Plus: Rev. Caroline’s update, Cricket, Book Club, Winter kayaking, u3a, PHCS, PVH revamp and more. Front cover: Towan Beach looking east on Sunday 12th January 2025.
Submission deadlines for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month.
Publication dates
March Friday 28th February
April Friday 4th April
May Friday 2nd May
June Friday 30th May
July Friday 27th June
August Friday 1st August
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.
By email: editorprobusnews@gmail.com
By hand: Articles for Probus News can be left at Trudgian Farm Shop in Probus Square. Management Team
EDITOR: John Denyer 07824 555519 editorprobusnews@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
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Hibberd 07931 502921 jonyhibs58@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill
PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce, Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe
Community News
Community Emergency Plan
PROBUS
Parish Council is in the process of drafting the Community Emergency Plan
Local emergency plans are designed to prepare residents and local communities for situations where emergency services may face delays in responding or are unable to reach the scene immediately as a result of extreme weather or healthcare crisis.
The plans empower communities to take coordinated action in the initial stages of an emergency, providing a framework for how to manage essential tasks such as evacuation, first aid, and communication with authorities. By identifying local resources and key contacts, communities can help reduce the immediate impact of a crisis while waiting for professional help to arrive.
The plans will contain contact details of people who can provide assistance in an emergency. This would only be in a major emergency, when the plan would be activated by Cornwall Council. Contact details would not be made public and the plan is kept in a secure area at County Hall and only available to their emergency staff, emergency services and plan co-ordinators.
The council is seeking volunteers who can provide their services in times of emergency. If you have skills, resources or equipment that can be useful, please consider offering your support. An example of useful skills or service may include specialised training (such as medical or firefighting), heavy duty
machinery, plant and 4x4 vehicles, access to the community halls etc.
If you would like to be involved, go to www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk to see the online notice. Any queries please call Maria Roper on 07749 626021.
Community space help needed
THErecent work in church supported by a Community levelling up grant has allowed us to develop our community space. We now have a heated comfy space at the back of church which we are hoping to use more for the community. One of our first aims is to provide a space where people can have a cup of tea or coffee, meet a friend, wait whilst a relative is seen at Probus Surgical Centre or just get away from the house.
In order to do this we are looking for people who may be able to man the coffee/tea station on a regular basis, maybe once or twice a month. If you are interested please email Eleanor on events@probus.church.
Community News
Man Down UK
MANDown UK is a non-profit Community Interest Company originating in Cornwall.
We provide informal peer-support talking groups all over the UK for men with mental health concerns.
Together we can end the stigma and reduce the number of male suicides. You are not alone.
Local Group meeting every fortnight on Mondays 7–9pm. St Johns Chapel, Bodmin Road, St Austell PL25 5AE.
Join our Editorial team
PROBUS
News Magazine is seeking someone to join our small friendly editorial team and help with some of the technical aspects of the magazine production.
We use Adobe software, primarily InDesign to lay out the magazine as well as Photoshop to make all images used ready for print, and we need another person to support this area. The primary attribute would be a good eye for detail, and we would welcome you to join the team and learn on the job.
We’ll provide close support and encouragement as well as the necessary software licences and, if you’d like, also sponsor you to join the 10-week Digital Arts course at Truro College. In return, we’d just ask for a commitment, for an agreed period, of a few volunteer hours a month.
Monday 10th and 24th February
Monday 10th and 24th March
Monday 7th and 21st April
Fortnightly meetings also held in Truro, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Newquay. www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
Could this be a good opportunity for you or someone you know, to upskill and gain practical hands-on experience useful for a broad range of media or design roles?
Why not learn on the job with us? Call John on 07824 555519 with no obligation. The next course at Truro College starts on 29th April.
Assistant Treasurer
PROBUS
News Magazine is also seeking someone to take the position of Assistant Treasurer.
This person will help Treasurer Eddie Bokas support the day-to-day finances, eg. online banking, paying invoices, maintaining spreadsheets. The treasurer reports to the committee monthly and produces the annual accounts for the AGM. Also, to help Eddie, set up and manage the Christmas cash draw. For more info, please call Eddie on 07758 246673.
