some of the because they were already struggling Agnes Lakeman’s Thoughts ‘issues’ the book raised. We wrote with poverty. People were dying from Walking to the court stories and poems, acted parts of starvation. This lead to people stealing Many unforgivable souls to see the stories, learned a great deal from others to look after their family, Judges in front acting high-class about life in 1786 and discussed and Mary Broad was one of them. Mary At the back of the procession prejudice, poverty, Government, was only young, 19 in fact, and she It’s me justice/injustice and tolerance. All knew how to sail a boat. She decided In court of the children’s work was superb to go to Plymouth so she could get a Judge in power job and make some friends. Mary had and I have enclosed a selection for In stumbled Mary to walk and sometimes try to get a lift. your pleasure. Dressed like scum Even though it was a long hard journey She smelt like human waste Court she eventually got to Devonport in Fortunately I was at the other end of Plymouth. Locked up in a prison. the courtroom Soon after she arrived she met two Door shut tight. Sentence echoed women walking across a cobbled road. Rats on the floor. Justice done These women were nasty robbers but Lice in our hair and people growing Mary was to be hung. Mary soon got to like them. About sick. Justice is sweet two weeks later they decided to plan Food is rationed, water too. The scoundrel Mary a robbery in the streets of Devonport. Shackled together my legs rubbed Irons around her feet and neck This was Mary’s first attempt at robbery raw. Feeling the pain I felt but the other two were regular thieves. It’s ever so cold when you sleep on the They had planned and rehearsed it Joe Henderson and Jack Reed Yr 6 floor over and over again but this was the No privacy for me nor no one else real thing. Mary was scared. This was Still shacked together four by four, getting serious. Robbery was a hanging MYRTLE COTTAGE People throwing rotten fruit and offence but they went for it. stones, BED & BREAKFAST & TEA GARDEN They spotted a grand woman and Shouting ‘Rot in hell’ were sure she was carrying a lot of Why do you people think it’s funny? money. Mary pounced on the woman Every where we go we get mocked by knocking her to the ground and the crowd .... ferociously throwing punches at her ‘Die in hell’ body while the other two grabbed as ‘You’re a disgrace much money and jewellery as they could. ‘Get off our land’ Then they legged it leaving the woman A slam of a hammer, the posh self lying helplessly on the ground. centred voice. As they were running away from A strange grey wig, the assault they were spotted by some A long magnificent robe, soldiers and they instantly recognised FORE STREET, BOSCASTLE I put my hand on the book, the two women robbers. The soldiers CORNWALL Confessed to the crime. ran towards the women. Now they were Everything just seemed to slow down, PL35 0AX worried. They were getting closer and ‘YOU ARE TO BE HUNG!’ closer. The soldier grabbed Mary and Wait … 01840 250245 handcuffed her. The other two were You are to be transported. quickly captured. They knew they were TEA, COFFEE, TV, CENTRAL HEATING The hammer dropped. in serious trouble. £25.00 per person per night Issy Morgan Yr 5 . Danny Frohlick Year 5

Page 24 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Mary Broad at Court Cramped, Shacked Finn & the Sea Dragon Torture, Will this be my end …. On a Sunday in August, in perfect Or my future? weather, the Wellington Beer Garden Silence, was re-opened to the public and to Tension celebrate the event there was music, Justice, In the haunting walls of the sangria, a barbecue and . . . a book court launch. A crowd of people arrived and I was sentenced to be hung. both the author’s and the illustrator’s Grief pens were kept busy signing copies of And the book, which has been reviewed for Shame. In the cart the Blowhole by Cheryl Maughan:- The journey back starts Finn & the Sea Dragon Harriet Dawson Y5 Take one small boy, a couple of sea dragons and a pair of seals. Add a Mary Broad shining shoal of mackerel, stir in a It was the year 1784, the country had gone bankrupt due to the war storm of stampeding sea horses. Mix with America. Taxes had soared, well together and you have the perfect you had to pay for salt, glass, recipe for the just published children’s candles, animals and much more. The farming, fishing and mining book, Finn and the Sea Dragons. e Special thanks must go to Dave industries had collapsed which author is Wanda Larratt who created Precious for his help in the final caused poverty and diseases. the story for Finn, her grandson. She production. e book is available (price I, Mary Broad, lived in has told it to many children, including £4.99) from many outlets in Boscastle, Cornwall in a small fishing village called Fowey. My house was down those she worked with at Boscastle including the garage & the National a cobbled road. It has no windows School who loved the fantasy tale Trust Shop. You can contact Wanda by or candles, in fact it had no about their own village. email [email protected] and Liz lighting at all. Wanda was encouraged to publish through her website www.lizgregory. As time progressed and fresh food and water became the story and was delighted to find com, where you can see more of her scarce more and more people the perfect illustrator in Liz Gregory, wonderful paintings. took to robbery. Me and my a local artist. Cornwall and its ever- So next time you visit Boscastle friends Catherine and Mary took to highway robbery. This was changing landscapes and seascapes, harbour, look out for the dragons, punishable by death which is why clouds and skies are her inspiration. Willa and Penn – they really do exist. we had to get in and out as quickly is quality is displayed in her You might even see Finn setting off on as possible. depiction of Finn and his adventure. another mackerel hunt. 1785 This was the last CM robbery I committed and by far the most scary. The person we robbed was called Agnes Lakeman. THE WELLINGTON HOTEL Mary lay on the road pretending ETC ** AA** RAC** to be hurt and when Agnes got * Free House with Real Ales out of her carriage to help her Catherine jumped out from the * Good Home-made Pub Food bushes to attack her. But Agnes was tough, she charged at us. She * The Waterloo Restaurant knocked Catherine to the ground English cuisine with a ‘twist’ and started hitting her. Mary got ‘Well-fed Wednesdays’ in Oct/Nov £10 per head up and kicked her. Agnes just lay on the ground whimpering. We * Singers: Wednesday nights stole £12 6s. We left her right there but she got up and chased * Live Music: Sunday afternoons us off down the road straight towards Plymouth and straight * Beer Garden into a group of soldiers. We were tied up and dragged Paul, Rosie, Scott & Suzanne Roberts away. Phone: 01840 250202 Fax: 01840 250621 Robert Brakes Year 6 www.boscastle-wellington.com email [email protected]

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 25 it does mean re-living with something for everyone and great regularity the events which even attracts such Pickwick of two years ago and re- style gurus as Laurence and assuring them that the vicar Jaqui Llewellyn-Bowen to is still here (just)!!! name but two. Papers On a similar tack I read On the whole question a letter submitted to the of talking or not talking I local newspaper by a visitor could not help but recall over my shoulder to ensure to Boscastle complaining an incident concerning that the coast is clear before that there were not enough my parents, who, after a opening the daily paper. locally produced goods in particular “falling out” Good customer relation the shops and this seemed a managed to resist talking to little bizarre to me bearing each other for a day or so and It has been a luxuriously skills do involve things in mind that she was living this irritated my mother as long hot summer and like politeness, a ready in Cornwall and could she did not want to be the once again Boscastle has smile and a broad back buy locally sourced goods one to yield and break the attracted a fair few visitors, but in a busy time with a shop full of people it really anywhere. I suspect though silence. On the second day, each with their own agenda that she meant we were not as my father came through - mostly though to check is not possible to hold a meaningful conversation doing our bit to support the door from the office, out the progress of our the local economy whereas he discovered my mother recovery from that fateful with anyone for any length of time if you are to give in fact I believe we are. Of on her hands and knees, day in August two years good service to others in course there are goods that half under the sideboard ago. the queue. I expect that, are not from hereabouts with a lighted candle in her For my part I have like me, you must wander - even one or two of the hand and clearly searching enjoyed making new around your favourite more exotic things from for something. Curiosity acquaintances and meeting supermarket not usually far away places - but that getting the better of him my regular visitors who I now having long, in depth is, as they say, business and father immediately asked consider to be friends conversations with the shelf wouldn’t it be boring if what she was looking for so I was a little alarmed fillers or check out staff; in all the shops in Cornwall - my mother, blowing out when I heard earlier in the fact the actual extent of sold the same goods - all the candle announced that summer that someone had any conversation usually from Cornwall? I happen she had now found telephoned to the local amounts to “are you alright to believe that Boscastle it - the silence was radio station complaining with your packing?” offers a very eclectic mix of broken and normal about the shopkeepers well set out shops offering life resumed. By now I am word of Boscastle. Apparently perfect on the flood and some, if not all, were Seaside Parish too and feel spending too much time I have an answer for most reading magazines and enquirers, except that one not enough time talking person who just the other Boscastle Pottery to customers - presumably day aired the view that about the flood or whether Est: 1962 perhaps the flood had the vicar was still in situ! I been no bad thing since felt a pang of guilt since I do we all, well some, now had like to make inroads on the better establishments than Telegraph crossword over before - heigho another A family run studio pottery, we are probably the my first cup of coffee of conversation stopper if ever World’s largest established dedicated Mochaware the business day and from I heard one, so eyes smartly nakers. We can decorate our pots with the most the description given I did back on the crossword to delicate trees and ferns as if by magic. feel she might have been avoid responding. referring to me, although So come and watch the trees grow! I hope that she wasn’t. To I am convinced that OPEN ALL THROUGH THE YEAR the lady concerned I would my co-conspirators with businesses in the village do Nanette, Tim amd Roger Irving Little just say point taken, and I The Old Bakery, Boscastle do now take a quick look go to great lengths to keep the punters happy even if Tel: 01840 250291

