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
Local sport
Pages 46–48
Pages 26–29 What’s on Page 42
Front cover: Michelle Stimpson working on her allotment on 11th October (by Jon Hibberd). See pages 32 and 33 for an allotment update.
Submission deadlines for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month.
Publication dates
December Friday 13th December
February 2025 Friday 24th January 2025
March Friday 28th February
April Friday 4th April
May Friday 2nd May
June Friday 30th May
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.
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
Message from the Chair
REACHING
the end of another year and Probus has again grown significantly. The first issue of Probus News was delivered in April 1998, and May 2025 will see our 300th edition.
The magazine enables new people moving into the village to have information about local trades people and services. Our ‘What’s On’ page informs every household of events taking place in the village and provides a source of information for those without internet access.
During my time on the committee of Probus News first as delivery manager and currently as chair I have seen many changes to the magazine and to the continued dedicated personnel who produce and deliver it, some of whom have been with us since issue one. One of the changes has been the development from black and white to the lovely coloured glossy magazine you receive today. Moving forwards, another change is the fact the magazine is now available online at www.issuu.com/probusnews. We also have a very popular Facebook page.
I am indebted to all those volunteers involved with the production and delivery of the magazine. I would like to thank our loyal advertisers and the parish council without whose financial support we would not be able to produce and deliver this magazine for free to every household in Probus 11 times a year. Our Christmas draw is also a vital part of our yearly revenue so I would like to thank everyone who supports us by purchasing our raffle tickets.
It takes time and effort to fill the
magazine with relevant and interesting content each month, so a special mention must go to our Editor John who works tirelessly for the magazine, supported by his editorial team, in particular our official photographer Jon Hibberd who attends many village events. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the committee for their continued hard work and dedication over many years. We are also extremely grateful to those who contribute stories, updates, and news of events.
It is with much sadness this year that I report the passing of Terry Hodge, the longest serving member of Probus News Magazine Committee and friend to so many in the village.
I am very proud of what is an excellent and high-quality village magazine, and I look forward to it continuing for many years to come.
Sheila Bing October 2024
Christmas hamper appeal
THISyear, just as it has done since 2020, the No One Goes Hungry project is putting together Christmas hampers to support families and individuals in Probus and the surrounding area. Turkey and fresh vegetables will be bought from local suppliers in the last few days before Christmas, but if you’re able to make a contribution to the hampers, however small, that would be greatly appreciated.
To make sorting and packing the hampers easier, the Community Larder is asking for different kinds of items to be donated each week through November and the first half of December.
There will be collection boxes for food items at Probus School Filling Station, Trudgian Farm Shop, the Spar shop, in the church porch and in the Hawkins Arms.
Week commencing
4th November Stuffing mix, gravy granules
11th November Custard, cranberry sauce
18th November Chocolates, sweets, biscuits
25th November Christmas pudding
2nd December Christmas cakes, Yule logs
9th December Mince pies, Christmas crackers
16th December Any outstanding items –see Facebook
If you’d prefer to make a financial contribution, you can leave cash at one of the food collection points or donate direct to the NOGH bank account (sort code 30-98-97, account number 32716962).
If you, or someone you know, needs some support, get in touch by emailing: nogh@probus.church – and if you can possibly spare a couple of hours to help assemble and deliver the hampers on 23rd December, please email the address above.
The community is always incredibly generous with donations. Please help in whatever way you can – it really does make a difference.
Patchwork and craft group
AREyou potty about patchwork? Smitten by stitching? Hooked on crochet? Then why not come along to the patchwork and craft group that meets twice a month in the Village Hall. It’s open to everyone – just bring whatever craft project you’re currently working on and spend a couple of hours in the company of like-minded people while enjoying a cuppa and a biscuit.
From time to time, there are also very informal workshops on crafts and techniques as diverse as silk painting, Japanese fabric flowers, découpage, book folding, simple bead jewellery and making gem trees. During the summer break, organizer Myrna Harrison set the challenge of upcycling an object to create something completely new. The results included tealight holders made from old cans, tea-cups transformed into pincushions, and even an empty electrical cable drum painted and upholstered to create a pretty little foot stool – so you’ll find plenty of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing!
The group is part of the Roseland and District U3A. If you’re interested, why not come along for a couple of free sessions before you commit to joining? The next meetings are on Friday 8th and Friday 22nd November from 9:30 am to noon in Probus Village Hall.
Editorial
IT’Sbeen another sad period with the passing of Tyrone Farley, a Probus stalwart and long-time supporter of Probus FC. See page 49 to read the club’s tribute to him. I was also saddened to hear of Darrel Pascoe’s tragic death while on holiday and my heart goes out to his wife Sue and the family. Darrel’s funeral is on Tuesday 5th November, see page 42 for details.
It’s been a while since I’ve written an editorial for the village magazine. There just hasn’t been enough room recently, with so much content for us to squeeze in. I guess that’s the benefit of living in a vibrant and active village. We may use several adjectives to describe Probus, but sleepy is not one of them! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to keep us in the loop with information, events and news, local stories and items of
Do you have a problem?
Why not contact one of your local parish councillors for advice?
interest. It’s important and helps us produce the best village magazine we can.
