“OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR.”
SUMMER 2011
VOLUME 6.1
T H E T RE S CO T I M ES STILL FREE AND STILL MAKING SENSE OF SCILLY
New Beginnings at Old Grimsby
With a handsome mix of the familiar and the new, this April saw the opening of The Sea Garden Cottages at the Island Hotel. Offering a new flexibility for hotel guests and further opportunities for timeshare, the Sea Garden Cottages have proved very popular from the outset. The picture above illustrates how the new development has progressed so far. To the far right are the teracottatiled roofs of the five hotel cottages, which can be booked for a single night or by the week. Each one has a bedroom with balcony and bathroom upstairs and a sitting room and kitchen on the ground floor, allowing guests to choose whether they dine out or in. In the centre of the picture, the long building with the slate roof is the hotel’s old Flower Wing, which has been transformed
into four timeshare properties. Of these four, Pebble is the smallest, sleeping 2-4 people, while the other three, Seagrass, Flotsam and Driftwood sleep 6-8. To the left, the other slate roofs belong to three other timeshare properties, Rockpool and Coral, which sleep 6-8, and Pearl which sleeps 4-6. Just above the beach is The Ruin Cafe, which will open next year, and on the other side of the slip is the Sailing School. From 1st May 2012, The Ruin will be open from breakfast through to dinner and at the With hand-woven fabrics, original artwork and handpainted tiles, the furnishings and interiors of the Sea Garden Cottages are both welcoming and stylish. The cottages are ecosensitive too, with underfloor heating provided by airsource heat pumps, a high degree of insulation and wood-burners, while recycled Iroco timber was used in the cottages framework.
heart of its menu will be dishes prepared in its wood-fired oven. Next year, the redevelopment of the Island Hotel continues. Four more of the onebedroomed hotel cottages for nightly rental will be available, as well as seven weekly rental cottages and two more timeshare properties. For further details please go to www.tresco.co.uk Alternatively for information about the hotel cottages please call the Island Hotel - 01720 422883 and for the Timeshare cottages please call Dean Whillis on 01720 424111
Congratulations all round! See Inside...
BRINGING THE LAST PIECE OF ENGLAND TO THE WORLD
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Insular Things Farewell Nick Mackey and Hello to £14,624.14 for CFT!
Many Happy Returns Eve! Tresco celebrated a very special occasion on 23rd February as Eve Cooper enjoyed her 90th birthday. The whole island turned out for a splendid party thrown by Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith in Eve’s honour at the Flying Boat Club. All islanders, from the youngest to the eldest (Eve herself!), attended to wish one of Tresco’s most popular residents a very Happy Birthday. The birthday girl was presented with a
Eve is given some help in blowing out her candles by Emily Hobbs. garden swing seat by the Dorrien-Smiths and received over 70 birthday cards. In an exclusive interview with the Tresco Times, Eve declared: “ I was very fortunate to have been given a most enjoyable party by Mr Robert and Lucy to celebrate my 90th birthday. I would especially like to thank them and also the many friends - of all ages! - for making the evening a very happy and memorable celebration. Although “No presents” was the suggestion, my thanks also for those gifts I was given and may I invite everyone to come along for a swing on the lovely garden seat which Mr Robert presented.” Given Eve’s youthful looks and busy lifestyle, it is hard to believe that she has achieved this milestone and we are all very much looking forward to the next one!
Harbourmaster Henry Birch would like to remind everybody...
Another party, this time held at the New Inn, took place in February. This gathering served two distinct functions. The first was to bid farewell to Nick Mackey, who lived and worked on Tresco for 8 years. Nick began his time here at the Island Hotel but will be best known for his role as Deputy Manager at the heliport. Nick left Tresco to pursue a career in plumbing, joining forces with his father in Somerset. Away from work, Nick contributed to Tresco’s sporting life, as a gig rower, coxswain and cricketer. Perhaps his greatest achievement was his participation in last year’s Scilly Mission. Along with James Druce and Will Ash, Nick journeyed from Goodwood to Ulaan Bataar in a Citroen Saxo to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The second part of this convivial evening was the presentation of cheque from Scilly Mission to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The total raised by the boys was an amazing £14,624.14p The cheque was accepted by Fiona Hingston, on behalf of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Fiona congratulated them on their efforts:
From left: Nick Mackey, James Druce, Will Ash, Fiona Hingston and a very big cheque. “Everyone involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust would want to thank Scilly Mission for all their hard work, trials and tribulations on the Mongol Rally but also to thank all of the generous sponsors and donors for this enormous cheque. Every single penny is a small step closer to finding a cure. Thank you all very much indeed.” Please take the utmost care when boating. Two points in particular: There is a strict speed limit throughout the harbour areas of 5 knots, both in New and Old Grimsby. Alcohol and sea water do not mix. If you are taking your boat out, please refrain from drinking alcohol!
