Probus News Magazine - October 2022 edition

Under new management

Page 5

Merna’s mural Page 11

Neil Staten Page 21

Luxulyan Valley walk

Page 24-26

Man Down Cornwall Page 36-37

Back to school Page 46-50

Plus U3A, bananas, youth club, Queen Elizabeth II, churchyard maintenance, Jubilee Lamp, lunch club, book club, and more. Front Cover: The Book of Condolences at Probus Church by Jon Hibberd.

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

Publication dates

November Friday 28th October

December Friday 9th December

January 2023 No edition published

February Friday 27th January

March Friday 3rd March

April Friday 31st March

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.

Community News and Notices

Community litter pick

By Steve Dalton

IN

September last year, Councillor’s Karen Glasson and Steve Dalton organised the first community litter pick here in Probus. Since then they have been held on the first Saturday of each month, and on 3rd September this year, the volunteer litter pickers braved the weather to complete their first year of activity.

Karen's husband Neil has the unenviable task of sorting and disposing of all that is collected, and he estimates that the group has picked up, over the year, about 24 black bags of litter and 30 recycling bags of plastic, cans and glass. Several incidents of fly tipping have also been spotted by the group and reported to Cornwall Council.

More volunteers are always welcome and we really appreciate everyone

COMMUNITY FOOD LARDER

PROBUS PARISH CHURCH

Opening Times: Monday

Our local community larder is FREE and open to EVERYBODY to use in Probus and the surrounding area.

JUST DROP IN

2:30 3:30 Friday

Help us, help you & reduce food waste!

NO ONE GOES HUNGRY PROBUS & SURROUNDING AREA.

Saturday 9:30 10:30

Isolating or can’t get out?

Please email nochildgoeshungryprobus@gmail.com to find out about our delivered food parcels.

who comes out with us each month. It certainly has made a huge difference to our wonderful village.

Editorial

Under new management

WELCOME

to another busy edition of Probus News. Since I last wrote here, there have been a series of hellos and goodbyesa real mixture of emotions. The church was packed on Thursday 18th August for Neil Staten’s funeral. This much loved man was a stalwart in the village for many years and our condolences go out to his wife Ann and family.

The other goodbye of course was to Queen Elizabeth II and that seemed to consume everyone and everything for ten days in September. I was in Portugal at the time and was fascinated to see how extensively it was covered in the European press and on TV. For some days it was the only story on Portuguese, Spanish, French, German and US TV channels.

THEHawkins Arms is under new management, with Graham and Phil Bishop-Macrides having taken over on 16th September. Graham was born and brought up in Probus and, after spending around 20 years working in the travel industry in London, moved back here with his partner (and now husband) Phil, during the Covid pandemic. They’re no strangers to the Hawkins, either! Graham worked behind the bar under the previous tenants before taking on the job of manager at the Idle Rocks in St Mawes, while Phil worked for a time as the Hawkins Arms’ chef. Phil has already worked out his new menu and says his intention is to offer good-quality, homecooked food at affordable prices.

‘We’ve done a lot of research into what people in Probus want from their local’, says Graham, ‘and our focus is going to be on making this a family-friendly venue’. As part of that ethos, they have plans to create a children’s play area where the kids can play safely. Graham and Phil have already had a lot of support from the village and we wish them every success.

In terms of hellos, we welcome Graham and Phil to the Hawkins Arms. They are full of ideas of how to turn this pub into the local that this village needs, and I wish them well with their new enterprise and will certainly do my bit to help with ullage.

In Probus Primary School, The Roseland Academy, Penair and other schools, there were also many hellos, as children from the village started for the first time, or moved to new classes, new year groups and new teachers. Exciting times ahead.

John

Advertisers’ Index

Accountants/Finance

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Plumbing and/or Heating

Robert Larter 29 Beauty, Nails and/or Massage Therapist Paul Ashby Johnson 28

Building Contractors

Nicky Waters 23 Andrew McMonagle 18

Craig Edwards 18 Nails by Emily 12 Chris Rogers 39

N & S Builders 22 Aesthetically Beautiful 32 Roller Bathrooms 32

Bucher and Farm Shop Ear Care

Property Maintenance

Trudgian Farm Shop 39 Duchy Ear Care 28 Shaun Beresford 23

Cake suppliers

Alastaire Hambly 39 Kernow Cups n’ Cakes 19 Hair 4 U 12 Ben Heather 29

Hairdressing

Care Provider Janey Paul 22 MB Building & Windows 12 Alexandras Care Truro 38 Optician Peter Woolcock 18

Country Store

Peter Donnelly 51 Restaurant/Take Away M A Grigg 14 Podiatry Tandoori Spice 38

Electrical Contractors Roseland Podiatry 13 Stone Mason & Plant Hire Brightsparks 39 Locksmith Ed Faull 19

J K Electrical 22 Paul Gagan 18 Taxi/Private Hire

Recall Electrical/Home Security 19 Mobile Car Valeting Carlton Cars 29 Roseland Electrical 29 Paul Mulkeen 30 Travel Agency

