Probus News MAGAZINE
September 2020 Issue No. 249
Take a peek... Percuil walk
Kiera’s blog
An icon retires
Pages 14-16
Pages 24-26
Pages 33-36
Your FREE Village Magazine
• Car & motorcycle MOTs • Servicing & repairs • • Vehicle diagnostics • Air conditioning service • • Tyres & braking • Vehicle sales • Performance remapping by Pendle Performance
Tel: 01872 520654 Email: service@collinsofprobus.co.uk Units 1-3, Tresillian Business Park, Probus, Truro TR2 4HF Visit us online at www.collinsofprobus.co.uk for more information 2
COMMUNITY NEWS AND NOTICES Probus skate ramp The skate ramp in Probus play area is broken and fenced off. Local skaters are missing it this summer, and are keen to get together and help the Parish Council find a solution. I’ve been delegated authority by the Chairman and Clerk to explore all options and take them back to the Council for approval, so happy to discuss any suggestions. If you can help, please join the discussion on the Probus Skate Ramp Facebook group or contact me directly.
Questions that need to be answered include: • can the current ramp be repaired? • what budget do we need? • if a new ramp is required, is there a more suitable location? • if a new ramp is required, what material is durable and quiet? As the ramp is owned by the Parish Council all decisions will need to be approved at a full council meeting, and works will need to comply with the relevant standards for insurance purposes.
Nik Budden, Parish Councillor nikbudden@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk Front Cover: Trispen sunflower by Jon Hibberd. See page 9 for more.
Do you have a problem? Why not contact one of your local Parish Councillors for advice or visit www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk Kevin Blayney Nik Budden Steve Dalton Liza Deards James Faull Nick Gillard (chair) Ross Goldworthy Malcolm Maskill Larry Saunders-Fern Bill Sutherland
Rosparc Gwell an Nans Ridgeway Holly Farm, Truck Hill Tresowgar Cottage Fore Street Gwell an Nans Lamellyn Vean Rosparc Bosnoweth
01726 882877 07922 155600 01726 884080 07888 684425 07494 756249 01726 883926 07967 125526 01726 884368 01726 882669 01726 884007
There is currently one vacancy for a parish councillor, please contact the clerk or any of the above for details
Remember, if you are not able to contact a particular councillor, then you may contact the Parish Council Clerk Amanda Kendall on 01726 883614 (email probuspc@gmail.com). Cornwall Councillor Bob Egerton on 01726 884451 or 07785 748844 can also be contacted for advice. 3
A-Z of Probus Clubs, Societies, Organisations and some useful contacts Acoustics Night (Comrades Club) Badminton Club Bees (swarms/issues/questions) Bowling Club
Tim Joyce Pauline Partridge Tony Paddock John Cobbold
07412 126774 timstravels01@hotmail.com 01726 882649 07486 295414 01726 882495
Church Floodlighting Fund Churchwarden Comrades Club Cornwall Councillor Cycling – Probus Pedallers Dance Classes Children (4Real) Football - Saturday Club Probus Youth FC - Juniors Probus FC - Seniors (First Team) Probus FC - Seniors (Reserves)
Robert Dodd Neil Staten Bryan Trebilcock Bob Egerton Dave Light Angie Smith Steve Flack Nigel Schofield Tony Paddock Graham Smith
01726 883408 01726 883699 01726 882747 01726 884451 01726 882087 07825234855 07956 049727 07974 577876 07486 295414 07968 478970
Friends of Probus Church
Richard Heath
07849 315432 geotechrich@gmail.com
Friends of Probus Surgery Hawkins Arms
Anthea Johnson or Verity Allen 01726 882745
Church Bell Ringers
Historic Cornwall Society
Kids Club Breakfast/after-school/ holiday club at Probus School
Knit & Natter Group Ladies Group Little Lights Live at Home Friendship Group Little Acorns Pre-School Martial Arts Group Memory Cafe Mid Cornwall Wood Turners Motion Fitness (Circuit training) Over 60s Luncheon Club Parish Players (Pantomime) Playing Field Mgmt Committee Parish Church Parish Council
Primary School Primary School PTA Probus Club of Probus The Roseland Academy U3A Roseland & District Village Hall Letting Secretary Wednesday Walking Group Yoga Young Farmers Other village
Peter & Anne-Marie
robertjdodd@hotmail.com neil.staten@live.co.uk bobegerton@mac.com contactus4real@gmail.com
Please send updates to
l.com
editorprobusnews@gmai
01726 882208 hello@hawkinsarmsprobus.com
Vince Van Kempen-Wilson 01726 883019 vince.vkw@gmail.com Diane Gibbs
01726 882647
kidsclub@probusschool.org.uk
Eve Richards 01726 882657 or 07767 383982 Pat Gluyas 01726 882978 patgluyas68@btinternet.com Pam Cobbold 01726 882495 jplelissick@btinternet.com Tracy Beavill 01209 719062 camborne.liveathome@mha.org.uk Sarah Brown 01726 882647 Is your group missing? Chris Pearson 01726 883661 Let us know Jill Prisk 01726 884388 Richard Elliott 07980 449305 info@midcornwallturners.com Kay Middleditch 07812 380651 kay.louise81@icloud.com Zena 01726 882751 or Janet 01726 882927 Cathy Cadby 07860 755787 cathycadby@gmail.com Graham Smith 07968 478 970
Rev. Joachim Foot 01726 882218/07930 095687 rector@probusteam.com probuspc@gmail.com Amanda Kendall 01726 883614 www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk Angela Praed 01726 882647 secretary@probusschool.org.uk Naomi Buckland 01726 882647 Nick Hibbett 01726 883093 nick.hibbett@btinternet.com 01872 530675 www.theroseland.co.uk Terry Neil 01872 530196 probusvillagehallenquiries@gmail.com Frank Fuller 07749 368162 www.probusvillagehall.co.uk Terry Hodge or Tim Joyce 01726 884495 or 01726 884574 Tony Bathmaker
07854 999612 toneupwinddown@gmail.com
Tegan Arthur
07900 797750
pages: Probus Cornwall, Probus Super Mums!, Probus News Magazine, Probus Rocks
4
OTHER NEWS
How to contact the magazine...
Illustrator needed
By hand: Articles for Probus News can be left at Trudgian Farm Shop in Probus Square, or at Treviglas Cottage, Treviglas Lane, TR2 4LH.
Is there an amateur illustrator in the village who would be willing to help the Probus News occasionally with the odd illustration? By e-mail: editorprobusnews@gmail.com
MANAGEMENT TEAM
For example creating a simple map of Probus or surrounding area so we can better describe walking routes in the area (such as the one on page 14).
EDITOR: John Denyer
01726 884531 mob: 07824 555519 editorprobusnews@gmail.com
CHAIRMAN: Sheila Bing 01726 883400 sheila.bing@outlook.com
SECRETARY: Peter Clarke
Also other simple illustrations perhaps, like above, to complement or reinforce messages in some of the articles we publish. If you are interested in helping out your non-profit community magazine, please contact the editor.
SUBMISSIONS DEADLINES The submissions deadline for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month. Items submitted after the deadline are unlikely to be considered for publication.
