Probus News Magazine - June 2024

Bus timetable changes Page 4

28-29

Front cover: The Aurora Borealis, or Aurora or Northern Lights visible from Probus on Friday 10th May. Credit for this superb image goes to Thomas aged 15.

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

Publication dates 2024

July Friday 28th June

August Friday 26th July

September Friday 30th August

October Friday 27th September

November Friday 25th October

December Friday 6th December

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 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

INTERIM TREASURER: Eddie Bokas 07758 246673 ecbokas13@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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Hibberd 07931 502921 jonyhibs58@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill

PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce, Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe

Community News and Notices

New bus timetables

is a list (by time) of the buses from Probus Square heading east.

22 - St Austell Railway Station via Grampound Road and St Stephens and St Dennis

50 - St Mawes via Tregony & Ruan HL.

T1/T2 - St Austell Railway Station via Sticker

27 - St Austell Railway station via Grampound Rd, Grampound and Sticker

Probus Square Eastbound (weekdays)

HERE is a list (by time) of the weekday buses from St Austell Railway Station (Bus Station) to Probus (and on to Truro). Note that route 22 goes around The Clays and takes about an hour to get to Probus.

T2

22

22

22

T2

22

T2

Colour Key: College days

Source: www.travellinesw.com

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

There are currently five 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.

Cornwall Councillor

Update

THE20mph scheme and traffic calming measures will now be starting around the end of May and the traffic calming measures have been discussed with residents nearby. I have asked for a drop kerb outside the garage to make for better and safer access for wheelchair users and for the unloading of goods for the garage. Cornwall Highways has agreed to do this.

I continue to raise issues with the road surfaces following the installation of fibre broadband and other utilities works in the village. The Streetworks Officer is regularly in touch with these companies to ensure that the road surfaces are remedied but, as ever, if you have any concerns about the road surfaces please let me know.

I was so pleased to open the green at Probus Bowling Club for the season and

meet with the fabulous team there. I did enjoy having a go and they would love new members so do go along if you can. I have also agreed to help them with some funding from my community chest.

I will also be helping Probus Church from my community chest fund with some new play equipment and if you know of any community groups that need help, please let me know.

I do a lot of casework for residents as part of my role and am always happy to help with any issues anyone has. I am happy to help with anything so please do ask me. My number as ever is 07980 975527 or email me on cllr.karen. glasson@cornwall.gov.uk.

If anyone would like to discuss anything with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Linda Taylor, she is doing a series of events. The closest one for Roseland and Truro is 11th June at 7pm, Long Gallery, County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Karen Glasson.

Acoustics Night (Comrades Club) Tim Joyce 07412 126774

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

Pauline Partridge 01726 882649

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

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

Steve Flack 07956 049727

Eric Bendelow 07917 008491

Probus FC - Seniors (First Team) Graham Smith 07968 478970

Is your group missing? Let us know

Friends of Probus Church Richard Heath 07849 315432 geotechrich@gmail.com

Grampound Road Cricket Club

Hawkins Arms

The Club House 07800 915578 grampoundroadcricketclub@gmail. com

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

Historic Cornwall Society Joanna Czlonkowska 07399 544014 joannaczlonkowska@gmail.com

Kids Club Breakfast/after-school at Probus School

Knit & Natter Group

Litter Picking Group

Little Lights and toddler group

Mid Cornwall Wood Turners

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

Over 60s Luncheon Club Zena 01726 882751 or Janet 01726 882927

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

U3A Roseland & District

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

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 Swap and Sell

Advertisers’ Index

A message from the curate

INlast month’s issue, Nick Hibbett produced an excellent summary of the talk I gave to the Probus club on the Salaman family’s time in Tanzania (13 years off and on). From it you may have ascertained that as a family, we are very much used to breaking camp as it were, and heading off to new places as God calls us to new things in new seasons. It has been nearly four years now since, in between lockdowns, we followed God’s call to move to Tresillian as I was licensed as curate for the churches of Probus, Ladock, Grampound with Creed and St Erme. That license was for four years and it comes to an end this summer and so we will be moving on at some point within the next few months. At the time of writing, I’m still not quite sure where we’ll be headed next but I know that God has a post for me and fruitful work for us to do wherever that may be.

mornings and the community larder will continue as normal but during this season of change I would maybe like to ask you what God might be calling you to. Perhaps there’s a place for you in your local church? Not just in terms of filling a rota of chores, but in terms of joining a family continually on the move as God calls them to be a blessing to Probus.

