BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE No 84 Winter 2013 £1

Copyright photo courtesy David Flower Roger Irving Little was delighted to receive recognition for his 50 years of potting in Boscastle. Presented to him by Parish Council Chairman Mr David Ferrett, and Mrs Jane Castling who inspired the award. Roger says he is now looking forward to the next 50 years! copyright photo courtesy David Flower

Also inside: Boscastle Buoys page 10 Parish Council News page 14 Crossword page 21 page 27 News from School page 34  The Blowhole Team would like to thank all contributors, advertisers, supporters and distributors of the Blowhole. We would not be here without your help. We would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2014 Boscastle Blowhole Team The editorial team reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any material submitted for publication. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the team. The editorial team are: Philippa Arthan, Arthur Bannister, Heather Colne, Gloria Quinlan, Ann and Chris Rodda. The next Blowhole will be published in Spring 2014, flyers with the deadline date will be circulated closer to the time. Items for inclusion can be emailed to [email protected] Copies of the Blowhole are available by post at a cost of £3 per issue or £11 for the year. To subscribe please either email [email protected] or phone 01840 250891 Cheques should be made payable to ‘Boscastle Blowhole For advertising queries, please email [email protected] Communications to the Blowhole can be sent by post to: 44 Clover Lane Close, Boscastle, PL35 0AL or by email to: [email protected] The Blowhole is published 4 times a year and printed by: Easyprint of Red Post, Nr , tel: 01288 381700 email: [email protected] D SCOTT ELECTRICAL

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Page 2 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Coffee Morning Success The World’s Biggest coffee morning held by Lynn Biddick raised £740 for MacMillan cancer support. Lynn would like to thank all those who helped and supported the event. Chapel Coffee Morning It was a beautiful day for our Autumn Chapel Coffee Morning. Thanks to all who gave goods, donations and supported this event. A total of £250 was raised for Chapel funds. Deborah won the sweets in a jar - 256, and June guessed the weight of copyright photo courtesy David Flower the cake 3lb. Recognition of Twenty Years Service

copyright photo courtesy David Flower Christopher Key Pictured above is Dan Roots receiving his award for Solicitor 20 years service in the Coastguards. The award was presented by Acting Chief Coastguard Peter Dymond Trebiffen, Boscastle, PL35 0BN Tel: 01840 250200 Fax: 01840 250900 S.J.JOSE Established 1997 CARPENTER & JOINER serving the local community conveyancing & wills GENERAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE probate, general litigation, etc Tel 01840 250069 Member Law Society Personal Injury Panel Agricultural Specialist ~ Harbourmaster Mobile 07974 723382

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 3 Please Help save a Historic Building made for a very exhausting afternoon. A second public meeting There is hope that Come the evening, we was held for Minster some services and concerts were put in our positions church on Tuesday 26th will occur in the summer early, and were able to November to discuss its months next year. A small watch as the audience future. group of people have arrived, with Cornish flags formed in order to set this Minster is a Grade 1 and tartans aplenty. We in motion, but certainly Listed building and the were able to sit and drink more help will be needed Orpheus mother church in Boscastle in the atmosphere of that to organise events and Male Voice Choir. but, due to a decline in fantastic place. congregation numbers, fund raisers in the future. At last the day came: nd Needless to say, we all it has recently become a This next step will need Saturday, 2 November, enjoyed performing the struggle to manage and to involve as many people The Massed Cornish concert, together with maintain for a limited few. from the community as Choirs Concert at The Cambiata Boys Choir Since the first meeting, possible, so please don’t Royal Albert Hall. Over and The Cornwall Youth enough people have come hope and wait for someone 6oo choristers, including Orchestra. Bishop Tim did forward in order to collate else to help, step up and 16 from Tintagel Orpheus, a sterling job as compere, a cleaning rota for 2014. help to keep this beautiful made their way by various and the whole evening was The Minster Muckers (a building open for all to means for the big occasion. one never to be forgotten. group of volunteers who enjoy. You may feel you The afternoon was John Theobald. work on the graveyard and have little to offer in the spent in sound checks, building) have offered to way of time, but if you are lighting checks, seating Choir dates for December: maintain the graveyard, have an idea for, eg: positions, going on and off Saturday, 21st. Christmas which is also a site of • a one-off fund raiser, the arena, and of course a singing at Camelot Castle Hotel, 7pm, Everyone Special Scientific Interest. • a specific offer of help, full rehearsal, accompanied by the very loud organ! welcome. Just to keep Minster • help with maintenance All this, coupled with All enquiries to Bob open the basic running • donationsof money or costs of £2210 (to cover the many stairs to get from Metters on 01840 213736 materials or John Theobald on the insurance and electric) the basement changing 01840 213558. must be met. Many people • or to join a group to area to the upper arena, visit Minster and love the help forge forward peace that they encounter with this on-going there. As a community task we need to preserve this Please do, your help will building for now and for be most welcome. next generations and return Contact juliettebridge@ it to an integral, used and hotmail.com or well-loved building. In 07968227816.A big thank order to do this money you to those of you who must be found. have helped to get it this far! Pest Control Services Crawling Insects, Flying Insects, Biting Insects Ants, Bedbugs, Bees, Cockroaches, flies, fleas, woodlice,hornets, wasps , wood worm, etc. Vermin & Rodent Deer Management , Foxes, Mice, Moles, Pigeons, Rats, Rabbits, Squirrels, Crows etc. Call today NO CALL OUT CHARGE !! 01840 211740 / 07790344364

Page 4 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 The Napoleon Inn’s Annual Halloween Party As ever the staff & customers of the Napoleon Inn enjoyed their annual Halloween party. Live music was from the awesome Boomerang Highway who also dressed up for the occasion. There were spooky but delicious cocktails and prizes for the best costume. The atmosphere was great, everyone enjoying the music and singing and dancing along…for those who missed it…there is always next year so put it in your diary now!! Below: The motley crew at Spooky nuns from The Old Coach House, costume winners 2013 the Nap’s Halloween party Thank You, Keeley The Village Hall Committee would like to thank Keeley Christie for her wonderful work in the hall during the Boscastle Food festival. She hosted the Tombola stall and took the magnificent sum of £272.00, counted & verified by her trusted assistant ( and Grandfather) Roy Christie. She is a great supporter of the Hall & each year at the Festival gives freely of her time & energy. Many thanks Keeley. Pam Clarke, Treasurer THE HARBOUR LIGHT

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 5 building more or less in the middle of a field. Now, just Escape to the Country as I didn’t want to live in It was on a dark November North Cornwall, I certainly day just like this as I write hadn’t been thinking of – what the Scots call dreich a bungalow, converted – or dismally grey, cold and pig sty or any kind of one damp, that we first saw our storey building. house. We were living at I had imagined a proper that time in Bristol, a lively, house, with perhaps the warm city with a thriving bare bones of a nicely music and entertainment maintained garden, culture. I loved the cinema, preferably somewhere the theatre, the galleries other properties, several property we’d come so far on the South Coast or at and the concert venues, were too small and none to see. Lesson number one: least where the soft winds but I was weary of the dust of them called to me. addresses in the country blow and – remembering and the noise and the nose- The last one on the list are by no means as accurate all those sunny holidays to-tail traffic. And I longed sounded promising, but a guide to exact location as – within easy reach of a for fresh air, fields, woods it was in North Cornwall addresses in the town. beach. What I got was and above all, freedom where I definitely didn’t And had it not been a house that had only from the sound of cars and want to live. But Dave for the helpful directions recently been converted vans and buses. More than said: it’s almost on our way from Derek Nancekivell, from a ruined sheep anything I’d reached that home and we’ve made the we would probably have shed, in the middle of a stage in life when I wanted appointment so we may as given it up as a bad job and field, getting on for eight enough space in which to well have a look at it. And driven back to Bristol there hundred foot up almost on make a garden. In fact I that’s how, late on a dark and then and our lives the edge of Moor became a bit depressed, November day seventeen would have been totally and where we do seem to so much so that one day years ago we drove along different. But as it was, get a tad more than our I simply burst into tears. the Allen Valley and on that rapidly darkening fair share of wind, and That’s when we resolved through and November afternoon, as I rain, and mist. On the to make a proper effort to along the road towards pushed open the gate to the other hand, we have got find a place in the country, Bude before turning left field track, Dave said: now all the most important even if it could only ever be signposted and this looks very interesting must-haves on our original a weekend bolt-hole. . …. And interesting it was. list: we do not hear the We sent details of our And that’s the point at Miles off the main road, off sound of motorised traffic requirements to estate which I shyly admitted that a minor road, up a quarter from one day to the next. agents and started to look I hadn’t brought the estate mile private track we saw (Indeed the only sounds we seriously at properties in agent’s directions with a long, low, single storey hear are those of the natural South and West Cornwall. me. Dave looked at me in Why Cornwall? Because disgust: how are we going from my late teens on, to find the place then? But that’s where we’d spent I was confident; surely all so many happy family we had to do was drive WESSEX INVESTMENTS holidays. And then later, down to this village called 6 Market Place Camelford when Dave and I had Lesnewth and we would PL32 9PB children of our own, we definitely find it. How big Local Office: 01840 212 545 Mobile: 07855 388562 always headed south with could Lesnewth be? As [email protected] them to West Penwith and it turned out, Lesnewth Retirement Planning (because we had friends was tiny – no more than Annuities Investments & Savings who lived and worked a hamlet with a scattered Mortgages & Re-Mortgages Equity Release Mortgages there) the Isles of Scilly. collection of homes around Life & Critical Illness Cover Income Protection We short-listed properties Private Medical Insurance its equally tiny church. Business Protection Inheritance Tax Planning from Downderry to I was confident that the Long Term Care Fees Planning Lamorna and one weekend bungalow would be easily Initial consultations are without charge or obligation

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Page 6 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Escape to the Country Ruth and Alan Watson welcome you to: world: the soft bleating of leaving behind sheep, the call of birds, and us. Or at least that how’s ST CHRISTOPHER’S – at night – the tiny shrieks it’s always felt to me. So of small animals being a year later we made the HOTEL murdered in the bushes). momentous decision to It’s so dark without street move here permanently. High Street, Boscastle, PL35 0BD lights that on clear nights The night before we you can actually see the moved I had a crisis of Situated in the old, glittering stars in all their confidence. What if we upper part of this brilliance; and by day we missed the town? What if beautiful harbour village, have the trees, grass, moss the place turned out to be with its spectacular Tel: 01840 250412 and ferns in every shade too isolated, too lonely, coast and countryside of green. And of course just not right for us? What ● 9 ensuite Rooms the all-important space to if we missed our friends ● Bed and Breakfast make a garden. and family? What if we ● Coffee & Tea making facilities in every room Three months later the were making a big mistake? email: [email protected] place was ours. I worked But Dave said: if we don’t part-time then so for like it we’ll just sell up and the first year we used to move back again. Now stop spend four or five days in worrying and go to sleep. G H M Cornwall and then four So I stopped worrying or five days in Bristol. But and went to sleep. And we Building Maintenance every time I closed the gate didn’t make a big mistake; Insurance Fire & Flood Damage behind me and we set out the place really was just on the drive back to the right for us and we both Kitchens, Bathrooms city I felt so sad – almost as fell in love with Cornwall if, in my absence, it would and this precious, unique, Interior & Exterior Decorating be snatched away from unspoiled, wonderful me and simply disappear. countryside where we live. Refurbishments It was such a wrench to And I vowed silently to leave. And every time we myself: please don’t let me Free Estimates returned my heart lifted ever take this for granted; with excitement as we please don’t let me ever Phone 01840230380 approached Launceston – forget how lucky I am. And the beech hanger on the I haven’t. Mobile 07970275330 top of the hill just before And we did make a you get to the turning for garden. But that’s another Lifton was (and still is) story and I’ll tell you all the signal we looked for those adventures another CENTRAL GARAGE – a minute later we’d be time. High Street, Delabole crossing the Tamar and PT Stuart & Jean Biddick Tel: 01840 212388 Pianos For Sale At Reasonable Prices GOOD FURNITURE & ALADDIN’S CAVE We Buy & Sell Second-hand Furniture Especially Pine, Old & New Open Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Give us a visit - without obligation You’ll be surprised what we have!