Friday 25th September
November Friday 30th October December
SUB EDITOR: David Meggs 01726 883443 minesaredwine@hotmail.com
TREASURER: Ryland Shephard 01726 884365 ryland.shephard@btinternet.com
ADVERTISING: Kaye Ludlow
Publication dates October
peteclarke1950@gmail.com 01726 884177
Friday 11th December
07968 722430 advertisingprobusnews@gmail.com
DEPUTY TREASURER: Terry Hodge
No January issue
01726 884495 tjhodge321@gmail.com
February
Friday 29th January
DELIVERY MANAGER: Tim Joyce
March
Friday 26th February
01726 884574 timstravels01@hotmail.com
Ian Tumilty
Also available online: Go to issuu.com/probusnews/
01726 883202 itumilty@btinternet.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill
Public notice
The inclusion of any article or advertisement in this magazine does not constitute any form of accreditation by the editor or management committee. They are unable to vouch for the professional qualifications, etc, of any advertiser. It is the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure conformity with the Trades Descriptions Act 1975, Business Advertisements Disclosure Order 1977 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Readers must satisfy themselves that an advertiser meets all their necessary requirements. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of their authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or management committee. 5
PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe
Probus News is a non-profit making independent voluntary organisation. Your donations are always welcome. Printed by: Printout Ltd, Threemilestone
Advertisers Index Accountants/Finance Robert Larter
Funeral Directors 13
Building Contractors Craig Edwards N & S Builders
29 19
Butcher and Farm Shop Trudgian Farm Shop
Pet Store
W J Beswetherick
39
The Cornish Funeral Company
37
L J Tregunna
47
Health & Wellbeing Beauty, Nails and Massage
39
Cleaning Services
Nicky Waters
18
Fal Valley Pets
44
Plumbing and/or Heating Paul Ashby Johnson
45
Andrew McMonagle
29
Chris Rogers
30
Roller Bathrooms
36
Property Maintenance
Hairdressers
Honey Bee Cleaning
36
Hair 4 U
12
Shaun Beresford
18
K T Mace Housekeeping
38
Hair by Jen
38
Ren’s Carpentry & Property Maintenance
12
Sparkling Gem
31
Janey Paul
19
Alastaire Hambly
30
Ben Heather
13
KM Paving Ltd
12
Peter Woolcock
29
Country Stores
Optician
D May & Son
28
M A Grigg
46 30
13 29
Mobile Valeting
Brightsparks
30
Motor Servicing, Sales, Repairs
J K Electrical
18
Collins of Probus
2
Recall Electrical/Home Security
39
S J Grigg
48
Roseland Electrical
12
Paul Mulkeen
22
Fishmonger Roseland Seafood
Music Lessons
36
Fuel Supplies
36
Painting & Decorating
Logs ‘n’ Coal
13 8
Stone Mason & Plant Hire Ed Faull
38
Taxi/Private Hire Carlton Cars
31
45
R & S Property Services
44
PC Doctor Dickson
Graham Bishop Shane Perry
23
Washing Machine Repairs Joe Pridmore
28
44 Probus Parish Counci
6
45
TV Aerial & Satellite Services
L A Nolan & Son PC & Network Support
Hawkins Arms
31
Travel Agency
Emma Packer
Estate Agent/Surveyor Philip Martin
31
23
Sand, Aggregate, Concrete Suppliers Kernow Mixers
19
Electrical Contractors
Retirement Village Roseland Parc
Locksmith Paul Gagan
Driving Instruction M-Way
37
Karina Lutey MCSP
Digger Hire Phil Dymond
Peter Donnelly Physiotherapy
3
Bees moving home
home and, providing the colony has access to adequate food before they begin the swarm, they are normally quite happy. Tony continued that the bees wouldn’t normally get ‘teasy’ unless it had been a few days since feeding. Since the move, the queen is laying well in the new hive, the drones and worker bees are also doing well, so the move was successful.
Tony Paddock came to the rescue in June when a swarm of bees decided to temporarily make camp on the door of Zannah’s Time Too café. Local bee keeper Tony, who has been keeping bees since he was 10 years old (and incidentally makes the most amazing honey), carefully collected the bees and moved them to a spare hive in his apiary.
Photo credits: Tim Joyce and Zannah Reid
250th edition The next edition of Probus News Magazine is our 250th one. It’ll be an opportunity to celebrate a bit, reflect a bit and also a chance to look to the future. If you have a story to tell about the Probus News, please do share it with us. I’d like to use it as an opportunity to change a few things around as we are keen to keep the village magazine fresh and relevant. Let us know what you like about the magazine, what you don’t like, and feel free to suggest any improvements that we could do to make it better for you. Please message or email me at editorprobusnews@gmail.com John
Tony said swarming is a natural behaviour for bees when they are seeking a new home. They often set up a temporary camp while scouts go out and about looking for a more permanent 7
We are pleased to announce that we are looking to open mid-September indoors, continuing to adhere fully to COVID-19 government guidelines. Inside will be slightly different from serving outside. We would ask that you fully appreciate that this is going to be new to our staff and us and we would appreciate your support and understanding. We will continue to keep the outside bar open, subject to weather conditions. There will be no standing at the bar. Our staff will offer table service for both drinks and food. Your server can take orders at your table, or you can place your order at the bar keeping socially distanced. Your drinks will be placed on the table to the side of the bar for your collection. All tables and chairs will be sterilised between bookings. There you will see table tent cards clearly showing you that the table has been cleaned and sterilised ready for your comfort and use, please don’t sit at a table that does not display a card or has not yet been cleared. We have pleasure in announcing our new member of staff Alex Wright, a local man who worked for the Hawkins Arms with our predecessors. A new menu has been prepared serving good old homemade pub grub. Thank you so much for all the support and hope we will see you very soon. We will continue to review and adapt as guidelines are improved, or new practices are introduced. We aim to keep your lovely Hawkins the same fantastic, fun, and relaxed pub it always has been for everyone, Stay safe everyone, and we look forward to seeing you very soon. Follow us on Facebook for daily updates and news. SEPTEMBER OPENING HOURS OUT OUT BAR Subject to weather conditions Tuesday – Friday 5 pm – 9 pm Saturday – Sunday 12 noon – 9 pm
INSIDE BAR Tuesday – Friday 5 pm – 10:30 pm Saturday – Sunday 12 noon – 10:30 pm
FOOD SERVICE TIMES Tuesday – Friday 5 pm – 8 pm Saturday 12 noon – 8 pm Sunday Lunch 12 noon – 2:30 pm
Our Pizzas will be available to eat in or takeaway from 5 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 7:30 pm Thursdays to Saturday. Our Pizzas will be available throughout the opening times.
8
Sunflower sensation Who needs a holiday in the south of France when you’ve got sights like this on your doorstep? A magnificent field of more than 275,000 sunflowers bloomed sensationally in Trispen during August. For three days, artisan cooking oil producers Hard Pressed Cornwall opened their gates to visitors to help raise funds for Sowenna, a Bodmin-based mental health facility for young people. With row upon row of bright yellow flowers set against a clear blue sky, it was an amateur photographer’s or a budding Van Gogh’s dream – and it raised a staggering £4,216 for a really worthy cause. If you missed out on seeing the sunflowers this year, put a note in your diary for 2021. Hard Pressed is planning to repeat the event, making it even bigger and better, so keep an eye on their Facebook page. @HardPressedOils
All images © Jon Hibberd
9
A message from Rev. Joachim
Editorial We have some fascinating content for you this month, so thanks to all those who have contributed stories, photographs, leads and ideas. Also, thanks to our editorial team who have done very well fitting so much into a small space, while still making it readable and enjoyable.