Paul Salaman

May church services

Sunday 2nd 9:30 am Connect 11 am Holy Communion

Sunday 9th 9:30 am Holy Communion

7 pm Songs of Praise

Sunday 16th 9:30 am Connect

Sunday 23rd 9:30 am Holy Communion

4 pm Cafe Church

Other events

We will greatly miss the people of Probus who we have come to know and love over these years. I will miss conversations on the street or in Trudgian’s, the fun week, the badminton club, the school and the panto crowd. But most of all I will miss the faithful flock that is the church family of Probus Church. They are an amazing bunch doing amazing things for God and the local community. The process of appointing a replacement for Joachim is underway and so hopefully a new Rector covering all the churches will soon be in post. Scott Hall will be focal leader of Probus Church for the moment and Linda is still around and can be contacted regarding funerals, weddings and baptisms. Sunday services, coffee

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

Youth Club: (Years 7-13) Alternate Sunday evenings

Little Lights: Every Thursday 9:30-11 am

Plant Sale

THEplant sale ‘on the cobbles’ outside the church has been a feature of Probus village life for more than 20 years. Held this year on Saturday 4th May, it attracted a steady stream of visitors looking for goodquality plants and raised £676 for church funds. Images over page by Jon Hibberd.

80th anniversary of D-day

By Kev Braddock and Steve Dalton

THISyear, 6th June marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings when the Allies invaded Normandy to start the liberation of Europe. Code named Operation Neptune, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history, consisting of 5,333 Allied ships and landing craft with nearly 175,000 men embarked initially, with many tens of thousands more following in the subsequent weeks and months.

In Probus churchyard is the grave of Gerald Glascott Vawdrey, who had served as a Lieutenant in the First World War. He lived at Tredinnick in Probus and

died in 1920 aged 41. Also on the grave is a plaque to remember his son, Major Gerald Allen Lafone Vawdrey of the 5th Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry (DCLI), a volunteer battalion which was stationed in East Cornwall at the outbreak of the war with its partner battalion, the 4th, stationed in the west of the county.

In May 1944, the 5th DCLI was stationed at Crowhurst Park, East Sussex. where they made intensive preparations and training for overseas deployment. Final checks were made on clothing and equipment and a great deal of time was devoted to ensure high standards of fitness were maintained.

On 22nd June 1944 as part of the 43rd Wessex Division, Major Vawdrey's battalion landed in Normandy and made their way to the area of Manvieux, later moving their way to a position nearer the German battle line at Racqueville.

An area close by was called Hill 112 – this gave commanding views over the surrounding countryside and the German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel declared that “He who controls Hill 112 controls Normandy”. Hill 112 therefore, was a bulwark that the Germans were prepared to defend at all costs.

Tank Regiment and all available guns, including the divisional light antiaircraft guns, the attack reached the orchard, but could get no further. The infantry and anti-tank guns held off counter-attacks through the night from the newly-arrived 9th SS Panzer Division, and were reinforced in the morning by a company of 1st Worcestershire and briefly by a squadron of Sherman tanks from the Royal Scots Greys. By mid-

The battle for Hill 112 took place during 10th/11th July 1944. During this period, Major Vawdrey was the Officer in Charge of B Company of the 5th DCLI. The objective was for the British to take the high ground of Hill 112 and the road from it to Chateau de Fontaine, which was being defended by German tanks. Following an initial heavy barrage of British artillery and mortar fire, the various British divisions and brigades moved forward. They were, however, met by a very strong German defence.

The battalion attacked up the slopes of Hill 112, described as 'one of the most tragic acts of self-sacrifice in the entire North West European campaign'. Launched at 20:30 hrs towards 'The Orchard' on the crest of the hill and supported by a squadron of 7th Royal

Above: German Panzer MkIV - these were one of several types of tanks used by the Germans in defence of Hill 112

Above: British troops advancing to Hill 112.