In this edition, you can read a wide range of articles from across the village, from the allotments to the village hall and lots in between. I hope you find something of interest, and if not let me know what we are missing.
See the next page for a list of local clubs and societies – I’m certain that’s not complete, so if your group is missing just let me know. See page 8 for the list of handy trades and local businesses that advertise with us.
If you can, please support this village magazine by buying a ticket for the cash draw. We’ve doubled the prizes this year – details on page 17.
The next edition will be published on Friday 13th December.
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
Ivan Myles Kew Wav 07815 944752 ivanmyles@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Ian Peters Carne View Road 07825 889067 ianpeters@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
There are currently three parish councillor vacancies. Please contact the clerk or any of the above for details.
If you are not able to contact a particular councillor, then contact the Parish Council Clerk Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk - Cornwall Councillor Karen Glasson can also be contacted on 07980 975527 or cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk for advice.
of Probus clubs, societies, organisations and some
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
Advertisers’ Index
Probus Parish Council updates
THEfirst half of this financial year has been busy for Probus Parish Council, with several important improvement projects and regulatory work in progress.
Some recent changes have been visible and well-received by the community. Residents may have noticed the new fence at the playing park and the gates at the cemetery. Further improvement works are underway, enhancing local facilities and offering greater experiences for those who use them.
In addition, the council helped secure a grant for the village hall and is
working together with the Playing Field Committee to obtain funding for the refurbishment of the pavilion.
Alongside these visible improvements, the council is also focused on less tangible but equally significant projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Probus residents. One such initiative is the introduction of an Off-Street Parking Order, which will improve local parking management. Details of the order will be shared soon.
Probus Parish Council is also in the process of launching a new, user-friendly website, and has begun preparatory work for the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is an essential document that will shape future development policies within the parish. As this project progresses, the Council will provide updates and hold consultations, offering local groups and individuals a chance to get involved and influence the parish’s future development.
If you are passionate about community development and want to play an active role in shaping Probus’ future, we encourage you to reach out to the Parish Clerk or the Chair to find out how you can participate. There are currently three vacancies on the Parish Council, and becoming a councillor is one of the ways to contribute to ongoing and upcoming initiatives like the NDP while helping ensure the positive development of our village.
Probus Parish Council holds monthly surgeries every second Monday of the month. If you would like to discuss any issues with the parish council, please drop in to the village hall between 10 am and 3 pm.
Please visit Probus Parish Council website for further information and contact details:
www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Church update
ITonly seems 5 minutes ago l was writing the church’s message for the August edition of the magazine, then suddenly it’s the back end of the year with Christmas just around the corner.
After the Licensing Service on the 5th November, Rev Caroline will become our new team Rector for the Probus Benefice, which includes Probus, Grampound with Creed, Ladock, St Erme, Tresillian and St Michael Penkivel. We look forward to Caroline’s ministry (with us) alongside Rev Linda Whetter, who many of you already know.
Alongside bonfire night, November of course is a time when the UK holds its national Act of Remembrance with many services and events across the country. It’s a time to remember and reflect upon all those who have lost their lives in conflict, not just the two world wars, but the numerous conflicts that have happened or continue to happen around the world. The Act of Remembrance reminds us all of the fragility and importance of human life.
When l was a young boy and living in Germany at the time, l have very vivid memories of my parents taking me to visit the Nazi concentration camp of Bergen – Belsen. Whilst l didn’t fully appreciate the full context of what had happened, I do very much remember the feeling that something truly awful had happened at this place. I believe it was an experience that helped shape my view that we should never forget those who have suffered and died at the hands of others and those who have sacrificed everything for the freedoms and liberties that we not only enjoy, but so often take for granted.
Christians throughout the centuries have also suffered and died and still
do through persecution of their faith. Christians also recall the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross. A sacrifice and resurrection that brought us freedom to be who we are in Christ and because of this we are able to enjoy a relationship with Him and God the Father if we so choose.
Probus will hold its Act of Remembrance on Sunday 10th November at 10:45 am at the Memorial followed by a service in church afterwards. Please do join us as we remember those who have suffered and died in conflicts around the world in the service of their countries and families.
As we remember the suffering and sacrifice of war, l am always reminded of a quote from the 1997 film Contact ‘You’re an interesting species, an interesting mix. You’re capable of such beautiful dreams and such horrible nightmares’.
Scott
November church services
Sat 2nd 4 pm A Service of Remembrance for All Souls
Sunday 3rd 09:30 am Connect 11 am Holy Communion
Tues 5th 7pm Licensing of Caroline Husband
Sunday 10th 10:45 am Remembrance Service. 7 pm Soul Resonance
Sunday 17th 9:30 am Connect
Sunday 24th 9:30 am Holy Communion, 4 pm Café Church
Other regular events
Coffee mornings: Every Tuesdays 10:30 am–noon and Friday 8:45–10 am Little Lights: Every Thursday 9:30–11 am
Cash draw 2024
PROBUS
News magazine is a non-profit organisation that aims to deliver a high-quality village magazine full of news, events, photographs and articles of local interest, free to each household in Probus, 11 times a year. It’s published and delivered entirely by volunteers.
