Scilly Now & Then 67 UK by Scilly Now & Then

No. 67

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IN THE MOOD CAMERA OBSCURA UNDERWATER SCILLY

SCILLY NOW & THEN No. 67

e decided to ditch the editors photo this month and replace it with a sun, which is basically all you need to know about the weather since the last issue. It’s been gorgeous! And things have been pretty great in other ways - kicking off all the way back on June 1 with the Keep Smiling Through event, which was a great success (read about it on page 14). Elsewhere, the airport runway is being resurfaced and the roads are being replaced. People are loving the new smooth surfaces! Lagan Construction’s Project Manager tell us how it’s done from page 30. The Camera Obscura at Buzza Tower is open after a long development period and we wasted no time in heading up there to see what it’s all about. And it’s easy to forget while we’re busy with our lives that there’s a whole other world beneath the waves. The sea around Scilly is teeming with life, so we asked diver Dave McBride to show us a bit of what he sees on a daily

basis. Thanks to him for the great cover picture this month. We also feature a brief preview of current Theatre Club production Merely Players. It runs all summer so do go along and see it. It’s a good ‘un. Some of you have been asking us where our previous cover photos were taken so we’ll be sure to include that information from now on. Just to catch you up a bit, issue 66 was Porthmellon, 65 was Peninnis, 64 was taken from St Martins, 63 at Trenoweth on St Mary’s and 62 from Bar Point on St Mary’s. Issue 60 shows Nornour, St Martins, Great Ganilly and Great Inisvouls. On a final note, Jon has relinquished editorial duties as he is assisting with media duties at the local Council until the reshape is complete. He will still be involved but the final say in what goes in is mine and mine alone! Enjoy the magazine (that’s an order!). Beth

Editor: Beth Hilton beth@scillynowandthen.co.uk

Editorial & Letters 01720 423861 editorial@scillynowandthen.co.uk

Scilly Now &Then, PO Box 8, Isles of Scilly TR21 0WY You can also contact us via our website www.scillynowandthen.co.uk or on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/scillynowandthen Printed by R Booth Print as supplied from original artwork. www.rboothltd.co.uk

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Contents Off the Record

Are They Merely Players?

Underwater Scilly

Keep Smiling Through

From The Archives

Quiz

Dog Show 21 A Walk on the Wild Side

Maritime Scilly

In and Out of the Garden

Camera Obscura

Linnet p23 Keep Smiling Through p14

Boys from the Black Stuff 30 Shipwrecks

Inside The Sevenstones

Bygone Gaze

Phil’s Feasts

Islands’ Partnership

Letters

Keep Smiling Through p28 Phil’s Feasts p51

Quiz p19

The Thebest bestof ofScilly Scilly

Underwater Scilly p12

Boys from the Black Stuff p30 Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Morris p49

Off the Record p6

Dog Show p21 Flower Festival p20

Summer Play p11

www.scillynowandthen.co.uk www.scillynowandthen.co.uk

offtherecord Andrew George MP Constituency Office Trewella 18 Mennaye Road Penzance TR18 4NG 01736 360020 email: andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk PRIME MINISTER FOR A DAY – WHAT WOULD YOU DO? t’s the MPs equivalent of winning the jackpot in the national lottery; coming top in the ballot for a Private Members Bill. One of those great opportunities that can only come along once in a lifetime. But you can only have one Bill not a whole raft of legislation in your own Queen’s Speech. So, since my name came out of the hat at the end of last week, I have been sifting through scores of policy proposals. I’ve also discovered that I have thousands of new ‘friends’, all beating a path to my door, with new plans and proposals. However, I have resisted the temptation to take someone else’s already carefully drafted ‘off the peg’ Bill – to support Mesothelioma sufferers, a new Forestry Bill, a Nature Protection Bill, Electoral Reform proposals, the banning of Wild Animals in the Circus, a Food Security Bill, a bill to prevent parking on the pavements and many other proposals – worthy as they all are – and have narrowed my proposals to just three. I would appreciate receiving your feedback. They are: 1. An Affordable Homes Bill To help meet the desperate need of local families for affordable homes. It would introduce new tools: • A fund to support families trying to get on to the housing ladder - by helping them buy a ‘share’ in a new home of their own. • Combatting the ‘spare room subsidy’/‘bedroom tax’. Poor families are as entitled to a stable

family home as better off families. I would limit the impact of the ‘bedroom tax’ to exclude those who have been living at an address for more than three years and also where disabled adaptations have been completed. • A new planning rule to restrict the number of second homes. • Powers of compulsory purchase for local authorities where developers ‘land bank’ to drive up prices or refuse to release land to meet the need for affordable homes. 2. A Cornish Assembly Bill This would introduce new powers - equivalent to the Welsh Assembly - which could be drawn down. Over time it would build on the powers of Cornwall Council - and the Council of the Isles of Scilly - should the islands choose to be involved in such devolution. 3. Health Care Standards Bill This would strengthen safe standards in healthcare through: • A new mandatory safe staffing level on hospital wards; ‘never more than eight’ patients to each registered nurse (excluding the nurse in charge) on hospital wards. • Support for home care workers - a living wage, payment for travel time, travel reimbursement and the setting of minimum limits on the amount of time that home care workers are expected to complete tasks. • Extending NHS registered nurses into the community, including in private nursing homes where the NHS is paying for nursing care. Those that I can’t take forward under the Private Members Bill I will try to advance by

other means.

offtherecord Amanda Martin Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly Town Hall St Mary’s Isles of Scilly TR21 0LW 01720 422400 amartin@scilly.gov.uk

ne of the pleasant duties of the Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly is to attend our annual May Day ceremony on St Mary’s. Held this year on May 21st, the crowning of Miss Rebecca Smith as Queen of the May took place in the Park in glorious sunshine. Every year local children and school staff put in huge efforts to perform the dances and songs that have been part of this May Day tradition on St Mary’s since 1875. We are the envy of many visitors who lament the widespread loss of such rituals elsewhere in the country. Once again, the Women’s Institute provided an excellent and visibly much appreciated - selection of refreshments to follow the dancing. In recent weeks, St. Mary’s has witnessed the arrival of some unusually hefty pieces of machinery that are now trundling around our

roads, preparing surfaces and laying tarmac. Lagan Construction Limited is resurfacing many of our roads and the airport runways. Obviously, it is not easy to undertake such an important and much needed job without some inconvenience to residents, but nonetheless I have been extremely impressed with the care and consideration shown by the Lagan workforce in respect of residents and passers-by. The new road surfaces are a huge improvement and well worth the slight disruptions. As we enjoy this beautiful summer, it is hard to recall the violence of the past winter’s storms. Thanks to volunteers from the neighbourhood and to the Tresco Estate gardeners, Porthcressa is recovering well from the battering it received in February. Our tourist numbers reflect the upturn in the weather, so long may the trend continue!

fter eight weeks of hard work, and great fun, we are nearing the end of the 2014 Duke of Edinburgh course. I should like to thank all those who took part, both the students and the members of the fire service, for their enthusiasm and participation in another great project, made possible by the effort and work put in by the islands’ young people. (See the pictures below to see what they got up to). We have also had an evening with a group of young people taking part in the police year 9 project, learning core and safety skills. Well done to all. Following an exciting trip on a wet and windy day, Tresco have finally got their appliance back and on the run. Unfortunately tide and weather were against us, so there was no time for an official handing over and tea party. Instead we adopted a more drop and run approach, returning to St Mary’s with just enough tide to get off the landing craft. As part of our ongoing program of renewal and replacement, I have been working with Holmatro UK who are going to be providing five sets of hydraulic rescue and cutting

Fire away equipment, to replace our existing kit that has come to the end of its working life. We received the first set a few weeks ago and hope to have the rest in the next month to six weeks, when we can issue and train the crews who will be operating it on all the islands. This Issue’s hot topics: With all the fine and tropical weather please take care when using your BBQs. Follow the instructions, and check all the safety features. When refuelling petrol engines, whether lawn mowers or outboard motors, ensure the engines have cooled down. Use the correct size funnel, in a well ventilated outdoor location. If you are afloat, remember fuel vapours are heavier than air, and will remain trapped in the bilge area for sometime after filling. Clear up any spillage and allow time for evaporation of residue before restarting. Finally enjoy the benefits of the hard work put in by the Lagan road team, but please slow down and drive to arrive. Declan Ridsdale, Station Manager, Isles of Scilly Fire & Rescue Service

don’t think anyone would disagree that the newly-laid roads on St Mary’s look fantastic and have provided a welcome improvement to the islands, but for some they could not be laid quick enough. There has seemingly been a surge in the number of bike accidents on Scilly over the last few weeks, some of which have led to very painful injuries, although none thankfully have been life changing. Improving the road surfaces will almost certainly make cycling safer; however, there is potential for a knockon effect that is already apparent on some roads. As someone who rides a bike myself, I have noticed how you can very easily find yourself travelling at high speed by simply freewheeling

Health matters down Church Road. We are fortunate on Scilly that there are not as many cars as on some roads on the mainland, but most of the accidents recently have not involved any other vehicles. In the time that I have been on Scilly it is pleasing to see that almost all children wear helmets and that the number of adults wearing them seems to be increasing, but it is still much more common to see cyclists without them than with. In my years as a doctor, I’ve seen how devastating head injuries can be to both individuals and their loved ones on more occasions than I would wish, so my message for this column is therefore simple - enjoy the new roads, but check your speed, cycle safely and always wear a helmet. John Garman GP