Walking Scilly from the New Inn and back again! Tresco’s publican Robin Lawson writes... Following on from last year's 3 Peak Challenge success, we decided that we should continue with new challenges and charity events. Throughout the winter, we came up with several "bright" ideas including a volcano adventure in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, but the practicalities of such a mission were not realistic! So instead, we have looked closer to home and come up with "Scilly on the Edge 2011", a 5 island challenge, incorporating walking the coast paths of the 5 inhabited islands... in one day. It is easier to say than to do, with about 33 miles of path and the complexities of boating and tide to consider. We have a team of 12 taking part and many are practising walks on Tresco and the other islands, to get a feel for it all. There is lots to prepare for, with simply getting used to eating and drinking on the go being something most are not used to. We have set a date of Sunday 15th May 2011, starting and finishing at the New Inn (where else?). We anticipate that we will need most of the daylight hours available to us, so we start at 6am, completing hopefully within 15 hours, quite possibly less. Because we only have one boat available to us, we will be going at the slowest walkers pace. As far as we know, this walk has never been attempted before, although for most visitors, much of it is walked over a week. This year’s charity is Parkinson's UK, and we have already raised around £2000.00. Thanks to you all who have already donated and also to Mark & Susie Groves and Bryher Boat Services, who have kindly given their time and boats to aid us on the day. All we need now is calm, not too hot weather for the day! By the time the Tresco Times hits the doormats, all being well, we will have completed the walk but you can check out the New Inn blog on the website to see how we got on!
www.tresco.co.uk
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Simply Beautiful Tresco Photography Competition On Our New Website Facebook, Twitter and Blogs
The Tresco Times is proud to announce that the island’s website www.tresco.co.uk has been recently revamped and has become rather snazzy, to say the least. Not only has the site navigation been simplified, with a link to the Timeshare Owners’ pages on the home page and a search engine for the cottage availability but we now have a rather fine selection of images of Tresco displayed in a number of galleries, from Beaches to the Spa. With the aim of hurling ourselves into the dazzling world of technology, Tresco’s homepage now even contains a short video of the island to whet the appetite of the casual browser. Moreover, it is the Editor’s firm belief that it will only be a matter of time before the video’s compelling soundtrack will be forging its way into this summer’s Hit Parade... yes, you heard it here first!
One of the observations made in the past was that, for a website representing one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles, there were very few photographs. This is certainly no longer the case and to celebrate this change in style, The Tresco Times would like invite its readers to enter a photography competition. Readers are asked to send in a photograph of their own that best reflects the phrase “Simply Beautiful Tresco”. Entrants are limited to one image per person and all entries should be emailed to simplybeautiful@tresco.co.uk by 31st August 2011. Printed images, unfortunately, will not be eligible. The best 15 images will be displayed on www.tresco.co.uk in their own gallery, while the winning photgrapher will receive dinner for four at the Flying Boat Club, including two bottles of our house wine. The winner will be announced in the Autumn Tresco Times. As we will be printing the best photograph in the next issue, it is vital that the resolution is of high enough quality.
Gallery Tresco Summer Exhibitions 4th July Anthony Garratt, David Rust and Rosemary Trestini 14th July Imogen Bone, Paul Lewin and Maggie O'Brien 25th July Amanda Hoskin, Neil Pinkett and Ellen Watson August mixed collections feature Wendy McBride, John Piper, Sue Lewington, Chris Rigby, Amy Albright, Marie Mills and Gill Hickman.
Having got ourselves a new website, it seemed only right and proper to sign the island up to Facebook, as well. You can find us as Tresco Island. The Editor has gone even further. Not content with publicising his vague and facetious musings three times a year, he has discovered a means to do this daily. The Tresco Times now has its very own Twitter account. One purpose of both Facebook and Twitter is to let the world know when a new blog has been published at www.tresco.co.uk Luminaries such as the Abbey Gardens’ Curator Mike Nelhams, Rachel Young and Chef Pete Marshall from the New Inn are now blogging for Tresco!
Tresco Times Online. Subscribe on Email and Save the World... a little bit. As part of Tresco’s aim to reduce our carbon footprint and add to our green credentials - the Tresco Times would like to encourage its readers to subscribe to this insular organ on line. The Tresco Times is already to be found on www.tresco.co.uk from where it can be downloaded, printed out or just read! If you would like to receive the Tresco Times but would prefer a greener option than our printed version...we can remove you from our mailing list and simply send you an email when a new issue is published online. Email the Tresco Times at trescotimesonline@tresco.co.uk Please be sure to include your current address so that we can be certain of removing your details from our Tresco Times postal database. After that, all there is to do is just wait for us to ping you notification of when the latest Tresco Times has gone live online...and our mutual carbon footprint has disappeared!