Page 26 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 very close connection. I was THEY ALWAYS COME BACK! summoned by my sister to Ken Browse was a crab and Hartland Point. We came come to the hotel where the lobster fisherman who fished for 7 seasons to 1960 from seminar was taking place and out of Boscastle for a number May (after the May rag) and met up with Trixie for the first time in nearly 50 years of years in the 1950’s. He up until mid August. and accepted her invitation recently came back for a day “Hearing of the floods to come back to Boscastle in 2004 reminded me of the visit in July and below is an for a day. account of the memories floods back in 1957 which “It was arranged that her that came flooding back I guess few folk outside of son-in-law, Hedley Venning with such clarity. the village will know of. I remember (how could I would take me out in his “It all started back in forget) helping to retrieve boat and the thrill of going the early fifties as a result the body from under one out of that unique harbour of a conversation between of our own boats of Charles for the first time in nearly my father, Maurice Browse Berryman (the town band 50 years was something that and Jim Bath who lived in leader) who was drowned in I will remember for the rest a cottage overlooking the the flood. I had a brand new of my life. It was good to harbour on the Queens Head Austin Healey, which was haul a few pots that Hedley side. My dad had an inkling in a garage owned by Mr has just outside the harbour that there could be good Webber at the bottom of the and to see a few lobsters in fishing to be had off this part village. Within 10 minutes each one, most of which of the North Cornish coast of the flood entering the were thrown back. e and a long chat with Jim garage the car was afloat and Ken Browse weather was beautiful and confirmed everything that then in no time at all it sank the views of those cliffs were he had expected. We came glass floats washed ashore. magnificent. under the water. Mr Tonkins Mr Good from the Antique in 1953 with two boats, the “It was good to see the of Tintagel, and one of his shop (currently Cornish Happy Venturer and the village buzzing with activity employees, Roy Pickard, did Goodies) offered to pay us Torbay Bell. Lobsters were and to see Trixie and so a great job in getting it back £2 for each float until he than selling at the market many others back in business on the road. realised we had so many and in Billingsgate at one and after the devastation back in “Another character that no business materialised! ninepence a pound and our 2004 which some friends of catches were exceptional. I remember well was Mr “Mr Cyril Biddick kept Stedman, an accountant mine on the other side of “We fished the pigs in the building known who actually made his own the world had heard about grounds around the Beeny later as e Pixie Shop (now on their national news canoes. Michael Webber th sisters, Dizzard Point, off rebuilt after the August 16 programmes”. and I went out to Pentargon flood) and the boat yard and David Morey (brother-in- one day in a couple of the run by Mr Pearn which is up to Millook, Bude and law of Ken Browse) canoes and found over 200 now a beautiful cottage. I

also remember watching 41 ado 42 gash 43 ache 44 acre 45 chew 49 oar 50 ian 51 the 29 amiable 30 Spain 31 gnat 32 ebon 35 aloe 37 usurp 39 sol 8 cloth 9 hal 10 iron 11 Egypt 14 lentil 17 gist 23 yearn 27 ire Down 1 coriander 2 hail 3 ostler 4 lie 5 essential 6 icicle 7 code 54 ewer 55 needy 40 boa 42 guanaco 46 led 47 arc 48 chlorite 52 sphere 53 ayah 30 sir 31 gleam 33 paean 34 briar 36 rural 38 atonal 39 stan 18 ill 19 cent 20 nip 21 eon 22 thy 24 st 25 nor 26 tie 28 eat Across Answers to Crossword: Elizabeth Whitehouse in her WAKEFIELDS OF CAMELFORD pottery shop. My crew and 1 choleric 8 Chile 12 oasis 13 collar 15 rites 16 ideology I had lodgings at the Manor House, which was owned by Mrs Scott. PRINTERS “ e return visit to Boscastle came about as a result of a chance meeting A comprehensive printing service in Paignton (where I live) for the general public, businesses between my sister and Trixie Webster. It was a ladies’ local authorities, clubs and organisations Christian seminar at which both Trixie & my sister 17A Market Place, Camelford, PL32 9PD were the main speakers. ey got together for a

Phone/Fax 01840 212562 chat and it soon became

obvious that there was a

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 27 Residents like Adrian HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT - UPDATE & Anne Prescott, whose At the Parish Council bed and breakfast business meeting of 27 July the adjoins the carpark was public were able to naturally worried that comment on a range of raising its level by 1.5 topics including North metres would destroy his Cornwall District Council outlook and his garden and the Environment would suffer pollution Agency’s joint plans for from vehicle exhausts. e major reconstruction matter might be partially work in the harbour resolved by erecting a carpark, the Valency river, higher fence or, Adrian’s and lower bridge in the preferred option, a decent harbour. e National Cornish hedge. Trust submitted change Boscastle’s Premier Tourist Attraction It was pointed out that of use plans for Cornish has lost the use of Valency - 248 - would be spread there are only four coach Goodies, from gift shop to Fields, and no longer has further up the valley, and parking bays, woefully tearooms. Chris Green and a real “village green” for river walks would be created inadequate, and there Andrew Houghton of the public events. alongside the Valency both seem to be no specific Environment Agency and We are all still awaiting as flood prevention, and plans to limit numbers of Ian Kemp of the National the outcome of South landscaped with trees and coaches attempting to visit Trust lent their presence West Water’s planning shrubs to enhance the Boscastle. Traffic build up to answer queries and field applications for sewage area. e overflow section at peak times of the day questions. In a lengthy. but works in Boscastle, of the carpark would not at present causes mayhem, generally good humoured dependent on the results necessarily be in use all but some alleviation could year and would consist of session, the discussion of separate public inquiries be achieved by a longer underpinned greensward, ranged over a variety of taking place in nearby waiting area inside the not more tarmac. topics. and Tintagel. carpark. e loss was mourned of A number of residents the Memorial Field once, it feared that a revamped was thought, a gift to the carpark, at present an National Trust in memory unlovely expanse of treeless of the fallen of two world tarmac covering half the wars. However it turns out surface area of the village the land did not belong to would make Boscastle the Trust, but in respect to “look like a supermarket.” the dead, a sensitive “area e EA spokesmen were of reflection” would be anxious to allay fears that created instead. It means bigger meant worse. e however that the village same number of spaces A M HIRCOCK PLUMBING AND HEATING RAYBURN, AGA AND OIL-FIRED BOILER SERVICING OFTEC REGISTERED CRACKINGTON HAVEN 01840 230228

Page 28 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 As one of those most proposed to shift the lower severely affected by the bridge to the harbour flood, Graham King of the mouth. e new bridge, Museum of Witchcraft, according to the EA, would had several views on be several metres wider and changes to the harbour. far less of an obstruction Over the next two winters to debris. ere is a strong pumping stations will be body of opinion that installed underground on would like to protect its both sides of the harbour, listed status at its present and to increase river flow site. Given that various both the channel and statistics point out the pedestrian walkways would unlikelihood of a repeat

The Harbour’s Public Loos! swirling around the bridge also mentioned that less which, he maintained, put sensitive souls appear people’s lives in danger, to have been relieving which should be the themselves along the main consideration when coastal path. Combined deciding its new position. with the stink from the e National Trust’s leaking sewage pipe, not a plan to open a new tearoom welcoming atmosphere for and takeaway was broadly visitors! welcomed, providing that Approvals for both litter could be controlled the EA schemes and the and an outside seating change of use for NT The Chapel like exterior of The Harbour Light area provided. Curiously, tearooms were approved by be lowered by up to a the tearoom will not be the Council, with provisos flood, its removal would metre. He is concerned providing customer toilets. reflecting the concerns of seem a very expensive and by the level and type of Instead of replacing the parish residents. unnecessary reaction to noise emitted by turbines much-needed public Six applications events. Graham, however, and the further disruption loos washed away by the regarding flood prevention was one of those in favour the construction work will flood, NCDC is leasing schemes are currently being of its relocation, having cause to businesses. the ground floor of the considered by NCDC and experienced at first hand the Visitor Centre (once the are the subject of a site Controversially, it is powerful torrents of water Harbour Restaurant) and meeting in Boscastle on is providing toilet facilities September 1st. M. BIDDICK & SON LTD available to the public at CR its discretion. is leaves Footnote: e site meeting on ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS the only lavatory provision 1st Sept was well attended and National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting in the harbour the ancient a lot of searching questions N CEIC “long drop” at the far were put to the plnners, APPROVED CONTRACTOR end, once the last resort Halcrow, the National Trust The Willows ▪ Boscastle ▪ Cornwall of desperate fishermen. and the Environment Agency. PL35 0BL Local restaurant owners are NCDC’s next planning Telephone: 01840 250448 already complaining that meeting is on 12th September, Mobile: 07966 498733 visitors are nipping in to when these applications will 07974 676583 ‘spend a penny’ - but not be formally considered over the counter. Graham