Quay issues

to complement the quay surface laid earlier in the year. The main building is undergoing complete refurbishment which will see new freight facilities, a restaurant, staff accommodation, retail units and a new Harbour Office. These improvements will be financed by the Duchy of Cornwall before European and Government funding provides the works to the structure of the quay itself and the provision of a covered queuing area for Scillonian III passengers. Information boards and our daily meetings with the contractors will ensure we keep everyone up to date. A significant element of the tendering process was to ensure the project will be carried out with the minimum of disruption to the normal running of the Harbour and while we are working particularly hard with various contractors to ensure this is the case, the reality is simply a little more complicated! Inevitably there will be interference and we would like to request, and thank, anyone affected for their support and consideration during the project and please remember that the best line of approach for any information or query is always right here in the Harbour Office. Just think of the end result… Alan Hartwell, Deputy Harbourmaster

ur busiest month of the year has come around once again. With an impressive 12 cruise visits during May our Pilots and boat crews have seen many interesting sights. All the passengers I spoke to gave superb reports of the Island and the businesses within and I was assured on more than one occasion that many of these short term visitors will be returning for longer. We have also been busy with the plant and aggregates for the roads and runway resurfacing being carried out by Lagan Construction. The project will see a significant rise in the amount of freight handled within the harbour. The aggregates are being carried by the coaster River Trader, operating from Grenville, France while the plant is being moved by Bullo Marine’s landing craft Arromanches and Sabrina, running from Newlyn. We have been pushing hard, along with the project managers, to get River Trader discharged quickly and efficiently. The race is always on to unload as quickly as possible as the tide runs away; less freight means less draught and less need to leave the berth at low water as this vessel cannot take the ground. Anyone visiting the quay may find themselves distracted by the works in various areas. A new wave wall is under construction

In My Humble Opinion with Cllr Gordon Bilsborough DEMOCRACY IN DANGER?

though he had held a permit. He had been selling his local grown produce for over two years on a stretch of pavement some seven feet back from the road. The Council claimed there was a policy that did not allow any street trading in Hugh Street. The new pitch he has been using is so narrow he parks over the pavement and partially on a single yellow line. It is possible that if the yellow line rules are enforced, he will have to move again. I said it would be simple commonsense to allow him to continue trading from his previous site (which caused no obstruction) until the Licensing Committee could review the whole policy of street trading. I received little support from my colleagues who had been advised by Council Officers that “it was a strictly legal matter”. But it is the elected Members who decide Council policy which the Officers must implement.

t has been put to me that, as a Councillor, I should refrain from criticising Council decisions on a local social network. I wish to emphasise that my first responsibility is to the electors of the Islands and not as a mouthpiece for defending Council decisions with which I disagree. This is why I have commented on some controversial issues in my column and will continue to do so whenever it is justified. Despite its faults, I hope the day never dawns when the media and free speech are controlled by the authorities as in many other countries.

PAY UP OR BE POISONED! The water from boreholes on St Mary’s which feeds the desalination plant is extremely high in iron/manganese content. Also, the bore holes are not producing sufficient water to run the plant continuously. The recently installed iron content removal plant is extracting most of the iron, but cannot remove it all. Consequently, at peak times, the filters need replacing daily at a cost of around £20,000 a month. A feasibility study is being undertaken to extract water directly from the sea to reduce the reliance on boreholes. The Council’s General Purposes Committee agreed with a report that, given the rising costs of supplying drinking water on St Mary’s, the Water Charges Working Party should meet as a matter of urgency to review the water charges “so that they are more equitable with mainland charges in the South West”. This sounds suspiciously like a move to increase our water charges to the levels imposed by some privatised mainland water companies. Perhaps we may have to pay more to lessen the risk of being poisoned; or am I too cynical?

UNJUSTIFIED BUREAUCRACY My wife took a modest amount of domestic garden waste to the tip in June. After weighing her car before and after the rubbish was removed, she was asked for her postcode. Since there are some 30 houses in our road with the same postcode, I fail to see why the Council required this data. I was criticised by colleagues for having the temerity to query this unnecessary bureaucratic edict. I made the light-hearted suggestion that, if the Council wishes to trace the source of domestic waste taken to the tip, individuals should be required to show their passports and provide a sample of their DNA. I simply fail to understand why some people have a negative sense of humour!

THE WAY AHEAD At the time of writing, the Council is in the throes of major structural changes. It is vital that the exercise is carried out so as to remove understandable uncertainties felt by some staff. There will be difficulties in certain areas but I hope these will be resolved satisfactorily.

A BLINKERED DECISION In May, a St. Mary’s man was ordered by the Council to stop street trading after being warned that he could be prosecuted even

Cllr Gordon Bilsborough

ARE THEY MERELY PLAYING?

t Mary’s Theatre Club has taken the bold step of performing a new play by an unknown writer and if the writer’s own website is up to date then the recent opening performance at the Town Hall was a world premiere! Merely Players by Damian Trasler is about members of a drama group who meet up to clean out their props store. In the process of sorting out their equipment and costumes a stage set develops and the play transforms into a period murder mystery. The question is, is it a dream or are they merely playing? The main reason for going with Merely Players was numbers. The original plan was to perform Peter Whelan’s 1982 play The Accrington Pals, a drama which contrasts life at the Front in the 1916 Battle of the Somme and the experiences of the women left behind. A fitting choice in the centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War. However, a large cast was

required to mount the production and sufficient numbers were not available on the islands. On the plus side, at least the group have the use of the Town Hall again after last years’ renovations meant performing in the limited confines of the Church Hall. Kevin Leeman both directs and stars in the play, alongside Gail Sibley, Dave Chodkiewicz, Jon Mackenzie and Laura Pearson. The actors are ably assisted by an experienced backstage crew. Performances take place most weeks between now and mid-September, usually on two of three nights from Monday to Wednesday so do check at the TIC from week to week or contact a club member. Tickets are available on the door at £7 for adults and £3.50 for children. There will be a full review of the play in the next issue of Scilly Now & Then. (picture by Mo Love) 11

UNDERW ATER SCILLY

Dave McBride has been diving since the age of 10, when his dad found a historic cannon site off Mullion Cove in Cornwall (known as the Mullion Pin Wreck). He now leads dives off the islands with his wife Sarah. We grabbed him for a quick chat when he was on dry land to find out what they get up to. 12

“

yet but there have been lots of them around the boat. A lot of people say it’s like diving the Red Sea but without the warm water. Sometimes they say it’s more colourful than the Red Sea. It’s amazing to get comments like that. Seals are one of the main attractions over here. They certainly do get around. A baby seal was released in France a while ago and it travelled 1,600 miles in three months. They can be boisterous with us but they’ve never hurt anyone. One tried to drag me away from taking some photographs last year. I think it was a young male coming up to mating season. He got his eye on me and that was it!” Find out more at DiveScilly.com. Opposite page: Plumose anemones off Gilstone gulley (Old Town); This page. Top left - nudibank off Wingletang, back of St Agnes, swimming through green jewel anemones. Top right - a cannon from the wreck of HMS Colossus off Samson. Bottom left - forest of plumose anemones; right - a very happy seal off Menawethan, Eastern Isles. All photos ©Dave McBride.

My main job is taking divers out, which we do usually from mid-April to the end of September. The main title in our advertising is Awesome UK Diving because there’s nowhere else quite like Scilly for colour, the reefs, the clarity of the water, the amount of light we’ve got. Virtually every rock is just covered in colour. We have about 2530 really good shipwrecks that divers love coming back for. We do three or four different cannon sites and the walls are just spectacular. Sometimes people just want wreck and we cater for that, while other divers really love the fauna and don’t want to touch the wrecks at all. It’s a mix. We also do a slideshow at the Methodist hall on St Mary’s every Thursday night called ‘Shipwrecks, Seals and Sea Squirts’. We use hundreds of pictures just like the ones here. We see some unusual things occasionally. We see sunfish floating by and we’ve been told there are leatherback turtles around, although I haven’t seen them personally. We haven’t managed to dive with dolphins

scilly gets in the mood T he Town Hall stepped back in time to the 1940s on June 1 - and it was a day to remember! Keep Smiling Through - an all day event to tie in with the 70th anniversary of D-Day - kicked off with a packed afternoon of entertainment starting with a short set from Andrews Sisters-style trio The Three Belles with their swing band The Bevin Boys. They performed such classics as ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree’, ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Schon’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again’, giving a tantalising taste of their longer set in the evening. The Belles were followed by a short play about the wartime spirit, written by Maggie Perkovic and performed by members of Theatre Club and Scillonian Entertainers, after which local dance group High Kidz Dance Academy performed various numbers choreographed by Lesley Thomas. The interval included a speech by David Duncan, whose father - D-Day veteran Harry Duncan - sat in the front row. Cllr Steve Sims also gave the event some historical context, talking about the importance of D-Day in changing the direction of the war.