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Island Gardeners Abroad
The Abbey Gardens’ team and the Hanburys. From left - Corin Golding, John Taylor, David Hamilton, Rosie Felton, Andrew Lawson, Sir Thomas Hanbury, Carolyn Hanbury, Mike Nelhams, Rosie Barratt and Rebecca Fahy. Below - Giardini Hanbury, La Mortola.
A pleasant tradition was continued this spring, whereby the Tresco Abbey Garden team made its annual pilgrimage to Italy.
Many years ago, an informal link was formed between the two gardens of Tresco and Hanbury in the 19th century, when plant exchange was all the rage and garden owners swapped specimens and ideas. The Hanbury garden in the village of La Mortola on the French /Italian border is considered to be one of the finest gardens in the world. Since 1999, this link has been renewed and the Abbey Garden team have lived and worked for one week every February at La Mortola, gaining experience and fresh ideas and collecting plants. The gardeners are very well looked after by Mrs Carolyn Hanbury in her home overlooking the Hanbury demesne. We fill her house to bursting point, taking every bedroom in the building. Also, to feed eight
SPORT Tresco and Bryher Ladies Vets are World Champions! The 2011 Pilot Gig World Championships began in some style for Tresco and Bryher Gig Club with our Ladies Veterans Crew storming to an outstanding win in the first race of the weekend.
From the left: Michelle Oyler, Susanna Gates, Rosie Felton, Ginny Hulands, Mandy Hamilton and Fiona Hingston.
strapping gardeners three square meals a day and entertain them in the evenings is no small feat. While in residence, the gardeners make an equal split of working and visiting gardens of the region. Over the twelve year period, many gardens have been visited. From as far west as Antibes and Cannes in France to Genoa in Italy and everything in between. The team have received invitations to some wonderful and often private houses, with magical collections and landscapes. The Monte Carlo Exotic, with the finest collection of succulents anywhere in Europe, is always a favourite to call upon. Perched on cliffs, high above Monte Carlo and Monaco with tall cactus towering like trees above the visitors. Les Cedres on Cap Ferrat is probably the most exclusive private botanic garden in the world, with vast collections and glasshouse plants from many regions of the world. Our connection to all of these gardens is through a celebrated local plantsman, William Waterfield. William has lived on the French Riviera for many years and besides making our appointments, he regularly accompanies us each season as we forage about the horticultural delights of the region. Many good friendships and contacts have been established and maintained over the years, not least with Ursula Piacenza and her garden, Boccanegra, on the coast just outside Ventimiglia. We can never leave her garden without large quantities of seeds, plants and interesting new species to try out back on Tresco. It is something we hope will continue for many years ..or for at least as long as Mrs Hanbury can put up with us.!!! Mike Nelhams. The Ladies’ Vets won their St Agnes race by some four lengths, defeating over 50 other gigs to take the title. The victorious crew members were Rosie Felton, Mandy Hamilton, Fiona Hingston, Michelle Oyler, Ginny Hulands and Susanna Gates. Their coxswain was Tresco-born Ralph Handy, who now resides on St Mary’s. Winning the very first race was always going to be a tough act to follow for the rest of the Club. The Men’s Vets sensibly didn’t have a crew this year, which got them off the hook - however, two Men’s crews competed in the main races on Saturday and Sunday. The Ladies’ Crew was made up up of the Vets, though unfortunately they lost a crew member at the last moment. A rower from the mainland stepped in valiantly to help the crew out. Over 130 gigs took part in this year’s championships and the standard of rowing was higher than ever. The final places for the Club’s crews: The Men’s A Crew in the Alfie Jenkins finished an excellent 15th. The Men’s B Crew in the Emperor finished 53rd The Ladies’ A Crew in the Alfie Jenkins finished 34th Well done to all of you and a special Tresco Times “Hurrah!” to our World Champions - the Ladies’ Vets!
Tresco Times Page 5
THE DORRIEN-SMITH AUNTS. The second in a series of articles edited by Tresco-born Sam Llewellyn about his greataunts, the five daughters of Thomas Algernon Dorrien-Smith.
Tresco’s very own Miracle
Left - Innes DorrienSmith - wouldn’t say boo to a goose. Right - Once Bittern...the feathered refugee can now be found in the Isles of Scilly Museum.