Estate Agent/Surveyor Motor Servicing, Sales, Repairs Graham Bishop 31

Philip Martin 33 Collins of Probus 2 TV Aerial & Satellite Services

Fuel Supplies S J Grigg 52 Shane Perry 23

Logs ‘n’ Coal 30 Music Lessons Upholstery

Funeral Directors Emma Packer 32 Slipknot upholstery 30 W J Beswetherick 32 Painting & Decorating

Will Writing L J Tregunna 15 L A Nolan & Son 28 Will Writers Services 13

Gardening Services

Pet Store Probus Parish Council 8 Silvaticus 30 Fal Valley Pets 13 Probus Comrades Club 42

Acoustics Night (Comrades Club) Tim Joyce 07412 126774 or Ian Tumilty or 07849 199959

Badminton Club Pauline Partridge 01726 882649

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

Bowling Club David Meggs 01726 883443

Church Bell Ringers Liza Deards 07888 684425

Churchwarden

Comrades Club

Andy McCartney

Bryan Trebilcock 01726 882747

probus.churchwarden@gmail.com

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

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 (from 20th September)

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

Ladies Group

Eve Richards 01726 882657 or 07767 383982

Pat Gluyas 01726 882978 patgluyas68@btinternet.com

Litter Picking Group Steve Dalton 01726 884080 stevedalton166@btinternet.com

Little Lights Pam Cobbold 01726 882495 jplelissick@btinternet.com

Mid Cornwall Wood Turners Pauline Salisbury secretary@midcornwallturners.com

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

Parish Players (Pantomime) Cathy Cadby 07860 755787 info@probusparishplayers.co.uk

Playing Field Mgmt Committee Graham Smith 07968 478 970

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

Parish Council Clerk

Primary School

Jenny Hoskin 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Angela Praed 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk

Primary School PTA Sophie Baker 01726 882647

Probus Club of Probus Nick Hibbett 01726 883093 nick.hibbett@btinternet.com

Probus Nursery

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

- Fridays

Young Farmers

Terry Hodge or Tim Joyce 01726 884495 or 01726 884574

Teresa Hayhoe or Kaye Ludlow 07720 393745 or 07968 722430

Tegan Arthur 07900 797750

Other village pages: Probus Cornwall, Probus Super Mums!, Probus News Magazine, Probus Swap and Sell

Probus News Magazine AGM

at Probus Comrades Club (upstairs)

Wednesday 5th October

2022 at 7:45 pm

All are welcome

Contact Sheila Bing on 01726 883400 for further details.

Do you have a problem?

Why not contact one of your local Parish Councillors for advice www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Steve Dalton Ridgeway

01726 884080

Liza Deards Holly Farm, Truck Hill 07888 684425

James Faull Tresowgar Cottage 07494 756249

Nick Gillard (chair) Fore Street 01726 883926

Neil Glasson Ladock Road 07709 286850

Ross Goldworthy Gwell an Nans 07967 125526

Malcolm Maskill Lamellyn Vean 01726 884368

Bill Sutherland Bosnoweth 01726 884007

Rachel Tofts Carne View Road 07432 566055

If you are not able to contact a particular councillor, then contact the Parish Council Clerk email clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk

Cornwall Councillor Karen Glasson on can also be contacted on 07980 975527 or email cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk for

Myrna's mural

IF you take a walk along the bridlepath that leads from Tregony Road to Parkengear Farm you can’t help but see the large (5-6m) tower on the right. This tower is in Myrna Sheer’s garden and originally it supported a large steel water tank. The water tank itself was fed by a well in the next-door property and in the days before mains water was piped around the village, supplied fresh water to properties in Parkengear Vean.

The water-tank rusted away years ago but the redundant tower was never demolished. Myrna, who has lived in this property for 50 years, said that it's a feature that has always been there. For years it was covered in ivy but Myrna had it all removed and asked local artist Robert Taylor to paint a mural on one side, incorporating an Australian lizard wall ornament. The result is fantastic, although still a work in progress.

Robert has started a second mural and has plans to paint another on the third side, and possibly even paint further up

the tower. The murals already brighten up Myrna's pretty garden and are visible to anyone walking along the bridleway.

A message from the Curate

the faith of those who have gone before us. We are part of a story that is bigger than ourselves and our temporary crises and this gives me hope for all that God is going to do through his church and in this community in the future.

How old is Probus?

IHAVEwritten a few times here about the work we did with children from Probus Primary School when we looked at the history of our Church and our village.

One of the questions we wanted to answer was ‘How old is Probus?’ and the answer maybe a lot older than you might think. Many churches with unusual saints’ names are built on sites where a saint came and founded some sort of Christian settlement which was thereafter named after that saint. But we have no evidence of a Saint Probus coming anywhere near our village.

One particularly interesting theory, however, suggests that the name may actually be related to the Roman Emperor Probus (Latin for goodness). Probus may not have come to Britain, but he was emperor of the whole Roman Empire from the year 276 succeeding Emperor Aurelian (meaning golden). It is possible that the Christian settlement of Golden (near Creed) and that at Probus were founded contemporarily and named after the emperors of the time. If this is so, then it would be remarkable as this would have been a very long time ago, a couple of decades before Constantine came to power and encouraged the spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire. This could make Probus one of the earliest Christian settlements in the UK.