Above: The Commonwealth War cemetery at St Mauvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France

afternoon all the anti-tank guns on the hill had been knocked out, the tanks had to retire to the reverse slope, and the defence was almost over. The order was given to withdraw and 60 survivors of 5th DCLI were brought down. Both sides remained dug in on the slopes, with the hilltop left in No Man's Land.

Fighting over control of Hill 112 continued for weeks until the German army finally retreated. The soldiers of the DCLI formed part of a larger group called the 43rd Wessex Division. In total, 7,000 men from this division were killed during the battle for Hill 112. Major Vawdrey was killed in action on 11th July 1944, aged 29 and he is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at St Mauvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France.

Because so many Cornish men died during the battle, the hill became known as ‘Cornwall Hill’ and the wood at the top of the hill where the DCLI gathered

on 10th July 1944 became known as ‘Cornwall Wood’.

And so, a mere 18 days after setting foot in Normandy, the 5th DCLI had suffered so many casualties it was feared it would be broken up. However, in one of those remarkable instances of war, the 4th Battalion DCLI, in its final act before being disbanded, sent a draft of 100 men, mainly Cornish, to the 5th, so ensuring it retained its unique identity for a little longer.

The Vawdrey grave is located on the east side of the church. The PEAT volunteers have cleaned the grave and sown poppy seeds there which will hopefully be in full flower during the D-Day commemoration period. If you see the grave there, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice Major Vawdrey and so many other soldiers from Cornwall made to restore freedom to Europe.

Sadly, we don’t have an image of Major Vawdrey, but if there are surviving relatives still in the village, or amongst our readers, please do get in touch.

Could you provide foster care for a child in Cornwall ?

From the Keeping Cornwall Updated (on line) newsletter

ASHORTAGE of foster carers in Cornwall means that at any one time there are around 40 children waiting for a foster family.

If it’s something you’ve thought about, perhaps now is the time to take the first step?

We know fostering can seem daunting, so we asked a number of our current foster carers to talk about what it’s like

to foster a child, why they first decided to, what it was like when the first foster child arrived, how it feels when they fly the nest – and more. https://vimeo. com/showcase/11127263 - call us for an informal chat on 0300 456 0120.

Shaun Beresford Carpentry

Suffree Farm Open Garden

By Sarah Hoggett with photos by Jon Hibberd

EVERYyear, a number of private gardens open their gates to the public in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust and this year one of those gardens is right on our doorstep, at Suffree Farm, just outside Probus. On Sunday 30th June, you’ll have the chance to visit this peaceful haven for yourself.

Owned by Chris and Wendy Clark (pictured right, with dogs Swallow and Swift), Suffree Farm was described in a newspaper article back in the 1930s as ‘the oldest house in the parish of Probus’ – which means the original structure probably dates back as far as the 14th century. It’s a traditional Cornish farmhouse surrounded by two acres of garden and, since acquiring the property in 2012, Chris and Wendy have taken great pains not only to preserve as much of the fabric of the building and its artefacts as possible, but also to make the most of its stunning setting.

The first outbuilding that you see is a magnificent old barn, which Chris and Wendy have named Swallow Barn due to the fact that swallows return to nest

there every year after wintering in subSaharan Africa. When Probus News visited on a spring evening in early May, the first birds had just begun to reappear and we were able to watch them swooping in. Wendy estimates that more than 40 swallows fledged there last year. The barn itself still has an iron bull ring embedded in the window ledge (shown below), a reminder of the days when this was a working farm, while the weather vane (of course!) features swallows.

A number of bird feeders and bird baths have been strategically placed around the grounds and the pleasure that Chris and Wendy get from the wildlife that flocks to their garden is obvious. They rattled off a long list of birds that they see regularly, including sparrows, nuthatches, greater spotted and green woodpeckers, long-tailed tits, great tits, wrens, mistle thrushes and even a raven that can be spotted flying overhead most evenings. They even hear nightingales singing in the valley.

