Probus News Magazine - April 2024

What’s inside

Bus timetable changes

Page 4

Planters

Pages 18

Church updates

Page 10-11

Tom’s walk to Lamellyn

Page 24-28

Maria’s Animal Shelter

Pages 16-17

PHCS

Page 34-35

Plus: PEAT, u3A, two book clubs, another Vernon Keen poem, events and lots more. Front cover: The Sexton’s hut at Probus Church by Jon Hibberd.

Submission deadlines for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month.

Publication dates 2024

May Friday 3rd May (changed)

June Friday 31st May

July Friday 28th June

August Friday 26th July

September Friday 30th August

October Friday 27th September

Available online:

www.issuu.com/ probusnews/

Probus News is a non-profit making, independent voluntary organisation. Your donations are always welcome.

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. Our privacy and safeguarding policies are available on request to the Secretary.

How to contact us...

By email: editorprobusnews@gmail.com

By hand: Articles for Probus News can be left at Trudgian Farm Shop in Probus Square or Treviglas Cottage, Treviglas Lane, TR2 4LH.

Management Team

EDITOR: John Denyer 07824 555519 editorprobusnews@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN: Sheila Bing 01726 883400 sheila.bing@outlook.com

SECRETARY: Peter Clarke 01726 884177 peteclarke1950@gmail.com

TREASURER: Terry Hodge 01726 884495 tjhodge321@gmail.com

ADVERTISING: Kaye Ludlow 07968 722430 advertisingprobusnews@gmail.com

DELIVERY MANAGER: Tim Joyce 01726 884574 timstravels01@hotmail.com

EDITORIAL: David Meggs 07850 945626 minesaredwine@hotmail.com Sarah Hoggett 07931 502 939 sarah.hoggett@btopenworld.com

DEPUTY TREASURER: Eddie Bokas 07758 246673 ecbokas13@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Hibberd 07931 502921 jonyhibs58@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill

PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce, Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe

Community News and Notices

Bus timetable changes ON

31st March, the bus routes that travel through Probus will change as follows:

Route Operator Change

22 Go Bus

Cornwall Revised timetables to improve punctuality

27 First Withdrawn and replaced by T1 and T2. Additional journeys renumbered 27E

50 Go Bus

Cornwall Revised timetables to improve punctuality

Timetables for routes 22, 27E and 50 are updated on www.travelinesw.com (it’s a clunky website, but a new one is coming apparently).

The new St Austell to St Ives T2 service will enable a direct journey from Probus to St Ives. It takes 2 hrs 24 mins and has 90 stops, but may work for some: Leave 08:51 arriving at 11:24. Time for a quick

pasty and then catch the last direct return at 12:25 arriving at 14:58.

We’ll endeavour to publish further details next month once the website is fully updated.

Posting times THERE

are three post boxes in the village, and two on the periphery. Posting times are as follows:

Post Office (Probus School Filling Station): 4:45 pm Monday to Friday (12 noon on Saturdays)

Carne View: 9 am Monday to Friday (7 am on Saturdays)

Parkengear: 9 am Monday to Friday (7 am on Saturdays)

Truck Hill: 9 am Monday to Friday (7 am on Saturdays)

Trewithen Gate: 9 am (7 am on Saturdays)

Times are listed on the Royal Mail website https://www.royalmail.com/ services-near-you#/

Editorial

THANKS

again to Tom Hickman for his second illustrated walk around Probus, a walk that many of you will recognise (pages 24–28). Tom was kind enough to allow me to scan pages directly from his sketchbook. In addition to sketching, Tom also creates fabulously detailed embroidery, paints, and works with wood and other media. Tom spent many years of his life in Probus and the surrounding area before moving to a croft house on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides –that’s is about as far north and west in the UK as it’s possible to get. He is still a regular visitor to the village. If you would like to see more of Tom’s art, you can find his work easily online; he’s also on Facebook and writes a blog.

See page 34 for what may be the last report from the Probus Historic

Do you have a problem?

Why not contact one of your local parish councillors for advice?

Cornwall Society. Their AGM is in April, and unless new members join to take on a couple of key positions, the society is likely to close. Essentially, this is the last call.

All of us here at Probus News send our thanks and best wishes to Jenny Colton. Jenny, who along with husband Derek is a longstanding deliverer of the magazine, had a nasty fall in the very wet and stormy weather while delivering the March edition and ended up in hospital. Even with that, she still managed to deliver her round! She’s on the mend now, but I wanted to record how grateful we are to Jenny, Derek and all the other volunteers who help produce and deliver the magazine each month.

See you next month, by which time I sincerely hope it will have stopped raining and we can report on what a warm and sunny Easter we all had.

