Probus News Magazine - May 2023

What’s inside

Community News

Community news

Page 4

Coronation events

Page 8

Ten years a pirate Page 16

How to contact us...

By e-mail: 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

Porth Joke poppies

Page 22

Letters

Page 27

Local sports updates

Page 44

Plus: Mid-Cornwall woodturners, Beavers, PHCS, PCoP, U3A, Book Club, PEAT, Viv’s fundraiser and much more. Front cover: Cornish Chough by Jon Hibberd.

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

Publication dates

June Friday 26th May

July Friday 30th June

August Friday 28th July

September Friday 25th August

October Friday 29th September

November Friday 27th October

Available online:

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

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.

EDITORIAL: David Meggs 01726 883443 minesaredwine@hotmail.com Sarah Hoggett 07931 502 939 sarah.hoggett@btopenworld.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Hibberd 07931 502921 jonyhibs58@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill @probusnews

PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe

Printed by: Printout Ltd, Threemilestone. 01872 242534

and Notices

Tregony View Residents Committee.

LASTyear following several meetings of residents at Tregony View, a residents committee was formally inaugurated.

The aim of the committee is to liaise with Blenheims, the management company responsible for maintaining the estate and collecting the annual service charge. They will be in communication with Wainhomes until the final handover of Phase 2 of the development. The residents committee will then have more influence over how the estate is managed.

Plant sale on the cobbles BARBARA

Honey will be selling plants on the cobbles in front of the church once again on Saturday 13th May between 10 am and 12 noon, in aid of church funds.

We decided that the best way to communicate with all the residents would be through Facebook. We have therefore set up a Facebook page to run along side the Tregony View Neighbours group which is very popular. The handover from Wainhomes is planned for this summer and we will be meeting with Blenheims to discuss any issues and problems.

We would welcome any resident to join the committee. Please join the Facebook page to keep up to date.

At our last meeting we discussed the idea of having a BBQ on our field during the coronation weekend. It was agreed that Monday at 2pm would be the best option.

Please look out for more details. It will be a chance to get to know your neighbours and enjoy some food.

For more information email Ivan at chair@tregonyview.co.uk

Ladock beavers

ON

In 2017, two adult beavers were released into a fenced enclosure on Chris’s land – and the Cornwall Beaver Project was under way. Beavers are a remarkable tool in the area of flood prevention: the way they build dams and dig water channels allows the land around them to hold more water so that, during heavy rain, the water doesn’t flow as quickly into nearby rivers.

Since their introduction, the Ladock beavers have built seven dams and created several ponds in thier 5-acre enclosure, and there are now four

stream channels where there was once just one. Wildlife has proliferated, too: 11 out of the 13 species of bat found in Cornwall have been seen in the area, as well as 17 species of dragonfly and a number of rare birds, including water rails and green sandpipers.

Good Friday (which was also International Beaver Day!), Chris Jones of Woodland Valley Farm gave a fascinating talk on Our Future with Beavers in Probus Village Hall.If you missed Chris’s talk, it will be repeated as an online event hosted by Ladock Parish Wildlife Group on Wednesday 11th May at 7.30 pm.

Do you have a problem?

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

Chris

James

wwwprobusparishcouncil.gov.uk

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

Probus clubs, societies, organisations

Acoustics Night (Comrades Club) Tim Joyce 07412 126774

Badminton Club

Pauline Partridge 01726 882649

Bees (swarms/issues/questions) Tony Paddock 07486 295414

Bowling Club

Church Bell Ringers

David Meggs 01726 883443

Liza Deards 07888 684425

Please send updates to editorprobusnews@gmail.com

Churchwarden Andy McCartney probus.churchwarden@gmail.com

Comrades Club Bryan Trebilcock 01726 882747

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

Cycling – Probus Pedallers Dave Light 07966 683852 or Colin Brown 07484 740249

Dance Classes Children (4Real) Angie Smith 07825 234855 contactus4real@gmail.com

Football - Saturday Club Steve Flack 07956 049727

Probus Youth FC - Juniors Eric Bendelow 07917 008491

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

Is

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

Friends of Probus Surgery Anthea Johnson tbc

Grampound Road Cricket Club The Club House 07800 915578 grampoundroadcricketclub@gmail. com

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

Historic Cornwall Society Vince Van Kempen-Wilson 01726 883019 vince.vkw@gmail.com

Kids Club Breakfast/after-school at Probus School Diane Gibbs 01726 882647 kidsclub@probusschool.org.uk