Whether it is found to be true or not, we know for certain that Christians have worshipped on this same spot for over a thousand years and that the living faith of the people who are a part of the church today is a continuation of

Rev’d Paul

Above: a Roman coin from the period of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus (276 to 282) - it wasn’t found in Probus!

October church services

Sunday 2nd 10:30 am Harvest Festival

Sunday 9th 9:30 am Alternative Holy Communion

Sunday 16th 9:30 am Connect

Sunday 23rd 9:30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 30th Team Service

Other regular events

Little Lights: 1:30-3:30 pm Thursday 13th

Tower Tots: 1:30-3:30 pm Thursday 6th and 20th

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

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

Tresillian Midi Group

THEmembers of Tresillian Midi Group welcome new members! We are not affiliated to any national organisation and the group was founded over 50 years ago. Prior to the pandemic, we met once a month and our programme consisted of speakers on a variety of subjects, and visits were made to places of interest. A Christmas lunch was held usually at a local hotel and even a beetle drive once a year –with a buffet of course! Since restrictions eased, we meet for lunch once a month at a different venue each time which has enabled us to keep in touch with each other.

However, we would like to resume our meetings as they were held before the pandemic and propose to hold them in the afternoons of the third Tuesday in the month. We are holding a cream tea in Tresillian Village Hall on Tuesday, 18th October at 2 pm and invite everyone who is interested to come along and find out more about Midi membership and meet our current members. There will be no cost involved for the tea. I think our programme was similar to the Probus Ladies Group which has now unfortunately disbanded, so perhaps their members would like to join us?

If you would like more information, please ring our Chair Ann Winter on 01872 862627, our Secretary Shirley Anderson on 01872 520372 or just come along to Tresillian Village Hall on Tuesday 18th October at 2 pm where a very warm welcome will await you.

Do come along for friendship and fun!

Shirley Anderson Secretary

Donate the Rebate

ANEWcampaign has been started by Newquay based Crowdfunder, encouraging those that own second homes in Cornwall, and those that can afford it, to donate their £400 energy rebate to one of a series of local charities that support those most in need. Crowdfunder say 'Charities working across Cornwall have seen a 75% increase in families seeking food parcels, 1500 people are in emergency accommodation across the county and over 21,000 are on housing waiting lists'.

As winter approaches, conditions for all but the very comfortably well off are set to get really difficult with energy costs increasing to unprecedented levels topped by increases to the cost of food, transport, and other essentials. We don't appear to have many second homes in Probus, but across the county, if every second homeowner took part, £5.4m could be re-distributed to people who desperately need help.

For more information, go to https:// www.crowdfunder.co.uk/donate-therebate-cornwall

It’s all gone bananas

THANKS

to Ruth Tregunna for sharing her photo of bananas growing in Bosnoweth.

Spotlights Youth Club

ONSunday evenings Probus church is filled with young people, music, joy and laughter. Spotlights Youth Club meets at the church on the first and third Sundays of the month from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.

We would love to see some new members. Anyone of secondary school or college age is welcome to join us. Our members are a real mix of ages and both boys and girls.

We have great fun in a very relaxed and informal setting. There is a chance to just chill with friends, play pool, air hockey, table football and board games or do some crafts. Halfway through the evening we come together for a short video and some chaotic group games, and then snacks to keep everyone going!

We regularly have special events such as

our popular open mic night where the young people can perform for their friends, quiz nights, ‘taskmaster’ nights and the very successful ‘Great Spotlights Bake Off’, when the young people made some amazing cakes for the Queen’s jubilee.

If anyone would like to join us, we do need their parent or guardian to fill out and sign a registration form. Please contact Christine Salaman on salaman_ pandc@yahoo.co.uk for a form or turn up with your child the first time they come and fill out a form on the day.

Queen Elizabeth II

IT has been only a few short weeks since the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the pomp and circumstance of the funeral will remain in our memories for a very long time. Who could fail to be moved by the long, slow march as the Queen’s coffin was transported from Buckingham Palace to the great vaulted space of Westminster Hall, accompanied by her four children and three eldest grandsons, or by the solemnity of the funeral itself?

Just as poignant, if not more so, is the way in which ordinary people expressed their grief. As the many thousands of people filed past Her Majesty’s coffin during the lying-in-state, bowing their heads in silent tribute, some struggled to articulate their feelings, saying only, ‘I felt I had to be here’. Others came to honour the memory of their own parents or grandparents. Many members of the armed forces simply said, ‘She was my boss’.

In Cornwall the proclamation of accession was read on the morning of 11th September by Andrew Williams, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, on the steps of Truro Cathedral, and then repeated in Cornish by Pol Hodge, Grand Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh. Here in Probus, as in so many towns and villages across the UK, a book of condolence was placed in the Church of St Probus and St Grace for people to sign and Cllr Nicholas Gillard, Chairman of the Parish Council, read the proclamation to the congregation.

It was on her 21st birthday in 1947, when still Princess Elizabeth, that the Queen pledged, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service’. As King Charles III said in his first address to the nation, ‘That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life.’ We can all give thanks for that life of service carried out with such commitment and dignity.