John

wwwprobusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Alison Cook Nankilly 07516 794883 alisoncook@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Chris Dutton Carne View Road 07969 451207 chrisdutton@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

James Faull Tresowgar Cottage 07494 756249 jamesfaull@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Nick Gillard (chair) Fore Street 01726 883926 nicholasgillard@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Neil Glasson Ladock Road 07709 286850 neilglasson@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Ross Goldworthy Gwell an Nans 07967 125526 rossgoldsworthy@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Paul Quinlan Fore Street 07498 304044 paulquinlan@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Bill Sutherland Bosnoweth 01726 884007

There are currently three parish councillor vacancies. Please contact the clerk or any of the above for details.

If you are not able to contact a particular councillor, then contact the Parish Council Clerk Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk - Cornwall Councillor Karen Glasson can also be contacted on 07980 975527 or cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk for advice.

Acoustics Night (Comrades Club)

Badminton Club

Bees (swarms/issues/questions)

Bowling Club

Church Bell Ringers

Churchwarden

Comrades Club

Cornwall Councillor

Cycling – Probus Pedallers

Dance Classes Children (4Real)

Football - Saturday Club

Tim Joyce 07412 126774

Pauline Partridge 01726 882649

Tony Paddock 07486 295414

David Meggs 07850 945626

Liza Deards 07888 684425

Andy McCartney probus.churchwarden@gmail.com

Bryan Trebilcock 01726 882747

Karen Glasson 07980 975527 cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk

Dave Light 07966 683852 or Colin Brown 07484 740249

Angie Smith 07825 234855 contactus4real@gmail.com

Steve Flack 07956 049727

Probus Youth FC - Juniors Eric Bendelow 07917 008491

Probus FC - Seniors (First Team)

Friends of Probus Church

Grampound Road Cricket Club

Hawkins Arms

Historic Cornwall Society

Kids Club Breakfast/after-school at

Probus School

Knit & Natter Group

Litter Picking Group

Little Lights and toddler group

Mid Cornwall Wood Turners

Over 60s Luncheon Club

Parish Players (Pantomime)

Playing Field Mgmt Committee

Probus Parish Church

Parish Council Clerk

Probus Primary School

Probus Primary School PTA

Probus Club of Probus

Probus Environmental Action Team (PEAT)/Probus Churchground maintenance

Probus Nursery

Spotlights Youth Club

Sticker Memory Cafe

Graham Smith 07968 478970

Richard Heath 07849 315432 geotechrich@gmail.com

The Club House 07800 915578 grampoundroadcricketclub@gmail. com

Graham and Phil 01726 882208 www.thehawkinsprobus.co.uk

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

Steve Dalton 07813 995206 stevedalton166@btinternet.com

Christine Salaman 07593 757299 salaman_pandc@yahoo.co.uk

Pauline Salisbury secretary@midcornwallturners.com

Zena 01726 882751 or Janet 01726 882927

Cathy Cadby 07860 755787 info@probusparishplayers.co.uk

Graham Smith 07968 478 970

Awaiting update

Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Angela Praed 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk

Chris Dutton 07969 451207 probuspta@gmail.com

Nick Hibbett 01726 883093 nick.hibbett@btinternet.com

Steve Dalton 07813 995206 probus.peat@btinternet.com

Nick Lauder 07403 659869 n.lauder29@btinternet.com

Angela Praed 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk

Christine Salaman 07593 757299 salaman_pandc@yahoo.co.uk

07901 147353 or 07717333713

The Roseland Academy 01872 530675 www.theroseland.co.uk

U3A Roseland & District Terry Neil 01872 530196

Village Hall Letting Secretary 07749 368162 lettings@probusvillagehall.co.uk

Walking Group - Wednesdays

Young Farmers

- Fridays

Terry Hodge or Tim Joyce 01726 884495 or 01726 884574

Teresa Hayhoe or Kaye Ludlow 07720 393754 or 07968 722430

Joey Wagstaff 07443 514854

Other village pages: Probus Cornwall, Probus Super Mums!, Probus News Magazine, Probus Swap and Sell

Cakes & Cupcakes for any occasion made to order in Probus

Food hygiene certified - insured –registered with Cornwall Council

Visit my Facebook page or show me a picture of what you have in mind Free no obligation quote sandrawightwick@gmail.com

Message through or on 07771 907217

A message from the curate ILOVE

to walk on my day off and as I pass along footpaths and small roads, I find there is something special about the grassy banks and hedgerows of Cornwall. They contain a vast variety of life and visibly change from month to month. But it’s at this time of year when I am most aware of this transformation as the primroses flourish. The way in which these plants lay dormant in the soil, almost invisible and seemingly dead during three seasons of the year only to burst into life in spring, makes them a fitting vision of resurrection.

The message of Easter (which we will soon be celebrating) is that, however dark it may seem, however futile and fleeting we may view our current lives, death and decay do not have the last word, there is hope for a new flourishing. God’s kingdom has taken root and even if it may seem dormant at the time, it will one day spring up and transform all creation in a display of God’s glory when all will be put right and all will be ‘rosy in the garden’.