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 7 Esme’s Trip to the New World Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. This is a private college specializing in teaching engineering, mathematics and science. Although small in size, in 2013 the US News and World Reports ranked it as ‘No.1 of the engineering schools’ in the United States. The temperature soared to 99º F during Esme’s trip, which made her frequent visits to various pubs very necessary – proof of this are the many photographs of her raising a pint! The heat did not prevent Russell Screen shot of Esme appearing on American TV at her first baseball match from packing into her four And what a trip! If they ‘do been caught out by one’??). pub, followed by a visit to weeks, as much as he could things differently’ in the Plumbing – one of the the Strawberry Bier fest - - the evening boat ride on past, they also do things terrors of foreign travel. I for another beer. Esme kept the Chicago River, with city differently in the U. S. of do think the Foreign Office a diary of her four week lights stretching up into A. should warn travellers of visit - always a good idea the night sky and strung Take the plumbing for this very real danger. with so much to remember like jewels along the river example, after Esme and her The name ‘Terre Haute’ – like the very noisy, but bank; the CTA (Chicago Granddaughter Tamsyn’s is thought to have been invisible cicadas; a column Transit Authority), its arrival from Heathrow on derived from the French of 12 turtles on a floating busy elevated tracks criss- 7th September 2013, it took meaning ‘Highland’, log; walnut trees with nuts crossing the city and the her several days to master probably a description so big they could ‘knock highly polished surface of the shower and taps in her of its location above the you out if they fell on you’ ‘Cloud Gate’. Cloud Gate son, Russell’s home in Terre Wabash River. The city (American hyperbole?); or as it is known locally due Haute, Indiana. As for the has two airports, although the ‘Frisbee Golf’ game to its shape - ‘the Bean’. ‘rest room’s self-flushing Esme’s American trip – using Frisbees instead This is a modern, public loos’, she ‘remained wary’ began at the airport of the of golf clubs and buckets sculpture, the work of of these for the whole ‘Windy City’. Once Esme for the ‘holes’ (now that British artist Anish Kapoor. holiday (particularly after was settled into her son’s sounds like a good fund It is situated in Chicago’s meeting ‘a lady who had home it was off to an Irish raising idea). Millennium Park where Esme’s itinerary its mirroring stainless steel included Russell’s place of surface reflects and distorts PENNING work at the Indiana State the cityscape. PAINTING University. The University The outer skin of Private and commercial painters and decorators has been classified as‘The Arch’ in St Louis, ‘among the nation’s top Missouri is also covered in universities’ and offersstainless steel. The Arch is Building & degree courses on, amongst a flattened catenary arch, others, Arts and Science, 630 feet high and Esme, Property Maintenance Business, and Education. our intrepid traveller, rode Cornwall Devon Esme’s daughter–in- up the leg of the Arch in law Lisa’s place of work one of the 5 compartments 01840 250047 01626 337596 was also on the list - the that are contained in each

Page 8 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Esme’s Trip to the New World ‘IN SAFE HANDS’ of the eight egg-shaped That day a television crew RETIRED POLICE OFFICER pods that take passengers were filming the spectators to the top. Here visitors and asking how far they AND WIFE TEAM OFFER THE may view the city and the had travelled – well no one FOLLOWING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY great Mississippi River could have matched our PROPERTIES IN BOSCASTLE: from the observation area. intrepid traveller’s journey KEY HOLDING Not content with this vista, – so the photograph, Esme boarded a helicopter shown with this article, is MEETING AND GREETING GUESTS for a wider aerial view of of Esme as she appeared CLEANING, MAINTENANCE, St Louis. On their return on American television. journey to Terre Haute Despite wearing her ‘Red’ OR, JUST GOING AWAY AND NEED there was a reminder of supporter’s t-shirt, they lost SOMEONE TO KEEP AN EYE home when they passed their game to the NY Mets - CALL FOR QUOTE signs for ‘Pocahontas’, but 1-0 (shame!!!!). Tel: 07890309069 time did not allow them It is difficult to sum to investigate. Another up Esme’s experiences of reminder of home was her four week trip in a few the British football match words, the kaleidoscope of CORNISH STORES Esme watched on her different sights – the ISU son’s television. Like parade with ‘cheer-leader’ VILLAGE SHOP Esme, Russell is a keen type girls, trains with 3 and Southampton supporter, engines and 120 wagons, POST OFFICE as can be seen from the gun toting policemen, various pennants on his shopping malls where all For all your Grocery and every day office wall. the shops had ‘rest rooms’; essentials With so many different sounds – cicadas, highlights during her trip, distant trains, bier fest Fresh fruit and vegetables daily it is difficult to know which music and different tastes – Fresh local meat is the most memorable, but square donuts (not Esme’s Hot pasties and drinks to takeaway the trip to Cincinnati to favourite), Tweetie Burgers watch the Cincinnati Reds (‘delicious’), Chilli No5 Open daily at 8.30am versus the New York Mets and pumpkin pie all made THE BRIDGE, BOSCASTLE must be amongst those for a most memorable at the top of her list. It holiday. Her grateful 01840 250344 was Esme’s first visit to a thanks go to her whole baseball game and so she family for co-ordinating The Wellington was entitled to claim her and organising this trip of ‘First Game Certificate’. a life time. Hotel Boscastle GQ

SUE WALLIS DESIGNER DRESSMAKER Pub Restaurant Hotel (01840) 250434 The Long Bar The Waterloo Restaurant Open from 11.00 am for: Open from 6.30 pm for: ALTERATIONS Bar Meals Award Winning Dining DRESSMAKING - LADIES Local Ales, Wines & Spirits Locally Sourced Produce Coffee, Tea & Cold Drinks Fine Wines GENTS & CHILDRENS WEDDINGS & EVENING WEAR Families Welcome Beer Garden Freshly Cooked Food SOFT FURNISHINGS etc ... The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0AQ Tel 01840250202 www.wellingtonhotelboscastle.com

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 9 BOSCASTLE BUOYS RELEASE NEW ALBUM The Boscastle Buoys have The album cover tells become renowned for the tale of the Boscastle singing traditional Cornish Fisherman, feared lost at and sea shanty songs for sea after a dramatic rescue charity! attempt appeared to have In true Celtic tradition failed to save them all. the Buoys began their Thankfully within a week, melodious journey in the all five fishermen where local pub. Singing was home again, “Safe and their passion and this was Sound”. soon put to good use! Anyone wanting to On the 5th of August buy a copy of the CD can 2010, 33 Chilean miners do so by either searching became trapped half a www.boscastlebuoys.co.uk, mile underground after LtoR:John Statton, David Philp. Hedley Venning, Jack Evans, phoning 01840 212096 or the collapse of a gold Chris Edwards, Peter Hicks, Roger Nicholls, David Pinn from any of the Buoys! and copper mine. The came as a direct result Hospice Care became The Boscastle Buoys Buoys dedicated the song, of the Boscastle Buoys the main chosen charity sing because they love to “Working Man”, to their singing: that the song was to benefit from future sing: it is their pleasure plight and every Tuesday played down the shaft to donations received from and their passion. Their at 10pm they would sing the miners and they clawed the rousing singing of the audiences at the many it and remember the their way out to escape the Buoys. However, alongside functions they support, love miners and their families. music!!). this, the Buoys continue them for their vocal ability Given the iconic mining Sadly, the sudden to raise money for other and their unbounded and and untimely death of causes and also find time energy. By supporting this the devastating floods of Raymund Rogers, the to entertain at local care CD, you too will help Boscastle, the Buoys and well-known Boscastle homes and schools. keep the age-old tradition the community knew how artist and enthusiastic of shanty singing alive important it was that the founder member of the album release: and flourishing, whilst miners remained positive Boscastle Buoys, shocked “Safe and Sound” continuing to support and hopeful. Thankfully all the rest of the Buoys. In Amazingly Thesinging for charity! miners were finally rescued remembrance to Raymund Boscastle Buoys have also CH 69 days later. (It was and in gratitude to the found time to record their rumoured that this rescue care he received, Cornwall first ever album, “Safe and Sound”. This is a Napoleon Inn compilation of traditional Boscastle Cornish music and other Tel; 01840 250204 well-known songs which www.napoleaninn.co.uk have been sung over the facebook search: nap natterings A delightful 16th century pub full of character years by “One and All”. Lunch & evening meals served daily in our bar or restaurant Boscastle Buoys or in our garden or beer terrace All food prepared on the premises by our Heaf Chef & her team Boscastle Buoys, in black and in gold; using local produce wherever possible. Booking is advisable They can’t be boys, they’re far too old! Breakfast served 11am–2pm Lunches served 12-2pm They sing and talk and drink their beer, Evening meals served from 6.30pm Delicious traditional Sunday Roast And the pub is filled with such good cheer (booking advisable) That folks delight to sit and stay Live Music Every Friday Night And while their precious hours away. Boscastle Buoys every Tuesday night And raising funds is what they do Open Mic Night every other Monday To help the hospice; why don’t you Regular Charity Quiz Nights Put in a pound, or five, or ten? For more details on events please see our web site They’d love to see you there again! David Pinn

Page 10 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Wacky Races On Sunday 3rd November, entertainment to follow the Wacky Races came to the races. Despite the rain, Boscastle, in the form of a a good crowd turned out to go-kart race down Penally watch the intrepid racers. Hill. The karts had to be All money raised hand-made and man- through entry fees and powered. sponsorship was donated to The Cobweb Innthe renal unit at Derriford organsied a hog roast and Hospital.

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 11 Please read the instructions carefully I am sure we are all willing domestic arrangements, apparently offers a rarely ‘Absolutely nothing for and grateful to be informed during the rest of the year? encountered chance, the next 22 miles.’ Best accurately about the Recently, we bought ‘Ladies, leave your clothes thought, the kind hotel correct manner in which to a lemon tree, thinking here and have a good which makes you an offer approach an activity. Little how pretty it would be in afternoon.’ How kind. you can’t refuse: ‘You are is more embarrassing than the garden in the summer ‘Automatic machines: invited to take advantage to come at any pastime months, and what an Please remove all your of the chambermaid.’ I from the wrong angle. attractive addition it would clothes when the lights sometimes wonder if some Sadly, some of the advice be to the porch in the cold go out.’ But even better, people think ‘Adverse we receive appears to either weather. My husband, a set of instructions on a Camber’ is the name of superfluous, confusing,who is adept at the use of 500 piece jigsaw: ‘Some a small village. A recent or, at best, downright the computer, looked up assembly required.’ Road contestant on a quiz show guaranteed to send one up advice for those wishing sign in USA: ‘Ignore this giving an answer was the wrong staircase. to care for a lemon tree. sign’. Almost as good as insistent that his answer A particularly useful What advice came first : ‘Please do not throw contained ‘the definitive seasonal tip was offered about what one should do? stones at this notice.’ Or article’. That’s the last we’ll by our local council in Listen carefully. ‘First, buy a road sign in Australia: hear about that, then. the run-up to Christmas: a lemon tree.’ Well, you AR namely, ‘if you do not like could knock me down with sprouts, don’t buy them.’ a feather! So, what about Well, I never! Would all those burglars and shop you credit it? I had always lifters, then? Do you think been firmly convinced that they have a separate web ValencyValency the failure to purchase a site giving helpful hints on “Nestled into the beautiful substantial, even excessive, the surreptitious removal Valency Valley close of items? First, disguise to the famous harbour, quantity of sprouts during scenic old village and the festive season was not yourself as a garden item, dramatic coast path.” only socially responsible but not a lemon tree. Bed & Breakfast and Self-Catering but virtually compulsory, Second, well, the mind drifts of into areas of Penally Hill, Boscastle, Cornwall. PL35 0HF failure to do so punishable www.valencybandb.com by some obscure tax. What fantasy: see volume three 01840 250397 about the Happy New of Harry Potter. Year for the compost bin, Advertisements for dry then? Poor thing. And why cleaners and launderettes should our refrigerators not seem to offer many Adrian & Staff be treated to an invasive opportunities for signs welcome you to the stack of rotting vegetation, which may mislead. as they are, if you follow my A Rome launderette Cobweb Inn BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL ▪ FREE HOUSE ▪ REAL ALES ▪ ▪ BAR SNACKS ▪ ▪ FAMILY ROOM ▪ RESTAURANT ▪ ▪ SUNDAY CARVERY ▪ LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS, TILL MIDNIGHT 14th Dec: Cameleon Sounds New Year’s Eve: 21st Dec: The Tank Slappers The Whiskey Thieves Tel: (01840) 250278 www.cobwebinn.co.uk