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 29 Duck Race Day 2006 Young reporter, Helena Showell describes her school’s annual fundraising and social event Lots of people worked very hard on the day, all of the teachers and other school staff and many of the parents and children. Everyone was very tired at the end but I think that they all enjoyed it. raised around £3000 Later in the week there was an Auction, in the Tom Showell in his England kit Cobweb, of things that had Jane Castling opens the day’s events been given to us by local Everyone at the school people and businesses in would like to say a great big On Sunday the 9th of July For lunch I had a Boscastle and from further THANK YOU to everyone Boscastle School held its burger from the barbeque away. Everyone was very who helped make this year’s annual Duck Race Day which was delicious. generous and together, the Duck Race events such a around the harbour. It After that Jenny, who Duck Race day and auction great success. started with Mrs Castling works at school, sang raised around £3000 which Helena Showell opening the day for us as she with her friends and then is a fantastic amount. All Class 2, Boscastle School kindly let us use her lawn. a band called Memphis the money will be used to We then had a procession played some Rock and buy things for the school. from the Wellie to the Roll. Mr Maughan also Last year we used Duck lawn with everyone in the sang and raised money Race money to buy extra school dressed in football for the school. It was all IT equipment and musical kit and waving flags we’d great fun. instruments so we wait to made of all the World Cup en it was time for see what we’ll get this year. teams. On our way we sang the Duck Race. Lots of a Bob Marley song called plastic ducks are thrown “One World”. Afterwards into the river and float there was lots to do with down to the finish by a bouncy castle, skittles, the lower bridge and the coconut shy, balloon race, first three to get there face painting, stalls, and win prizes. It took rather entertainment. e weather a long time as there was was pretty good and not too not much water in the hot so everyone enjoyed river and only a few got themselves. to the end. The procession arrives on the lawn The Old Coach House Relax in this DAVID WASHER beautiful 300 year old coach Building Contractor house and stables All rooms ‘Penlea’, Tintagel Road, Boscastle ● En suite ● TV & radio ● Tea & coffee Tel: 01840 250635 Ruth & Michael Parsons Mobile: 07967 507457 Tel: 01840 250398 www.old-coach.co.uk

Page 30 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 the seizing of men off but they also died, thinking Pete’s Peeps at the Past British ships for slavery. it was the work of a witch, Fortunately it was a success he consulted a celebrated 10th Aug 1810: Prize Ships at Fowey so it is probable the 4 wizard in N. Devon who smugglers returned to agreed with him. Before For sale by auction, at the England.] the witch could be found, Ship Inn, on Wednesday th without horses he sold his 29th August, the good 11 Dec 1820: Action hay to a clergyman whose chasse marees “San Joseph” by the Moonshine 3 horses died. e hay was burthen 35 tons and “Saint Brigade found mixed with arsenic. Antonia L’Aventura”, e preventive boat under burthen 30 tons. Both Sampson Woodcock, 19th June 1812: strong well built vessels, 5th Feb 1813: stationed at Boscastle Wrestling at Helston calculated for the coasting Falmouth Packets went after smugglers at ere will be wrestling trade, captured by the Fight Mullhook (Millook Haven) matches at the Helston private ship of war “Violet”, During the present war and seized 500 tubs of Annual Games at Mr Ashe’s Henry Dare, Commander, the Falmouth packets have foreign rum and remained farm on the 25th & 26th, and condemned as prizes distinguished themselves to guard them, but two the prizes as follows – First in the High Court of against superior vessels armed boats of smugglers best man, a silver watch Admiralty. (From 1807 any & also capturing some. came and firing on the with chain & seal, value vessel sailing to a port under e “Townshend” packet, beach overpowered them £4.4s; second best man, a French control was seized Capt. Cock, heading for and took the tubs and the pair of buff breeches; third as a prize by the British Jamaica came into conflict preventive boat. A £200 best man, a gold laced hat, navy unless it had already with 2 American privateers. reward was placed. value £1.11.6d; and fourth paid duty on its cargo in ey were well beaten and 25th June 1824: A best man a gold laced hat a British port. Napoleon plundered, ten crew & 3 Farmer’s Search for a value £1.6s. e conditions dominated the western passengers injured. ey Witch will be read at the ground. European seaboard from limped into Barbados and A man named French of (Formerly wrestling was the whence these vessels sailed buried their master Mr Davidstow who maintained most popular of all Cornish in 1810. Also Wellington’s Seigemond. ( elegal( e legal trade a large family with a team sports & the prizes to be armies were fighting the of packets was in bullion of horses for hire suffered won were usually of a kind French in Spain). and passengers, but British a disaster when all four to which only the gentry could aspire – fine gloves, 5th April 1811:The RCM ships at this time were horses died without cause, elegant watches, gold laced e Royal Cornwall Militia intercepted by America he managed to buy 2 hats). have been doing prison because of the war between horses from neighbours duty at Dartmoor. e them, this because of the French prisoners there have Navy stopping produce been forging banknotes, to France and impressing the militia refused bribes American merchantmen to distribute them out of into the Navy). th SPROULL the prison. (Dartmoor(Dartmoor 26 July 1816: Smugglers Pressganged SOLICITORS prison was built in 1809 www.sproullllp.co.uk to accommodate French e “Hind” revenue cutter We offer all our clients a complete legal service prisoners of war). sent into Falmouth a boat belonging to Cadgwith CONVEYANCING 18th Oct 1811: A PROBATE with 50 ankers or spirits. Public Whipping WILLS e 4 men on her have At the Sessions, or Law CHILDCARE been sent to Plymouth to DIVORCE Court, held at Launceston, be put on board the fleet CRIMINAL WORK on Wednesday last, ACCIDENTS to sail with Lord Exmouth Jonathan Barnes was found LANDLORD/TENANT against the Algerines. guilty of stealing oats, and BUSINESSES [ is fleet bombarded Market Place 42 Fore Street The Rock sentenced to be publicly Algiers to put an end Camelford Bodmin Port Isaac whipped. 01840 212315 01208 72328 01208 880355 to Barbary pirates and

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 31 colonial facades hiding HONEYMOON . . . THE WORLD! dilapidated buildings Deborah & Stephen have left the delights of Paradise our hostel and stayed their with more shades of grey Road to spend a year travelling and promised to keep until the British Embassy than our Atlantic ocean the Blowhole informed about their adventures: opened on Monday. beyond the stitches on a dull day. Iguazu Falls We witness our first With my new passport demonstration, a daily we promptly bussed twenty occurence in the city centre. four hours inland. Two Eva Perron is still reverred Hundred and Seventy Five and everyone it seems, still waterfalls emerge into one makes a pilgrimage to her of the highest waterfalls in mausoleum in Recoletta, the world. e stunning, where all the nobility, rich thundering Iguazu Falls. We and just famous, have stayed in the countryside, tombs. met some lovely people, steaks as big as plates but padlocked our hostel window. We are not dressed The Happy Couple Argentina is the other for the cold so head west I apologise if this sounds both bays, and yes, they do towards the Chilean all play volley ball. We both side of the Iguazu Falls, like two backpacking, so we decided to cross the border. No pun intended. honeymooners’ travelogue admitted to fantasies of very Many overnight buses unspoiled Daymer Bay. Rio border and try out my from around the world, new passport. is took take us North to the towns but . . . that’s what it is! is truly a 24 hour city that of Mendoza, famous for doesn´t sleep. Everything ages as I didn’t officially After a blissful wedding on exist in Brazil, no stamps its wine. Wine tasting at May 6th at Minster Church, kicks off at midnight sunrise, do we get away and each hour rolls into in passport, so can’t go to Stephen and I (Deborah) Argentina either. ank with it if I told you it was are finally off on our dream another. At 6.00am all are Sunday, holy communion? still working, singing and goodness for the police come true. La Rioja, with wide streets dancing in the streets. In report or I would still be in First continent, not no mans land. and orange trees. Tucuman, fact they never stop and the surrounded by crops of unambitious, South After another long traffic never sleeps. fruit and sugar cane. All are America, Brazil. Sao Paulo overnight bus we arrived mugged in broad daylight not so famous for: steaks as is an amazing jungle of far, in Bueno Aires, a proud big as plates, proud plazas, far reaching skyscrapers After just three days on city of old, faded and tired enormous gas guzzling to rival New York, where this heady continent we had police are more heavily lost 14 kilos. in weight. You Adrian & Staff armed, and stand back to don´t want the recipe for Welcome you to the back on all street corners. I this diet though. We were will let you draw your own mugged in broad daylight. conclusions. After a few ree men pulled the Cobweb Inn BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL unnerving incidents on the punches and eventually got subways and the complete away with both daypacks. ▪ FREE HOUSE ▪ REAL ALES ▪ BAR SNACKS ▪ lack of other tourists on the A frightening experience ▪ FAMILY ROOM ▪ RESTAURANT ▪ streets we decided it might for us, but one the locals Tel: (01840) 250278 Fax: 01840 250279 be sensible to move on. are used to including the So up the coast to police who wouldn´t leave Rio de Janeiro to witness their lunch and come to LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS, TILL MIDNIGHT the famous Sugar Loaf help, even though I was 16th Sept: Blue Slate 4th Nov: Mood Indigo Mountain, Copacabana concussed! We recovered 23rd Sept: Whiskey Thieves 11th Nov: Blue Slate 30th Sept: Jail House 18th Nov: Whiskey Theives and Ipanema beaches for from the trauma, but not 7th Oct: Memphis 25th Nov: Inside Out ourselves. What you don´t from the experience which 14th Oct: Fluid Druid 2nd Dec: Flamingos see in the pictures are the has sadly left a bitter taste. 21st Oct: The Big Three 16th Dec: Fluid Druid 28th Oct: Unsung Hero 23rd Dec: Unsung Hero skyscrapers surrounding We retreated to the safety of

