BOSCASTLE BLOWHOLE No 112 Winter 2020 £1

photo courtesy Daniel Kavanagh Boscastle & Crackington Gig Club

Joan

Lyn Nan Linda Roland Dean Peter

Clare Fergus Thank Vivienne you Simon

Trevor Kevin Heather Ginny

Mike Molly Claire Richaed Ruth Louise Pam Paul

A hugeA hugh thank thank you to to all mymy friends friends who who have have made made these these pastpast few monthsmonths bareable. bearable

MuchMuch love, love Jane Jane

Late October saw the arrival remembering our late of our brand new gig. A Chairman Jim Connelly- small group of club members Webster, and named the travelled to Fowey to collect boat Torrent. her from boat builder Peter Unfortunately, sea Season’s Greetings from Gloria Quinlan Williams & brought to conditions did not allow her Boscastle on a brand new to be launched that day., I wish all my Friends in Boscastle trailer, kindly donated by a Merry Christmas The old Torrent will Chapman Machinery of be re-named when the and a Happy New Year Week St Mary. members have decided on For the third year running I will not be Despite a grim weather her new name. This was sending or giving Christmas cards. Instead, I forecast, the sun came out a great day for the club will donate the money usually spent on cards for the Blessing by local and the culmination of a minister Mike Parsons. and postage to a charity, one which for me has massive fund raising effort. had a particular significance this year. Club Chairman Phoebe WM Millar thanked everyone, 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, Audley Jarvis, Gloria Quinlan, Ann and Chris Rodda, Sue Viner, Steve Simmonds The next Blowhole will be published in Spring 2021 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 £12 for the year. To subscribe go to www.visitboscastle.com/blowhole or phone 01840 250685 Communications to the Blowhole can be posted to: Jonhurst Cottage, Boscastle, PL35 0AW The Blowhole is published quarterly and printed by: Easyprint of Stratton, Nr Bude tel: 01288 381700 email: [email protected]

Page 2 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Parking win for residents thanks to CIC

You may have seen from the dedicated spaces will new signage in the village allow users to park safely, car park that three parking rather than on the busy curb spaces have been adopted side, and without the need by Boscastle Community to pay at the machine. Interest Company (CIC). The CIC initially After much negotiation, approached Cornwall the Directors and Council in the Summer to Cornwall Council agreed find a solution to the removal Bottreaux Rise Road Works to the CIC’s proposal of of the waste recycling area. Work has finally begun to Cornwall Council have offering residents freeWhilst the CIC was willing contruct a retaining wall requested to close New parking in order to enable to take this facility on with along the boundary of Road to Penally Hill, from them to access the business the provision of businesses Bottreaux Rise. Michael 22nd to 24th February 2021 district safely and without using the recycling area Vanstone, the builders to carry out works. This is the frustration of paying too, the Council rejected undertaking the work, said only an Intention Notice for parking. The CIC is the proposal and the area their only archaeological and as of yet an Order finalising the proposallay empty from September. find in the excavated bank has not been issued. Any with Cornwall Council’s With the support of the was a Thatcher’s cider glass! queries, please contact: parking enforcement team Boscastle Chamber of As we go to print they have Cornwall Council: 0300 so that they can be used as Trade and Commerce and completed the digging and 1234 222. soon as possible the Parish Council, the have started work on the Thank You Residents within the CIC reapproached the PL35 postal area can Council with the proposal foundations. Pedestrians Thank you to sculptor to apply to the CIC for of adopting the area for will be delighted when the Daniel Kavanagh who a yearly ‘CIC parking community parking but was pavement alongside the kindly gave us permission permit’ which will allow rejected on safety grounds. wall is laid. It is hoped that to use the stunning photo for 20 minutes free parking However, Cornwall Council the work will be completed printed on the front cover. in the marked bays in the countered with offering the near the time the next issue The shot was taken with a lower car park. The permits CIC three spaces within the of the Blowhole appears. drone-mounted camera. are offered on the basis of car park if the CIC would Firewood fair use, to enable local make good of the empty Large dumpy bags of residents to access and space with street furniture firewood, mixture of hard support their local business to prevent illegal parking and soft wood for sale £40 community. This shouldand to ensure safety of users per bag or £120 for 3 bags allow for permit holders to of the car park. This was including delivery locally. freely enjoy their village’s accepted and the Council For delivery of 1 or 2 bags, offerings, whether it is to installed the signs at speed – please contact me as it will pop to the post office, grab within three weeks! depend on your location. some fresh baked goods, To apply for your “CIC Phil Headon, Boscastle find the perfect presents parking permit” online at in any of the retail shops www.visitboscastle.co.uk/ 07968 727689 or make a table booking at permit or obtain an application or 01840 250144 one of the eateries. Having form from Cornish Stores.

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 3 Minutes Matter – defibrillator projects taking The Last Swallow of Summer? Life Saving Benefit into account the needs for for the Village the right equipment, the right support, the right Boscastle WI kickstart adherence to liabilities and a fundraiser for a governance, community defibrillator outside the awareness and training surgery programmes, and help Boscastle WI has with the fund raising and obtained permission for a long term support for these defibrillator to be placed projects. As the leading outside the Bottreaux community defibrillator surgery building. This will charity in the UK, we provide a lifesaving benefit have become recognised that will serve the upper by ambulance services, village. councils, community “True hope is swift, again and continued flying Currently the nearest groups and sports and flies with swallow’s back and forth, quite low, defibrillator is locatedgoverning bodies as the wings.” William Shake- above our garden for several down in the harbour. ‘gold standard’, having set speare. minutes catching insects. Because every minute many of the standards now There hasn’t been a lot of It definitely was a swallow. matters when someone being adopted by other hope in these hard times so I took several photos to goes into cardiac arrest, organisations. I thought I would share my send to The Cornwall Bird the women of WI decided Julie went on to say, “A exciting sighting. Watching and Preservation that getting a defibrillator defibrillator costs around For years my son (in Society (bird-news@ in the upper village is a £2,000 and we have Somerset) and I compete cbwps.org.uk) to find out necessity. Julie Potter, decided to take a portion to spot the first swallow if this was unusual. Within president of Boscastle of the proceeds from the of the year. The challenge ten minutes I received this WI explains “That is why sale of our Recipe Book to begins in late February and reply from Dave Parker, we voted to kickstart a kickstart the fundraising.” he usually wins. However, The County Recorder, campaign to raise money WI will be setting up several I have just won a different “Although a swallow still for this. Having it close to fundraising activities but competition – to see who in Cornwall in November the surgery makes the most in the meantime, cheques spots the last swallow of is certainly not common, it sense and we’re thrilled to for any amount can be summer. is not unprecedented. They get their blessing for it to made out to Boscastle WI, On November 7th, I are now just about annual be placed there.” with a memo “For CHT was idly looking out of and seem to be increasing, The Communitydefibrillator fund.” Thank my window and saw a bird probably a bird from a late Heartbeat Trust helps you in advance for your shoot past and disappear brood and presumably the communities undertake help. over the hedge. Its flight result of global warming? GS was like that of a swallow Thanks for reporting your but you don’t see swallows sighting.” JM in November. It flew past

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Page 4 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Adapt, Change and Survive

This time last year I had many I had just accepted an offer on made the the business lease that I decision had put up for sale and, in that I would turn, had an offer accepted continue to on a retail premises that I trade into wished to purchase. Four the winter, months later just as the sale unlike contracts were about to previous be signed, we were locked years when I down...and my buyer closed down pressed the stop button. at the end I had to pull out of my of October. purchase and wait and see However whilst making Above: Jet the dog ready to check out the shop what Boris wanted us to coffee and serving a cream The Museum of Witchcraft and was overwhelmed by do. teas, I was still thinking and Magic had embraced the support I received. We were given the green about my ‘after the café is e-commerce and created a So, if this year has light to open hospitality sold plan’. I really wanted staggeringly popular online taught me one thing it is to again in July but like many to create a pet supplies shop, helping it to survive take a cue from the natural business owners I felt business as I felt it would whilst it remained closed. world around me. Adapt, things had to be different. I be a good addition to the Things, has embracedchange and survive. had to change the business village. I decided to adapt social media and is selling Claire Bailey model and create a new one my plans again and in late though their Facebook and with the focus on keeping September I began the Instagram platforms. expenditure to a minimum. process of setting up the Change was forced once One of the biggest expenses pet business online with the again in November when in business is staff so one idea of offering free delivery lockdown 2 began. My to Boscastle residents and change that I made was plan of keeping the café the surroundings areas. to alter the menu on offer open longer was thwarted. meaning that I needed less I had seen how Obviously getting used to staff to prepare and serve. successful other businesses adapting, I came up with This has been a very had been by thinking out the idea of using the café challenging year for all of the box and changing space to hold a pop up pet business owners and like direction. For example, shop at weekends! Once all the appropriate approvals The Wellington Hotel had been granted from The Harbour, Boscastle, PL35 0AQ the council, landlady and Pub Restaurant Hotel insurance I opened one Sunday in late November The Long Bar Open from 11.00 am for: Debbie Routly Hypnotherapy Bar Meals PDCH MB SCH RegCNHC Local Ales, Wines & Spirits Coffee, Tea & Cold Drinks Hypnotherapy can help with: The Waterloo Restaurant Stress and Anxiety Insomnia Open from 6.30 pm for: Award Winning Dining Lack of Confidence Low self-esteem Locally Sourced Produce Smoking Cessation Weight Control Fine Wines Phobias And much more Families Welcome Beer Garden Freshly Cooked Food Tel: 01840250202 Tel:07774061411 Email:[email protected] www.wellingtonhotelboscastle.com Debbie Routly Hypnotherapy

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 5 Napoleon Inn’s Macmillan Breakfasts

ALL who have supported us at the Nap as well as Sharons Plaice and The Old Manor House during this very tough As a final update this year In early October, we year. We look forward to for the Neighbourhood held a workshop to discuss continuing welcoming you Development Plan, we Housing & Development and hopefully next year have made very good and many thanks to all will be better. PLEASE progress in the last 12 those who gave their time STAY SAFE, AND months and many thanks to assist us in what was a ENJOY CHRISTMAS…. for all of your help to us in very productive session. HOWEVER YOU WILL completing surveys, your We are awaiting the final BE CELEBRATING! feedback and time to assist versions of the HNA and BD us. VCA documents before we THANK YOU to everyone Since the summer re-convene the workgroup. one of you who supported Free Parking update, you have helped We have also engaged our Macmillan event Forrabury & Minster us complete a Housing with Ross Yates and the this year. Due to Covid Parish Council have Survey, and a Housing Chamber of Commerce we couldn’t do our usual requested that Cornwall Needs Assessment (HNA) team and a workshop coffee and cake sale or our Council deem New Year’s is in the final stages of to discuss Commerce & quiz but we did do our Day as the annual free production. This considers Employment is being breakfast and we are all parking day in Boscastle car the need for housing for planned for the very near so amazed at the kindness park. This has been agreed ‘social rent’, what affordable future. all our customers showed and Cornwall Council will housing is required, how in raising such a fantastic One of our observations put up signs on the day. new smaller, purpose built amount when we have all from the survey earlier housing for older residents had such a hard 2020. The BOSCASTLE OIL- this year was the lack of could release larger houses total sum raised for this ORDERING GROUP engagement by young for young families and great cause was a mind Your next orders should people so we have been in how the requirements of boggling £1012.00 be placed in MARCH discussion with a number our current demographic of our younger residents So once again a big 2021 for delivery early April. If you are new to the will change over our plan to try to understand THANK YOU from all period. how they would like the the Nap team and we look village and have oil central We have also been neighbourhood to develop forward to next year’s event heating, you can save at working very closely with being back to normal with least 2 pence on every litre Workshops an external consultant and a table of tasty bakes as well you order. Ring Myrna for Transport and are close to completing as our awesome breakfasts. Lester on 01840 250520 to Infrastructure and the get your name on the group a Village Character Environment are also We want to take this register. Assessment (VCA). This is being planned probably opportunity to thank ML to provide a comprehensive taking place in early 2021. analysis and evaluation While great strides of the character of the have been made this year, various areas of the parish we have a huge amount and where potential future of work ahead of us in development could be 2021 and we will keep you located. Both the HNA updated of our progress. and VCA documents Thanks once again are integral parts of the for your support in what eventual NDP document has proven to be a very For all your printing needs and will be used by challenging and unusual those involved in the Unit 2b, Stratton View Business Park, Bude, EX23 9NR year for us all. Tel: 01288 381 700 [email protected] development process. NB www.easyprintsouthwest.com