It has been a joy and a delight to welcome everyone back into church again. I have been greatly uplifted by the enthusiasm and willingness of our community to support us in developing and managing the changed landscape we find ourselves in.
It’s been another funny month, with occasional glimpses of normality, but we’ve clearly a long way to go. My daughter in Melbourne, where they are experiencing a ‘second spike’, has been told it’s likely to be Christmas before their lockdown is completely relaxed. The good news is that her Yahtzee skills are becoming legendary, with some massive scores to boast. Seriously, how many sixes can one person throw in a row?
We continue to live through a truly bizarre time. We have no idea how much longer the blessed virus will continue to haunt us for. Nor do we know if there is to be a ‘second wave’ that will lock us all back up in our homes again. The worries and concerns we face can seem like too much for us to bear at times. It is a time when many of us turn to prayer and we look to God for answers to our worries and concerns. I am always greatly strengthened by my own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who gives me the courage to face even life’s most difficult challenges.
I’m excited about next month’s 250th anniversary edition. Since the magazine was started in April 1998, Probus has grown and changed significantly. Hopefully the magazine has managed to retain its core values that include informing about the village, and those that live within in. Being positive and entertaining, highlighting what’s good about living in this lovely village and not least being delivered free of charge to readers and being nonprofit as an organisation. It’s a lot to live up to.
There is a wonderful ancient fisherman’s prayer that sums up our cares and concerns in one simple line and reminds us that the Lord is always with us, even in the most challenging of times:
If you have thoughts about the Probus News, stories to tell about any of the last 249 issues, then please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Finally, for those parents just about to send their children into the reception class at Probus School, please see the article on page 20. We’d especially love to hear from you.
‘Lord God, the sea is so big and my boat is so small’. Rev’d Joachim Foot Team Rector Probus, Ladock, Grampound with Creed and St Erme rector@probusteam.com 01726 882218 or 07930 095687 10
Until next time, keep yourselves and all those you love as safe as you can. It’s all anyone can do! John
Probus Bowling Club
Probus post box collection times
The triples league has been completed and won by Dave Harris, Meta Johnson and Derek Redgewell by points difference. Second, also with 6 points, was Rod Danyluk, Roger Dunbar and Jenny McColl.
The last weekday collection times for the post boxes in and around Probus are as follows: Fore Street Carne View Tregony Road Truck Trewithen
The pairs league is now underway and is being played every Wednesday 10-12 and 1-3pm, until 23rd September. We are hoping to play one or two friendlies towards the end of September, depending on any further developments with COVID-19.
4:45 pm 9 am 9 am 9 am 9 am
Letters and parcels can also be posted at the pop up post office at Probus Village Hall between 2-4 pm Tuesdays and Fridays.
Thanks are due to the Monday maintenance team of Dave Harris, Peter and Carol Wyatt for keeping the green and surrounds in such wonderful condition. Image: Colin Champion bowling in the pairs league. Photo credit Dave Meggs.
11
KM Paving Ltd
ELECTRICIAN
LANDSCAPING AND PAVING
Professional, Reliable Service,
• DRIVEWAYS • PATIOS
-No expensive call out fees-Part P Registered-
• DECKING
Cal David on 07968 339408 for a friendly reliable service, fair pricing and high quality work.
• ASTRO TURFING • GARDEN REDESIGN • WATER FEATURES
07968 339408
RoselandElectricalinfo@gmail.com
• PLANTING FOR A FREE QUOTATION CONTACT KIERAN ON 07449 100053
Hair 4 U TREGONY ROAD PROBUS
QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED HAIRDRESSING FOR ALL THE FAMILY OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm (Except Tuesday 9 am - 4 pm) Saturday 9 am to 1 pm Phone 01726 882888 12
Robert Larter DipFA MLIBF Independent Financial Adviser Bathroom Fitting, Plumbing, Plastering, Kitchens, Tiling, Property Maintenance & more
rob.larter@LynFS.co.uk
City and Guilds Qualified. Professional, Friendly and Reliable Contact Ben 07972 396137
bheatherrenovations@outlook.com
www.lynfinancialservices.co.uk
13
A walk on the Percuil
(£2 all day). In high season it can get busy with cars, campers, boats and trailers.
Here is a suggested walk for you to try - a loop around the fabulous Percuil River on the Roseland taking in Polingey and Pelyn Creeks. Head towards St. Mawes on the A3078. Drive beyond Ruan High Lanes and Treworlas and just after passing through Trewithian, take the left turn to Gerrans. Drive all the way through the village and look for the first junction on the right. Almost
I normally park at the top of the hill as the views are stunning (example below). The shortest walk, probably less than a mile, begins here, at the rightmost gap in the hedge and follows the footpath downhill towards the water. Turn left, keep the water on your right, and you’ll eventually reach the car park, turn left again, walk up the lane and you are back to where you started.
hidden in the hedge is an an old-fashioned finger signpost inscribed Portcuil. Turn right there and wind your way through the small white walled hamlet of Tregassick, and it’s just two minutes to your destination.
A longer (4.2 km/2.6 mile) walk, also starts from the green verge area. Start by walking back up the road towards Tregassick. Before you reach the white walls of Tregassick House, look for a footpath on the left signposted Polingey Creek. Take that path for
There are two options for parking: A layby/green verge area at the top of the hill or the parish councilrun car park on the right just before the boatyard and slipway. The car park has plenty of space for parking along with a toilet block and honesty box
14
a minute. When it meets a larger track, turn right and turn immediately left into a footpath between Cornish hedges. Dogleg through two fields with their narrow stone stiles and descend the steep steps all the way to the path just above Polingey Creek. Turn left, direction Percuil.
This is a beautiful area, with plenty of views over the river and surrounding countryside. There are several places where, when the tide is out, you can descend to the foreshore and walk amongst the laid-up boats and wrecks. Be careful though not to get caught by an incoming tide. You will see several abandoned boats that have rotted away over the years, now only showing their frames. A boat boneyard, you could say, but wondrous too if you imagine the lives these vessels once led and where they may have travelled before ending up here.
From here it’s a very pleasant 1 mile/1.6 km walk on the water’s edge, through woods and open fields with great views over Polingey Creek, the junction to Trethem Creek and then the Percuil River itself.
Follow the footpath across several fields until you reach the car park. From here walk 100m down to the boatyard and slipway for more nice views.
Photo: All that remains of the pre-WW2 fishing boat Our Kate.
15
To continue, walk back up the lane for 150m and just past the car park, look for a gap in the stone wall on the right. Signposted Pelyn Creek.
This path takes you through pine woodland, across several fields, alongside and then on to Pelyn Creek, a small cove with lovely views to St Mawes.
From there, retrace your steps, but instead of turning left (to Percuil), keep going ahead towards Gerrans. The path winds slowly uphill, across a field and joins the lane just beyond the green verge,
where you started. This walk took me about an hour including multiple stops and a chat at the boat yard. If you have a favourite walk in the area, why not share it in the Probus News?
16
First steps out of lockdown The Probus Club social programme was brought to a halt by the enforced lockdown in March, with all planned meetings now abandoned until at least January 2021. The Probus Club of Probus took a first small step toward normality in August with an informal get together in the garden of the Hawkins Arms. The idea of getting together arose initially from the Probus Club’s aim to provide friendship and community support to our members. It was given added impetus with the news of our local pub’s participation in the reduced price ‘Eat out to help out’ government hospitality initiative, offering an opportunity to eat out at half price for food and soft drinks. Careful social distancing planning enabled 22 members of the club to meet in the warm sunshine to chat, to exchange lockdown experiences, in many cases for the first time in many months. An outdoors lunch in the garden allowed members to relax and enjoy the hospitality of Peter and AnnMarie at the pub in a pleasant spaced environment.