As the second half got under way, the Scilly Sirens trooped on to the stage and sang some classics of the era, followed by a set by the Five Islands School Saxophone Group. The afternoon ended with a rousing

singalong with the Entertainers and a tea dance with local band the Sunset Syncopators. The Town Hall was packed out with locals and visitors, especially older islanders who have their own special memories of the war years. Everyone got into the spirit, with one local even lending a genuine air raid siren. Meanwhile, the Inner Circle were on hand to provide refreshments. And it didn’t end there - the Three Belles, Bevin Boys and Sunset Syncopators returned in the evening for a 1940s-style dance. As well as performing two fantastic sets, the Belles taught dancers how to do the Charleston, did a showstopping swing dance demo and mingled with the audience during their breaks. Locals and visitors really rose to the occasion, arriving in period garb with hair expertly styled by Rosanna Hogan and Lizz Shave at Cut Loose Hair Salon. This time it was down to the Rotary Club to man ‘Rick’s bar’. Jenny Byers was the organisational mastermind behind the event, under the umbrella of the Memory Cafe/ Older Persons Support Group. Thanks to her and all those who provided financial and other support.

Opposite page from top: The Three Belles in the afternoon, Scillonian Entertainers, Harry Duncan (in orange). This page left column: Five Islands School Sax Group, locals dressing for the occasion (hair by Cut Loose), The Bevin Boys. Right: The Three Belles in the evening, Sunset Syncopators, the Belles teaching the Charleston, more locals dressing up.

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from the archives

Professor Wyn Grant heads to the National Archives at Kew to investigate Scilly’s past

The Tresco rabbit problem

a perfectly safe place to release coypu.’ Another responded: ‘Coypu would no doubt eat the rushes if they were introduced to Tresco but they would be far more likely than rabbits to do damage to daffodil plants and potatoes.’ A senior civil servant was blunter: ‘This seems to me to be plain b. ridiculous.’ Commander Dorrien Smith insisted that rabbits were resorting to the rushes, but a civil servant argued: ‘I understand it is most unlikely that rabbits would resort to such a damp, if not wet, habitation it being quite contrary to their natural inclination.’ The Rabbit Clearance Society employed the Tresco gamekeeper for 80% of his time. Since 1959 they had received £4,231 [just short of £70,000 at today’s prices] from the Ministry ‘without achieving a noticeable reduction in the number of rabbits.’ Civil servants felt that ‘we have offered an exceptional degree of advice and practical help. The Commander, particularly in the beginning, has not responded with the same willingness... The Tresco rabbits pose no threat to the other islands and the amount of agricultural damage is probably not large - the main crop (daffodils) is not attacked by rabbits. It could be argued that the cost of control by the Rabbit Clearance Society is out of proportion to any benefit gained.’

resco Great Pool was causing concern in the 1960s. Between 1961 and 1966 the water level in the Pool rose between six and nine inches, which water logged adjacent bulb fields. According to a ministry memo: ‘Commander Dorrien Smith preferred an idea of his own of a temporary lowering the level of the Pool and allowing the reeds to dry and form a solid surface so that a mechanical excavator can be used to clear the reeds.’ It was noted that there would be problems landing such a machine on Tresco. The possibility of using grass carp, a weed eating fish of voracious appetite, was considered but after investigation it was decided that the pond is not suitable for use in view of the high proportion of reeds, the possibility of salinity levels too high for tolerance by grass carp and the present lack of fish of adequate size or numbers to make any impression on the very large weeded area. One civil servant argued: ‘The one method that presents itself as an apparent sure fire answer to the control of rushes is to introduce a coypu... The island is

Wyn Grant is part-time professor of politics at the University of Warwick. 17

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Dungeon Dave’s Quiz 1) 2) 3)

In London slang, how much is a monkey? In terms of number of episodes, who is Dr Who’s longest serving companion? Which musical was based on a 1939 book of whimsical poems by TS Eliot? 4) Who presents the television quiz show Pointless alongside Alexander Armstrong? 5) Which landlocked South American nation has most warships - Bolivia or Paraguay? 6) Who preceded Queen Victoria as British Monarch? 7) Which football team plays home matches at The Crown Ground? 8) Which main UK railway station was named after the eponymous hero in a book by Sir Walter Scott? 9) Which popular cocktail consists of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice? 10) How old was Marilyn Monroe when she married first husband James Dougherty in 1942?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 43

Do you enjoy a quiz? Come along to the Atlantic Inn at 8.30pm on Wednesdays, where Scilly Now & Then co-editor Beth Hilton will test your knowledge! There is also a quiz at 8.30pm on Sundays at the Scillonian Club and on Tuesdays at Old Town Inn.

HAVE SCILLY NOW & THEN DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR We hope you enjoyed your copy of Scilly Now & Then. Help us to help you or a loved one keep abreast of events on the islands from the mainland with a full year’s subscription - that’s eight issues - for a minimum donation of £15. For overseas readers please contact us for a quote. Please make cheques payable to Scilly Now & Then. SCILLY NOW & THEN PO BOX 8, ISLES OF SCILLY TR21 0WY For details of how to pay by BACS, contact us at subscribe@scillynowandthen.co.uk. The statements and opinions expressed in Scilly Now & Then do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

Chaplain’s News with Canon Paul Miller

he summer T has brought a number of really

the mainland you might be tempted to bring in professional flower arrangers from outside, all our arrangements were created by islanders. I have served in many churches and attended many Flower Festivals and I can honestly say this was the best I have seen. Within the festival was the newly worked banner of St. Elid who brought Christianity here and lived on St. Helen’s. This was created by the Tapestry group who meet every Thursday in the Garden Pavilion. It will soon be on its way to be displayed in Truro Cathedral before going on a nationwide tour. I continue to enjoy my work with the Five Islands School. I want to try to visit the off-island bases a little more often and I am hoping to work with Linda Todd,the Headteacher, in planning a Pilgrimage to St. Helen’s in September. This will embrace geography, history and botany, as well as discovering the chapel ruins and community living of life when St. Elid lived there. I recently celebrated my 40th anniversary of ordination. I was ordained in Exeter Cathedral in 1974 and that seems light years ago. I have served in seven churches now and as this is my last post before retirement I am pleased I saved the best till last!!

good opportunities for me to meet people as the Chaplain to the Isles. I have enjoyed working with the Island Partnership and assisting with distributing welcome packs on board the visiting cruise ships. This has involved travelling out to the ships with Erica Swain, greeting visitors and being on hand to answer questions about the islands. I love meeting people and it has been fascinating talking with visitors. They are clearly very impressed with Scilly and the whole operation of them arriving, being welcomed and then being taken by boat to the different islands seems brilliantly organised. The Flower Festival in the Parish Church at the end of June has been described as possible the ‘best ever’. The theme followed the rhythm of Church Life. Putting on a Flower Festival on Scilly is far more challenging than on the mainland... many of the flowers have to be shipped here and keeping them fresh is a tricky task... and whereas on

Flower Festival 2014

his year’s Isles of Scilly T Vet Support Group Dog Show showed off some

really splendid mutts and raised £430 for the vetinerary surgery to boot. A total of 121 entrants vied for the coveted rosettes in categories such as Waggiest Tail, Best Trick and Dog Most Like Their Owner. Best In Show was 4-year-old rescue dog Pip, a Border Collie owned by visitor Pamela Freeborn from Falmouth. MC Kevin Leeman presided over the event at Old Town, keeping up an entertaining - and impressively constant! - stream of narration. Meanwhile, Fraser and Julie Hicks had the difficult job of judging the competitors. RESULTS (Handler in brackets)

Most Handsome Dog - Kimba (Libby Shave); Prettiest Bitch - Tink (Jessie Jenkins); Child Under 12 With Dog - Widget (Isabella Bear, aged 2); Waggiest Tail - Mabyn (Angela Jenkins); Best Puppy - Tiffany (Toby Dalton); Best Groomed - Storm (Rebecca Carr); Best Visitor’s Dog - Pip (Pamela Freeborn); Owner/Dog Lookalike - Toby (Julie Brereton); Golden Oldie Over 9 - Caspar (Alice Bloomfield); Best Trick - Pip; Best in Show - Pip.

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A Walk on the WILD SIDE with Will Wagstaff

Linnet think that the Linnet is the original Isooften “little brown bird” as they can often be hard to get a good view since they are

constantly on the go and at distance seem to show little colour. However, the male with its double pink/red splashes down its breast and red forehead is a very striking bird and cannot be described as inconspicuous. They can be seen and heard singing from many of the hedgerows during the spring months. Their sweet song has been often commented upon in lyrics and literature and led to them being a popular cage bird in years gone by. It is the females and young birds, so common during the summer, that are very much a “symphony in brown” as they do not have much, if any, red colouration on their underparts. Some of the older females will show some colour on their breast but the immatures are a paler brown with darker streaks. Once the males have finished breeding they also lose their brighter colouration and are much closer to the females in appearance for the rest of the year. As they have between two and three 23

broods, young birds can be seen any time from early June to late July/early August. They are a typical seed eater in that they have a short conical bill but they only go for smaller seeds such as found on grass and thrift. They are therefore most often found feeding on the ground, usually in small family groups during the summer and early autumn and then in larger groups before most leave the islands for the winter months. The most common view of them is in flight, where their bounding flight and long slightly forked tail along with their short two-note call that has often been likened to them saying “linnet linnet” enables identification. They are widespread over the islands during the summer months, having returned from their wintering grounds in southern Europe/North Africa in late February/early March, with many of the spring flocks heading to destinations north of Scilly. Many an unusual finch or bunting has been found mixed in with a Linnet flock so all are worth investigating, especially as autumn approaches. www.islandwildlifetours.co.uk

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Maritime Scilly by Richard Larn OBE

More of the islands’ maritime past

Sherborne Mercury - Tues 26 July 1743 “Legislation was enforced to make all ships entering British Ports from Scilly (or any Mediterranean port) undergo a period of Quarantine at approved anchorages before cargo or crew can be allowed ashore.”

previously been recorded in several lists and publications as a shipwreck, but the above confirms she was saved. Ditto - 6.12.1756 “The missing Transport, with troops from Gibraltar, put into St. Mary’s, at Scilly, and is since arrived in Plymouth.”