Page 6 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Parish Council News Boscastle Bridge 08/10/2020, PA20/07455, You may have noticed some Land west of Camelot new surface dressing on view, No comment sections of the pavement by 13/10/2020, PA20/07642, the Bridge. Th is has been The Arthurian Centre, done to help stop instances Support of people slipping and 13/10/2020, PA20/07563, injuring themselves on the Jordan Mill, Support original surface especially 20/10/2020, PA20/08320, Ron and Moira Hart Chuckle Corner when wet. Ross from Rosewarren Fore Street, Th e damaged bench by Wotsit Mean? the Riverside has been Support Forrabury Church has Jigsaw - feeling after campaigning for some time 20/10/2020, PA20/07268, recently been removed and Irish dancing to get Cornwall Council replaced with a new bench 5 Penally Terrace, Support Kindling - digital book- to address the issue which dedicated to Ron and Moira 20/10/2020, PA20/08100, burning hopefully is now resolved. Hart. Th e family, Cllr Rodda Land at Old Stables, and Cornwall Councillor Perspire - how a Planning applications Support steeplejack charges Th e Parish council has dealt Jordan contributed with Cllr 26/10/2020, PA20/07798, Hockin arranging delivery and Mirth - French moth with a number of planning Pentargon House, undertaking the installation. Bideford - old lady in a applications listed below Support if you would like to see Th e family and Parish Council Fiesta 10/11/2020, PA20/08789, hope this will give many Windbreak - more detail go to Cornwall 5 Penally Terrace, Support Council planning portal people the opportunity to sit underpants 10/11/2020, and use the planning and refl ect. Wide-Eyed - coroner’s PA20/08973, Land north application number in the A Prescott report of Old Coach House Parish Clerk search fi eld. Juniper - did you bite variation, Support [email protected]

14/09/2020, PA20/06514, her? 17/11/2020, shout 28

Demolition and erection Gladiator - unrepentant

PA20/07920, 19 Eglos verge, 26 tissue, 24 rampant, 22

of garage Windrush, bowlers, 17 romance, 15 cannibal View, Support teroles, profi 13 relative, 11 , stuff 9

Support Menacing - male voice

20/11/2020, body, heavenly 19a & 8 news 6

26/09/2020, PA20/07100, ass 4 honesty, 3 knowledge, choir

Down PA20/09325, Coombe, general 2 ewer, 1 :

Land to north of Gwel An Shoot-Out - market Paradise Road , Object castanet 32 cheep, 31 school, 30 Mor ,up to two dwellings, shoe seller

Support fringe, 29 raid, ram 27 revere, 25 20 minnow, 21 lyre, 23 treat, 23 lyre, 21 minnow, 20 Bacchanalian - bet on

16 fi nger, 18 badminton, 19 see 8d, 8d, see 19 badminton, 18 nger, fi 16 foreign horse 10 bedruthan, 12 capital. 14 bear, bear, 14 capital. 12 bedruthan, 10

Across : 5 wonder woman, 7 shops, shops, 7 woman, wonder 5 : ML Crossword Answers: Crossword

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 7 News from the Lookout we are single manning, nothing to offer. meant we lost another their turn. Fortunately, the Most of you know opportunity to remind training team managed that the NCI receives no ourselves what the other to organise things so that income from national Watchkeepers look like. two of our Assistant Watch or local government and Among the newly elected Keepers completed their depends on the generosity officers, Mick Gale has Assessments in time, are of strangers, This year, taken over the role of now fully qualified and thanks to the efforts of our Public Relations Officer able to stand their own stalwart collectors and the and you may already have watches, an important inspired suggestion that seen him collecting down addition to our numbers a card reader would solve in the harbour and you as some members are still the “no contact issue”, we will certainly be hearing We’ve been officiallyshielding. have finished the year in more from him. Mick rather better order than promoted. In the last The wind turbine which is particularly keen on we expected. In fact, the News from the Lookout lost its tail earlier in the encouraging visitors to use of the Card Reader has I mentioned that our year, shed blades again come up to Willapark attracted the attention of absence at the start of the and has been returned to and see what we are about our Trustees who are now first Lockdown had been the manufacturer. Luckily, and wonders, if you are a considering their use in all noticed by some of our we have the spares to keep colleagues in the SAR resident, when did you last stations. our essential electrical pay us a visit? community. As a result systems running. More Even though our Although there hasn’t we have now been classed importantly, within our training programme has been quite as much officially as Key Workers ranks are Watchkeepers been interrupted we’d still happening on the Coastal and if in uniform, with with the expertise to like to meet anyone who is Path or out at sea this year, proper identification, we suggest modifications looking forward to doing we were recently tasked are legitimate road users where needed and the something useful in their with monitoring a drifting on our way to complete a manufacturer is happy spare time, and relishes Kayak that was giving shift. to incorporate these into the idea of increasing cause for concern. In the If that wasn’t enough, their own development their knowledge of maps, end it turned out have a we, together with the other programme. charts,VHF radio and fully functioning electric safety at sea and ashore. Cornish stations, received Current regulations a letter of thanks for our motor so we were able to And as you may meant there was no Annual stand down. efforts from the Lord Remembrance Day Parade have gathered we are Any worries we may Lieutenant. for us to attend but a always keen to welcome have had about a winter Then, just as ourwreath was laid on our fundraisers as well as reading list was resolved training schedule resumed, behalf later. future Watchkeepers. Our by the arrival of a revised Manager, Chris Evans, the new Lockdown It also meant that we Station Operations would be delighted to regulations came along and could only have a virtual Manual, ideal, for those hear from you on 01566 we have had to disappoint AGM this year which, evenings when Zoom, 781449. the new trainees who had together with the fact that just started, or were waiting Netflix or Britbox have MW

photo courtesy Daniel Kavanagh

Page 8 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 C is for Compost

Whatever your garden or stuff, brown and crumbly, soil problem, compost fixes it seemed almost edible in everything. It rebalances fact. soil pH, and it dramatically The work in all increases the soil’s moisture compost piles is done by holding capacity. Compost microbes – bacteria and is the organic matter fungi that do the breaking that is needed in soil to down as long as the pile provide nutrients and to contains both green waste unlock minerals in the soil (grass clippings, kitchen top of the raised beds. If not have that delicious particles. It also creates waste, annual weeds) and you’ve got a lot of perennial earthy smell I associate the structure in soil that is what I call brown waste weeds just lay down sheets with a field mushroom vital for water and oxygen (cardboard, woody stems, of carefully deconstructed (Agaricus campestris) so I flow, without which the shredded newspaper for cardboard boxes with a left them to rot down back soil becomes so compact example). In other words, layer of compost on top - into the earth. In any case, that plant roots cannot a balance of nitrogen and then the perennial weeds there were other delicious penetrate far, resulting in carbon based ingredients. I simply die and rot down things to harvest, having poor plant health. aim for half and half, but providing further nutrients eventually got the carrots There are a number of usually my heap is a bit for your plants. Annual to germinate after several retail bins on the market more green and a bit less weeds pull out easily from failed attempts. There’s designed to be filledbrown. It needs to have air the soft top covering. nothing quite like the gradually that will contain to work properly so I turn This year the beds have feeling of coming into the the pile and keep it tidy, it. But I only do it once been very productive after kitchen with a trug full of though you can get just because it’s jolly hard work their spring covering of cabbage, kale, leeks, carrots as good a result from a and now that I’m almost a compost, but this is the and beetroot straight from pile of lawn clippings and wrinkly I’m glad to have first time that they have the garden. I am clearing newspaper in the back Colin Jose to give me a produced mushrooms. the last of the crops now corner of your yard which hand with the compost. In Conditions were ideal this - on to the compost heap will break down in time time it develops into that year when a period of warm with them, and I’m ready and be valuable for your nice, brown crumbly stuff dry weather was followed for the contents of the soil. Nick Bacon, who came ready to use. by quite heavy rain, which second bin to spread on to give a talk at Juliotter When you give soil is exactly what these late the garden in preparation Garden club a while back, organisms high quality summer, early autumn- for the start of the next makes his compost just compost, the results are season fungi need to gardening season. from lawn mowings and wonderful. I’ve stopped prompt them into growth. Have a lovely time over torn up cardboard egg all that digging nonsense One day there were loads of the coming holiday season, boxes. He bought some to and just spread a two- or them. But where did they keep well, keep safe. show us and it’s glorious three-inch layer over the come from? It’s a mystery. What a very happy, very I picked one to smell if it optimistic, very healthy could be edible but it did 2021 it’s going to be! Pat Thorne

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 9 a delicious dessert, good Method: Cookery Corner enough to serve when Place the apples in a you have friends or family saucepan with the sugar round for a meal. I always and two tablespoons water keep some frozen mixed and simmer gently until fruits as a standby for just soft. Add the red fruits. easy trifles and sometimes Arrange in a buttered 8 inch pick out the blackberries baking dish. Cream the and currants - a couple of butter and sugar until light handfuls say - to go in with and fluffy and carefully add the apples for this recipe. the eggs a little at a time, Apple and Almond incorporating thoroughly Pudding before adding the next. 450gm Bramley cooking When all the egg is in, apples, peeled, cored and carefully and lightly fold sliced in the ground almonds. My Bramley apple tree was yourself that you’ll give it Red Frozen Fruit such Spread this mixture over loaded with fruit this year away as Christmas presents, as blackcurrants, red the apples and smooth the and I’m afraid the autumn you can juice them (and currants or blackberries top with a palette knife. gales gave me more this year I was lucky Have your oven ready at 110gm Ground Almonds windfalls than the basketful enough to catch the apple gas mark 4, 350f, or 180c I actually managed to pick. juicing day at Crackington 110gm Soft Brown Sugar (170c fan) and bake for But the fruit that remains Institute), and you can 110gm Butter at room one hour. I made this last in the grass, whole and bake with them. Baked temperature week and served it with a untouched by some wild apples with custard! Apple 110gm Golden caster mixture of yoghurt and creature, is still usable fritters with clotted cream! sugar double cream. Wonderful, and - like all Bramleys - Dorset apple cake! My 2 large eggs beaten although I say it myself. absolutely delicious. top tip? Buy an all-in-one Pat Thorne Now I know there are apple peeler/slicer/corer for a number of wonderful under a tenner. Stephen things you can do with a Fry rates it as number nine glut of apples: you can dry in his list of the top 100 them for a healthy snack, gadgets of all time. you can puree and then I came across this recipe freeze them, you can pickle recently (thank you Delia) them in vodka and fool and it really does make Christopher Key Solicitors Ltd Trebiffen, Boscastle, PL35 0BW Tel: 01840 250200 Fax: 01840 250 900 Established 1997 Serving the local Community conveyancing & wills probate, general litigation, etc Agricultural Specialist ~ Harbourmaster Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.00pm www.christopherkeysolicitors.co.uk

Page 10 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 group. Lynn worked Boscastle Helping Hands closely with Bottreaux Receive Commendation by Surgery on setting up the Queen’s Representative a prescription delivery service for those who were in Cornwall shielding. Lynn said “It is wonderful to have the work of Boscastle Helping Hands recognised in this way. For all the diffi culty that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought, it has also brought out the best in so many. Th e unstinting kindness and helpfulness of local people makes me truly grateful to live in such a supportive community”. You can contact Boscastle Helping Hands in a wide variety of ways:  by contacting the person named on the Th e Lord Lieutenant of of Th e Sovereign in Lynn set up Boscastle calling card delivered Cornwall has written to their counties. In his Helping Hands at the start earlier this year. Lynn Dunne, the organiser commendation, Colonel of the pandemic to provide  by phoning the Helpline of Boscastle Helping Edward Bolitho wrote “Th e support to those most on 07939 971597 Hands to thank her and hard work, collaboration, vulnerable. Many local  by visiting the website the organisation for its innovation and courage people volunteered to help boscastlehelpinghands.uk work helping those in need shown by so many across with the work, delivering  via a message on the in the local community. Cornwall during the contact cards to their Nextdoor Forrabury and Lord Lieutenants are the Covid-19 pandemic has neighbours and signing Minster personal representatives been truly inspirational”. up to a WhatsApp contact  via the Facebook Page