THE AMERICAN BITTERN IN CAPTIVITY. By Innis Dorrien-Smith. I kept an American bittern in an aviary at Tresco for six years, from 1903 to 1909. The bird was caught in the island of Bryher, the most westerly of these islands, and was picked up by one of the inhabitants in an exhausted condition. A strong south-east wind had been blowing here for some days, but in spite of that, it had struggled on to land from its long journey across the Atlantic from America. No wonder it was exhausted after a flight of 3000 miles ! Knowing I had various tame birds, the man who found it sent over to let me know, thinking it must be one of my birds that had escaped, and soon it arrived in a basket, having done its best to peck out the eye of the rescuer. The difficulty was to find food for it, there being no fish to be had owing to the rough weather. We tried mealworms and snails with no effect, finally limpets off the rocks, and these it ate with joy, and then some small conger eels were caught for it at low tide, also fresh water eels in the pools, and then it began to recover its strength. On this food and also tench, caught in the fresh-water pool, it thrived for six years, with occasional mice and rats. It became very tame after its long starvation and remained so always. Limpets were only given it when other fish were not forthcoming, as it would only eat them when there was nothing else for it. It had the most extraordinary long thin tongue, which it stuck out like a long hat pin when it was hungry, and also made a strange croaking noise, which seemed to be its only sound, and never the booming noise of the common bittern. The American bittern is a smaller bird than the common bittern and a more
chocolate colour on its back, with a long dark patch on each side of its neck. It had a wonderful habit of standing as if it was stuffed, with its eyes fixed as if contemplating making a dart at one's own; indeed it did one day at the boy who fed it, but luckily without hurting him. It also had a most sedate walk, picking up its feet very carefully at each step, and, like the common bittern, had a wonderful power of elongating its neck like a telescope and then hunching its shoulders and looking as if it had no neck at all. It died the death so many birds seem to die, eating heartily but getting thinner and thinner, till at last they drop off. I was very sorry indeed to lose him as he was such a curiosity and a bird with much character. He is now stuffed and in a glass case, but he looks so natural I expect to hear his croak and see his long tongue come out asking for food. One day he had escaped from the aviary he was kept in, the door having been somehow left unfastened, a tremendous hue and cry took place as soon as the empty aviary was discovered ; the bird not being pinioned nor its feathers cut, but having been in captivity for some time, it could not fly well. My brother rushed for a gun, but I was determined to catch it alive somehow, and as it attempted to rise at the edge of the fresh water pool I just managed to get a landing net over its head before it got out of reach and took it safely back to its old home. I found they had an American bittern at the Zoological Gardens, which oddly enough had been caught about the same time, but a long way from here, down near the Azores. It was caught, I understand, on a passing steamer. Possibly it left America when mine did, as it was strange they should have appeared so far from their home in a westerly direction at about the same time.
The Tresco Herd have had a busy few weeks recently, as has Farmer Paul Christopher and his son Ross. With more cattle than ever, around 30 calves have been born this season on Tresco’s farm. Of all these calves, one in particular seems to have become something of a favourite with Paul and Ross. “A few weeks ago we had a terrible problem with one cow in labour. The calf was stuck and the delivery was a real struggle. It took that long that we thought the calf wouldn’t make it. When she was finally born, she was hardly breathing and we had to work really hard to get her lungs working.” explained Ross, pictured above with the calf and its mother. “Eventually the calf started to breathe easily. As it had all been a bit touch and go, we decided to call her Miracle.” Miracle is clearly very appreciative of her burly midwives and now, whenever Paul and Ross go into the field, they are followed around by the young calf. “It’s quite strange really - normally you wouldn’t get near a calf but she comes right up to us and lets us stroke her. Even her mother doesn’t seem to mind! This will probably change as she gets a bit older but for now it’s rather nice!” Those of a cynical frame of mind may be wondering about Miracle’s future...her sex augurs well for a long and fulfilling life on Tresco.