Ditto - Tuesday 26 June 1744 “The Kennington Man o’War has brought into Scilly a large French Ship which was taken some time ago by the Kennington and the Augusta, supposed to be a French Man o’War, but proved a West India Ship, and is said to be worth £9,000, the Augusta being one of the Convoy of the Newfoundland Fleet, sail’d with the Ships from thence for that Place. The prize taken by the Kinsale Man o’War, Captain Young, and sent into Scilly, proved to be a large ship from Martinico valued at £80,000.” nb: Letters of 17 & 28 June identified the prize brought into St. Helen’s Roads having been taken on 14 May 93 Leagues West of Scilly as the St.Pierre bound from St. Domingo in Hispaniola with Sugar, Coffee and Cotton.

Ditto - 14.2.1757. Letter from Scilly “Sir, The Hunter cutter, Richard Westcott, Cdr.having on the 31st ultimo brought into this harbour a large French vessel from St. Domingo, and being by contrary winds under Necessity of lying at anchor here; on the 5th day. Mr. Westcott was requested to weigh anchor and give chase to a small vessel hovering on this coast, the same being suspected to be a Smuggler, a French privateer, or a spy of these islands, or on the Trading Vessels in these harbours; which he readily and cheerfully complied with, gave chase and took her. It proved to be a small sloop from Guernsey with prohibited goods, which on the 7th were secured in His Majesty’s Customs at this port. It is hoped that the Readiness which Mr. Westcott showed on this occasion will recommend him to the Notice of those who have vit in the Power to reward the Brave, which is sincerely wished, by, your Constant Reader.”

Ditto - Tuesday 14 March 1748 “From Bristol we heard on 5 March the melancholy Account that the Lizard Sloop o’War.is lost near one of the Rocks of Scilly, and all the crew perished in sight of the inhabitants, who could afford them no assistance, by reason of the Violence of the Wind.” nb: The Lizard, Captain Alexander Campbell, was wrecked on the Seven Stones with the loss of all her 110 crew.

Ditto - 9 January 1758 “On the 11th Ultimo a sloop was found floating on the Tide about four Leagues from the Island of St. Mary’s, one of the Scilly Islands, and with great difficulty brought into the Pier. By what information can be procured, she appears to be the Prosperous, John Cheynes, master, and the property of Mr. John Farrell & Co, at Rotherhith, but no living Creature was found on board her.”

Ditto - 23.12.1754 “Captain Knox of the Granville, arrived at Scilly from Boston, bound for London. On the 13th, 14th and 15th November met with a violent Hurricane at sea, in which three of his men were washed overboard and lost, and he himself was washed overboard, but fortunately got on board again, and arrived at Scilly the 5th instant, in a shattered Condition.” nb: This vessel has

Look out for Richard Larn and Roger Banfield’s book Built on Scilly - the history of shipbuilding on the Isles of Scilly 1774-1891 25

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IN AND OUT OF THE GARDEN by Linda Maddock

Carpobrotus

arpobrotus edulis, commonly known as the Hottentot Fig, is a member of the Aizoceae or stone plant family. It is a creeping succulent plant with triangular leaves and stems, forming a dense mat. It is a familiar sight in many parts of Scilly, spreading over large areas of coastal sand dunes. It usually has pale yellow flowers, followed by fig-like edible fruits. It is another Scilly plant which originated in South Africa. In many parts of the world it has proved very invasive, as it is in Scilly and around the Cornish coast. However, while it is tolerant of salt winds and poor soil, it does not like frost and will not survive inland on the British mainland. The related Carpobrotus chilensis or Sea Fig is similar but has magenta flowers and readily hybridses with C. edulis.

Carpobrotus fruits can be gathered when ripe and used to make a very sour jam. However, beware their laxative properties. The leaf juice is a mild astringent; applied to the skin, it is an emergency treatment for jellyfish stings, wounds, mosquito bites and sunburn. When mixed with water it can be used to treat diarrhoea and stomach cramps and as a gargle for sore throat, laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. In South Africa, Carpobrotus leaves are eaten by tortoises, and small rodents are attracted by the fruits. This encourages snakes to shelter in the clumps in order to ambush the rodents, but fear not, there are no snakes in Scilly. The name Carpobrotus comes from the Greek ‘karpos’, fruit and ‘brota’ edible. The specific name, edulis, also means edible.

the world’s only retractable camera obscura mechanism was that when the camera is not in use it folds away into its box on the roof so it provides the minimum profile. The positive way to look at it is that we saved the building from falling down because that’s what was going to happen and we found a viable use for a landmark building. Yes there’s a change in the profile but I think it’s a successful compromise.” He’s not surprised that there has been criticism. “We’re new faces and we take on a prominent landmark building. I would be surprised if we didn’t get any comments!” In addition to finding a viable use for the building, Andrew and Be have taken on management of the green space around. “Public realm here is vital, it’s what people want to see,” Andrew says. “We’ve pushed a lot of gorse back, we’ve removed a lot of bottles and it’s a wonderful spot. We’re mowing paths and leaving the rest to effectively grow as a wildflower meadow. I think it’s looking pretty good. I hope that people exercise a bit of balance. If they do have concerns, come up here and see what we’re doing. “Some people might say we’re just doing it for the money but if we were we wouldn’t have started the project. We’re in it because we love the islands. We’ve seen Buzza Tower for years with nothing happening to it and know full well what happens to buildings with no functional use. We wanted to do our bit to save some of the heritage of Scilly.” To enhance the visitor experience the dark interior of the tower houses a ‘cabinet of curiosities’, several illuminated displays with objects ranging from flotsam, jetsam, and driftwood to lots of jars - exactly the kind of place you’d expect to find a mad old scientist with hair like a toilet brush. It all adds to the strangeness of the whole

oll up, roll up! Come and look at the R islands as you’ve never seen them before! The camera obscura at Buzza Tower

is open and it’s a very unusual attraction. For those unsure what a camera obscura (latin for “darkened chamber/room”) is, it is an optical device that projects an image of its surroundings on to a screen. Andrew and Be Combes have been working on getting it up and running at Buzza Tower for many months. They opened in late June and have been welcoming interested visitors and locals ever since. Up to seven viewers at a time are shown up to the top floor of the tower and Be tells them what they can see as she cranks the camera around. A 360 degree view takes around three quarters of an hour. It’s a sociable occasion - there’s lots of chat as viewers stand around the screen marvelling at how strange it is to see familiar landmarks from this angle. Watching island life go by is an oddly mesmerising sight. There has been criticism of the venture as it has developed, mainly owing to its appearance. When the camera is in use it protrudes from the roof but as Andrew explains: “Part and parcel of having probably

enterprise. It’s the sort of thing you’d find in an olde worlde carnival. In fact, the building inspector likened it to Hogwarts. “We’re doing really well with curiosities,” Andrew says. “Scilly is a land of sheds and people have been spontaneously emptying things from their sheds and cupboards and bringing them up here. Quite often there’s been stuff on the doorstep with a note saying ‘I saw this and thought of you’. It’s not brains in jars, although I’m looking forward to receiving things in formaldehyde!” Andrew and Be opted for a ‘soft’ opening, without much fanfare. “It can’t fit too many people anyway so a trickle of happy customers is quite enough while we are finding our feet. We’re basing the admission price on the retail pint index so we’re running at about £3.50 for adults. Many visitors say it’s a bit too cheap but I’d rather have people go away thinking they’ve had good value for money.” All in all, Andrew and Be are happy with their lot. “It’s taken a long time and a lot of hard work but we’ve really enjoyed doing it and appreciate the support of people that have lent advice, assistance, and told us we must be barking mad. From time to time it’s handy to be reminded of that. “I know this sounds totally trite, but the viewing table is on the top floor and I’m sat downstairs and all I can hear is happy voices. It’s previous use as an emergency mortuary didn’t lend itself to the burble of happy voices. “It’s really brought the building to life.” The Camera Obscura and Cabinet of Curiosities is open most afternoons, weather permitting. It’s well worth a visit if you fancy something a little out of the ordinary.

Lagan Construction project manager Jeremy Chedzoy tells us all about the work the company is doing on the airport and roads of St Mary’s

I’ve been in the construction business for “small 30 years. This isn’t my first project on a island. Lagan have worked on small islands in the Caribbean, as well as bigger airports in the UK and internationally. Lagan is involved in airport work all over the world. The company started going global with resurfacing work on the new Hong Kong International Airport on Chek Lap Kok island. Prior to that, they were a small quarrying company in Northern Ireland. Hong Kong was their first foray overseas and they went on from there to surface runways all over the world. Lagan are principally here on Scilly for the airport project, but we’re doing the roads on St Mary’s as well. A separate mobilisation just for the roads would have cost significantly more so it was a good idea to do it all at once. We worked on Guernsey airport just prior to St Mary’s. A lot of the equipment and personnel here came from Guernsey, if not directly then within a few months. There are a number of similarities between the two jobs. I’m sure we wouldn’t have had tractors and trailers without Guernsey; normally we use 8-wheel lorries but because of weight/width restrictions and rules for material haulage in Guernsey we used the big tractors, which are also ideal for here. This is a relatively small project for the company, but the challenge is getting anything here. Any operational airport has rules and procedures you have to abide with. The main object is getting work done with minimum or no interruption to traffic or operations.