To quote King Charles III once more, ‘Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing’.

Rest in peace, ma’am.

The Probus Club of Probus

magazine full of local news, events, photographs and articles of interest. It is delivered free to each household in Probus eleven times a year.

Celebrating 20 years

AFTER a year in which the club has welcomed a good number of new members and held a successful summer of social events including a ‘sausage sizzle’, ‘picnic in the garden’ and a guided tour of archeological works underway at the new A30 Chiverton Improvements, The Probus Club of Probus is planning to finish their 20th year in some style with a ‘black tie dinner dance’.

The event, organised by club Chairman Ray Schofield and Luncheon Secretary Richard Ludlow, is to be held at the Probus Comrades Club on Friday 21st October, and already looks to be a ‘sell out’ with over 40 tickets booked by members and their partners. Catering for the three course dinner will be by well-known local events caterer Pencoose Pantry and there will be entertainment from a popular local musician and regular performer on the piazza in Truro.

With a growing membership, the usual high-quality speakers being booked for our monthly coffee meetings and a range of social activities planned for next year, the Probus Club is well placed to move into its 21st year in 2023.

Cash draw 2022

PROBUS

News magazine is a nonprofit organisation that aims to publish a high-quality village

20Produced and delivered by volunteers, our only income is from advertising, a grant from the parish council and the annual cash draw (held just before Christmas). The cash draw is a vital part of our yearly revenue and goes some way towards covering our printing costs.

Pre-pandemic, we always sold our cash draw tickets door to door. For the last two years, with the pandemic still in full swing, we decided that ‘door to door’ was not safe. Instead, we decided to include a book of tickets in each copy of the November edition, asking those that wanted to support us to return the ticket stubs in the pre-printed envelope provided. It worked! You supported us magnificently, for which we thank you.

This year, we will do the same again, so look out for your tickets in the November edition. The draw itself will be held in December at the Comrades Club and the results announced in the December magazine. We sincerely hope that, once again, you will support your village magazine.

Neil Anthony Staten

IT is with great sorrow and sadness we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Neil Staten, who passed away at home on Wednesday 3rd August 2022, aged 78.

Born on 20th September 1943 in the town of Smethwick, in the West Midlands, Neil was proud of his Black Country roots. Growing up in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Neil attended the James Watt Technical School where he soon discovered a love for history, especially industrial history; a passion he developed into a professional career.

Between 1963-1966 Neil attended Kesteven College near Grantham, Lincolnshire, to train as a teacher, and is also where he met his future wife Ann.

After qualifying, Neil took up a secondary school teaching post, first at Albright High School in Oldbury, and then Willingsworth High School in Tipton, where he taught his beloved History, and English.

Outside of school, Neil was actively involved in Oldbury Swimming Club, and 1st Warley Scout Group as the Group Scout and Cub Scout Leader, both of which his sons would attend. Whether it was teaching at the swimming club or the scout group, Neil loved working with and inspiring young people, always striving for them to realise and achieve their potential to the best of their abilities.

After both Neil and Ann had retired from teaching, they made a new home for themselves here in Probus. They both settled quickly into village life, and soon became active and involved in the village. Neil, along with Ann was a regular attendee at Probus church, and Neil would soon become a Church Warden, finally stepping down in 2020.

As a pillar of our community, Neil was a member of the Probus Club, and of the Old Cornwall Society. Continuing his love for history he wrote a number of articles for this magazine, often with a local historical topic. Neil would almost always be found on a Friday night in the Hawkins Arms, where he, along with some of his closest and dearest friends, would ‘set the world to rights’, enjoying a good scotch or three.

As a lover of sports, Neil had a particular fondness especially for cricket, rugby, and athletics. In his youth, Neil represented Staffordshire County becoming both junior and senior crosscountry champion. While at college Neil represented the college’s athletics team and played in their rugby team. His love for rugby followed him into Cornwall, as Neil became a long-time fan and season ticket holder of his adopted Cornish Pirates RFC, rarely missing a home game.

Neil’s funeral took place on Thursday 18th August 2022, at the church, and he was cremated in a private ceremony at Truro Crematorium. He is survived by his loving wife Ann, his sons Matthew and Timothy, his grandsons, Jonathan and Oscar, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Walk through the Luxulyan Valley

By Sarah Hoggett with photos by Jon Hibberd

THISis a circular walk of just over two miles through the beautiful Luxulyan Valley, which was designated part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site in 2006 thanks to the fascinating early 19th-century industrial remains that can be found throughout. Over the centuries it has been home to several industries, including tin streaming, copper mining, granite quarrying and the production of china clay. Nowadays it’s a tranquil area of ancient woodland, the silence broken only by birdsong, the tumbling waters of the River Par and the occasional rumble of a train passing by.

From St Austell, take the A391 towards Bodmin and follow the signs for the

Eden Project and Luxulyan. On entering Luxulyan, pass the Kings’s Arms pub on your left, then follow the road round as it bears right, through the centre of the village. Pass the church and village shop and follow the steep, narrow road down for about 0.3 miles. Just after you cross Gattys Bridge, turn right into another narrow lane that brings you, after 0.4 miles, to the Black Hill car park, where this walk begins.