Luncheon club
Fortnightly on Wednesdays commencing
5 February 12 - 2pm
Come and join us
We invite you to come and enjoy a home-cooked meal with us, in a welcoming space with like-minded people.
Contact Tracy on 07720 680 989 for more information
Do you have a problem?
Why not contact one of your local parish councillors for advice?
Ian Peters Carne View Road 07825 889067 ianpeters@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Jo Vincent joannavincent@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
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.
Probus Village Hall, Amelia Close, Probus, Truro TR2 4NB
MHA Communities Cornwall
of
Probus
clubs, societies, organisations and some useful contacts
Acoustics Night (Comrades Club)
Badminton Club
Bees (swarms/issues/questions)
Bookworms
Bowling Club
Breakfast Club
Church Bell Ringers
Churchwarden
Comrades Club
Cornwall Councillor
Cycling – Probus Pedallers
Football - Saturday Club
Probus Youth FC - Juniors
Probus FC - Seniors (First Team)
Friends of Probus Church
Grampound Road Cricket Club
Hawkins Arms
Tim Joyce 07412 126774 timstravels01@hotmail.com
Nicky Plant 07771 726118
Tony Paddock 07486 295414
Gaynor O’Kane okanegaynor@gmail.com
David Meggs 07850 945626
John Denyer 07824 555519
Liza Deards 07888 684425
Please send updates to editorprobusnews@gmail.com
Steve Dalton 07813 995206 churchwarden@probus.church
Terry Neil 01872 530196 u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly.com
Village Hall Letting Secretary 07749 368162 lettings@probusvillagehall.co.uk
Walking Group - Wednesdays
Young Farmers
- Fridays
Peter Clarke 01726 884177
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 Fun Week
Probus Parish Players
By Megan Russell
AFTERmonths of hard work and preparation, we are so excited to be in the final stages of rehearsal for our 2025 production, Rapunzel the Pantomime. Once again, we have a large junior cast, and their commitment has been incredible. They have all worked their socks off to learn dance routines and song lyrics, a number of which were released long before they were born. Our fantastic cast of principals is made up of experienced, long-standing members, returning and new faces, as well as members bravely
stepping up to the challenge of a principal role. Rehearsing with them has been such a joy, with every rehearsal filled with laughter.
It has been a hugely exciting (while also challenging) year for us, due to renovations in the village hall. The committee and its supporters have worked tirelessly to make changes to existing scenery systems, and we cannot wait to show off what has been done to the stage and hall.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters, friends and families of the Players, for their constant support of our fundraising events throughout the year. Without your continued support, none of this would be possible.
Church update
WEare now in the inbetween time of Christmas and Easter - had you already forgotten Christmas? The earliest that I’ve heard that Easter eggs were on display was Boxing Day!
It often seems that we have to rush from one season into the next with no space to pause in between. Life can often feel like this with demands being made upon us and then other stuff just comes tumbling on top of it all. With all this stuff happening around us it can be incredibly overwhelming and leave us paralysed in the moment as we struggle to come up for air and take stock of all that is going on. As a Christian I look to Jesus and the Bible for inspiration, when I am feeling overwhelmed I recall that Jesus used to take time out from time with his family and friends, time out from the busy engagements he had, and would withdraw to somewhere quiet, somewhere he could raise his eyes and look towards the horizon. As he did so he would meditate and perhaps ponder over the things he was wrestling with.
There are many great examples in the Bible about the practice of wrestling with the things that threaten to overwhelm us. We are encouraged to imitate Christ (Jesus) to withdraw, to spend time with God (our Father in Heaven) and to share what is on our mind and our heart. In the church calendar from Sunday to Sunday we are encouraged to re-read the stories of Jesus’ life as we find them in the Gospels. Our key Gospel for this
year is Luke. You can find Luke’s Gospel online or if you’d prefer a paper copy and would like to withdraw to a quiet space, come into your local church and read from a Bible there. If you’d like to talk with someone about it, give me a call. An ancient prayer that Jesus would have used begins like this... I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121. This is a good mantra to use by combining it with the in and the out breath.
Grace and peace, Revd Caroline Husband 01726 337730
Serving the parishes of Grampound with Creed, Ladock (& Grampound Road), Lamorran with Merther, Probus, St Erme, St Michael Penkivel and Tresillian.