Knit & Natter Group Eve Richards 01726 882657 or 07767 383982

Litter Picking Group Steve Dalton 07813 995206 stevedalton166@btinternet.com

Little Lights Pam Cobbold 01726 882495 jplelissick@btinternet.com

Mid Cornwall Wood Turners

Over 60s Luncheon Club

Parish Players (Pantomime)

Pauline Salisbury secretary@midcornwallturners.com

Zena 01726 882751 or Janet 01726 882927

Cathy Cadby 07860 755787 info@probusparishplayers.co.uk

Playing Field Mgmt Committee Graham Smith 07968 478 970

Probus Parish Church Rev. Joachim Foot 01726 882218/07930 095687 rector@probusteam.com

Parish Council Clerk Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Probus Primary School

Angela Praed 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk

Probus Primary School PTA Sophie Baker 01726 882647

Probus Club of Probus

Probus Environmental Action Team (PEAT)/Probus Churchground maintenance

Probus Nursery

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

Sticker Memory Cafe 07901 147353 or 07717333713

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

U3A Roseland & District Terry Neil 01872 530196

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

Walking Group - Wednesdays Terry Hodge or Tim Joyce 01726 884495 or 01726 884574

Young Farmers

- Fridays 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

Coronation Celebrations Probus

Celebrations

MAY 6TH SATURDAY SATURDAY 6TH MAY

with of Big screening Coronation King’s the 10am Tea Cream a Hall Village Village Hall a Cream Tea 10am the King’s Coronation Big screening of with

CHILDRENS CRAFT COMPETITION

COMPETITION CRAFT CHILDRENS Club Comrades Probus 2pm 2pm Probus Comrades Club

best designs presented at Prizes and painting in, Rock Colouring Party! Street the the for Lego. making, Crown Crown making, Lego. for the the Street Party!

MAY 7TH SUNDAY MAY SUNDAY 7TH

BBQ BBQ 4pm til 12pm 12pm til 4pm

THE HAWKINS ARMS

PAINTING FACE FACE PAINTING STALLS STALLS

your own food to bring share with

share with to bring food own your neighbours! , friends and drink family and to free feel Please to feel free family and Please drink and friends , neighbours!

MAY 8TH MONDAY MONDAY 8TH MAY

to be a volunteer? Contact the Litter Churchyard or in groups like you Would any for help. help. for any

Colouring in, Rock painting and Prizes best designs presented at the village, who would be very grateful restoration

picking

2.30pm Road meeting Dog Roman the Friendly cobbles EVERYONE IS INVITED! at 2.15pm

Friendly Roman Dog meeting Road

STREET FORE FORE STREET OUTSIDE or probuscoronation@outlook.com message 07980031248 Rowe Tammie information more For For more information Tammie Rowe 07980031248 message probuscoronation@outlook.com or STREET PARTY LUNCH CORONATION BIG BIG CORONATION STREET LUNCH PARTY GAMES GAMES

Old from make in sure you Family Walk on the pack your picnic! Please meet on the Church middle with families

A message from the curate ON

the 40th day of Easter we celebrate ascension day, when we remember how the risen Jesus returned to his Father by ascending into the clouds.

In Probus, for many years, this has been marked by opening up the church tower to give the chance for people to ascend to the top (before descending again safely) for a donation to the work of the church. It was not uncommon in bible times for people to climb mountains in order to meet with God. When Moses did so he was enveloped in the cloud which symbolised God’s presence and on coming down with the ten commandments in tow his face was radiant from meeting with God.

Climbing the church tower is a good work out for all ages being the tallest in Cornwall, and in decent weather should afford impressive views over the area (assuming that you don’t get hidden by a cloud like Jesus did).

This year we’ve decided to bring the tower opening forward a few days to coincide with the coronation celebrations (7th May 11:30 to 4pm).

This can be a way of working off your celebration lunch, getting a bird’s eye view on the party down below or even encountering God in the beauty of his creation.

Do be warned though, it’s not for those with a fear of heights and it is a long way up (and down again) and so there may be a few who descend with radiant faces and a shortness of breath with or without a meeting with God.