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 11 Staying well this festive season Winter can be a struggle adapt to its environment health wise, especially and circumstances. when children bring home So how can we help ‘coughs and colds’. With the build-up to Christmas support our immune and New Year, we become system? busy with preparations Vitamin C - a nutrient and planning. It can be a essential for our immune pretty stressful time. If you cell response. Vitamin Stress, manage to survive until veg. has a hugely C is readily available in debilitating effect on our Christmas day (without citrus fruit, blackcurrants, Onion is antibacterial getting ill), then we can & antiviral. Cut and leave immune function. Be sure pineapple, rosehips, to take time for yourself: finally succumb just as we strawberries and green veg for 10mins before cooking sit down and relax! to allow all the useful get some fresh air, take a including broccoli, Brussel ten minute walk, join an So why not anticipate sprouts, parsley, bell compounds to release. Try onion soup. exercise class, learn a new this season by boosting peppers, sweet potatoes skill, socialise, join the Ginger is anti- your immune defences and & tomatoes. Consider local quiz club, get belly inflammatory. Make a overall levels of health & consuming traditional laughing! vitality? honey and lemon drinks fresh ginger root tea with If you can afford it,opt Every day we are (made with juice of ½ lemon (store root ginger lemon) more regularly, pre sliced in the freezer) or for unprocessed organic exposed to millions of foods to minimise intake different bacteria, viruses rather than just when you make a ginger, sweet potato are ill. & coconut soup (see later). of immune-suppressing and other foreign bodies. toxins. Try to avoid plastic Zinc Honey, especially Their aim is to ‘survive’ also supports our wrapped fruit, veg and so unpasteurised (i.e not and use us as their host, immunity. It can be found on. creating havoc and in the in meat, especially beef, heat treated) such as worst case, overwhelming liver, seafood (oysters, locally produced, is During an infection: antimicrobial, antifungal us. Fortunately, we have herring), bell peppers, Drink plenty of water. and antibacterial. Sore our own defence force, egg yolks, ginger, nuts, Got to bed early. Grab throat? Take a teaspoon of the immune system. Its pumpkin & sunflower your lemon & honey honey slowly, to ease the job is to identify what is seeds. drink. not part of us, examine it Garlic is antimicrobial, discomfort. and decide whether it is a be brave throw it in your threat, in which case it will stir fry, add to soups & try to kill or neutralise it. stews or cook whole cloves It is a very sophisticated with your Sunday roast system and can change to HARBOUR LIGHT CLOTHING Ladies, Men’s and Children’s Stylish Clothing Delicious Gerry’s Ice Cream NEW IN: Boscastle embroidered hoodies and t-shirts - adults and children Cornish tartan DOG Bandanas, collars, leads and doggie ice cream

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Page 12 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Avoid sugar. Sugar can especially with respiratory Sweet Potato & suppress our immunity issues. Oats are also a Ginger Soup In the harbour, the National for up to 8 hours, but it good source, try and find Trust shop, café and also feeds bacteria, viruses Ingredients the biggest sized ones you secondhand bookshop were and fungus and promotes 1 onion can. Use as an alternative shut for lockdown 2 but mucous production, so it 2 sweet potatoes, skin on crumble topping, have reopened in accordance will prolong an infection. (roughly 525g). mixed with seeds, dried with current government At the first sign of illness ½ tspn ground ginger cranberries and cacao guidance. Shop opening cut out all cakes, biscuits, or thumb sized piece of nibs, no need for any fat. hours are 10.30am to 4pm, sweets and stick to vitamin- fresh, skin removed Cut out dairy for first 600ml vegetable stock the café closes at 3.30pm. rich fruits, such as citrus few days and berries. Consider made with stock pot or 2 The grass and flowers tsp Bouillon powder those boozy nights out & Looking to go the have been given their annual Christmas parties, work on extra mile? 1 tin coconut milk cut and rake which will damage limitation: ensure Vegetable oil encourage more flowers for Boost your levels Method the bees and hoverflies next you try & flush through of good gut bacteria Roughly cube the year. We’ve removed shrubs nasty microbes by drinking with a quality probiotic onion. If using fresh ginger, from the river walls such as plenty of water when capsule or powder, grate or finely chop. Peel buddleia and fig to prevent you get home, during the containing high amounts and chop the potatoes into the roots from damaging the night (if you wake) and of Lactobacillus and Avoid roughly 2cm cubes. walls. the following day. Acidophilus strains. caffeine In the countryside, we have the day after. Researchers found young Put a large pan on a carried out more footpath Sage inhibits bacterial children supplemented medium heat. Add oil repairs on the coast path, growth. Try a leaf or two with probiotics and a and fry the onion for 3-4 replaced a gatepost onto steeped in hot water, then little vitamin C every day, minutes until soft. Next Forrabury Stitches, coppiced drink. Not to everyone’s suffered fewer coughsadd the ginger, stirring for 1 and trimmed some trees taste! Also seems to ease and colds or required less minute. Then add the sweet in the car park area to mucous. medication if they were potatoes, coconut milk and encourage stronger growth Beta Glucans are ill, reducing the time they the vegetable stock. Bring in the future, carried out natural sugars found in were off school. to boil for 1 minute, then return to simmer, cover path safety surveys and certain types of mushrooms Hopefully these few with a lid and cook for 10- removed buddleia form such as Shitake (add to tips will help support you 12mins until the potato is the river banks along the soups), they can activate through this winter. Stay soft. Remove from the heat, Valency. the immune cells of the healthy. Wishing you all a allow to cool enough to A plea please - when on body and reduce the wonderful festive season! blitz with a hand blender or Forrabury Stitches use the symptoms and duration Juliette food processor. marked footpaths and pick Serve with a grilled, after your dog, if you have garlic & olive oil topped one. Jeff Cherrington tortilla. Enjoy! boscastle@nationaltrust. This soup freezes well. org.uk 01288 331372 Juliette Bridge Nutritional Therapist Dip CNM mANP

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Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 13 A Methodist Minister’s Concert at the Pengelly the season of ‘Goodwill’ Dear all View Methodist Church in we will be able to reflect We come towards the end Throughout my life I have Delabole, probably under on what is at the heart of this most difficult and always had an interest in the ‘80 years ago’ heading of Christmas – the Birth challenging year, still with local newspapers. Having of the column. I guess it of God’s Son, Jesus. A restrictions in place, still been brought up in North was held in the years of Birth which changed the with the negative impact Cornwall I was familiar the Second World War. It course of history, as well on our work and our leisure with the Cornish Guardian, pointed out for me that the as changing the outlook of time; and on our businesses and the Cornish and way in which Christmas many people on life. In his and employment. We Devon Post with its various is celebrated does change account of part of the story are very conscious of the localised editions. But as I with circumstances. the Gospel writer Matthew impact on our mental have worked in different The circumstances(see Matthew 1: 23) – health as self-isolation parts of the country I have in which we currently reminds us that the birth and the constraints on come across titles such find ourselves mean that was foretold by the prophet visiting family and friends as the Nuneaton Tribune Christmas will be different Isaiah and that Jesus would continues to be a very (an evening newspaper for most of us this year. It be know also as Immanuel wearisome burden. but no longer published), may well be that we will – which means ‘God is But we do, of course, the Bedworth Echo, the not be able to share in large with us’. have a lot to be thankful for. Leicester Mercury, and the family gatherings, attend God is with us in all of There has been an amazing Bradford Telegraph and Carol Services, or share in our days – a timely thought community response to the Argus (a fascinating name). the meeting of the local in these days. We pray difficulties of lockdowns Doubtless somebody, Foxhound Pack on Boxing that you will find joy in and tiers by businesses somewhere is a collector of Day. Our preparations, Celebrating Christmas and and individuals. We are the variety of publications too, will be different with wish you peace and blessing thankful for our local shops with their unique features. the current closure of non- through the celebration and businesses who have One of the features of our essential businesses. season into the New Year. managed to keep open, and Cornish and Devon Post is Our ways of celebrating Every Blessing, those who have provided the ‘Looking Back’ column Christmas will be different Bryan and Sue Ede delivery services to people which has re-appeared but the reason for our in recent weeks. A few celebration is constant. It years ago, in that column may well be that with a CENTRAL GARAGE there was a reference to a different way of celebrating High Street, Delabole Christmas Day Tea and Stuart Biddick Tel: 01840 212388 Piano Tuner ~ Pianos for Sale GOOD FURNITURE & ALADDIN’S CAVE We Buy & Sell Second-hand Furniture Especially Pine, Old & New Open Monday - Friday noon - 4pm Give us a visit - without obligation You’ll be surprised what you’ll find!

Page 14 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 who are self-isolating or after the end of this second major restoration, and I is not the same and it is less without access to transport. lockdown, but we will am hoping that we will personal but it has proved We must also thank those need to ensure that this be able to celebrate that to be a wonderful option who are providing support is done safely, with social event, although how we for visual and verbal contact to families struggling to distancing and attention to do that will depend on the with others. If you do not survive; for the work of hygiene. restrictions at the time. have access to a computer/ Foodbanks, Food Larder, Christmas services will We will publish the iPad/Smartphone etc you the Neighbourhood be very different than in times of all services and can dial in using your Community Cooking previous years, and we may Christmas events on home telephone which Project, and Cornwall have to adapt our plans The Boscastle Churches enables you to take part Christmas Box. Well done depending on the situation Facebook page, on www. in the service, and to everyone. at the time, but for now we achurchnearyou website chat to people before and But these difficult times are planning: for Forrabury and Minster after. Zoom has become will pass - and we will tell Morning prayer every Churches, as well as posters a lifeline for many who each other “remember morning in December at and notices on the Boscastle are continuing to self- when…Tesco had traffic 0830 via Zoom Facebook page. isolate. For the regular lights, we wore a mask to Christingle service at If anyone would like to congregations of the 12 go into a post office, and 6pm via Zoom for the join in any of our services churches across our Group we could worship God Jacobstow and Tintagel on Zoom (or by ordinary of churches, it has meant together on a Sunday Guides, Brownies and telephone) please contact we have gathered together Morning in the comfort Rainbows, but all are me (heather_solo@msn. for worship every Sunday, of our own homes in our welcome to join us com) for a link. almost without a break slippers!” and look forward to being Carol service via Zoom on Be assured, Christmas is able to continue doing so We are continuing to Wednesday 23 December not cancelled, we will still throughout the uncertain bring our communities Crib service via Zoom on celebrate the incarnation – coming months. When we together to worship via Christmas Eve the birth of Jesus – coming were permitted to worship Zoom – new skills for many Midnight Mass at as a light to shine in the in Church, prior to of us – and we were able to Forrabury Church at 2330, dark places of the world. continue this even when we Lockdown 2, we continued (and also Tintagel Church). Never was this message were able to go back into to also stream the service Social distancing means of hope and love so needed church for services. High via Zoom. Worship in that we have to restrict in our lives and in our technology – propping my church means that the numbers and therefore may world. iPad on a flower stand, held congregation have to wear need to introduce a booking God bless you and keep in place by a pile of old system. Please keep an eye you safe masks, sanitise their hands, hymn books, and using the on notices and social media Heather and are not permitted to Church Warden’s mobile sing. People who are taking to let you know how we Church Notices phone to connect to the plan to do this. part via Zoom can sing as Wi-Fi. We are planning to join the loud as they like (provided On 4 January it community effort to yarn their microphones are As I write this we have will be 150 years since bomb the village with the muted). heard that we will be able Minster Church was goal of providing colourful to have services in church The Advent period, reopened following the and enjoyable surprises which starts on 29 around the village. For our November, will be part, we will do something celebrated by us with up at Forrabury. If you'd regular services at 10:30am like to help us, please for Eucharist and 6:00pm contact Gillian Schultz. for Evensong and Heather Gillian Schultz writes will be saying Morning - if you have never been Prayer at 0830. Everyone to a Zoom gathering, it is welcome and if you wish provides a really lovely way to join us, please let Rev. to meet up with people and Heather Aston know and experience (for the church) she will send you Zoom worship when we can't do log-in details. it in person. Of course, it