Magazine) for the number of tickets you wish to buy.
4. Seal and drop off the envelope at Trudgian Farm Shop, the Spar shop, or Probus School Filling Station. Alternatively contact any of the committee members to arrange collection (see page 3 for details).
Additional tickets can also be obtained from any committee member.
Our only income is from advertising, a discretionary grant from Probus Parish Council, and the annual cash draw. So the draw is a vital part of our yearly revenue.
We’re very grateful for all the backing we’ve received from you over the years and sincerely hope you’ll continue to support your village magazine.
Included with this edition you’ll find a book of tickets and a pre-printed envelope. Here’s how to enter:
1. Write your name, address and a contact number on the ticket stub for each ticket you wish you buy.
2. Insert the completed stubs in the pre-printed envelope provided.
3. Add the matching amount of cash (or a cheque payable to Probus News
The draw will be on Friday 6th December at 7 pm in Probus Comrades Club. Winners will be contacted directly and the results published in the December edition of this magazine.
Thank you.
Maria’s Animal Shelter fête
WEhonestly thought the fete day that was arranged for Sunday 29th September wouldn't be successful. The forecast didn't change from saying severe rain and wind, and other events in Cornwall had been cancelled, but our staff and volunteers had worked so hard in preparation for the day, so we decided to go ahead regardless and just do what we could inside and not put up any marquees.
As predicted, the weather was horrendous – but what a shock when people started arriving to support us. We had a fantastic day and raised £1,095.
Can I say a huge thank you to everyone who donated items and baked the fabulous, yummy cakes. Also thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day. You're all amazing!
Maria Mulkeen Maria’s Animal Shelter
St Goran to Lviv via Pastwiska
By Nick Hibbett
ATSeptember’s Probus Club of Probus (PCoP) coffee meeting, members heard the fascinating and very moving story of how a friendship forged as young boys in the Midlands led to a mission to see and support families affected by the war in Ukraine.
The Rev Brian McQuillen, the retired Vicar of Gorran and Caerhays, met František Geisler during their time as Cubs and Scouts in 1960s Birmingham, and they have kept up their friendship through the years. František (known as Franta), met his Polish wife Barbara when he discovered the site of his Czechoslovakian father’s grave in Pastwiska, Poland. Franta’s father (also František Geisler) a Czechoslovak war hero was killed there by the Germans during a major battle in 1944.
In February 2022, after the Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Franta and Barbara started helping Ukrainian families escaping into Poland, and via Zoom meetings told Brian about the bravery of some of these displaced families. Brian was able to pass on these stories to his parishioners and started a collection within his parish towards Franta and Barbara’s work.
Since then, Brian and his wife Melva have collected £14,000 for this cause. Franta and Barbara’s work developed further and now supports three Ukrainian pastors who distribute clothing, food and aid direct to the far eastern area of Ukraine near the battle front. They have also set up a school for teenagers and young people near Lviv to help them recover from the effects of the conflict,
helping some to rebuild their lives after alcohol and drug misuse and generally encouraging them to live a better life.
Through his other contacts Franta, has received over £300,000 towards the work in Ukraine which has enabled eight small, but fully equipped houses to be built for refugees and displaced persons, each one sleeping up to six persons. Other work includes small teams of young people helping repair homes and buildings in previously Russian-occupied areas which were deliberately destroyed as the Russians retreated.
This summer Brian and his wife Melva went to stay with Franta and Barbara in Pastwiska, which included a ‘day trip’ into Ukraine to visit the project near Lviv to hear about some the work they support. One pastor regularly makes a 1,077 km, 15hr drive into Ukraine in a van packed with food and other
necessities, including wheelchairs. Current developments in the war are making this journey increasingly risky and dangerous. Another pastor takes the food, clothing, and essentials and distributes it to remote villages. Also, toiletries and fresh clothing are handed to soldiers recovering from the front line in hospitals and recovery centres. Other work by all three pastors provides parties, clubs and activities for children, as well as similar events for soldiers recovering from the war, sometimes before they return to the front.
The visit was a moving experience for both Brian and Melva who will continue to raise funds whilst the need is there. Following Brian’s talk, Probus Club of Probus members donated £450 towards this work.
St Austell Choral
Society concerts
STAustell Choral Society’s next concert will be ‘For Remembrance’ on Saturday 9th November at 7:45 pm in St Augustine’s RC Church, St Austell. The programme will include two settings of Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Elgar and local composer (also our conductor) Paul Drayton. This concert of sacred and secular music will also celebrate the centenary of the death of the great choral composer Charles Villiers Stanford.
Ring Out, Wild Bells - words and music for Advent. Come along to Mount Charles Methodist Church in St Austell for the St Austell Choral Society’s Advent Concert on Friday 13th December at 7:30 pm. The programme will include a rich variety of music and readings for Advent (and Christmas) and will be followed by ‘festive nibbles’. www.staustellchoralsociety.co.uk
Probus Book Club
ASHORT
and easy to read book is Fair Stood the Wind for France by H.E. Bates. Several of us found it a relief to have such a light read after the last two books we reviewed.