The garden itself is a delight, consisting of several loosely themed areas that blend together perfectly. Forget the straight, neatly manicured paths and the ‘look-but-don’t-get-too-close’ approach that you sometimes encounter in more formal gardens: at Suffree, one section meanders seamlessly into another, taking you over grassed areas, past plantings of small shrubs interspersed with native cowslips and bluebells, around a little pond and through to a small orchard with apple, pear and cherry trees.

There’s a Mediterranean section, where a pebbled pathway leads you between olive trees, santolina (cotton lavender), rosemary, cordylines, ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant plants. A more traditional English rose garden is surrounded by camellias and azaleas, which do so well in our mild Cornish climate. Wilded areas that will be lush with poppies, oxeye daisies, campion and other native flowers in June are a magnet for butterflies and pollinating insects, while a small pond with its own mini waterfall is home to newts and frogs.

Visitors will also get the chance to meet Wendy’s prize-winning Shetland ponies, Sparkle, Fizzy and Glow-worm (and, if you’re lucky, feed them a tasty chunk of carrot!). Home-baked cakes, tea, coffee, and other drinks will be on sale on the day (cash only – no cards accepted) and you’ll also be able to buy a plant or two from the plant stall.

Few of us are lucky enough to have a two-acre garden, but you’re bound to come away from Suffree Farm with some ideas for interesting plant combinations or ways in which you can encourage wildlife into your own plot – and you’ll be supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust in the process.

Date: Sunday 30th June 2024

Time: 2:00pm—5:00pm

Take the road towards Tregony. After about ¼ mile, you’ll see the driveway to Suffree Farm on the right. Parking is available on the driveway (or close to the house for disabled visitors).

Entrance fee: £6, cash only. Under 16s free of charge.

Terry Hodge

TERRY

Hodge was born in Feock on 8th June 1959, to Peggy and Doug Hodge. Terry's friend Graham James was born a couple of hours earlier on the same day, just up the road at Carnon Downs. The same midwife delivered both boys, and the story goes that Graham’s father had to borrow the midwife's car to drive to the Hodge family abode and tell Terry’s mum Peggy to ‘ang on’ while Graham was being delivered.

Terry was brother to Shirley, Peter, Jane and Heather. He grew up at St Feock, attending both the village school and Sunday School. Their parents gave all five children the freedom to explore and enjoy all the village had to offer. During summer holidays, spent largely at Loe Beach, Terry would often be found rock pooling with his bucket collecting all sorts of sea creatures. He also spent many hours on his bike with friends searching for wildlife, bringing his various reptiles and insects back home to his vivarium which he set up in an old Belfast sink in the back garden.

All of the Hodge children developed a love for music and Terry, as well as having the most amazing tenor voice, learned to play the clarinet and piano. Terry went to Falmouth Grammar school, before heading to Camborne College with the intention of studying wildlife and botany. It soon became apparent

that the course was not for him and he got a job in the payroll dept. at County Hall, Truro. He went on to do a degree in Payroll management.

Terry progressed his career, eventually becoming Payroll Manager at Cornwall Council, before getting an opportunity to take early-retirement at the very young age of 50, Sadly, he was only able to enjoy 15 years of retirement, but he packed a lot into that time traveling the world, walking the SW Coast Path and running the London Marathon. Terry had numerous hobbies, he enjoyed cycling, sailing, kayaking, walking, snooker, and of course supporting Plymouth Argyle.

With all that, he still managed to find time to be the Treasurer of the Probus News Magazine and Treasurer of Playing Place Snooker. He will be remembered fondly by many in Probus Comrades Club where he was a regular, and as one of the two founders of the Probus Walking Group where his detailed

knowledge of the footpaths around Probus and far beyond, coupled with his love of nature made him and the walks he led very popular. The fact that there are now two walking groups in Probus is testament to Terry. Before his health declined, Terry was renowned for walking at quite a fast pace, and some struggled to keep up with him, so he would patiently stop, wait, chat to his fellow walkers, pointing out items of interest nearby until everyone caught up and the group reformed once more. Then he'd be off once more at a pace...