From the car park, go up the steps that lead to the start of the Fowey Consols path (closed at the time of writing for essential structural work), then turn left across the footbridge (shown below) and walk diagonally up through the beech trees and steps; this short section is steep and a little uneven, but once you go through the gap in the wall at the top you’re on well-maintained paths for the rest of the walk. The track here, known as the Carmears Tramway, will take you past the end of the Treffry Viaduct (see Treffry’s vision, page 26) and it’s worth making a detour across the viaduct for the views over the valley below.

Return to the Carmears Tramway and continue to the Wheelpit. Along the way you’ll see granite sleeper blocks of the 19th-century tramway still set into the ground (shown right), as well as the original horse-drawn tramway rails. The track goes through mature deciduous woodland, with beech, oak, sycamore and ash trees all visible, as well as holly, hazel and alder. (In fact, the Cornish for Luxulyan Valley is Glynn Gwernan, which means ‘valley of alders’). The valley is also incredibly rich in mosses, lichens and ferns (more than 40 species of fern have been recorded here), and ground flora include bluebells, celandine, wood anemone, bilberry and many more.

The Wheelpit, built in 1841, housed the waterwheel that worked the winding cables at Carmears Inclined Plane, hauling wagons up the slope to the tramway. Pick your way carefully down the steps at the side of the pit for a closeup view of what remains. The wheel itself

was partially recycled in 1940 to provide metal for the war effort, but fragments of the rim can still be seen in the bottom of the pit (see below). Although they’re now rusted and partially hidden in the undergrowth, you can still get a sense of the scale.

Back on the Carmears Tramway, you’ll see the ruins of a small stone building on your right and another in a clearing on your left. These were a checker’s hut (to count and check the wagons going up and down) and a smithy. Continue along the tramway until you get to the top of the Inclined Plane. Walk down the Inclined Plane and turn right onto the Velvet Path, shown above. (This was originally an 8-mile private carriageway called the Long Drive. After it fell into disuse it became covered in moss and acquired its current, more poetic, name.)

Treffry’s vision

The industrial remains that we see today are largely the work of Joseph Thomas Treffry (1782–1850), whose business interests included the Fowey Consols copper mine just outside Luxulyan Valley. Faced with the seemingly impossible task of moving raw materials up the steep slopes of the valley, Treffry’s solution was to build the Carmears Inclined Plane, which rises 91 metres on a 1 in 9 gradient. As this was too steep for horse-drawn wagons, a waterwheel more than 10 metres in diameter worked the winding cables, hauling wagons up the slope to the tramway. The waterwheel itself was powered by the Carmears Leat (a watercourse that ran through the Treffry Viaduct, precisely sloped at a gradient of 1 in 260). Stretching 200 metres and rising 30 metres above the valley floor, the Treffry Viaduct is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.

The Velvet Path brings you back to the car park and passes under the Treffry Viaduct, allowing you to really get a sense of the scale of this incredible construction.

Acoustic ClubUpstairs at the Comrades

August session

ITis a Bank Holiday. It is the last Monday of the month and the call goes out that the monthly gathering of musicians, poets, storytellers will go ahead in the upstairs bar of the Comrades.

Drifting in, a growing, loyal audience and eventually thirteen musicians are gathered in a circle and we can share in each other’s songs, poems and banter.

Musicians have made it up from as far as Hayle and Padstow such is the reputation we have of a safe, respectful place to play.

This month saw the return of Diane Johnstone who writes a lot of her own material. Her gentle delivery is reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and you can hear a pin drop as she entrances the audience.

Lorraine Rooke is now a regular and goes from strength to strength as she accompanies herself these days on guitar or sings a capella. Her songs are always mesmerising, and she has a pure voice.

Sid (River Blue) is always a great listen. More selfpenned songs, often with a Cornish slant.

Vernon (Du Hag Owr) joins us

regularly with a mixture of shanty songs of the sea or humorous self-penned poems. He is joined by Richard Ludlow who this month remembered the late great Dr Alan Kent and read some of his own poems and some he had worked on with Alan. Alan was a great music enthusiast and was often seen at open mics and live band nights in the village.

Along with all the other musicians, the three hours is soon gone. Often someone starts a song and is soon accompanied by Graham on cahon, Ritchie on harmonica, assorted guitars, bass and percussion from the audience and these moments are often magical.

Ian Tumilty shares the task of keeping everything going which he does with his usual cheerful banter… He sings some great songs too.

We are well looked after by the Comrades staff and are lucky to have such a lovely space to use.

If you fancy a sing or want to share a poem or story or simply enjoy an evening listening as audience, you will be made most welcome.

Always the last Monday of the month. Put it in your diary now!

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.

more!

PERIOD HOUSE WITH FABULOUS GARDENS AND SWIMMING POOL

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Regarding your very interesting feature about the Wainhomes site. I wish they had built some detached easy to run bungalows for pensioners. Yes, five were set aside for social housing, but when I enquired I just got sent round in ever decreasing circles.

The proposed Allen's Meadow development would have been ideal for us. So it's a great shame it didn't get off the starting block. Plus there was even a community café planned there.

