Probus News Magazine February 2024 Issue No. 286
The free magazine for the community
• 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 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
What’s inside
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.
Heather retires
Probus Club visits Bodmin
Page 5
Page 18
Probus panto Pages 20-21
Management Team EDITOR: John Denyer 07824 555519 editorprobusnews@gmail.com CHAIRMAN: Sheila Bing 01726 883400 sheila.bing@outlook.com
Trevorva Farm
Roseland U3A
Winter beach walks
Pages 26-30
Page 33
Page 45
Front cover: A view from West Portholland by Jon Hibberd taken on 1st March 2023 (see page 45)
Submission deadlines for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month.
Publication dates 2024 March
Friday 1st March
April
Thursday 28th March
May
Friday 26th April
June
Friday 31st May
July
Friday 28th June
August
Friday 26th July
Available online:
www.issuu.com/ probusnews/
Probus News is a non-profit making, independent voluntary organisation. Your donations are always welcome.
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
Public notice The inclusion of any article or 07931 502921 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.
jonyhibs58@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce, Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe
Printed by: Printout Ltd, Langarth Farm, Threemilestone TR4 9AN 01872 242534
Community News and Notices Tredenham Charity Editorial allotments
A
PPLICATIONS are invited for residents to add their name to the waiting list for the Tredenham Charity allotments on Ladock Road, Probus. Please email the allotment chairman, Steve Dalton, at probus.peat@ btinternet.com with your name, address, email address and contact number or message him with the same on 07813 995206. Your data will not be passed to any third party. For further information contact Steve, or the Tredenham Charity Secretary Amanda Kendall at tredenhamcharity@ gmail.com or call 01726 883614.
Probus School and Nursery PTA
H
APPY New Year! It’s been a busy time with all getting back into the swing of things after the festive break. We have a busy few months coming up with events for all the community to get involved in, and hopefully to raise the remainder of the funds needed to install the new outdoor education equipment at the school for all years to use. As always, we are looking for event sponsors and individuals who are interested in volunteering their time at our events. Chris Dutton Chair 4 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
W
ELCOME everyone to our latest edition of the Probus News Magazine. It’s a week later than originally planned due to a technical error, as in I was referring to the wrong years calendar! Nevertheless, thanks to all contributors, our advertisers and to all those behind the scenes volunteers who find stories, put the magazine together, and get it published and delivered. February in Probus traditionally means several things, one of which is panto. I’m looking to watch (and helping out with) Probus Parish Players adaptation of The Little Mermaid. There is a huge local cast, a great song list and the usual terrible jokes. It’s always a lot of fun so don’t miss it. Congratulations to Heather Annear (right) who retired on 19th January after delivering post around the village for 31.5 years. I interviewed Heather a couple of years ago and she explained how she had a unique insight into every household in the village, and how over three decades she had observed several generations of Probus families grow up and the village change along with it. All of us at the Probus News wish you well Heather - you will be missed more than you possibly realise. Finally, I’d like to put out a call for more content contributors. Amongst other things, this magazine is a snapshot of current village life, as well as a record of our social history. For that to work, we need you to keep us updated with events, celebrations (happy and sad), and local news stories. So please bear us in mind. John
Happy retirement Heather!
Cornwall Councillor update
W
M
ISHING Heather Annear a very long and happy retirement. Heather retired on 19th January after 31.5 years of service to the village.
YSELF and other volunteers have set up a community speedwatch in Probus and will be meeting once a month. If you would like to join us please get in touch. Speedwatch will help with the enforcement of the 20mph rollout when it is introduced. I keep chasing for further updates on the traffic calming measures and will update asap. I am told it will be before the end of this financial year. South West Water has been working on sewage issues in Treviglas Lane for some time now and they have finally concluded this work. If you notice any further problems, please do let me know. Karen Glasson
Do you have a problem?
Why not contact one of your local parish councillors for advice?