It is about a young pilot, John Franklin, who crash lands with his crew in Nazi occupied France during the Second World War. His arm is badly injured and he is pulled from the aircraft by his crew. Franklin force marches them all across France. They realize they must contact the French Resistance somehow and eventually worn out, hungry and tired, they are taken in at a farmhouse where after a while they are put in touch with the French Resistance. His crew leave him at the farmhouse as he is in no fit state to travel, after having his arm amputated by a local surgeon. John and Francoise (the daughter of the house) fall in love and eventually escape together.
Some found it unbelievable when discussing the type of escapades the main characters had, but in reality the escape and evasion process for crashed aircrew was more organised than the book suggests. Over 4,000 airmen were helped back to Britain by MI9. The book was written during the Second World War, before anyone knew how it would end, so it’s possible that H.E. Bates, who was employed as a writer by the RAF, was asked to write the book as a morale booster.
Liz Horder
Penair School book appeal
STUDENTS
at Penair School have been without a library for more than five years. It was re-opened to students in the Spring of 2024, but it is in desperate need of attention. Unfortunately, these issues cannot be addressed due to cuts to school funding.
The school is seeking donations to support the overhauling of the library, as well as donations of books to expand the reading material available to students.
If you are able to support, please scan the QR code (below) to donate via the www.gofundme. com site, or consider buying a book from the school's wish list on www.lovereading 4kids.co.uk (above).
Bookworms’ first anniversary
By Gaynor O’Kane
WHO’D
have thought when I put that tentative message on the Probus Facebook page during the summer of 2023, asking if there was a book club I could join, that Probus Bookworms Club would still be going strong today, with a membership of over 40! As the September meeting marked our first anniversary, everyone entered into the spirit of things, bringing scrumptious sharing plates. Huge thanks once again to Graham and Phil at the Hawkins Arms for allowing us to celebrate in this way. Special thanks to Bookworm Marci Hughes for designing and baking our surprise anniversary cake, in the shape of a book emblazoned with our Probus Bookworm logo (below); it was awesome and tasted great!
As a bit of fun, we also ‘marked’ all the books we’d read this year out of 10. The run-away winner, with 8 out of 10, was Anne Bronte’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, proving that the classics really do stand the test of time.
But we mustn’t forget September’s book, which was Vita Nostra – an English translation of a Russian-language book, written by Ukrainian husband-and-wife team, Marina and Sergey Dyachenko.
We are introduced to Sacha, a teenage girl of above average intelligence, who lives with her mother. They take a break to a beach resort in Crimea, where she becomes aware of being watched by a sinister man named Farit, who orders her to undertake a number of strange tasks. Sacha is later persuaded by Farit to enrol at the ‘Institute of Special Technologies’. But this is no ordinary school: the lessons are obscure and almost impossible to learn. Moreover, the Institute uses terror and coercion to keep the students in line; if they transgress, their loved ones pay a terrible price.
The book raises many questions, which the Bookworms felt were never answered.
A complex blend of fantasy and philosophy, abuse and dark magic, Vita Nostra was at times a difficult read, and very different to our usual genres – but when we started Probus Bookworms Club, we agreed that reading some books that take us out of our comfort zone can only be a good thing.
The book we’ve chosen for November is Prima Facie by Suzie Miller. The next meeting is at 7 pm on Tuesday 19th November at the Hawkins Arms.
If you fancy joining us, please pop along. We’d love to meet you and we’re a really friendly bunch!
Probus Village Hall improvements
By Sarah Hoggett; photos by Jon Hibberd
THEVillage Hall has been looking somewhat the worse for wear in recent years and it’s been obvious for some time that a major refurbishment was required. As many of you will be aware, that work began in August this year. Here’s a very brief overview of the background to the project and details of some of the changes that have been made to date.
Early in 2023, the committee submitted an ‘expression of interest’ to Cornwall Council for a levelling-up grant from central government. Over the next few months they gradually developed and refined the proposal, obtaining detailed plans and costings and emphasising the benefits these improvements would have for the village as a whole. There was some to-ing and fro-ing as the council specified what it felt ought and
ought not to be covered by the grant, but finally, almost a year after that first expression of interest, they received the wonderful news that the application had been successful and a grant of £125,000 had been awarded. Since securing match funding from other sources was one of the requirements of the grant, Probus Parish Council also contributed around £12,000 from the infrastructure levy on new housing. Under the terms of the grant, the refurbishments have to be completed by the end of this year, so it’s
Below: The Village Hall committee. From left to right: Neil and Karen Glasson
(plus baby Penelope), Nicki Hughes, Ivan Myles, Ross Goldsworthy.
been all systems go over the summer – but the project is well on track.
Although all the committee are actively involved in the refurbishments, Ivan Myles is the day-to-day project co-ordinator. He’s very proud of the fact that, apart from highly specialised jobs such as the new tiered seating (see overleaf), he’s been able to use a lot of local contractors and tradespeople. He’s also been able to call on a team of volunteers from the village to help with decorating and non-specialist jobs, and it’s been wonderful to see so many people have been prepared to give up their time. Huge thanks to everyone involved.