On a spring walk the other day, to Dodman Point, one of my favourite pieces of Cornish coast, I read again the words at the base of the cross there that was erected ‘In the firm hope of the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the encouragement of those who strive to serve him’. I am always encouraged when I see that cross, as I am when I see a primrose, as both assure me in my hope of a coming glorious transformation that we celebrate and anticipate at Easter time.

Paul

April church services

Sunday 7th 9:30 am Connect 11 am Holy Communion

Sunday 14th 9:30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 21st 9:30 am Connect

Sunday 28th 9:30 am Holy Communion

Other regular events

Coffee mornings: Tuesdays 10:30 am12 noon. Fridays 9 - 11 am.

Youth Club: (Years 7 - 13) Alternate

Sunday evenings

Little Lights: Every Thursday 9:30 am11 am

See also page 44 - What’s on Probus

Dates for your diary

THEchurch is hosting a number of events over the next couple of months, with monies raised going towards the church building fund.

Saturday 6th April: Lanner and District Silver Band concert

The band is one of the finest in Cornwall and has represented the South West area in the National Finals, so this promises to be an evening to remember. Tickets (£7.50 for adults, £2.50 for under 16s) can be booked via probus.churchevents@ gmail.com or bought on the door.

Saturday 4th May: Plant sale

The annual plant sale will be held on the cobbles in front of the church from 10–12 am. Come along and stock up on tomato and veg plants, as well as flowering plants to brighten up your garden over the long, balmy days of summer that (fingers crossed!) are just around the corner.

Friday 10th May: Du Hag Owr

The ever-popular Roseland shantymen, Du Hag Owr (‘Black and Gold’ in Cornish), make a welcome return to Probus with a programme of traditional songs. Refreshments will be available on the night too. Tickets (£7.50 for adults, £2.50 for under 16s) can be booked via probus. churchevents@gmail.com or bought on the door.

Saturday 11th May: Tower opening

Built half a millennium ago, around 1523, at 38.35 metres (126 feet) the pinnacled tower of our church is renowned as being the tallest in Cornwall. If you’ve got a good head for heights, it will be open from 10 am to 5 pm – a great chance for you to get some spectacular views over the village and the surrounding area. The suggested donation for entrance to the tower is £3 (£1 for children) and tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be available inside the church all day.

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June: Flower festival

Flower arrangers take note: a festival on the theme of ‘Countries of the World’ will be held in the church over the first weekend in June. There will be classes for children to enter too. Full details will be included in next month’s magazine.

Maria’s Animal Shelter

By Sarah Hoggett

ANYONE

who’s walked around The Green will have seen the gated entrance to Maria’s Animal Shelter, but you may not be aware of all the work that goes on behind its walls or of how many animals it takes care of.

The shelter began in 2001, when Maria took over the care of a pony named Fly, who was about to become homeless as her owner was suffering from cancer. Now it’s home to a wide range of animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, chickens, sheep and goats, and (though you’d never guess it from the outside), covers 2.5 acres.

In the past, most of the animals arrived because they’d been abandoned or mistreated. These days, however, families are sadly having to give up much-loved pets because they’re being evicted from their home or can no longer afford to keep them – and there’s even a waiting list for animals to come into the shelter. Maria cares for around 200–300 animals a year and there are about 80 animals in residence at any one time, with three-quarters of

them being successfully adopted into loving ‘forever’ homes. Some, however, are either too old to be re-housed or have ongoing health problems and will spend the rest of their days at the shelter. The permanent residents include Crisp (above), an anxious little dachshund cross who follows Maria around like a shadow; two enormous French lop-eared rabbits called Flopsy and Ralph; three sheep named Hetty (opposite), Bella and Bernard; goats Toffee, Ericka and Misty; and a small flock of hens whose egg-laying days are behind them but who now live in hen

heaven, scratching around in the dirt and making themselves sand baths.

Education is a crucial part of Maria’s work. Every family who wants to foster or adopt animals is carefully vetted to ensure they know how to look after them and can meet the animals’ needs. Many people don’t realise just how much living space a rabbit needs, for example, and that they need companionship, so adopting just one rabbit is not an option. Also, just like humans, rabbits don’t necessarily get on, so Maria’s team can spend weeks getting them to bond with each other before they’re ready to be adopted.

Maria’s Animal Shelter is a registered charity but, with so many mouths to feed and vets’ bills to pay, finances are always a struggle. In an effort to become more self-sufficient, the shelter now has some raised beds for growing herbs such as parsley, fennel, mint and yarrow to help feed the animals and they’re hoping to build more over the coming months. Another recent money-making innovation is to offer boarding for rabbits, guinea pigs and small animals while their owners are on holiday – contact Maria if you’d like more information.

Some ways you could help:

Q Volunteer one morning a week to help feed the animals, give them their medication and clean out their cages.

Q Help with the new kitchen garden.