February church services
Sunday 2nd 09:30 am Connect
Thursday 6th noon Holy Communion
Sunday 9th 09:30 Alternative Holy Communion
Sunday 16th 09:30 Connect
Thursday 20th noon Holy Communion
Sunday 23rd 09:30 am Holy Communion 4 pm Cafe Church
ONThursday 2nd January, and again on 14th January, a lowflying aircraft was spotted flying over Probus. It was flying so low, and was so loud, it would have been hard not to notice it. The plane passed over Probus multiple times, flying in a strict series of flight lines intended to cover every part of central Cornwall while doing geophysical survey work.
If you think the Basler BT-67 aircraft being used for the survey looked similar to a World War Two era Douglas Aircraft Company DC-3 or Dakota aircraft with its two distinctive propeller engines, you’d be absolutely right. This veteran airplane (callsign C-GEAJ) was built in 1943 and originally delivered to the US Army Air Force and saw active service in Vietnam for French and South Vietnamese forces. In 1968 she was put in storage at the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Centre in the Arizona desert, known as MASDC, the aircraft boneyard, used as a backdrop for many movies.
In 2000 she was converted by Basler Turbo Conversions of Wisconsin to turboprops. The workhorse aircraft even crash-landed once in Antarctica, was repaired, and has done multiple ocean crossings since then.
C-GEAJ is currently owned and operated by Bell Geospace, an Edinburghbased airborne geophysical surveying company. The Basler BT-67 aircraft has been set up to collect geological mapping data using a technology called Full Tensor Gradiometry (FTG). The company said it had returned to complete work started in 2021. They added that the survey involved the plane flying in straight lines at an average height of 200m (656ft) to collect geophysical information on the properties of rocks below the ground. Sometimes the aircraft can go as low as 80m (262ft) in order to get the best readings. For those who wish to understand more of the fascinating technology, go to www.bellgeo.com.
The survey, now complete, was collecting information to make geological maps, to be used for evaluating the geothermal energy and lithium potential in the Cornwall area. Image: Jon Hibberd
Cornwall Cricket
Mother and Daughter Event
CORNWALL
Cricket Board’s Women and Girls program started 2025 on a high note with a special Mother and Daughters session held at the Cornwall Cricket Centre. The event brought together mothers and their daughters for an evening filled with fun, bonding, and cricket skills development.
The session was led by Women and Girls Development Lead, Nick Matthews, who guided participants through engaging activities designed to inspire and develop a love for the game.
Nick Matthews said: ‘We are thrilled to have got this project off the ground. This initiative is one of the ways we are looking to Inspire a generation of female cricketers in Cornwall. The evening was a great success and included people who had never played before. We want to provide opportunities for all to enjoy the game, come and have a go!‘
Cornwall Cricket Board Managing
Director Joe Skinner added: ‘It’s a great initiative and one that gets mums and daughters enjoying an activity together in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable space. The last evening was a success
and we look forward to welcoming more mums and girls into cricket’.
Building on the success of this event, Cornwall Cricket Board is excited to announce one further session at the Cornwall Cricket Centre, scheduled for Friday, 31st January. The session is free of charge and open to all interested participants.
To book a place, visit https://shorturl.at/ QLVSB
Probus Reading Group
WEhad no book to report on this month. We did, however, enter Ladock Church Christmas Tree Festival on behalf of Probus Book Group and Probus Church. The theme this year was Christmas Films and we decided on The Snowman.
We managed to set the tree up in Ladock Church on Friday 13th December. The tree was decorated with many cutouts of the snowman and the little boy from the film. Lights were put on and also plenty of icicles and snow. We had some little houses under the tree as the snowman and the boy went sailing into the skies. One of our group had a sledge which we put by the tree with hat and scarf like the snowman’s and a red nose, so that children could dress up and have their photos taken if they wished. Everyone in the group contributed with ideas and supplying the decorations. It was lovely to see all the trees at Ladock over Christmas. We did this last year and we will probably contribute again next year. Thank you to all the group for working together to make the tree a success.