A major improvement has been the installation of a high-quality broadband system covering the whole site, so visitors will no longer be subjected to the frustrating experience of the signal dropping out just when it’s needed.
One of the first areas to be tackled was the committee room (shown above right), where the old, flickering fluorescent tubes have been replaced with LED ceiling lights. There’s now a ceiling-mounted projector, which can operate as either wired or wireless (through Bluetooth) depending on the user’s requirements, so films and video presentations can be screened direct from the user’s laptop. An induction hearing loop has also been installed, which transmits audio directly
to users’ hearing aids or cochlear implants, cutting out background noise and making speech and music clear. One low-tech but very effective improvement has been to paint part of the wall next to the kitchen white so that it can function as a screen for film shows and other audio-visual presentations.
The piece de résistance, however, has to be the main hall. Although some work has still to be done on the stage area, ten new LED lights have been installed, which are much more energy efficient and provide more even illumination
than the previous strip lighting, and a suspended ceiling and brand new sound system have been installed, which have greatly improved the acoustics. Best of all is the tiered seating (shown below), which was purpose built by Auditoria Services in Rotherham (one of only a handful of companies in the UK that can do this kind of work) to fit the space and can be rolled out at the touch of a button and rolled back again when not in use. As anyone who’s ever been involved in the annual panto will know, it used to take two whole days to set up the seating; this state-of-the-art system can be in place in less than two minutes (1 minute 12 seconds, to be precise)! All that then remains to be done is to slot in the guard rails at the sides and set out
the chairs. Fully extended, this provides seating for 120 people, still leaving space in front of the stage for another 60–80 seats on the flat. An added bonus is that when the seating is in place, the space underneath can be used to store things like cases for the sound equipment until the performance is over.
With a view to reducing running costs and opening up the hall to as many people as possible, energy efficiency and improved accessibility for visitors have been at the very heart of the project throughout. You can read more about these aspects in next month’s Probus News, when we’ll also be looking at the improvements to the stage area and kitchen.
Above: The old seating being installed for the 2022 panto, a process that used to take a team of volunteers two whole days. (Photos by John Denyer)
Above and right: The new tiered seating, which sits flush against the wall when not in use and can be rolled out in less than two minutes.
PVH: Can you spare a few hours?
YOUmight be surprised to learn that Probus Village Hall is run by a committee of just five people, all of whom are unpaid volunteers. The committee’s work includes costing, planning and supervising any ongoing maintenance (as well as the refurbishments currently taking place), keeping track of the finances, organising the lettings, and making sure the hall is kept clean and tidy for all users.
If you’re interested in helping or would just like to find out more about what’s involved, please get in touch by emailing lettings@probusvillagehall.co.uk or by phoning 07749 368162. No specific experience is required – just plenty of enthusiasm and the desire to contribute something to your community.
If joining the committee feels like too much of a commitment, perhaps you’d consider volunteering? From time to time, willing hands are needed to help with maintenance work, perhaps painting or doing a bit of DIY. Someone who could help keep the website up to date and promote the hall through social media would also be welcomed with open arms! Contact details as above.
The hall is an asset to the whole village, but it will only continue to thrive if enough people are willing and able to help manage it. Please consider giving up a few hours of your time to support it.
Recycling and litter survey
CORNWALL
Council would like to hear your views on how Cornwall can reduce waste and recycle more over the next ten years.
Weekly food waste and fortnightly rubbish and recycling collections are currently being introduced across Cornwall, area by area. This has already resulted in people recycling more and there will be no changes to the roll-out schedule.
However, to meet the Government’s target to reuse, recycle or compost 65% of household waste by 2035 and to comply with planned changes in legislation, including what materials are collected, changes will be required in the longer-term.
Please give your feedback on the council’s existing waste services and what more we can do to encourage waste reduction, reuse and recycling in future by completing the survey below by Sunday 24th November 2024.
The survey includes questions about household collections, the household waste and recycling centres and street cleansing.
Your feedback will be used to update the Council’s Resources and Waste Strategy.
Use the link below to start the survey. People without access to the internet can call 0300 1234 141 to order a paper copy.
https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/ recycling
Kiwi stick insects
living in Probus
SUZY
Monty reported that she had been in Probus Surgery and the receptionist had said she had a ‘friend’ on her hat. It turned out to be a 10-cm (4-inch ) stick insect. Suzy said she had no idea how it got onto her hat but removed it gently and released it into vegetation outside.
Sadly, Suzy didn't take a photo of it, but did report her find to the Phasmid Study Group here in the UK. Malcolm Lee from the group quickly responded by saying he had checked, and her find was the 43rd report from Probus since 1984. He said most reports were concentrated around the demonstration gardens, where he had found them himself on brambles by the padlocked entrance gate. All reports so far, have been of the Unarmed stick insect, Acanthoxyla inermis, and he was certain the one Suzy found would be the same.
Thanks to Malcolm for providing further information and the two images above, related these fascinating insects:
Stick insects have neither need nor ability to travel far under their own steam, typically moving no more than a few tens of yards during their whole
annual life cycle, preferring to remain static in the hope of not being noticed by a potential predator. That means all colonies are very localised, often restricted to just a few nearby gardens rather than thinly spread about the whole region. Their main means of distribution is with human help, as friends and neighbours who have stick-insects in their garden (possibly unknowingly) swapped plants with others.