Paul Salaman

May church services

Sunday 7th 10 am Coronation service

11:30 am Tower open day until 4pm

Sunday 14th 9:30 Alternative Holy Communion

Sunday 21st 9:30 am Connect

Sunday 28th 9:30am Holy Communion

Other events

Little Lights: For mums and preschool children - 1:30-3:30 pm Thursday 4th and 18th

Tower Tots: For mums and preschool children -1:30-3:30 pm Thursday 11th and 25th

Coffee mornings: Tuesdays 10:30 am12 noon. Fridays 9 - 11 am. First Saturday each month 10 am - 12 noon

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

Saturday 13th Plant/flower stall on the cobbles 10 am - 12 noon

Cornwall Councillor Update

Deal: As you will all no doubt be aware the proposed County Deal has not been accepted following public consultation. Despite this, having negotiated a proposed Level 3 Deal has enabled the Council to secure and retain £7 million for affordable housing schemes, £3 million for seven heritage projects and a £1 million investment in Cornwall’s natural capital. The Council will now enter negotiations with the Government for a Level 2 Deal which will not include the need for a mayor.

Potholes: The Council was recently awarded an extra £5 million to repair potholes in Cornwall, this will speed up delivery of the repairs needed to our roads. In Probus I have reported many areas of concern and expect to see action taken in the coming months. If you wish to report any to me please do.

20mph rollout: The rollout of 20mph areas will be discussed later this month and I will update as soon as the consultation is available. I would, of course, also welcome your views direct.

Yellow lines: I have got agreement that the lines in Chapel Street will be renewed following continued complaints. I report any other concerns as and when I see them or as I receive information, please let me know if there are areas you would like me to report.

Concessionary bus passes: Concessionary bus pass holders will be able to continue to benefit from free travel in Cornwall at any time of the day or night and the scheme has been extended to care-leavers. This is a non-statutory service but I know how important our public transport is to older or vulnerable residents and I made

this known to the Cabinet. Following public consultation and representations from councillors, I am pleased this will continue.

I work very closely with Probus Parish Council and we are here to help and listen. There have been delays to the improvements in the village square but myself and the parish council are in contact with Cormac to get these completed as soon as possible. If you have any concerns please get in touch or come along to the Parish meetings generally third Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm in Probus Village Hall (except August).

I can help and advise on any issue so please do get in touch if you need any help at all or have any questions. As ever, I am always available on cllr.karen. glasson@cornwall.gov.uk or 07980 975527.

Karen Glasson

Viv Pyatt’s fundraiser

IJUSTwant to thank everyone who supported my Easter Bingo night on Thursday 6th April, it was a full house and we raised £1000 to go to The Merlin Centre.

A special thanks to The Roseland Kitchen for donating the cake, Vicky at Probus Filling Station for the Easter hamper and Emily for the nail voucher for the raffle. Thank you to Guy Wignall who called and to Probus Parish Players who lent their bingo machine.

A massive thank you - it really means a lot.

Viv Pyatt

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Jack celebrates 10 years as a Pirate STANDING

at 6' 4'' (1.93m) and weighing 18st 10lb (119kg), it's no understatement to say that 32-yearold Jack Andrew has physical presence. If you were running towards him with a rugby ball in your hands, most sensible people would simply hand it over wishing him a nice day in the process. But as a professional rugby player, who this year celebrates his 10th anniversary playing for the Cornish Pirates (the only professional club in the county), that's Jack's day job. It must be said, as large as he is on the pitch - off the pitch you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer, softer spoken and gentler man. That said, as you'd expect for a professional rugby player Jack is fit, very fit indeed - he'd still beat most of us in a 50m sprint!

Jack is married to Probus born Emma with a four year-old son, and 15 month old twin daughters. He was raised in St Mawes, went to The Roseland Academy and following in his fathers and big brother Paul’s footsteps, started playing for St Austell RFC at Under 11s. He moved to Truro College at U15s, then joined the SW Rugby Academy at Truro College. In 2009 Jack, by then captain of the first team, led them to win the National Schools Cup at Twickenham in front of 20,000 supporters. Not a bad experience for a 19 year old.

In 2010 Jack joined Exeter Chiefs Academy to start learning his trade as a professional rugby player. He spent three years with the Chiefs, playing regularly on loan at Launceston RFC, before spending a season with Plymouth Albion. In 2013 he moved to the Cornish Pirates and has since made over 200 first team appearances. Jack mainly plays as loosehead prop, although is sometimes called to tighthead side.

One of the many highlights in Jack's career to date was the 25-17 win over Saracens in March 2021, where he played opposite World Cup winning South African Vincent Koch. Sadly, that was in the depths of the pandemic and the Mennaye Field was closed to supporters.

When asked how the pandemic has impacted him, Jack replied that his fitness has improved as running was one of the few things allowed during lockdown. He’s now lighter, stronger and much fitter than before.

