Spring 2015

Issue 30

Gwennap Parish NewsletterAn Blu Lann-Wennap Derivadow Winter 2015 Issue 33

SERVING GWENNAP PARISH

The tree at Gwennap Church 2014Photo courtesy of Des Wearne

Bar Kitchen Bar KitchenChristmas Eve 12 – 2.30pm 12 - 2pm 6 - late 6 - 9pmChristmas Day 11 -1.30pm closed closed closedBoxing Day closed closed closed closedSunday (27th) 12 - 2.30pm 12 - 2pm 6 - 11pm 6 - 8pmMonday - WednesdayNew Year’s Eve 12 - 2.30pm 12 - 2pm 6 - late closed (pasties only)New Year’s Day closed closed closed closed

EVENTSSunday 13th December Christmas Draw, 7.30pm start (raffle tickets at Bar) (all money collected back in prizes)Tuesday 15th December Entertainment by “Rum & Shrub” - Christmas Carols and Cornish Songs. Good evening entertainmentWednesday 16th December Quiz at 8.30pmThursday 31st (New Year’s Eve) Entertainment by “McCarthy”, singer/guitarist Food: only Cornish pasties available on nightOther Quiz dates 27th January : 24th February

James Barry Hairdressing:Opened at Point Mills almost five years ago.We would now like to welcome our new,experienced stylist, Gemma, to theteam, AND, we are also open on Mondays.

Opening times:Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri  9am - 5.30pmThurs 9am - 7pm; and Sat 9am - 3pmPart-time shampooist/salon assistant required.

www.jamesbarryhairdressing.co.ukTel: 01872 870160

2 THE CORNISH ARMS

CARHARRACK ANIMAL FEEDShas moved into a bigger store

To find us, take the road that goes up behind the old premises, then approx 1 mile to the trafficcalming at the top of the hill, and we are on the left.

For all your animal feed, bedding and accessories.Deliveries available.

Open Mon-Fri 8am – 5.30pm, Sat 8am – 5pm

West Trevarth FarmLanner, Redruth, Cornwall

TR16 5TJ01209 820191

NORMAL HOURS FOR KITCHEN AND BAR

TRURO TR4 8RP (01872 863445)www.thecornisharmsfrogpool.com

JAMES BARRY HAIRDRESSINGCARHARRACK ANIMAL FEEDS

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS

Tim and Jane would like to thank all their customers for their custom and support in 2015and wish everyone a happy, healthy 2016

3DIARY for 8th December -- mid-March 2016December8th Coffee Stop, 10 - 11.30 a.m. At Vanessa Stone's, Home Farm,

Trevince10th Nativity by Cusgarne School at Gwennap Church 6pm13th Annual Carol Service, Frogpool Methodist Church 4pm13th Christmas Draw at the Cornish Arms 7.30pm15th Gwennap Lunch Club, Church Hall, Gwennap 12.30 - 2 p.m.

(Christmas lunch, so must book)15th "Rum & Shrub" singers at the Cornish Arms 8'ish16th Quiz at the Cornish Arms, Frogpool 8.30pm17th Parish Council meeting, 7pm Parish Rooms, Playing Field,

Pulla Cross17th Coffee Morning at Frogpool Methodist Church 10.30-11.30am

17th Fox & Hounds Folk evening19th Christmas Concert, Gwennap Church 7pm (Trengilly Singers

with Melanie Uren)31st "McCarthy" singer/guitarist at Cornish Arms - eveningJanuary12th Coffee Stop, 10 - 11.30 a.m. venue to be confirmed19th Gwennap Lunch Club, Church Hall, Gwennap 12.30 - 2pm21st Parish Council meeting, 7pm Parish Rooms, Playing Field,

Pulla Cross27th Quiz at the Cornish Arms. Start 8.30pm28th Coffee Morning at Frogpool Methodist Church 10.30 - 11.30amFebruary3rd W.I. Open meeting at Parish Rooms,

(William Shimell talks of his life as an Opera Singer) 7.30pm3rd Coffee Morning at Hicks Mill Methodist Church, 10.30am6th Quiz night, Gwennap Church Hall 6.30pm (Bangers & Mash & pudding byob)9th Coffee Stop, 10 - 11.30 a.m. venue to be confirmed (Pancake

Day!!)12th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, no

booking needed16th Gwennap Lunch Club, Church Hall, Gwennap 12.30 - 2pm18th Parish Council meeting, 7pm Parish Rooms, Playing Field,