Winter kayaking
By John Denyer
IHADN'Tbeen out on my kayak since late September, work, travel and poor weather all getting in the way. The lead up to Christmas was also busy and stormy, but there was a brief window in late December, where availability, weather and tides aligned, and, along with friends I managed to get out on the water twice in four days.
able to paddle into one a little way. We didn't see any seals on this trip but did see lots of seabirds and the water was often clear enough to see the bottom. It's good to be out in nature, and a sea kayak certainly gives you a unique window on the coastline and nature in general not available from the land.
That little trip got my juices flowing and I started to check weather and tides for another potential trip and found a window a few days later. While I'd paddled around St Anthony's Head before, I'd always wanted to paddle across Carrick Roads and maybe get into Falmouth Harbour and I'd also heard that Gyllyngvase Beach was a good landing spot too. So, on Monday 30th December, along with pals Gary and Andy, we launched from the slipway at Percuil, and headed into the creek about an hour before low tide.
The first trip was a straightforward paddle from Pendower Beach to Portscatho. Just 5 miles (8 km) there and back in a pleasurable 2 hrs 30 minutes. In terms of kayaking, it was a flat sea, so we hugged the coast, playing in the rocks and exploring several gullies and small coves. It was certainly good to be back on the water and exercise all those different muscle groups. Once at Portscatho, we stretched our legs, had a coffee and well-earned Christmas cake. During the paddle back to Pendower Beach, I observed the queues at the Hidden Hut from a few hundred metres offshore before discovering a couple of small caves that I hadn't noticed before and was
The forecast was good and importantly for the crossing, the wind was only Force 2, (4-6 knots), so no waves to talk of. The
idea was to get as far as Castle Point, by St Mawes and 'take a looksee' and if we all felt comfortable, to cross to Black Rock and from there make a call where to go next. We paddled past a couple of large adult herons in Percuil Creek as the morning mist lifted and our muscles started to loosen up.
The entrance to Carrick Roads was flat, not a mirrored surface, but not far off, and with the lighthouse at St Anthony's Head far out on our left, and the St Mawes Castle much closer on our right, we paddled into Carrick Roads reaching Black Rock 15 minutes later, only 35 minutes after launching from Percuil. The paddling couldn't have been easier.
Over the centuries, Black Rock has claimed many ships and countless lives, but today, at low tide and with a flat sea
it looked very peaceful. See https:// cornishbirdblog.com/legends-of-theblack-rock-of-falmouth-bay/ for some of those stories.
We decided to go to around Pendennis Point and land at Gyllngvase Beach another 2.5 km away and we arrived 25 minutes later. After an hour's paddling, it was good to stretch our legs, drink a coffee and recharge.
The weather was still calm, it was slack water, we all felt good, so we decided to paddle back around Pendennis Point and into Falmouth Town. While planning for the trip, I had noticed a slipway in the town where I thought we could land, so that's where we headed, exploring little coves and gullies on the way.
We passed a stand-up paddle boarder, who said she had seen dolphins around the headland, and also chatted to two crews of resting gig rowers and then stopped to watch the large pod of dolphins playing a hundred metres or so away. Unfortunately, they were too far away for a photo.
We continued, paddling past the docks where the 16,000 ton RFA Cardigan Bay was tied up alongside and felt rather small in doing so.
In Falmouth Town, we landed and stretched our legs once more. By this time the tide had just turned, so after a while we paddled out from the port heading towards St Mawes. We stopped for a brief photo op at the large red West Narrows marker buoy, but that didn't work very well as every time Gary stopped paddling to get his camera out, he was taken upstream by the incoming tide!
As forecast, the wind had increased to Force 3 (7-10 knots), so that along with the incoming tide required a little more
effort to cross The Narrows, paddle around Castle Point and into St Mawes harbour. After St Mawes, it was a short and easy paddle along Percuil Creek back to the boatyard and out.
In total we paddled 11.8 miles in 4 hours 45 minutes and had a lot of fun while doing so. A memorable day, lovely, relaxed paddling in good company.