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
Bosnoweth
01726 884007
Bill Sutherland
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. February 2024 | 5
A-Z of Probus clubs, societies, organisations and some useful contacts Acoustics Night (Comrades Club)
Tim Joyce 07412 126774
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 Probus Youth FC - Juniors Probus FC - Seniors (First Team)
Pauline Partridge 01726 882649 Tony Paddock 07486 295414 Please send updates to l.com David Meggs 07850 945626 editorprobusnews@gmai 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 g? Is your group missin Eric Bendelow 07917 008491 ow kn us t Le Graham Smith 07968 478970
Friends of Probus Church
Richard Heath
07849 315432 geotechrich@gmail.com
Grampound Road Cricket Club
The Club House
07800 915578
Hawkins Arms
Graham and Phil
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 The Roseland Academy U3A Roseland & District Village Hall Letting Secretary Walking Group - Wednesdays - Fridays Young Farmers Other village
grampoundroadcricketclub@gmail. com 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
Steve Dalton
07813 995206 probus.peat@btinternet.com
Nick Lauder
07403 659869 n.lauder29@btinternet.com
Angela Praed Chris Dutton Nick Hibbett
01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk 07969 451207 probuspta@gmail.com 01726 883093 nick.hibbett@btinternet.com
Angela Praed 01726 882647 Christine Salaman 07593 757299 07901 147353 or 07717333713 01872 530675 Terry Neil 01872 530196 07749 368162
hello@probusschool.org.uk salaman_pandc@yahoo.co.uk www.theroseland.co.uk lettings@probusvillagehall.co.uk
Terry Hodge or Tim Joyce 01726 884495 or 01726 884574 Teresa Hayhoe or Kaye Ludlow 07720 393754 or 07968 722430 Joey Wagstaff
07443 514854
pages: Probus Cornwall, Probus Super Mums!, Probus News Magazine, Probus Swap and Sell
6 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Advertisers’ Index
Accountants/Finance Robert Larter
23
Building Contractors
Health, Beauty & Wellbeing
Pet Store
Beauty, Nails and/or Massage Therapist
Fal Valley Pets
Nicky Waters
25
Plumbing and/or Heating
14
Paul Ashby Johnson
22
Ocean Plumbing
24
Andrew McMonagle
34
Chris Rogers
37
Roller Bathrooms
46
Craig Edwards
10
Nails by Emily
N & S Builders
24
Dentist
37
Ear Care
11
Hairdressing
Roseland Dental
Bucher and Farm Shop Trudgian Farm Shop
Duchy Ear Care
Cake suppliers Kernow Cups n’ Cakes Care Provider Alexandras Care Truro
36
M A Grigg
16
Brightsparks
41
MBM Electrical
13
Recall Electrical/Home Security
11
14
Shaun Beresford
25
Janey Paul
24
Alastaire Hambly
37
Ben Heather
23
Stuart McClellan
24
Nest Property Restorations
14
Peter Woolcock
34
Manumit Peter Donnelly Roseland Podiatry
Kernow Property Services
14
Paul Gagan
Philip Martin
35
Mobile Car Valeting
24
Paul Mulkeen
Fuel Supplies 31
Pub/Club//Restaurant/Take Away 15
10
Probus Comrades Club
43
Hawkins Arms
42
Tandoori Spice
36
Stone Mason & Plant Hire 23
Ed Faull
11
Taxi/Private Hire
Collins of Probus
2
Carlton Cars
S J Grigg
48
TV Aerial & Satellite Services
23
34
Music Lessons/Music Therapy
Shane Perry
17
Emma Packer
34
Will Writing
L A Nolan & Son
22
Vets
A J Rosevear
13
Clifton Villa
32
Probus Parish Council
5
Gardening Services Silvaticus
47
Motor Servicing, Sales, Repairs
Funeral Directors L J Tregunna
10
Podiatry
Locksmith
W J Beswetherick
Property Maintenance/Handymen
Hair 4 U
Estate Agent/Surveyor/Letting Agents/Accommodation
Logs ‘n’ Coal
22
Optician
Electrical Contractors
Roselinden
10
Life Coaching
Country Store
15
Will Writers Services
Painting & Decorating 31
Glaziers/Window repairers J Glass Cornwall
5
Cornwall Window Repair
31
25 15
February 2024
February 2024 | 7
Letters Dear Editor
I
ENJOYED your article about Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus very much [PN December edition] and thought that you might be interested to have these snippets that I found in a Saga magazine in March 2022! He was reported to have been a lenient and moderate emperor. He planted a variety of grape called smederevka in modern day Balkans, to water his troops. He was the first person to plant vineyards outside Nantes, and in England at The Vyne in Hampshire. Best wishes Laura Van Kempen-Wilson Below: Thanks to Laura for sending in an alternative view of the 7m diameter globe (called Gaia) by artist Luke Jerram that was on display in Truro Cathedral last December.