Pulla Cross19th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, no

booking needed24th Quiz at The Cornish Arms, Frogpool. 8.30 start25th Coffee Morning at Frogpool Methodist Church 10.30 - 11.30am

26th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, nobooking needed

March1st W.I meet at Frogpool Chapel Sunday School Room 7.30pm2nd Coffee Morning at Hicks Mill Methodist Church, 10.30am4th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, no

booking needed8th Coffee Stop, 10 - 11.30 a.m. venue to be confirmed11th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, no

booking needed15th Gwennap Lunch Club, Church Hall, Gwennap 12.30 - 2pm17th Parish Council meeting, 7pm Parish Rooms, Playing Field,

Pulla Cross18th Lent Lunch, 12 noon, Gwennap Church Hall - all welcome, no

booking needed

GWENNAP HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Annual General Meeting/Annual Dinner/Meetings/ Talksare held at Gwennap Church Hall on the 3rd Thursdayof the month at 7.30 pm unless otherwise stated.Competitions three blooms from your garden.

There will be a show table where members may displayanything horticulturally interesting or special.  Membersmay bring plants to sell or exchange.  Raffle winners tobring a prize for the following meeting.  We alsowelcome gardening books or magazines, plus anysurplus garden produce and any spare seeds.

President:  Mrs. Brenda CoxenChairman:  Mr. Brian HileyVice-Chairman: Mr. John SirkettTreasurer:  Mrs. Liz SmithSecretary Mrs. Susan McCrossan -

telephone 01872 870320

The programme until the end of April is:

18th Feb. - Talk by Danny Michael on Succulents17th Mar.- Talk by Wendy Fowler "Work in Progress at Enys Gardens"21st April - Talk by Claire Woodbine of Pinsla Gardens

"Making the most of the shade"

Tresamble TradingSuppliers of antique andvintage garden & crafttools, other gardenalia& period home hardwareGreat for continued use,display or unique gifts

News: We’ve had a reallybusy autumn but you willstill find us

on Truro Farmers Market 9am – 4pmevery Wednesday on Lemon QuayVINTAGE HIRE now availableYes we do buy old tools too!

Contact: Katie PennaTel:(01872) 863158 / M: 07779 430887

www.tresambletrading.com

10% off if you mention this advert

Remaining programme will follow in the next edition ofGwennap Parish Magazine

4 OLD PHOTOGRAPHSOur photo last time of Coombebrought quite a response, so hereis a second photo provided byTerry Bray of the same spot butfacing towards Cusgarne.Still no idea of the year.

The Old Wool Mill at Cusgarne, being turned into residential accommodation in 1979Thanks to Robert Cook for the photo.

5

Photo courtesy of Des Wearne

FROGPOOL - CUSGARNE AFCDEFIBRILLATOR NEWS

Defibrillators in Gwennap Parish ???

At the November meeting of Gwennap Parish Council,it was agreed that they would investigate the provisionof 3 defibrillators, one of each to be sited in Frogpool,Gwennap and Crofthandy.Each week, more than 2,000 people in the UK die froma Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Unfortunately, 5 of these arechildren at school. Two were in Gwennap Parish. Thearrest is usually caused by a “plumbing” or “electrical”problem with the heart. Some of these people couldhave possibly been saved by applying an electric shockto the body using a defibrillator. The quicker the shockis applied, the more chance that a life might be saved.This would normally be during the period whilst theywere waiting for the Ambulance service to attend.More schools and parishes are now providing the unitswith public access. Currently our nearest are atDevoran, St Day and Chacewater.These small, portable units “talk” to the user andexplain exactly what to do. They are fool-proof andwill not let you shock a patient if it is not required.Obviously, there is little merit in providing theequipment if we do not have people trained in their use.However, the training is VERY simple, uses videosand hands-on equipment, and is held in groups of about15.It is intended to hold separate training events early inthe new year in the three villages. They will be led byDr. Mark Gripper who has recently retired from theDevoran/Chacewater practice. Once trained, you willhave access to defibrillators throughout the UK.Like all community projects, this relies on youvolunteering for the training, but in this case, you mightalso possibly help save a life.Please spread the word and then contact me by phoneor Email with the following details;Name, Email address or telephone number, villagewhere you wish to be trained.