Page 12 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 County Councillor, of it is statutory so there is bus, and Cornwall has have appointed a new Chief Glenton Brown writes: little that can be done to the lowest cost per pupil Executive out of their own change certain issues, and I in the Southwest at £685 ranks and at a far less salary thought it gives an insight compared to £986 per pupil than our own Council and may be of interest to for Devon. The Council has agreed upon for our you when you realize some uses taxis to take children own Chief Executive. of the problems Council to and from school when Cumbria has many issues has to face. there are no other suitable and geographical situation Cornwall has a high alternatives. In 2012/2013 rather similar to ourselves. number of children who are over a thousand children I would like to eligible for free transport to were transported to congratulate the Parish held a school. This is largely due school by taxi with a cost Council on doing a full meeting of members to the geographical and of £3293 per pupil per good job on the War on 26th November rural nature of the County. year. £17.33 per pupil Memorial and Garden. to debate the budget The Council is required per day. It is a significant I was very impressed on settlement for 2013/2014. to provide transport for amount of money and it Remembrance Sunday and County Officers andthem if they live more is important to realize that also encouraged by the Cabinet Members toured than 2 miles away from these children have to be good attendance. I would over 20 centres throughout their nearest school, or transported considerable also like to congratulate Cornwall to present their their designated school and distances. The total cost of the Parish Councillors proposals and to listen to for all secondary school transport is £12.4 million on their enthusiasm to the views of local people. I age children if they live with the taxi element retain the British Legion believe one of the changes more than 3 miles away. costing £3.9 million. Branch. I would appreciate that has come through is to In 2012/2013 13125 I congratulate Mr all readers to consider reduce the proposed cut in pupils were provided with Andrew Kerr on his the work of the British bus services by nearly 50%. transport to schools and appointment as Chief Legion and to consider The real difficulty ahead colleges in Cornwall. This Executive, with a much becoming a Member, to over the next 12 months is compares with 16841 in reduced salary than save the Boscastle Branch to introduce cuts of up to Devon and 12896 pupils his predecessor. I am from closure, so that they £24million. in Somerset. The Council really sad that one of could continue to use I enclose an extract from currently uses a number our Cornishmen, Paul their Standard at all their Andrew Wallis, a leading of methods of transport Masters, who has stood functions. I would like member for Children and with the majority of in the role until now and to take this opportunity Young People on problems charity transported to was a brilliant officerto wish everyone a very he has to deal with. Much main stream schools by and was not selected. Mr Happy Christmas and a Andrew Kerr’s track record Healthy and Prosperous shows he moves around. New Year. How long will he stay in It goes without saying, if I Wella Book Cornwall I wonder? I note can be of any help please Keeping Solutions with interest that recently contact me on 01840 Cumbria Council Council 770302 or gbrown@ cornwall.gov.uk ‘‘For all bookkeeping requirements ‘‘Sole trader; Partnership & Ltd Co accounts ‘‘Year end accounts BLOCKED DRAINS ‘‘VAT returns & filing ‘‘Self assessment tax returns & filing CLEARED FAST ‘‘PAYE and payroll ‘‘New business start up assistance 24 hr call out

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 13 would cover buildings PARISH PLAN insurance but costs of Each household in Boscastle. repair, maintenance and should have received a compliance of building, copy of the questionnaire. fixtures and fittings and The Parish Plan team have Parish Council News charging mechanisms been working since July to As you are all probably highways to alleviate some would fall to the Parish. produce a document that aware by now, the public of the problems, these In addition it would be they feel will accurately toilets in the car park are include introducing some responsible for cleaning. reflect the views of the remaining open through form of resident parking If transferred freehold inhabitants of Boscastle the winter, this is was the all year in New Road, time the Parish would be about what they value in the primary objective of both limited waiting around responsible for all running village and what they wish to the Parish Council and Doctors Corner and all costs. preserve for the future. This The Boscastle Chamber year round no waiting on The present costs of has been financed by the of Trade and Commerce Penally Hill. At this time maintaining the toilets County and Parish councils. (BCTC). It must be these are just proposals are just under £20,000 Inevitably there will stressed the achievement of being submitted, the final per year, leaving an be pressures from the this objective is down to the decision will be Cornwall approximate shortfall of government, the County time and effort councillors Councils as there is a £3000 to be met by the Council and developers, and BCTC members have significant cost to change Parish. This would mean as well as future changes in given freely to secure this highway regulations. an additional charge on society and economics, all facility . AP local rates to make up the which will affect us. The The Parish Council Parish Council difference, unless met by better we can articulate have recently submitted contact numbers: other means or savings our group concerns and a case to Cornwall Nick Chater: 250677 achieved on cleaning or feelings, the better placed Council to take over the Brian Clarke: 250551 maintenance. However the community will be to management of the Castle Robin Haddy: 250195 this estimate it does not improve the village and resist Site. The Parish Council Nanette Irving Little: 250291 take into account any unwelcome changes. believes this open space is Chris Jarvis: 250512 additional administrative Your opinions count. currently underutilised, Steve Martin: 250100 costs. The greater the response to poorly maintained and Chris Rodda: 250012 Pending any decision our questionnaire the more not inviting to residents Mark Smith: 250001 the Parish Council will be powerful the village voice. or visitors. It is hoped Chair: David Ferrett 250414 discussing the implications CR over the next few months of the offer with the See page 22 for for the Parish Council’s Vice Chair: Fred Hockin: 250529 results from the Visitors’ Satisfaction the negotiations with Clerk: Adrian Prescott: 250570 Boscastle Chamber of Survey carried out during August & Cornwall Council will bear Trade and Commerce. September this year with 122 visitors to CR the village. fruit and ultimately enable CAR PARK TOILETS the community to have a On 4th October Jonny Boscastle’s famous full input into the future Alford, Cornwall Council’s of the area. There are some Estate Services Manager issues which will need wrote to the Parish Council museum addressing and some ideas offering a grant of £17,000 for linking footpaths are per annum for upkeep of of being investigated. I hope a the car park Gateway toilets. further positive update will This amount comes from be available for the next additional 50p an hour for witchcraft issue. first hour parking charges, The councillors have plus income from charging held a couple of meetings for toilet use. The grant to discuss 3 highways issues figure would be reviewed that are creating problems. each year aligned to the The Council have agreed performance of the car park. to submit some ideas If the premises were to Cornwall Council offered leasehold the Council Open Daily April - Halloween 01840 250111

Page 14 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 SIGNAGE being reasonable and The Recently both the protecting the local Parish Council and historic character of the Conservation Area, Area Arthur W. Bryant correspondents to the Funeral Service Blowhole have expressed of Outstanding Natural PROFESSIONAL, CARING AND dismay at the number Beauty and area of Heritage · 19 MARKET PLACE Coast. PERSONAL ATTENTION and style of trade 24 HOURS A DAY CAMELFORD If the land on which CORNWALL advertisements appearing · PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS in the lower village. This you wish to erect and AVAILABLE PL32 9PD was also one of the most advertisement is located frequent complaints from within an area of Special Tel: tourists which was revealed Control of advertisements 01840 214891 in the Visitor Satisfaction then the regulations are Mobile: 07787 576345 Survey this summer. more stringent. Notably, In response to Boscastle is located within complaints the County an Area of Special Control Planning Department’s of Advertisements. officers have visited As regulations are Kernow Properties in Camelford market properties both Boscastle and have complex the Council for rental and sale in the Boscastle area. With our local provided a guidance asks traders to check knowledge and all the latest internet sales connections we sheet for business people first with the Planning are your best bet for getting your property viewed by both local and national buyers and prospective tenants. in the area. Numerous Department before conversations have taken erecting or displaying new We give personal service and are available at any time or amended advertising. during working hours to visit you and give help and place between Council information free of charge. Standard application officers and local traders Contact Mark, Jane, Angie or Irene on 01840 212938 and it is understood that forms are available from e-mail [email protected] traders are simply trying the Department in hard to generate income in the copy or online via www. tough economic climate. planningportal.go.uk The perceived need to The County officers compete with others will be revisiting Boscastle for trade has ultimately at the start of next season resulted in the increased to discuss with and advise advertisements displayed traders on the nature of through the village. future advertising. The Council has no CR desire to instigate formal Forrabury and Minster prosecution proceedings Parish Council meet in for those traders displaying the Village Hall on the illegal signs, but a balance second Thursday of each must be made between month at 7pm. HEDLEY VENNING BUILDING CONTRACTOR Your local tradesman with 30 years experience ------• New Builds • Renovations • Roofing • Plastering • Stonework • Drain Clearance ------Tel: 01840 250113 Mobile: 0797 4581836

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 15 Dear friends we lost this time last year. own time – not our time. Philippines at this time, Looking back at last years Hopefully, next year we Recently we as a family and I pray that you do Blowhole I was writing will have moved on. went to the Theatre to as well, and I would also following the General What, however, does watch the Ballet ‘Swan plead with you that if you Synods disappointingly this say to us about how we Lake’ – what a treat for us have not already donated negative vote on allowing live out our lives? Well, I all. This was the children’s to this cause then please do women to become think that it tells us to never first time watching a ballet, consider doing so. Bishops. This year though give up, to keep on trying and Margaret and I were With blessings to you the church has taken the to be the people that God a bit worried what they all at this Christmas time. first step to allow this to wants us to be. Sometimes would think. But all four of Fr Robert actually take place – about us were entranced from the that is really hard and the From the Methodist time too I can hear many road ahead of us is unclear, first moment, right until Minister of you say. But the church but if we trust in the Lord, the final curtain call. It is I am not an avid watcher does move VERY slowly at then he will guide us and truly amazing what human of many television times – far too slowly. keep us firmly on the path beings can achieve, and programmes but With this new vote that he wants us on. Often listening to the fantastic occasionally find myself comes a confidence that though in our lives ‘things’ music brought tears to all watching a part of one of the in the not too far future seem to get us down, we do of our eyes as the music many quiz programmes. As the Church of England lose our way, and feel that connected us fully to the I watch and make attempts will have women Bishops, we are unable to cope. But story being danced out at answering some of the but that is not the end of I firmly believe that the on the stage in front of questions I am amazed the debate as some people Lord never gives us more us. A story of the struggle at some of the questions will not be able to cope than we can carry - and I of love and death. Not a which contestants are with such a change, some know that to some of you very happy end it has to be unable to answer. A piece people will even leave the that will sound ridiculous, said, but to be moved by of research undertaken church because of this and might even be hurtful. what humanity can do is in recent years led to the decision, and (hopefully) But when things have gone incredible. conclusion that less than some might come back. wrong in my life – as they I have also been moved 12% of adults knew the It is far too early to tell frequently have – and I recently to the response full Nativity Story – the what will happen in the feel unable to cope….. of the British public to story which gives rise to future, but a brave new from somewhere comes the terrible events in the all which we celebrate at step has been taken, and the strength to carry on. Philippines, the staggering Christmas. I find that this must continue if the It is only after the event, amounts of money that fact amazing because a church is to show society when I look back, that I have been given to the large number of us have how to behave. It is an realise that that particular people there by the people participated in School impossible position to be ‘thing’ did need to happen of the UK is incredible, Nativity plays or Carol in when trying to preach as it was only through especially considering that Services, or have shared about equality, abolishing dealing with that problem we are in one of the worst in them as parents in the racial hatred etc when the that I now have the tools, recessions that this country audience or congregation. church herself still does not and strength to undertake has ever seen. This surely allow women to become another problem in my life shows that the love of At the national level its leaders. This latest vote in the future. humanity can overcome the various Churches in this Country share in gives back to the church God truly works in anything. I keep in my promoting the Christian some of the integrity that mysterious ways, and in his prayers the people of the

Page 16 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Festivals through a communities, and what’s committee of advertising more still does bring experts. This year they are transformation. It is always producing a series of posters worthwhile thinking about which ask such questions as what Christmas really ‘Does Christmas start with means for us, to discover its Fresh Crabs and Lobsters landed daily in Port Isaac from our own the telly ads in October? meaning for our lives and boat ‘Mary D’. Available cooked, dressed, in a sandwich, boxed to take home or even alive. Does Christmas start with living. We also have a small seasonal selection of sustainably caught the office party? Or Does Wishing you all joy, Cornish fish, mussels, oysters and smoked fish, locally roasted Christmas start with the peace, happiness and every coffee, homemade cakes and lots more Call in for a crab sandwich or lobster salad and glass of wine kid’s nativity services? The blessing at Christmas and answer to each question is in 2014. Situated at the top of the hill near the Pea Pod Gallery of course ‘No’, which leads Bryan Ede Calum and Tracey Greenhalgh into the logo which is in Fresh from the Sea P.S. You are welcome 18 New Road, Port Isaac, PL29 3RE the shape of a present tag to share in the Worship at 01208880215 with the words ‘Christmas our Boscastle Methodist [email protected] starts with Christ’. Church on Sundays at The advertising strategy 11a.m. Our Christmas and message is a sharp occasions include Carols reminder to all of us of with the St. Gennys Band NEED YOUR HOME MAINTAINING? how traditions can grow on Thursday, December away from their original 19th at 7p.m. and Worship beginnings. on Christmas Day at KINGSLEY UGLOW ‘Christmas starts with 9.30a.m. Christ’ is a prompt to each Will undertake any interior or exterior work of us to remember that in Barbara Honey on your house including: our Christmas Celebrations would like to wish her Decorating - Plastering Tiling we are Celebrating the Relatives and Friends Renovation Work - Carpentry - Masonry Birth of God’s Son, Jesus, in Boscastle whose life, teaching, Stonewalling - Cornish Hedging death and resurrection has a Merry Christmas and a Fence and Shed Building - Wooden Flooring had a profound effect in Happy New Year. All work guaranteed to a high standard every century since. The She will not be sending Concrete bases and dwarf walls built for effect has transformed the conservatories lives of individuals and cards this year. Phone: 01840 211054 Mobile: 07976 412374 Valency