8 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Thank you
I
WOULD like to say very many thanks to all my family, friends and neighbours for the beautiful cards, gifts and messages I received on my 90th birthday. Made it all a very special day. Sylvia Bishop
Benjamin Zephaniah
B
ENJAMIN Zephaniah - The dub poet, author, musician, and actor died on 7th December 2023, aged 65. A proud Brummie, some may remember him from the TV show Peaky Blinders.
Add lots of Norman French to some Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Vikings, then stir vigorously. Mix some hot Chileans, cool Jamaicans, Dominicans, Trinidadians and Bajans with some Ethiopians, Chinese, Vietnamese and Sudanese. Then take a blend of Somalians, Sri Lankans, Nigerians And Pakistanis, Combine with some Guyanese And turn up the heat. Sprinkle some fresh Indians, Malaysians, Bosnians, Iraqis and Bangladeshis together with some Afghans, Spanish, Turkish, Kurdish, Japanese And Palestinians Then add to the melting pot. Leave the ingredients to simmer. As they mix and blend allow their languages to flourish Binding them together with English. Allow time to be cool.
Benjamin was considered one of Britain's top 50 post-war writers and, for those that are not familiar, this poem The British is a good example of his work. The British Take some Picts, Celts and Silures And let them settle, Then overrun them with Roman conquerors.
Add some unity, understanding, and respect for the future, Serve with justice And enjoy. Note: All the ingredients are equally important. Treating one ingredient better than another will leave a bitter unpleasant taste. Warning: An unequal spread of justice will damage the people and cause pain. Give justice and equality to all.
Remove the Romans after approximately 400 years February 2024 | 9
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Message through
February 2024 | 11
A message from the Church services curate and events
I
February
This year I shall be dressing up as a pirate and getting involved in the silliness and spectacle that is Probus panto. In some ways what I do as a curate can be seen to be similar to playing a part in a panto. I stand up in front of people, tell a story, try to engage both young and old, make some laugh and get others to sing and I even put on a frock now and again. But there are some crucial differences too.
Wednesday 14th Ash Wednesday 7pm at Ladock Church
T’S new year and panto season is upon us (‘oh no it isn’t!’ I hear you cry).
Firstly, panto is based on fantasy and make-believe and despite what some may think, the claims we make about Jesus, salvation and heaven are not meant to be taken with a pinch of salt. Faith is to be certain of what we believe and to trust wholeheartedly in all that God says to us. Secondly panto divides the world into goodies who we cheer for and baddies who we boo. Of course, in the church we do have a hero that is Jesus as well as an enemy, but the truth is that the battle between good and evil goes on within us rather than between us as we try every day to reject the devil’s temptations and do as Jesus would do. And lastly, coming to church should never be about entertainment. Church can be an enjoyable experience but when we come to engage in worship there is an audience of one, and only one, who we are planning to please, and that is God himself. Paul 12 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Sunday 4th 9:30 am Connect 11 am Holy Communion Sunday 11th 9:30 am Holy Communion
Sunday 18th 9:30 am Connect Sunday 25th 9:30 am Holy Communion Coffee mornings: Tuesdays 10:30–12 noon; Fridays 9–11 am Youth Club (years 7–13): First and third Sunday evenings 6:30-8 pm Little Lights baby and toddler group: Every Thursday 9:30–11 am Sunday 11th February at 7 pm. Kosoleth - a chance to meditate Friday 16th and 23rd 12 noon. Lent lunches in the church See also page 44 - What’s on Probus
John Cobbold
W
E are saddened to report the death of John Cobbold who passed away on Christmas Day aged 86. Sincere condolences to Pam, family and his many friends.
Why choose us? We are Martin & Max of MBM Electrical. We are local, fully qualified electricians here to support you. No job is too small. 123 Anywhere St., Any City, ST 12345
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14 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
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Roseland Podiatry Visiting podiatry/chiropody practice 07813 508740 / 01872 530715 Treatment of nails including conditions such as ingrowing, thickened and fungal nails. Treatment of corns, callus and other skin conditions. Diabetic and high risk foot management. Biomechanical assessments and orthotics. Footcare and footwear advice.