Ray.humble@btinternet.com01872 864011

Thanks,Ray Humble, Vice Chair, Gwennap Parish Council

P����� N���the deadline for the next

parish magazine

is 7th March 2016

Frogpool and Cusgarne football club winter review

After a varied pre-season both of our teams have hadvery different starts. The first team have so far had aseason to forget barring our favourite Junior Cupcompetition. From 4 league games we have played sofar we have failed to win any, due to the competitivenature of Trelawney league division 2. Highlight forthe team so far is undoubtedly our first round matchversus a side two divisions above us, Threemilestone,in the Junior Cup which ended in a 5-3 penalty winafter finishing 3-3 after extra time.

Our second team on the other hand have had a verygood start to the season which has included four winstwo draws and one loss (to a very strong Mabe side) indivision 4 after which we currently sit in 3rd position inthe league. Hopefully if we manage to keep the currentset of players fit we stand a very good chance of beingpromoted at the end of the season. The highlight of theseason for the second team would be an 11-0 win athome to Mousehole 3rds.

After Christmas we have plenty of games coming thickand fast and hope to improve fortunes on the pitch forthe first team and to continue to build on the good startour second team have made so far. There will be nofairy tale cup run in the junior cup this year after wewere beaten by higher-league West Cornwall 5-1.

We train in Frogpool on a Wednesday night at theRichard Jory Playing field starting at 6.15 if anyone isinterested in joining us. Please give Shaun Smith a ringon 07539 689995 if you have any questions regardingthe club or sponsorship.

Home fixtures :9th Jan 1st team v Lanner16th Jan 1st team v Holmans Res23rd Jan 2nd team v St Erme30th Jan 2nd team v Mousehole 3rds13th Feb 2nd team v Falmouth DC20th Feb 1st team v Henston 3rds27th Feb 1st team v Redruth Utd Res5th Mar 2nd team v Praze Res12th Mar 2nd team v Newbridge Ath

6

Champagne Quiz !

Win a bottle of champagne by matching the correctyear to each of these doors.

The doors are all on buildings in the parish, and eachbuilding has a year on it in a prominent place.

The years are 1877 : 1843 : 1821 : 1742 : 1844

To enter, either e-mail togwennapcouncil@btinternet.com or post to GwennapParish Council, 1, St Aubyns Terrace, Pulla Cross,Truro TR4 8RZ

Deadline for entries is 23rd December

Door 1

Door 2 Door 3

Door 4 Door 5

ADVERTISING, COMMENTS, ARTICLES, LETTERS, PICTURES ?????We need them all ……… Send them to:

Alan Blamey by email at clerk@gwennap-parish.net or telephone 01872 864601 for more informationCommercial advertising prices (all of which goes to support this newsletter)

Single Edition - Full Page, £50.00, Half Page, £25.00, Quarter Page, £12.00, Eighth Page, £7.00One Year - Full Page £180, Half Page, £90, Quarter Page, £42.00, Eighth Page, £25.00

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

7

SPRITE MOTOR CYCLESAncient and modern bikes and parts

bought and sold

We ride and repair INTERESTING bikes

North Grange Ind EstDevoranTR36RF

09.00 am - 5.00 pm Mon to Fri

01872 870288

www.sprite-motorcycles.co.uk

BRIDLEWAYS ACROSS THE OLDLANDFILL SITE AT UNITED DOWNSA parishioner recently observed that theycould see from the road, a path networkcrossing the closed landfill site at UnitedDowns, and wondered how to access thepaths.Having recently attended a Liaison Meetingheld on the site, I can say with someconfidence – “not yet for a year”!Despite having completed 75% of the pathnetwork, (as the photo shows), there aredifferences of opinion between SUEZ (thenew name for SITA) and Cornwall Council asto the exact route the new bridleways shouldtake.Working from a Council hand-drawn map,SUEZ began the paths back in the Spring, butnow a more accurate Council map using GPSdata has shown errors in some already

created, and some areas will have to be changed.One particular area, where the bridleway network will join the road to Gwennap is a particular problem spot, withcommon sense suggesting the route follows an existing stone track but the Council sticking by their versionwhich takes out wildlife habitat and small trees a matter of metres away.SUEZ has to have the bridleways finished by September 2016 and the whole site reinstatement completed byDecember 2016.It looks like we will have to wait till the bitter end before we can access the paths.

HEDGE GROWTH (again!)Thanks to those landowners who have cut back growth outside their properties now that the nesting season isover, especially on the approach to Frogpool from Perranwell where the trimming is a fine example.Please look outside your property, whether it is a bungalow on an estate or a farm, to see if hedge growth oroverhanging shrubs could be causing a problem for pedestrians.