Playing competitive matches without supporters was obviously difficult and it’s now great to have the home crowd back at the Mennaye Field.

After a decade at the Pirates, this is Jack's testimonial year that culminates on Saturday 27th May in a testimonial match at the Mennaye ground. The game will be between the Jack Andrew 15 vs Cornish Pirates 15. A large Probus contingent is expected to make their way to Penzance for this match and

everyone is invited to what will be a good family fun day. Kick off at 1 pm. Adult entrance is £12 with free entry to under 16s. Tickets available via https:// cornish-pirates.com or at the gate.

Some of the players who will play at Jack's testimonial include: Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle (his coaches at Pirates), Josh Matavesi (Fiji international), Darren Dawidiuk (Gloucester, London Irish and Bristol), Kyle Moyle (Gloucester), Darren Barry (Worcester) and Chris Morgan. All have played for the Cornish Pirates at some time, and some may not have had the send off they deserved, so it’ll be a good opportunity to see them run out once more, albeit in a friendly. The game will be supporting the local teenage mental health charity Invictus Trust Cornwall.

If you can’t make the testimonial, Jack has also arranged a golf day for Friday 23rd June. Email ja1testimonial@gmail. com for details.

All images with kind permission of Brian Tempest.

Porth Joke poppies

By Sarah Hoggett with photographs by Jon Hibberd

EVERYyear in early summer, when the poppies come into bloom, the headlands around West Pentire are a blaze of colour. In amongst the poppies are splashes of bright yellow charlock and corn marigolds (the mix varies from year to year) and, set against the azure blue of the sea behind, it’s a stunning sight.

Of course, it’s the poppies that most people come to see – but take the time to stand still for a few moments and look more closely and you’ll soon start to appreciate the level of biodiversity here. Around the edges of the poppy fields are the tall spires of viper’s bugloss, the candy-striped pink-andwhite flowers of field bindweed, and delicate blue, pansy-like flowers no bigger than a baby’s fingernail. Insect life abounds. There are several species of bees, tiny beetles and hoverflies provide fleeting glimpses of iridescent colour, and brightly coloured moths

and butterflies flit from plant to plant. And watch out for the skylarks’ display flight, flying vertically upwards – you’ll probably hear them long before you see them, as their song is surprisingly loud for such a small bird.

All this is thanks to the National Trust and their tenant farmer, who manage the farmland as a nature reserve for plants and animals associated with arable crops. Half the fields are ploughed in either spring or autumn and then left fallow, while the rest are ploughed and sown with barley in the spring, offering shelter for rare arable plants and groundnesting birds such as the corn bunting and skylark, both of which are on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern ‘Red List’, meaning they need urgent conservation action. In addition to the cereal crops, there are plots that are ploughed and left for wildflower species to germinate, including the poppies that everyone loves so much. Astonishingly, more than 150 other wildflower species have also been recorded here.

The exact timing of the poppies varies depending on the factors such as the weather, but as a rough guide you can

Two six-spot burnet moths on field bindweed.

A stonechat, one of many birds that can be seen at Porth Joke – thankfully not an endangered species.

expect them to starting blooming from late May or early June and continue through until late June or early July. If you’d like to visit, there are two payand-display car parks in West Pentire, both right next to the poppy fields.

If you fancy a longer walk than just the poppy fields, try out one of the Wednesday Walking Group’s favourite summer outings - park in the National Trust car park at Holywell Bay, walk up through the sand dunes and along the coast path to Porth Joke and the poppy fields, have a refreshment stop at Treago Farm campsite café and come back over Cubert Common.

Left: When the sea breeze blows through the poppy fields, it’s like looking at an impressionist painting.

Centre pages: View over the poppies to Porth Joke and the headland beyond.

The sea provides a dramatic backdrop to the wild flowers.

Probus Historical Cornwall Society

Churchill's Secret Army

By Laura Van Kempen-Wilson

IN1940, following the evacuation of Dunkirk, the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill launched a plan to form a secret army, called the Auxiliary Units, to be the British resistance should the German army invade. The units were made up of volunteers who were not eligible for call-up and numbered around 3,500 participants from coastal areas around the country. The father of Adrian Wilton, the speaker at our March meeting, was one of those volunteers.