Page 32 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 We decided to skip Macchu continues HONEYMOON . . . THE WORLD! Picchu, the high altitude is taking it´s toll. Instead we Dodge pickup trucks shine boys of the towns bowler hats. Now, below us, visit Colca Canyon, the and rust bucket Chevvies and cities. Time to enjoy Lake Titicaca, the highest second deepest canyon in left over from the black the mountain air and local navigable lake in the world, the world and home of the and white films rubbing food. Stephen enjoyed the straddling the boders of Andean Condor. ere are shoulders with mules and Alpacca steaks in particular, Bolivia and Peru. I have fifty-five condors in this wagons and handcarts. I went veggie. always dreamed of coming here and now we are sailing valley and they weren’t shy first taste of Andean music We leave this little today. heaven for what turned out to the the Islas de Our flight to Panama en came Salta, laying out to be a horrendous Flotantes. Literally floating takes us across the equator in a flat basin with high journey. Two buses, two islands where several again and the familiar heat peaks surrounding us, we taxis, one border crossing hundred of the Uros tribe of eight weeks ago hits chill out and enjoy what into Bolivia, an eighteen still live as they have always us. Wonderful, the sun is feels like our first rays of hour train journey, and done, with the exception, still shining when we get sunshine for ages and our altitude sickness finally put the short toursit visits. e to Caracus in Venezuala. first taste of Andean music. us in a hostel in La Paz. A islands are layer upon layer A city we want to get out of In one day we cover 500 frantic, polluted city, with of buoyant Totora reeds as quickly as possible. kilometers into the heart some colourful people and floating on the lake which of northern Argentina a lot of poverty rubbing are constantly replenished Now we have a rather towards the border of shoulders with immense from the top as they rot large problem. We gave the Bolivia. Rattling across wealth. We recovered and away from underneath. last of our money to the taxi stone roads and higher moved on. mayor made off with taxes driver. e only Visa card into the mountains. We we have left doesn´t want travel farther towards the plaits under bowler hats We arrive in Cusco after to give us any money. Our Andes passing Vicuna, and My dream will soon be being held up the wrong bus leaves in ten minutes, Alpacca on the way to the a reality. After a journey side of a road block. e and we havn´t eaten. At the Salt Plains. All the way across a never ending, arid locals of this remote town end of journey we will have peasants scratch a living landscape, interspersed are unhappy with their no accommodation, money raising scrawny livestock with small hamlets of mud mayor, he’s made off with or food and the banks will on a parched landscape. homes, and the sight of the taxes, and this is getting be shut when we arrive. Oh e next few nights we Bolivian women tending nasty. After a few hours what fun this all is. we are allowed to move stay in two lovely Andean ever scrawny livestock Hopefully more to on through the blockade. villages, surrounded by in their full petticoated, come next issue! Cusco is the stopping off mountains. We are now embroidered skirts and Deborah Halliday miles away from the shoe long, long plaits under point for Macchu Picchu. CLOVELLY CLOTHING The Bridge, Boscastle - tel: 01409 281 381 REGATTA WRANGLER CRAGHOPPERS FULL RANGE OF WATERPROOF/BREATHEABLE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR The best of British Clothing for the worst of British weather Bed & Breakfast Accommodation SHOPS ALSO AT June & Fred Siford BUDE - CLOVELLY - BARNSTAPLE Sunnyside SHOP WITH US ON-LINE AT: e Harbour, Boscastle, PL35 0HD www.clovellyclothing.co.uk Tel: 01840 250453

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 33 Letters to the Blowhole From Oliver and Gill Smeeth: To the parish councillor who rang me As a music teacher with the ose of you who avoided being to remonstrate about illicit strimming County Music Service here in dead, asleep or out of the country and promptly offered the use of his ‘car Cornwall, I have brought this hymn during last June will be aware that park signs’. To the resident of Forrabury tune up to date using music software our daughter was married on the who inadvertently received the browse which I employ on a daily basis. It 24th; and we would like to thank from my illicit strimming at the end of still has some tinkering around with all those who helped make it a great his garden, and who when I apologised the notation to be done day. said “Don’t worry about it, boy, I’ll I would very much like to re- anks to the Lady of the Rings clear it up dreckly”. instate this tune (which I have to who conducted a beautiful To our loyal and hard working staff admit is very inspiring), and will pass and meaningful service; to who enabled us to have the weekend the music on to a colleague who is to the churchwardens who let us off. start a choir at my daughter’s school, rearrange their church, tidied up To all those who I have missed and Pennoweth Primary in Redruth in September. I will keep you informed the churchyard and didn’t complain to all those who wished us well. To if it is to be performed in the future. when I strimmed the paths: to the the great provider who gave us the Best regards, Andy Bilham organist and the choir; to the lady occasion, a beautiful place in which of the flowers who worked tirelessly to hold it and fantastic weather; He Christine Robins sent this email:: to produce a magnificent display, also seems to have arranged for Sam I was horrified to read of the possible and her husband who welded and Hancock to clear his stitches of grass closure of Bowithick, and have sent repaired stands and arches, who, so that we could take photos. off a letter of protest. Just thought when we asked about the cost said Having been raised in the Methodist you would like to know. Where will “Don’t worry about it, boy, we can tradition of ‘Help when you can and it all end? When all the playing fields settle up dreckly”. worry about payment dreckly’, it is so hospitals some schools and now tips To the lady from Dunn St, people good to see the tradition is still alive have been closed what else will the from Mount Pleasant and the folk and living in parts of Boscastle. councils have to sell? Look forward to the next Blowhole from Welltown who allowed the Thank you all, flower lady to raid their gardens. To Oliver and Gill Smeeth ,my brother said he sat up till 2AM when he received his. the dispenser of help and goodwill Dear Blowhole: Christine Robins from Paradise, whose glowing face Recently my Mother’s was the first I saw in the church. cousin Kay Davey To the mechanical wizard from visited Boscastle and met Bottreaux who drove his yellow peril Anne Knight, and as a intermittently with a wig on and consequence of this an provided frustration and hilarity article appeared in the in equal measure. To the classic Blowhole. I have now worthy gentleman from Paradise received a copy of Arthur and his equal from Trebarwith who Biddick’s ‘by memory’ provided style and transport, and version of my Great- who when diffidently asked to help great Grandfather’s hymn said “Don’t worry about it, boy, and tune from my mother we can settle up dreckly”. Mrs. Hazel Bilham (nee To the football club for parking, Richards) after a recent who said “of course, boy; just drop stay in Boscastle with Kay in a donation dreckly”. To worthy and other members of her landowners from Paradise and family. Trevalga who offered the use of Andy’s version is reproduced fields, almost before we asked, one here - if you would like a larger even offered to run a ’lectric cable version or a copy of the MIDI from his garage. file, contact the Blowhole team.

Page 34 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Mr Gould had given him the name He took her out from time to time Letters cont. of Daddy Tregellas, his real name for fresh air, wrapping her in nice was forgotten. (There used to be a clothing. The beautiful girl was his Dear Blowhole, picture of Daddy Tregellas on the idol, his pet. wall of the bar in the Wellington I am currently working on a history She languished in spite of his Hotel. It probably did not survive of Boscastle that was written in 1962 care for her. He nursed her through the 2004 floods.) her illness like a mother and by my great-grandfather, William A widow in the village had nothing more could be done. He Francis Burnard (perhaps better died leaving a young daughter was as gentle as a woman with her. remembered in Boscastle as Saddler of eighteen, very delicate and Eventually, the end came and she Burnard). I am hoping to publish a consumptive, without home or died, propped up in bed. This was small number of copies of the book relations. Daddy Tregellas had a crushing blow for him. She was shortly and I would like to include known the widow for a very long buried in Forrabury Churchyard, some drawings or photographs of time and feeling great pity for the the light of his life seemed to be Boscastle and the surrounding area. In daughter, he wondered what he extinguished. could do to help. After much turning particular, I need images of Minster, After she had been put to rest, he the matter over in his mind, he Forrabury and Trevalga Churches, would often go to the Churchyard, thought that the only way in which and from there out to the cliffs, in Boscastle Methodist Chapel, Bridge he could help was to make a home sunshine and in storm, quietly House, Valency House and Boscastle for her and provide her with all the worrying over his loss. He spoke to Harbour. If any of your readers are comforts which would be favourable no one, almost broken hearted, he able to help in this respect, I would to her and which she desired. The thought of her as his “Pet.” only way to do this without giving be most grateful. I would also be Mr Avery, who owned the the gossips of the village something interested in any photographs shipbuilding yard had, at about this to talk about was to marry her. or anecdotes concerning Saddler time, laid down the keel of another In course of time, he married Burnard. ship in the yard at the Harbour. The her. When the marriage took place, old sailor, on finding out about this, I have attached an extract from the people of the village, instead of became very interested as the ship the book that your readers may find speaking disfavourably of the man’s was progressing and, eventually, interesting. Some Boscastle residents actions, said how tender hearted he as the ship was completed and the may remember Pamela, Miles, Perran was to take such notice of the young figurehead set up. (In the days of woman. His love was just like that the old wooden ships, a captain and myself from our time spent in the of a father for his daughter. village during 1996-1997. My first who loved his ship would certainly How he watched her as there have a nice figurehead fixed, very visit to Boscastle was at Christmas seemed to be no cure for her. He beautifully designed and the pride 1952, at the age of three months, could see her body wasting away of the crew). when I was taken to the Napoleon and he became more and more The old sailor, as his eyes Inn in a carrycot. I have visited the anxious as her cough seemed to seemed to be centred on the design Naploeon many times since and so be getting worse from day to day. of the figure, fancied that he saw, in could, perhaps, claim to be one of the continues on page 36 longest-established customers. Best regards, Andy Ross The Old Manor House Licensed Restaurant Daddy Tregellas Serving morning coffee, light snacks, cream teas ... I thought perhaps at this point, having reached so far in my story and hot meals throughout the day. of Boscastle, I would relate a story All food is freshly prepared using local ingredients told by S. Baring Gould MA when wherever possible. he was staying at Boscastle and Open throughout the which he states as being true. Family orientated and dogs winter months There lived in Boscastle an old welcome in the tea garden seafaring man who had been one on a lead. of Mr Avery’s sailors. He had held the position as Captain of some The Bridge, Boscastle of the merchant’s ships, which had been built in the harbour. Tel: 01840 250251