After lunch, and bringing to a close a very sociable afternoon, our very own Probus Troubadour, Ian Tumilty, was persuaded to entertain from his rich assortment of popular songs. He was joined lustily (and sometimes even tunefully!) by an appreciative, but socially spaced audience. Nick Hibbett 17
Shaun Beresford Carpentry and Property Maintenance Renovations, Refurbishments, Doors, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tiling, Decorating, Flooring and Fencing. No job too small.
01726 882 635 07816 358 905 City & Guilds Qualified - Over 35 years experience 18
M Way School of Motoring Friendly and Patient Driving Instructor covering Mid Cornwall and the Roseland Tel: 01726 883333 or 07779028549 Email:mikeway5@live.com http:www.mwayschoolofmotoring.co.uk
Driving Lessons for Learners Pass Plus Lessons (Cheaper insurance for new drivers) 1 - 2- 1 Professional Tuition ECO Driving and Refresher Lessons (After a long absence from driving or to improve standards)
A friendly, professional salon located here in Probus Free parking Ladies, Gents & Children all welcome
Fore St, Probus TR2 4LU
01726 337600 Products 19
First day at school
day. We’ll publish as many as we can to celebrate this milestone in the lives of the village’s youngsters. Emails to editorprobusnews@gmail.com
Last month’s article by Mia Williams touched on how much young people have missed their schoolfriends during lockdown, and that got me thinking – what about children who will be starting school for the very first time in September?
To get the ball rolling, we asked the adorable fiveyear-old Alice Brocklehurst, who was one of this year’s Reception Class, a few questions about how she got on at school this year:
If your child is entering reception class in September, we’d love to hear what they thought of it all. What did they tell you about their first day? We’re looking for short quotes in their own words – no more than 50 words or so, so that we can include as many of their impressions as possible.
PN: What is your favourite thing about school? Alice: I love seeing friends every day and I get to play with my best friend Ellie-May in the home corner. PN: What is your teacher called? Alice: Mrs Schofield and Miss Nadler. PN: What did you learn at school? Alice: I learned letters and numbers. PN: Did you make new friends at school? Alice: I made 5 friends. PN: Do you like going to school? Alice: I LOVE going to school!
It can be a quirky observation (‘the teacher wears funny clothes’), something practical that they learned (‘you have to put your hand up if you want to go to the loo’) or even a bit sad (‘I missed my bunny rabbit’). Don’t forget to include their name and, if possible, a photo of them ready for their big
20
I remember when...
and nectarines covered the walls and there were three greenhouses. I had the top wage of 36/- a week. Then I crossed the Fal to Pencalenick and Penair. I got nearer home at Geen Mills with Mr Rowse for 17 years and after he gave up, went to the seeds department at Farm Industries. I liked it very much, weighing and selling seeds. Flower seeds were sold in 1/8 of an ounce.’
This is the 14th of the ‘Probus Memories’ articles taken from a small handbook produced by the Probus Old Cornwall Society in 1982.
‘And I cooked on a proper slab, said Mrs Tamblyn, I did dearly like the brass-knobs down the sides and the ash pan front as well. Sam's brother was the village blacksmith and he made the smoke jack for the top that made a lovely open fire at night and just right for roasting chestnuts! No, no washing machines! I had a portable boiler outside the back door and then used to stream the clothes in the bath, but I did have a proper wringer - happy days!’
Mr and Mrs S Tamblyn ‘Well, yes, I've been gardening most of my life and a bit of farming too, like a lot of Probus people. My father had an allotment for thirty years and I had it after him. I remember what it was like at Lord Falmouth's more than fifty years ago. The kitchen garden alone was an acre and a half. Peaches, pears
Probus Parish Players
when we see and feel the reactions of the audience, with such limited numbers it really wouldn’t be the same. We know that many of you will be as disappointed as we all are.
As you can guess, we are all missing our panto family and were looking forward to starting the rehearsals for our February 2021 production. Unfortunately, we have had to make the decision that due to COVID-19, our 2021 pantomime will not be able to take place.
Pantomime in Probus will be back in February 2022 and we can confirm it’s going to be a corker! Until then, we are working on some exciting projects that we hope to bring to the community over the coming year and hope that you will want to get involved and support us.
We are all really disappointed but it is important that we keep our talented cast, backstage crew, front of house crew, and wonderful audiences safe during these very strange times. With the social distancing requirements, we would only be able to accommodate a third of our normal capacity. As performers, we know how much more fun we have
Make sure you like our Facebook page so you can be the first to know what exciting plans we have! Take care and keep safe! Nicky, and the lovely committee 21
01872 242244
COMPLETELY RENOVATED & DECEPTIVE VILLAGE COTTAGE There are few properties which are renovated to this standard and so comprehensively refurbished throughout. It is essentially an old extended cottage yet a new house with high levels of insulation, new plumbing, central heating, windows, ceilings, kitchen, bathrooms. Sale agreed within the first week of marketing.
Guide Price ÂŁ235,000 22
Roseland Parc is an established retirement village located in the heart of the traditional Cornish village of Tregony within easy reach (10.6 miles) of the stunning Roseland Heritage coast.
Open the door
The living options are extensive, including independent living properties and fully serviced homes offering hotel-style packages.
to your perfect retirement property…
Prices range from £179,995 up to £345,000** **Other charges may apply, please ask for details.
Discover if Roseland Parc living is for you with our complimentary overnight stay.* To book your free stay or for more information on properties for sale call: 01372 383950 or visit: www.roselandparc.co.uk *Village stays can be extended. The first night is free; the second night is available at a small charge.
Roseland Parc, Tregony, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5PD. Call 01372 383950 or visit www.roselandparc.co.uk 3853ROSE Probus Parish Magazine
23
Kiera’s blog Part 2
is fully raised, we are exhausted, and our arms are feeling weak. But the work doesn’t stop there, we now have to set the sails, the fore sail, the main sail and then the mizzen. So, by the time we get to rest you can hardly feel your arms and hands. I’m definitely starting to get sailor’s hands, covered in blisters and calluses. One day I got 10 blisters in the space of an hour. Let’s just say my hands are now starting to harden and some mornings it’s hard to straighten them completely when I wake up. But this is fine with me, it’s part of the full experience and I’m loving it!