Andy, Gary and I are members of St Austell Canoe Club, who from early May to October meet at Porthpean Beach every Thursday night. It's a wellrun, family friendly, and welcoming club with highly experienced and qualified coaches. If you fancy giving sea kayaking a go, why not check us out? For beginners, other than a wetsuit, all equipment is supplied free of charge and you get two taster sessions to try kayaking before you are asked to join. The annual fee is very reasonable, and once you've joined you can continue to try out the range of different sea kayaks and equipment on club nights, and if
you want to learn more, the coaches will guide you through various kayaking qualifications, helping you to keep safe on the water.
Within the club, there are several informal groups, some love to surf kayak, some like rock-hopping around the craggy Cornish shoreline, some like to go on day trips and expeditions. Others just go along to Porthpean on club nights to work with the coaches, learning, improving and mastering the skills to kayak safely and enjoyably.
For the past two years one highlight has been a week's camping and kayaking around the Isles of Scilly. In 2023 and 2024 a large group of us did that trip, (image above) with some epic, some calm and some challenging trips around the islands - but that's a story for another time, Another favourite is the end of season night-time paddle along the River Fowey to The Ship Inn, Lerryn and back.
www.staustellcanoeclub.org.uk
Above: St Austell Canoe Club members landing on an almost deserted Tresco beach in August 2023. Below: Gary and Andy returning to Percuil slipway.
Cornwall Housekeeping & Support Solu4ons Ltd
Providing a comprehensive range of domes2c, respite and support services for those seeking assistance with certain aspects of daily life.
Allowing families to be families whilst we take care of the rest!
www.ch-ss.co.uk / info@ch-ss.co.uk 07538511558
Coming from a range of backgrounds we are commi=ed to offering the best support possible to those who ask for help in our community.
All our experienced team are DBS checked, fully insured and have completed relevant training to ensure the highest quality standards.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 5 - 9 pm
(last orders by 9pm)
To make a table reservation please call 01726 883269
Fore Street, Probus, TR2 4JL 01726 883269
Photo exhibition
FORthe first two weeks of February, an exhibition in Truro Cathedral will showcase the work of local photographers from Truro Camera Club. Renowned for its quality of light and breathtaking scenery, Cornwall is a paradise for photographers and much of this exhibition is designed to showcase the beauty of the county. You’ll find everything from stunning abstracts and architectural shots to dramatic landscapes and wildlife close-ups. The exhibition runs from 31st January to 16th February, with a different set of images being displayed in each of the two weeks, and entry is free of charge. To find out more about Truro Camera Club, go to www.trurocameraclub.org.uk.
Photo credits: Below: Old Pier Shelter (Jonathon Hibberd); Right: Fantasy Flowers (Susanna Hoare), Kingfisher in Action (Bill Hall), Azure Damselfly (Alan Barker): Opposite: Truro Cathedral at Night (Paul Nash).
Children and smartphones
Parents unite to delay smartphones for children.
According to data from Ofcom, 26% of 3 and 4 year olds now own their own smartphone and by the age of 12 it rises to 95% of children. Designed to be addictive, smartphones encourage children to use them regularly and parents can then find their child has excessive screen habits leading to poor sleep patterns, less time to play with friends, exposure to harmful content and poor mental health. In February 2024 a couple of parents decided to do something about it, believing childhood is too short to be spent on a smartphone. Initially they set up a Whatsapp group to bring like-minded parents together. It quickly spread and now there is a Smartphone Free Childhood Whatsapp community in every area of the UK, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Peer pressure is strong on the issue and parents feel compelled to buy one for their child so they aren’t left out. Consequently Smartphone Free Childhood launched a pact in September 2024 that allows families to pledge delaying getting their child a smartphone until 14 – the age recommended by mental health professionals. The results are anonymous but show the school name and year group so a child can see that there are others in their class. Virgin Media O2 reported their sales of nonsmartphones or basic/retro style mobile phones have doubled in the last year as parents are choosing these instead.
Jo, from mid Cornwall described how the pact had helped her ‘No one in my child’s school had signed the pact so my school didn’t appear on the results.
I signed as the first person for my child’s school and then told other parents at school about it. Now lots of other families have signed too so it’s been helpful for my child.’
Since the pact launch, parents of over 960 children, from the Five Islands Academy on the Isles of Scilly to Sir Robert Geffrey’s school near Saltash, have signed the pact.