The
MAR INE Quarterly Quarterly
‘Th T e thi n k i n g s a i l o r’s s e a j o u r n a l’ – Tom Cunliffffee n u m ber b e r one o n e Spr S pr ing i n g 2011 2 01 1 n u m ber b e r T WO W O SU S U M M ER E R 2011 2 01 1
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TRESCO TIMES OUR VIEWS ARE CLEAR
EDITORIAL Much is made these days of Health & Safety. “The world’s gone mad!” is the cry, as children are arrested for playing conkers and we are warned that bags of almonds may contain traces of nuts. Many of the complaints against H&S are somewhat hysterical but the Tresco Times has proof that there are times when following the correct H&S procedure is really quite dangerous. Earlier this year, a Tresco coastguard was called out to collect an old, unused distress flare which had washed up on the shoreline. The sodden flare was dumped in a bucket of water to be disposed of later. Word came from the mainland Coastguard offices: Health & Safety demanded that the flare could only be dealt with by trained professionals. A Royal Navy bomb disposal team was duly dispatched to Tresco. A range of other, outof-date distress flares from the island were collected for the R.N. to make safe. Along with the island’s Coastguard team, the Bomb Squad went out to Pentle Bay, strapped a bundle of flares to some explosives and buried them in the sand. An impressive explosion was followed swiftly by cries of “Fire! Fire!” An errant scrap of flare had fizzed a few feet out of the hole and landed in the banks above the beach, setting the marram grass alight. A steady easterly fanned the flames and, in seconds, the dunes were ablaze. By the time the fire was out, nearly an acre of marram grass had gone up in smoke and fire-fighters from three islands, Tresco, Bryher and St Mary’s, were on the scene. Meanwhile, the bomb squad had quietly returned to their helicopter and flown back to the mainland. The Tresco Times is in no doubt that the Marine and Coastguard Agency, the Royal Navy, the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service and Tresco Estate are all gratified that the correct Health & Safety procedure for the disposal of a single distress flare had been observed.
Editor: Alasdair Moore Tresco Times, Tresco, Isles of Scilly. TR24 0QQ t:01720 422849 f:01720 422807 editor@tresco.co.uk www.tresco.co.uk
LETTERS Just a single, long letter this issue but it is one that had the Editor smiling long after he finished reading it. The fine collection of artwork at the Island Hotel has long been admired by its clientele but it seems that one guest formed a very particular attachment to one of the paintings. The Editor is most grateful to Mr Yardy for his letter. A picture of modesty at the Island Hotel Dear Sir, I was born before the war, evacuated during the Blitz and again for the flying bombs. When peace came I spent a holiday at Porthcurno, where my uncle worked at the wireless station. The first thrill was the journey on the Cornish Riviera Express. Playing on the beach, I regularly saw the Scillonian and learned that it plied its way between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. As a little boy, an island conjured up thoughts of magic beyond my wildest dreams. I married Pat in 1959, we honeymooned in Newquay and subsequently visited various parts of Cornwall. After our children grew up, we started to go on holiday for our wedding anniversaries, often abroad, and always somewhere different. In 2002, (our 43rd), Pat said “Where shall we go this year?” I crept outside, phoned the Island Hotel, and within 5 minutes had booked our trip complete with the helicopter flights. Well done their staff! The story that follows is 100% true and has not been embellished over the years. I documented the salient points shortly after our return, and they have been sitting on my computer ever since. A sincere thank-you for one of many wonderful anniversary holidays. Yours Sincerely. David Yardy. The Night of May 16th 2002 Our 43rd Wedding Anniversary. I awoke with a pressing need to visit the bathroom. Our room had the same layout as our home; dressing area first right, and bathroom right again. I sleep on the right so I slipped out without disturbing Pat, not needing a light, on auto-pilot, I had done it before. I stepped into the bathroom and heard a loud metallic thud, - I was outside the room! That was bad enough but I had no clothes on! I had discarded my pyjamas several nights earlier as I was too hot under the thick duvet. I obviously didn’t have a key and my wife was asleep. We were in the middle of a three bungalow complex, so I could not hammer too loudly on the door, as it must have been 2 or 3 a.m.
St Nicholas’ Church: An Appeal from the Churchwarden Not content with being Tresco’s most senior citizen and, most likely, the most senior churchwarden in the British Isles, nonagenarian Eve Cooper is leading the fundraising activities for our local church.
The first problem was to cover my confusion. I spied a fire extinguisher with a hose dangling in front, but decided it was too heavy to carry around. On the small veranda was a picture that fortunately was not fixed to the wall, so covering my dignity, I proceeded to reception to borrow a spare key. Passing the low wall around the garden that backed onto the French windows of the bedroom, I thought I could creep up the garden and tap on the window. Discretion suggested that that would not be a good idea, it could have frightened Pat to death. I carried on to reception and was slightly relieved to find no one there. I picked up a cushion to cover my rear. On reflection I should have taken two and left the weighty picture, as my shoulder ached for ages afterwards. I could now ring Pat...except that of course I couldn’t as I did not have the inter room access code, and one doesn’t go to bed with one’s glasses on! I returned to our room to try again, but still to no avail. Getting desperate I told myself to keep calm and analyse the problem for a solution. I returned to reception and found the manager’s office and then to my relief I saw a rack with hundreds of keys. However this was not much use without my glasses, I cannot read in the day without them. Every avenue turned into a cul-de-sac. While all this stress was going on I had, at least, temporarily forgotten the reason for getting up anyway; nature is kind like that. With the stars shining overhead I returned once more, cold and desperate, to our room... via a flowerbed. Hammering again on the door, I eventually woke my wife. In the dark she got up to investigate, carefully creeping round the bed, so as not to wake her “sleeping husband”. She justifiably thought that, if she had woken me to say someone was knocking on our door, I would have told her not to be so stupid. ”Who’s that?” she whispered through the door. “It’s me - David!”, came my plaintive cry,” I’ve been out here for three hours...” At least, that’s what it seemed like at the time. She let me in and said, “You’re frozen”, which of course was true. At which point it all became hilariously funny. In the morning, on the way to breakfast, Pat was anxious that the hotel might have CCTV, while I noticed that the flower garden, which I had wisely decided not climb over, was full of cacti. Having re-hung the picture, I replaced the cushion in reception under the quizzical eyes of the staff, who then heard the explanation, causing much mirth as the story circulated.