Q Make a one-off payment or a regular monthly donation, either by direct debit or online using PayPal, following the link on the shelter’s website (www. mariasanimalshelter.com/donations).

Q Send a cheque made payable to Maria’s Animal Shelter to 44 Parkengear, Probus, TR2 4JT.

Q Sponsor one of the permanent resident animals for only £30 per year.

Q Donate good-quality items such as chocolates, bottles of wine or unused toiletries to the shelter’s regular auctions.

Contacts: Tel: 07980 951540

mariasanimalshelter@hotmail.com

www.mariasanimalshelter.com

Photos by Jon Hibberd

Probus Square planters

By Sarah Hoggett,

with images

by Jon Hibberd.

LAST November, pupils from Rowan class at Probus Primary School braved the wind and rain to fill the planters in Probus Square with a range of small shrubs and spring bulbs and, over the last few weeks, they’ve brought a much-needed splash of colour to the village. Thanks again to all of them for doing such a great job!

PEAT

Probus Environment Action Team

By Steve Dalton, with images by Jon Hibberd.

MANY

of the bulbs that the churchyard restoration team planted in the autumn have appeared now and provide a welcome display heralding the start of spring –despite the very wet weather. However many of the daffodil flower heads have been eaten by tiny slugs which is very disappointing. We noticed last year that there was a large population of slugs in the church grounds which no doubt resulted in the damage to the daffodils.

We need hedgehogs to prey on the slugs! Several have been seen in the area and last year a malnourished hedgehog from the churchyard was taken to the Prickles and Paws sanctuary. We will be approaching them to see if we can rehome some of their rescued hedgehogs but first we need to have several hedgehog boxes for them to live in. If you feel inspired to make one of these for us you can find several designs online - we would love to hear from you if you can do this.

At last we have received an acceptable estimate for the sexton's hut restoration from a builder/stonemason and we are now identifying where we can obtain the necessary funding from. Since it is a Grade 1 listed building we have to restore it to its original condition which makes it an expensive project. We need to raise £25,000 for the work, £1,000 of which we have already secured.

To obtain the funding we will be working with the church leaders and others to engage with charities that support community volunteers involved in environmental initiatives. If you would like to support this project financially, the bank details are :-

Bank - Lloyds

Account name - Probus Parish Church

Sort code - 30-98-76

Account number - 01999176

Reference - SEXTON HUT

Finally, I received a lot of feedback from last month's article regarding the variety of birds visiting my bird feeders. It is surprising how much this varies across gardens even over a small distance. Maybe next winter we will try to coordinate and record the numbers and species of visitors to our gardens here in Probus and report our findings to the RSPB.

Discovering the well trodden way

By Tom Hickman

ASusual I had no idea where I would be heading on my afternoon walk. No planning apart from my welly boots, coat, and stick. The latter has been a recent addition, and as such has put me into quite a different category. I have discovered that there are still people who pigeonhole others by their appearance. While visiting a cousin one evening in London, I became disorientated on leaving the Notting Hill Gate underground. On approaching a gentleman to ask for direction he immediately said, “I’ve got no change”, and hurried on his way. He had taken me for a gentleman of the road because of my walking stick. I wasn’t offended by that but thought with inflation he might have afforded some folding rather than a few coppers. Serious walkers stride out with those poles, but I find my long thumb stick sufficient in providing my slow gait with that third leg of stability.

There are times when a shortcut through the graveyard will act as a detour and I won’t get much further, but today I

wanted to make sure of a longer walk so made my way into Probus Square heading west. It wasn’t long before I met Little John coming up from the petrol station and as always, we stopped to chat. It’s always a proper chat with John and twenty minutes later I resumed my walk crossing over to The Green. I decided to investigate the track running down by Lelissick Farm and was delighted to see it indicated as a foot path that would take me via Lamellyn. I had usually taken the longer route down to the Ladock road, but steep downhill walking is tough on the knees these days. At the end of the lane, I discovered the wonderful projecting stone style that permits access to the field, proof if any were needed that this is historically a well-trodden footpath. Making my way down the side of the field confirmed this, and I was grateful of that third leg as well as my wellies.

This is heavy country, and the mass of footprints indicated well just how

slippery it was as I pushed my stick into the glutinous pale brown clay. Reaching the bottom of the field and the purposebuilt wooden bridge was a relief, and from here I was able to scramble down into the stream and wash the mud from my boots. It is immediately apparent that

this spot holds great history. You can feel the presence of children in ages past playing here and I’m sure a few still do today. Moss covers everything from tree trunks, rocks, and the remains of someone’s old water pumping house. I love these dank places that hold an other-worldly feel, as if the little people could be watching me from up in the branches or behind the ferns. It’s up hill from here but thankfully the edge of the field has been cultivated with a wide margin for walking and minimal mud.