Julie Moutinho DPodM MCPod Registered Podiatrist Juliemoutinho123@gmail.com February 2024 | 15
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February 2024 | 17
The Probus Club of Probus Return to Bodmin & Wenford Railway
T
HE Probus Club of Probus made a return visit to The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, this time under the knowledgeable guidance of Probus Member Jeff Townsend. Jeff, who is a member of the railway team of volunteers, took the group on a fascinating tour of the engineering workshops and storage sheds, which not only hold a collection of engines and rolling stock, but also an impressive set of heavy engineering lathes and work benches, essential for the manufacture of parts needed for the engines. Work was underway during the visit to restore a carriage, which at the time was little more than a shell.
Jeff Townsend at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Credit: Richard Ludlow
Mat Simpson, a young and knowledgable member of the team, took us to the signal box and explained the mix of traditional and relatively up to date essential safety measures required to operate the line commercially.
Jeff continued to expand upon the history and workings of the railway as the group joined a return service to Bodmin Parkway whilst tucking into a substantial cream tea.
18 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Cornwall Council Free healthier relationships courses for parents in Cornwall
W
HETHER you're parenting together or separately, one of the best things you can do for your child is to improve the relationship between you as parents. And no matter where you are in your parenting journey, you can learn to manage stress and communicate more effectively with one of our workshops, groups or courses. The courses can be accessed online, entirely on your own, or through a group workshop at which you meet other parents and professionals faceto-face and include: • Me, You and Baby Too – a course for all new or expectant parents
• Arguing Better – a course for parents with a child of any age • Getting it Right for Children – a course for separating or separated parents www.cornwwall.gov.uk/parenting Childminders to get £600 golden hello
L
EAVING school or looking for a job, a new career or way to work from home while looking after your family? Set yourself up as a childminder and you could get a £600 grant from the government to cover your start-up costs. You don’t need qualifications to be a childminder but you will need to show you’ve got an interest in early years education and register with Ofsted. www.supportincornwall.org.uk childcare@cornwall.gov.uk nurseryfunding@cornwall.gov.uk
February 2024 | 19
Panto 2024
P
ROBUS Parish Players proudly presents this year’s panto The Little Mermaid. Rehearsals are well underway, and going swimmingly. We are in the process of adding the final touches to what promises to be a another spectacular and memorable Probus panto. With a huge and talented cast of 53, there is a mix of new and regular faces and even some from way back when Probus Parish Players began. The panto is the 'Little Mermaid' story that many will be familiar with, but with added panto fun. So, expect a great song list, belly laughs, lots of booing, hissing, and shouting as loud as possible. We can guarantee it will be fun for all the family. Whether you want to bring out your inner Tina Turner and synchronise your funky dance/swim moves along with eels and a mermaid; or just tread water by clapping and cheering, there is something for everyone.
20 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Don’t miss out on this amazing, funny show with a talented local cast - get your tickets today. Show director Sophie Baker said, 'I would like to thank every member of the cast, the Probus Parish Players committee and all helpers in front and behind stage, for their efforts. It's a dream come true to become director: without all the support I've received this year’s panto would not be as brilliant as I'm expecting it to be'. Images: Some of the cast in rehearsals. See also page 40 for two other Probus Parish Player events.
February 2024 | 21
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Consultation including wax removal 1 Ear £40 2 Ears £50 Experienced Clinical Audiologists, using microsuction as a safer and more effective way of wax removal. Providing ear protection and swim/surf ear plugs Clinics at: The Merlin Centre, St Austell The Cornish Therapy Centre, Redruth The Dental Hygiene Suite, Truro Tel: 07854 103270 / 07811 466956 www.duchyearcare.co.uk 22 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
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A friendly, professional salon located here in Probus Free parking Ladies, Gents & Children all welcome
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Roselinden Cottage, Probus. A one-bedroom holiday cottage available for short term bookings. Winter deals available between October and February. Perfect for family or friends visiting the village. Contact Jenna. johnstonjenna14@gmail.com
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February 2024 | 25
A farming life Interview with Gill Moore and Garth Johnson on 28th November 2023.
G
ILL and Garth were raised on Trevorva Farm - a council owned farm directly south of Probus. Nowadays it's right on the junction of the A390 Probus bypass and the A3078 St Mawes Road.
Dorothy Johnson (née Webb)
Maurice Johnson
PN: I understand your parents Maurice Johnson and Dorothy (née Webb) took over Trevorva Farm in 1927. What are your earliest memories? Garth: Dad would be up very early milking the cows. I remember cutting kindling wood, so that when he had finished milking, he could boil water for his tea before starting the delivery round. He delivered the milk locally using his pony and trap. PN: Where did your dad deliver? Garth: It was originally to Probus, Tregony and Tresillian. But he restricted it to just Probus as his health deteriorated. 26 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Dorothy and Maurice’s wedding photo outside Dorothy’s original home next door to The Bakehouse in Chapel Street.