I have a friend who is homeless at the moment, through no fault of his own, and the cost of rented accommodation in the village is astronomical even though he is employed but can only afford so much, the costs are too high for him. If it wasn’t for friends helping he’d be literally on the street. He is a local man in his late 50s. I enquired about one of the social housing bungalows for him (as well as for us), but one just gets pointed from pillar to post getting nowhere. Very depressing situation overall.

Then we see a council house at Parkengear that has been empty for years with the garden overgrown outside. It would make someone a nice home if smartened up, but the council has let it go and are not bothered.

Why one wonders? When there are homeless families crying out for suitable accommodation.

I now hear the Fish and Chip shop is closed. Yet another feature of our lovely village to disappear.

Name withheld upon request.

Editor: I’ve received multiple related emails and calls this month, as well as readers who stopped me in the street to chat. Unfortunately we have run out of room to room to include them here. Thanks to everyone who has reached out, and please don’t be put off from contacting me in the future.

Footpath closure

MANY

walkers in the village will be saddened to see that the landowner at Trewithen has decided to close two permissive footpaths within the Trewithen Estate.

Permissive footpaths are not public rights of way and the landowner has the right to withdraw permission for people to use them. Nevertheless it’s extremely disappointing. People from this village have been using these two footpaths for generations, and other than during the COVID-19 lockdown, they have always been accessible and regularly used by those in the village.

Jamel’s allotment: how to grow a pumpkin

By Jamel, age 10

YOUfirst need to buy pumpkin seeds, soil and pots. The best time to start planting pumpkin seeds is late May to July. You start by putting some soil in the pot and I make a hole with my finger, you then place a seed in the hole and cover it over with soil to the top of the pot. Give it a little water and you can grow it in your greenhouse or on a window sill. Make sure you regularly water it.

Once it starts to grow you can transfer the seedling into the ground. You do this by digging a hole big enough for

the roots and seedling to fit. Make sure you push it right in and pat it down so it doesn’t fall over. Then give it a good water. Pumpkins need lots of water to grow. They will then grow flowers which will be the pumpkin. Once pumpkins are formed, they will be orange and big enough to eat. You will know they are ready to pick if they are orange and if the actual plant starts dying. This year I have 15 pumpkins growing. Good luck next year if you grow them!

Also in my allotment this year we have grown tomatoes, runner beans, peas, turnip, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, figs, lettuce, courgettes, potatoes, blackcurrants, chard and herbs. We have also grown sunflowers and have a wild flower bed for the bees. Most of our veg we eat now comes from our allotment. My advice to everyone is get an allotment because it’s good fun!

Man Down

challenge ONE

day in 2019 46-year-old Ross Withers, who farms the 156-acre Higher Tresawle Farm in Probus, found himself being talked into competing in 'The Three Peaks Challenge' to raise awareness and much needed funds for the local charity Man Down Cornwall.

The charity's aim is to support men who find themselves struggling with any kind of mental health issues. Around 82 men commit suicide every week in the UK, and it's well documented that many men find it difficult to talk about issues they may have in their life, especially mental health issues. The charity currently provides regular meetings in 27 locations across Cornwall and encourages any

man who may need it, to come along and just chat in a supportive and totally non-judgemental environment.

Always keen to support local good causes, especially one founded by a very close friend, Ross thought he had six months to train. It was only later that evening he found out he had in fact only eight weeks to prepare. It would be a challenge for anyone to ascend and descend the three highest peaks in the UK, but this challenge is to do it inside 24 hours. Many have tried to do this, not all have succeeded. To cut a long story short, Ross and his friends from the charity started by climbing Ben Nevis (1345m), they then went to Scafell Pike (978m) before finishing on Mount Snowdown (1085m). Even with the reduced training period, the team managed to complete the challenge in 21 hours and 49 minutes, in most horrendous weather conditions too, raising around £10,000 for the charity.

This year, Ross agreed to take on a new, even harder challenge to support the charity. The idea was for a group of eight men to carry an 82 kg log up and down Ben Nevis, with only four men carrying the log at any one time. The route is 10.5 miles long, 17km, up and down, and includes 1352 metres of ascent (and 1352 metres of descent too!). The log itself is big, heavy, and totally inflexible. Difficult enough to carry on a flat path, it proved very difficult to carry on such challenging terrain, when at any moment the full load or weight was moved from one end or one side of the log to the other. The eight-man team, all local to

the Truro area, worked in 15-minute shifts and when not carrying the log, the 'rest time' was taken up carrying two rucksacks! Every man was tired, battered and bruised by the time they reached the summit, but they did it, and the downhill was just as challenging.

In carrying the 82kg log up and down Ben Nevis, Ross and his friends raised over £18,000 for Man Down Cornwall. They were also supported by the Probus Comrades Club during their May Ale Festival. When asked what his next crazy challenge will be Ross said, ‘I’m not sure, there is talk of doing the ‘Fan Dance’ challenge in the Brecon Beacons’. This is part of the SAS selection course and being in January is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Watch this space.

To find out more about Man Down Cornwall, look at their activities, or perhaps make a donation to support men's mental health in Cornwall go to www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk.