We’ve had a great deal of positive feedback from locals about the work and the general attitude of the crew. It helps that we have people who have worked together before. Some of them I worked with ten years ago. In a way we’re like a big family and hopefully not a dysfunctional one. The guys tend to get on pretty well because they know each other. Of course with 40odd people you will always get elements of disagreement, plus they’re away from home so they get a bit cranky at times, but that’s human nature. I think they’re doing a fantastic job and it’s very nice that their attitude is being recognised.

powdery and not ideal planings with crushed concrete is a good complement. They bind together to give us a decent sub-base. My estimate for the road planings we’ve reused would be maybe 5001,000 tonnes. The aggregate, which is in six different sizes, is imported from France. We’ve brought in around 10,000 tonnes with 3-4000 more to come. The key is to finish up with nothing so we don’t have any waste.

Hot hot hot We’ve had a lot of very hot days recently. With asphalt, temperature is important. If it goes the other way and it’s too cold, we’re fighting to stop the material losing its temperature. You need to keep the temperature up to be able to lay it, work it and compact it properly. Warm conditions are helpful for this but it’s much tougher on the human body. Obviously it’s not great for the guys but they have welfare facilities in their van; tea and coffee, cold drinks etc. I haven’t heard any complaints. It goes with the job really.

The process In terms of how deep we can go into the road, we’re governed by any kerbs and drainage structures like gullies, because the road has to drain properly when it rains after it’s been resurfaced and not get pockets of water. It’s always an asphalter’s nightmare to have puddles left behind. Days like today (the first really wet day for weeks) are a good test. You can see how well or otherwise you’ve done. There were no puddles so it was good. We plane it as much as necessary, ideally not so deep that we’re down to the existing sub-strate (sand or cobbles). This has happened in places because of the thinness of the surfacing. Once its planed, the road is swept with a mechanical road sweeper. Any manhole covers are lifted in preparation. Generally speaking, that work would be done a day in advance of the asphalting. Then on the day that the asphalting is to be done, it would be likely swept again to clear any debris or loose material. Then we’ll put down a bond coat, which is the black stuff. That’s heated and it goes

Reusing the roads We’re trying to take a lot of the stuff we’ve taken off the roads (planings) and use it at the airport as aggregate. The only problem with the planings is the asphalt is old, heavily oxidised and quite powdery. On the 09 runway which we’re upgrading from grass to asphalt it’s necessary to have a certain amount of sub-base because the rock head levels are uneven, so there are pockets that need to be filled. Mixing the somewhat

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off to quite a tacky substance. It feels like it’s not sufficiently sticky but with the heat of the new asphalt you actually get a very good bond. Then the asphalt is laid using the kerbs as guidance. The asphalt is heated in the batching plant below the airport, then it goes on to the big tractors and is tipped into the paver (the machine that lays the asphalt). The paver is very quick, surfacing between two and four metres a minute. And then it’s rolled, with the various combination of rollers we have. It’s a bit delicate at that point so the road has to be left a few hours to cool and harden. There are always a few snags and unforeseen issues, for example the concrete forecourt outside Sports Mode was previously level with the road. With the new raised surface the road was now above it so it would’ve just filled up with water when it rained. The owner mentioned it to the Town

Hall and it was infilled with asphalt to the level of the road. When all the work is finished, we can get the asphalt plant down in a week. One of the biggest problems we had when we came across was that we didn’t have anywhere to park anything. If we’d brought 60 loads on one ship and been able to discharge into small vessels we wouldn’t have had anywhere to put it when it got here. In the reverse it should be a little bit easier because once it gets to the other end there are fewer restrictions. It’s just a question of organising tractor units and pulling it up country. Lagan Construction Ltd is delighted to be working on Scilly. The local people are so friendly and helpful this more than compensates for the challenges. Occasionally we get a few minutes to enjoy its beauty too.

THE ATLANTIC INN & HOTEL Situated in the heart of St Mary’s, overlooking the harbour, The Atlantic is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery Scilly. Please drop in the Inn for a meal or join us for a chat over a pint of Tribute or stay in our 25 bedroom hotel where our Tides Reach Restaurant backs onto the water’s edge and many of our bedrooms provide uninterrupted views of the bustling harbour and spectacular coastline. Food is served daily and a children’s menu and high chairs are also available. Bookings are advisable for large parties. And do take part in our weekly quiz, currently every Wednesday evening at 8.30pm but moving soon to Thursdays - with your host, Scilly Now & Then co-editor Beth Hilton!

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Shipwrecks of Scilly by Todd Stevens

Narrative of wreck of the Cubana, 1866 Liverpool Mercury, Tues May 8 1866. Shipwreck and Loss of Seven Lives. Narrative of one of the survivors.

got under the quarter of the ship, when the master and the others were again called to and urged to get in the boat, but they would not leave the ship. The boat’s painter then got loose from the ship, and the boat drifted away astern of her with only 3 oars and no thowl pins. The boat’s painter was cut to make gummets, but the boat could not be got back to the ship, and when between a quarter and a half a mile distant, the ship appeared to turn round, and fell on her starboard side, about 15 or 20 minutes after she struck and disappeared. Nothing whatever could be seen of those that were left on board. We pulled with our 11 hands in the boat, to the Seven Stones Lightship and got on board of her a little after 4am. The pilot cutter Argus afterwards arrived from St Martins Scilly, and we went in the ship’s boat to the pilot cutter, which took us to St Mary’s Scilly about 2pm. I do not know the exact quantity of the cargo, but the ship was not over loaded. Seven lives were lost by going down with the ship; viz, the Master; Second Mate; Carpenter; Steward and two seamen. There were two boats remaining on board, by which they could have left the ship had they wished to do so. I am of opinion the casualty arose from the ship being sailed too close to the Seven Stones. The Carpenter, who had the watch, and probably not knowing her dangerous position, could not feel justified in altering her course without orders. Had anything been said to me, I should certainly have caused the ship’s course to be altered,” Signed - William Loveless.

he Board of Trade received on Saturday a report from the Receiver of Wreck at the Scilly Islands, announcing the total loss of the ship Cubana, 600 tons register, with most of her crew, and containing the statement on oath of William Loveless, one of the survivors, which is as follows: “I was the late Mate of the Cubana. She belonged to Sunderland, and sailed from Swansea for St Jago de Cuba on the 19th of [May], with a cargo of coal, scrap iron, wire rope & c. At 2.30am on the 26th, the weather clear and the wind E,S,E., moderate was steering W by S, with all plain sail set, going about 8 and a half knots per hour, when she struck very heavily on the Seven Stones rock, about 3 miles W by S of the Seven Stones Lightship. I, being unwell, was below in my berth when the ship struck. On feeling the shock I jumped out and ran upon deck to ascertain the cause. The Master, whose watch it was, had been in the cabin and went on deck at the same time. I immediately went into the forecastle and found she was filling fast, the water being upon the forecastle deck. I therefore at once ran upon deck and cut the lashings of the Pinnace, which was launched over the ships rail in 5 minutes, when I, with ten of the crew and the passenger got into the boat, and called upon the Master and the others to leave the ship but they would not do so. All was confusion, but the Master stood upon the deck and never spoke. The Second Mate said the ship was alright; that she was going off and there was no danger; on hearing which one man went from the boat on aboard the ship again. The boat then

Read more from Todd at scillydivers. blogspot.co.uk. 35

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th Inside

Seven Stones Inn

CAMRA member Barrie Nuttall casts his eye (and taste buds) over the new-look Seven Stones Inn on St Martins. Pictures by Mo Love. o, of the current 14 pubs and bars on S the islands which one has the best views? Several might make a claim and you

designer and Dom ran his own specialist architectural glass company. His work involved refurbishment of London properties at the higher end of the market, plus a daily car commute. Interesting jobs, but they eventually concluded that a slower pace of life was needed. Having made previous visits to the isles, including camping on St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for their honeymoon, they decided their future was with the Seven Stones. Upon moving to St Martins they spent six months renovating and adapting the building ready for this summer season, eventually reopening on May 24. Some refurbishment is still ongoing and will be undertaken as and when time permits.

may have your own favourite. There is no doubt, though, if you ask the new owners of the Seven Stones Inn on St Martins. And relaxing out on their sunny terrace recently it would be difficult to disagree. Apart from Bryher, all of the main islands can be seen, from the Eastern Isles right round to Tresco. And as you sit and watch the tide drop the sand flats gradually appear all the way out to Guthers The poor old Seven Stones has taken a bit of a battering in recent times, under performing for quite some while before closing altogether. Things became even more difficult for visitors and residents when the nearby St Martins on the Isle Hotel also closed down. Now things are starting to improve for the island. Currently there are plans to reopen the hotel and the pub was finally bought at the end of last year. The new owners Dom and Emily Crees (pictured above) previously lived in East Sussex, where Emily worked as a garden 37

Scilly Now & Then May 2012_Layout 1 17/05/2012 09:46 Page 1

S TAR . C ASTLE . H OTEL Non Residents Welcome!

SCILLY Memories of Summers

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The Star Castle Hotel, built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth and located on the fortified Garrison Hill, commands magnificent views in every direction.