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 17 included farming, owning George Menhenick pigs and chicken, and Peter Steege running the newsagents Sadly, Peter Steege in Boscastle. George passed away on also owned boats at one 31st October. His time at Rock and then funeral took place at Boscastle. In the late St Gennys Church 1970’s he was involved on 18th November. in salvaging a barge in An obituary will Boscastle Harbour. He be published in the enjoyed being a skipper next edition of the and fishing. Blowhole. George had at various times contributed to Community life, and at Brian Honey his funeral Service his Unfortunately, we have certificates for being a to inform readers that In the announcement of some part-time study at Coastguard in Boscastle, Brian Honey passed his passing in our local the Cornwall Technical and a Blood Donor were away on 8th November newspapers George was College at on a displayed. For a period 2013 at Collanere described as a ‘much loved day-release basis. In those of time George was a Nursing Home, character’, and others have days that involved having member of the Tintagel . used the phrase a ‘colourful’ a lift to , and Parish Council. character. using the train services to George was also known George passed away Camborne. locally as a sportsman Ken Stanton- in the Royal Cornwall George would have having played football and Hospital at Treliske on been eligible to undertake Nadin cricket for Tintagel team. Monday, 28th October, National Service, but It is with deep regret He was a good golfer, and having been admitted actually served in the Royal that we announce the also enjoyed cue sports there a few days prior. For Navy for a longer period death of Ken Stanton- having played Snooker Lindsay and Tracey it was of time becoming a Sub- Nadin. He died very and Pool for local teams. th the loss of a significant Mariner in the Submarine suddenly on 28 In the mid 1960’s he was person in their lives, Dad, called Tiptoe. November and will be a T.T. Rally Driver, and and to them we extend our fondly remembered George returned to was a lifelong supporter of sympathy at this time. and greatly missed. Pat, Cornwall and used his Arsenal. George could be electrical skills at one Sarah and Karen would George shared his life described as being Cornish time with Stan Hall in like to thank everyone with many people and ‘through and through’ Delabole, and then at for their cards, kind contributed much to their because he lived for most of other times in partnership wishes and offers of lives. He had a dry sense of his life in the Trewarmett, with others or on his own help and support humour and will be greatly Tintagel and Boscastle account, sometimes with during this sad and missed by his family and areas, being away from other enterprises alongside. difficult time. friends. the area during his period Many of his customers of Service with the Royal were grateful for his Navy. preparedness to respond Ruth Puddick ARMCM GRNCM George was a pupil outside of normal working at the Tintagel Primary hours to undertake repairs. School, and received his Most people will readily VIOLIN & VIOLA TUITION secondary education at associate George with • all ages, beginners to diploma the Lansdowne School in the premises now known • preparation for professional auditions Wadebridge. On leaving as the Trewarmett Inn • chamber music coaching school he undertook which he ran under the Very experienced teacher, ex-BBC Philharmonic player an apprenticeship as an name El Condado. Other electrician which involved enterprises of George’s Phone: 01566 781845

Page 18 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Harbourmaster’s News

Storm Jude in early So little or no fishing had taken a very heavy I have seen some big November gave after the storms but I have pounding half a mile salmon in the harbour this the harbour a good had two very early morning off the Strangles. Autumn and an even bigger weathering and the trips this month with Scott has also tried netting for dog seal regularly in pursuit. groundsea 7 days later searching for strings of herring and although I rather fancy the idea of did even more damage to pots and bringing in where there has been plenty Boscastle salmon for lunch the slips and walls. All the possible. On the first trip to look at on the echo on Christmas day but I remaining the boats were in the bay of 70 pots found sounder nothing so far in think the chances for me are lifted out in October save 30 were so badly damaged the nets but we will keep very slim.

for “Beeny” which took they had to be cut off and it trying up until Christmas. Chris Key

46 amy 47 tie 47 amy 46

a good heaving on her was pretty much the same mu 44 mint 42 limbo 40 nap 38 teal 37 etna 33 pancake 32 against 31 rod 30

11 lancaster 12 between 13 scree 15 oneiric 18 dual 21 mp 25 crow 28 yttrium 28 crow 25 mp 21 dual 18 oneiric 15 scree 13 between 12 lancaster 11

1 abacus 2 gladioli 3 roan 4 ape 5 sore 6 io 7 ancestor 8 canoe 9 steam 9 canoe 8 ancestor 7 io 6 sore 5 ape 4 roan 3 gladioli 2 abacus 1

moorings as can be seen story the following day Down

from the photo above, going up to Crackington boot 51 layette 50 minsk 49

35 nougat 36 cwt 37 ten 39 annal 41 era 42 mica 43 impi 45 patina 48 emu 48 patina 45 impi 43 mica 42 era 41 annal 39 ten 37 cwt 36 nougat 35

taken by Scott Washer. and where another string riot 34 ape 31 osier 29 lorry 27 ale 26 emphatic 24 scow 23 use 22 ram 20

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 19 Museum of Witchcraft changes hands Graham King writes: The process of passing I have always planned to the museum on to The retire at 60 and it looks Museum of British Folklore as if I have achieved my was made relatively simple ambition. At midnight because of this structure. on the 31st October 2013, We (the trustees) appointed ownership of The Museum the new trustees and then of Witchcraft was passed resigned effectively passing from me to the Museum of ownership to these new British Folklore. trustees. I then resigned as Samhain is a time for managing director of The remembering the past and Museum of Witchcraft I can’t help recalling the Ltd and Simon Costin was many good, and the many Graham and Simon shake hands in the Museum’s library appointed. challenging, experiences 1996 the objects were not task undertaken by a truly So The Museum of I have had during my catalogued; there was no remarkable group of Witchcraft Ltd continues 17 years at the helm of library and no website and volunteers. but with a new director. this fantastic collection. I no third floor flat. Things Our database and It retains the same name, recall the trepidation and have changed a lot but online search facility is now the same wonderful outright fear I felt when only with a huge amount setting standards that most staff, accountants, bank I sold my home, business of help. museums dream of, but it accounts, suppliers etc. and car and walked from I remember when the would not exist if it wasn’t All in all a smooth transfer Hampshire to Cornwall electricians condemned for the museum’s ‘friends’. thanks to some forethought to become custodian of the wiring and I was faced Some years ago I many years ago! Williamson’s Museum, so with the task of emptying formed a trust to protect I am so grateful for I can understand if Simon all the display spaces (there the Museum in the event all the help, support and Costin has butterflies in his were no cabinets in those of an accident. The trust friendship that has been stomach! But he needn’t days). Word was put out was also set up to enable directed towards me during worry. The Museum of and Cassandra and the the easy transition, when my years in Boscastle. Rest Witchcraft Ltd is in the Penwith moot descended the time was right, to assured that I will oversee strongest position it has on the museum to help. charitable status and the hand-over and will ever been in - 2013 has been We produced forms to museum accreditation. make sure that Simon and its most successful year so fill in for each artefact The trust held 100% of his team, together with the far. All year, Tripadvisor has and the team carefully the shares in The Museum help of the friends, make rated it as the top museum removed each object, filled of Witchcraft Ltd and a good job of steering The in Cornwall. in the forms, and Adrian forbade, and still forbids, Museum of Witchcraft into Some of you will photographed them. The the sale of the museum or a magical and wonderful remember that when I first crude database was its assets for profit. future. took the museum on in formed - a truly remarkable GK

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Boscastle Gallery 41 42 43 44 The Bridge, Boscastle 45 46 47 48 51 49 54 (01840) 250248 55 50 51

Across Down Paintings by local artists 1 tool for boring 1 ancient calculator A wide selection of prints & cards plus 4 continent 2 flower an unusual mix of gifts and gadgets. 9 eating utensil 3 chestnut horse 10 form of mineral gypsum 4 chimpanzee 14 cereal 5 painful 16 pitch of a voice 6 satellite of Jupiter Relieve stress & tension with a back/ 17 biblical garden 7 forebear body Swedish massage. Relaxing 19 a section 8 shallow boat aromatherapy/holistic massage with soothing essential oils. 20 male sweep 9 hot vapour Facial massage 22 employ 11 town in NW England Specific medical conditions i.e. trapped nerves 23 flat bottomed boat 12 neither one nor another and whiplash. Skin disorders - psoriasis, 24 definite 13 loose stones eczema. Arthritis/rheumatism, sciatic pain, 26 alcohol 15 relating to dreams minor aches and pains. Slimming Treatment. G5. 27 vehicle 18 of two parts By appointment only - Home visits by arrangement 29 willow 21 politician I.T.E.C. Qualified Physical Therapist 31 animal 25 bird LYNNE KELLY Tel: 01840 230933 34 public disturbance 28 metallic element St Gennys & Local areas Mobile: 07751 508800 35 sweat 30 pole 36 weight 31 anti ANDREW LEEDS CHIMNEY SWEEP 37 number 32 theatrical make-up 39 record of one year 33 Italian volcano AND STOVE INSTALLATIONS 41 period of history 37 small duck Tel: 01840 250114 42 mineral found in granite 38 card game • Va c u u m & B r u s h • Stove Installations 43 zulu warriors 38 card game - no mess • Flue lining 45 film on old bronze 40 West Indian dance 48 flightless bird 42 herb • Servicing & Repairs • HETAS certification • Cowls & Bird guards 49 capital of Belarus 44 letter of Greek alphabet • 20 mile radius 50 set of baby clothes 46 girl’s name 51 footwear 47 link answers on page 19

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 21 THE PARISH PLAN VISITOR SATISFACTION SURVEY

As part of the Parish Plan, a (45) or holiday lets (43), of enjoyment were the shop or Boots’ franchise; snapshot Visitor Satisfaction and camping (20) was also pleasures of natural scenery cash points; a fish and chip Survey was carried out popular. and the walks around shop and the quality rather this summer resulting in For many (38) it was Boscastle. Obviously than quantity of food in a total of 122 responses. It a first visit, but mostly it is essential that this some outlets. The impact was felt it would be useful visitors returned once or maintained as a visitor of traffic on narrow roads to gauge visitors’ reactions twice a year (35) or more attraction. Next came the plus confusing road and to Boscastle, particularly often (27). The proportion appreciation of the harbour one-way signs and parking as there was no readily of returnees is of course and old buildings, the pubs restrictions drew comment. available information on the encouraging. We know and restaurants, and the Mobile signal interference subject. there is a general long-term therapy of fresh air, peace was also a problem for some. Visitors were asked to trend to regard Cornwall and quiet. As was expected Waste bins overflowing and answer nine short questions as a secondary rather than Boscastle is less noted for lack of dog poo receptacles about their impressions of main holiday destination. beaches, swimming and were described as unsightly the area, covering visitor Couples are more footloose, surfing. and a recurrent theme was background, type of while families prefer a Standards of the lack of seating in the accommodation they used, traditional seaside holiday, accommodation and local harbour area (National how often they visited but the overall impression shops and amenities such as Trust, please note!). One and two open questions is that Boscastle is a well- the National Trust Visitor respondent even suggested regarding their views on known and appreciated Centre, the Witchcraft we needed a bookshop the most enjoyable parts of holiday destination. Museum, Otherworld and - now there’s a business their stay in Boscastle, and Asked the purpose of the Farm Shop, all drew opportunity? any recommendations for their visit replies echoed very favourable comments. However, specific improvement to facilities. much peoples’ expectations People liked the feel of criticisms notwithstanding, Some results were largely of a holiday in Cornwall - the place, Boscastle’s relaxed the overall approval ratings as anticipated. Most visitors relaxation (90), beaches and atmosphere, its friendly were high. Most visitors came from the UK (76) and surfing (44), sightseeing and locals, general cleanliness would return again and South West (39) with only visitor attractions (77), for and sense of community recommend Boscastle as a single figure numbers from reasons of historical interest life. holiday destination. We in abroad. ( A recent survey (40) and to enjoy walking, All good news. the village are fully aware of noted that the two most climbing, fishing and other any highlighted deficiencies Room for improvement popular destinations for activities (55). and are doing our best to focused on three main overseas visitors are London deal with current problems The two open-ended areas: the Gateway public and Edinburgh, followed by and further build on our questions elicited perhaps toilets, the car park and the SE and Lake District, reputation. the most interesting results. obtrusive signage. Visitors so Cornwall appears to While space prevents listing objected to toilet charging Particular thanks are lag behind). South West every comment, certain and found the systems due to team members visitors were largely here on key aspects of the holiday difficult to use and prone Brian Clarke, our ace a day trip or short stay basis, experience were shared to failure. Fortunately most Questionnaire compiler, UK visitors a week or more by many. Top of the list of the mechanical problems to Rosemary Tamplin and staying in hotels or B&Bs have now been rectified, Caroline Okill for her efforts but questions remain about in trying to analyse results the standards of cleanliness from the first tranche of Car parking charges were questionnaires, to Margaret considered too high, and Pickering, Arthur Bannister a deterrent to walkers and and the sadly missed Peter short stay visitors. Signage Steege who all contributed was criticized for its hodge- their efforts, and to Jane podge appearance and Castling and Myrna Lester negative impact on the for their indefatigable forays image of the village. on the lawn at Valency. Specific complaints Chris Jarvis were: the lack of chemist’s Chris Rodda