The path which so many must be familiar with takes you alongside the woodland south of Lamellyn House and at the bend where the great pine trees start, there is a wonderful view down the valley. At the top of the field, I’m rewarded with the equally familiar

close-up view of the house that looks west across lawn and ha-ha towards Tresillian. One of the charming things about Lamellyn is the fact that the footpath runs through the farmyard and continues to link it so closely with the village. I have time to stop and sketch the restored cottage with its wonderful wall of pigeonholes, and know, as an artist I’m also pigeonholed in my own way.

I make my way back up the old drive as a young lad in football gear comes running by. I see him again at Lamellyn Vean kicking a ball in the garden and his enthusiasm sends a ball over the Cornish wall into the lane. I shout “goal” as he politely apologises, and I throw it back. It’s a good walk, and like all good walks, it leaves you with a sense of discovery, no matter how many times you do it.

Probus Fun Week

FOLLOWING

the success of last summer’s Probus Fun Week, the small group of volunteers intend to run it again this coming August!

It’ll be in a new location this summer, between Probus School and Lamellyn Farm.

The week of activities will kick start on Saturday 10th August with a ‘Ceilidh night’ and conclude with a Carnival finale on Saturday 17th August.

More details to follow in coming editions, but the key events are: an evening with the Ritzy Belles, It’s a Knockout!, a Starz in their Eyes night and much more!

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

PHCS

HMS Warspite, the Cornish connection

By Laura Van Kempen-Wilson

WEwere delighted to welcome back Martin Brockman on 5th February, this time to speak to Probus Historic Cornwall Society members about HMS Warspite.

HMS Warspite was launched on 26th November 1913 and was the 6th vessel to bear that name. She was built in HM Dockyard, Devonport and was commissioned for service on 8th March 1915 after which she participated in the Battle of Jutland.

In 1913 there was a naval arms race between Germany and Britain. Her revolutionary oil-fuelled engines and untried 15" guns were a gamble for the Admiralty but were a great success.

During the Second World War HMS Warspite took part in the Norwegian campaign and later against the Italian Navy. In 1941, during the Battle of Crete, she was damaged by German aircraft and spent six months being repaired, after which she sailed to join the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean.

Her next period of repair was a result of German radio-controlled glider bombs, during the landings at Salerno. Although not fully repaired, she was able to take part in the Normandy Landings. This earned her the most battle honours ever awarded to a ship in the Royal Navy, and the nickname 'Grand Old Lady'.

Warspite was decommissioned and left Portsmouth in early 1947 to be scrapped on the River Clyde. On the way, during a severe storm in Mounts Bay, one of the tugs slipped its tow and the hawser to

the other tug parted. Warspite dropped one of her anchors but this did not hold and she was driven onto Mount Mopus Ledge. She managed to re-float herself but ran aground on rocks near Prussia Cove. Her crew of seven were saved by the Penlee Lifeboat. Despite many attempts, her hull was too badly damaged for her to be re-floated.

In 1950, a large crowd watched as a further attempt to re-float her was tried. Some of our members remember being taken, as young children, to see the wreck. Once again, the attempt failed and the salvage boat 'Barnet' was holed and eventually drifted ashore at Long Rock.

By August the Warspite was finally beached off St Michael's Mount and a further attempt was made to re-float her. One tug, Masterman, failed in the tow and ended up on Hogan Rocks. When her sister tug, Tradesman, tried to haul Masterman off the rocks, she found herself with 60' of wire wrapped around her propeller.

Eventually, Warspite was moved closer to shore and was scrapped. By 1955, she had disappeared. It was the largest scrapping operation ever carried out in British waters.

Two guns, her bell and wheel are at the Imperial War Museum.

Above: 10th September 1943, under the guns of HMS Warspite, the Italian Littorio class battleship is seen steaming into Malta following the surrender of the Italian fleet. Below: on 23 March 1947, the sad image of HMS Warspite, aground off Prussia Cove, Cornwall (note the absence of any armament, which had already been removed). Previous page, the ships bell. All images courtesy of the Imperial War Museum.

Cornwall Councillor update

20 mph and A390

SOMEworks have started on the 20mph limit in Probus. The traffic calming measures are still being redrawn and are currently with the Road Safety Team, as previously reported. It is likely that the traffic calming measures will be built around May.

Following the recent accident at the Trevorva junction A390, I have again raised concerns with Highways regarding the impact of the closure of the bypass on the village and that there should be further road safety measures implemented at the junction.

I have asked for a Road Safety review of the bypass as the last was undertaken in February 2021. Response from the Highways Manager as below:

‘I understand the most up-to-date accident site listing is being compiled and will be issued shortly, so we will be able to understand where this junction sits in the overall scheme of things shortly. I will provide an update when the list has been issued’.

I will continue to pursue all options once the accident site listing is completed and will update when I can.