Probus Book Club

Probus Historic Cornwall Society

By Liz Horder

THIS month the book we were reading was Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor.

It is about an elderly widow taking up residence at the Claremont Hotel. This hotel seems to cater for the elderly with no where else to go, as well as normal clientele passing through. All the characters in the book are beautifully written. The story of the genteel older folk falling on hard times reminds me of Cranford by another Elizabeth (Gaskell).

Themes include loneliness, snobbery, boredom and one-upmanship. Although this is set in a different era there are many similarities. All the characters are very well written from Mrs Palfrey herself to Elvira Arbuthnot crippled with arthritis. Mr Osmond is an elderly man who tries to avoid all the ladies and only speaks to the male staff. Mrs Burton seems to spend her time at the bar ordering whiskies with her brother-in-law often in tow. After having a fall, Mrs Palfrey is rescued by a young man, they become friends and she tries to pass him off as her grandson at the hotel, as her own grandson does not visit her. Nearly all in the reading group thought this was a charming and well written book, comical and sad.

What's in a name?

WEwere delighted to welcome members old and new, and visitors, to our first meeting of the season on 12th September, when Martin Wright came to speak to us on the history of street names in Truro. Martin has a deep knowledge of Truro and its highways and byways, his family having lived there for generations. As part of his working life, Martin absorbed a great deal of information on properties in the Truro area and became passionate about how streets acquired, and lost, their names.

Martin explained that street names in Cornwall usually derived from places, people or something in that particular street. For instance, St Austell Street goes to St Austell, Boscawen Street is named after Edward Boscawen and Castle Street is so called because of the 12th century castle which stood there. Were the castle still in existence, it would look very much like the castle at Launceston, which is of the same era. Sometimes names change, often for obvious reasons; Cathedral Lane was previously Church Lane.

Martin also shared with us the fascinating history of the places, people and buildings which gave their names to the streets, lanes, quays and hills of Truro and, all too soon, we were out of time!

Next time you find yourself in St Dominic Street, spare a thought for the friars of the Dominican Friary of 1249, lying quietly in their cemetery under the BT building!

Probus Church grounds

OVER the last month, Nick Lauder and several volunteers have really made a big difference to parts of the church grounds, including clearing overgrown tree growth to expose graves which haven't been seen for a long time. We really appreciate the significant time and energy the volunteers have put into the work as we cannot make any progress towards our objectives without their help. There is still a long way to go! The project team will now be dividing the church grounds into five or six different zones and planning how each area could be treated to improve the diversity and visual attractiveness of them. We would welcome the thoughts of residents on this.

In last month's article, we described how the area had become overgrown over the course of the year since the grass is only being cut three times each year. Now that the rain has arrived at last, the grass will start to grow again before having a final cut later in autumn. Next year, the first cut will be done in late spring and, depending on what the weather is like over the subsequent months, the grass could become very long again. In fact, some areas may be left in that state on purpose depending on our plan.

In order to populate the various areas with flowers where possible, we have placed a box in the church porch for contributions of flower seeds. In addition, to ensure better survival and early flowering, we would also welcome plug plants of, for example, foxgloves and primulas, that you may have in your gardens that have self-seeded and are not wanted by you. If you can put these in small containers, we will then transfer them to our nursery area and transplant them after the first grass cut next year.

We have also put a box in the porch for you to put your suggestions in for us.

We intend to keep you informed of our progress each month in this magazine. Also, we mustn't forget that the area around the church is not just an area for wildlife to flourish but is a sanctified place. The inscriptions on the gravestones have special significance for the relatives of the deceased, and remind the rest of us that they were local people just like us who lived and were loved and died here. From the impressive Hawkins memorial to the poignant little headstone for three year old Maud Merrifield, they remind us of our own mortality and the gift of life that we now have. We intend to celebrate the lives of some of those buried in future articles.

We really need your help to achieve our aims. If you can spare any time at all to help us in any way, please contact Nick or Steve.

Nick Lauder at n.lauder29@btinternet. com 07403659869 and Steve Dalton at probus.peat@btinternet 07813 995206

PROBUS

EVENTS DIARY 2022

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 – so if you fancy a cuppa and a bit of a natter, come along. There’s no charge, although donations will be welcomed. It’s a great chance to catch up with old friends and perhaps make some new ones

Friendship Club: MHA Communities Cornwall are 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 along with an outing on the third Thursday of each month. Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 cornwall@mha. org.uk

Mid-Cornwall Wood Turners: Club nights are 1st Tuesday of each month and training nights are on the 3rd Tuesday each month

Mobile library: Stops at PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:20 pm (note changed times) on Friday 7th October, 4th November and 2nd December. Latest updates are posted on www. facebook.com/CornwallLibraries

Over 60s Luncheon Club: Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month12th and 26th October, 9th and 23rd November and the last one of 2022 will be on 7th December

Probus Church Christmas Fayre: Saturday 26th November between 2 pm and 4 pm. As usual, Dave Meggs will be collecting bottles for the bottle stall from the beginning of November

Probus Club of Probus: Black-tie 20th anniversary dinner dance at PCC on Thursday 20th October

Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Monday 10th October in PVH. 7:15 for 7:30 pm. The History of Gorran Haven with Speaker Michael Bunney, a Gorran Haven resident and local historian. Members free, visitors £1.50

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

Saturday Coffee in the Church: These are always held on the first Saturday of each month between 10 am and 12 noon. Coffee, cake and a friendly welcome for everyone

Roseland U3A

October activities

THE good news is that we are restarting a Craft and Patchwork group in Probus Village Hall. This will be run by a well-known ‘Crafter’ from Probus, Myrna Harrison, on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, starting at 9:30 am. Please come along and support Myrna and I am sure you will learn something new. Materials will be provided.