Garth: Of course, father worked on the farm for the rest of the day. PN: In those days, did most people have fresh milk delivered every day? Garth: Oh yes. Every day. Sundays as well. PN: Was the milk treated in those days? Garth: No. It was straight out of the cow into the churn. PN: Was it was full of cream as well? Garth: Me and my sister had to turn the handle of the separator to separate the cream from the skim milk. After that, my mother would warm the cream and put it in jars to be sold separately. PN: Do you remember that Gill? Gill: I do remember it. I also remember mother putting the milk on the Cornish range. She would warm the milk and the cream would rise to the top. PN: Did you make butter too? Garth: Yes, but only for use at home.
Above: Garth in 1949 at Probus CP School. Below, Geoffrey Johnson as a young man, around the time he took on the farm with his mother Dorothy.
February 2024 | 27
One day during the war, he was stopped from going through the village by a military convoy and was unable to continue his round. He parked his milk car at Tregony Road where Hair-4-U is today, and his customers then had to come and fetch their milk. PN: Garth, what do you remember about helping in the farm as a boy? Garth: I used to milk the cows, work in the fields, and help at harvest time. I couldn't do a lot being so young. Gill: You've worked hard all your life Garth. Before school, after school, you never stopped.
Roger Johnson in his younger days. Roger died in 2023.
Gill: I remember during the war, when food was rationed, dad would take cream around to his favourite customers hidden in his pocket. Garth: I remember a customer in Chapel Street. He was an old man in bed with TB who liked his cream. I had to carry two cans up to his house, one with a note in, and the other with a jar of cream. As I walked through the square, a policeman walked past me but fortunately he didn't know and didn't look in the cans. The policeman lived in Chapel Street in those days, opposite the school. Garth: As father's round increased, he bought a car - it was an old banger, of course. He put the churns on the back of the car with the boot lid down. He went to one house where the lady had forgotten to leave her milk jug out, so he had to find small items, even eggcups, to put the milk in. Over time, his round increased, and he had to buy milk from other local farmers. 28 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Garth: I used to help him out at weekends, and I used to love Sundays because I could avoid Sunday School. Then, one day, dad wasn’t very well and couldn't do his round. My brother and I had a three-wheeled trike and put the churn on the back of the trike. The weight on the back lifted the front of the trike, the milk cover came off and most of the milk went down the drain. We managed to save some of it and our customers had a drop each to carry them over that day. PN: What happened to your dad? Gill: Father was poorly for a while and was being treated for 'nerves'. Eventually he took to his bed. The normal doctor in the village at the time (Dr Eastcott) was on holiday and another doctor came around to see him. He immediately said, 'take the children away - it's TB' (Tuberculous was and still is very contagious). Gill: He was hospitalised. We went out to see him not long before he died. He asked me for a cuddle, and to protect me, mum had to say, 'No she can't - she has a terrible cold'. It was a very difficult time for the family. Garth: Father died of TB in 1949 aged just 52. Our Mother Dorothy was 48, a
had taken it, but somehow, she knew it was me all along. PN: You had dairy cows and pigs. Who looked after the pigs? Garth: My older brother Geoffrey mainly looked after the dairy and I looked after the pigs. When my father was alive, we didn't have many pigs, but afterwards, we slowly built that up to about 400 pigs. PN: When you left school, did you go straight to work on the farm? Garth: Oh yes, I left school at 15. As my older brother and my mother worked on the farm, everybody just had to muck in. It was a family affair.