If interested please look at https:// smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/
Roseland and District u3a
The last event in January:
Lunch Group: Meet on Thursday 30th at The Polgooth Inn at 12 pm
Events during February
French Conversation: Tuesdays 4th and 18th at 2 pm at the Pavilion at Roseland Parc
Local History Group: Cornish Electoral Representation Wednesday 5th February at 10:15am at Tregony Church Hall
Patchwork and Craft Group: Friday 7th February 9:30am at Probus Village Hall
Rummikub and Scrabble: Tuesday 11th February 2 pm at the Pavilion at Roseland Parc Tregony
Book club: Wednesday 19th Feb 2 pm at Roseland Parc
Lunch Club: Thursday 27th Feb 12 pm venue to be decided
For contact information www. u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly.com
Probus Historic Cornwall Society
The Very Dreariest And Most Desolate Part Of Cornwall
THISis what Charles Dickens wanted to see when he visited Cornwall in October 1842.
PHCS was delighted to welcome local historian Barry West on a return visit, this time to talk to us about the part played by Charles Dickens in improving the lives of miners. Dickens had written to Dr Southwood Smith in Cornwall,
asking the doctor if he could arrange for Dickens to go down a mine.
Dickens was shocked by the working conditions of the men, women and children employed there. He was well known by this time and used his influence to help to get legislation to protect workers throughout Britain. He wrote a letter, stating his horror at the conditions, to the Morning Chronicle on the day that the Mines and Collieries Bill was to be considered by the House of Lords.
We are fortunate that one of Charles Dickens’ three travelling companions on
his visit to Cornwall was his biographer, John Forster, so the trip is well documented. The deprivation which Dickens found in Cornwall influenced elements in A Christmas Carol and the mode of transport features in Pickwick Papers; an open-top carriage loaded with alcohol!
Could You Have Found Henry’s Twin?
Henry the parrot was, in fact, a galah cockatoo, a bird native to Australia, so how did he come to be flying inland from Cadgwith Cove to Mount Hermon Farm?
In 1907, Henry was involved in a shipwreck. He was on a French ship, the Socoa, carrying cement from Poland to America. The cement was intended for San Francisco, to help rebuild after the disastrous earthquake, but on 31st July and in thick fog, the ship ran aground on rocks near Cadgwith Cove. Henry escaped from the ship and flew to Mount Hermon Farm, home of Mr and Mrs Bosustow. They thought that the bird was a parrot and named him Henry after their grandson.
The Socoa was freed from the rocks by throwing 50,000 barrels of cement overboard, the remains of which are still on the seabed.
This was just one of the stories told to Probus Historic Cornwall Society by Merryn Threadgould when she came to talk to us on 9th December about her invention, the Cornwall Memory Game. Merryn had the idea for the game during lockdown. You have to match the pairs of pictures to win, which means remembering where you last saw the twin of your card, and each pair is based on a Cornish story. The stories depicted on the cards are told in a booklet that is included in the game. There are also some blank cards so that players can create their own part of Cornish history.
Culture is a shared memory – pass it on!
Trudgian Farm Shop
Central Heating Systems, Bathroom Design and Tiling, Leadwork, Boiler Servicing and Commissioning, Solar Hot Water Systems, Unvented Pressure Systems, Repairs and Maintenance
OFTEC Registered Unvented Registered Water Authority Approved Chris
6 Larkfield Rise, St. Mawes
Truro, Cornwall TR2 5DF
Phone: 01326 270217
Mobile: 07792 406673
Email: crplumbingandheating@gmail com
Proud to Care
CORNWALL
Council’s Proud to Care recruitment team are heading to St Austell on 5th February, so pop along to meet them!
St Austell College – 5 February 2025, 10am – 4pm.
Experience the role of a care worker like never before! Try our VR headsets and immerse yourself in a ‘day in the life’ of a care worker with interactive, hands-on training.
Meet local employers offering a wide variety of roles to suit all skills and experiences.
Enjoy refreshments as you explore your next steps in a rewarding career.
Whether you’re starting a new career, returning to work, or looking for a fresh challenge, this event is your chance to take the first step in a fulfilling and meaningful role.