Each unit was made up of around six men who had a good knowledge of their area. They were often farmer workers, game keepers and poachers. All members of the Auxiliary Units signed the Official Secrets Act and, even after the details were made public after 50 years, many members still denied all knowledge. They were given specific targets eg railway lines, roads, viaducts but were also tasked to disrupt the German invasion as much as possible in any way they could.

Each unit dug a bunker in a secret location known only to that unit. If the bunker was discovered, it was abandoned and another created. The bunkers were equipped with enough food and water for the unit to last them 12 days. This was because, should the invasion occur, their life expectancy would be no longer than this. All the members knew this and what was expected of them. They had no uniforms apart from a small lapel badge, therefore, if they had been captured they would have been tortured and killed.

Ammunition and explosives were also

kept in the bunkers (and, occasionally elsewhere, necessitating calling in the bomb squad when it was discovered after the war!) and, in the event of invasion, the units would have lived in the bunkers, coming out at night to do their resistance work, which would have included assassinating collaborators.

The men were highly trained and issued with the best weapons. They trained at Coleshill House in Oxfordshire and had to give a password at the local Post Office before being taken there where they were trained in guerrilla and assassination methods. The men then went back to their everyday lives but training continued for the period of the war.

The Auxiliary Units were disbanded in 1944 but it was not until 2013, when they were allowed to take part in the Cenotaph Remembrance Sunday Parade, that they received any recognition for their work and the sacrifices they were prepared to make.

Our members listened to Adrian's talk with rapt attention. It is a fascinating part of our history and brings home how

Image: Adrian Wilton showing his father’s lapel badge

very different our present lives could have been. Adrian brought with him numerous newspaper cuttings and other information for us to look at, including lists of the names of known members of the units throughout Cornwall, and he has kindly agreed that I can reproduce some of them here.

Probus: (Bunker in Golden Wood/ Slaughterhouse Wood) Sergeant Leslie Champion, Corporal Charles Henry Moyle, Privates Denis Hooper, George Freeman Kendall, Hugh Kendall, James Dunstan Oliver, Leslie Pearn.

Grampound: (Bunker in Trewithen Woods) Sergeant William Knowles, Corporal Sidney Honey, Privates Harold Cock, William Osborne, Clem Knowles, Ire Broom, W. Jack Richards.

The Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team is keen to find any surviving members or anyone who suspects that a family member was in the units. It is also interested in any information anyone may have about the location of any bunkers. If you think you can help, contact general@coleshillhouse.com

Mid-Cornwall Woodturners

March club night

ONTuesday 7th March, the club warmly welcomed professional woodturner, Mark Beckett from Bude. Our members and guests were entertained and educated by a truly inspirational woodturner. In his introduction Mark told us that in 2018 he was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis, and later complications, which resulted in many hospital stays. To aid his recovery, both physically and mentally, he sought out a hobby and found woodturning. As well as

forming his own business he went on to work with some of the world’s best wood turners. In Mark’s words: ‘Wood turning saved his life’.

His educational talk covered the use of several tools, techniques and safety. The ash salt pot was first coloured black, sanded and then coloured green to highlight the grain. After he’d finished turning the walnut lid, Mark used a texturing tool to create a design on the underside.

During the break and afterwards, Mark welcomed questions from the members. The two hours flew by and ended with a huge round of applause and thanks from everyone present.

Later in the evening, our Chair (Richard Elliott) presented David Moore (Club President) with an Honorary Life Membership award.

Graham Bishop

Introducing your Personal Travel Expert Graham Bishop

Hi, I’m Graham your new personal travel expert for Probus and surrounding areas. I grew up in the village and have recently relocated back and with me bring a new concept when it comes to travel. I do love to travel!

I love it so much that not only is it something I love to do in my spare time, I also made it my job. I have over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, so there is very little I don’t know, but I am always making sure that I am learning, you are never to old to learn. This is my passion, helping people have the best experiences, finding those golden gems and making sure you get the most for your money. Please feel free to ask me any questions, it is quite a privilege making dreams come true, but hey, that’s what I do! There isn’t anything that I can book from package holidays to more bespoke holidays. So please do get in contact if I can help in anyway.

Look what I can book for you

 Ocean Cruises

 River Cruises

 Long-haul Holidays

 Luxury Holidays

 Land Tours

 Summer/Winter Holidays

 UK Breaks

 Flight Only

 Tailor-made Itineraries

 Wedding & Honeymoons

 Airport Hotels & Lounges

 Car Parking & Car Hire

 Attraction Tickets

And so much more!