The following are abridged extracts from Kiera Sleeman’s blog. Kiera was brought up in Probus and has been working on Kawau Island in New Zealand for the past three years. It’s winter down south, and Kiera has a few months to spare so got a crew place on the 100 year old sailing vessel Alvei. June 2020, Sailing south off the east coast of North Island, New Zealand On this trip we have had all the sails up including the main square sails, oh my ‘Alvei’ looks so beautiful with all her sails up. We have had heaps of practice learning all the ropes, their positions and what each one does, and which sail each one is for. This was difficult before but now with the practice I think I may nearly know it, ha ha! On Alevi, raising the heavy anchor is a manual job and it takes several of us to turn the capstan - it’s really hard work. Some days we wake up before breakfast at about 6am to pull up the anchor a few shots so that it breaks it up for us, then we have breakfast and go at it again. By the time the anchor
Recently, we have been moving down the coast and anchoring in bays overnight. We have only been putting down the small anchor, as it’s much easier for us to raise it in the morning, but that means we have to do anchor watch in case it slips with the tides. There’s nothing like being on watch 2am-4am or 4am-6am, when it’s pitch black with incredible stars and a full moon, also just hearing the wind howling and the sound of nature waking up and making their noises. I’ve also heard heaps of kiwis. For a few nights it sounded like two males were racing the find the female, which kept me entertained for a while. I’ve heard blue penguins swimming around and making noise on the beach for everyone to hear, you can hear dolphins jumping and blowing in the distance. 24
Since we’ve left the Bay of Islands we have been completely treated by nature. One day a pod of about seven dolphins guided us the way for about two or three hours. They were the biggest dolphins I’ve ever seen, close to orca size. It was fabulous, all the crew climbed on the netting lying while the dolphins showed off their beauty, diving and turning with their white belly glistening in the water. After they left us we had another huge pod of dolphins crashing through the waves right in line with the sun racing to get to our bow. It was an amazing sight to see, these dolphins were the smallest ones I’ve ever seen, some of the very young ones were like the size of a human baby. They had a good play for a while then we saw them all leave and about a mile away it looked like they were all working the fish and having a lovely feast.
mooring at Whangerai harbour, unfortunately we couldn’t get any response from the Harbour Master and as it was a tad dodgy with some massive cargo ships entering and leaving the harbour, our plans had to change. The Captain said to me ‘Jump on the helm please Kiera, we are heading straight to Kawau, earlier than we thought’. It was already late afternoon, so this meant we would be doing our first overnight passage. The Captain and First Mate set the crew into their watches, I was on first watch (4-8pm). As I was already behind the helm they thought I should carry on, whoop whoop! We were heading south east following the compass bearing of 160 degrees. This was the first time I’d been helming and only using the compass to guide me. As we got closer, I started to see familiar landmarks which was awesome but also strange because this is my stomping ground and I did not expect to be seeing it for a long while. ha ha! As the sun started to go down, the temperature dropped, and we wrapped up in warm sailing clothes, grabbed our head torches and we were ready to sail through the night. This night was rather dark as there was no moon, this meant that we were truly sailing in the night. After a while, the waves started to light up blue from the phosphorescence, also we looked down at our prop and we were leaving a trail behind us and our whole hull was lighting up bright blue. A few moments later a bright blue light shot past in the water, it was as if someone had fired a torpedo at us. Suddenly there were five heading straight towards us and as they got closer, we realised it was dolphins. I couldn’t believe my eyes, this was the most majestic thing I have ever seen, just bright blue lines speeding to and fro, under us, around us, jumping by the bow. It was truly breathtaking, the
After this we got treated again, keep in mind this is all in the space of four or five hours. We then saw two infant whales off our port side and two whales gliding through the water in sync with each other with their flutes rising and falling into the sea. It was truly magical. One day we were planning on anchoring or 25
smile on my face was ear to ear, I was so happy. They really put on a show and stayed with us for an hour or so, it was so incredible.
looking over to Rangitoto with the north shore all lit up. During this watch we hardly touched the helm because there was no wind at all so we just drifted, moving about one mile in four hours.
After my watch ended, I went straight to bed exhausted. I got woken up at 4am for my next watch, first grabbing my warm clothes and a fresh
Watching the sun come up over Kawau Island was so lovely. We started the engine at about 07:30 and edged our way towards Bon Accord Harbour. Finally we saw the harbour entrance and what a sight to see, my mate Mikey bombs it out on his launch to see us enter the harbour. We slowed passing Mansion House and seeing Kawau Boating Club, where I’ve worked for the past three years made me feel as happy as can be! The Captain asked me to helm as we motored down the harbour passing close by the Boat Club, then we turned towards Harris Bay to drop our anchor.
cup of coffee. I poked my head out of the galley and boom there she was, beautiful Kawau Island, my home, my favourite spot on earth... I was so happy considering it was four am. It felt so strange to be seeing Kawau after only a month away but it felt a lot longer. On this watch I was with Thompson (1st Mate/ American) and Fanny (deck hand/French) again, this was a good group to be with. Thompson taught us about how to compare where other boats are using the compass and how to determine if we will pass them safely or if they will pass us, or if we are on a likely collision course! We also got taught to tell which direction the wind is coming from by where our hair is blowing, ha ha! It was a very peaceful watch because we were just passing time before pulling into Bon Accord harbour as the Captain didn’t want to go into a new bay in the dark, so we hove too on the south east side of Kawau Island
The best thing was seeing my little house on the hill, with its wonderful view over the the bay. I recalled that it was less than three months since I first heard about Alvei - I was sat on my balcony having a beer and now to see her anchored right in front of my house is amazing and surreal. 26
Next month: SV Alvei reaches Auckland....
Bob Collins Thanks to Darren Sweet from Portishead on the Severn Estuary who sent in these photographs that provide a fascinating glimpse of Probus’ 20th Century history. The bike is a 1951 Excelsior Autobyk (98cc) that was initially purchased by Darren’s dad in the 60s, and subsequently stored in Polgooth for a long time. Unfortunately, the original number plate (NRL 3) was lost, so the bike had to be re-registered.
We think Bob Collins’ workshop was on Fore Street, where Morf’s Garden Machinery is now. Neil Collins from Collins of Probus said his dad worked for Bob Collins at one time, but they were not related. If any of our readers can shed light on Bob Collins of Probus and his motorbike business, then please get in touch. editorprobusnews@gmail.com
Darren started to restore the bike about ten years ago and then used the COVID-19 lockdown as the opportunity to complete the restoration. He’s done a great job.
27
28
567000
Allgoode Ltd. Gas safe no - 567000
Plumbing & heating Gas appliances servicing, maintenance Installation & repair on all makes/models Landlord gas CP12 annual safety check & servicing G3 unvented hot water cylinder qualified Minor plumbing works/repairs.
Andrew McMonagle
37 Bosnoweth, Probus, TR24HE Home - 01726 882454 Mobile - 07534 999740
Locksmith 24/7 Emergency Locksmith (No call out fee)
01726 247 217 07377 230 863 paul.gagan@lockswift.co.uk www.lockswift.co.uk/locksmithsmidandwestcornwall 29
BRIGHTSPARKS ELECTRICIANS Central Heating Systems, Bathroom Design and Tiling, Leadwork, Boiler Servicing and Commissioning, Solar Hot Water Systems, Unvented Pressure Systems, Repairs and Maintenance
All work undertaken Inspection and Testing (Landlords certificates) New Installations & Rewires, Underfloor heating, Electric Vehicle points,
OFTEC Registered Unvented Registered Water Authority Approved
NICEIC Approved & Part “P” Registered All work Guaranteed and Insured For a Prompt, Reliable, Friendly Service
Chris Rogers
Call Derek 07718 999099
6 Larkfield Rise, St. Mawes Truro, Cornwall. TR2 5DF
Phone: 01326 270217 Mobile: 07792 406673 Email: crplumbingandheating@gmail.com
PHIL DYMOND
Digger Hire & Groundworks MINI DIGGERS – WHEELED DIGGER - DUMPER
General Excavations Agricultural & Site Work
Lorry hire and aggregate can be arranged
T: 01726 883273 M: 07767 860700
Great Hewas, Grampound Road, TR2 4EP 30
S PA R
Discounted return trips School and Airport runs
GE M
PROBUS BASED TAXI
N I L K G
Large parties catered for DOMESTIC CLEANING • END OF TENANCY HOLIDAY CHANGEOVER • OFFICE CLEANING A fully insured local business serving Probus, Truro, St. Austell and the surrounding area
All drivers fully insured, licenced and DBS checked
Contact MOBILE Email
of Roche
01726 891541
Of interest to Builders, Landscape Gardeners and DIY’ers Collected or Delivered: Top Soil, Fine Sand, Graded/Decorative Aggregates, Concrete Blocks & Bricks, Road Plainings/Scalpings, Cement & Postcrete. Loose or in Dumpy bags Local & National Bulk Haulage Muckaway Grab Service – Waste away including; soil, stones, builders waste, broken blocks. 31
£15
GemmaSemmens 07720 907 640 Per hour gemmasemmens@gmail.com
Retirement of an icon By Dave Meggs (retired Captain with BA) With its instantly recognisable shape, the Boeing 747 is something of an icon in the aviation industry. Recently, however, came the sad news that British Airways is considering retiring the type – so this seems like an appropriate time to look back on both the aircraft itself and some of my personal experiences of flying the ‘Queen of the Skies’.