Terry was a proud Cornishman and would always bring out the Cornish flag on St Piran’s Day and was very proud of the bezant slates he had incorporated into his roof when it was re-slated last year.

Everyone who knew Terry loved him. He was the kindest gentlest soul who loved nature and animals, in particular reptiles and amphibians. Terry brought joy into everyone’s life with his kindness and generosity and willingness to help

anybody who needed it. He would do anything for anyone, taking people to hospital, sorting out their finances, or just visiting people to help where he could.

Terry lived life to the full, with joy and positivity which he passed on to everyone he met, young and old. He was an example to us all about how to live with the spirit of kindness and compassion.

Despite never having a family of his own he made sure his local community of Probus, a place he loved and where he lived for over 30 years, was his family. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.

Thank you Terry!

Terrence (Terry) John Hodge. 8th June 1959 - 29th March 2024. Rest in Peace.

Terry, (along with Tim Joyce) leading the Probus Walking Group high up in ‘clay country’ north of St Austell in April 2022.

Probus Book Club

Roseland u3a

By Liz Horder

ASGreen as Grass by Emma Smith was a very easy read. It is about a girl (Emma) growing up before, during and after the Second World War. She grows up in a family of three siblings, her mother and father, who is suffering, possibly with shell shock from the First World War. He has a breakdown and is committed to a psychiatric hospital.

After secretarial college, Emma is employed as a secretary by the War Office but that work is not for her so, she decides to go and work on the canals, which for many of us was the most enjoyable part of the book. It was very interesting learning about life on a canal boat, the hardships and dangers endured.

The book continues after the war, when Emma has a relationship with a film maker before trying to make her way as a writer.

THEu3a held their AGM in Probus Village Hall on 8th May and it was lovely to see so many of our members again. We enjoyed hearing how the speaker had developed her Cornwall Memory Game and she told of some of the stories of historic Cornish residents featured in the game.

The Patchwork and Craft group brought along many of the items they have made over the year which made a lovely display and the committee provided tea and cakes.

Our diary for June is as follows:

Monday 3rd and 17th June: Art and Drawing Group (£10 charge) in Tregony Village Hall 10 am to 12 noon.

Tuesday 11th June: Local History in Tregony Church Hall 10:15 am to 12 noon.

Thursday 13th June: Classic Film is Love Story in Probus Village Hall 10am to noon.

Friday 14th and 28th June: Patchwork and Craft Group in PVH 9:30 am to noon.

Wednesday 19th June: Book Club at Roseland Parc 2 pm to 4 pm

Thursday 20th June: Scrabble in Tregony Bible Christian Chapel 2 pm to 4 pm

Tuesday 25th June: French Conversation Group in Tregony Bible Christian Chapel 2 pm to 4 pm

Thursday 27th June: Luncheon Club at the Polgooth Inn at 12 noon for 12:30 pm

For any further information, please contact Carole at caroleannbowling@ yahoo.co.uk or check out our new website u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly. com

PEAT

HAVEyou ever heard birdsong when you've been in the garden or the countryside and wondered what sort of bird it was? I'm grateful to Anthony White for telling me about a phone app called “Merlin”. It's easy to install and free. When you open it, you can press the “Record” button and the app compares the sound it picks up with its database of songs, and immediately tells you the species of bird with a picture.

Walking at Lamellyn the other day, I could hear chiffchaffs and coal tits, and even a yellowhammer, although they were too well hidden for me to observe them.

I recently received the UK results for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch event held at the end of January. For Cornwall, there are no prizes for guessing the two most common birds are the house sparrow and blue tit, but I was surprised to see third place going to the starling as I've seldom seen one in my garden. Goldfinch, blackbird, chaffinch, and, not surprisingly, wood pigeon, were next.

Recently a bird watcher posted his pictures of a golden oriole seen near Falmouth. These are beautiful birds, about the size of a blackbird. Their numbers in the UK have declined significantly and they no longer breed regularly – the last confirmed breeding was in 2009 in East Anglia.

Swifts should be arriving in Cornwall soon. We are hoping that several return to the church this year and, all being well, they will occupy the special nesting boxes in the tower.