Gill as a young woman in the milking shed.
widow with four children to raise and a farm to run. Garth: Eldest brother Geoffrey was 17, just old enough to take on the 50-acre farm along with mother. We continued to farm dairy cows and pigs. Grandad, who worked at Trewithen, came along to help. I was 12 years old, Gill was 10, and Roger was just six. Garth: As it was a council farm, after my father died, the council gave us 12 months to see how we got on. If we were not able to run the farm, we would have been out. That first year was very hard work, but we made a success of it, and the lease was continued. Gill: It was a difficult time. We had no electricity in the house, no telephone and the toilet was up the garden. I remember one day finding a packet of chocolate biscuits and couldn't resist taking one. My mother noticed there was one missing as there was only one biscuit for each of us. She asked who
Gill: When I gave up school (at 15), I was put in charge of the hens in the barn. I had been offered a job at an outfitters in Truro but, after father died of TB, my mother didn't want me working indoors, so I had to stay at home and work on the farm. Gill: When I was a teenager, my job was to milk the cows. Michael (my future husband) had to wait for me to finish the milking before we could go off courting. PN: Where did you meet Michael? Garth: Michael's parents ran a guest house in Probus. Goldmartyn Guest
Goldmartyn Guest House and Cafe on Fore Street. February 2024 | 29
House was the building where the Chinese Lantern take away is today. It was also a cafe. Michael's parents moved in from 'up country' to start the business. Michael worked next door for Vigus's, that was the shop now known as the Spar. He had a van and would go around the area delivering. We met in the old Probus Village Hall, where we were both into amateur dramatics. PN: Garth, where did you meet your wife Anthea?
Garth: We farmed for 60 years, leaving in 1987 by which time it had grown to 80 acres. Gill: When Mike and I got married, we lived at Goldmartyn for about a year, then we moved to a place on The Green. After that, we moved next door to Trevorva Farmhouse before moving back and starting Treviglas Nursery. We ran Treviglas Nursery successfully for many years, selling our plants at Truro Market and elsewhere.
Garth: Anthea was Michael's cousin, and she came down on holiday. I was about 34 by then. I was too busy on the farm before that.
PN: What did you do once you retired Garth?
PN: What about your older brother Geoffrey. Did he marry?
Gill: We both enjoyed growing up and living on Trevorva Farm before moving to Probus village itself. We have many happy memories together and there are now three generations of our family who follow us on.
Garth: No. He stayed single. PN: And your younger brother Roger? Garth: He worked in the council offices; he wasn't a farmer but did help out at harvest time. Roger married Meta Lean, they had two children and lived in Truro before moving to Tresillian.
Garth: I worked at Treviglas Nursery.
PN: Thank you Garth and Gill for sharing your memories
Gill: Roger's nickname in the family was Lordy because he worked for Lord Falmouth for a time. We all had nicknames. Garth: We used to do a lot of milling, as we had a mill down on the farm. We used to mill animal feed for surrounding farms. After I'd done my day’s work on the farm, I'd go in the mill, milling away until late at night as farmers would turn up late and say they needed it done for the next day. PN: When did your mum die? Gill: In 1992, when she was in her late 80s. PN: How long did the family stay at the farm? 30 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Trevorva Farm, Probus from the 1907 Ordnance Survey map overlayed with the approximate route of the bypass.
February 2024 | 31
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Roseland u3a diary
Probus Book Club By Liz Horder
O
UR book of the month was The Gate of Angels by Penelope Fitzgerald.
F
EBRUARY diary for the Roseland U3A.
The book starts by telling us about Fred Fairly, a Junior Fellow at St. Angelicus College in Cambridge. He is out on his bike one dark night and a farm cart pulls out from the side of the road. This
There will be no classic film because of the rehearsals for the pantomime Monday 12th February Art Group 10 am in Tregony Village Hall. Tuesday 13th February Local History Group 10.15 am in Tregony Church Hall. The topic is The failed attempt in the late 17th century to canalise the Fal beyond Grampound. Wednesday 21st February Book Club 2 pm at Roseland Parc. Thursday 22nd February Scrabble 2 pm in Tregony Bible Christian Fellowship. Friday 23rd February Patchwork and Craft Group 10am in PVH. Monday 26th at 10am Art Group in Tregony Village Hall. Tuesday 27th French Conversation at 2 pm in Tregony BCF. Thursday 29th February at 12 noon. Luncheon Club. Venue tbd. For further information, please contact Carole caroleannbowling@yahoo.co.uk.