Recently, Eve popped into the Editor’s office to deliver this appeal: Tresco’s St Nicholas’ Church is one of the six Church of England churches in the Isles of Scilly that make up our local Parish, cared for by the Chaplain of the Isles, the Revd. Canon Peter Walker, resident on St Mary’s. Everybody is welcome to share in the Services at St Nicholas’, to look around or to visit for a time of quiet reflection.
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Rolling Stones and a Salty Past Discovered on Bryher.
The Bronze Age sword and mirror discovered on Bryher in 1999 by local farmer, Paul Jenkins. The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their wealth of archaeological sites, many of which have been known since the 18th century, or even earlier. However, new discoveries are still coming to light and the most important of these was the Iron Age burial found at Hillside Farm on Bryher in 1999. Here, in about 100BC, a single individual was buried with an iron sword in a bronze scabbard, a bronze mirror, a bronze brooch and other small metal items. This is the only Iron Age burial in Europe where a sword and a mirror have been found in the same grave. They are now on display in the Isles of Scilly Museum on St Mary’s. Last winter saw two further finds on Bryher which, although not as striking as that of twelve years ago, still provide valuable and interesting information about the early inhabitants of Scilly. There are several current building projects on Bryher and each of them has been subject to archaeological monitoring, a condition imposed as part of the planning process because of the density of archaeological sites in the islands. On Samson Hill, at the southern end of Bryher, where a derelict building has been demolished and a new one constructed, several pieces of briquetage were found. Briquetage is coarse, orange or red pottery used in the production of salt and both evaporating pans and the pillars on which they were supported are known. The earliest examples date to the Bronze Age (c2000BC to 800BC) and it was used until
mediaeval times. Briquetage is an unusual discovery in Scilly, with only one other recorded example, from Tresco. The expert who has examined it believes it may be Bronze Age or Romano-British (c43AD to 400AD). A very different discovery was made at the site of the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) near the Hell Bay Hotel. Here, several large boulders were found and it appears that they have rolled down from the rock outcrops on the slope of Timmy’s Hill, to the south. Rather than being spread at random across the site, as would be expected if they had arrived there solely by natural forces, some of the boulders appeared to have been arranged. A single, very large, granite boulder, weathered on one face, was surrounded by many smaller granite stones and amongst these were several pieces of quartz, other pebbles of different colours, some of which were water-worn, and an unworked piece of flint. Three other boulders lay in a straight line from the largest one and this line was oriented due north-south. Quartz pebbles were found close to most of the boulders, in much greater abundance than across the rest of the site.It is difficult to date this but the occurrence of the boulders at a depth of about 0.5m below the present ground level suggests a considerable timespan during which they either became covered by hillwash, or sank through the action of earthworms, or a combination of the two. The positioning of smaller stones around a large boulder may be similar to the Dartmoor tor cairns, dated to the Bronze Age, where a kerb of stones surrounds a natural outcrop. These may have been associated with burials or, possibly, have been for astronomical purposes. A possible example of a tor cairn has been identified on Samson Hill, Bryher. The purpose of the
Fascinating Indulgence Uncover the history of Scilly for yourself at Hell Bay
Unfortunately, time is taking its toll on the church, both outside and in. We are now aiming to raise funds to contribute to the estimated £220,000 required for work due to take place in 2012. Included in the programme of works is the partial reslating of the roof, attention to the walls to help eliminate damp problems, repair and cleaning of the Sanctuary alabaster and the renewal of some joists and floorboards. This is a daunting amount to consider and
it is an extremely difficult time to ask for financial help but, as well as local efforts, we are appealing to those who love Tresco - many of whom attend Services and volunteer as organists and readers - for anything that they may be able to offer. A letter of appeal will be given to many visitors on Tresco but if you are able to make a donation and wish to send a cheque from the mainland, please could it be made payable to ‘PCC of the Isles of
Back In Timesharer There may be more delicate archaeological tools than the toe of a boot but for Timesharer Hugh Edwards it proved to be more than adequate. Earlier this year, while strolling along Pentle Bay at low tide, Mr Edwards gave a considered yet probing kick to an interesting-looking lump of stuff in the sand. In doing so, he unearthed a rather splendid pewter tankard, festooned with seaweed. Mr Edwards and his wife Cathy made their way to the Island Office with his impressive find. The Editor was called and, after overcoming his initial disappointment that the tankard had no beer in it, was delighted to photograph the moment. As with all such finds, the tankard was handed over to the Isles of Scilly Museum on St Mary’s, who were most grateful to the Edwards for their thoughtfulness. The tankard is believed to date from the nineteenth century but further research