The Unarmed stick insect originates from New Zealand and has been known in Cornwall since the 1920s at the former Treseder’s Nursery, Truro. Treseder’s laid out the Demonstration Gardens in the 1960s, and that is almost certainly when and how they first arrived in Probus.
They can be either brown or green, with green being the more common. All the ones you see are female, laying fertile eggs without the need for a male – a process known as parthenogenesis. They have an annual life cycle, hatching from the eggs in spring and grow quickly to become adult by summer. Adults have a body length of about 10-cm (4 inches) to 15-cm (6 inches) and are the longest UK insect. Adults do not live very long, with only a few surviving much into winter. In their brief adult lives they can lay several hundred eggs, which just drop below the bush the insect was feeding on, to start the life cycle again the following spring. A very small number might overwinter in sheltered areas, but this is not important for the survival of the species as it is the eggs that are expected to carry them through the coldest months.
If you spot a stick insect in your garden (or anywhere), be sure to treat it gently, take a photo and report your sighting to: www.phasmidstudygroup.org
Ed: Malcolm sent over much more information than I had space to print. I’m happy to share this with anyone who is interested. Just let me know.
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Probus allotments
INSeptember, speaking to Devon Life magazine, TV chef Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall suggested that people should have enough time to grow their own food. He said that ‘for thousands of years, humans were hunter-gatherers and I think this still speaks to us. That's what it means to be human. We have an emotional connection to knowing where our food comes from and if, instead, we only have industrialised, anonymous, ‘stick it in the microwave’ food, we're missing out on a huge part of human culture’.
Here in Probus we are fortunate to have the excellent Trudgian Farm Shop selling local food, and we also have the Tredenham allotments on Ladock Road and Truck Hill. It has been a difficult year for growing crops due to the unusually wet and cold spring and summer, but despite this, allotment holders have enjoyed a good harvest of salads, fruit and vegetables. Taking home food which has been grown from seed to be cooked results in a mealtime satisfaction which is hard to beat.
If you agree with Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall then you may consider having your own allotment. There are still some spare plots available and now is the time to get ready for next season. Contact Steve Dalton for further information on 07813 995206 or email probus.peat@btinternet.com.
Below: Michelle working on her plot. (photos: Jon Hibberd)
2024 Pumpkin competition
THISyear allotment holders were invited to enter a competition, to see who could grow the biggest pumpkin. Readers may recall the story from last October’s magazine where 10-year-old Archie had grown a massive one.
To enable the competition, allotment holder Mike Taylor grew twenty pumpkin seedlings from seed collected from a very large pumpkin grown last year by another plot holder. These were then sold to allotment holders to see who could grow the heaviest, with the funds raised going towards the committee's ‘Hedgehog House’ fund.
Twenty people entered the competition, but due to the difficult growing conditions this year only five plants produced decent sized pumpkins.
The winner was Mary Hews with a whopping 76lb (34.4kg) entry. They were weighed using a special spring balance kindly provided by Sarah Richards at Trudgian Farm Shop.
After the competition Mary said ‘The biggest challenge was keeping the slugs at bay for which I used beer traps. The pumpkin was grown on a two year old ‘no dig’ bed of horse manure and seaweed and if I can keep the slugs at bay till Halloween I intend to make a giant lantern’.
Many pumpkins will be bought in order to make lanterns later this month but pumpkin soup is very easy to make and produces a tasty soup with a silky texture.
Top: Mary receiving her certificate and prize from allotment committee chairman Steve Dalton with committee member and competition judge Sam Shearing. Above: The shortlisted pumpkins lined up ready for weighing.
Roseland and District u3a
Events during November
Patchwork and Craft Group: Friday 8th and 22nd November 9:30 am to noon at Probus Village Hall.
Local History Group: (Cornwall and the Reformation) Tuesday 12th November 10:15 am to noon at Tregony Church Hall.
Classic film: Ace in the Hole (1951) Thursday 14th November 10 am to noon PVH.
Book club: Wednesday 20th November 2 pm to 4pm at Roseland Parc, Tregony.
Scrabble Group: Thursday 21st November 2pm to 4 pm at Tregony Bible Christian Fellowship Hall (BCFH).
French Conversation: Tuesday 26th November 2 pm to 4 pm Tregony BCFH.
Lunch Club: Thursday 26th at noon. Venue to be arranged.
For more information about the Roseland u3a visit: u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly. com
Over 60s Lunch Club
is with reluctance that we will be closing the lunch club on 22nd. January 2025 owing to ill health. The rest of our team will also be retiring.
If anyone is interested in taking over they would need a team of 6 people to do so and it would be preferable that one person should have catering experience.
We would be quite happy to help anyone start up. I can be contacted on 01726 882751 or 07522 289724 or Janet on 07592 768220.
We would like to thank all our regular members for their support and regret having to call time.
Zena and Janet
Probus panto 2025
By John Denyer
ASwe did last year, Probus News visited PVH one Sunday in October where the cast from Probus Parish Players was rehearsing for next February’s village panto. The panto, Rapunzel is directed by Megan Russell, in her fourth outing as director.