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 15 Castle Site In the Parish council’s most recent Minutes it was mentioned that councillors would be invited to take part in an inspection of the Lower Jordan Valley. While As the year is slowly over 100 hours in local the opportunity to say a the Council has obtained drawing to a close for us at patrols where we made sure big thank you to everyone outline land Registry Boscastle Coastguard, we that all the beaches were in that team, the South drawings, these need to can start to reflect on the kept safe, and helping to West Ambulance service checked and verified. jobs we have undertaken increase our rapid response (with whom we have This is good news. It was this year, some tragic and time should any emergency worked a lot this year), as always advocated by the some heartwarming, but calls come in. well as the staff at Tintagel Site Steering Group that a whatever the circumstance When lockdown eased Castle for always assisting walkabout on the ground we find ourselves in, they we continued to have a us and keeping the tracks was essential in order to are always rewarding. steady summer, patrolling clear for when we attend assess the state of the area No one could have during several storms and their calls. We would also and check its boundaries. foreseen the events that’s keeping a safe lookout for like to thank our flanking The Lower Jordan Valley have gripped the world in those that ventured out. As teams for their assistance, adjoins the Castle Site. 2020 and the effect it has the summer season started, as well as all the other The main problem has had on the community. we had our fair sure of services we have worked always been is that there is When we entered the first walkers, and a number of with. no public access. Plans to lockdown, we of course stretcher carries off the We have now resumed reinstate the bridge crossing were ready as usual, and coast paths. Over the past our usual training, Jordan Stream and stepping had our own Covid safety few months we have been including rope work, stones across the Butts River measures in place, ensuring called out to many areas advanced first aid, and were rejected, so that at our safety and those up and down our part of water rescue. So when present there is no easy way around us. Shortly after the the coastline for multiple you see us on the cliffs to reach the Valley except lockdown we were asked stretcher carries, and where rope training, give us a through private property. if any of the team would possible to walk them out wave! Since the Council took sign up to the mutual aid to the waiting ambulance, As this is the last update over ownership in 2015, service that would enable our Coastguard Helicopter of the year, we would like lack of maintenance means us to help with the Covid or the Air Ambulance. to wish everyone a Merry the area has become sadly situation, assisting our Coastguard Rescue is Christmas and thank you overgrown. Last March friends in the NHS, Police part a huge multi agency for all the support we the Council approved and ambulance service if team that comes together have received over the formation of a Steering needed. Everyone in the in time of need, when past year! Even a wave Group with the objective of team signed up. someone is having a bad when we are driving past opening it up for a variety As a result, we spent day. We would like to take puts a smile on our faces. of amenity uses. Remember if you see Hopefully, Councillors anyone in difficulty, or able to inspect the area for you find yourself in a spot themselves will produce of bother along the cliff fresh ideas regarding best path call 999 and ask for future use of this valuable the Coastguard. community asset. CR M. Biddick & Son Ltd For updates on what we get up to, follow Electrical Contractors us on Facebook @ Boscastle boscastlecoastguard From all of us, merry Tel: 01840 250814 Mob: 07974 676583 Christmas and a happy New Year! email: [email protected] MD

Page 16 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Unguided and Unguarded Missile Panto 2021 – what, news is that I’m afraid that that again? it seems very likely that there will be no pantomime With so many cooking interesting than supervising During the autumn both in the 2020/21 season but programmes on the their bath time. Jo and myself were saying the good news is that we television you would think It is surprising how ‘oh yes we will’ then oh will return stronger and there would be one on quickly time passes when yes we might’ and finally better than ever in 2022 the dangers of certain foods you become involved in ‘oh no we can’t’!!! Yes I assuming vaccination and in the home, in certain nothing in particular. So, am talking about the next other conditions allow. circumstances - but no, it was not until my furry panto. As we wrote in there isn’t. So, I will warn MP companion barked, at a the autumn edition with Used Postage Stamps you of the dangers of one loud noise in the kitchen, the lockdown etc we did The only two collection particular food item of that I noticed that smell, not know if we would be boxes still in place which you should beware - which brings you back to able to put on our normal at present are in the EGGS (and it’s not Edwina reality with a sickening performance on in January entrance foyers of Tintagel Currie’s warning about jolt. My poor eggs had 2021. Finally towards the and Boscastle doctors’ salmonella). boiled dry and, to pay me end of September, when surgeries. My other boxes, It is difficult, when out, exploded around the the case numbers were in Wadebridge, Camelford cooking for one, to use up kitchen. My furry friend rising again, we came to the and Rock were all located food items before they have either thought I had conclusion that for the first in the surgery waiting passed the ‘Use by’ date. deliberately thrown some time in something like 12 rooms, and have beeen There they are, still sitting eggy treats on to the floor for or 14 years we would not removed to comply with in the fridge or cupboard, her or that she would assist be able to put on a show current regulations. With glaring reproachfully at in clearing up and soon this coming January. With only two ‘active’ boxes and you. Finding just such tucked into some of the restrictions in numbers reduced footfall, far fewer items one day - 3 eggs - remains. Spring cleaning and distances it was not stamps are being collected and not wanting some had come earlier than I possible to rehearse safely for the Royal National Chinese gentleman to expected. I think there is (yes believe it or not we do Institute for the Blind. I turn up because he had still a chance that I might rehearse the show) and also urge you to please keep run out of 100-year eggs find the occasional bit of it was very likely we would saving ALL postage stamps and could he have mine egg behind a cupboard, not be allowed to have an that come your way - take as a substitute - I decided under a cupboard or in a audience so we decided them to the surgery or put to boil all three. The water cupboard. to postpone attempting them through my letter bubbled away merrily; the The moral of this story, the pantomime until box at 8 Pentargon Road. eggs languished to their Dear Reader, is BEWARE circumstances became a I am also happy to receive warm bath and I wandered of EGGS. little clearer. any unwanted albums or off to do something more GQ We have thought about collections. Every day 100 maybe attempting to put people start to lose their The Old Manor House on the show in March sight so all help to support Boscastle but looking at the current the RNIB is continuous ********* circumstances I now feel and much needed. Thank Pop in and relax with friends in our this is unlikely. So the bad you. ML NEW COFFEE LOUNGE Serving a selection of hot & cold drinks from COSTA COFFEE & our HOMEMADE cakes, treats, pasties & more (vegan cakes & vegetarian options available) all to eat in or takeaway ********* Our baked goods are available for wholesale & retail call us to discuss your needs ********* For opening hours & orders please call 01840250251 Napoleon Inn loyalty cards valid here too

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 17 Harbour Master’s News Going Green and environmentally For many years I have been aware. So far, this had trundling up and down to only really resulted in a the harbour in my diesel bit of tree planting and I Land Rover and of course, have to say from a boating most of the boats in the point of view, the modern harbour have diesel engines diesel engine, has always - apart from those operated seemed to be to me the by Dr Garrod and Michael most efficient and reliable Parsons which are petrol option for seamen, albeit a powered (very speedy). little noisy. Anyway, for some time now With the fishing boats my daughter in law, Assisi, late in this year, and then of storms, the season really Today Cornish punts has been encouraging me out early because of first was much shorter than I are usually sculled with a to be more ecologically Covid, followed by a couple would have liked. In an single oar at the stern or effort to extend our fishing rowed. Some of the old season, Mark Brown and I Falmouth ones have sails. came up with the idea of It is possible to catch a putting a few winter pots few lobsters in the harbour out using a punt - which mouth and in keeping for those not in the know with modern times we is big heavy dinghy often have got hold of an electric made of clinker - nothing outboard - which is a to do with punting. This first for Boscastle. Silent is a wooden construction running, no fumes and used a lot in the past and hopefully more reliable before fibre glass became than my well know brand popular. I can remember suction carpet cleaner. My the fishermen in Port green credentials. Other Isaac building boats like news is scant. this, laying down the My godson Trehane keel. steaming the planks Drayson from Treworld is (clinker) and fixing with working on a boat called the Delta Dawn at sea copper nails Delta Dawn fishing for HIGHFIELD MOTORS Proprietor: F Luffarelli

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Chris’ grandson Pablo steers the electric powered punt crab forty miles northeast I had to clear people off of Boscastle. The boat is the harbour wall when the a bit too big to come in waves were crashing over. I SUE WALLIS here and their home port is urge all parents and users Padstow, see photo on the generally to be sensible: DESIGNER DRESSMAKER left. we are directly exposed in (01840) 250434 Some more bad weather Boscastle to the Atlantic ALTERATIONS again this autumn and sadly and a casual attitude or DRESSMAKING - LADIES I know that during one worse still - dare devil - can GENTS & CHILDRENS cost lives. WEDDINGS & EVENING WEAR of the storms two people Chris Key SOFT FURNISHINGS etc ... were lost down at Mullion Harbour Master swept off the old wall. I try PS: Mark & I did catch to run the harbour with a Trebler (3 lobster in the a light touch but at one pot) when we hauled it on point the Coastguard and the 1st December. Bossiney Tea Room Opposite Bossiney Cove, Tintagel, PL34 0AY 01840 779327 Open Daily from 11am (except Wednesdays) Traditional Tea Room offering a selection of lunches and homemade cakes including Speciality Afternoon Tea. Dogs welcome inside and outside. Plenty of parking Private Function/Party Hire Available/Fully Licenced

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 19 WI VP & Secretary. “We were able to do this several times for regular meetings, garden club and social get- togethers, all appropriately distanced and sanitized, before we had to go back Boscastle WI into lock-down.” With great joy a few WI We’ve had several guest members, who have no speakers including a talk on internet or smart devices, music from New Orleans came together inside the to New York, accompanied village hall in September, on the piano with jazz, cover & inside of Boscastle WI’s cookbook while the remaining blues and broadway show members were able to join excerpts. We’ve also learned they get clean water that recipes submitted by the meeting via Zoom. For about the horrors of living improves their hygiene and WI members and local the members in the hall, without clean, potable sanitation, it increases the businesses, as well as it was the fi rst time they water and how WaterAid time spent on education coming from sponsors. Th e and increases the economic smorgasbord of options stability of the village. Most will help you through easy- recently we welcomed Neil to-make, budget conscious, Morris to tell us about his group entertainment and adventures in starting up cocktail making with as a beekeeper during full extensive choices from lockdown. soup & starters, vegetarian, Th e women of Boscastle fi sh, main meals, desserts, WI don’t sit on their as well as biscuits & cakes. laurels and following on Not to be overlooked from their success with is the category on the Scarecrow Challenge delicious cheeses and gin, earlier in the year, they contributed by sponsors leapt into creating a recipe Cornish Gouda Co and Neil in his beekeeper’s protective clothing book and have several Tarquin’s Gin/Th e Twin experienced for themselves works to help change the other major activities for Fin Rum. Other sponsors what all the hooha regarding lives of communities all the remainder of 2020 and include: Boscastle Farm Zoom was really about. over the world by teaching into 2021. Th e 54-page Shop, Cornish Stores, “Th e delight at seeing and them how to build, install cookbook, entitled “Eat, Cornish Yarg, Th e Manor hearing their friends ‘on and maintain water Drink & Be Merry .. with House, Th e Napoleon, the tele’ was well worth pumping systems. Th ea touch of Mother’s Ruin Th e Riverside and Th e the eff ort of setting this result is miraculous for the Cocktails” was a giant Wellington. Th e WI is up.” said Gillian Schultz, community: not only do undertaking, including grateful to all sponsors R Mears & Sons Chimney Sweeps ART CLASSES Established over 30 years FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS Thorough Vacuum & Brush Cleaning Full CCTV investigations DRAWING, SCULPTURE Chimney linings, pots, cowlings & bird protection fi tted & PRINTMAKING Solid Fuel Appliances, Rayburns, Woodburners and Stoves installed and serviced. Fully insured. We supply stoves at trade prices 01840 261 221 07540974944 07737 533 392 www.halfacrestudios.co.uk www.sweepcornwall.co.uk

Page 20 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Programme Committee cheer for everyone in the goes as long as it isn’t who used her expertise in village. If you’ve never off ensive. Th e time period the printing industry to heard of Yarn Bombing, for things to be on display design and put together now is the time to look it is 1st December till 6th for their contributions. what we think you’ll agree up, ask about it and get January. Julie Potter will Th e books, on sale at is a beautifully professional involved because we hope be putting up posters and Cornish Stores for £4.95, book. to dress up the village in handing out fl iers with make wonderful gifts for Th e end of the year wonderful colours. We’ve images of things we’ve Christmas, birthdays, new 2020, with Christmas received Parish Council seen that have been yarn home owners, as a Th ank and New Year promises permission to proceed. Go bombed so that you’ve got You and so forth. Stock to be like no other we’ve ahead and get creative with inspiration. We’ve seen up now and be ready and experienced. Whether yarn as knitted, crocheted all sorts yarn bombed whatever you do, don’t we can get together with or wrapped objects – your including: a bicycle, tea forget to get one for your family and friends and gateposts, gate, fence, a service, chair, wheel, to own kitchen. One early how, remains to be seen. tree. name just a few. Th e idea buyer said, “I’ve tried Th e WI is committed to Th e suggested theme is to be creative and help several of the recipes already helping this holiday period is the Twelve Days of pretty up our lovely village and they are all delicious. include some activity and Christmas but anything over the festive season. I plan to use at least one We are welcoming new a week till l’ve cooked my members to our WI group way through them all!” A and if you too would like portion of the proceeds will to join us, we will welcome be given by the WI to kick- you. It’s a great way to meet start a defi brillator for the other women and together upper village (see page 4). there is a lot we can do. Many of the members For up-to-date posts not only contributed on our Facebook page, recipes, they also helped please go to https://www. with recipe testing and facebook.com/BoscastleWI proof reading. However, For further information the lioness’s share of the contact: work on the recipe book Gillian Schultz, 01840 250 was carried out by Julie 762, gillian@safesound. Potter, WI President com and June Mathers of the yarn bombing suggestions include bikes, fences, trees GS