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 35 Daddy Tregellas continued from page 35 Q B  L its tracings, the likeness There are not always      of his “Pet”, his wife. “It calm seas and there are is, it is” he said as he storms to contend with, Our small farm shop opened last summer looked up, “it is like her,” sometimes very bad Call in and choose your meat he seemed to gasp. Mr ones. On one of these Pedigree North Devon cattle and Dorset lamb voyages, the Pet had the Avery, who was not far Free-range eggs away at the time, hearing misfortune to be caught the words of the old sailor, in a North-Westerly gale Small orders as welcome as large said “she shall be called as she was approaching Free delivery to Boscastle the Pet. And so now the Boscastle Harbour. There Phone orders welcome love which had wound were mountainous seas itself around Daddy’s and the ship was, at Robin & Jackie Haddie wife began to attach itself times, almost submerged. to the little ship. The coast guard who was Home Farm, Boscastle Every day, the old on duty at the time looked 01840 250195 sailor was at the yard, very intently at the slow Also available - farmhouse B & B and progress which the ship watching the finishing self-catering cottage with splendid sea views touches being put to was making and, as she the ship. When it was was getting nearer, he nearing the time to realised that it was the launch the ship, Mr Avery Pet. (Nothing could be Pickwick offered the old sailor the done, communications position as Captain of were not then as they Antiques the ship, knowing his are in these days.) All capabilities and that the coastguard could do was watch her bounding e Old Mill Boscastle he was competent to Telephone: 01840 250770 hold such a position. perilously at the mercy The old sailor’s joy was of the sea, now at the overflowing and when the summit of a huge wave, Always good stocks of then deep in its trough, ship was launched and Silver - Plate - Glass - Porcelain - Pictures was eventually ready to till she was lost to sight, Small Furniture and much, much more sail, the first voyage was having disappeared. to Bristol for coal. That was the last If you are looking for a special gift or momento Everything went well seen of the Pet, she with then do look us up. We have a wide selection for some considerable Captain Tregellas and all of small items that make ideal presents. time. Voyages were made on board were lost in this and cargoes brought but, terrible storm. That was We also like to buy old and interesting items! up and down the Cornish the last of a most noble, coast, things are not fearless and kind hearted always so favourable. man and his crew. Boscastle men of the brave Professional Tender, noble hearted and true, Massage Therapy With spirits of love and willing to save Those who are in need, Clinic The weak, the destitute, the orphan, Therapeutic Massage (I.T.E.C. Diploma) Motherless and fatherless, For stress; strain; backache; headache; muscle pain Daddy Tregellas, his Pets, he could not save Clinic: Treknow, Tintagel, (by appointment only) (Lines by W.F. Burnard) Hospital, nursing home & private home visits can be arranged To contact Andy, please write to him at: 53, Tanti Avenue, Mornington, Victoria 3931, Australia. Contact: Bridget Pentecost Or email: [email protected] (or you can contact Tel: 01840 770134 Mobile: 0791 777547 him via the Blowhole - either to forward your messages email: [email protected] or to scan and send copies of any photos - and we’ll ask website: www.thenaturalhealingclinic.co.uk him to send a copy of his book for local reference!).

Page 36 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 IT’S NEVER TOO LATE! Have you ever thought … here in the village in the I wish I had done more at autumn and it’s free! school, wasted less time, You may have already taken different subjects, seen our posters round the gone to another school or village publicizing courses even be allowed to have which we ran earlier this another go when you felt year at the village hall. ready? Well, you can’t turn Already we have had some back time but you could success- with students have another chance. becoming more confident We, Pete Donoghue and using computers and some Successful students from last year’s courses Dominic Penny, are tutors have passed their National Copyright photos courtesy David Flower Are there catches? who work for Link into Tests in English (equivalent paperwork needed to run a Well, you may have to Learning and can offer you to the GCSE). household budget, with the drive to the venue (village a second opportunity right “Financial Literacy” course. hall) but most can walk Or, if you wish, improve otherwise, everything else THE your qualifications by tuition, materials and any taking the National Tests HARBOUR qualifications you may in English or Maths in the wish to take, are free. LIGHT Who can join us? “Move On” course. Opened at a new location but still selling What about those with Learning groups are usually needs? Nautical clothing, leisurewear between five and eight Cards, Christian books Access is not a problem. students and are open to Helsett Ice Cream Our courses run in the anybody over the age of and much, much more village hall which has 16 and not in fulltime Come and browse, we’d be delighted to see you wheelchair access, is on one education. You might meet tel: 01840 250413 level and has a new toilet some of your neighbours block. as well as some new faces. Boscastle Food, Arts Students join up for all Apart from catering for sorts of reasons to improve those who need assistance and Crafts Festival their job chances, help moving around we can also support those with visual th family and friends or keep Saturday 7 October and hearing impairment. their brains active. So, we look forward th What are the sessions like? & Sunday 8 October to seeing you in mid Well it’s certainly not like September. Artists displaying their work school! e atmosphere is unstressed. We meet In the meantime if you want to find out more Cookery demonstrations with local chefs weekly, working informally before the classes start, ring around a table, learning in Local food producers will be offering me, Pete Donoghue, on a relaxed atmosphere with the opportunity to 01840 250311 and please breaks, when needed, for sample their produce leave a message if I’m not drinks and biscuits. A variety of Craft stalls in and I’ll get back to you What’s on offer? as soon as I can. Live music and real ales in the local inns Learn as a beginner Look forward to on computers, with Adults £3 per day, accompanied children free working with you soon. “Computers Plus”. Find PD Organised by the Boscastle Chamber of Trade and out how to make sense of Commerce in association with Cornwall Taste of the West, North Cornwall District Council and the bills, statements, credit National Trust cards and all that tricky

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 37 Spring migrants will have time Mike’s Nature Notes to breed in the UK producing a single brood in the autumn, Summer insect life Potter wasp but none can survive the cold damp November weather. Whilst casting a glance at Eumenes wasp my bed of nasturtiums’ Moths the other day I noticed the Moths are perceived as the huge number of caterpillars rather dull cousins of butterflies of the Large white, or but when you look into them ‘cabbage white’, butterfly they are equally fascinating. busily munching their ey are part of the family way through the leaves. I of insects called Lepidoptera thought nothing of this as are butterflies. is is a until several days later when Latin word literally meaning I saw them climbing the ‘tile-winged’ – obviously a walls on route to finding its prey. ere is one that year. In its warm native reference to the scales on the shelter in the eaves to build detects the tunnel of the countries this strong, wings. ere are about 2500 their cocoons. However all alder wood wasp through fast flyer is a prolific species recorded in the UK, was not well – surrounding the bark of a tree and bores breeder producing up but only 900 or so of these are many of them were clusters a hole to inject eggs into a to four broods a year. the more commonly studied larva, however when this of bright yellow blobs. Occasionally there is a macro moths which are larger egg develops it is likely to On reading up on this big influx into Britain and more easily identifiable. be parasitized by another phenomenon I discovered when the European e rest are micro moths and wasp species (a hyper- population has swollen the ghastly goings-on! are just impossible! parasite) in turn! Amazing in favourable conditions. e main difference ey had been killed stuff – you can’t turn your Eggs are laid in great by an ichneumon fly, a between moths and butterflies back if you’re an insect! numbers on clover, anatomically is the shape of type of parasitic wasp lucerne and trefoils. which commonly attacks Butterflies antennae. Butterflies have caterpillars, often wiping We have been surveying The Spinning Wheel out up to 80% of a batch! butterflies along the e female wasp injects Valency Valley once again Pavement Café & Bistro up to 150 eggs into the this summer. is year young caterpillar which has has been a good year for no means of defence. Using butterflies, and we have its body as a host the grubs recorded the rare pearl grow inside and feed on and small pearl-bordered the body tissue, eventually fritillaries once more. ere emerging to form their is a healthy population of bright yellow cocoons. e the more widespread silver- host rapidly dies of course. washed fritillary which is is is common and probably the largest British widespread behaviour for species and can’t be missed many species of wasp, each despite its rapid flight. having remarkable and Both here and on the grisly methods of nurturing cliffs I have noticed large their offspring! e potters numbers of the clouded wasp (one for Tim!) makes yellow butterfly this Bistro open a ‘pot’ from sand and year (dark yellow with Saturday Evenings saliva before sealing in a black wing tips). is is a paralysed caterpillar with migrant summer species Bookings Only an egg. ere is a mason from southern Europe wasp which makes tunnels and as such numbers 01840 250 501 in loose mortar to stash fluctuate from year to