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with casks on stillage in the adjacent cellar. To my knowledge, these are the only gravity dispense ales on the Isles of Scilly. Serving this way is quick and easy - no fuss, no froth and no pipelines to clean! The pub is currently open all day from 11am with food being served from 12-2 and 6-8 but with flexibility to deal with visitors requirements. Although Dom and Emily are new to the licensed trade they are obviously not afraid of hard work and have brought with them the enthusiasm and drive to make their ideas come about. I wish them well with their business and am glad that there is now one more good reason for a trip to St Martins.

The main visual changes to date are new large double entrance doors to the centre of the south elevation and inside, opposite the doors, a large stone fireplace and wood burning stove. The revised bar feels very different and these changes alone greatly improve the general ambience of the pub. Future plans include refurbishing the previously decked garden area and possibly to provide an extra terrace at a lower level (now where have I seen that done before?). Back inside, of particular interest to beer drinkers are the five ales currently on offer. There are three served as normal from hand pumps. However, if you can do it, the best way to serve real ale is straight from the cask. At the Seven Stones two taps are set into the bar back connecting directly

THE NIGHT SKY T

with Steve Sims

hroughout July and on into August the only planets in the pre-midnight sky are Saturn and Mars, quite close to each other low in the SW after Sunset. Venus and Mercury appear briefly shortly before dawn in the NE but not until around 5am. You may have noticed that the planets and the moon are much lower in the sky during the summer months. The reason is fairly straightforward. During the spring and summer in the northern hemisphere the Earths axis is angled toward the sun, so the sun is higher in the sky. But by the same token, the axis points away from the night sky, hence they are lower in the sky. This is particularly true of the autumn/winter zodiac constellations Aquarius, Capricorn, Sagittarius, Scorpio and Libra. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see them in the winter because they are travelling with the sun, but we have them now. Throughout July and August they all lie close to the southern horizon from the SE to the SW. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an interesting exercise trying to spot them all on a clear moonless night. Scorpio is the most interesting because of the red giant Antares at its heart. If you find Sagittarius then you are looking toward the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, 30,000 light years away. This year the Perseid meteor shower - usually the best of the year - is active from July 17 to August 24, peaking around the 12th. Just look to the north. 39

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Bygone Gaze

small island by a barge and manhandled up the beach, where a tractor and trailer took them to the site. (1969)

44 years ago

72 years ago

A visitors code has been drawn up by the IOS Council, and hotel and guest owners will be asked to display it prominently. it states: “Successful life on small islands is a much more co-operative affair than that on the mainland” and goes on to make several requests. Visitors are asked not to be wasteful with water supplies; to light fires only where they cannot possibly spread; to take litter back to their accommodation for proper disposal; and to keep to obvious common land and footpaths. In particular, holidaymakers are warned about the risks of sunburn and reminded that they can very easily get badly and painfully sunburnt even in hazy and foggy weather... At June’s meeting of the Council one or two Members were unhappy about the code being widely displayed for visitors, and felt it would do little good. However, a proposition that the matter should be referred back was heavily defeated. (1970)

Another day of prayer, this time at the request of the President of the United States, brought the churches together on St Mary’s on the 2nd Sunday after Trinity at the Methodist Church and the Fighting Forces were fully represented as well as the community... although we have tucked away about £400 in War Loan for use after the war we are a little anxious about being able to do as much this year for the good causes outside the parish. (1942)

71 years ago The landing pier opposite the quay at Perconger began in August 1938, and which for a while was a great asset to islanders and visitors, is now broken and a menace to all who use it. When reconstructed, if ever, perhaps some preparation might be found for the top surface, to prevent people slipping and so avoid very nasty accidents, which have frequently occurred. (1943)

22 years ago When diners at the town hall dinner/dances in Scilly fancy a cigar with their brandy they may now do so without feeling they are lawbreakers. The ‘no smoking’ ban in the Town Hall proper has been lifted (or at least a recommendation to that effect is to go to the full council) for dinner/dances and discos. But the diner won’t be able to sit at his table to smoke. He will not only have to leave his table, but also the hall itself to find sanctuary in a little ante room or annexe off the main hall. Presumably taking his coffee and brandy with him, a reversal of tradition which used to see the women withdraw in order that the men could tackle their brandy and smoke. (1992)

49 years ago A new kart club has been formed in St Mary’s and will use the tarmac at the airport. The club uses a kidney-shaped track of just under a quarter of a mile. So far there are five machines on St Mary’s and the club has a starting membership of 12. (1965)

45 years ago In June, the 57 inhabitants of Bryher were able to turn on their taps and have a mains supply of water for the first time. In the past their sole source of supply in most cases had been rainwater tanks, and in dry summers careful husbanding of water was essential. 33 families have benefited from the scheme, which has been carried out by the IOS Council. A 15ft well was dug out by hand, using concrete tubes as liners. The tubes, weighing over one ton each, and measuring 5ft in diameter, were towed to the

All excerpts are taken from “The Scillonian”, the islands’ longest-running publication. Current edition available at the St. Mary’s Paper Shop. 41

AURIGA

Children’s Services on the Isles of Scilly

Holiday Apartment

The Council of the Isles of Scilly Children’s Services Team offer a wide range of opportunities for local and visiting families

01720 422637

Advice and guidance is available if your require information relating to keeping children safe, childcare, holiday activities or specialist support services

aurigascilly@aol.com

We have an extensive toy library that offers the hire of toys games and equipment for children of all ages. If you’re here on holiday please contact us to see what we can offer

Auriga is a 3 bedroom apartment run by Scillonians and sleeping up to 8 people (+ baby with travel cot). Ideally situated a stone’s throw from Porthcressa’s sandy beach and only a 5 minute walk to the shops, pubs and harbour.

Other services include;     

The 3 bedrooms (1 family room, 1 double room and 1 twin room) are all en-suite. The fully equipped modern kitchen, lounge and dining room are on the top floor and have extensive views across the bay from Morning Point to Peninnis Head.

     

Parent and Toddler Sessions Structured children’s centre activities Holiday activities Support for young people including Youth Hub Links to Job Centre Plus and Citizens Advice Specialist Family Support Work from trained and experienced professionals Support for children/young people with disabilities or additional needs Advice on Fostering or Adoption Post 16 transition to the mainland

For further information please contact Children’s Services on (01720) 423680 or email childrensevices@scilly.gov.uk

Tariff includes all electric, bed linen, towels and beach towels.

www.aurigascilly.co.uk

MOONRAKERS H O L I D AY F L AT S

They say you can’t buy a view… ...well at Moonrakers you can! Book your holiday to enjoy theatoutstanding views There are 4 elegant flats Moonrakers from our FOUR holiday flats. Proprietor is very for sale. Each flat is available for old and wants to retire - so you may even want occupancy or letting topermanent buy one! Each flat is available for potential. permanent For details contact: 01720 422717 occupancy or letting potential. email info@moonrakersholidayflats.co.uk or e-mail: kjgregory@fsmail.net or telephone 01720 422717

omedian Russell Kane is coming to the islands on Saturday, C“The September 6 as part of his Smallness tour. Isles of Scilly are tailor-made for my Smallness show which

celebrates everything small. It all started with a tweet; I was followed by Visit Isles of Scilly on Twitter, tweeted that I’d always wanted to go there, and was invited to perform. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.” Russell, whose Smokescreens and Castles show won the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s Comedy Award in 2010, was recently on TV screens hosting BBC3 shows Live at the Electric and Staying In with Russell and Greg. He will perform in the theatre at Five Islands school, supported by Cornish comic the Kernow King. Tickets £17.50. Email events@visitislesofscilly.com or call the Islands’ Partnership on 01720 424036. Suitable for 16 years and over. he Tresco Triathlon on June 29 was won by Graham Clegg T for the third consecutive year. Graham, who manages the Island Bike Shop, finished in 1 hour, 9 minutes and 40 seconds.

Alison Stedeford was the first woman across the finish line in tenth place overall - in 1 hour, 18 minutes and 13 seconds. Some 80 competitors took part in the challenge, which comprjsed swimming, cycling and running. Dame Judi Dench was on hand to start the race alongside Robert Dorrien Smith’s 3-year-old grandson Xan. Actor James Corden was also spotted on Tresco.

cilly celebrated Armed Forces Day with an event on Holgate’s S Green. An address by the Council’s vice-chairman Cllr Gaz O’Neill was followed by a demonstration by the cadets, who showed off their skills at camp cooking, camouflage and weapons handling. The event, which raised money for Combat Stress, also included entertainment from the Sunset Syncopators, Scilly Sirens and Five Islands School choir.

t Martins Hotel is due to open in August after being taken over by the Karma Royal S Group. It will be renamed Karma St Martins. Many of the staff are in place and it has already taken bookings. Read all about it in the next issue of Scilly Now & Then. Accidentally omitted from the last issue Mary Leathers would like to thank friends and neighbours, police and council workers for all their help and concern on Friday February 14th during the ‘Great Storm’. She is extremely grateful and also very privileged to live in such a caring community. Quiz answers: 1) £500 2) Jamie McCrimmon 3) Cats 4) Richard Osman 5) Paraguay 6) William IV 7) Accrington Stanley 8) Waverley Station, Edinburgh, 9) Cosmopolitan 10) 16 43

BEACHES HOLIDAY HOUSE

Luxury 5 star self-catering accommodation for up to 6 people. 3 double bedrooms, all en-suite, spacious lounge and south facing sun lounge overlooking the beach! Full central heating throughout so ideal for early or late season or a warm winter break.