The main hall was lively and busy, with several dozen children, youths and adults lined up rehearsing the finale song and what looked like a complex dance routine. I’m sworn to secrecy, so can’t tell you what the song is, but take my word for it - it’s a banger. Under Shannon Wignall’s expert choreography, the cast were already swaying, moving and dancing as one.
During a break, I briefly chatted to four of the junior cast, sister and brother, Charlotte and William, along with twins Millie and Isabelle. Charlotte (8) and William (9) are on their third panto, while for Millie and Isabelle (8) it’s their first time.
When asked what the panto was about, Charlotte and Millie combined, almost in one breath, and said ‘It’s about Rapunzel who was kidnapped as a baby, and about why her hair’s so long. And then her hair gets cut, and then she finds her Prince’.
I asked them who the baddie was, they first said the Prince and then corrected themselves to say Becs. According to the Brothers Grimm fable, I worked out that Becs plays the sorceress who kidnapped Rapunzel as a baby and now falsely claims to be her mother.
All four youngsters have made new friends with others in the cast, and it was very evident they were thoroughly enjoying themselves. They said, they are working on learning their third song, and there will be more to learn over the coming weeks.
I asked if the panto was funny, and was told ‘A bit. It gets funnier in the middle and the end’. Well, that’s kids for youthey don’t do diplomacy. We all know it’ll be a hoot!
I hope to interview the Director and other cast members and give more panto news in the next edition.
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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.
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 meet for breakfast and chat on Monday 11th November 9 am at Griggs Restaurant, Sticker. 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.
Mobile library: Fridays 1st November, 29th November and 27th December. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm.
Over 60s Lunch Club: Next lunches
are on Wednesdays 13th and 27th. November. All at PVH with 12 noon start. See closure notice on page 37.
Probus Club of Probus: 14th November annual pre-Christmas Chairman’s ‘bash’ at The Hawkins Arms with buffet and music from Arthur Panton. Coffee meeting at PVH on Thursday 21st November. Visit on 5th December to Scale Model Scenery, Tresillian.
Probus Fun Week: 9–16th August 2025.
Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Monday 11th November, Charles Dickens in Cornwall with speaker Barry West. Monday 9th December, Stories behind the Cornwall Memory Game with speaker Merryn Threadgold. All meetings in PVH, 7.15 for 7.30 pm start.
Probus Knit and Natter Group: Every Wednesday 10 am at PCC.
Probus Litter Pickers: First Saturday of each month at 10 am. Meet at PVH.
Probus Parish Council: Meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Next meeting on 20th November. Full details at www. probusparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Probus Parish Players: Festive Family Bingo at PVH on Friday 22nd November. Breakfast with Santa on Sunday 1st December. See page 21 for details.
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.
Probus Young Farmers Fireworks: Saturday 2nd November. Gates open 6 pm, fireworks at 7 pm. Raising money for club funds and Cornwall Mind. Sparklers for sale. BBQ and refreshments available. Entry £5, under 3s free. *Cash only* W3W ///afflicted.pools.wiggles.
Probus Church
Christmas Fayre
Saturday 16th November 2–4 pm.
Dave Meggs is collecting bottles for the bottle stall. You can leave any donations at 53 Church View Road, Probus. Thank you.
Return of the aurora
THENorthern Lights also known as aurora borealis returned to the skies above Probus overnight on Thursday 10th October. The night owls of the village were given a sight to behold, and not for the first time this year - all due to significant geomagnetic storms.
Thanks to Dillon Beresford (top right), Sophia Best (bottom right) and Ellie Beaumont (below) for your images. Sophia has been lucky enough to see both the Southern Lights and the Northern Lights in one year!
The search for the Lady Agnes
By Laura Van Kempen-Wilson
FORour first meeting of the season on Monday, 9th September, Roger Radcliffe came to talk to the Probus Historic Cornwall Society about the search for the schooner Lady Agnes. This is the tale of how a chance discovery of a postcard dated from the 1930s started the hunt for a lost figurehead and uncovered the history of the ship upon which she had resided.
In 1872, Martin Tredinnick Hitchins, an experienced entrepreneur, established a small shipyard on the beach at St Agnes. In the summer of 1877 the Lady Agnes was launched. She had taken 9 months to build. She weighed 91 tons and was just over 79 feet long, with accommodation for five seamen. Shortly after her launch, the Lady Agnes was in Cardiff and ready to start her first voyage to Sicily. Her travels were to take her to Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Holland, Italy and even as far as Canada.
In July 1896, whilst under the ownership of Richard James Hockin of Newquay, a bottle containing a gallon of perfumed spirit was seized by the Coastguard at Newquay for evasion of duty –smuggling! On 4th October, the Lady Agnes sailed from Newquay, bound for Ellesmere Port but off the coast of North Wales she was caught in a tremendous gale, so bad that the local lifeboat was unable to launch. Finally, she grounded close to Gogarth Abbey and the crew were hauled ashore by means of ropes. Thus ended the Lady Agnes’ history with Cornwall, for a while.