Steve Dalton

Bluebells

THANKS

to Suzy Monty for the image below of her among bluebells at Trewithen. Credit: Rob Eschle.

Aurora THE

stars aligned* over Probus on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th May to show the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, from the village. The

images below were kindly shared by Kirsten Whiting (top) and Melissa Mead (bottom).

* Technically, an aurora is due to solar wind in the magnetosphere and not stars aligning, so no letters please!

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 Rogers

6 Larkfield Rise, St. Mawes Truro, Cornwall TR2 5DF Phone: 01326 270217

Mobile: 07792 406673

Email: crplumbingandheating@gmail com

Letters

Dear Editor,

I’ve always been fascinated by our village’s history, particularly those difficult years of the First and Second World Wars. As part of my Master’s degree in Second World War Studies, I’ve been delving into the archives and I’ve discovered some interesting stories about our village during the Second World War. I feel very strongly that these stories should be known and shared in our community and so I’ve decided to create a website for ‘Probus at War’. It will be dedicated to preserving and sharing the remarkable stories of our village during the war years.

From the documents I’ve been exploring so far, I’m already populating the site with details about the preparations members of our village made for a potential German invasion. This information provides a fascinating insight into how serious the concerns were locally, what those preparations involved, and how they physically

impacted village life. These documents also highlight how “ordinary” individuals stepped forward to assume positions of leadership and responsibility when our community needed them most.

The website will also provide an in-depth exploration of the Probus Home Guard, how it was formed, how it operated, and who signed up. I hope to dispel the dominant TV myths and to show that the men of our Home Guard were brave, organised, and ready to defend the village and local areas, and assist in the defence of our country when the time came.

The Probus Auxiliary Unit will also be featured. These brave men kept a secret that some would never talk about for the rest of their lives. A small band of men, under the guise of being members of the Home Guard, they would have disappeared without a trace and without any explanation to their loved ones or friends in the event of a German invasion. Their secret task? To carry out guerrilla warfare and sabotage, working out of their hidden underground operational base.

There is also a section of the website which focuses on Remembrance with each of the fallen from our village remembered through the stories of their service and where they fell.

I’d be grateful to anyone who may have any information or photographs relating to Probus in the Second World War. Even the smallest piece of information could help to shape the bigger picture of wartime life in our village. I’d also be grateful for any information about the Probus Home Guard or Auxiliary Unit (the Probus Bombers). Do you know of their wartime stories?

The men of the Probus Auxiliary Unit were:

Sergeant Leslie Champion

Corporal Charles Henry Moyle

Private Denis Hooper

Private Hugh Kendall

Private George Freeman Kendall

Private James Dunstan Oliver

Private Leslie Pearn

If anyone has any photographs of any of the men or further information, I’d be very grateful.

Some of the members of the Probus Home Guard are shown in the photograph (left). It would be lovely if we can put names to each of them. If you recognise any of them, I’d be really grateful if you could let me know.

Finally, if anyone has any pictures of the village in the 1930s and 1940s, I’d love to see them. As well as general photos of the village, I’m also looking for photos of: The Old Church Hall, the doctor’s surgery (house) on Chapel Street, the Reading Room (Arthur Bates’ workshop) on Chapel Street, Nicholl’s shop, the playing field, The Sanctuary, and the bottom of Truck Hill (and surrounding area). Thank you very much for your help. Please send photos and/or information to probusatwar@gmail.com

Ryan Davies 07799 405090.

Dear Editor,

Thank you to everyone who called in to say hello at my recent ‘Community Conversations’ event in the village hall on Saturday 27th April. The aim of these events, which I’m doing in village halls across the constituency, is to hear from residents about what matters to you. Plus it gives you the chance to grill the person hoping to become your next liberal MP!

I really believe politics can be better, and for me that starts with talking to people and listening to them. Some people came with specific questions they wanted answered, others popped in out of curiosity. We spoke about local health services and about opportunities for young people - something I feel strongly about as someone who grew up in Cornwall. We spoke about the many things that make Probus a great place to live. Mainly our conversation ended up on national issues - the parlous state of the National Health Service in particular. Although provision at Probus Surgery was praised, there was concern about pressure on the NHS nationally and on Treliske in particular. If you couldn’t make it but would like to share your views, I’ve got a 60-second survey running online at digitallibdems. typeform.com/Ruth60s.