THE NAPOLEON INN High Street, Boscastle Tel: 01840 250204 www.napoleoninn.co.uk A delightful 16th century pub full of character Delicious food freshly cooked by our team of talented chefs using local ingredients wherever possible Dogs on leads welcome Large, safe beer garden Real ales served straight from the barrel Book a table for our traditional SUNDAY ROAST We are THE ONLY pub in the village with SKY & BT SPORTS For up to date events please join us on our facebook page Disputes I Family 01208 72328 Ron, Sharon & the whole team would like to thank you www.sproullllp.co.uk Property Wills all for your continued support during the covid crisis I Offi ces at Bodmin, Camelford and Wadebridge

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 21 AVE ATQUE VALE Housing Matters

This Autumn, 5 properties its areas of extreme have sold along this same deprivation, the worst in stretch of road, each at over Northern Europe, but £400,000. carefully analysed why West Country estate young people see their agents have noted a recent future elsewhere. As one girl upsurge in demand: the living in a garden shed put suspension of Stamp it, “Houses are no longer Duty and second home seen as homes but as assets.” surcharge until March 31st In the forty years or so I next year has impelled a have lived in Boscastle the rush to complete purchase most transformative change of larger properties with I have noted has been the decent gardens and office or loss of small businesses – After much personal heart- They are the sort of work space suited to online grocery shops, chandlers, searching one of Boscastle’s genuine local family who businesses. butchers, chemist, estate most popular families, will be sadly missed, the On the north Cornish agent, bank, hardware Matt and Frances Payne couple providing a lively coast between Padstow store and electrical goods, Edwards have decided to and entertaining centre for and Bude, according to antique shop, post office, move from Hitherto on local gatherings, very much the Council’s own figures, and even two garages, Dunn Street, a former contributing towards the up to 45% of properties and their substitution by Wesleyan Chapel and community spirit of the are identified as second yet more gift shops and post office, to Marshgate. neighbourhood. homes. Five years ago when cafes, almost all services devoted to tourism and The main attraction is a We wish them all the I was involved with the Parish Plan we identified the poorest-paid. Maybe three acre wooded garden, best in their new home and over one hundred and fifty this would have happened ideal for their young sons as the boys will continue at second homes/holiday anyway, Amazon did for Nesta and Buster, cat Amy Boscastle Primary, they will lets. The authors of the the high street even before and the irrepressible ratter maintain their connection current Neighbourhood the present pandemic, Pickle. with the village. Development Plan tell me but it ruins the place as a that number has grown community. to two hundred. This Absentee landlords may effectively eliminates the feel they are connected prospect of more young to and contribute to couples moving into the community life but results village, particularly as not of both the 2015 Parish Plan a single so-called affordable and the Neighbourhood property has been built in Development Plan belie the past decade. that illusion, response their Simon Reeve’s recent to household questionnaires television documentary being practically zero. Cornwall not only exposed CR

Page 22 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Cornwall Councillor Barry is still true. I replied to the review yet the portal so I don’t know at this Jordan writes: nothing that I wrote was taken into time what and how much these new account, everything published by CC officers are earning and how it’s going By the time you read this we will is positive so obviously any negative to impact on next year’s Council Tax. be out of the second lock-down and comments were discarded, not the right Four years ago I was selected for headed for a better time over the way to carry out a survey, and certainly the Conservative and Unionist party Christmas and New Year. This area of not the way that the council should be to stand for Cornwall Council in this North Cornwall has been successful in run. Division, I am pleased to report that keeping the infection rate extremely I have been selected to stand again low and many of our tourists have I wrote an article which appeared in 2021 for the new Division which been very careful and keeping to in the Cornish Guardian about 8 will be the Camelford and Boscastle themselves. years ago headed “Who is running Cornwall Council?” Now I know Division, going from Helstone to St Like you, I don’t know how or who is running Cornwall Council Clether, Canworthy Water to Trevalga when we can get back to any sort of and at this time it is not your elected taking in part of Laneast, Davidstow, normality. I was glad to see that our members. That has to change if we Marshgate, Tresparrett. Cornwall schools are being kept open to give the want our green and pleasant land Council is to reduce the number of children some sort of structure and back. elected councillors from 123 to 87 normality, I am sure that the schools As a governor of the Cornwall and that is why the Divisions are will take great care of them and the so large, each taking in some 5,500 teachers will also look after themselves, NHS Foundation Trust, I am often given information from Cornwall electors. The Camelford and Boscastle but we are seeing that there are a Division will have 13 parishes, one of number of cases in Budehaven School Council which has not been shared with the trust and one of the questions the largest in the County. If elected I where several 16 to 18 year olds have will continue to serve you as I have been sent home and are self-isolating. I asked was how can we have an integrated system if all the parties in the last three and a half years, of Cornwall Council’s Scrutiny are not working together toward the course I will not always get it right Committee discussed the ‘Cornwall We same goal, the one door policy where but I will keep trying until I do. Want’ idea put out by the officers and it everything is shared by all parties. Let me take this opportunity to was turned down by 9 votes to 6. But the The answer I received was that is what wish you all a lovely Christmas and cabinet refused to drop it and brought it we are working toward. Next year the hopefully by then we will be out of back and all 12 councillor members of Cornwall NHS Foundation Trust is lockdown and we can all get together the group were like puppets, each read taking over the Royal Cornwall NHS and have a fantastic new year and hope a script given to them by the officers, Trust; they cannot be amalgamated that 2021 is the one we all deserve and decided unanimously to refer it because Treliske is not a foundation BJ to full council where they hope to get trust, so that will be the start of the barryjordan@cornwallcouncillors. it approved. I have not had one person integrated system. All we need now org.uk contact me saying they had been asked is for Cornwall Council to agree and Tel: 01840 230048 to make a comment and to date that I don’t for one minute think that will Mobile: 07799790813 happen. BLOCKED DRAINS You will have all seen or heard that Cornwall Council are making CLEARED FAST 200 people redundant to cut costs, yet we have seen in the last month 6 new senior officers appointed and 24hr call out no doubt the money saved by the loss of 200 will be swallowed up by the appointment of the new staff Hedley Venning all over £100k per annum. I made a statement earlier this year about the salaries of senior staff at CC, 25 senior staff at Cornwall Council were 01840 250113 earning as much as 800 people in the private sector earning approximately £18k per year. 07974 581836 Now we have more senior staff but the Council have not updated

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 23 Neighbourhood Community Cooking Project helping even more of those who are struggling in these challenging times to feed themselves and their families. In this present Lockdown it has become apparent that more and more local people are facing significant hardship than ever before. Many in the community have been furloughed or, worse still, have lost their jobs. Julie’s prime aim is to ease some of their worries and provide free meals for those who need it. Some people have asked if they can buy a meal and she is happy to accept that. She does, however, stress that her main aim is to provide free meals for those who Lesley Walker and Irene Gledhill, and Julie Potter is well known in our cannot afford to pay. they make a very formidable team. Boscastle Community. Never have I Julie plans to put aside one day While Julie does the cooking, these met someone so energetic, bubbling a week for cooking, using one of ladies peel vegetables, wash up and with enthusiasm and full of ideas the two Village Halls, and then, pack the meals ready for distribution. which she is happy to carry out. The that evening or the following day, You may wonder who pays for this successful Scarecrow Competition deliver to people’s homes or create and where the provisions come from. was her brain-child, as was the WI a collection point for the food to be Much is financed from Julie’s own Cookbook, now launched; she is our distributed. Menus will be advertised purse, supplemented by donations Boscastle WI President, Caretaker a couple of days in advance, either by and with the help of local shops of Boscastle Village Hall and a poster or on Facebook, so that people (such as ‘Charlie’s’ in Tintagel, who Trustee and fundraiser for Tintagel can phone or e-mail Julie with their have provided all additional items for Social Hall. Added to this she runs a requirements (including any dietary the cook this week). Julie is very keen Cookery Club, Pay-as-You-Feel Meals, restrictions). to use local facilities where possible: and has a stall at two local farmers’ Julie does emphasise that Button Meats is one such concern markets. If that’s not enough she also confidentiality and privacy will be which has been supportive. She has has a family to look after. respected at all times. She is very applied for grants and has been given Her Cookery Club was aimed conscious of the reluctance of many £200 from Cllr Jordan’s Community at helping people to cook meals on to admit that they and their families Chest fund. The most expensive a budget, and to teach those who are going hungry and are in desperate are struggling, especially teenagers, need, so that is why she intends to to take better care of themselves. keep her team to a select few who can People came with a £1 set of be trusted with contact details. ingredients, usually veggie based, and She has two volunteer helpers, Julie provided the meat and cheese component. At the end of the day her “pupils” were able to take home a minimum of three and up to six meals. The Pay-as-You-Feel Meals, which provided the donations to keep the Cookery Club going, were scheduled twice monthly and proved, understandably, very popular. Julie assures me that as soon as Lockdown finishes these will start up again. Her latest project is aimed at

Page 24 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 outlay, however, is the acquisition of the building, changing things to better containers for the food to be packed suit our future needs. It will continue in, a procedure which must comply to be the home of the Camelford & with strict food hygiene regulations. Neighbours Community Larder and So, can we help? We certainly can. will be used as a donation drop off Julie likes to keep a store cupboard and collection point for essentials, of food, tins and various items such we want to go further. We know as garlic and ginger. Donations things are difficult for a lot of people of such items, as well as financial The Trustees of the Old Bank in our communities at the minute contributions, are always welcome. Camelford are delighted to offer a and, unfortunately, it looks as if this renewed vision of the Old Bank’s could be the new normal for a while Julie’s guiding philosophy may purposes thanks to two hard working yet. We also want to be able to hold be summed up in her own words as: and committed women joining us as cooking classes, pay as you feel meals, NO ONE NEEDS TO BE trustees: Emma Cardoza and Chelly pay as you feel table top sales, drop-in HUNGRY. Her contact number is Sturgess. The Old Bank plans to sessions with counsellors, budgeting Julie Potter 07828824951 renew its lease from June 2021 for and debt help, to establish a credit Her passion for this and all her another five years, continuing the union and much more.” other projects really shines through as work done so far, but with a new With Covid19 worsening financial I found when I chatted to her about focus on meeting more of the basic positions, increasing mental ill-health her project. She is, however, quite needs of our community. and social isolation, and with the fear reticent when it comes to blowing Chelly & Emma took over that a possible no-deal Brexit may her own trumpet – persuading her running the Camelford & Neighbours lead to food shortages and/or price to provide a photograph of herself Community Larder in late December increases, practical help is needed. wasn’t easy! 2019 when the previous admin We hope to be in the position to do She is now off to the Parish stepped down. Things were going that. Clearly the new lockdown - and Council meeting to talk about yet steadily, continuing to help those future ones - will limit what we can another idea, Yarn Bombing!! in our communities that they do, but donations and collections are SViner could. However, they needed a new essential so they will continue. We location for the shed that was the invite you to join us: please volunteer Larder’s home, and then Covid hit. to help, donate money, food, They battled on against the odds, clothing and items that would make particularly as the shed did not find good Christmas presents: contact a new home so all the food was stored [email protected] to in their own homes. arrange delivery. Helen Wood Months later, Cornwall Council Chair of Trustees, the Old Bank were consulting on how communities Camelford could be better prepared for future Boscastle National Trust emergencies and in a zoom call to t brainstorm this, Claire Hewlett, National Visitor Centre Trust Shop & Café Camelford Town Councillor, heard about the amazing work of the Foot Care Practitioners Foot care in the comfort Community Larder - and how it of your own home. had taken over their homes. The Toenail Clipping OB offered itself as the Community Ingrowing Toenails Painful Corns Removed Larder‘s new home; once trustees Paddings & Dressings Verrucae Treatment The Harbour, Boscastle,PL35 0HD saw what was happening, and how Painful Callus OPEN ALL YEAR this fitted in with the Old Bank’s Reduction March - October 10.00am - 5.00pm charitable objectives of improving Everything you require to November - February 10.30am - 4.00pm keep your feet pain free! Information on local accommodation & attractions the life of those in Camelford and plus a wide range of books, maps, walking guides, the surrounding villages, they asked Claire & Simon Neate dipfhp gifts and refreshments. Free Wi-Fi throughout Qualified Foot Health Practitioners Second hand bookshop now open. Chelly and Emma to join them Call: If you are interested in volunteering or 07968 232344 / 07870 508867 donating some books drop in or give us a call. as trustees. Since then we’ve been Tel: 01840 250010/250353 exploring how the Community Larder www.visitboscastleandtintagel.com [email protected] can expand as part of the Old Bank. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Emma said, “We’re freshening up