Page 38 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 ‘clubbed’ antenna, moths, summer, are ornate pink flower and in the main, do not. Moths, large quantities the ability to fling its seed of course, mostly fly by of Himalayan a great distance once the night and rest in the day. balsam. ripened seed pods explode ere are several day fliers is garden – some of you may have – the brightly coloured escape has found seen this filmed on BBC cinnabar and burnets, its way into the Wildlife shows! the garden tiger and the Valency catchment, Because of this we have humming bird moth are Himalayan and has begun to been pulling up the plant Balsam all examples which are exploding seed spring up all over whenever we see it in the prolific towards the end of capsules the place. It spreads Valley before this occurs! I summer. prolifically and can have seen whole fields of the e moth lifecycle is soon take over an area, stuff when out walking in the same as butterflies, but much like knotweed. other parts of the country, typically adults do not live as It is a tall very fleshy where it’s obviously not long. Interestingly, though, stemmed plant that likes been managed, so would there are a few species that streamsides and damp hate it to get out of control do not feed as adults and here. – a bright moon helps grassland. It has a very MS have no developed mouth ‘light up’ nectar sources on parts – their short adult food plants in the natural life is sustained purely scenario. A bright light from the stored fats and bulb causes confusion and AGE CONCERN BUS - carbohydrates gained as a disorientation and draws CAMELFORD & DISTRICT feeding larva. them close. e commonest way Invasive plants is is a voluntary service to all retired of studying moths is to set up a light trap overnight, Ever since the flood, people in the areas of Boscastle, Tintagel, which allows you to we have been keeping Delabole, St Teath etc covering an area identify them the following a watchful eye on the about 7 miles radius around Camelford. day. You need a special bulb appearance of invasive – one that emits partly plants along the valleys. We A monthly programme is available UV light called a mercury all know about Japanese detailing the trips organised each month; vapour bulb to work best. knotweed, and this hasn’t the volunteer drivers are all very helpful Apparently, the reason emerged as a problem. and put themselves out to make the trips What have turned up moths so readily come to enjoyable. light is linked to the moon though, especially this boscastle’s famous Any drivers with a clean car licence who could spare a day or so in a month (not at weekends) would be most welcome, and museum would be performing a very worthwhile service to local people to get out and meet of others. We are looking for more drivers to ensure that this valuable service can witchcraft continue successfully. If you are interested in helping, or wish to find out more about the service, please contact John Smyth on 01840 261531. e monthly programme of outings is open daily april - halloween 01840 250111 available from the Post Office.

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 39 My rambles on the cliffs were usually the bedspread for attention, until you In Praise of CATS accompanied first by senior cat, and then stagger downstairs, blurred with sleep, to also, unprompted, by junior. open up the Whiskas. Cats love company. ey join our But not all are fans. Cats are the guests at dinner, usually lying on the scourge of wild birds, which makes table. Once we had, for a brief time, them much disliked by naturalists only a single cat, Wally, a big black and and gardeners, and they tend to prowl white job, who missed his sister, killed arrogantly through your kitchen in on the road. One evening he discovered search of food. Looking for a comfy a poor stray who was creeping into the place to kip they scatter ornaments off kitchen to steal his food. But instead tables and shelves, seemingly intrigued by of attacking him, Wally literally danced the sound of breaking china, and I have around Teddy, who had rolled over had at least two sofas ripped to shreds in Dogs, they say, have owners. Cats have in submission, inviting him in. So a matter of days. ey are fond too of staff. began a lifelong friendship between Celia Haddon, of the Sunday two most unalike males, he so tough Telegraph, is the arbiter of all things and uncompromising, Teddy small and feline. “You think you own your cat,” vulnerable. she notes, “But the cat knows it owns Strays are at first incredibly grateful you. Bear this in mind. It will make sense for human kindness but within days of the cat-human relationship.” (One become snotty about food - anything Hundred Ways to Make a Cat Happy). prepared more than five minutes ago is Dogs are uncritically adoring, cats ignored, and you are driven by despair have reservations, a bit like people, and into providing warm greasy chicken, their trust has to be earned. e first cat grilled sardines or freshly roasted beef to satisfy their newly acquired epicurean depositing small gifts at inappropriate I ever “owned” (that is, consented to be times and places. For a time I lived in a fed by me) I literally ran over. I stopped, tastes. One of our local vets told me that over a dozen generations he had remote part of North Wales (cat heaven) picked up the squirming but undamaged and one dawn Wally landed on me from bundle, and after trying unsuccessfully observed significant changes in feline behaviour, from farmyard renegades, a great height - cats have the unique to find its owner, reluctantly installed ability of making themselves heavier - it temporarily in my bachelor flat. At barely tolerated, to indoor master/ mistress of all they surveyed. jaws clenched around a fairly angry rat, the end of the working day, its greeting both of whom took some sorting out. of a “silent mew” as I came through Years ago I started to feed a small and, A cat retains its health nearly up to the door, was unfailingly touching and I thought, starving white cat who lived in the end. e steep trajectory from active exasperating. Since then my wife and I a field at Treven. One foul winter’s day I interest in life to quiet solitude often have been slaves, housing up to thirteen took pity, picked it up and drove home, a took us by surprise. Even in her final of the beasts at one time. Invariably quarter of a mile away. Within minutes days our little Princess, though blinded each new arrival is a typical product of not one, but two police cars arrived. e by a stroke, would insist in paddling in the welfare state, homeless, pregnant and farmer’s young daughter, whose pet I had the stream at the bottom of our garden. expensive. Dr Johnson, of dictionary abducted, had taken my number. But all fame, used to send his manservant to buy ended happily, and Humphrey lived with It is at this time that an owner needs oysters for his cat, Hodge. Oysters were me thereafter, with special extra treats to be most caring. Do not make the a lot cheaper then, but now I reckon each provided by his former owner. mistake of hanging on too long, hoping moggie costs about £3 a week to look Our last brood of cats, twenty one for a miracle. “Give your cat the last after. A simple calculation reveals that years ago, were born squeaking on our gift of all,“ writes Celia Haddon, “the over the last thirty years my little hobby duvet at five in the morning. e duvet blessing of an easy death.“ has cost a Spanish villa. was wrecked but we still have mum Take me where my needs they’ll tend Cats, like children, respond to love, and one surviving kitten, a large and But please stay with me ‘til the end demanding auburn tom called “Lennard” warmth and comfort, regular meals, To hold me close and speak to me games, territorial confidence and - named by our spelling-challenged nine Until my eyes no longer see. petting. Unlike children, they retain year old son. their kittenish qualities throughout Each has a memorable, unique (from If It Should Be - Anon) life. “Cats do pounces, not walkies,” character. Cat lovers will bore you for In memory of Princess, Squeak and says Celia. “Give your indoor cat thirty hours with tales of Tiddles’ adventures, Bolly, who were all put to rest this last pounces a day using a toy fishing rod and the conversations they’ve had, but twelvemonth, and all the others who or piece of string. And then watch it nothing quite explains the pleasure have given so much pleasure over the sneer at your efforts.” Actually, most of stretching out a hand in the dark years. cats enjoy walks. I discovered this when to meet the solid, wet, furry head of a CR living one winter down at the harbour. returning moggie frantically clawing

Page 40 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Ode of the Lord’s Bridge