Alternatively you can reach me by email at info@trurofalmouth-libdems. org.uk. I’d be really pleased to hear from you.

Ruth Gripper Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Truro and Falmouth

Probus Bookworms

By Marci Hughes

APRIL’S book was The HundredYear-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared, by

Jonas Jonasson.

To quote from the book’s blurb:

‘Sitting quietly in his room in an old people’s home, Allan Karlsson is waiting for a party he doesn’t want to begin. His one-hundredth birthday party to be precise. The Mayor will be there. The press will be there. But, as it turns out, Allan will not…

Escaping (in his slippers) through his bedroom window, into the flowerbed, Allan makes his getaway. And so begins his picturesque and unlikely journey….’

Generally the book was well received. One or two found it a bit all over the place and difficult to get into. However, most of us enjoyed it, with laugh-outloud moments, and agreed that the historical events were true to fact.

We seemed to appreciate the diversity of the books we’ve read so far and that’s what a book club is all about. We are not always going to like each other’s choices, but having a go widens our normal subject base and makes for good discussion.

Got any unwanted furniture?

CONSIDER

donating your furniture and household items to help those in urgent need to make a new home and a fresh start in Cornwall. More info at www.hiddenhelp.org

SATURDAY 22ND OF JUNE BOOKING

NEW MENUS NOW LIVE AT THE PUB 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

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.

Breakfast Club: Everyone welcome to the next breakfast on Monday 10th June 9am at Griggs’ Restaurant. Contact John on 07824 555519.

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.

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

Mobile library: Friday 14th June. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm.

Over 60s Luncheon Club: 12th and 26th June at 12 noon.

Probus Club of Probus: Thursday 15th June at 10am. Speaker Roger Radcliffe continues his fascinating series Sets & Swells Part 3.

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: Flower festival 1st and 2nd June.

Probus Parish Council: Meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Next meeting on 20th June. Normally starts at 7 pm for planning matters 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.

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.

Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Saturday, 22nd June, Midsummer Bonfire at Stithians. Car share, leaving PVH at 6:50 pm.

Probus Shindig and Vintage Rally: 18 July Johnny Cowling. 20-21st July Vintage Rally. Jailhouse on 20th July.

WHAT DO COUNCILLORS DO?

Councillors make decisions that influence how the Council works and how its budget is spent. The council can influence decisions & and policies that affect the lives of everyone who lives and works in Probus or comes to visit here

Councillors can also help people get and access the services they need when they experience difficulties

HELP US MAKE PROBUS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU?

·involved in community life

·confident

represent everyone who lives in the parish support growth of the community help sort out problems faced by local residents

work with community groups, the police, and others to get things done

hold Cornwall Council and other public organisations to account for their responsibilities & and services to residents

·agree a budget for the Parish Council each year

·work with parish councillors to deliver the plan of work for each year

·be honest, open, and abide by accepted standards of public life

·work with the Council Officers to help resolve issues in your Ward and receive their support to do your job

·be a public figure and have your contact details published as a point of contact

·keen to help people and prepared to listen

·determined

·flexible

·practical

·well organised

·keen to see community initiatives succeed

·good at communicating and working with people

Local sport

Probus Bowling Club

THE

men started their League and Triples games in May and won the first Triples 5-0. Unfortunately in the CDL we lost our first match against NQY Trenance 5-0. It was close on two of the three rinks.

The ladies have also started playing their Rippon and Date matches.

The home matches for June are:

Probus Youth FC

PROBUS

Youth FC is very proud of four members of the under 13s who are shortly going on their first European football tour! Gerran, Riley, Sam and Holly were all scouted and selected by Kernow Youth Select for their 2024 tour to Germany and The Netherlands.

Gerran, Riley and Sam play for Probus U13s while Holly trains with us and plays for St Agnes girls.

Well done all and have a fantastic time!