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 25 How about standing as a Parish Councillor? issues where they might benefit personally or their Next year it will be election themselves forward, we are to the Parish to protect family, close associates or time again for Forrabury all the poorer for it. If they our heritage and promote organisation they represent. and Minster Parish Council. do, though, the community policies for our future needs. Benefit can be financial or could be defined as to their Councillors - 10 in all - are benefits to work together What makes a good general advantage. However, elected for a period of 4 more effectively. councillor? years. The election is due to The requirement is it is up to the particular th be held on Thursday May 6 in general to attend one, There is no one size councillor to make that 2021, but the election may occasionally two meetings a fits all answer. The main personal judgment. not take place. Forrabury month to discuss and decide criteria are an ability to Being a parish and Minster Parish Council on matters of local import. work with others for the councillor can be very has not held a full election The Parish Council has good of the community, a rewarding, knowing that since 2009, as in 2013 limited powers itself, but it readiness to learn about the you are doing your best to and 2017 fewer than ten can achieve a lot by working role, integrity and openness promote the best for the in their dealings with members of the public with the community and community. You can be a the community. Within applied, so no election was neighbouring communities. champion for the areas that called. six months of election The parish council is councillors are required to interest you and help with There are many local a recipient and conduit of undertake code of conduct plans and decisions that people who care deeply local opinion, feeding into affect us all. about the community and training which states that the appropriate county So, whether you have do great things to support, councillors should exhibit and national authorities stood for the council in the entertain and keep us all “selflessness, honesty the feelings and demands past, are currently a parish safe. But very few such and integrity, objectivity, of the local population. councillor or are new to local people are prepared to stand accountability, openness Councillors have access to politics, if you are interested for election and take on the and leadership.” background information, in the future of the place parish councillor role. Why They must take into correspondence, county you live do consider putting is that? and national policies and account the views of others with impartiality, must yourself forward for the Well, part of it might information. Councillors council. be a reluctance to risk are encouraged to carry out behave with propriety rejection at the polls, part research on items between and not use either their You can always find might be uncertainty about meetings, to meet with local position or council resources out more by talking to the role and the extent of residents who want their improperly. They must take the clerk, Adrian Prescott the commitment required. help and take an interest in advice into account but also or a current councillor. Some might be a wish to local community groups. make their own decisions. Information about local Naturally they are expected avoid what they fear would The Neighbourhood elections can also be found to treat all others with be endless, apparently Development Plan group at www.cornwall.gov.uk/ courtesy. Bullying and pointless meetings. But if act as a sub committee of council-and-democracy/ intimidatory behaviour people who care about the the Parish Council and are elections/ towards others is not community and want to doing a huge amount of tolerated. Nominations open protect and promote what work on its behalf to get 29/3/21, nominations Councillors must is good about it, won’t put planning policies specific close 8/4/21, election day not take part or vote on Thursday 6/5/21.

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Page 26 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 The minibus drives on…but for how long? D SCOTT ELECTRICAL 1, JORDAN VALE OLD ROAD BOSCASTLE CORNWALL PL35 0AJ

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FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS TEL : 01840 250155 Th e Directors ofnote that Coronavirus Boscastle Community has impacted the use of Interest Company (CIC) the minibus for obvious received many comments reasons. However, the regarding their call for Directors want to highlight action following their how Coronavirus has not www.coastalcottagecleaning.co.uk announcement in the impacted their discussions  HOLIDAY HOME MANAGEMENT  previous edition. Th eregarding the future of the  HOLIDAY HOME WASTE COLLECTION project is in danger of minibus project – the call  FULL LINEN SERVICE  being halted as there is a for volunteers to help keep TOP QUALITY LINEN HIRE OR LAUNDRY SERVICE lack of community drivers and maintain the minibus GARDEN AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE was made long before the and general help to keep LOCAL, RELIABLE AND FAMILY RUN BUSINESS the project alive. However, pandemic. PLEASE CONTACT ANGIE OR LEE ON 07396279788 regulations of keeping and Th e Directors have maintaining the minibus volunteered to drive the [email protected] are onerous and left to only minibus for some small a few hardy volunteers community trips in tier 1 – this free community areas operating with less WESTERINGS goodwill does only so far. passengers. With a new Some people have come COVID secure screen Spacious Self-Catering forward to try and ensure installed, passengers Accommodation that the minibus continues will need to wear a face to serve the purpose of its covering and sanitise their - Open All Year - arrival. Th e Directors have hands before boarding. Shirley Wakelin requested an extension For more information of three months on the on trips, speak to Claire Forrabury, Boscastle insurance – an outlay of (Minibus Manager) on Tel: 01840 250314 £350. 07506944622 or see Website: www.westeringsholidays.co.uk It is important to community noticeboards.

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 27 can be so compelling that The Long Song by Andrea The Reading Room you don’t want to leave Levy that world and your new All of us read and I’m visiting Th e Ancient there can be a temptation friends. It’s a real tonic. reviewed the following. Reading Room alone today. to allow yourself to be Why not buddy up with Our country has once again carried along without a friend or neighbour and entered a lockdown period engaging with what you compare notes on the book to help stem the spread of fi nd popping up on the after you’ve read it? It spurs Coronavirus. My visit here screen. How do I know? I you on to keep reading. was deemed essential to know because I have done Summer Reads ensure all was safely secured it. Over the summer before I turned the key and Having a Bookworm the Bookworms have walked away again. Buddy is a life-line. all read books of their Th e Bookworm Chatting to them stirs personal choice as well Buddies have kept in you into picking up that as the ones we agreed to close contact, through book you’ve been meaning read. Browse through various means, because we to read and to switch off their recommendations. fi nd that by sharing our the television. Maybe you Something may catch your The Heat of the Moment thoughts and opinions of have thought about a book eye. by Sabrina Cohen-Hatton the books we have read, we which you read years ago, Some of them may Th e author lost her are motivated and inspired why not re-read it? Books have a review posted on father when she was nine to keep reading. When aimed at younger readers @keeperofthe key on years old. His death sent spirits dip low and the ache can also draw you in. I Instagram. her mother on a downward of loneliness creeps upon a loved the Harry Potter Books recommended spiral of mental health. At soul it is all too easy to not books! Some people enjoy fi fteen she left home and bother. Th ese strange times doing a craft or hobby. by the bookworms. ended up sleeping rough could fi nd us slumping in Bookworms that do have Olive Kitteridge by and selling copies of Th e a chair watching endless found that listening to Elizabeth Strout. Big Issue to support herself television or constantly audible books keeps them A Summer at Sea by Katie whilst she completed her scrolling down screens company as they work. Fforde GCSEs. Th ree years later mindlessly. I am the fi rst Th e end result, whether The Night Circus by Erin she joined Th e Fire Service. to enjoy a good fi lm or reading or listening is the Morgenstern She is now married to a documentary or drama. same. You are absorbed The Kashmir Shawl by fellow fi refi ghter. Th ey can be uplifting and in a diff erent world with Rosie Thomas awe inspiring but when the intriguing characters. It Th is book demonstrates My Father’s Tears by John the author’s skills and television is on all the time Updike commitment to becoming Human Traces by an expert in her fi eld. Sebastian Foulkes She studied psychology Our Endless Number Days to understand how stress by Claire Fuller aff ects or infl uences

Page 28 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 the complex decisions It is however a well written imagines they have. Th e Until we next meet fi refi ghters need to make. journal about a remarkable journey takes him across remember that during Th e book contained many and impressive life. America revealing its lockdown reading or scenarios and descriptions Story 6 Writing Quality 6 current tides of racism, listening to audible books of training exercises which populism and the opioid can help raise your spirits were very detailed. She crisis. and chase boredom away. also goes into the detail of Th ere are two stories Did you know there is a her research and how the that cleverly intertwine and lovely book programme on results have changed the refl ect each other. Th e book BBC Two called ‘Between standards, legislation and is pure crazy, fantasy and the Covers’? It is presented impact within the fi re and it is often confusing and by Sarah Cox with some rescue service. complex to follow but you famous guests. I thoroughly Th e Bookworms had keep trying. It is written enjoy it and you might too! mixed feelings about this in such a way that you Stay safe and well and book. Some Bookworms are compelled to try and keep reading! were not motivated to understand its bizarreness. Yours truly read it, another was a Storyline 4 Writing The keeper of the Key bit disappointed that it Quality 7 wasn’t a straightforward Quichotte autobiography but found by Salman Rushdie Remembrance it interesting none the Th is is a long,Sunday less. We thought she wrote complicated but strangely On Remembrance so well about decision amusing book. It takes Sunday, making and so vividly determination to get Methodist about rapidly changing through it. It was long Minister Rev. situations. She described listed for Th e Booker Linda Barribal. her amazing route to a top Prize. It is loosely based held a very short job, and gave a real insight on Cervantes 17th century service at the to a completely diff erent novel ‘Don Quixote’. War Memorial. way of life. Quichotte is an Forrabury One Bookworm said, ‘I Indian man who lives in Church bell was am glad I read it but I can’t America and works as a rung to mark say I enjoyed it.’ travelling pharmaceutical the two minutes Th e Bookworms salesman. He lives in a silence, and was thought that maybe in fantasy world created by rung again on 11 the current situation they his thoughts. He ends up November. photo Gillian Schultz would have found that a journeying in search of book which transported the woman he loves who us away from stress and is, in fact, oblivious of the sadness was more enjoyable. relationship Quichotte

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 29 Talcar, not Boscastle Like many of his kind Chronicle but all other William Duke of contemporary records attest Normandy’s primary to his tyranny. Although concern, when he invaded at first the population England on September 28th might have been willing to 1066, was not the wise and negotiate peace and accept benevolent future rule of a new ruler, when they his newly-subject people, discovered what he really but loot. wanted they resisted. That was the way of the It took five years medieval world. A king of ruthless repression followers. French lawyers of Mortain held lordship induced the loyalty of his to put down revolt. provided the paperwork over Talcar. William de followers on the basis of His dictatorship was so he might ingenuously Botreaux was given lands some kind of spiritual characterised by the explain “every man should there and built a castle in devotion, so-called “divine imposition of ruinous taxes know his right and not order to stamp Norman right” and more tangibly on and thefts of treasure from usurp another.” authority on the area and promise of personal gain. churches and monasteries give his name to the village. Prior to the Roman and wholesale dispossession Given that at this point conquest the natives of Norman castles were of property. He centralized there were at least a dozen Cornwall could best be constructed not only to of power and wealth into contenders trying to deprive described as Romano- protect the new landlords solely Norman hands, and Harold of the English British. They had already against their tenants but to displaced Anglo Saxon throne, William’s claim by traded with Rome during provide what England had aristocracy by rule through no means the strongest, his the Iron Age and although never had before, a large a feudal system. Revered best argument lay in use of most of the UK then number of prisons. “The and respected figures of force. came under direct rule grim stone keeps were a English life were thrust out “It is reckoned that in Cornwall remained largely threat to every man and of office, reduced to penury, the twenty years following autonomous. When the every woman in every part imprisoned chained and the conquest two hundred Romans left the Cornish of England, and stood as manacled, blinded and thousand Normans and continued to resist further symbols of bondage.” maimed. Frenchmen settled in the incursion from Anglo William the Conqueror country while at least three It is idle to speculate Saxon invaders, remaining was no hero, neither were hundred thousand English what if England might still proud of their language his followers. They took by people, one in five of the have become had it never and Celtic ancestry. force, they ruled by force. been invaded, whether native population were An iron age cliff All history, wrote the great better or worse as a result, killed by William’s ravages castle stands at the site of Macaulay, is the history of but certainly it would have or starved by seizure of their the modern coastguard freedom. All over the world been different. farm stock and their land.” lookout, its name Willapark peoples have reclaimed their (David Howarth, 1066 the In 1086 William derived from ‘whyllas’ and freedom and expunged Year of the Conquest) instigated a survey of ‘parc’ meaning lookout emblems of colonialism: William, for his part, England to define exactly and common, alongside countries renamed, statues returned their loathing with what he had and who the ‘Stitches,’ an Iron-Age toppled. interest. He refused to learn owned it. It was not at the farming system The village’s present time common for legal the language (not much The present harbour area name is pleasant sounding documentation to establish change there) and spent was recorded as ‘Talcar’ (or enough maybe, but the land rights. Now it did. most of the remainder of Talkarn) a single accessible castle is long gone. Is it not The ‘Book of Winchester,’ his life in Normandy. His inlet of commercial trading time to ask why it continues perhaps better known only significant legacy was value existing along thirty to bend a knee to a foreign as the Domesday Book, the imposition of Norman miles of bleak, sparsely invader and not restore and stands as a prime example French as the language of populated coastline. celebrate its ancient past? of colonial land-grab. the courts and nobility. According to Domesday (I am indebted to Rod and William deposed some four Not only the William the Conqueror’s Ann Knight’s work The Book fifths of the English owners authoritative Anglo-Saxon half-brother Robert Count of Boscastle 2004) and gave their land to his CR