Isles of Scilly Country Guest House Sage House, High Lanes, St Mary’s

A delightful rural retreat on St Mary’s with a wide range of rooms to suit your needs, including 7 single rooms, all en-suite and at ground level.

LEMON TREE HOUSE 4 star rated 2 bedroom bungalow in quiet position with views to St.Agnes. Sleeps 4.

The island’s most secluded beach is less than 10 minutes walk away and the bus into town stops outside the door. B&B from only £36 per night. Evening meals by by prior arrangement.

01720 422440

For more details visit www.scillyonline.co.uk Contact Jenny Hicks on 01720 422616 or email: beachesandlemontree@hotmail.co.uk

www.scillyguesthouse.co.uk

D J Cabs

TREMELLYN VEAN

01720 423775 07717 121101 Local family run cab company operating on St Mary’s for five years

For 58 years we have cared for folks on holiday, so we hope you find this ground floor, self contained residence fitted out to your requirements. Just out of town, on the road to Old Town, this perfect base for two enjoys panoramic views of the harbour.

Quay and airport transfers with 20% off fares which are pre-booked Under fives and dogs travel free when accompanied by an adult

Please ring Liz on 01720 422656 or call at ‘Avoca’, Hospital Lane, St Mary’s, to visit and view or go to

Call Duane or Jeanette to book your taxi or book online at www.djcabs.co.uk

www.tremellynveanscilly.co.uk

8am till midnight Monday to Thursday 8am till 12.30am Friday and Saturday From 1st May we will operate a Sunday service 9am till 11pm Happy to do after hours fares by prior arrangement

Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project Update

By Norman Harris, Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust volunteer

f you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fancy pipe and slippers when you retire, what do you do? You head for the Isles of Scilly as a volunteer Ranger for the Wildlife Trust who look after 60% of the island landscape. As part of the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conservation work, they are a partner of the Seabird Recovery Project, which aims to increase the numbers of seabirds - particularly Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel - by removing brown rats from St Agnes and Gugh and the uninhabited islands. Following successful removal on St Agnes and Gugh, the Project is continuing to monitor seabird populations and is undertaking ecological surveys to understand the effects of rat removal on the vegetation. The surveys I have assisted with have included sampling invertebrates, land birds and shrew populations. This is done by random sampling of vegetation in different environments using a metre square, setting pitfalls for invertebrates and analysing the contents and checking for footprints in the shrew tunnels to assess shrew populations. To use these methods, the Project provides practical training and knowledgeable people are around to call on.

I have also been trained by Seabird Ecologist Dr Vickie Heaney to survey one of the key species, Manx shearwaters, and other seabird species including the Lesser black-backed gulls on Gugh. I learnt how to move quickly and carefully when surveying gull colony nests, and to carry sticks above my head - so if a gull does get a little close from above, they touch the stick and not the hat! Surveying Manx shearwater burrows is a totally different experience; they nest underground and their burrows are identified by playing recorded calls down the burrows and listening for a response. I have also assisted in the monthly monitoring checks which are in place to detect any rat activity on St Agnes and Gugh. Monitoring stations contain chocolate wax and are checked for signs of possible nibbled contents. There can be surprising bonuses to these interesting activities such as an appearance on the TV programme Countryfile wearing the distinctive fluorescent hat of the Project. In summary, for people with an interest in wildlife the Project provides a fascinating insight in to seabird conservation and the means to achieve it, the opportunity to work with like-minded and interesting people and a sense of achieving something worthwhile.

We offer comprehensive knowledge of the property market on The Islands and can give expert advice on all aspects of buying, selling and leasing. Details of all our properties on offer can be seen either on display in the High Street opposite Lloyds Bank or in our window opposite Speros, Porthmellon Beach If you have any questions or wish to view any of the properties Tony & Deanne will be pleased to see you at their office at Seaview Moorings, The Strand, St. Mary’s phone: 01720 422327 email: enquiries@scillyestateagents.com

www.scillyestateagents.com

THREE COURSE DINNER £19.00 • TWO COURSES £16.00 SPECIAL DEALS SPECIAL 3 NIGHT BREAK £179pp DINNER, ROOM AND BREAKFAST UUUUUUÊUUUUUU Complimentary after dinner coffee in our bar lounge VALID 7th MARCH 2011-7th APRIL 2011 www.bellrockhotel.blogspot.com UUUUUUÊ ",ÊÓä££ www.bellrockhotel.blogspot.com Open to Non-Residents

Isles of Scilly Area of Natural Beauty Partnership Update Management Plan Review The Isles of Scilly AONB Management Plan, which is reviewed in Scilly every five years, will be available for public consultation this summer/ autumn. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to look through the plan and feedback any thoughts to the AONB Partnership. Consultations will involve Island forums, and there will also be online access to documents. The AONB Management Plan is an overarching plan for the management of the Isles of Scilly AONB and sets out the AONB Partnership’s priorities for this outstanding landscape.

First World War Activity for Children and Young People This summer, AONB Staff and the Council of the Isles of Scilly Children’s Services department are organising a hands-on project for Scilly’s children and young people to coincide with the centenary of the start of the First World War. Marc and Katie, who joined us last year to deliver the Bronze Age Bonanza Activity, will be coming to Scilly again to help deliver an exciting programme packed full of activities, including a trip to Tresco to find evidence of the seaplane base. We will also become inventors and create technologies to help win the war and we will discover how people in Scilly played a part in the conflict. The activity will run from August 12-14. Please keep an eye out for more details and how to book your child’s place.

Island Fetes AONB Staff will join the IOS Seabird Recovery Project team and the IOS Wildlife Trust at this year’s Island fetes. We will join forces to showcase the recent successes of the project, which is removing rats from St Agnes and Gugh to help conserve our special seabirds. We will also be there to tell you all about what’s been discovered so far, including an increase in Scilly Shrews and newly occupied Manx Shearwater burrows! We will also be there to answer any questions you might have about the project. If you have any questions relating to the work of the AONB Partnership in Scilly, please contact the AONB Staff Unit on 01720 424315 or email aonb@scilly.gov. uk, Twitter: @ScillyAONB, Facebook: Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership. 47

Neil Gilbert Solicitor Tel:01326 563678 No.1 The Old Cattle Market Porthleven Road Helston TR13 0SR

Mob:0780 308 2610 n.gilbert@btinternet.com

Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and Tax Planning Neil has been giving advice to the Islands for over 17 years, and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

Put your faith in experience

GLANDORE GALLERY Friendly beachside studio and shop offering a wide range of original works by Stephen Morris.

Fabulous food. Fabulous view. On the coastal footpath, above Porthloo. Food served all day and most evenings, inside and out. Call ahead to book an evening table. We are now licensed for weddings and civil partnerships – please ring for more information.

Fine art prints, greetings cards and postcards available.

Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm

01720 422228 www.julietsgardenrestaurant.co.uk

Free local deliveries and worldwide mail order service

01720 422535

Seaways Flower Farm, Porthloo, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NF. St Mary’s

Award Winning

Higher Trenoweth Pelistry B

Pelistry Porthloo

Mount Todden Rocky Hill hH

Selakee

Old Town

t Por

Hugh Town

el lic k

T Old

Por thcressa

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Porthloo, St. Mary’s Isles of Scilly, TR21 0NE gallery@glandore.co.uk

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Po rt

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St Mary’s

www.glandoregallery.co.uk 48

and Bar

All About Seals I

by Sue Sayer, Cornwall Seal Group Vacations and Staycations!

t’s holiday time and at last we have great weather to enjoy! Just as people are moving to and from the islands, so are the seals. In the last month lots of photos have been submitted of seals in the Isles of Scilly (IoS) to Cornwall Seal Group (CSG) and the results are fascinating: • One seal has appeared to move from mainland Cornwall to the IoS (Stinkweed) photographed by Anna Cawthray on 18/06/14. He was on the Cornish mainland in May 2013 before being seen in the IoS by Dave McBride in July and Anna in August 2013 - he obviously likes it in the islands; • One seal (Alien meerkat) has left the IoS and was snapped on Longships by Charles Hood on 16/06/14. She was first identified in 2008 and was last seen on Scilly in 2010; • Three seals have had staycations in the IoS - all were photographed by Dan Jarvis on 31/05/14: • ‘Earring CX’ had been seen on the islands by Jes Hirons in 2013 • ‘Open heart’ was recorded on a CSG survey in November 2013 and • ‘Square person’ was seen by the CSG team way back in 2009. This brings the total number of different seals from the islands identified elsewhere in Cornwall and Wales to 35! Huge thanks if you’ve sent in photos. Even without re-identifications, we add new seals to the IoS catalogue - for example seven were recently photographed by Paul Pocock. Send your photos to sue@cornwallsealgroup.co.uk.

Where’s MORRIS? Morris has gone AWOL again. If you know where he is please contact us at morris@scillynowandthen.co.uk for a chance to win a delicious meal for two at St Mary’s Hall Hotel. Last time Morris was on Cook’s Porth,Tresco just below the Block House. Well done to our winner, Susan Pender from Bryher! 49

Your voice in health and social care Healthwatch Isles of Scilly asks people about their views and experiences of health and care, and works with services towards improvement where necessary. We can also help people to find information and advice. Healthwatch Isles of Scilly is an independent voluntary organisation led by people in our community, for the benefit of our community. Anyone can join; members will receive regular news and information and can get more involved if and when they want to.