Probus Environment Action Teams

MANYthanks to Phil, Chris and Paul for helping to set up the swift calling system in the church tower that will signal to the returning birds where the new nesting boxes are. We are endeavouring to create a colony of swifts over the next five years and the church tower is an ideal site for them. Their numbers in the UK have decreased by almost 60% in the last 25 years with lack of suitable nesting sites being a contributory factor.

There is no guarantee that any swifts will appear this year as their long round trip to Sub-Saharan Africa presents many dangers. They return to the UK in

LadockFest

Saturday 3rd June 2023

2.30pm - 4.30pm

the last week of April or early May, and prior to then we will activate the calling system to alert them to the tower. If we are fortunate, each nesting pair will raise two or three chicks before migrating back to Africa in early September.

Work at the churchyard is going well and we have cleared almost all the areas covered in bramble and ivy that have hidden many gravestones for years. We will now be planting the flowers and sowing the wildflower seeds that have been donated.

We are holding an open day on Saturday 10th June. The event will be especially important if you maintain a grave here – in the same way that the churchyard has been neglected in the past, so the rules and guidelines for safe and sustainable use of the churchyard and the adornment of graves have not been communicated or enforced for some time. There will be more information

Ladock Playing Field, Ladock TR2 4PG

To be opened by popular Ladock Players’ Grumpy Fairy

Godmother and Ugly Sisters who will be specially ‘biked’ in!

* Cakes * Toys * WI Market * Gifts and Collectables * Children’s Tombola * Face Painting * Portraits * Plants * Grand Draw (£150 first prize!)

* Lots of Children’s Games and Activities, including for Under Fives

* Advanced Motorcyclists, Parish Council, Ladock News, Low Carbon Ladock and Felting Displays.

*Music from The Horners, our local Street Band

* Soft drinks, ice creams and BAR!

* Lots more…

Entrance Free ~ Lucky Programmes ~ Fun and Games for all the Family

Raising money for local organisations and charities

next month but please put the date on your calendar and come along and meet the team then.

If you are interested in helping us at the church, perhaps in response to the King’s coronation ‘Big Help Out’ volunteering initiative, please contact us. In association with the Woodland Trust, we had 100 saplings donated and intend to work with Probus School pupils to plant a harvest hedge along the school’s allotment on Ladock Road.

And finally a mention to our brilliant band of litter pickers! We have been scouring roads, pavements and hedgerows on the first Saturday of each month for 18 months now removing cans, bottles and a vast assortment of litter. Keep Britain Tidy estimate that across the UK, 15% of people took part in litter picking, either alone or in a group in their neighbourhood at least once every six months. We are proud to be part of this collective action keeping our local area clean and tidy.

PCoP skittles tournament

THEProbus Club of Probus took advantage of the excellent facility now being provided by the Probus Village Hall Committee of two fully equipped skittle rinks, tables and chairs all set up and ready to go in the main hall, to host a fun social event for members on Friday 23rd March.

Twenty-four members formed into six teams to compete in a tournament carefully structured and run by Dave Meggs through the evening. Everyone present took part, showing remarkable determination to cope with assorted ‘handicaps’ including a foot encased in a surgical boot, bad backs and even Mike Bowen, who’d that afternoon had

an injection in his right arm, managing to hurl the ball down left handed!

Worthy winners on the evening were the team captained by David Hayhoe with Laura Van Kempen Wilson, John Denyer and Lin Hibbett winning a much appreciated cash prize.

The skittles set-up and take down can be booked through the PVH and deserves to be well used as it’s easy to organise and a lot of fun.

Roseland U3A

UPCOMING events: Tuesday 9th May at 10.15 am in Tregony Church Hall - a talk by Terry Neill on Cornwall and the Black Death.

Friday 5th and 19th May at 10 am in Probus Village Hall - Patchwork and Craft Group.

Thursday 11th May at 10 am in PVH the Classic film is His and Hers a comedy starring Terry Thomas and Janette Scott, (This film couldn’t be shown last month)

Wednesday 17th May at 2 pm at Roseland Parc - Book Club.

Tuesday 23rd May at 2 pm in Tregony Bible Christian Fellowship Hall - French Conversation group.

Thursday 25th May The Luncheon Club venue to be arranged. Please telephone Sue on 01872 580115 for details.

We are also starting a Scrabble/games group with the venue probably in Tregony. Date and time to be arranged. Please email Shirley at shirleydavis125@ tiscali.co.uk for more details.