by museum staff will be required before a more detailed assessment can be given. Further details about the museum can be found at www.iosmuseum.org arrangement of stones at the MUGA site, and of the line of boulders, remains obscure but astronomical use is, again, a possibility. Both of these recent discoveries on Bryher were made by local archaeologist Katharine Sawyer. Enjoy a four night break at Hell Bay inj the company of the islands’ leading archaeologist and guide Katharine Sawyer. Not only will you be able to enjoy the elegant surroundings and 3 AA Rosette cuisine of Hell Bay but you will be personally guided around the major archaeological sights of Scilly by Katharine, who will bring the islands’ extraordinary past to life. Details of Hell Bay’s archaeological holiday 15 to 19 September 2011 Visits to archaeological sites on St Martin’s, St Mary’s, Samson and Tresco (including Abbey Garden) Cost: £750 including helicopter, 4 nights’ DBB, boat trips, entrance charges, evening slide show, holiday insurance. Contact Katharine on 01720 423326 or Hell Bay (01720) 422947 www.hellbay.co.uk Scilly’ (please write ‘St Nicholas’ Church’ on the back of the cheque). Any donations should be sent to Eve Cooper, 5 Bay Row, Isles of Scilly TR24 0PY, Gift Aid envelopes, which increase the value of any donation by 25%, can be supplied. Please call 01720 422818. Any donation will be very greatly appreciated.
Page 8 Tresco Times
In the Pool with Eddie Birch
The Tresco Times Heritage and Transport Correspondent takes us back to the long hot summers of the 1940s and an important part of Estate work from days gone by. In the 1940s, some of the summers were very dry and the Pool on Tresco would nearly dry out. This was the time when some of the men who worked for Tresco Estate would go into the Pool and cut the rushes to make fencing. They would wear rubber boots and they would wrap sacking around their legs to stop the reed stubble from cutting their legs.
The rushes would be cut into bundles and the men would tie them up with split cordyline leaves, which don’t rot. The bundles of rushes were taken to the fields by horse and cart to be unloaded and put into piles. For the fencing, there were two sets of wire lines: two lines at the top and two at the bottom. The rushes were put in-between the wires and tied every so often to keep them tight. Once in place, the rushes would be cut level and pallisading put on top to keep the wind off the flowers. Long Grounds is the name of a field close to Reading Room Cottage. This field needed about 150 bundles of rushes for its fence. Even when there isn’t much water, the Pool can be a bit of a hazard. In the 1980s we had a dry summer, during which a tractor was taken into the Pool with a Swipe to tidy up the rushes. Unfortunately the tractor got stuck in the mud, so another tractor was sent into the Pool to tow it out. The second tractor got stuck as well. The drivers asked me to go and pull them out with my tractor. I said no because I needed it for the morning transport. So the two tractors were left in the Pool overnight and come the next
Tresco’s Birdman David Rosair writes... Summer has arrived on the Fortunate Isles and to experience the season on Tresco, the “jewel” in the islands’ crown, is indeed something special! Early mornings (and I mean early!) are a MUST, so no lazy lie-ins. Stroll down to the Great Pool and soak up the bird sounds – listen to the noisy Oystercatchers (I love the old-fashioned name “Sea Pie”) on New Grimsby beach parading around each other, some still trying to attract a partner, whilst othersl are already showing off their new born chicks. Some late migrant Greenshank may well still be hanging around the Pool, their fluting calls instantly recognisable. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of a pair of Ringed Plovers brilliantly camouflaged on the shingle, shielding their eggs from those marauding Great Black-backed Gulls. Offshore, the strident “kik-kik-keearr” of the Common Terns can be heard, their wonderful languid flight punctuated by the swift dive to catch a fish. Quietly sitting in the hide, a flock of Gadwall fly in, showing off the diagnostic white secondary wing bar and hearing their distinctive “agh” call, quite different from the Mallard’s “quack”. Over on the water’s edge, below Simpson’s Field, several Little Egrets are feeding in the shallow water, with one “creamier” looking individual rushing around and swooping its bill from side to side – Spoonbill. Then I hear the sound of Summer, a
Cuckoo calling from the pines, having already laid its eggs in some poor unsuspecting Reed Warbler’s nest. Overhead Barn Swallows and House Martins are hawking for insects – will there be a late Red-rumped Swallow amongst perhaps? Suddenly pandemonium amongst the hirundines as a Hobby dashes through the flock with, I am afraid, one less Barn Swallow. Talking of breakfast, time to stroll back to the New Inn but not before hearing the sound of something like two stones being knocked together – up pops the Stonechat on the gorse, just as depicted in the original Observer Book of Birds which I still proudly own, having paid five shillings all those years ago. Have you still got yours? After breakfast, a walk up to Old Grimsby Harbour for a boat trip around the Eastern Isles and Northern Rocks, not before catching a glimpse of a white rump as the Northern Wheatear flits over the stone wall into the field beyond. It’s a perfect day for a “Circular” cruise on the Firethorn. Visitors coming to Scilly mostly want to see just ONE bird only, or money
Below: Crib Time - the rush-cutters take a breather. Eddie’s father, Arthur Birch, is on the far left, sporting a fine pair of sacking gaiters.