Her new owner, Mr Stephen Dunphy of Llandudno, acquired her as a wreck, and she was towed to Anglesey, where her
Welsh career started. The Beaumaris Port Register described her figurehead as three-quarters of a woman, the same description given when she was registered at Hayle in 1877. Only five months later, she had hit rocks in the Menai Straits, requiring further substantial repairs and, on 24th June 1899, she was sold again, with further sales in 1905 and 1917.
On 30th April 1919 the Lady Agnes was purchased by Theophilus Couch of Pentewan, who changed her from a top-sail schooner to a ketch rig. On 6th March 1931 she was in collision off Hull with the barge ‘Royalty’ when she sustained significant damage. She eventually returned to Wales where she was sold again in 1935.
The strain of nearly 60 years of hard work was beginning to tell and, in July 1937, she started leaking and was grounded off Porthmadog. Although she was towed off, she never went to sea again and rotted into a hulk which was eventually broken up.
What became of the figurehead? Who was she? If you visit the Museum in St Agnes you will see the figurehead, but how did she get there? Her discovery is the result of many years of diligent investigation and a series of coincidences which cover thousands of miles but that, as they say, is another (fascinating) story.
Thanks and acknowledgments to Roger Radcliffe of the St Agnes Museum and author of The Search for the Lady Agnes.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor.
May I, through the Probus News, offer a massive ‘thank you’ to those people who have supported me through my recent illness.
But where do you begin to thank those wonderful people for their cards, flowers, offers of help, messages of support and prayers?
Derek and I have been overwhelmed by your kindness, which has played such an important part in my recovery. To name you all individually would be impossible, but I would like to say a special thank you to Beryl and Tony Courtman for the hospital trips!
My biggest thanks must go to the Mermaid and Sunrise centres who, once again, have used their healing powers on me and given me back my life.
We count our Blessings to know so many lovely people and our heart felt thanks to you once again
Jenny Colton Tresowga Gweal
Local sport
Probus Bowling Club
THEclosing of the green for the 2024 season saw 16 bowlers playing for the Den Talling Trophy, which was won by one of our new members, Peter West. The weather was glorious and was followed by a BBQ and wine. The green is now closed for the winter, however maintenance work will be going on every Monday morning on the bowling green, the pathways around the green and the clubhouse.
One of the final competitions of the season was the Roger Johnson Memorial Trophy, which was played in glorious sunshine, and won by Colin Champion. (Players pictured below).
In the County Group 3 Men’s League, the men finished one from bottom in the Central Division League but managed a creditable 3rd in the Triples League. The ladies struggled at the beginning of the season as they only had four players but they managed to play in all of the County Group Rippon Cup games, which they really enjoyed.
Next year the ladies are hoping to enter the County Group 3 Ladies Evening League as well. Dawn, Carol and Meta, pictured right, after playing at Looe Ladies Triples day on 20th September 2024. Again, this was played in lovely weather with members from different clubs.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and village magazine as we will open the bowling green in April next year and would welcome any prospective new members.
Top, left and bottom images by Jon Hibberd
Probus
DROPSHIP,
Holman Sports and Probus FC were all promoted at the end of last season to the Kernow Stone St Piran League, Division 2 West, and all three promoted teams are doing well. Dropship have started the season the best, with an impressive 21 points from seven games (although one was an away walkover). At the time of writing, Probus FC sit fourth in the table, having won five and lost two of their seven games.
1
2
Tyrone Farley
PROBUS
Football Club is mourning the passing of club legend Tyrone Farley after a long illness. Tyrone was involved in the football club for over 50 years and was a well-known, and much-loved character on the local football circuit. During his time as an integral part of the club, he carried out virtually every role imaginable at some point or another, and right up until the end of the 2023-24 season, he was still supporting the club home and away as much as he could.
Tyrone’s passion for Probus, and in particular the football club, was obvious to everyone and there has never been a more passionate,
Probus will no doubt have been buoyed by the 0-7 away thumping they gave to Constantine AFC on 12th October, and the 2-4 away win at Stithians on 19th October.
There are some real tasty fixtures for Probus FC over the next six weeks:
26th October: Home to Holman Sports (5th vs 2nd)
2nd November: Home to Newlyn NonAthletico (5th vs 3rd)
9th November: Away to Perranwell
16th November: Home to Lizard Argyle
23rd November: Home to Frogpool & Cusgarne
30th November: Home to St Agnes 2nd
14th December: Away to Lizard Argyle
All home games kick off at 2:30 pm at the Playing Field. Come along and support your local team.
committed and dedicated member of the club. There were times when Ty’s passion spilled over a little, and many a referee has felt the wrath of his tongue, which on more than one occasion resulted in him being asked to leave the ground, and ultimately it meant that he had to watch the game, away from the referee’s view, from behind a hedge somewhere!
Probus Football Club will be a poorer place without the legend Tyrone Farley as part of the club. Ty supported many different players and managers over his time at the club and he would enjoy a pint (or three!) after each game, giving his valuable (and very honest!) insight into how the game went.
The club will mark Tyrone’s fantastic commitment to the club in due course, after consultation with his loved ones. RIP Tyrone Farley, gone but never forgotten.
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