Find out more and save the date www. proudtocarecornwall.org.uk/events
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Healthy Cornwall
IT’S February, so time to get Healthy Cornwall. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to get active, lose weight, or quit smoking, Healthy Cornwall can help you make changes for a happier, healthier lifestyle.
From walking groups to kids’ activity clubs, not to mention our hugely
successful weight-loss football league, Healthy Cornwall has a whole host of free support sessions available across Cornwall, throughout January and beyond.
Find a group that's right for you by visiting the website at www. healthycornwall.org.uk
Badminton club
THEProbus Badminton Social Club is looking for new members, so we're hosting a 'Taster Session' at Probus Village Hall on Monday Monday 10th March, 8–10pm.
Everyone is welcome to come and try playing badminton with us on Monday evenings.
Please wear footwear with lightcoloured soles. Your first session is free, £3 per week after that. There is one court in the hall, and we generally play doubles in a round robin format.
We are a sociable group of 8–10 regular players. Nicky Plant (07771 726118 nickyplant@gmail.com)
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HAWKINS?
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR VALENTINES DAY FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
LIVE MUSIC FROM THE TALENTED SCARLETTE BOROWSKI AS SEEN ON THE VOICE UK
JOIN US ON THE 1ST MARCH FOR FABULOUS MUSIC AND
GREAT FOOD
KIDS EAT FOR £1 ON A THURSDAY FROM 5:30 PM ONWARDS WHEN ONE ADULT PURCHASES A MAIN MEAL
QUIZ NIGHT ON A WEDNESDAY
BOOK YOUR TABLE FOR SUNDAY LUNCH IN ADVANCE
FISH AND CHIP FRIDAY TWO CAN DINE FOR £22
Graham & Phil
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DINE WITH US PLEASE GIVE US A CALL
PROBUS
EVENTS DIARY 2025
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 7.
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. See the notice on page 38 for more information.
Breakfast Club: Everyone welcome to meet for breakfast and chat on Monday 17th February at Griggs Restaurant, Sticker.
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.
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.
Mobile library: Fridays 24th January, 21st February and 21st March. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm.
Over 55s Luncheon Club: Under new management. The next lunch is on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at PVH. Noon to 2 pm. Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 cornwall@mha.org.uk.
Probus Club of Probus: Thursday 20th February lunch meeting at The Cornish Italian, Ruan High Lanes with speaker Rev, Caroline Husband.
Probus Fun Week: 9–16th August 2025.
Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Monday 3rd February at PVH speaker Caroline Stephens on The Life Of J.T. Austin Treffry 7:15 pm for 7:30 pm start. Members free, visitors £2.50, includes refreshments.
Monday 10th March, speaker Clive Benny on The Miner with a Camera.
Monday 14th April, speaker Ryan Davis on The Defence of Probus in the Second World War.
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 Council: Meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Next meeting on 27th February is the ‘Planning and Working Group meeting’ followed by a Full Council meeting on 20th March. Members of the public are welcome to attend any meetings and are given 15 minutes during Public Participation to ask any questions or put across any concerns on items on the agenda. 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. Every Friday for shorter walks 10 am. New members always welcome.
Cornwall Classical Association
Connecting People with the Ancient World
THEmedia through their Linktree: https:// linktr.ee/cornwallclassicalassociation or email cornwallclassicalassociation@ gmail.com. Join us in exploring the ancient world!
Trewithen Gardens
Cornwall Classical Association Branch is part of a national network dedicated to making the classical world more accessible. As an educational charity, the Classical Association has supported the establishment of local branches since 1903, fostering communities that bring together individuals with a shared interest in classical subjects. With 27 branches across England and Wales, these local groups host lectures, events, competitions, and reading groups to explore topics related to the ancient world.
Founded just last year, the Cornwall branch is currently operating online to make it easy for people to participate from home. As the branch grows, there are plans to host in-person events, including guest lectures and meetups for those passionate about the classical world. Membership is free, and the branch aims to reach as many people as possible to engage in discussions and activities.
The next online event, on 19th February, will feature a talk on Vindolanda by the Director of the Vindolanda Trust. This event promises to provide exciting insights into one of the most significant Roman archaeological sites in Britain.