Road Surfaces

I have been concerned about the state of the road surfaces in places where recent works have been taking place by Wildanet and National Grid. I have written to Cornwall Council Streetworks and have received the response below:

‘As a Statutory Undertaker [of road works] they are expected to complete their works in accordance with the Specification for the Reinstatements

of Openings in Highway (SROH). I am aware that our Streetworks Inspector has detected some sites in and around Probus already and Wildanet will be back to complete the remedial works in the future’.

I have also spoken to Wildanet and they are looking at all areas where their contractors have carried out roadworks to ensure that remedial works are done. I will keep a close eye on this but also please do let me know if you see any areas that need attention. I have contacted National Grid as their recent utility work in Carne View may need remedial works also.

Waste Collection

Most of Probus will see their new bins arrive, as part of the new waste collection service, in January 2025. A small number of streets in the village, The Green for instance have received theirs already due to the different collection routes.

If anyone is concerned, please check the Cornwall Council - My Area page or give me a call, on 07980 975527 or email cllr. karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk

Flying visitor

FROMlate March until perhaps early June, look out for comet 12P/PonsBrooks in the night sky that with an orbital cycle of 71.5 years, is likely to be observed just once in most people’s lifetime (the last visit was in 1954).

With a diameter of around 30 km, and a 600,000 km long tail, the comet is mainly composed of ice and gas. Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is named after two 19th century astronomers who observed and recorded it in 1812 and 1883 respectively. Too bad if you miss it, although a few of our younger readers may still be around when it next returns on 15th August 2095!

Sources: The Guardian and Wikipedia

Roseland u3a

THE April diary for the Roseland u3a.

Patchwork and Craft Group: Friday 5th and 19th April at Probus Village Hall 9:30 am to noon

Lunch Club: Thursday 25th April Venue and time TBA

Book Club: Wednesday 17th April at Roseland Parc 2 pm

Art and Drawing class: Monday 8th April and Monday 22nd at Tregony Village Hall 10 am to noon (£10 charge)

Local History: The Wild WestMedieval Cornwall on Tuesday 16th April at Tregony Church Hall 10:15

Scrabble Group: Thursday 18th April at Tregony Bible Christian Fellowship Chapel 2pm to 4pm

French Conversation: Tuesday 23rd April at Tregony BCF Chapel 2 pm to 4 pm

For further information, please contact Carole caroleannbowling@yahoo. co.uk

The best man, or not?

By Vernon Keen

I went to a wedding, just last weekend

I was the best man for an old family friend

The weather was fine, the church was divine

When I started to drink the communion wine

We'd arrived there quite early, about half past one

There was me, the groom, and a man with a gun

I thought he was friendly, but the groom didn't agree 'He's my fiancee's father, he's been looking for me.'

To calm all our nerves I spoke to the vicar, To see if he had any valium or liquor,

So he went to the vestry for a bottle of gin

But came back with some wine, pure gasoline

A couple of swigs and we all felt quite poor

Just as the bride came in through the door

So we stood up to greet her, well two of us did, But the man with the gun had collapsed on a kid

And as he struggled to get up off the floor

The shotgun went off with an almighty roar

The groom started running, in shock more than fright

Chased by the man till they went out of sight

So as we all sat there with no groom in view

The bride turned to me and said 'what shall we do?'

I know it sounds silly, and I did a daft thing

For out of my pocket I took the gold ring

Oh Thomas! She cried, as she hugged me so tight

And now I sit trembling on my own wedding night! The end....

Probus Bookworm Club

By Gaynor O’Kane

AFTERrelocating from Wales to Probus almost a year ago, we decided the best way to make friends and meet people would be to join local groups or classes. Being an avid reader, I checked via Probus Facebook page to see if there was a local book club that I could join. Dismayed, I realised there wasn’t one in the village with places available for new members, so I put out a call to see if anyone would be interested in setting one up. Imagine my surprise when replies started bouncing back with, ‘If you start a book club, can I join please?’.

What started as a simple question resulted in various people offering to help… and the rest, as they say, is history. The Hawkins Arms, our village pub, kindly offered the use of a room, free of charge, once a month. We meet at 7 pm on the third Tuesday of every month and, in order to ‘spread the love’, alternate the venue between The Hawkins Arms and the Comrades Club.

Our very first meeting took place on 14th August 2023, where we all agreed that the Probus Bookworm Club should be all-inclusive and friendly. We decided on the aptly named The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods as our first book. Unbelievably 20 keen bookworms, both male and female, turned up and since then our no-charge membership has risen to around 30, although taking into account work schedules and family commitments there are usually around 15 of us.

As a collective, we decided that a different member every month would

choose the following month’s book. That way we could experience different genres and perhaps be taken out of our comfort zones, but we agreed that was what we wanted out of our book club. Books covered since include Stephen King’s Holly, Anne Bronte’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Fredrik Backman’s A Man called Ove, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson and our current novel, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

In addition, our friendly little group has organised theatre trips to Hall for Cornwall, with future trips there and to the cinema as and when people would like them, and we are planning to get involved in Probus Fun Week later this summer.