For full information about our diary please email caroleannbowling@yahoo. co.uk

Trewithen House is open for guided tours on Sun-Tues inclusive at 2 pm & 3 pm between 30th April – Tues 4th July 2023. Bookings taken in advance to avoid disappointment.

Gardens and Tea Shed open daily 10 am to 4:30 pm 1st March to 30th September Grampound Road, Truro, Cornwall TR2 4DD - 01726 883647

Margaret Simmons MARGARET

Simmons late of Treviglas Rise, Probus sadly passed away aged 97 on Saturday 8th April after a very long stay in Treliske.

Margaret, the youngest of three children, was raised in the East Ham - Manor Park areas of East London and was a lover of Cornwall having been evacuated to Daniel Road, Truro during the war where she attended Truro Grammar School for girls. She trained to become a primary school teacher in Streatham, South London whilst bombs were falling all around and after qualifying taught in East London and Essex.

Margaret's life then took a very hard turn, when in 1948 when she contracted polio and was severely affected, robbing her of dreams of being playing and teaching tennis. She had previously met husband-to-be David in a youth club in East Ham and they were married in 1950.

In 1983, after retirement they moved to Suffolk and following David’s death, Margaret, daughter Elizabeth and family moved to Probus in 1994, settling in Treviglas Rise, where she soon engrossed herself in village life. Margaret was a member of the WI, the Tapestry Guild, Cancer Research and Arthritis UK and attended Probus Parish Church until her physical frailty prevented it. Margaret also taught for several years on a voluntary basis at Grampound.

Margaret is survived by her daughter Elizabeth, Grandson Daniel and Great Grandchildren Samuel and Rosie and is sorely missed.

Margaret’s funeral is at Penmount Crematorium on Wednesday 3rd May at 11:30 am. Family flowers only please Donations in memory of Margaret to Dementia UK and Cancer Research UK.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I was hoping you might be able to ask the readership whether residents would be interested in petitioning the council to pedestrianise the Bridleway to Parkengear, for the safety of local families and walkers?

Now the new estate and associated access road have been built there can

be no real justification for it to remain open to vehicles and to deteriorate further.

A simple removable bollard at the narrowest point of each entrance would ensure emergency access if needed with surely minimal expense and reduce the risks associated with the lack of pavements in parts of the village.

I would be interested to hear if there was sufficient local interest to make a case.

Name withheld upon request

accommodation of their own. As their jobs are in Truro and Tregony, Probus is ideal - and the fact that Trudgian’s farm shop now knows exactly which cuts of pork they like best, is even better.

The icing on the cake has been Probus Village Hall, which they hired recently for the younger child’s sixth birthday party. What a wonderful facility it is! 25 children, a large bouncy castle, half a dozen toy cars, a long party table and numerous parents fitted with easeand my husband, who very sensibly volunteered for the quieter job of providing teas and coffees, was equally impressed with the kitchen. Oh, and all the rest - easy to book, easy to clean, and even easy to move the chairs!

Dear Editor,

For the past 8 months we have had a Ukrainian family living with us in Grampound Road. The parents are both working - working all possible hours, indeed - and they are now ready to rent

I would like to think our guest family will be safely back at home in Ukraine by this time next year, but if not, I know where the next party will be!

Robin McCarthy

Probus Book Club

By Liz Horder

WEhad a very lively meeting again this month while reporting on one or two books that we had read during the past month. What a variety of books they were too.

The first book was The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri. Nuri is a beekeeper and his wife Afra an artist. They live in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo until they are forced to flee from war, experiencing many hard times before ending up in Britain.

Siepmann. This story is set in India and Britain. It is about two love affairs and two familes, is very dramatic and tells of how the saphires end up in a peacock.

Into the Light by Patricia St. John. It is set mostly in India. It is about a blind girl child and how her step father wants to send her out begging and ultimately sell her, as he wants nothing to do with her. Her mother has a young son whom she plots with, for him to take the child away across the mountains out of the reach of the stepfather. The son is directed to a missionary who looks after abandoned children.The stepfather does find the little girl and steals her back. Luckily she is saved once again.

The Promise by Damon Galgut is set in South Africa in the 1980s. It is about a farming family with religion, racism, intergration and loyalty in the story.

Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir. This sounds a must for anyone interested in history. Our book group member said that she had learnt a lot from reading this book and what an amazing life Eleanor had led.

The Sapphire Peacock by Deborah

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. It covers a 24hr period but traces the family history back 50 years. It is set in a holiday home that the family have had for years in Cape Cod. Evidently this is quite a racy book.