of Trident. I became cabin crew on 747s until my return to Tridents in April 1984. In January 1985 I transferred to British Airtours, based at Gatwick, and flew Tristar 1/50/200 and 500 series on a variety of long and short-haul routes.
The Boeing 747 has been a part of British Airways for half of its 100-year history, starting way back in 1970 when BOAC (which later merged with BEA to form the airline that we know today) took delivery of its very first Boeing 747100. The 747-400 is the British Airways 747 that most people know today. It’s the only type still in service with the airline. As far as my personal experience goes, my career as a pilot began in April 1971, when I started at the College of Air Training in Hamble, which was run by BEA and BOAC. I graduated in March 1973.
Next, I moved onto the 747 136/236 as co-pilot in January 1988 – three weeks ground school, four weeks in the simulator and base training at Shannon, including ‘Circuits and Bumps’. (This is a training manoeuvre that involves landing and taking off again without coming to a full stop, circling the airport and repeating the process; it allows pilots to practise many landings in a short space of time.) I was deemed to be acceptable to fly with passengers while undergoing route training on both the 100 and 200 series aircraft. My training online took me to Toronto, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Anchorage, Narita (Tokyo), Osaka and Bombay. I was passed to fly with line captains and I spent the next two years flying to Africa, Asia, Australia and both North and South America. In 1989 I transferred to the 747-400 which, with its tail tank for fuel (10,000 kg), had a much increased range and load, helped by its Rolls Royce RB211524F engines. In 1996 I left the fleet to get my command on the 100/200 fleet. It was nearly four years before I returned, during which time the 100 series 747s were slowly being retired, having done
I joined BEA in August 1973 and was put on Trident 1s and 2s. We spent three months in the classroom learning about the systems, then had three weeks in the simulator – some 60 hours of training. We were sent to Cyprus to do our base training over Christmas and New Year and started flying on line with passengers under the watchful eyes of a training captain. Over the course of the next decade, until April 1983 when I was ‘laid off’ due to a surplus of flight crew, I flew all three marks 32
nearly 30 years service with BA. In the ten years I had on the 400 series, I managed to fly every aircraft in the fleet.
All 747s have four seats on the flight deck: captain, first officer, flight engineer (100s and 200s only) and a jump seat. On a route check the checking captain sits on the jump seat on the 100/200 series and on the flight engineer seat on the 400. The benefit of the 400 was that it also had a toilet and bunks on the flight deck.
Although many people will have travelled on a 747 as a passenger, I know very few will have been on the flight deck, so I thought it would be interesting to give some details about the flight deck and flying procedures.
On longer flights (San Francisco/Los Angeles) on the 100/200 series there were two flight engineers. For flights to Johannesburg, there were two engineers and two first officers and for the longest flights (Hong Kong direct) there were two complete crews. On the 400s there weas only a captain and first officer for flights up to 9 hours 30 minutes flying time. Up to 13 hours flying time they carried an extra first officer and above that two complete crews.
Space is quite tight on the flight deck of all the 747s, but particularly on the 400 where you have to be able to reach all of the controls from your seat. The main differences between the different series are that on the 747-136 the controls are all instruments, whereas on the 747-436 most of the controls appear on screens known as a PFD (Primary Flying Display) and ND (Navigation Display). The PFD displays horizon, airspeed, groundspeed, mach, altimeter, turn and slip. The ND shows map, planned route, weather radar, compass heading and wind speed.
The ruling on rest was that the same crew who did the take-off had to do the landing and the captain who signed the technical log before departure was the commander. On the 100/200, two of the three
33
seats had to be occupied at all times, and on the 400 at least one pilot must be strapped in at all times. The rest periods were decided by the captain and usually were about three hours in length. After 9/11, visits to the passenger cabin were discouraged so flight crew tended to stay on the flight deck – especially when there were only two crew members.
Snow covered mountains of Greenland seen from 36,000 feet
north-eastern Kazakhstan, because a colony of bees being transported to Britain to counter a honey shortage in the UK, escaped and triggered the fire sensors in the forward cargo hold. However, I’ve also been privileged to see things of amazing beauty, particularly the Northern Lights whenever we flew back over northern Canada and Greenland and the clarity of the night sky, especially over Australia. Even after 11 years of retirement myself, I still have fond memories of the 747 and am truly sad to see it too being retired.
Flight crew get to the flight deck about 45 minutes before departure. The pilot operating the sector (doing the take-off and landing) does a walk round the aircraft checking everything, then has to put the route into the FMS (Flight Management System), brief the cabin crew manager about any possible weather en route, carry out a safety briefing with the other pilot, speak to the passengers, get route clearance from ATC (Air Traffic Control), then get start-up and pushback clearance. I learnt to love the 747 for its stability, especially in turbulent air, the ease of keeping its speed within limits and its reliability. It was a real beauty to fly and it always amazed me with its power. The memories associated with flying 747s will stay with me for ever. Some were somewhat traumatic: I was in New York when 9/11 happened and saw the second aircraft fly past on its way to the twin towers. I also saw the first tower collapse and we were stuck in Manhattan for four days before we could fly the second BA flight to leave JFK for London Heathrow. On one occasion on a flight from Sydney to London, I had to make an emergency landing in Uralsk, a remote and small airport in 34
Facts & Figures Here are just a few of the mind-blowing statistics about the Boeing 747-400: • The aircraft is 70.9 metres (almost 233 feet) long – that’s equivalent to about threequarters of the height of Big Ben • It is 19.4 metres (more than 63 feet) high – that’s almost 4½ double-decker buses stacked on top of each other • It has a wingspan of 64.4 metres (more than 211 feet), which is roughly two-thirds of the length of a football pitch • It has a maximum speed of 988 km/h (614 mph, Mach 0.92) • A 747-400 typically takes off at 290 km/h (180 mph), cruises at 910 km/h (565 mph) and lands at 260 km/h (160 mph). It can hold up to 345 passengers No wonder they call them ‘jumbo jets’!
Bass surveying
around ten times a year, by volunteers with a keen interest in marine biology and the environment; a number are also keen bass anglers.