Page 30 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Elftastic day at Cornish Stores Portable Appliance Testing Boscastle & Surrounding Areas Bed & Breakfasts - Holiday Lets - Businesses

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EXTENSIONS • RENOVATIONS NEW BUILD • BATHROOMS Phone: 07989 327 873 FREE QUOTATIONS Clare and Jamie dressed up to raise money for people affected by dementia Dressed to impress, Clare fund raising will be a and the team at Cornish lifeline for many. Stores hosted their first There will be donation “Elf Day” in aid of the boxes on the counter Alzheimer’s Society on throughout December th Friday 4 December. or you can donate online Many came out to support at the Just Giving page the fun and games along www.justgiving.com/ with sampling gin, cakes fundraising/Clare-H- and treats. But the biggest Doolan attraction was the chance Thank you to all those to see the team in Elf who popped by or helped costumes! to support the good work. Coronavirus has ANDREW LEEDS CHIMNEY SWEEP changed everything AND STOVE INSTALLATIONS for people affected by Tel: 01840 250114 dementia. As a result of lockdown, people have • Va c u u m & B r u s h • Stove Installations found themselves isolated - no mess • Flue lining from their families and are • Servicing & Repairs • HETAS certification more vulnerable than ever • Cowls & Bird guards before. The Alzheimer’s • 20 mile radius Society is a cause close to the hearts of Clare and the family and their festive www.alzheimers.org.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 31 When Santa got Stuck up other unmentionable areas. in order to celebrate with Into the dining room and the whole family. It is all the Chimney... out of sight, disguised very uncertain. come down and no carrot with a bit of tinsel and my In the past it was the to give Rudolph because husband banned from that certainty of Christmas Mum didn’t have any? room till morning: mission family traditions that I In the run-up to accomplished! I still found comforting. There Christmas, of course, wonder if this episode had was a timelessness to presents need to be any bearing on the slipped the Christmas tree with concealed in safe places, lumbar discs from which the same decorations all three of us were to suffer being placed on it - the ...he began to shout: well screened from prying in the years to come! angel, made by my (then) “You girls & boys won’t eyes. Occasionally, this can I’m sure most of you playgroup daughter, much get any toys unless you pose logistical problems, such as the year my mother- can share similar stories battered but still treasured; let me out!” in-law gave my husband a (and recall the headaches a bauble, once owned by Or, if you prefer, – water-butt for Christmas. they sometimes caused). my Grandmother, the ‘Twas the Night before “Just hide it” she said “till Looking back, though, I gilding flaking off but Christmas, when all Christmas Day, I want it to wouldn’t change a thing. not to be thrown out through the house, not be a surprise.” That’s fine At heart I guess I am and the heart gift tag a creature was stirring, but where? It is not easy still a child - ‘cos I love that my other daughter not even...’ well, don’t you to camouflage a 200-litre attached to a Christmas believe it! On a number of Christmas! water-butt! The garage SV present, long forgotten. memorable Christmas Eves was out of the question Memories flooded back past, we were certainly as was the greenhouse, as as each decoration was stirring (or attempting to) both were regularly visited found a place on the tree, – except in our case, it was by the intended recipient. sometimes finding the more a question of the boys So, it became a ‘virtual same place on the tree each not getting any toys unless present’, on view on our year. Santa could get in! landing but to be tacitly Memories of other trees The dreadful Christmas ignored. Mother-in-law, come to mind. Before Eve when time ticked on, bless her, remained in artificial trees took over and would my young son blissful ignorance of our from the pine variety with go to sleep? No way! One, failure to carry out her their Christmas piney two, three o’clock and still instructions! Here’s to a Merry aroma, one early December, no chance of getting into Then, one of my Christmas for us my sister decided she would his bedroom. Finally, at bright ideas: a sundial for all get ahead of the game. By five, the deed accomplished my husband, to make a buying a Christmas tree at last, two bleary-eyed As I write this article, we matching pair with the early in the month she parents retired to bed, only are nearing Christmas, a bird-bath which already could choose the best- to be woken at six by shrill time of celebration and adorned the garden. The looking one. There it stood, shouts of “Santa’s been!!” family get togethers. I am item was picked up on wondering how we will festooned in decorations Then, there was the Christmas Eve and kept all celebrate Christmas but, unnoticed at first, week time when we forgot to out of sight in the car. this year. At the present by week slowly and quietly pick up Santa’s mince pies Now, all I had to do was time our Vicar is holding shredding more and more and port, (not to mention smuggle it into the house: Zooming Church Services, pine needles. When most Rudolf’s carrot), resulting the only trouble was it since we are unable to of the decorations hung in a furtive expedition weighed a ton! So later that worship in Church. on naked branches and downstairs at some evening, with hubby safely Will we have Zooming Christmas day was rapidly unearthly hour to dispose upstairs in the bath, my Midnight Mass this year, approaching, she had to of them. two sons (in their dressing I wonder? If family groups admit defeat and rush out How about the gowns) and myself heaved are restricted to numbers and buy whatever scraggy explanations to worried it into the house with a of 6 only, it might be that tree was left. We didn’t children that we didn’t howling gale whistling Christmas dinner has to be comment upon it! Another have a chimney for Santa to around our ears and certain organised over several days, two-tree household was my

Page 32 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 daughter’s. She decided the suff erers (presumably, Boscastle Farmshop gets Festive one year that she would all reconstructed by actors not join the consumers of for the programme!) that with our whole operation Chinese made Christmas when it came time to eat we’ll be following COVID decorations, she would the Christmas fare I had regulations to keep you make her own. Her prepared for the rest of and us safe. enthusiasm knew no the family, I was unable In January we are bounds, as they say. One to eat the smallest morsel. holding a Tapas & Wine/ tree was not enough to Th e programme had made Cider Tasting Event run hold all her handiwork and such an impression on In these turbulent times, with in conjunction with despite the small size of me that I was convinced your local Farmshop is Padstow based Trevibban her living room, two trees, there should be at least here to help. We’ve recently winery. An evening to look complete with twinkling one able bodied person to launched our Online Shop forward to in the New Year decorations, held pride of call the emergency services for many of your essential or why not buy a ticket for place and took up most of when they all became items and treats. Products this Event for a loved one. are being added regularly the room. ill. ‘Mmmmmm’, they Don’t forget we have and you can always ring/ I am unsure whether said, as they tucked into Gift Vouchers available email/message us to add I will decorate a tree this turkey, pigs in blankets, for those people who are your favourite items not year or, if I will be able to homemade stuffi ng and all always so diffi cult to buy listed. Home deliveries celebrate Christmas with the side dishes that make up for, a perfect solution. continue to be available on the family. I am certain, this once a year celebration Please do get in touch if Saturdays, Tuesdays and however, that I won’t go dinner. ‘You should have we can help in anyway and Th ursdays. You can pre- into a panic about getting some’ they said, ‘You have thank you so much for your order all your Christmas salmonella poisoning from done yourself proud this continued support through goodies including meats/ the turkey, as I did several year, it is soooo tasty’. I these diffi cult times, we so turkeys/Christmas trees/ years ago. Th at year, a few waited for the retching to appreciate it. cakes etc. Do pick an weeks before Christmas, begin. Order form up when you Keep up-to-date some ‘doom merchant’ Well, of course it didn’t visit, or download from with our latest news by produced a programme for happen and I did myself our website. following our Facebook television on the dangers of out of Christmas dinner page/Instagram and our Christmas lunches, are salmonella poisoning from that year and learnt my website. poultry. Images of people lesson, as far as scary available on Wednesdays Merry Christmas One succumbing to the poison, television programmes are and Sundays in December. and All, Keep Safe from being too sick to dial for concerned. I hope you, Th ere’s a mouth-watering Jackie, Robin and all the help and spending weeks in Dear Reader, will be able 2 or 3 course menu to team at Boscastle Farmshop hospital, then, on returning to enjoy your Christmas choose from. Naturally AS home, having to deal with dinner and store up life-changing ailments, had happy family memories of a profound eff ect on my Christmas 2020, despite psyche. So graphic were the strange time we are the images and distress of going through. GQ • Microsoft certified & Apple authorised computer & network technician. • Windows PC & Mac, Android & iOS. Sales & service - home or business. • Hardware repair, software troubleshooting. • Anti-virus/system maintenance. • WiFi/network consultancy & installation. • Website design & construction. • Wireless point of sale (POS) & CCTV installations

Contact Tim Ferrett at : [email protected] TEL : 01840 250 106 MOB : 07976 046 810 www.boscastleit.co.uk

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 33 Bottreaux Surgery News to wait in your car where You will have seen possible is preferential. the exciting news about the proposed Covid This year has absolutely again and our wonderful This is under constant vaccination programme, flown in general practice; team will advise you review, particularly as the this is still in the early we have worked hard during where your appointment weather turns, and we are stages of planning but the pandemic and we have is located when you book. currently in the process of please rest assured we are been grateful to receive a We continue to work obtaining some shelter for busy behind the scenes lot of support from local slightly differently with all outside. trying to organise the businesses and patients. GP appointments held as We are still trying logistics whilst awaiting We have successfully telephone consultations, to keep our footfall to further information. held the majority of our and patients coming in a minimum so please flu clinics, with social face to face when needed. only attend the surgery Finally we are happy distancing intact, thanks to We do still have routine when necessary. We have to welcome some new our amazing nursing team appointments available updated our phone lines to staff to the surgery. Emily and the great support of both on the day and have greater capacity and Parr has now joined the our patient participation pre-bookable. You can to ensure a more effective nursing team and will group. We do still have book these online or over way of working during be undertaking many clinics and vaccines the phone. The nurses this time. Dispensary can of your respiratory available though, so if you may hold your chronic now take calls directly reviews, alongside your have not received yours yet disease appointment over between 9am to 10am and other nursing needs. please contact the practice. the phone but bloods, 4pm to 5pm, Monday to Damian Blackley has also Patients aged 50 to 65 dressings, smears and Friday. Please be aware joined us recently from who are not usually at risk, vaccinations (as well as though that they cannot Boots, he is working as please bear with us; we are many other things) are still take medication requests Operations Coordinator awaiting national guidance being seen at the practice over the phone for safety for the surgery. We are also as we have been asked to so by consulting over the reasons and medication looking forward to a new prioritise all those at risk phone where we can, we are queries are best managed permanent GP joining first. Both our Facebook aiming to keep everyone by completing a form us in February, Dr Emily page and website are safe. online. It would really Hancock. updated regularly. When you attend for an help us if you could sign As always, thank you Although we are, as I appointment we are happy up to the text consent for ongoing support during write this, in the middle of for you to wait in your car service so that you get a this difficult time and for lockdown; we are working and the clinician will let text when you prescription helping us to help you. hard to get Tintagel surgery you know when they are is ready as we are getting From everyone at back up and running as ready to see you. At present a high volume of calls Bottreaux Surgery, we usual. Currently clinics our waiting room inside is from patients checking wish you a safe, happy and are being held there ad not open unless a member their prescription is ready wonderful festive season. hoc, in accordance with of the team lets you in; this which unfortunately With best wishes staffing levels but the is to limit numbers in the blocks the lines and delays Danielle Kirby option is available once waiting room so for you the dispensary processing Business Manager prescriptions. The Old Coach House Oakwood Building Relax in the beautiful surroundings of this 300 DANIEL ROOTS year old coach house, CONSTRUCTION with large, secluded 01840 250644 / 07968 808135 mature garden and private parking [email protected] Roofing • Carpentry • New Build Tastefully refurbished en suite rooms Extensions • Renovations Jackie Horwell Kitchens • Bathrooms Tel: 01840 250398 www.old-coach.co.uk FREE QUOTATIONS

Page 34 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Steve’s Winter Crossword ring and gets just desserts (12) 15 African National Congress 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 4 visits Italian capital for love (7) 5 6 1 7 8 17 Hats for cricketers (7)

5 9 22 Sheep with singular underwear becomes wild (7) 12 10 24 One of these sounds like it’s 6 needed (6)

11 12 13 26 Cleric loses right for bit on the side (5) 14 15 16 28 Call for a round of drinks (5) 18 17 answers on page 7 18 19 Linda’s Place Names Revealed 6 18 20 21 17 22 1 Communist girl - Redruth 20 21 22 25 23 2 Part of an engine & how we got 27 24 21 here - Camborne