Page 22 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Yoga Classes Q: I’ve seen pictures of people doing amazing things with My name is Fiona and I their bodies. I’m not sure I’d lead the yoga class in the ever be able to do that. Community Centre. It’s a A: The gentle series of friendly group with a mix postures in yoga are designed of both ages and levels of to let you take them as far as you want to. It’s all about the flexibility, some have been relationship with your own doing yoga for years whilst body. others are still reasonably Q: I know already that there new. We start the New Year will be some weeks that I classes on January 9th (bear won’t be able to make the this in mind for those New class, do I have to sign up for a block of classes? Year resolutions perhaps?) A: There will always be times There seem to be some when people have other questions that new people commitments. I run a drop-in approaching me will always class and you come when you ask, so I hope this will can. We have been discussing answer most of them. a system whereby you pay for a block of say six classes but Q: What do I have to wear for use it within a three month yoga? Will everyone be in period, but this hasn’t been lycra bodysuits? implemented yet. Orchard Lodge b&b A: It’s important to New look feel comfortable. Wear I hope this answers most Gunpool Lane something loose that you questions. Do remember that More awards Boscastle can bend easily in and avoid yoga practice will help you tight belts. I just wear a big get away from the stress and Better than ever.. PL35 0AT t shirt and a pair of leggings sheer ‘busyness’ of everyday for instance. 01840 250418 life. Yoga increases flexibility Q: I’m worried that everyone will be much younger than and suppleness; it improves www.orchardlodgeboscastle.co.uk me, what’s the age group? posture and breathing. Some A: Yoga is for everyone! I say they sleep much better. have on occasion had young In its most basic sense, it is a TAN PARTRI kids in the class, and one of form of gentle stretching and RIS CK my ladies in another class is movements that give you a T in her eighties. There is no wonderful feeling of well- age limit on yoga. being and in touch with your CONSTRUCTION Q: Do I need to buy any physical self. A big part of it is equipment? just lying down and learning A: We do yoga on mats. I EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS to switch off and relax. always have some spare NEW BUILD • BATHROOMS ones, so there is no need to The class in Boscastle buy a mat until you are sure has been going for so long Phone: 07989 327 873 that yoga is for you. No other it would be wonderful to equipment is needed except FREE QUOTATIONS for a blanket which you can keep it going and we do have cover yourself with during spaces for more people. So the relaxation session at the please do feel free to drop end. in and give it a go. We meet Boscastle Chamber of Trade Q: I’m not very flexible and on Thursday mornings at I’m concerned that everyone 10am and the class runs until and Commerce else will be better than me, is 11.30. The cost is run on this the case? a donation style payment, Have your say; voice your ideas or concerns A: Every body is different – although most pay about £6 most of us have bits that don’t For more information on joining contact: per class. work the same as others. Ross Yates (membership secretary) 250216 Yoga is very much for the Do give me a ring if Chris Searle (treasurer) 250225 individual and teaches you to you need any more listen to your body. It is not a information on: Sue Venning (secretary) 250239 competition and everyone is 01208 851735 Membership fee is £25 per year and is open very understanding if anyone to all businesses within the PL35 postcode area has difficulties. Fiona

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 23 Broomway across the silver sands off the Essex coast. The Reading Room He, also, follows one of his Sweet smells of autumn community and it deserves Why not join me for grandfather’s favourite walks were, at last, filling the air. to be treasured. It is a part a while in this special through the Cairngorms in Our little fishing village has of our local and national haven and share with the the eastern Highlands, as enjoyed such mild, sunny heritage. bookworms the experiences well as journeying farther weather of late that we were I move on through they have had between abroad. beginning to think that the valley and find myself the pages of the books The Kindness of summer would never end. thinking of other special they chose to read over the Strangers by Kate Aide In the valley leaves were on summer break. features in our locality such Kate Adie was raised in the turn and now breath- as the twenty foot high The Old Ways by taking autumnal colours post-war Sunderland, where Pentargon Waterfall with its Robert McFarlane life was, she says: ‘a sunny were all around. There was gnarled beauty and stomach Macfarlane is a modern- experience, full of meat-paste a familiar musty woodland churning drop to the sea day chronicler of the sandwiches and Sunday aroma as I took the path below. through the wood along by outdoors and a nature writer. school’ Finally, I catch a glimpse Minster Church. I paused to He has written three books, She joined the BBC in of the village through the absorb the magical, serene one on mountains, one 1969. Her book includes her trees and I am reminded atmosphere that surrounds on wild places; but it is his reporting from, Northern straight away of another this very special place and most recent, The Old Ways, Ireland, the Middle East, unique treasure. Our Potter I wondered how many of is perhaps his best. His Tiananmen Square and, has been working in our our ancient ancestors had approach is to take a lovely of course, the Gulf War of village for fifty one years and been moved in the same meander through nature, 1991. She has managed has thrown over two million way. What would they think poetry, anthropology and to combine vivid frontline pieces of pottery, each if they were aware of the the British countryside. reporting with evocative unique, thanks to the process threat of closure hanging It is, in fact, a history writing as well as revealing he has discovered. He has, over this unique building? of the footpath, ‘the maze- how demanding life is for deservedly, been presented Its beautiful architecture is like network of public a woman at the heart of the with a special award to set in a site encompassing access that stretches across action. She is an intensely mark the contribution and a pagan/early Christian the British Isles like an private person, but, Kate commitment he has given healing well and it reaches enormous spider’s web Adie divulges what it’s like to to our little fishing village. back in to history. It and the consequence of He attracts visitors from far be a woman in a man’s world. holds the key to baptisms, the seismic 18th-century and wide and he is known in This is truly inspirational to marriages, funerals and enclosure movement to many places as I discovered many working women. traditional seasonal privatise common land’ when in Lacronan in The Great Railway celebrations that have gone Brittany! The book, traces the Bazaar by Paul Theroux before. It is also home to a footsteps of early 20th- As I turn the key in the colony of wonderful horse- century poet-walker Edward This modern classic of lock of The Reading Room shoe bats. Just like our Thomas along the chalk travel literature is strange, once again I recognise how precious Reading Room, ridges of the Icknield Way unique, and hugely lucky we all are here. I feel this amazing building is across southern England, entertaining. It was first blessed to be able to call this an integral part of our and the treacherous offshore published over thirty years beautiful place home. ago. Theroux recounts

Page 24 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 woman fleeing with her character’s world-view, The Reading Room child to escape from her McEwan spent time with adventures on a grand released 1984, it catalogues husband and it is told (in the a neurosurgeon. The novel continental tour. Using the some of the English form of letters) by Maureen/ explores one’s engagement fabled trains of Asia, the language’s most commonly Mary and (in the form of with the modern world Orient Express, the Khyber misused words and phrases interviews) by the residents and the meaning of Pass Local, the Frontier in order to demonstrate of the village she escaped to, existence in it. The main Mail, and the Golden correct usage with different chapters by character, though outwardly Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, different people. This style, successful, still struggles He has written over using alternated chapters, to understand meaning in the Mandalay Express, the twenty books and has his Trans-Siberian Express, works very well as the reader his life, exploring personal own website where you can gets different viewpoints of satisfaction in the post- his journey takes him on view them. a loop eastbound from the same situation. Also it modern, developed world. The Old Curiosity Shop London’s Victoria Station reveals the judgements the Though intelligent and well to Tokyo Central, then back by Charles Dickens villagers have of Mary and read, Perowne feels he has from Japan on the Trans- This bookwormshe of them, and it is a great little influence over political Siberian. His humour and definitely would not way to develop the story. events. wry observations, makes it recommend this book! Saturday by Ian Sebastian Faulks Books essential reading for both Chronologically, it is one of McEwan Engelby the ardent adventurer and his early books. She found This is a novel by set This ambitious novel the armchair traveller. it had a meandering and in Fitzrovia, London, on probes the wayward mind of contrived plot which was Bill Bryson Books Saturday, 15 February 2003, a Cambridge student in the tedious and over sentimental. during a large demonstration 1970s. He’s at the fringes, An American living in The characters were barely against the 2003 invasion of watching, being there - Britain, William McGuire two dimensional. “Bill” Bryson, OBE, FRS, Iraq. The protagonist, Henry volunteering, fetching This came as a surprise to is a best-selling American Perowne, a 48-year-old and carrying - but his airy her as she is normally a fan author of humorous books neurosurgeon, has planned a assertions of ‘friendships’ of Dickens, especially ‘Bleak on travel, as well as books series of chores and pleasures are imaginary. He is, we House’ and ‘Little Dorrit’. on the English language and culminating in a family come to realise, a weirdo, a science. They are the sort of Strange Fits of Passion dinner in the evening. As gatecrasher, a ‘loner’. It is a book you can ‘dip’ in and by Anita Shreve he goes about his day he gripping story but it goes to ponders the meaning of the out of at will. This is often This is a gripping tale of some very dark places. protest and the problems just what you need!! Some of truth and deception from The Girl at the that inspired it, however, his tiles include: the acclaimed novelist. the day is disrupted by an Lion D’or At Home – A short She has clever ways of encounter with a violent, This was the author’s history of private life. approaching the story, troubled man. second novel. It is set in A Dictionary of which vividly evokes a sense To understand his the tiny French village of Troublesome Words - first of place. It is a story of a Janvilliers in 1936. Together

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 25 The Reading Room The Bottreaux Restaurant with Birdsong and Charlotte and fresh generations. This Boscastle PL35 0BG Gray, it makes up Faulks’ book is for all of them. Private Parties & Functions catered for your France Trilogy. The character The Voyager by Charles Hartmann is Kate Lance Special Occasion or for a get-together of family or common to all three books. friends in our licensed bar & dining room reserved This is the first full Nick Drake by biography of Alan Villiers, exclusively for your party. Patrick Humphries the legendary sailor, author We can offer a sit-down meal for 8-20 people Nick Drake was barely and photographer. It has or buffet style up to approximately 30 to suit 26 years old when he involved comprehensive died in 1974 following research in both Australia individual requirements. an accidental overdose and in England and is based For further details please call of prescribed drugs. The on extensive archives at the Heather or Nicola 01840 250231 British singer-songwriter National Maritime Museum made only three albums and elsewhere. email [email protected] during his short life - Five Kate Lance paints www.boscastlecornwall.co.uk Leaves Left, Bryter Layter a fascinating, detailed and Pink Moon. All are now portrait of the life and recognized as classic. Nick times of this brilliant has influenced stars such as writer, photographer and REM, Elton John, and Paul adventurer who was one Weller but there has never of the last men to work before been a biography under sail and to record Fresh locally produced meats of Nick Drake. Thisthe experience in a parallel Barnecutt’s bread and hot pasties biography includes exclusive career as journalist and Wide range of groceries, fresh fruit & veg interviews with friends, author. Gluten free products stocked colleagues and musicians x x x x x x who knew and worked Off Licence and Pay Point with Nick. It provides an May your reading be Opening hours: unprecedented insight into varied and inspiring until we Mon - Fri: 8am-6pm his life and work. It also meet again in The Reading transports the reader to the Room. Saturday: 9am-5pm music scene of the 1960s Yours Truly Sunday: 9am-1pm that formed his backdrop. The haunting beauty of the The Keeper of the Key Tel: 01840 250108 text reaches out to previous www.bottreauxfillingstation.co.uk BOSSINEY HOUSE HOTEL and Cedar Tree Restaurant Tel: 01840 770240 Bossiney Road Tintagel Great rooms, a comfortable bar and spacious restaurant which are open to non-residents for a la carte meals throughout the week and with our renowned carvery every Sunday - also a great venue for special events, weddings and Christmas parties