Many of the bass found in the coastal waters around Cornwall originate from spawning grounds off south-west England. They spawn in the spring, and the fry gradually make their way to the UK coast, directed by currents and wind. River estuaries, such as the Helford and Fal, are known to be nursery areas for juvenile bass, and those that make it, tend to spend their first few years feeding and growing there. When they are about four-years-old, the adolescent bass, still quite small, leave the nursery areas and head back to open water.
In spring and early summer, they survey last year’s fish to gauge how they have fared over their first winter. In late summer they are looking for this year’s fish, to see how successful the spawning for the year has been, and therefore how strong the year class is likely to be.
From the age of about seven, as young adults, they are able to reproduce. They do this by migrating offshore in the autumn, when they aggregate into large pre-spawning shoals, and head south west, ready to spawn in the spring. After spawning, the fish return to the same inshore summer feeding grounds every year. During the aggregation and migration phase, they are particularly vulnerable to commercial gill netting.
Robin Bradley from Hicks Close is one of the surveyors. Robin, a lifelong bass angler, whose book 'A Bass Angler’s Life' was published last year, told the Probus News that over the years, bass numbers have reduced due to commercial fishing activity, environmental and other factors. Robin said that the survey provides essential data to marine conservation groups, government and the academic marine biology science community. To find out more about bass fishing, go to www.ukbass.com.
About 20 years ago an annual survey was started by the Helford Marine Conservation Group, to look at numbers of bass in the Helford estuary. The surveys, now including the Fal Estuary, are carried out
For anyone who may be interested in helping with the bass surveys, please contact Robin via www.robinbradley.co.uk. Robin also writes a blog that’s on his website too. Photo credits: Robin Bradley 35
Roseland Seafoods of Probus
Prepared to your liking, delivered to your door Call or text
07879 774116
We offer: ¾ Domestic cleaning ¾ Holiday let changeovers ¾ End of tenancy cleaning ¾ Spring cleaning ¾ Washing and Ironing ¾ Internal window cleaning
Supporting the Mevagissey fishing fleet
07964 325 448
Oysters from Rock Mussels from Fowey Crabs from Newlyn Buy local, stay local
honeybeecleaningservices77@gmail.com
Fully insured, rates start from £14 per hour
Find me on
36
& Private
We welcome new patients
Reskivers, Tregony Tel: 01872 531899 Mobile: 07496 795 239 www.donnellyopticians.co.uk info@donnellyopticians.co.uk
 � � � � �   � �  � € ‚ � �
Your local funeral director...
Independent, professional & bespoke. Wide selection of natural coffins, itemised prices with no hidden costs. ‘Simple & Direct’ cremations, green funerals. DIY funeral facilitating & funeral planning.
The Cornish Funeral Company
01872 521172 www.thecornishfuneralcompany.co.uk 37
k.t.mace
housekeeping services (incl. washing, Ironing and cleaning)
07837 202209 38
Whatever your funeral needs we are here for you. If you’re looking to plan a funeral at the moment then you’ve probably got a lot of questions running through your mind. We are here to answer them, call us on Truro (01872) 274021.
www.wjbeswetherick.co.uk
39
The Detectorists
surface to see if there was any detail on it. It was clearly a coin, but it had been battered by the sea and was misshaped. On first glance, the extent of the corrosion on the coin meant that we were unable to see any markings that would identify what it was. However, after a clean up spray with tap water, there was a faint outline of something on one side. Our new detector had done the job and had led us to our first “special� find. With smiles on our faces, still intrigued by what the coin could be, we popped it into our finds bag and continued to detect with our ears tuned and ready for the next bleeps. The detector continued to lead us to several more nondescript pieces of silver scattered about and as the tide threatened to cut us off, we decided to call it a day and head home.
By Ryan Davies A few weeks ago, our six-year-old son Cadan decided he wanted to get a metal detector. He put his pocket money towards it and we bought one. Initially, it seemed to be going well, we found a few little bits, but then the detector seemed to be detecting everything we pointed at, including clouds! We took advice from other metal detectorists and after returning our detector, we invested in a new one. The advice was spot on and we haven't looked back since. Not long into our first outing, we got the first bleep on our new detector. We all gathered around and started to dig the target area. A few inches down we discovered a small nondescript piece of silver. We were off and running. Minutes later, the detector was bleeping again and we were on to a new target. What was it going to be? We began to dig, placing the sand carefully just to the side of the hole so that we could check it over with the detector to see if the mystery metal had been extracted. As that sand pile grew, the detector indicated the object was still somewhere in the hole. After digging down to about 5 inches, the latest spade of sand to be lifted out revealed a small circular item. Excitedly, we carefully picked it up and gently wiped the
Later that evening, the coin revealed more of itself. We were able to see a crown with a lion on top. The corrosion on the opposite side was still refusing to unveil the monarch, so we were still left guessing, although a sixpence or shilling were now on our list of possible identities.
The following day we went back out again, this time to a different location. We handed Cadan the detector and several minutes later, bleeping interrupted us. We dug the target area. A few inches down we hit a small rock. This can be frustrating as wet sand and rocks can give false signals due to the minerals and iron found in salt water. However, we decided to continue and managed to lift the rock 40
out. The detector was still bleeping over the initial target area so we dug down further. Sea water had filled the hole by now, which reduced the chances of finding anything. However, around 6 inches down, a final dig disturbed the sand once more and a small elongated, gold-looking object floated freely momentarily, before sinking back down to sit at the bottom. There it was, our target. It wasn't what any of us had expected to find and on closer inspection, it was clear we were going to have to inform the authorities. I pulled the object out and revealed to Cadan that he'd uncovered an unfired military round.
the machine and its ability to discriminate against scrap. Suddenly, we started digging up money, only 1p and 2p coins, with the odd 20p and 5p piece, but we were hitting higher end targets. We've now been over the back garden with a fine tooth comb and the detector glides across it without a hint of hidden treasure threatening to break the silence! Cadan's finds box is filling up after only a few weeks of detecting. We've kept the most interesting items we've discovered, including a children's toy taxi which, on one of our outings, was hiding just below the surface of the sand! We're complete newbies to metal detecting but the benefits to ones mental health are clear already. We're getting out into the natural environment and
Cadan was really excited by this, as he's developed an interest in military history. We took the bullet home with us and followed the protocol of informing the landowner and police. Much to Cadan's relief, the police were happy for us, if safe to do so, to take the bullet to a gun shop to have it made safe. It's now in the hands of an expert and we're waiting for a call to collect the empty shell, which Cadan wanted to keep as a souvenir of his first find with his new detector.
enjoying it, more so than we did before, noticing new things and seeing and experiencing new places. The act, for want of a better word, of metal detecting itself is also beneficial. When you're detecting, you’re focused on the sweeping motion, quiet and reflective. You're in the moment. The business of life disappears. Then the bleeps come and you experience a great moment of excitement, a buzz of anticipation. You dig the hole and reveal the earth beneath, looking for your first glimpse
Since then, amongst other places (with permission from the landowners), we've been exploring our back garden, digging up an assortment of screws, nails and tent pegs. Whilst these aren't very exciting, they gave us the opportunity to test out 41
help to build a story of a time or place in our history. The added attraction to metal detecting is that a location is rarely ever completed either. Beaches for example constantly change, new things get washed up, sand gets moved around, so from one day to the next, there are new things waiting to be discovered. Fields in which crops are grown are turned over by the plough, bringing deeper objects closer to the surface, sometimes leaving them on the surface itself. Even in places where the land doesn't seem to change, unless you spend so long going over ever single inch of it, you may have missed something.
of what it was that sent the alert. When it's not visible, we put our pin pointer into the earth we've extracted, waiting to see if it vibrates and bleeps. Sometimes, the object is hiding there. When it's not, the pin pointer goes into the hole and we move it around waiting to see where the bleeps start. When it gets closer to the object, the pin pointer's bleeps get faster, until they reach a crescendo when it's right over the target. Then the anticipation builds again as you're about to discover what's hiding there. It doesn't matter what you find, however big or small, valuable or not, the excitement and enjoyment those moments of the hunt bring, whilst being out in the natural world, are enough to keep you wanting more. It's completely addictive.