causes him and the girl cyclist in front to swerve and come off their bikes. Being unconscious, they are rescued by a farm labourer and a Mrs Wrayburn who takes them in. This is how Fred first meets Daisy. We are then told about Daisy, her life in London and the various jobs that she had. A trial about the accident follows and Fred and Daisy meet afterwards, where he declares his love for her, but she is not ready for that. By the end of the book they meet again by chance, and it is assumed that they do end up together. It is rather a dry book and not much loved by our group. February 2024 | 33
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What will happen to house prices in 2024? The housing market performed better than expected last year, with asking prices showing a milder decline than initially forecasted. Although demand for homes remains high, rising mortgage and interest rates are impacting the affordability of potential buyers. Last year's prediction of a 2% drop in average new seller asking prices for 2023 was slightly off, with prices currently only 1.1% lower year-on-year. The current average asking price for homes in Great Britain is slightly above £355,000. Looking ahead to 2024, the housing market is expected to continue stabilising, with a forecasted 1% decrease in average new seller asking prices nationally by the end of the year. While the market is anticipated to be modest, the sustained demand at the right price suggests a limited drop in prices. For those selling homes in 2024, pricing is crucial. The current market sees a 10% decrease in agreed sales compared to 2019, with 39% of properties experiencing price reductions during marketing. The average time for a seller to find a buyer has increased to 66 days, emphasising the importance of competitive pricing for a quicker sale. Mortgage rates have seen a steady decline since July, providing stability for home-movers. However, rates remain relatively high, impacting affordability for some buyers. Despite the improved outlook, the Bank of England Base Rate is expected to stay elevated in 2024, limiting some home-buyers' spending power. For a free market appraisal contact us on 01872 242244. Estate Agents 01872 242244 www.philip-martin.co.uk Letting Agents 01872 272716 February 2024 | 35
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36 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
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February 2024 | 37
PHCS Lanhydrock and the Robartes family
T
HE speaker for our November Meeting, Paul Holden, started by asking Probus Historic Cornwall Society (PHCS) members how many items we thought had been catalogued at Lanhydrock by the National Trust. We all considerably underestimated, the figure being 45,000! Lanhydrock is the trust’s third most visited country house in the UK and is Grade 1 listed. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, our story of Lanhydrock starts in the 1600s with the Glynn family, but the Lanhydrock we see today is largely Victorian. Following the fire of 1881, only the Long Gallery remains largely unchanged.
owned around one-third of Cornwall. He claimed that he was descended from. Henry VII (false) and bought himself a baronial title but was fined for usury. John Robartes was a Parliamentarian but didn’t agree with the execution of King Charles I so went into exile and became a Royalist. After the Civil War he was made 1st Earl of Radnor. He married the daughter of the Earl of Warwick and extended the house. He and his wife had five children and, following her death he quickly remarried her much younger cousin and had a further 15 children. The first, second, third and fourth Earls of Radnor never lived at Lanhydrock and, after John the fourth Earl, the title became extinct as there were no heirs.
The Robartes were theologians and the library at Lanhydrock is of international significance. It contains a book which was once owned by Henry VIII in which he had underlined passages relating to divorce!
The house has not always had the appearance of granite! George Hunt , a local MP who occasionally lived in the house, painted it red to emulate brick, which was fashionable at the time. His niece, Anna-Maria Hunt painted it yellow to resemble Portland stone, popular in Regency times. By the 1830’s Gothic was back in fashion so it all had to be scrubbed off!
The first Robartes to own the house was Richard, who bought Lanhydrock in 1621. He was a money-lender and
The pool was built in 1860 and the formal gardens in 1857, giving us most of the Lanhydrock we enjoy today.
38 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
PHCS Formed in 1946, will it fold in 2024?