Page 26 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 round houses. A series of ponies. Grazing in this way mounds near the southeast also occurs on a number of Boxes for Birds and the Harbour and one end of the peninsula are other coastal sites in Devon Bees: Wed 19 Feb 2014 near the football pitch. pillow mounds in which and Cornwall. Hence four 11am to 3pm, at the Visitor • Away from the village rabbits were farmed in the ponies have been rescued Centre. Join the rangers (or if you have forgotten post-medieval period. from Dartmoor by our to build yourself a nest box bags) please at least flick It is planned to tenant farmer to carry or bug home. All tools, it off the path with a provide interpretation for out this valuable task. materials and instructions stick. Willapark, which will help The traditional breeds provided. £3 for a nest box, people’s enjoyment and (Dartmoor and Exmoor Please remember it is an ponies) are hardy and £2 for a bug box. offence NOT to pick up understanding of the area. Dogs in Boscastle Willapark: wildflowers used to grazing the coarse after your dog, and you can grasses/scrub, which would It is great to see so many and ponies be fined £80 on the spot. be considered poor forage people (and their dogs) in As well as its history, We carry dog poo bags in to more modern breeds of Boscastle getting out and Willapark is recognised for all National Trust vehicles, horse about and enjoying the so please come and ask us if it’s coastal grassland and In time the ponies will great network of walks and you need some extras. wildflower interest (it’s a surrounding countryside. Site of Special Scientific help to improve the plant Willapark: it’s all in the diversity at Willapark. However, we have Interest) but over time past Merry Xmas to one and noticed there is an increasing The National Trust has bramble, blackthorn and all amount of dog mess in completed an archaeological bracken have started to take Jenny Herbert certain areas, especially survey on Willapark. The over. jenny.herbert@ around the harbour, private work was part of a wider To maintain the wildlife nationaltrust.org.uk lane (green cut) and around project around the south interest the cliff top Tel: 01288 331372 the car park. As I’m sure west called ‘Unlocking your grasslands are being grazed northcornwallnt.org you are aware, many people Coastal Heritage’ (part by traditional breeds of use these areas, including funded through European Camelford Stingers families, and in the summer grant money.) time the grass needs to be Swimming Club The project recorded and cut regularly. Not a pleasant Camelford Stingers glasses and plates to the surveyed the earthworks and job when there is dog poo Swimming Club would event. features at Willapark. The everywhere!! like to extend a HUGE results show an earthwork In September the Club, We would really thank you to the Seriously held a Mini Triathlon. The rampart, comprising a Awful Symphonia and the appreciate it if dog bank and ditch cutting aim of the triathlon was to owners took the following Allen Valley Singers concert encourage fitness amongst across the neck of the held at St Kew Church on approaches when dealing children and to introduce headland, which may have Saturday 19th October. with their dog’s offerings: them to the sport; it is been abandoned before Their kindness allowed our • Bag it and bin it. There intended that it will become completion. Earthwork club to make £160 which are 2 bins in the car an annual event. Thank you cuttings were recorded will be split between the park, one general bin in to teveryone who made which maybe platforms for Stingers Swimming Club donations, baked cakes & and Camelford Leisure contributed prizes to the M. BIDDICK & SON LTD Centre. tombola. Thanks also to Sir The Swimmers andJames Smith’s School for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Parents enjoyed a musical the use of the grounds, to evening singing and the many volunteers who clapping along to the choir marshalled the course, to The Willows National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and orchestra. The children the competitors and to Dr Boscastle N CEIC worked hard for their money Elin Davis for the voluntary PL35 0AS APPROVED CONTRACTOR selling raffle tickets, serving medical support, should it refreshment’s and helping have been needed! with the silver collection. Monies raised at the Telephone: 01840 250448 Camelford Stingers would event £685.55 will help Mobile: 07966 498733 or 07974 676583 also like to thank everyone fund The Leisure Centre and who donated refreshment’s, Camelford Stingers ASC.

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 27 Natural Beauty and would in being placed Correspondence be noiseless, odourless and on the market for sale. The imperceptible in use. A tenants lived in a state of minority of people, who apprehension and did not considered themselves well- know for a considerable time informed, knew what was best whether they would be losing for others. the roofs over their heads. An We won’t explore the ongoing stress that allegedly environmental and carbon had ‘no lasting consequences’ footprint issues of the whatsoever to anyone. existing scheme. It is beyond To finish on a more debate that it was the most positive note we would join complex, expensive and with John in the earnest hope energy inefficient of all those that 2013 was just the first of proposed. Dubious attributes many idyllic summers and also now reflected in the high water express the sincere desire that Dear Editor, Dear Boscastle bills that South West Water sleeping dogs now be left to lie. customers pay. Anthony Brewer We’d like to thank the kind Blowhole Trevalga still doesn’t Chair to Trevalga Parish farmer Sarah and her nephew We, in Trevalga, are grateful Meeting, on behalf of Matthew who rescued our to have enjoyed the same have mains water or sewage Trevalga residents. visitor Pat last month, and summer as John Maughan, treatment and takes little everyone else who helped her. but that is where we must comfort that it is the location Dear Blowhole Readers, Pat was one of a party part company. Sadly his letter for treating sewage from the The Future of Minster of American friends staying in the autumn edition of the surrounding area. You will Church. Yes what indeed at our cottage in Boscastle. Blowhole demonstrates an excuse us using the sewage word should we be doing with They had one day of lovely out-of-character insensitivity. rather than the now preferred it!!!! and more genteel waste water weather and ventured out The central location The article that Mary - we have, at least, refrained on the Boscastle to Tintagel he cites for the Sewage Sharp wrote in the last from listing its constituents. coast path, where Pat had an Treatment Works was an Blowhole magazine was Equally poignant is the fact unfortunate slip and broke early one and most people excellent. Minster Church that Trevalga, Boscastle, her leg very badly. will remember that later sites is facing an unknown and Bossiney and Tintagel did Luckily, Sarah and for the Boscastle were well uncertain future: what can not receive the usual Section Matthew rescued Pat and away from the village and we possibly do to help save 106 compensation by way of brought her all the way back situated at Hillsborough and it!!!! reparation from South West to the doctor’s in Boscastle Tresuck. We won’t need to Water. In the case of Trevalga I live in Norfolk and for on their tractor. After that, remind Boscastle residents or significant funds that could the last forty years (every she went off to Barnstable businesses of the protracted have been used to build a new year) I have been coming hospital where she had to disruption caused when village hall. down to Boscastle as I have a big operation on her South West Water installed have a brother who lives in Last, and by no means leg, including a plate on the pipes to accommodate these . left and some pins on the locations. Opposition to least, the un-opposable sale Minster Church has right. these schemes was on the of Trevalga Manor land for the Sewage Treatment always been on my list to We’re pleased to report basis that the sites would Works resulted in residences visit, it is a very Spiritual that she’s now back in be aesthetically unattractive Houston, where her sports and would create noise and doctor said the surgeons did a odour. We would politely really good job. She will have suggest that this comes under to have her leg elevated for 6 the remit of personal ‘axes to weeks but expects to make a grind’ in respect of objectors full recovery. living in the vicinity. Once again, wonderful When the joint Trevalga people in Boscastle have site was proposed everything rallied around to help a visitor miraculously changed. In this and we’re very grateful. location it was intimated that Best regards a Sewage Treatment Works Caroline & Malcolm would no longer downgrade Jarrett an Area of Outstanding

Page 28 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Church steeped in History rest of the Parish Council and a very beautiful one at Correspondence Liaison committee were that ----- it would indeed Dear Editor, thread: I was not the only challenged by people who, be a major tragedy to see it Does anyone else remember person to ask about a glass- understandably, did not closed and forgotten------a glass-blower in Boscastle blower, at the National Trust want a sewage treatment if in years to come in the mid-1950s..... or did I centre! Is there another plant close to their homes. that decision is made, imagine it? person as deluded as me...or But Peter in particular regrettably other Churches In 1955 I was aged 8, are we both right? remained undaunted and will follow and head down confined to bed for the entire Rod Jones showed courage and the slippery slope to closure two weeks of our annual determination to achieve the Dear Blowhole, what a terrible catastrophe holiday from London, with fairest and best outcome. I was surprised and pleased for our English Heritage. whooping cough. (The local But, in the end, the to read John Maughan’s My views to save this doctor was of the view that, if Sewage Committee and the letter in your last issue. I have historical and beautiful I’d stayed at home, I may not Tintagel Against Sewage been even more surprised at church are endless (like have survived: the Cornish air group won the public the overwhelmingly positive many others). What can did the trick!) enquiries and common response to the letter. Thank we do to help save it? sense prevailed – i.e. one At the end of our holiday you all very much. Healing sessions might I was allowed to choose one sewage treatment was to be I did put in a lot of time be a possibility, selling of – ‘just one mind’! – keepsake installed to serve Tintagel, and effort trying to stop Minster wine, newspaper and then (and for the next Boscastle and Bossiney and South West Water dumping articles and bulletins would few years) I favoured little not three separate plants. raw sewage down the cliff- form a great deal of interest blown-glass animals – a little One plant was also a far face at Penally Point but and possible donations. sausage dog, say, clear glass greener solution than three had a lot of help with my Possibly some special body, blue glass ears, red even with the extra pumping campaign. I was surprised services could be held just nose, black eyes and perhaps required. This was to be a how few people realised that at certain times of the year, a yellow tail! Fascinating to an higher quality plant than the contents of their loos for schools, and religious 8 year old – well to this 8 year any of us had dreamt of. ended up, totally untreated, groups, also fund raising old, anyway. Tintagel, Bossiney and running down the cliff face events would have to form Boscastle now have some of Now in my mind these below Penally point. an ongoing cycle and were created before my eyes the cleanest sea water in the One of the first to offer even advertised with all in a workshop beside the country. Only ten years ago help was Peter Steege who the internet connections ‘Cobweb Inn’, where the there were three raw sewage sadly died last month. Peter World Wide, I am sure pottery now is: I made some outlets in the area. fought many a battle on that if there seems to be enquiries when I was in So thank you John for behalf of the village and any positive indication of Boscastle recently – no clues your letter and thank you people who needed help eminent closure within about the workshop and I’m Peter, Arthur and all the -much of Peter’s work was the next few years that wrong about the little animals team who put their heads done discretely - only those action would be taken very – Trixie Webster remembers above the parapet, took the whom he helped will know. seriously indeed. selling them in the Old Pixie flack and won our villages a You have my sincere shop and buying them from Soon after our campaign sewage treatment plant and support for Minster Torquay!! started South West Water the clean seas we deserve. were prosecuted and fined Church to be kept open. I’d have given up then Peter Steege was never for allowing raw sewage to Linda Clark (even Jean Jose couldn’t help!) frightened to challenge spill from the pipeline into Fritton, Norfolk except for one tantalising anyone he felt was wrong be Boscastle harbour. Later our it The National Trust, The group was honoured to be Environment Agency, South asked by the Parish Council West Water or Parliament. Vacancies exist for adults and children to head up their sewage (beginners or advanced) to have liaison sub-committee. Good on you Peter! Your efforts to improve Piano or Keyboard Lessons Our efforts to get our community will not to be taught in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by a junior South West Water and school teacher with over 20 years of experience of piano teaching be forgotten especially by the Environment Agency in Cornwall. Parents are welcome to attend the lessons. those of us who swim, surf For further details please ring to consider installing one and kayak in the wonderful Peter L Henry BA, LTCL sewage treatment site rather coves, caves and beaches than three won universal between Boscastle and 01840 770470 support. Tintagel. RIP Peter. Peter, myself and the Graham King

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 29 Jim Mayers Jan 1933 - Oct 2013 Dad was always a stickler often asleep in the stalls by for good manners & old evensong. fashioned values so it is Dad left school at 14 & only right that I start with entered the print industry. a couple of thank yous to Next came national service those that looked after him where not only was the so well over the last few bowling hostile but at years. The majority should times illegal. A sergeant go to mum but also Karen, major left scars that never Roger, Craig & Alice. really healed. Once more They coped admirably in though he returned for difficult times which, deep more, signing up for the down, was appreciated parachute regiment in the by Dad. They could not Territorial Army: a fact that have done what they still makes me immensely did without the help of proud. everyone at the surgery & Despite the relatively the wider community.. early death of his parents, As many of you knew, Dad continued to be Dad was a great cricket surrounded by his family. lover but despite rumours Albert had met Jo & had 1958 thus commencing Why did I not know this? to the contrary (cheekily 2 children, Claire & Ian. another half century I have diabetes, so in order started by himself), he It was Dad who was the partnership. Me & not to upset me, everyone never really played. Dad first person to take Claire Karen followed shortly must have been sworn to came into bat at number out alone. Claire was 36 afterwards. We moved to secrecy. Even when body- 5 in January 1933, very at the time (months that Kent where Dad began boarding near here, Karen close to the Oval cricket is). In order to spend work in the prison service; & I were convinced that ground. He followed on more time with Claire he a tough job that he endured he had a permanent fixed from a formidable top also ignored all shouts of rather than enjoyed. grin. In retrospect it was order of 3 sisters in Nellie, “come in number… your Dad used to threaten his probably a grimace due Alice & Elsie. Next came a time is up” whilst on a playground bullies with to the water temperature much loved older brother, boating lake in the Isle his BIG brother. It is quite but we had very happy Albert & finally Dad. As of Wight. Ian’s trips with ironic that it was Dad who memories of holidays in with most innings, it’s a Dad were also eventful. It joined the paras & then Cornwall. So it was no tough start. He fended was Dad’s job to take him the prison service. The surprise that Karen &, on off or ducked someto the barbers, kicking & only thing big about Albert retirement, Mum and Dad hostile bouncers in the screaming. Dad took Ian to was his heart. Something made their home here. His form of tough inner city his first 2 football matches, else this partnership had in smile & cheery wave is no conditions with the help Charlton & Tottenham common. doubt well known to you of the protective gear of his of all places. At least the Dad tried to have as as is his ability to stop for a loving family. In fact, Dad latter were playing decent much time for Karen & “quick” chat or 2 or 3 or 4. went back for more when, opposition in Chelsea. All me as possible, & always with Albert, they chose to that was forgotten though His biggest smile with a smile. Hours spent return home rather than be at fireworks night when was always saved for the kicking a ball or teaching evacuated during the war. Uncle Jim’s bangers & grandchildren (closely Karen to ride a bike. It It was probably during rockets were much bigger followed by apple pie). shows what a caring & this time that his love of & louder than Albert’s. He is very proud that compassionate man he was music began. He & Albert Who said sibling rivalry is Craig has matured into a as one of Karen’s memories, joined the choir but Dad a child’s thing? very respectful, courteous being slightly younger, was she revealed last week, was & caring young man. A Dad married Mum in sneaky donuts after school.