The two books I read were Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner a lovely easy read and The Other Family by Joanna Trollope, about a very interesting family situation.

PROBUS

EVENTS DIARY 2023

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.

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. Coffee, cake and a friendly welcome for everyone

Coronation of King Charles III - 6-8th May. See page 8

Friendship Club: MHA Communities

Cornwall is a national charity who run a friendship club for folk 60+, at PVH on the first Thursday of each month 10 am to 12 noon. Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 cornwall@mha.org.uk

Ladock Parish Wildlife Group: Woodland Valley Farm’s Chris Jones talks about

introduction of beavers into the UK. See page 5.

Mid-Cornwall Wood Turners: Club nights are 1st Tuesday of each month: Training nights are on the 3rd Tuesday in every month: 16th May - Basic tool training, bowl gouge use

Mobile library: 19th May, 16th June, 14th July, 11th August and 8th September. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm. Latest updates www.facebook. com/CornwallLibraries

Over 60s Luncheon Club: Every first and third (and this month, the fifth) Wednesday of the month - 3rd, 17th, 31st May

Probus Club of Probus: 8th May, luncheon at The Falmouth Hotel with speaker Martin Bidmead. Martin is an ex-Coastguard and St Mawes Harbourmaster

Probus Historic Cornwall Society: See page 26

Probus Fun Week - 6th - 13th August 2023. See page 36

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 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, but contact Tim Joyce or Terry Hodge first. Every Friday for shorter walks 10 am. New members also always welcome. Contact Teresa Hayhoe or Kaye Ludlow

Local sport

Probus FC SINCE

our last report

Probus FC has only played two games and as of now (19th April) sit 4th in Division 2 with games in hand over two of the teams above.

25th March a 4-0 home win against St Ives Town reserves.

1st April 1-1 draw with St Buryan in the Percy Stephens Cup.

15th April a 0-4 league away win against RNAS Culdrose. Joe Emmett and Ethan Gatley scoring while Jack Truscott bagged a brace. All goals were in the second half.

The final fixtures of the season are:

22nd April home to Falmouth (Lockhart Cup)

Trelawny League top five standings as of 19th April

29th April home to Holman (PS Cup)

6th May home to Falmouth DC 1st (PS Cup)

13th May home to Falmouth DC 1st (League)

Probus FC manager Graham Smith said ‘With two league games to go we have secured 4th place which is a good performance following promotion last season. With the complete restructuring of the league’s next season it was important to finish in the top half of the table so well done to the boys for securing that with games in hand. We also have a league cup semi final to play at home on the 22nd April against the league champions Falmouth, which will be a great test for us’.

Probus Young Farmers

CONGRATULATIONS

to Probus

Young Farmers who had a number of their members playing in the annual East versus West rugby match at Bodmin Rugby Club on 6th April. A very competitive and tighly fought match, with some excellent rugby on display. The West team managed to win and bring the trophy back for the first time in many years.

Probus Bowling Club

THEnew season started on Saturday 15th April when when the first wood was rolled by Chair of Probus Parish Council Nicholas Gillard (bottom).

MAY HOME FIXTURES - all at 6:15 pm unless stated

Tuesday 2nd Triples St Austell C

Tuesday 9th CDL Trenance A

Thursday 11th CDL St Austell B

Friday 12th Triples Imerys B

Sunday 14th 2 pm Friendly Falmouth

Wednesday 17th Triples Trenance C

Thursday 18th 2 pm Rippon Grampound

CDL St Stephens

Saturday 20th 9:30 am Mens and Ladies

2 wood singles

Tuesday 23rd 2 pm Rippon St Austell A

Wednesday 24th Triples St Columb

Tuesday 30th CDL Stenalees B

Grampound Road Cricket Club

UNFORTUNATELY

the recent wet weather made it difficult to prepare the ground adequately so we had to reschedule the opening matches of the season in mid-April. Many other clubs in the county are in the same position, so we all await dry weather to complete the preparations

and get the season underway. The newly completed practice nets are ready for the season.

Junior cricket: There are lots of exciting opportunities for all children at GRCC this summer. Mondays 6-7 pm: Ball Skills (5-10 years), All Stars (5-8 years); Dynamos (9-11 years), Girls Softball (9-13 years). Thursdays 6-8pm: U11s and U13s hardball training. To enrol, or for further information email grccjuniors@gmail. com. For the weekly newsletter go to www.grcc.play-cricket.com/news

MAY HOME FIXTURES

am

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