Jubilee Lamp

DURING

the early hours of Saturday 27th August, the Jubilee Lamp was struck by a vehicle and as the picture below shows, was severely damaged.

Tuesday 11th October at 10am a local history talk on The Fal Navigation Project at Tregony Church Hall. At the end of the 17th century an attempt was made to create a navigable channel from Falmouth up to Grampound. Come and learn more.

Thursday 13th October at 10am at PVH is the classic film Waterloo starring Orson Wells.

Tuesday 18th October at 2pm at PVH we will hold an afternoon social with tea and cake, a quiz and raffle. All are welcome.

Wednesday 19th October 2pm at Roseland Parc - the Book Club

Tuesday 25th October 2pm at Tregony Bible Christian Fellowship Chapel the French Conversation Group

Thursday 27th October 12pm our Luncheon Club, venue to be arranged. Ring Sue on 01872 580115 for information.

Call or email Carole on 07794 135193 or caroleannbowling@yahoo.co.uk to learn more.

The Jubilee Lamp, a much loved focal point of the village square, was commissioned and installed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It’s been damaged and repaired several times in the last 125 years, but still quite shocking to see it in pieces.

The parish council is looking into how it can be repaired and put back in place, but it’s likely to be a complex, costly and lengthy repair. Thanks to Sandie Osborn for sharing the photo above. Below an image from our archives showing the lamp being refitted after a restoration in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

An update from Cllr

Karen Glasson

OVERthe past few months I have been working on several matters as below:

- Parking issues. I have requested more enforcement and I have seen that this has been happening. However, I would urge everyone to consider their neighbours and the wider village when parking. Recently emergency vehicles were hindered attending an incident due to double-parking.

- Speeding, I have recently joined the local Community Speedwatch and we will be looking at doing this regularly in Probus. If anyone would like to volunteer, please let me know and I can provide details of how to sign-up.

- Overgrown sites across the village, I am working with the parish council and Cornwall Council to ensure these are cleared as soon as possible.

- Unwelcome changes to the bus timetable: I have raised these with the Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and I will continue to pursue this. You can see the timetables on the Cornwall Council website. If you want a paper copy let me know.

- Incidents of anti-social behaviour: The police have been out with me to consider steps that can be taken. If you have any concerns, please do let me know.

On wider matters, I know that everyone is concerned about rising costs. There are grants available through CC for household support during the cost-ofliving crisis and if you are unsure of what you may be eligible for, please do get in

touch. I speak regularly with residents and have helped on a wide variety of issues.

I attend parish council meetings and provide a report on local and Cornwall Council wide matters. If anyone wishes to attend the parish meetings these are usually the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at the village hall, the agenda is posted on the village noticeboard and parish website three clear days before. It would be lovely to see you there, please come along to listen or ask questions. There is a slot for public participation at each meeting.

Lastly, the parish council and I are arranging regular monthly drop in/ surgery events in the coming weeks. These will be held at the village hall and dates will be advertised soon. These events are a chance for anyone to pop in and have a chat with us about issues that are impacting you or Probus. As always, I am happy to help if you have concerns or questions about Cornwall Council matters. If you are unable to make these events, please always know that I am available anytime on 07980 975527 or by emailing cllr.karen. glasson@cornwall.gov.uk

Cornwall Councillor Probus/St Erme ED

First day at school

THERE was excitement and possibly a little anxiety here and there across the village in early September when children from some families started at Probus Nursery, Probus Primary School,

while others moved up to secondary school.

Below: Arthur looks pretty happy to be starting his first day in Year 1 at Probus Primary School, while little Rosie seems equally happy to start her first day of full time nursery.

Photo above left is Tia who moves up to Year 10 at Penair School, and to the right is Josh who starts Year 6 while younger sister Daisy starts at Year 3 at Probus Primary School.

Left is Oscar, another new starter in Reception class. More photos on the next three pages.

Left page top is Scarlett who has moved into Year 3, followed by Brody in Year 6 with younger brother Casey who is now in Year 1. Bottom left and right are Elwin and a very excited Bethan who both start in Reception class.

This page top left is Mia who is now in Year 6 while brother Jenson starts in the Nursery. Top right is Isla-Mae who starts in Reception class and to the right is Caden who is now in Year 4.

Over the page you will see Sam all ready for his first day at The Roseland Academy, plus Ellowyn Year 1 and little sister Annabelle (Tinks) who starts at the Nursery. Bottom are Lowen, Jamel and Eddie all looking very happy about returning to school

Thanks to all parents who sent these photos in.

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