Page 30 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Jim Mayers Jan 1933 - Oct 2013 huge amount of pride appears when watching Jacob play cricket (whilst laughing at my attempts) & earlier this year, when we took Dad to watch Alice & Archie ride, his broad grin was only interrupted by sharp intakes of breath as they jumped each fence. Dad never lost his sense of humour. Even very recently when bowling to Jacob & Archie in our back garden. Not being very mobile nor with great eyesight the standard was not that good. His apology? “I’m just pretending to be an Australian!” Dad was never pretentious or arrogant & so could never be described as a flamboyant batsman. He was more of a Sutcliffe than a Hobbs, a Boycott than a Compton. A Randall not a Gower (sorry Claire), more of a Cook than a Pieterson. In fact he took life at a Trott (Jonathon) rather than a canter (for those horse Above: marching down riders). Now in cricket you bat Forrabury Hill. Left: the in partnerships & this is where last post. Photos taken on Dad’s strength lies. Whether Remembrance Sunday 2013 as a brother, husband, uncle, by David Flower. Dad, grandpop, great uncle The local branch of the or friend & neighbour, there British Legion may close is nothing more reassuring through lack of numbers when you have made the Only four attended the wrong choice or played a last Remembrance Day silly shot to look up to see ceremony. However, this did Dad resting on his bat at the prompt a further 26 people other end with a calming to join up (membership costs smile. Similarly if you have just £12 annually). Please performed a charitable act. note that you do not need to June and the family would have served in armed forces like to thank all those people to join the Legion. who contributed to “Lord’s For more information, Taveners” in memory of Jim. please contact Mark Smith A cheque for £525 has been at Tresuck Farm, Boscastle, sent. PL35 OHH, tel: 01840 250001

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 31 News from the Lookout Boscastle Festival and, like the large number of visitors, enjoyed rather better weather than in some previous years. Five of our members were proud to join the Royal British Legion, Boscastle, for their Remembrance Day Parade. Now we are looking forward to our annual Christmas get-together which this year has a more local flavour than usual as we will be dining at the new Boscastle Farm Shop. We end the year with a much smarter Unfortunately we are ending lookout than we started with. the year 6 members down and as A great deal of hard work from we would hope to manage more our own volunteers and local evening shifts at weekends during professionals has given us new wipe- next Summer this year, we are Boscastle National Trust clean surfaces inside, a cleaner exterior looking to recruit more volunteers t Information Centre and a much improved Facility inside. during the winter so that training Shop and Café Only our Watchkeepers know just will be well advanced by the time how important that has been! the visitor season starts again. On an operational basis we have Remember you don’t have to been adjusting to a new National Log walk up to the Lookout to help Book system that is designed to ensure our cause, we are always happy that we record our information in the to welcome volunteers to be fund The Harbour, Boscastle,PL35 0HD same way from Cornwall to Suffolk. raisers to help to keep our station OPEN ALL YEAR It has been quite an eye-opener to running. March - October 10.00am - 5.00pm November - February 10.30am - 4.00pm realise how much more some stations So if you, or any one you know Accommodation information & booking service in other areas need to gather, and Photo copying/internet access/WiFi would be interested in spending a local attraction information, how much they have copied from the walking maps & guides few hours each month looking out Wide range of books, gifts and refreshments original Cornish establishments. for others, then call our Manager, Tel: 01840 250010 Once again our teams were John Davis on 07791761502. [email protected] manning the car parks for the www.nationaltrust.org.uk VENN DOWN FARMHOUSE NEATE FEET For all your foot health needs Professional foot care in the comfort of your own home Painful Callus Reduced Toenail Clipping Ingrowing Toenails Luxury 4 star self catering apartments in a Painful Corns Removed tranquil location, distant sea views Paddings & Dressings Verrucae Treatment Open all year Reflexology 01840 250599 / 07860 608817 Everything you require to keep your feet pain free www.venndownfarmhouse.co.uk Claire & Simon Neate DIPCFHP www.boscastleholidaycottages.com Qualified foot health practitioners [email protected] Mob: 07968232344 / 07870508867

Page 32 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Seal pup rescues in the Harbour Boscastle Festival The 5th and 6th October were bright, sunny & warm: ideal for tempting locals & visitors out to enjoy this year’s Food, Art & Craft Festival. There was a huge variety of talent and interest displayed throughout the village; the Art & Craft marquee was thought to be better this year and it proved a great venue at which to browse for gifts and ideas. The Festival Chefs were as popular as ever and the tempting aromas and vast array of edible goodies in the Food and Drink area was a great attraction and an ideal place to enjoy meals and refreshments. The Community Centre was crammed with stalls offering further We are well into the main pupping DON´T attempt to put the pup in evidence of the amazing talents of local season for the grey seals that live along the sea – It may be out of the water for people; it was a kaleidoscope of colour, our coast. Between 17th and 20th October a good reason. an Aladdin’s cave! Carole Vincent’s open three seal pups were found in Boscastle DON´T ignore the situation – If garden and art exhibition drew visitors Harbour. Following assessment by the the pup is thin, injured or seems unwell to the top of the village, as did the Play British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and (noisy breathing, coughing, runny nose) School, Primary School (offering a with help from members of the Boscastle it probably needs help. display of art and examples of beautiful community, the pups were rescued and DO tell an appropriate organisation wood-turning), the Church and the taken to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. – Telephone The Cornish Seal village hall which offered super lunches They have been named Shuttle, Leo and Sanctuary on 01326 221361, or your and cream teas throughout the event. Galaxy. nearest RSPCA Officer or the British A welcome and successful addition Shuttle, a two week old “whitecoat” Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) this year was The Green Scene along female who weighed a whopping 32kg team on 01825 765546 or 07787 the bank of Valency River where you at rescue, was released into the nursery 433412. could try your hand at archery, get pool, but got an eye infection and had For more info on BDMLR please on the rowing machine and feel what to go back into the hospital. She’s now visit http://www.bdmlr.org/ and you it’s like to be part of the Gig crew (see recovered from this and is happy back can follow the progress of the rescued photo below), watch a lady blacksmith in the nursery pool. Leo, who was very pups on the Sanctuary’s website: www. and willow basket-maker at work, even weak when rescued, had a broken jaw sealsanctuary.co.uk/corn1.html. take a bag of your own apples and come and a wound to his lower back. He was away with bottles of fresh-pressed, taken into the hospital to have his jaw There are pictures and a video of fantastic-tasting juice from Sally wired but has now been moved into the the rescue posted by Jon Gerrish on the Harvey - like I did! Also on offer were nursery pool where he’s recovering well. North Cornwall NT blog at: http:// demonstrations and examples of herbal Galaxy, described by the Seal Sanctuary northcornwallnt.org/2013/10/20/seal- remedies, woodworking, foraging and as “feisty” and “very pretty”, was recently rescues-in-boscastle/ much more. All in all, a great weekend, moved to the convalescent pool and is KS ML now feeding herself. If you discover a seal pup that is alone and appears in distress, the actions which you take may mean the difference between life and death for the animal DO keep your distance – If the pup has a fluffy white coat it still needs it’s mother. She will only return to feed her pup when she feels it is safe to do so. DON´T attempt to handle the pup – It is a wild animal, it may bite and can carry infectious diseases. The mother may reject the pup if it is handled. photo courtesy Myrna Lester

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 33 Proposal to Form a Federation between Boscastle CP School and Port Isaac CP anything different on a day school where they work. Verse Speaking School to day basis. This is not The executive headteacher’s 13 children (shown As many of you will be aware contract, as a new role, will an amalgamation of our in photo above) recently I have been headteacher at be the first that links the two schools – it is very important entered the both Boscastle and Port that each school retains its schools. Festival verse speaking Isaac Schools since April individual charater and place Meetings have been classes. All of the children 2013 after the head at within its community. We organised at each school did brilliantly with Port Isaac moved to a new will work together where it to explain and discuss the everyone scoring more school. My new role is as makes sense and will remain federation further, however than 80 marks and more ‘executive head’ and I carry independent when this is if anyone would like further out headship duties for most appropriate. information about this importantly they all enjoyed themselves! both school and no longer Two aspects will change: proposal please contact me teach a class. There will be one governing at school. We ‘top and tailed’ The main purpose of body instead of two and Village schools like ours the competition with working with Port Isaac that governing body will be are of vital importance to Lily winning the class for was to establish a support responsible for both schools. our communities and to the Year 6 children and structure between us to All of our current governors our county. The fact that Gracie winning the class ensure the security of have expressed an interest we have recognised that for the youngest children! both schools and to share in joining the new board small schools are finding As always we are very expertise and resources that which will ensure continuity it increasingly difficult to grateful to Jess Sellars (and we would not necessarily for both schools. Most work in isolation and have little Isla) for her help in schools that have federated have on our own. To committed ourselves to preparing the children for tend to have a buildings/ date we have been able to working together for the the festival. The fact that health and safety sub- benefit of the children in negotiate cheaper contracts they speak so confidently committee at each school our care is a positive step and arrange joint staff and are so expressive is as issues surrounding these in ensuring the long term training. Our combined because of the expert are specific to each site, and sustainability of our schools. coaching they receive. football team has entered joint committees for shared the Little Giants League areas e.g curriculum and S.S.MARTIN BUILDER and children from both finance. ROOFING CONTRACTOR schools have enjoyed the Secondly: When new opportunity to meet each teachers are employed RENOVATIONS,EXTENSIONS, other. they will be appointed by, PLASTERING The Governors of both and contracted to, ‘the EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING. schools would now like to federation’ which means consider a formal federation that they could be asked to QUALITY WORKMANSHIP FOR ALL which would make a legal work in either school. This YOUR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS. connection between the does not apply to current BOSCASTLE schools. If we do federate, staff who are contracted parents, children and to, and will remain in the 01840250100 - 07969118058 staff should not notice

Page 34 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Where a fish popped up to say hello. Said the fish, ‘Can I board your ship, your ship, Your ship, can I board your ship?’ The end of term is now three weeks away, so we are allowed to use the ‘C’ word! We are busy practicing the carols for our carol service on the last day of term. We have a mixture of traditional and new arrangements of the carols this year, with quite a few with harmony – I think their parents will be really impressed with them come The Great Boscastle the Years 4,5 and 6 are and The Pussy Cat in their the day. All that remains Bake Off! tackling celebration cakes! English lessons. They have is to wish you all a merry Years 3,4,5 and 6 have Hot on the heels of really enjoyed receiting the Christmas and peaceful been doing everything the Bake Off will be our poem and have been busy new year from everyone at related to baking this Victorian Farmers Market writing additional verses school. and stories around the term; writing instructions, - which will conlude our Sarah Duffy creating receipies as well as food and farming project. poem. Executive Head Teacher measuring and weighing The children will make and Here are Daniel’s verses; various objects. Their end sell their produce to their The turkey set off with his of term assessment will be a parents. The groups have sailors in sight Bake Off with two rounds been given £10 each for With the sun shining ever and Star Bakers! As I write, their ingredients and are so bright the year 3 and 4s have determined to make huge They took some fish completed their cup cake profits – we have persuaded and just one dish one group to reduce their round and having judged Wraped up in the final results. I can say prices as £4.99 seemed sapphire silk. there were definitely no somewhat expensive for The turkey a (small) raspberry slice! soggy bottoms and they looked All profits will go to a were all worthy of being down to star bakers. Over the next children’s charity. the sea couple of weeks the Year3 The older children have below will be baking biscuits and been studying The Owl