Our first summer season has been going really well and the club is expanding too! We now have two Gig boats and membership is on the I have stood here up. To complement ‘Torrent’ we For a very long time now have a sibling boat called ‘Rival’ Knocked and battered a second hand boat purchased off From time to time the South coast of Cornwall. is Nature has done its very best means that we can get two teams out e waves have tried together maximising the short times From the West we have for training and racing. e Valency river With the nights drawing in, With the help of Jordan strange weather patterns and tides, rash my bottom and increasing numbers of rowers the So very often two gigs will do well. ere is some So come on nature great potential talent coming through Do your best and with patience and passion we will See if my replacement see in the not too distant future an Can stand the test award winning club. One particular Belinda area that is striving forward is the Ladies crew led by Sarah Jones so watch this space for their trophy news. is winter we are intending to operate several courses on Gig Seamanship so that we are really tooled up for what lies ahead. A big thank you goes out to Alan Zoftig for all his hard efforts in organising a beach gala down on Crackington Haven The Napoleon Inn beach. Proceeds were for the club and our sincere thanks go out to Boscastle’s Oldest Pub all that took part and supported Boney’s Restaurant - open evenings, waitress service, best to book in any way. We all had fun playing volleyball, building giant ♦ Excellent Bar Food, Lunch & Evening ♦ Real Ales from the Barrel ♦ sandcastles whilst defending them from being battered by All food freshly prepared by our award winning chefs the sea. ere was a Tug ‘o’ using local produce wherever possible War, Chariot racing and the Watch out for our theme and quiz nights throughout the winter event culminated in a run - swim - run. Bookings now being taken for pre-Christmas parties and Christmas Day Dinner ~ phone for details Contacts: Chris Ingram 230097; Pete Feehan 230335; Charlie Tippett 230338 Telephone 01840 250204 email: [email protected] www.boscastlegigclub.org.uk LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 41 area of land in the vicinity by Anne Knight of Peter’s Wood which VALENCY FIELDS was the intended war Because they are about the entrance to Valency and Drama during the memorial. After providing to become part of the Fields which preceded Second World War. Several the National Trust with proposed car park the National Trust sign. months ago, during my details held in the Boscastle extension, I’ve been asked His memory is that two researches, I spoke to Jeremy Archive they now state to write about Valency ladies were named on Pearson of the National that they acquired Valency Fields and their history as the sign and a reference Trust at Fields in 1968 with funds a memorial to those who to a memorial to WWII. House. He confirmed that left to the Trust by Nancy died in the WWII. At the I also spoke to Michael the original documents Sherwood but at this point side of the footpath, at the Webber. He said that Mr. were held at Lanhydrock they make no mention of her husband Harry. entrance to the two fields Patterson bought both and showed that, in 1968, known locally as Valency Checklands and Valency Nancy Sherwood and her Linda Bucket who has Fields there is a sign post. Fields hoping to develop husband Harry transferred been in correspondence On the post is a National them as a caravan park. 2.8 hectares to the National with HRH Prince Charles Trust sign which reads: He was refused planning Trust together with has yet another similar but different version. e National Trust, Valency permission, much to the Harbour View Cottage in relief of the villagers who Fields, Boscastle. Transferred memory of Nancy’s friend, I’m not quite sure what used the fields for village in 1958 to the National Barbara Rawling. to make of it all but what fêtes and celebrations, and Trust through the National This information is certain is that there has the LSA, who used it for Heritage Fund in memory of does not agree with that been a sign at the entrance rocket practice. Mike said those who died in the Second supplied by the National to Valency Fields for he remembered two ladies between 40 to 50 years. It World War. Trust to Mike Davy in June bought the fields to stop 2006. He was told that the has always referred to the Before the manor was them being developed. land where the car park Valency Fields as being a sold in the 1950’s these After the death of one extension is proposed was war memorial. People in two fields were part of the of them they were given acquired by the Trust from the village and from away package of land that went to the village in memory Mrs England at a price of have told me that they have with the Wellington Hotel of those who died in the £1,000 for 7 acres. And the in the past used the fields with the Ordnance Survey Second World War. He also plot thickens! Peter Steege for quiet contemplation Nos 733 and 734. Within remembers a plaque at the has received a letter from and at least three families this parcel were the hotel, entrance to the fields that the National Trust Director have scattered their loved stables, coach houses, included the names of the for Devon and Cornwall. ones ashes there. wagon houses with various two ladies, one of whom In his letter he states the In the words of a piece parcels of land and part of was Nancy Sherwood. land known as Valency in a previous Blowhole: the river Valency. I have doing some Fields was purchased in ‘At the going down of e church at one research on Nancy 1968 and the sign was the sun and in the carpark time owned Checklands Sherwood who came to placed at the start of the we will remember them!’ and housed at least three Boscastle with the Ginner- path to make people aware curates there. My husband, Mawer School of Dance of a completely different Rod, remembers a sign at Need computer help?

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Page 42 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Moira Hart’s News from the Lookout Fiendish Crossword ings have been pretty importantly by buying 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 busy for the National them. e highlight of

12 13 14 Coastwatch up at the the Summer Social Scene Lookout and not just from was the Barbecue. Once 15 16 17 the number of visitors again Fred and June Siford 18 19 19 20 20 we’ve seen. were kind enough to act 21 23 22 23 24 Certainly July brought as our hosts and allowed us to trample over their 25 26 27 28 29 lots of people out to garden with tables chairs, 30 31 32 33 sample the delights of the Coastal Path, although barbecues etc. In spite 30 33 34 35 some of them were a little of the weather over 40 36 37 34 35 38 37 disappointed to discover Watchkeepers, families and friends enjoyed a wide 41 39 40 41 that we couldn’t offer them water or ice creams from range of skilfully cooked 42 43 44 45 46 the lookout. But then one meats, elegantly prepared 47 48 49 50 51 of the first things new salads and mouthwatering puddings as well as a 52 49 53 54 Watchkeepers learn is to carry everything they’ll need chance to meet Mike and 54 55 for their shift with them on Sylvia’s new dog, Diesel - the way up, as we all know a welcome addition to the Across Down it’s a long way down if you team. Another £20 was 1 bad tempered 1 herb need a clean handkerchief raised after expenses and 8 South American country 2 frozen rain or refreshments. thanks to all those who 12 fertile spot in desert 3 stableman worked so hard to organise ings have been busy 13 band of material 4 deceive the entire evening. 15 religious ceremonies 5 indespensible on the social side as well. 16 set of beliefs 6 frozen water So far this year we’ve had We’ve welcomed some 18 sick 7 system of symbols talks from Customs and new recruits this Summer 19 coin 8 material Excise, and had an insight who are now at various 20 pinch 9 man’s name into wrecks around the stages in the training 21 period of time 10 metal Cornish Coast. Locally we programme but we could 22 your 11 Arab country had the Table Top Sale in always do with a few more. 24 weight (abbrev) 14 pulse Valency Gardens which Our Station Manager, Mike 25 neither 17 substance raised over £500 towards Morrell can arrange for you 26 fasten 23 long for the cost of running the to visit the lookout and 28 consume 27 anger station and a big thank you spend some time with an 30 title 29 easy going to Jane Casting for hosting experienced watchkeeper 30 european country 33 song of praise the event and to everyone to get feel for what is 34 prickly shrub 31 insect who helped out by involved.You’ll find him on 36 of the countryside 32 dark colour donating items and more 01288 321384. 38 not in any key 35 plant 39 man’s name 37 seize power 40 large snake 39 the sun 42 andean llama 41 fuss 46 headed 42 deep cut 44 card game 43 pain 47 curve 44 measure of land 48 dark green mineral 45 masticate 52 globe 49 rower 53 nursemaid 50 man’s name 54 large jug 51 definite article 55 wanting Answers on Page 27

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 43 6/8/06 Missing person Bossiney On behalf of myself and Boscastle cliffs Boscastle tasked 21:49: the coastguard I wish to thank all missing person from Tintagel was the local search teams who took last heard of at Devils Jump Rocky part in the search they were very Valley a full search was done from professional in the job thay were Rocky Valley back to Bossiney, doing the casualty’s name has not nothing found. In Attendance: been mentioned in respect to the COASTGUARDS’ REPORT L.Siford, G.King. D.Roots, family. T.Little, D.Williams, A.Williams. Hello again readers since our last R.Alexander; Frank Jones (search 22/8/06 Call from Falmouth: to report we have had seven callouts. manager officer in charge) Port Isaac assist Ambulance crew 6yr old girl 27/5/06 Call from Falmouth mobile and team, Rescue 169 and fell approx 15ft. In Attendance L.Siford (paged): Missing person police. L.Siford ,G.King. D.Roots. T.Little, gleeb cliff Tintagel called to assist D.Williams.A.Williams. 7/8/06 Continuation of the search police the casualty was found safe. from the night before: 23/8/06 L.Siford called by In Attendance: L.Siford G.King. 10:09am at Bossiney several locals Falmouth (landline): D.Roots.T.Little.D.Williams. have already searched the area,these 16:53 two missing boys Tintagel A.Williams. were called together to form 4 teams –Trebarwith areas 9/6/06 L.Siford paged by accompanied by one coastguard per 17:13 stood down as boys found safe Falmouth: to assist lifeguards at team all teams were sent out to search and well. Trebarwith Strand with one or specific fields around Bossiney. more casualty’s trapped on the cliffs 10:40 rescue 169 completes search In Attendance: L.Siford G.King. all ended well turned out to be an of local area. 11:28 ILB Yankee D.Roots.T.Little, D.Williams, exercise. confirm thay have a man ashore A.Williams, R.Alexander, J.Mills, 28/7/06 L.Siford & G.King paged below Willapark cliffs casualty found D.Stewardson. by Falmouth: fishing boat in trouble deceased. 11:55 Les Siford and Dan Boscastle have now got one more just outside Boscastle Harbour, Roots were picked up by the ILB in the company, Dean Stewardson, the fishing boat THREE JAYS on Bossiney beach and taken to the transferred from Port Isaac. E507 from Boscastle had engine location of the casualty. Boscastle Coastguard welcomes failure,Hedley Venning went out in 12:30 ILB crew and coastguards Dean to the company. his boat and took off 2 adults and report that they can and are a boy. Port Isaac ILB was on scene recovering the casualty. At 12:50 the That’s all for now please take to tow the boat back into Boscastle Coastguards went to Bossiney beach care on our coastline. Harbour all safe. In Attendance: to collect the casualty from the ILB. Les Siford Station Officer L.Siford. G.King. D.Roots.T.Little. A sad day for all in Tintagel who knew Boscastle Coastguard. the casualty.