25 26 29 27 28 3 Greetings - Hayle 4 Just normal - Par

5 Holy interred girl - St Buryan 2 29 30 6 Canonised foreigners - St

33 Germans 7 Writing implements & female 31 32 relatives - Penzance 8 Holy uprightness in a flower Across 20 Small fish. Just a mo at present garden - St Just in Roseland 5 Curious Superhero (6,5) (6) 9 Judges in June, July & August - 7 Buys grasses (5) 21 Musical instrument sounds Summercourt 10 Steps off this Cornish beach (9) dishonest (4) 10 Rodent home - Mousehole 12 London, Paris, Rome etc., 23 Care for special event (5) 11 A reptile - Lizard excellent! (7) 25 Feel deep respect always in 12 Farming implements 14 Carry furry animal (4) Religious Education (6) Harrowbarrow 16 Party food for cannibals? (6) 27 Smash and grab sheep rustling? 13 Spoil a child - Ruan Minor 18 Horse event makes a racket (9) (3,4) 14 Perhaps - Mabe 19 See 8d 29 Edgy hair (6) 15 Cross roads Four Lanes 30 Educate fish (6) 16 Part of a church & resident of a 31 Bird sounds a bargain (5) convent - Altarnun 32 Percussion instrument, spaced 17 Paddling place - Pool out to fish (8) 18 Recreation ground - Playing Down Place 1 Woolly female starts reaching 19 Would you use this in an old for large jug (4) lock? - Newquay General plumbing 2 High level information (7,9) 20 In favour of public transport - maintenance 3 Box for virtue (7) Probus Boiler and heating services 4 Stupid donkey (3) 21 Pickled cinders - Saltash Kitchen, bathroom and 6 Latest information from all over 22 Crazy boy - Madron appliance installations the place (4) 23 Oriental consort - Indian Queens Tiling 8 & 19a Planet has a lovely 24 Rich employer’s home - Boscastle Call out services physique (8,4) 9 Force things (5) 25 Royal crossing - King Harry Ferry 07816 910510 11 Aunt in proportion (8) 26 Poster - Sticker www.opplumbing.co.uk 13 Confused priest for Looe loses 27 What you expect if you get these right! - Praze

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 35 Opening Hours and Useful Numbers Emergency Services: Boscastle Spar Coastguard, Fire, Police, Ambulance: Dial 999 Tel: 01840 250419 Police Station: For non-urgent issues: 101 Cash machine during business hours Doctors’ Surgery and out-of-hours emergency Post Office facilities doctor: 01840 250209 Shop open daily at 6am NHS Advice : If you are feeling unwell and need a telephone health assessment, please call freephone 111 Local Hospitals: Bodmin - East Cornwall 01208 251300 Cornish Stores Minor Injuries Unit 8 am – 10 pm, seven days a week Open every day 9am to 6pm X-Ray department Monday to Friday 9am until 4.45pm. Launceston Community 01566 761000 Home deliveries available Minor Injuries Unit open 8 am - 8pm, seven days a week Tel: 01840 250344 X-Ray department Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Sun 9am-5pm Stratton Community 01288 320100 Minor Injuries Unit open 8am - 10pm, seven days a week Mobile Library X-Ray department Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm 0800 032 2345 or 01872 272702 NHS Emergency Dental Service: 0333 405 0290 Visits every fourth Friday: Boscastle National Trust & Visitor Centre: Due at Boscastle, Paradise Road 10.20 -10.40 01840 250010 or 01840 250353 January 22nd, February 19th, March 19th Local Churches: Church of England 01840 250359 Methodist 01840 214818 NatWest Bank Catholic 01840 770663 NatWest report that they are in the process of Harbourmaster: 01840 250200 making changes to Mobile Banks so that they are COVID secure and to ensure that social distancing Parish Council: can be maintained. Chairman: 01840 250529 At the time of printing, no date was available for Clerk: 01840 230609 email: [email protected] when the mobile bank will return to Boscastle. Minibus Bookings and Enquiries: 07506 944 622 Camelford Library Community Centre Bookings: 01840 250442 and Information Service British Divers Marine Life Rescue to report concerns Town Hall, Market Place, about any marine animals: 01825 765546 Camelford, PL32 9PD RSPCA: 0300 1234 999 Tel: 0300 1234 111 Mon & Tues: 10am - 4.30pm, Cornwall Council One Stop Shop: 0300 1234 111 Wed, Thurs & Sat: 10am - 1pm Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 Library renewals line: 0845 607 6119 Floodline: 0345 988 1188 [email protected] South West Water emergency: 0344 346 2020 Waste Tip, Bowithick Quarry SWW leak reporting 0800 230 0561 Highways: 0300 1234 222 Sanding Road, Tintagel, PL34 0HH Tel: 01840 770778 Western Power emergencies: 0800 365 900 Open Friday to Monday: 9am – 4pm Village Hall bookings: Jane Spachett: 07985737356 Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day Village website: www.boscastlecornwall.org.uk

Page 36 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Fingers Crossed for the Tiggy-Winkles

I could sense the anxiety handling, which also was as I watched small black concerning. When in feet scurrying, frantically, doubt I always contact my backwards and forwards personal village ‘help desk’. on the other side of my He knew someone with neighbour’s gate. Th e gap the expertise to help the at the bottom of the gate poor little creature and so was too small to allow we handed ‘Hedgie’ (since the animal to escape and named Madern - Cornish it was obvious that was for ‘one who is Lucky its intention. At fi rst, I and Fortunate’) over to thought it was a rat but Michelle. She texted later quickly realised it was a to say that Madern was very hedgehog. Now I could feel sick. He was dehydrated, a healthy hedgehog in the wild its anxiety transferred to his eyes were sunken and return him from whence he boundaries. Avoid the use myself, for mid-afternoon his weight was well below came - a Boscastle garden. of pesticides such as slug is not the time of day you the level he needed to go By coincidence, a pellets; make ponds safe by expect to see nocturnal into hibernation. He had few days later I received having a ramp for animals hedgehogs. Th e animal was Crenosoma (lung worm) an email from Cornwall to climb out of steep sided obviously in distress and and a fair amount of Wildlife Trust stating that water features and be aware needed help. Capalaria internal parasites ‘hedgehog numbers have of the dangers in your I knocked on my (another form of lung declined by two-thirds in garden to these special neighbour’s door and she worm). He was eating thirty years and this year, creatures (such as garden told me it had been in but only with assistance. the Red List for British netting or the lighting of her garden for a couple Two days later, good news Mammals classifi ed them as bonfi res when hedgehogs of days. She had Googled from Michelle, ‘someone “vulnerable to extinction” may be sleeping in them). and discovered cat food enjoyed their fi rst proper for the fi rst time’. Th e Michaela Strachan, was a recommended diet. meal’. He was moving Trust suggested ways we conservationist and However, we removed about more, but needed to can help these endearing Autumnwatch presenter ‘Hedgie’ from her garden put on weight before we creatures. Create hedgehog says ‘Now their only hope and placed him/her in could uncross our fi ngers. ‘highways’ by cutting a hole is their garden - that’s their a box. He gave little She said once he has in your fence or digging last refuge. But we have to resistance during this survived the winter, she will a channel beneath garden make our gardens hedgehog friendly’. continues on next page

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 37 Fifteen years ago in the Blowhole

a hedgehog highway between gardens in use continued from page 37 which was when Michelle You may wonder that was shocked to discover Michaela says ‘their garden’ Madern has a terrible and you may think of it wound on his back leg. as your private garden but Although he is using it, it is just reflect on how many completely full of infection creatures have access to it and swollen. Madern is on and how frequently they more medication for this return. A friend once said and he will be seeing a she was told that we do wildlife vet on Wednesday Alas, no-one filled Martin’s boots: the sports’ reporter post is still vacant not own our homes, we morning (2nd December) War Memorial and was attended by family are just custodians of them to get this fully assessed for our lifetime, so doesn’t A donation received from and friends. and to see how far this is / the Trigg Morris Men has Pandemic Flu the same apply to our is not compromising him. been used for a new seat. In the winter 2005 edition gardens? Hedgehogs need The wound would explain our help now more than The Hircock family have we featured a two page why he was so poorly, donated a new front gate in spread entitled ‘Advice from ever before, so give some on top of the parasites. thought to what you can memory of Vivien’s mother, the Department of Health Michelle says Madern is a Mrs Mary Hilton. This is do, to make their life easier on Pandemic Flu’, including ‘real soldier’ and has come now in place. information about pandemics and help prevent them so far. Michelle will update from becoming extinct. Coastwatch and vaccination. You can me after the vet visit. read this and other previous Update on Madern the A dedication service was held Alas the outlook was at the National Coastwatch issues of the Blowhole online Hedgehog. bleak for Madern, the vet Station Forrabury. Theat Michelle reports that found that the infection ceremony was carried out by boscastlevillagearchives. Madern is responding was too severe to be treated the Rev. Christine Musser co.uk/blowhole/ well, finished all wormer successfully and it was Rainfall totals measured in Boscastle medication and gaining decided that it would be SX 09697 90138 weight slowly. Last kinder to put him out of Sept Oct Nov week Madern uncurled his misery. 2020 2020 2020 completely, on his own, GQ Number of days with no rainfall 12 6 8

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Page 38 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 The Napoleon Inn’s Poppy Competition This autumn at the Nap we decided to hold, what will become an annual art competition to raise funds for Boscastle British Legion. Even though Remembrance Sunday fell during lockdown 2, we were so happy with the amount of people who entered so THANK YOU all. As you can see from the pictures, we had so many lovely poppies to chose from. The winners were picked by landlady Sharon Muffett who chose Dawn Forde for the adults and Rhiannon Catterick for the kid’s entries Local photographer, Dave sized A4 closed/A3 open. So, thank you to all who Burns has produced a Dave offers free delivery took time to get arty and 2021 calendar featuring 13 to addresses within 15 we look forward to seeing images he has taken this miles of Tintagel. You can more poppies next year. year. The calendar, price contact him on 07779 BD £10, is printed on high 041223 or find him Silent Christmas elves work their magic quality, thick, spiral bound, on his facebook page photographic paper. It is DaveBurnsPhotography As if by magic, December trees at the crossroads at the dawns on Boscastle and top of Fore Street and in car make it all happen. Whilst we the magical Christmas elves park outside the Cobweb do not underestimate the task of begin to bring some festive Inn. ensuring both trees stay in place atmosphere to the village. Huge thanks to Boscastle during the squalliest climate - Silently and graciously, Chamber of Trade and we are grateful to all those who these unknown Christmas Commerce for funding the go above and beyond to make volunteers organise and community trees but even our village even more special for erect the two Christmas more thanks to those that everyone to enjoy.

Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020 Page 39 is separated into three bubbles, in line with current guidance. As a result, we have all been missing one another. We have found some ways to stay connected, but remain distanced. We have a weekly Our Autumn term has assembly, either remotely been calm and happy. We or outside. We have four are surrounded by so much new teams, led by our talk of lockdown and the Year 6 children. Everyone uncertainty we all share is doing their very best about the weeks ahead. to earn team points in Despite this, the children sporting and creative are all so happy, resilient activities as well as for and understanding of the positive contributions to needs of those around school life. The points will them. be collated at the end of We thought that if we more information on our are missing each other, website in a week or so. there must be some people We discovered so many nearby who are lonely too. talented bakers during We are planning a few ways lockdown that we decided to brighten the winter. to revive these skills in We are collecting items preparation for our own for the charity, Cornwall Boscastle Bake Off. Christmas Boxes. We Last week’s home are making cards to send challenge was to make to people who are alone some dough. Amazing and we hope to record results!!!! some Christmas songs Wishing you a wonderful and readings for everyone Christmas from all of to share. We will put us at Boscastle Primary School Adrian & Staff welcome you to the

Whilst our days look the term and the winning Cobweb Inn and feel very familiar, team will have a special BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL our little school family reward. FREE HOUSE  REAL ALES  Uncle Paul’s Emporium BARAmelie SNACKS laying her wreath incorporating Boscastle Rocks  FAMILY ROOM  RESTAURANT   SUNDAY CARVERY  Rocks, Crystals & Gemstones Lunch 12.00pm-2.30pm [email protected] Evening Meals 6.00pm-9.00pm

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHTS, TILL MIDNIGHT Facebook: Uncle Pauls Emporium 01840 250400 Twitter: @BoscastleRocks Tel: (01840) 250278 www.cobwebinn.com

Page 40 Boscastle Blowhole Winter 2020