We have a Probus Bookworm Facebook page and we have set up a WhatsApp group for members to dip in and out of as required – very handy to let us know of village shows and events and so on.

If you’d like to meet new, friendly and cheerful people, and have a pint or a glass of wine or even a pot of tea, please do come along. We’re not stuffy and are happy with you reading, listening to audio books or even catching up on film versions if you are tight on time. You are all very welcome.

If you would like to join the Probus Bookworm Club, you can contact us initially via our Facebook page, where you’ll find further details of venues, dates and current books.

Tredenham Trust storage units

By John Denyer

ATthe western edge of Probus, at the top of Truck Hill opposite the Probus sign, there are several fields owned by Tredenham Trust.

Two old barns near the field entrance are being demolished just as we go to print. In place of the barns, the Trust intends to put eleven 10- or 20-foot storage containers and these will be available for short or long term rental.

The proceeds will go to the Trust, for onward distribution to two village charities.

In terms of letting the units, a land agent will manage that aspect (so if you are interested, just hold off a while).

The Trust, whose origins go back as far as 1610, own 27 acres in and around Probus, including the three allotment fields. More on the Tredenham Trust and the related charities in a future edition.

Pictured: The barns just as the demolition work was due to get under way.

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FISH AND CHIP FRIDAY TWO CAN DINE FOR £22

PROBUS

EVENTS DIARY 2024

Secretaries: To publicise your meetings or events, let us know well in advance and we will include details here. Contact details for all groups/clubs/ societies can be found on page 6.

Key: PVH = Probus Village Hall. PCC = Probus Comrades Club.

Acoustic Night Upstairs (at Probus Comrades Club). Last Monday of the month, starting at 7:30 pm.

Badminton Club: Meets at 8 pm every Monday at PVH.

Coffee ‘n’ Chat: Every Tuesday morning 10:30 am to 12 noon at Probus Church. Open to everyone, young and old, church-goer or not. Also on the first Saturday of each month between 10 am and 12 noon.

Friendship Club: MHA Communities Cornwall is a national charity that runs a friendship club for folk 60+, at PVH on the first Thursday of each month from 10 am to 12 noon. Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 cornwall@mha.org.uk.

Mid-Cornwall Wood Turners: Club nights on 1st Tuesday of each month: Training nights on the 3rd Tuesday in every month.

Mobile library: Friday 19th April, Friday 17th May, Friday 14th June. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm.

Over 60s Luncheon Club: 3rd and 17th April and 1st, 15th and 29th May at 12 noon. Note: Please do not call us after 8 am on club days, as there will be no one there to take messages.

Probus Club of Probus: Thursday 18th April. Coffee meeting at PVH 10 am for 10:30 am with speaker James Dundon about his travelling organ. Thursday 25th April - Site visit to the A30 Improvements at Carland Cross Site offices.

Probus Historic Cornwall Society: AGM Monday 8th April in PVH 7:15 pm for 7:30 pm start.

Probus Knit and Natter Group: Every Wednesday 10 am at PCC.

Probus Litter Pickers: First Saturday of each month at 10 am. Meet at PVH.

Probus Parish Church events: Lanner Silver Band in concert Saturday 6th April 7pm. Plant sale on the cobbles Saturday 4th May 10 am. Shanty singers Du Hag Owr Friday 10th May 7pm. Tower open day Saturday 11th May. Flower festival 1st and 2nd June. Details to follow.

Probus Parish Council: Meet now on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Next meetings on 18th April. Normally 7 pm for planning committee and 7:30 pm for full council. Full details at www. probusparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Probus Pedallers: Leave from the surgery every Sunday at 9 am. The more leisurely group leaves at 10 am.

Probus Walking Group: Every Wednesday 9 am or 9:30 am start. New members very welcome. Every Friday for shorter walks 10 am. New members also always welcome.

The Royal British Legion: Truro Branch, cordially invites you to a service of dedication and the unveiling of the National Service Memorial in Victoria Gardens, Truro TR1 3JE on Saturday 20th April. Muster 10.15 am. Parade starts

at 10.50 am. Everyone is welcome to attend. We Will Remember Them.

Probus Comrades Club: Ale & Cider Festival - Sponsors night on Thursday 13th June. Open to all from Friday 14th June until close on Sunday 16th June.

Probus Fun Week: 10th to 17th August 2024. See page 28.

Probus School PTA

MARCH

saw many successful events including the Easter Bingo, our “Someone Special” boxes for Mother’s day, and the Aspire ‘Connect 40’ event. Check out our Facebook page for the videos!

Our attention is turning to the festivities that come with the beginning of summer and the end of the school year – if anyone would like to help, donate, or sponsor any of our events, please get in touch!