CLAIRVOYANT ANNE OLORENSHAW Help, Guidance, Advice PRIVATE READINGS

01840 230505

Page 44 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 e robbery occurred between 5pm on the afternoon of Saturday Robberies in Boscastle 19th and early the next morning, Sunday 20th August, while Sue and ere is local disquiet at two recent scared off the thieves. Nevertheless David Scott were away. Acting on burglaries in Boscastle. On the night they are understandably concerned information received, the police are th of Friday August 11 thieves smashed they are a target for villains, and now proceeding with their enqiries. in a metal side door of the Bottreaux have installed a more sophisticated It seems that every tourist season filling station, run by Aubery and system which should hopefully defeat there is an outbreak of burglaries Anne Cronin. ey first clambered attempts to disable it. in the area, no doubt the result of onto the roof and disabled the alarm consumed brandy outsiders exploiting opportunities system using a flame throwing device, Curiously the burglars had time for crime. Unfortunately there are such as an oxyacetylene cutter, and to consume half a bottle of brandy, also a few local undesirables, and a then ripped out the internal wiring. perhaps to steady their nerves, while side-effect of drug-dependency is ey got away with the garage’s stock carrying out the robbery. is should to destroy any sense of morality, so of cigarettes, spirits and wines, and aid DNA identification of the burglars residents must be extra vigilant at this the contents of the till. ey also if tracked down for questioning. time. succeeded in removing a safe which An opportunist thief also stole had been bolted to the floor. Given an expensive piece of hairdressing Raymond, Taylor, Hayes the amount of equipment the burglars equipment on display in the window used, the police reckon the break- DEREK M. WOOD of Sue Scott’s hairdressing salon facing in was carried out by a professional Old Road. He/she smashed a hole ACCOUNTANT AND AUDITOR gang, who had planned the robbery through the toughened glass window Accounts Preparation in advance. pane, presumably with a stone or Auditing not directly overlooked other hard object, reached in and Personal & Company taxation Unfortunately the filling station snatched a GHD (Good Hair Day) Book-Keeping, V.A.T. is not directly overlooked by another pair of electric hair straighteners, Cash Flows & Projections property and despite the noise the worth £99. burglars must have produced while Sue emphasizes that this particular INITIAL DISCUSSION breaking in, no-one heard or saw piece of equipment is available only FREE OF CHARGE anything suspicious. through recognized salons, and is not ‘Cedars’ is is the second robbery Aubery available from high street retailers. Trefleur Close and Anne have suffered this year. e erefore anyone owning one should Boscastle first was a more amateur affair, when be able to produce proof of purchase a side door was entered and the alarm from a limited number of outlets. 01840 250015

Ruth and Alan Watson welcome you to: VENNINGS Fore Street, Tintagel ST CHRISTOPHER’S (Next to Lloyds Bank)  HOTEL Fishing Tackle & Bait Rods & Reels High Street, Boscastle, PL35 0BD  Situated in the old, upper Hiking Poles & Sticks part of this beautiful harbour  village, with its spectacular Swiss Army Knives, coast and countryside Binoculars, etc ● 9 ensuite Rooms  ETB 3 Crown Commended ● Bed and Breakfast Barbour & Bridgedale Tel: 01840 250412 ● Coffee & Tea making clothing and accessories facilities in every room email: [email protected] Tel 01840 770 212

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 45 Opening Hours and Useful Phone Numbers Boscastle Post Office Emergency Services: Coastguard, Tel: 01840 250259 Fire, Police, Ambulance: Dial 999 Police Station: Monday 8.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 For non-urgent issues: eg to report a crime Tuesday 9.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 or criminal damage, to request police Wednesday 9.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 Thursday 9.00 - 1.00 2.00 - 5.00 advice or attendence, to enquire about lost Friday 9.00 - 12.30 Closed property, to be connected to a police sta- Saturday 9.00 - 12.00 Closed tion, service or department: Sunday Closed all day 08452 777 444 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) Boscastle Newsagent *Bodmin - East Cornwall 01208 251555 Tel: 01840 250419 *Launceston General 01566 765650 Cash machine during business hours *Stratton 01288 287700 Open daily at 7.00 am Truro -Treliske 01872 250000 Plymouth - Derriford 01752 777111 Mobile Library : 0800 371192 Tel: 01208 812202 Dental Helpline Calls on alternate Thursdays: RSPCA: 08705 555999 14th & 28th September Boscastle Visitor Centre: 01840 250010 th th 12 & 26 October Local Churches: th rd 9 & 23 November Church of England 01840 250359 th st 7 & 21 December Methodist 01840 770274 Wellington Hotel: 11.30 – 11.40 Catholic 01840 770663 Barn Park, Tintagel Road: 11.45 – 12.05 Harbourmaster: 01840 250453 Waste Tip, Bowithick Quarry Parish Council: website: www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk Sanding Road, Tintagel clerk: 01840 250440 Tel: 01840 770778 email clerk: [email protected] Monday to Friday 8.30 - 4.15 Village Hall: Saturday 8.30 - 12.00 Bookings: 01840 250558 Camelford Library Pay phone: 01840 250171 Town Hall, Market Place Community & Recreation Centre: Tel: 01840 212409 Bookings: 01840 250442 Monday Closed all day Cornwall County Council: Tuesday 10.00 - 5.00 Switchboard: 01872 322000 Wednesday Closed all day website: www.cornwall.gov.uk Thursday 10.00 - 5.00 North Cornwall District Council: Friday 10.00 - 4.00 Main Switchboard 01208 893333 Saturday 09.30 - 12.30 website www.ncdc.gov.uk Sunday Closed all day

Page 46 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 MP Dan Rogerson writes: at Boscastle, Bossiney Boscastle is once again and Tintagel. erefore, thriving with tourism and I I hope that South West look forward to the Boscastle Water will take this Food, Arts & Crafts Festival opportunity to reassess in early October, which will the Liberal Democrats alternative solutions mark the end of a successful oppose a tourism tax. which will better serve summer season. Whilst the Unsurprisingly, the the people of North memories of the destruction dramatic increase in visitor Cornwall. Furthermore, of August 2004 are still fresh, numbers in the summer I recently met with the so too is the positive spirit months puts a great strain Environment Agency that has restored Boscastle on our infrastructure and and will be maintaining to its former glory. environment. erefore, a close interest in their Dan Rogerson Two years on from the it is important that we progress. devastating floods, it is ensure that the tourism wonderful to see that sector is well planned and Boscastle is once again well managed so that we flourishing in the summer can enjoy the important CAMEL TAXIS months. e rise in social and economic visitor numbers is a true benefits it brings. LICENSED PRIVATE HIRE testament to the spirit of I am also aware that the people of Boscastle, many of you have been Tel: 01840 252963 who have worked tirelessly concerned about South in the reconstruction and West Water’s proposals Mobile: 0779 2235837 regeneration of the village. for a sewage treatment On speaking to residents works at Hillsborough. Cars and Minibus ~ Airports, Stations, I have been extremely Consequently, I am sure Contract Work ~ Any Distance proud of the positive and that many of you are determined attitude of pleased with the Council’s the community which has recent decision to reject D. SCOTT ELECTRICAL been at the heart of the the plans for this site so recovery. close to Boscastle. Whilst 1, JORDAN VALE OLD ROAD BOSCASTLE CORNWALL PL35 0AJ Tourism is crucial to I accept the need for the Boscastle economy and sewage treatment works in SALES & SERVICE to our area, with tourism- North Cornwall, I believe ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS related employment that in this particular case DOMESTIC APPLIANCES constituting 27% of the most economically employment in North and environmentally Cornwall. Any the viable solution is a joint TEL OR FAX: 01840 250155 facility rather than the importance of tourism VAT REG NO. 326 773 30 to our region is why three proposed systems HIGHFIELD MOTORS Proprietor: F Luffarelli Servicing, Repairs & Tyres at Highly Competitive Prices for all cars, motorcycles and vans MOT’s Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7 Highfield Road Industrial Estate, Camelford, PL32 9RA Tel: (01840) 212666

Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006 Page 47 The Sad Tale of Three Lovely Trees In June 2004, Graham King Pat, Sarah, Graham and wrote to NCDC asking other residents would sit them to put a preservation outside their cottages in order on three mature pine the evening and watch the trees. e picture, shown to tawny owls in the treest and the right, was sent with the enjoy the bats that danced letter. around them at dusk. is NCDC replied saying was a lovely way to spend an that the trees were already evening, especially as they protected as they were in a knew that the trees were conservation area. protected.

One day in July 2006, the sound of chain saws disturbed the peace of the cottages. “We have permission from NCDC to cut the trees down” said the tree fellers. “But what about the bats and owls?” the residents asked. ey phoned NCDC “Our protected trees are being cut down!”

Notices were put on the NCDC said: trees stating “We looked at them, that it is illegal they are healthy and to cut down safe but old, so we let the trees where bats owner cut them down”. roost. e anxious residents emailed NCDC “One tree is already down, we urgently need your help to save the others”. “We will respond in 10 days” said NCDC. “GO AWAY” (or words to that effect), said the tree feller . . . and cut down the trees. LESNEWTH OFFICIAL RAIN STATION • The bats, the owls, the trees are gone for no reason other than recorded. On the 19th 28.2mm and Rainfall totals: that the trees were old. on the 24th 25.1mm. • The County Forestry Officer said June 2005 2006 was a different story, only 7 that there was no immediate need to May 76.8mm 118.5mm days of rain, the most being on the fell these trees. 26th 14.3mm. June 50.5mm 41.5mm • Conservation areas are established July from the 12th to the 28th was July 92.4mm 64.9mm to ‘protect the character of an area’. very hot and dry, with only 2.6mm A Question for NCDC: August 78.1mm 48.9mm in that period. Heaviest rain fall day ere were not very many days in was 8th 15.2mm. • Do you think that your decision May this year when it did not rain, Take care every one and enjoy the to allow these trees to be cut down helped protect the character of the however two days of heavy rain were rest of the summer. Val erie Gill conservation area?

Page 48 Boscastle Blowhole Autumn 2006