Anyone can register their comments, in confidence, to help us build a picture of how health and care services perform. We go the extra mile to make sure that your views count. Healthwatch Office, Thorofare, St Marys 01720 423037 contact@healthwatchislesofscilly.co.uk

www.healthwatchislesofscilly.co.uk We went to the Healthwatch National Conference in July along with most of the network - there are 148 local Healthwatch across England. All are independent organisations led by local people and therefore focus on their own local issues.

where technology is being used to provide tele-consultations via the local community hospital, for instance, which is something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been hard to get going here.

We can also learn from each other about the ways local Healthwatch can make a It was interesting to see which of these difference - HW Isle of Wight is very issues are common to many of us - rural interested in our work on medical travel, transport, hospital discharge, and mental and we in turn have a list of ideas and examples of really effective projects and health services are some examples. Access to NHS dentistry is a problem for practices. some, or access to a GP - but this is If you are a visitor to Scilly, why not where we may count ourselves lucky. check out your own local Healthwatch when you get home? It was a great opportunity to learn from each other about how services are provided or delivered elsewhere. Northumberland is a large rural county 50

PHIL’S FEASTS Recipes from a Scilly Chef Strawbe rry S with Van ablé biscuits his is a illa Crea great wa y sablés a m re perfe to have strawb

Add a sc

erries th oop of str ctly contrasted by the v is time of year. awberry a sorbet a The cris s well if y nilla cream and p meltin SABLÉ g fresh str ou like. S awberrie e rves 4 80g salte s. 5 d butter 80g caste Phil Fall o 2 egg yo r sugar lks & Resta ws is head che 115g stro urant at f n St Mary at Spirit Bar 1 teaspo g plain flour ’s Hall H on bakin g powde To prepa otel r processo re the sablé do u r Sift the fl until smooth an gh, cream the b d u o briefly un ur and baking p very pale (almo tter and sugar to st white), owder to til just co gether in gether, th mbined. th Roll out en add to en mix in the e a food gg yolk thicknes the sablé dough th e mixture s, then re and proc s. frigerate between two sh Preheat ess ee in sheet an the oven to 175° the paper for 1 ts of greasepro C/Gas 4 o h d bake in f o paper to ur. . Carefull a minute the oven a 1cm y tr o Set asid r two to firm up for 12-15 minute ansfer the sable e. s or unti d a little, th o ugh to a l go en while still hot, lden. Leave to s baking cut out 4 ta 500g str aw or 5 larg nd for e discs. A little ic berries, hulled in Pureé a g sugar, to taste b sieve into out 150g of the rest of th a bowl to make strawberries in a a e strawb erries into coulis and swee blender, then p a ten to ta neat slic ste with ss through a fin VANILLA es. ic e ing suga r. Cut the 300ml w CREAM hipping c ream 1 vanilla p Icing sug od a Scrape v r to taste icing sug anilla pod add in to the cre ar am and To asse to taste whip, ad mble, sp d sablé dis re c and arr ad some vanil la cream Drizzle a ange the li Top with ttle coulis over th strawberry slice on each a scoop e s of strawb fruit and around on top. erry sorb the plate . et if you like.

CARNWETHERS COUNTRY HOUSE A Slice of Heaven - A Garden of Eden... Carnwethers Country House offers four-star self-catering accommodation in four cottages set in approximately one acre of prize-winning gardens with secluded corners for relaxing and sunbathing and a croquet lawn. We also have a non-chlorinated solarheated swimming pool. Situated above the beautiful secluded Pelistry Bay, Carnwethers enjoys the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the off-islands without being isolated from the modern amenities of St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and is ideal for a comfortable and relaxing holiday far from the madding crowd.

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Rowan Tree - sleeps 2

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Secret Garden - sleeps 2

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Dove Lawn - sleeps 4

Who we are and what we do...

e’re delighted to have been asked to W make regular contributions to Scilly Now & Then. It gives us another great

opportunity to reach people who really care about Scilly and its future. It’s for that reason that the Islands’ Partnership (IP) was created some 18 months ago as a result of the Blue Sail Report. The IP represents the islands’ tourism and supporting economy. Our role is to represent our member organisations, of which there are now more than 300 (and growing) and to promote the Isles of Scilly, through smart marketing techniques, as a cohesive single brand. Together, we want to attract new visitors to the islands as well as encourage repeat visitors to keep coming back. Doing this will help our member businesses grow, and enable the tourism economy to develop to its full potential. Those individuals and businesses that have already joined the IP believe in the holistic approach - pulling together and pooling resources to make our budgets go further. In return, they get some great member benefits and discounts. They also have access to the skilled marketing team offering training, advice and toolkits; they get to participate in courses and seminars for free; and their products / services are used in Scilly’s PR and marketing efforts. Although tourism is the fabric of our islands, the IP also represents wider business interests here - for example horticulture, food & drink, fishing, inter-island transport, retail, trades and services and so on. All of which know that they prosper more when visitor numbers are up. In the last 12 months, we have achieved a lot from our marketing efforts: a new “Isles

VisitScilly.com won the British Destinations Website Homepage Award for 2014

of Scilly” brand, the beautiful new brochure (with a huge increase in direct individual requests), the award-winning Visit Isles of Scilly website (already attracting 70+% more new visitors), a flourishing Visit Isles of Scilly Facebook page and Twitter feed; good, positive media coverage; great new photography, a healthy and quickly-growing database of Scilly fans with whom we connect on a monthly basis; a cruise ship programme, a daytrip leaflet distributed across Cornwall, and a growing events programme that will help elongate the season. For the first time, we’ve also achieved considerable success at the Cornwall, Southwest and Visit England Tourism Awards, all serving to put our outstandingly beautiful cluster of islands on the map. We’ve a long way to go, but we’ve made a great start.

For more info and to join the IP: www.islandspartnership.co.uk or call 01720 424036 Follow us on Twitter @IOSPartnership Members can request to join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ islandspartnership. Also check out the new website www.visitislesofscilly.com, our Facebook page www. facebook.com/visitislesofscilly and Twitter @VisitIOS 53

Your Letters R

SUBSIDY RESPONSE

e. the letter from Susan Wood critical of the comparison of Scilly with the Scottish island of Islay in terms of transport (issue 66), I would agree with the general futility of comparisons as far as Scilly is concerned. However, when we, the Council, compiled the report in 2012 it was important to provide some benchmarks against which to measure transport provision to Scilly, which for many years has been recognized locally as falling far short of the level of services elsewhere and as provided widely in Scotland and the EU. In discussions with the Department of Transport, the government has constantly used the Isle of Wight as a comparator with Scilly, with its population of nearly 100,000 and several ferry services a day. Of course, there are enormous differences between all the islands in the EU but Islay’s population is approximately 3,400 against Scilly’s 2,300, and the length of the ferry voyage is similar. Islay is fortunate in having diversity in its economy, and a growth in tourism which is possibly down to very affordable fares. It’s an alarming fact that Scilly’s annual visitor numbers have declined, probably over the same period of time as Islay’s have increased, from 130,000 to under 90,000. Scilly’s residents, like Islay’s, have the benefit of concessionary air fares - also generous discounted ferry fares in summer. Our big concern is the impact of the cost of travel on the economy and consequently the welfare of everyone on Scilly. FRIST (Friends of Isles of Scilly Transport) is not needlessly whinging but campaigning for affordable, reliable, all year transport between Scilly and the mainland. We believe that to achieve this requires subsidy not only to maintain such a service but to provide a suitable replacement vessel in due course. It is a pity that, in the eyes of Scilly’s Council, the idea of subsidy seems to have a stigma attached. Villages with populations this size on the mainland frequently have a subsidized bus service, and access to subsidized rail services. Scilly has received significant amounts of capital grant for infrastructure (harbours,

Scilly Now &Then, PO Box 8, Isles of Scilly TR21 0WY info@scillynowandthen.co.uk

airports, etc) which are welcomed and which may help the transport links - the authorities can be grateful that this village doesn’t need a B road to its closest town which would require a spend of approximately £250 million! Per capita, the capital grants received in Scilly are substantial, but revenue support as provided to Islay and other Scottish islands, may be necessary to sustain an affordable, reliable and all year transport service and thereby the economy and welfare of Scilly. Marian Bennett, co-ordinator of FRIST

TRAFFIC CONCERN

ust finished reading your very informative and interesting magazine. I wish we had a similar one for Bexley village in SE London. The only thing that bothers me during our yearly visit is the traffic in Hugh Town along the main street and the excessive speed. Very dangerous when there is a high number of pedestrians in close proximity. What about a 20mph speed limit with speed actuated flashing reminder signs each way about halfway down? Probably put a large hole in stretched budgets, but they are very effective. New road surfacing this year can only exacerbate the situation. Kind regards and keep up the good work, Chris Marshall

SURPRISE RETURN

e said, “Well that’s the last we shall see of that” as we watched our binocular case floating away across the harbour after a gust of wind took it while we were standing on the Old Quay in May. But no, two weeks later a small parcel arrived at our home and, yes, our binoc case was inside together with a brief note telling us it had been found on the beach [it had a tatty address label on the inside] but unfortunately no name or address of the sender, so we have no chance of saying a big THANK YOU to the kind person who returned it to us. This is so typical of the kindness of everyone we have come to know and respect over many years. Geraldine and Mike Winter, Devon