Probus Book Club

By Liz Horder

AFTERhearing about Virginia Woolf all my life, I thought that it was about time I read one of her books. So I ordered a copy of The Waves, from the library for the reading group. I knew she wouldn’t be an easy read and that I was taking a chance on ordering this book for the group. Sure enough I read the first half dozen pages and gave up. Slowly but surely most of the other copies came back to me. We then had our next meeting, at this two people spoke with enthusiasm about the book. One had read the book years ago, when taking a university course in literature, and had fond memories of it. The second person was still reading the book and thoroughly enjoying it, and wanted to finish reading it. She spoke so enthusiastically about the book, nearly all in the group decided to take the book back and give it another go this month.

We were advised by these two not to read the book as one generally reads a book ie beginning, middle and end, but to look on the story more as poetry, which I felt very much when I read the first few pages.

It will be interesting to hear what everyone says about the book at our next meeting.

Local sport

Probus Bowling Club

WE

had a lovely evening at our presentation dinner with lots of trophies.

Next is our green opening on Saturday the 13th of April at 2 pm.

All are welcome to come and try lawn bowls, just wear flat shoes and we will provide woods and coaching.

We are located in the blue building next to the Pavilion in the football field.

There will be a faith tea afterwards.

If you would like to come along, please let Dave Meggs know (contact details at the front inside of this magazine).

The matches for April are:

Thursday 18th at 6 pm Mens friendly vs Truro

Sunday 21st at 2 pm Mixed friendly vs Falmouth

Monday 22nd at 6 pm Men vs Imerys (Away)

Wednesday 24th at 6:15 pm Men vs Grampound

Sunday 28th at 2 pm Mixed friendly vs Newquay West End (Away)

Tuesday 30th at 2 pm Ladies vs Chacewater (Away)

Probus FC

THINGS

are really hotting up in the St Piran League Division 3 West, where Probus has been overtaken by Holman Sports at the top of the table, but only on goal difference!

Both teams have played 16 with 39 points, but Holman’s 7 point goal difference, not helped on 24th March when Probus lost 4-0 to them in an away game.

Back in August, Probus beat Holman 4-0 at home, so while this is Probus’ first league loss of the season, there is still plenty of hope they can still be crowned champions at the end of the season. It won’t be easy though, as Dropship and Lanner in 3rd and 4th place with 37 and 34 points respectively are only a few points behind.

There are two more fixtures in March (weather permitting), where we hope Probus will quickly return to winning form:

23rd - Falmouth (home)

30th - Goonhaven (away)

A key fixture will on Saturday 6th April when Probus play Lanner at home. KO is at 3pm and I’m sure some home support will be very welcome for this six pointer.

Other fixtures in April are:

13th Falmouth (away)

20th St Keverne (away)

27th Carharrack (home)

The latter two teams will be eager for some points so they can stay clear of the relegation position currently held by Wendron with just 5 points from 18 games.

Grampound Road Cricket Club

THE2024 league season begins on Saturday 13th April. The home fixtures in April are as follows:

13th 1st XI Paul County 1 12:30 pm

3rd XI Launceston 2 Div 4 East 1 pm

20th 2nd XI Liskeard Div 3 East 1 pm 4th XI Truro 4 Div 6 central 1:30 pm

27th 1st XI St Erme County 1 12:30 pm 3rd XI Menheniot Looe 2 Div 4 East 1 pm

Grampound Road CC has again entered the Voneus National Village Knockout Cup, hoping to emulate the success of last year (national semi-finalists!). The first round takes place on Sunday 28th April with an away fixture against Perranporth. If successful, they will have a home game against Gulval on Sunday 12th May.

Four new captains were elected at the club’s AGM: 1st team - Tom Orpe; 2nd team - Jamie Watt; 3rd team - Matt Pengelly; 4th team - Ryan Davies. The club welcomes Lucie Oakley as captain of the Women’s XI and a fully registered league player having been associated with the Women’s XI for the past 10 years. Jacqueline Sanders continues as head of women’s cricket at the club.

Along with the ‘All Stars’ and ‘Dynamo’ sessions for 5-11 year olds, the club will again run teams in the County Youth leagues at U11, U13 and U15 age groups.

Any new players, whatever age or standard, are welcome. For further information, contact secretary Di Pearce on 07800 915578

Probus Youth FC

By Will Yeomans

THEyouth football club is thriving, with six teams playing in the Cornish leagues and more than 90 players registered. Desite the awful weather this winter, the kids continue to turn up every week for training and matches, showing their passion for the sport.

Special thanks to all our sponsors, including A & H Duct Cleaning Services who provided jackets for the team coaches.

Pictured presenting the jackets is A & H’s Steve Allen with our Chairman, Rob Cannon (right). Below from left to right: Will Yeomans (under 13s coach), Mark Phillips (under 14s), Jason Chapman (under 11s and under 13s), Rob Cannon (under 15s) and Steve Allen.

S. J. GRIGG

PROBUS, TRURO

01726 882330

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