We can easily walk by things we can see in our everyday lives without noticing them, but with metal detecting you have to walk over the targets hiding underground in order to have a chance of finding them. The margins for missing something can be very fine.
There's a scene in the BBC comedy series Detectorists where one of the main characters describes detecting as being “...the closest thing to time travel. We unearth scattered memories, mine for stories, fill in the personality.� It's true. Everything detectorists uncover, whether it be gold, silver, coins or even the most seemingly insignificant and tiny piece of metal, was significant to someone or something at some point. It was part of a moment in the past. Our toy taxi for instance, lost beneath the sand, would have featured in some child's trip to the beach or holiday in Cornwall. Insignificant to us, perhaps, but important to them. Even tin cans, although not nice to see discarded or buried, can
So there are so many reasons why we've found ourselves in the grip of the hobby, and why we'll keep heading out with our little Minelab in hand. If anyone has any land, which they'd be happy for us to detect on, we'd really like to talk to you. I'm a member of the National Council for Metal Detecting and have civil liability insurance cover. Please email me ryaninthenewsroom@yahoo.co.uk or call 07799 405090. 42
Probus FC
Book Review
Probus FC First and Reserve teams are back in training, with the new season scheduled to start this month.
Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan This is the story of Ellie Flaherty, who lives with her repressed, devoutly religious parents in a small Irish town. Her only pleasures in life are the friends she makes at convent school, and her growing relationship with her childhood friend, John Hogan. After they marry, John is shot while supporting the IRA. Ellie desperately needs to earn money to pay for his treatment so she takes up the offer of a job in New York, working as a maid with her flighty school friend Sheila.
Graham Smith has done a tremendous job, yet again, keeping the playing field in such good condition over the spring and summer and deserves recognition for this selfless task. If any new players in the village would like to try out with Probus FC, please contact manager Tony Paddock on 07486 295414. Probus FC is also seeking a linesman and several others who can help out with the club. If you like football, this is an excellent way of getting involved in village life.
Probus Ladies Group
Ellie is an ‘innocent abroad’ when she arrives in America, but she soon falls for the charm of Sheila and their party loving mistress and her socialite friends, whilst still retaining her convent school morality and common sense. She does, however, allow herself to become gradually seduced by the glamorous lifestyle of 1920s New York, and starts to question the ‘perfect life’ she left behind in Ireland.
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Probus of us, Probus Ladies Group’s committee Ladies is sorry to tell you it has decided there Group will be no more meetings this year. This is very disappointing as we are all missing group activities and know how important these are to all aspects of our health. It is especially sad that we will be unable to enjoy a Christmas lunch together in December.
When her father becomes ill she is called back to Ireland. I was really drawn to Ellie’s dilemma as the reader is left guessing almost up to the last page as to whether she will return to her independent life in America or play the role of the dutiful wife in Ireland.
We haven’t arrived at this decision lightly, but had to consider the age of our members, social distancing and other requirements for meeting in the hall. The committee looks forward to welcoming you and new members in 2021. Until we meet again take care and keep safe. Pat Gluyas, Secretary 01726 882978
13 43
Ellis Island is a light read but by no means insubstantial and both settings, rural Ireland and bustling 1920s New York, are beautifully drawn and full of period atmosphere. Sheila Bing
Established 25 Years
A Great Range of Products For Your Pet Food ● Treats ● Toys ● Collars ● Leads Grooming & Medicinal Products Over 200 Pet Beds In Stock Wild Bird Food & Feeders Logs & Kindling Large Free Customer Car Park Fal Valley Tannery Grampound ● TR2 4RX 01726 883988 www.falvalleypets.co.uk 44
Plumbing Solutions
Paul Ashby Johnson
Reliable and competitive service Heating system installations, repairs, maintenance and power flushing. Oil boiler servicing, repairs and replacements. Complete bathroom replacements. All aspects of plumbing and heating undertaken. Solar panels and under floor heating. Hot water immersions and cylinder replacements. Work guaranteed and insured.
Call: 07717 712387 or 01726 884202 No call out charge – Free estimates
Your holiday starts here Ocean Cruises
Flight Only
River Cruises
Tailor-made Itineraries
Long-haul Holidays
Weddings & Honeymoons
Luxury Holidays
Airport Hotels & Lounges
Land Tours
Car Parking & Car Hire
Summer/Winter Holidays Attraction Tickets
And so much more!
UK Breaks
Why book with GoCruise & Travel • Independent and unbiased advice
Introducing your Local Cruise & Travel Specialist... Graham Bishop for your peace of mind 094 4
ABTA No. J5035
• First-hand knowledge and expertise • Financial protection through ABTA & ATOL bonding • A proud history in the travel market • One of the UK’s Premier Travel Agencies • No hidden charges or fees
01726 432028 12 45
graham@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk www.gocruiseandtravel.co.uk/graham
Come and visit us instore to see our new extended clothing department with a wide range of products! Not got time to pop in? Why not shop online! Open 7 days a week, including bank holidays!
WWW.MAGRIGG.CO.UK
for country, lifestyle & footwear
WWW.GRIGGSEQUESTRIAN.CO.UK for all your equestrian needs
Offering a large dining area and cosy sofa’s for a relaxed feel as well as the option to dine al fresco on our balcony while you enjoy some stunning rural views of the surrounding farmland.
Pendennis, Lower Sticker, St. Austell, PL26 7JH 01726 65656 online@magrigg.co.uk
46
L. J. TREGUNNA FUNERAL DIRECTORS Established in 1948
We are a 3rd Generation Family Run Business, covering Truro and Mid Cornwall. We strive to deliver a professional, respectful and personal 24 hour service. Serving the local community. We are pleased to visit clients at home to discuss Funeral arrangements.
Tel: 01872 273568 info@ljtregunnafuneraldirectors.co.uk www.ljtregunnafuneraldirectors.co.uk 49 Kenwyn Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3DB The UK’s largest independent funeral plan provider
47
S. J. GRIGG VEHICLE TESTING STATION
PROBUS, TRURO 01726 882330
BOSCH CAR SERVICE CENTRE VEHICLE SALES MECHANICAL WORKSHOP
ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE
Our Mechanical Workshop is able to offer annual servicing, MOT's, vehicle diagnostic fault finding, air condition servicing and an extensive range of budget and top brand tyres, 100's in stock or available with next day delivery.
Our Accident Repair Centre is able to offer a Class A courtesy car and the knowledge that your vehicle is being repaired to the highest standard with the latest technology. FREE ESTIMATES AVAILABLE.
Please contact us if you are interested in selling or purchasing a vehicle, as our stock is always changing. PROPRIETORS: Stuart, Elaine and Philip Grigg