T
HE future of Probus Historic Cornwall Society (PHCS) hangs in the balance. The majority of the committee are well into their 70s and some have already reached 80 years of age and with those years come health issues. Some of the members have been on the committee for nearly 20 years. Our society was founded as Probus Old Cornwall Society in 1946 and it would be a sad day if it ceased to exist. The meetings provide interesting speakers on Cornish history and customs in a happy and sociable atmosphere and are a source of enjoyment to many, members and visitors alike. We need a secretary and an assistant to the speaker secretary. The secretary books the room, deals with the (minimal) correspondence and is the link to the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, to which we are affiliated. The speaker secretary sources and books speakers. If there are no volunteers for secretary and an assistant to the speaker secretary by our meeting in April, that will be the last meeting of our society. As much support as is needed would be given to any volunteers. Can you help to save our society? If you think that you can, please contact me on 07773 051848, vince.vkw@gmail.com. Thank you. Vince Van Kempen-Wilson
Local sport
Probus FC
A
S of 28th January 2024, Probus FC sits top of Kernow Stone St Piran League Division 3 West having played 15 games, winning 12 and drawing three giving them 39 points. Dropship and Holman Sports are second and third with 31 and 30 points respectively. While there is some daylight between first and second, both chasing teams have two games in hand on Probus. Probus FC’s only loss this season was to League 2 side St. Stithians 1st team on 13th January in the Cornwall Junior Cup. That dip in form was soon put right by a 0-2 away win against Wendron on 20th January, with first half goals by George Trustcott and Harry Vincent. Then on 27th January Probus, playing at home, gave a 8-1 thumping to 11th place St Keverne 1st team. Scorers were Tyler Cheshire with a four goal haul (on his debut too), Sam Bullen with a brace, Dan Vincent and Adam Bishop with a goal apiece. The league fixtures in February are: 13th February St Keverne 1st away 17th February Lanner 1st home 24th February Holman Sports away Sam Bullen is currently second in the league scoring table with 24 goals from 16 appearances. In 15th place Joe Emmett has an also impressive nine goals from 15 appearances. February 2024 | 39
PEAT Probus Environmental Action Team
T
HE wet December weather resulted in few opportunities for the churchyard restoration team to meet. The first Saturday of January though was much better and the village’s volunteer litter picking group (some of whom are pictured below) were out around the village picking up litter. We are now looking forward with anticipation and fingers crossed to seeing how successful our autumn bulb planting efforts of last year will be. Thank you to all those people who have contributed plants, bulbs and seeds for us to sow, which supplemented what we managed to buy from our funds. We concentrated on the front of the church with daffodils and other spring flowers which we believe will provide a welcome display. We are hoping that the yellow rattle seeds especially will help to limit the amount of grass and enable the wild flowers we will sow to grow. The team meet each Wednesday morning and on
40 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
the morning of the second Saturday of each month. We are disappointed that we have been unable to progress with the restoration of the sexton’s hut which remains in a dilapidated condition. All the necessary permissions for its renovation have been granted, but we have been unable to obtain a suitable quote for the roof and other work to be done without which we cannot proceed with funding the work. The litter picking team continue to meet on the first Saturday of the month and we are now into our third year of operation. The government intends to introduce a deposit return scheme in 2025 to improve recycling of plastic bottles and cans which they hope will reduce the number of discarded containers by 85%. As part of the scheme, reverse vending machines will be installed at designated sites, such as supermarkets, allowing customers to exchange their bottles and cans for cash. We hope this initiative will reduce the amount of litter we collect, or at least make our sessions lucrative!
February 2024 | 41
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February 2024 | 43
PROBUS
Over 60s Luncheon Club: 7th and 21st February. Note: Please do not call us after 8 am on club days, as there will be no one there to take messages.
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 held 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: 23rd February and 22nd March. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm. 44 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
Probus Club of Probus: Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Monday 5th February (NB, 1st Monday, not our usual 2nd!), 7.15 for 7.30pm in Probus Village Hall. ‘HMS Warspite’ with speaker, Martin Brockman. Warspite was commissioned in March 1915 and ran aground at Prussia Cove in 1947. This will be a very welcome return to Martin. PHCS members free, visitors £1.50 to include refreshments.. Monday 11th March, ‘The History of Blackwater and the Skinners Bottom Murder with speaker, Clive Benney, Cornish Bard and local historian and author. 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 22nd February, 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.
Winter beach walks by John Denyer
F
OR me, January and February in Cornwall can be a magical time. I’m talking about the days when we get blue skies, when we have dry, sunny weather, little wind and best of all, completely empty beaches. Ok, it’s not like that all the time, but when the weather is favourable, and it is fairly often, our local beaches are just fantastic to get on in the winter. We are blessed too, because of the almost endless choice of beaches to visit. Also, being out of season, parking is rarely an issue. What’s not to like about that? Thanks to Jon Hibberd for the photos of Pentewan beach (right) and Towan beach (bottom), both wonderful to walk on during bright winter days. Other really lovely local’ish beaches to get to in the winter are: Hemmick - that only has spaces for spaces for a few cars
so very difficult during the summer. Porthcurnick, a nice little beach and similarly tight for parking in the summer. East or west, Portholland is also easy to get to in the winter and nice to visit, as is Portmellon especially when The Rising Sun is open (drinks only in the winter sadly). Try www.cornwallbeaches.org.uk for a list and descriptions of local beaches. The website is admittedly a little clunky but each beach is described very well on a conveniently printable pdf.
February 2024 | 45
46 | Probus News Magazine | Issue 286
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