To get involved and stay updated, visit the Cornwall Classical Association's social
THEpreseason Spring Celebration is on Saturday 15th February, when the gardens will be opened to season ticket holders for a preview of the gardens, buds and bulbs, before they are formally opened for the season on 1st March.
This will be a celebration of Cornwall’s Spring Story: the moment when Cornish magnolias flower, and spring has arrived in England. When each of six champion Magnolia campbellii trees within six of the great gardens –Trebah, Trewidden, Caerhays, Heligan, Tregothnan and Trewithen – reach 50 blooms, then it is officially declared that spring has sprung.
Head Gardener Gary Long will lead a walk to the champion magnolia tree, telling of the Spring Story and a group count of blooms. Last year, 16th February was the date that spring was declared, so it should be very exciting timing!
The garden and Tea Shed, serving tea, coffee and cakes, will be open from 9 am until 2 pm.
Anyone is welcome to visit the gardens, the Tea Shed, and join Gary’s magnolia walk.
Probus Village Hall – grand unveiling
AFTERmonths of hard work, with lots of help from village tradespeople and volunteers, the committee were finally able to hold an open evening on Friday 17th January for villagers to see the refurbishments for themselves and have a cuppa and a piece of cake. There was a steady stream of visitors, including Cornwall Council Leader Linda Tayor, with committee members on hand to show off the new facilities.
It’s probably safe to say that Probus now has the best community and village theatre facilities in the whole of Cornwall, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and the retractable seating in the main hall. If you didn’t manage to get to the open evening, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see the improvements for yourself at the pantomime later in February.
Above: Janet and Zena, who provided the catering. Below, back row: Michelle and Louie, Nick Gillard (Probus Parish Council), Neil and Penelope; Front row: Nicky Hughes (Chair Probus Village Hall Committee), Linda Taylor, Cllr Karen Glasson, Ivan Myles and Rob Knill (Chairman of Roseland & Truro Community Area Partnership).
Local sport
Probus FC
PROBUS
FC’s recent results have been a 3-2 loss to Lizard Argyle on 14th December, an abandoned game vs St Buryan on 21st December, a postponed game and a 4-1 win against Constantine on 18th January.
1
Upcoming fixtures include a tough away game at 2nd place Dropship on 25th January and ‘six-pointer’ away to St Buryan on 8th February. Home games are currently suspended following pitch damage.
Saturday morning training sessions
PROBUS
Youth FC run a Saturday morning football session at Probus Primary School 9 am–10:30 am every Saturday morning for ages 5–12. Everyone is welcome. See Probus Youth Football Club on Facebook.
Probus Youth FC
Probus Under 7s
PROBUS
Under 7s are in their first season of their footballing journey. They have made a brilliant start to the league season winning more games than lost. They are a credit to work with on a weekly basis with bags of energy and enthusiasm.
They are developing into a really good footballing team already at such a young age.
The picture (above) was taken after a recent 8-2 victory against Goonhavern.
Massive thank you to our sponsor Harry Lobb from Lobbs construction. Thank you also to the brilliant parents for the support they provide every week.
Jason Chapman
Probus Under 12s
Following last season’s promotion to the top league Probus Under 12s have competed very well against some strong teams such as Bodmin, Charlestown etc.
With all our players attending the such school bar 1 we are doing extremely well to be currently 5th in the top
league and winning some important games.
Liam T has been in great goalscoring form with Adam H settling in nicely to the team.
There are some big games coming up for the squad as they prepare to transition to 11 a side next season.
Jason Chapman
Probus Under 15s
The Under 15s have made a brilliant start to their season in the East Championship League. The team currently sit in third place after recording five victories, one draw and two losses from their eight league matches this season. Highlights have included victories in the league against Newquay at home and Week St. Mary away, as well as a dramatic draw away to Holsworthy where the team showed great character to come back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4.
This season the team have played some great football, shown great resilience and worked really well together as a team.
The team are very proud to have Mercedes-Benz Truro as our sponsors for this season and would like to thank Dean and Jo for their support of the team and for providing the team with their amazing new kit. We are really appreciative of their generosity. The team love their new kits and really look the part!
Michael Sullivan
VEHICLE TESTING STATION
S. J. GRIGG
PROBUS, TRURO 01726 882330
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