Grampound Road

Cricket

Club

THE

Sat 1st Friendly Redruth 2 pm

Mon 3rd Triples Imerys 6:15 pm

Tues 11th Rippon Heavy Transport 2 pm CDL St Austell B 6:15 pm

Thurs 13th CDL NQY Trenance A 6:15 pm

Fri 14th Triples St Stephen B 6:15 pm

Tues 18th Rippon Stenaleees 2 pm

Wed 19th Triples NQY Trenance 6:15 pm

Thur 20th CDL St Austell A 6:15 pm

Mon 24th Date Grampound 2 pm Triples NQY WE 6:15 pm

Thur 27th Rippon St Stephen 2 pm Triples Stenalees C 6:15 pm

Sat 29th Club Comp 2 Wood Singles 2 pm

2024 season finally got underway with wins for the 1st XI in County Division 1 against Newquay and Paul. They also recorded a win in the first round of the Voneus National Village Knockout Cup against Perranporth. Jack Mingo, opening the batting, scored the first century (108) in this competition this year.

In the Hawkey Cup, they defeated Roche in the first round. The 2nd XI lost their first match at St Austell but won their second at home against Newquay. Fixtures for June plus all scorecards can be viewed at https://grcc.playcricket.com

New players, whatever age or standard, are welcome. Training for 1st/2nds Tuesdays, 3rd/4ths Thursdays from 6pm.

Probus FC

PROBUS

FC are restarting a reserve team from next season, subject to league approval. With a strong first team squad and youth teams coming through the future is bright for the club. The reserve team will be managed by Graham Smith and Chris Davey assisted by Jason Chapman and Ben Hall (current under 16's coach). Old and new players welcome. For further info contact Graham on 07968 478970.

The final league game this season was against Falmouth DC on Saturday 18th May and Probus FC came away worthy victors 7-1.

Against an ill-disciplined Falmouth side Probus kept their heads well scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. A penalty on fifteen minutes made it 3-0. A goalmouth scuffle led to what was to

be Falmouth’s only goal and the first half finished at 3-1.

Probus started the second half brightly scoring at 55 and 57 minutes.

Further goals followed at 75 and 82 minutes, the Falmouth side also received two yellow cards for their ill-discipline and their goalie deserved an Oscar for his antics.

Overall, a well deserved win for Probus who finish 3rd in the Whirlwind Sports Trelawney League despite only losing one game all season.

From Left back: Sam Bullen (Captain) Tyler Cheshire, Martin Bishop, Simon Matthews (Joint Manager), Ben Emmett, George Trustcott, Joe Emmett, Adam Bishop, Harrison Smith, Dan Vincent.

Front from Left: Tommy Bishop (Ballboy) Jeremy Pascoe, Tom Rhodes, Niall McGowan (Linesman), Andy Sheer, Jack Truscott, Justin Trebillcock (Joint Manager).

EXPLORE AND BE INSPIRED...

One of only five gardens in the UK to be recognised as an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence, and also recommended by the RHS, Trewithen is a botanical treasure trove nestled within 30 acres of beautiful woods and parkland.

Trewithen House is open for guided tours on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays at 2 pm and 3 pm between Sunday 28th April and Tuesday 2nd July 2024. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Gardens and The Tea Shed open daily 10 am to 4:30 pm 1st March to 30th September 2024

Grampound Road, Truro, Cornwall TR2 4DD - 01726 883647

www.trewithengardens.co.uk

VEHICLE TESTING STATION

S. J. GRIGG

PROBUS, TRURO 01726 882330

BOSCH CAR SERVICE CENTRE

VEHICLE SALES

CENTRE REPAIR ACCIDENT WORKSHOP MECHANICAL

Our Mechanical Workshop is able to offer annual servicing, MOT's, vehicle diagnostic fault finding, air c onditio n servicin g an d a n extensive range of budget and top brand tyres, 100's in stock or available with next day delivery.

Our Accident Repair Centre is able to offer a Class A courtesy car and the knowledge that your vehicle is being repaired to the highest standard with the latest technology.

FREE ESTIMATES AVAILABLE.

Please contact us if you are interested in selling or purchasing a vehicle, as our stock is always changing.

PROPRIETORS: Stuart, Elaine and Philip Grigg