morning they had sunk down even further. In the end, the monkey winch was brought down from the Gardens and it took about two hours to get the tractors out. The Pool mud is deep in parts. People have tried to walk through the Pool and got stuck waist deep halfway across.In the winter, the Pool would flood Simpson’s Field and if we had to pick flowers there, we would have to leave about 20 yards as it would be too soft to walk on. back! Will we be lucky today I ask myself? Approaching the majestic Men-avaur rock, a flock of Razorbills skims across the port side of the boat, closely followed by several Fulmars gliding low over the water. Changing course, we cruise over to the Northern Rocks, the odd Gannet or two visible low over the waves in the distance. As we approach Mincarlo, more Razorbills are evident along with several Guillemots and Kittiwakes. But there, on the grassy slope, half way up, just below the overhanging crag, the bird we all want to see – a Puffin. Suddenly it takes off with its characteristic whirring flight, circles around the boat and lands on the water next to a group of ten more of these endearing and almost comical individuals. As they bob around on the water, we can now all see the beautiful multi-coloured bill that we know so well. Mission accomplished! So what will the Autumn bring in terms of migrant birds I wonder? If you would like to join David on a Birdwatching & Wildlife Tour this September/October, he will be hosting two five night breaks: 24th-29th Sept at the New Inn, Tresco. 29th Sept - 4th Oct at Hell Bay, Bryher. For full details of prices and bookings please contact: David Rosair, Island Ventures Tel: 01227 793501 Email: drosair@aol.com www.islandventures.co.uk www.tresco.co.uk www.hellbay.co.uk
Tresco Times Page 9
Marazion s best kept secret ONE OF THE 9 BEST SECRET HOTELS IN THE WORLD CNN January 2011
Building for Tresco The Sea Garden Cottages and The Flying Boat Club.
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We have regular sailings & flights to St Marys
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Day trips & half day trips Birds and wildlife trips Regular ferry services Thrilling jet-boat rides Private charter Gig race trips
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For more information www.bryherboats.co.uk info@bryherboats.co.uk or to book call us on
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Page 10 Tresco Times
Exclusive to Timeshare Owners
Are there times when your week on Tresco seems to fly past, leaving you wishing for just a few more days on Scilly? Tresco would like to offer you the opportunity of extending your stay here by three days for the price of two. Make a new booking at either the New Inn, Island Hotel or Hell Bay on Bryher for three nights, either at the beginning or end of your timeshare holiday, and enjoy one of those nights on us.
Extend your stay with three nights for the price of two
For further details please call: The New Inn - (01720) 422844 The Island Hotel - (01720) 422883 Hell Bay, Bryher - (01720) 422947 or visit www.tresco.co.uk
Rainbow House
Rainbow House is a family-owned beachfront holiday home on the island of Barbados. Considered a gem amongst the south coast villas, it is situated on a superb white sand beach looking out onto aquamarine waters. Rainbow House has 4 air-conditioned bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. There is an elegant veranda for dining, with seating for 10 people, as well as a large open terrace with a gas grill/barbecue. For further details please call: 01720 422849 or visit www.tresco.co.uk/accommodation
Adam and Michael Dorrien Smith invite you to visit their new Town House Hotel in Clifton, Bristol. Opening in July 2011. Please visit www.number38clifton.com
Tresco Times Page 11
A Stunning Journey to an Island Paradise
The exclusive operator to fly you direct to Tresco. 01736 363871
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