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 35 We’ve enjoyed a variety This year’s mostCornwall’s own TV show of speakers, our last successful venture has Doc Martin, turned up afternoon being a hands- been our monthly coffee with boxes of foliage, on painting workshop morning, held in various crimson flowers and a where many masterpieces venues in and around Santa’s sack-full of florist’s were produced under the area. We’ve visited oasis for the November Boscastle WI report: the expert tuition of Ivor Pencarrow, Cowslip meeting. The North wind doth blow Chivers. Workshops and our own And as she turned these and we shall have snow: We visited Marshgate new Farm Shop, to name raw materials into seven thankfully not yesterday to join the members there just a few, and sampled all show-stopping Christmas as Boscastle WI embarked for a Christmas flower their delights on offer. arrangements – later on their annual Christmas demonstration with It doesn’t have to be all carried off by raffle winners shopping expedition to Elaine Reynolds from jam and Jerusalem so why – the dazzling damsel from . Driven in the Age Bruallen and to sample not think about joining Delabole filled everyone in Concern Bus, fourteen our first mince pies of us. If you are free on the on the latest from the show. intrepid members started the season. Now we are second Tuesday of the After doing the flowers for out bright and early with looking forward to having month in the afternoon Aunt Joan’s funeral in the shopping lists determined a Christmas luncheon you are most welcome to previous series, Elaine was to do as much as we could. at the Riverside Hotel, join us. We meet in the given the job of creating We discovered when we here in Boscastle, for our Village Hall at 2pm. but the church flowers, stopped at Dunhelm Mill December meeting. sadly we have as yet no bride’s bouquet and the for coffee and a browse that In January we will be male members as we are buttonholes for Martin others, too, had the same sampling Wadebridge still not very PC! and Louisa’s wedding. thing in mind, mini-buses Wines with Tamsin Jones, A very Happy Did she know in discharging WI members and in February we have Christmas to all readers of advance that the wedding from other branches all a craft workshop with Liz the Blowhole from the WI. would misfire ? Not bent on the same thing. Gregory for which we’ve Sue Viner. exactly, Elaine said, but Then it was on to the been busily collecting she knew it would not go Marshgate WI report: town centre to do our leaves. smoothly, especially as she It’s beginning to feel a most serious shopping had to make no less than As usual we supplied lot like Christmas…. before returning to the bus 12 buttonholes for the refreshments and light especially in Marshgate with laden bags and empty grumpy doc to pull apart lunches in the Village Hall after celebrity florist purses!! in one scene. for the Festival weekend, Elaine Reynolds arrived to Nearly 70 members and Otherwise it’s been a thereby helping to work her magic for the WI guests turned up for the busy and productive few finance our speakers and with flowers, baubles and show at and months for our members. workshops etc. bling...and the latest from St Juliot Hall, where Portwenn. Marshgate WI meet on the Elaine, who is regularly second Thursday of each called on to create month. floral arrangements for Wendy Trevenner

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Page 36 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 drunken dancing & & back 17 weeks, America singing far into the night. 15 weeks, Leeward Islands Pete’s Close at hand a black flag 13 weeks, Mediterranean flew on the place where & back 12 weeks and the Peeps murdered Charlotte Brazils & back 18 weeks. Dymond was found & OCT 1834 at the Past penny subscriptions were THE RAT MAN taken towards a memorial. A man at Trethake at 6 MARCH 1818 1 could read or write, 21 7 FEB 1823 has made himself WRECKS AT ST MINVER could write their names LOSS OF BUDE PILOT a suit of clothes out of rat Three vessels were wrecked & knew the alphabet, BOAT skins which took him three at St. Minver, near while the remainder were During an offshore gale, and a half years to collect. , several of the entirely illiterate.] the Bude pilot boat It consists of hat, neck- peasantry visited the area 31 DEC 1874 broke its moorings, the kerchief, coat, waistcoat, and picked up bacon etc. A BLIZZARD IN THE preventive men took four trousers, tippet, gaiters and Two men ventured too far NORTH men to put on it to bring it shoes, all from 670 rats. into the sea for a bale of At Bude the snowstorm back. The preventive boat The tippet or boa consists bacon & were drowned. on Wednesday was most just made it back, but the of skin around the tails and The schooner, sloop & brig severe. The roads away pilot boat drifted further containing 600 tails. were wrecked near Hell from the coast on towards out with the 4 men and 111 DEC 1820 Bay in the Camel estuary. the moors are impassable, was not seen again. The ACTION BY THE Butter, bacon, lard, pork and the mails were seven four men were W. Wilson, MOONSHINE BRIGADE & beef was washed ashore, hours behind their time. R. Cornish, J. Hennings The preventive boat under another man was drowned 7 JULY 1843 and W. Pooley. Sampson Woodcock, trying to secure some food, A GATHERING ON 1 JAN 1819 stationed at Boscastle also leaving a wife and five BODMIN MOOR FALMOUTH PACKETS went after smugglers children to mourn his loss. A large meeting of Order of sailing; for Lisbon at Mullhook (Millook 19 OCT 1838 teetotallers gathered at every Friday evening (Apr- Haven) and seized 500 CRIME AND ILLITERACY Roughtor with banners Oct) and Sat: mornings tubs of foreign rum and A school has been formed & flags & a multitude of (Oct-Apr). For Barbados, remained to guard them, in Bodmin gaol and many wagons & carts and bands Jamaica & America the first but two armed boats of men & boys have learnt of music. Besides coffee etc. Sunday of every month. smugglers came and firing to read. The school was there was also beverages of The Brazils, the Sat: after on the beach overpowered suspended but the chaplain another kind was available. the first Tues every month. them and took the tubs urged for a permanent The meeting opened with The return of the packets is and the preventive boat. A teacher when the first one singing and prayer. calculated thus; - Jamaica £200 reward was placed. was sent to the treadmill The following summer for misconduct. [An a second meeting was extract from the chaplain’s held attended by 10,000 report, of the 33 prisoners people, not all teetotallers, on trial some formerly the “enemies” introduced punishable by death, only wrestling, donkey racing,

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 Page 37 Flood Warnings Now Available In Boscastle

Flooding is expected. The Old Coach House Immediate action required Relax in the beautiful surroundings of this 300 The Environment Agency has launched a new Flood Warning year old coach house, service for the in Boscastle. A launch event was with large, secluded held at the community hall on 6th November, explaining the benefits and limitations of the service. mature garden and private parking If you would like to register to receive warnings please call Open all Year Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency. gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods. Tastefully refurbished en suite rooms Some properties at risk of flooding from the Valency have been Geoff & Jackie Horwell automatically registered to receive flood warnings. For more information, to add a new phone number or email address, or to Tel: 01840 250398 www.old-coach.co.uk cancel your registration, contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188. We would also recommend that properties living adjacent to the Jordan, Paradise and Forrabury streams also register for this service, as this could allow time to take action to reduce the impact of flooding. Help us improve the accuracy of your flood warning service by giving us feedback after receiving a warning. Tell us what you saw, whether you flooded, and send us any photos or videos showing the level of the river. Boscastle A prepared community is a safer community Gates, Railings, Fire Grates Weather Vanes, Security Bars Ornamental Ironwork, Welding Rainfall totals measured in Boscastle SX 09697 90138 for 2013 July-Nov Tel: 01840 261340

2013 July Aug Sept Oct Nov Total rainfall 19.8 117.4 84.2 173.4 118.2 in mm Maximum 9.4 37 25.4 33.2 23.2 rainfall in mm Date on 24th 4th 13th 27th 10th which max fell Number of 22 days with no rain

Page 38 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013 What’s happened to the pews? Recent visitors to Forrabury who visited the church, We should point already created a warmer Church may have been talked at length with the out that this is work in and cosier feel. In the startled to notice major members of the PCC, progress, and inevitably meantime we apologise for changes to the interior and made several helpful the alterations have any temporary untidiness on the north side of the suggestions. left a number of rough or inconvenience. If you building. All the pews and The thinking behind areas which will need to are interested in what we the store-cupboard have this project is based on the be made good. We are are trying to do, please do disappeared, leaving a large need to introduce some indebted to one of our visit Forrabury and see for open space. As members flexibility into the way in parishioners (who wishes yourself. And if you have of Forrabury & Minster which the building is used. to remain anonymous) for any suggestions regarding Parochial Church Council The days of packed pews very generously funding the use of the new space, we are very much aware every Sunday service are the purchase of two we should be very happy to that any changes to much- long gone, and we need large rugs to cover the hear from you. loved church buildings to think of ways in which bare boards, and this has Forrabury & Minster P.C.C. tend to be viewed with Church can be made a more alarm and suspicion by friendly and welcoming Contact the Elderly is the only national charity many people, and we environment, so that we solely dedicated to tackling loneliness and social should therefore like to can attract more young isolation among older people. They organise monthly take this opportunity of families and children, gatherings for small groups of people aged 75+ who explaining what we are on whom the future of live alone, offering a regular and vital friendship link. doing and why. our church community Volunteer drivers take them to the event. Firstly, these alterations depends. Thus, we hope The local organiser is Janey Comber. 01840 230 497, have not taken place on a to use our newly-created [email protected] whim, or because someone space both for children’s has suddenly had a “bright activities and as a social idea”. They are the result area following a service. It Sails Café & Terrace of much thought and is worth pointing out that, 6 Bridge Walk, Boscastle discussion. Secondly, this except on certain special Breakfast is not the beginning of occasions, the bank of pews Freshly Battered Cod and Chips a wholesale dismantling we have removed was rarely of the church’s interior occupied by more than one “New” Freshly Prepared PIZZA fabric. Such changes or two people. Moreover, Traditional Cornish Pasties can only be undertaken we have found that the use Baked Daily with the cooperation and of chairs actually allows permission of the Diocesan more people to be seated Real Fruit Smoothies - Kelly’s Ice Cream Advisory Committee, than was the case with Cornish Cream Teas who exist to safeguard the pews. This is of great 2 Main Meals for £12 historic church buildings benefit for occasions which 2 Main Meals with bottle of wine for £20 and to ensure that only generate large attendances, appropriate alterations are such as weddings, funerals OPEN FOR DINE IN OR TAKE AWAY allowed. In this case, the and special services like the 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 8 ‘ish’ plans were fully discussed recent Remembrance Day Bookings Welcome 01840 250501 with an officer of the DAC Service. 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 Winter 2013 Page 39 Opening Hours and Useful Phone Numbers Bottreaux Filling Station Emergency Services: Tel: 01840 250108 Coastguard, Fire, Police, Ambulance: Dial 999 Police Station: For non-urgent issues: 101 Monday - Friday 8am-6pm, Doctors’ Surgery and out-of-hours emergency Saturday 9am-5pm doctor: 01840 250209 Sunday 9am-1pm NHS Direct (24 hour helpline): 0845 4647 Hospitals: Newsagents and Spar Shop Bodmin - East Cornwall 01208 251300 Tel: 01840 250419 Minor Injuries Unit open8 am – 10 pm, seven days a week Launceston General 01566 761000 Cash machine during business hours Minor Injuries Unit open8 am – 10 pm, seven days a week Open daily at 6.00 am Stratton 01288 320101 Minor Injuries Unit open 24hrs, seven days a week Post Office at Cornish Stores Truro -Treliske 01872 250000 Phone for opening hours Plymouth - Derriford 08451 558155 Tel: 01840 250344 Dental Helpline: 0845 5000 230 NHS Emergency Dental Appt: 01872 354 375 NatWest Bank Boscastle Visitor Centre: 01840 250010 The Mobile NatWest bank calls at the harbour carpark on Fridays , from 1pm until 1.30pm. Local Churches: Church of England 01840 250359 Methodist 01840 214818 Mobile Library Catholic 01840 770663 Tel: 0300 1234111 Harbourmaster: 01840 250200 Calls on alternate Thursdays Parish Council: St Juliot, Tremorle Farm: 11:05 - 11:15 Chairman: 01840 250414 Wellington Hotel: 11:30 - 11:45 Clerk: 01840 250570 Barn Park, Tintagel Road:11.50 – 12.15 email clerk to the council: [email protected] Trevalga, Village Hall: 13:20 - 13:30 Village Hall Bookings: 01840 211343 Community Centre Bookings: 01840 250442 Camelford Library Cornwall Council: 0300 1234 100 Town Hall, Market Place Camelford One Stop Shop: 01840 214200 Tel: 01840 212409 Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 Tuesday: 09.30 - 18.30 Thursday: 09.30 - 17.00 South West Water emergency: 0844 346 2020 Friday: 09.30 - 13.30 (NB costs 3p per minute from BT landline) Saturday: 10.00 - 13.00 SWW leak reporting 0800 230 0561 Highways: 0300 1234222 Waste Tip, Bowithick Quarry RSPCA: 0300 1234 999 Sanding Road, Tintagel Western Power emergencies: 0800 365 900 Tel: 01840 770778 Village website: www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk Open Friday to Monday: 9am – 4pm

Page 40 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2013