PARISH ROOMSWhat happens in the Parish Rooms at the Richard Jory Playing Field at Pulla Cross?Currently, regular bookings are:

● Self Defence classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings● An Art Group on alternate Tuesday afternoons● A Drama Group often uses it for rehearsals● Coffee Mornings every Tuesday morning from April – September● Council meetings● And of course, Children’s parties – very popular

There are other ad-hoc bookings, and if you are interested in hiring the Rooms, contact the Clerk ongwennapcouncil@btinternet.com

NEWSLETTERWe are always looking for news stories and photos, old and new, that may be of public interest if you have any.At this time of year, with the rain and wind beating down, the Parish Council is especially indebted to thevolunteers that hand-deliver the newsletter, saving us a small fortune. So a big “thank you” to all of you – wereally appreciate your help.If you get this by post, and think you could deliver to those properties close by, we would love to hear from you!Alternatively, our e-mail distribution continues to grow, so that is another option.

8

Hick’s Mill Methodist ChurchMorning United Service at 10.30 a.m. (United Service is shared with neighbouring villages, so please ring toconfirm location 01872 870996).Christmas Service will be at Twelveheads at 11.00 a.m. on 20th DecemberCoffee Mornings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. everyone is welcome.BUT no Coffee Morning in January.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS &HICKS MILL METHODIST CHURCH

9WI 100 YearsThis is an organisation that inspires women tofulfil their potential, to try new activities, toserve their communities. It has been celebratedcountry wide. The Queen and members of theRoyal family are WI members.

Cusgarne-Frogpool W.I.C caring F friendlyU unique R relaxedS smiley O outgoingG good looking! G generousA articulate P pleasantR readers O open mindedN newsy O optimisticE educated L lovable

When? First Tuesday of every month.Where? Frogpool Chapel Sunday Schoolroom.Time? 7.30pm

We can arrange a lift if transport is a problem.Visitors are warmly welcomed.

Forthcoming eventsA programme is being assembledOn February 3rd there will be an open meeting in theParish Rooms featuring William Shimell on his life asan opera singer . Look out for posters

There is a monthly Reading Group, regular Lunchmeets and celebration dinners.

The Cornwall County Federation, whoseheadquarters are in Threemilestone, organise a widerange of talks, courses and visits. Have a look at theirweb sitewww.cornwallwi.org.uk Or visit the Nationalwebsite www.theWI.org.ukMembers receive the monthly "WI Life " magazinefrom NFWI

Phone: 01872 864367 Susan McCrossan: Secretary

01326712153 Nina Cooper: President

PAY US A VISIT

} YourW.I.

Traditional and Modern Upholstery:· Chairs

· Sofas

· Headboards

· Box Cushions

· Window Seats

· Foot Stools

Email:teresa@hicksmill.eclipse.co.ukTel: 01872 865479/07583 865295

W.I.

10MacMILLAN CANCER SUPPORTEvery day, 9 people in Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly hear thedevastating news that they have cancer. That’s over 3,300 peopleevery year. The ripples a cancer diagnosis can cause can affectfamilies, friends and work colleagues.With a huge increase in the numbers of people affected by canceranticipated by 2030, thousands more local people may end upfeeling lonely and isolated.That’s why we are building The Cove Macmillan Support Centre inCornwall, the first dedicated centre of its kind in the County.The Cove has been designed with patients and their families inmind, with the simple goal of helping anyone affected by cancer tolive their lives as well as possible.Key areas of support within this new state of the art building willinclude:*information about how to cope with cancer and its treatment*a dedicated financial advice service*complementary therapies*a room especially for young people affected by cancerThe centre will open in mid-2016, and will help and support around13,000 people every year-patients, their families and friends.The centre will cost around £3 million to build and equip, and weare fundraising for the final £1 million of that figure in Cornwall andthe Isles of Scilly.To find out more about The Cove, or to get involved with ourappeal, please visit www.macmillanbuilds.co.uk orcall 0300 1000 200.You can also email your local contact, Emma Wright atemwright@macmillan.org.uk

11GWENNAP CHURCHSERVICES AT ST.WENNAPA CHURCH

 Sundays at 11 a.m.1st  Sunday Holy Communion B.C.P.2nd Sunday All Age Worship3rd Sunday Holy Communion C.W.4th Sunday Matins5th Sunday Holy Communion C.W.(B.C.P. Book of Common Prayer, C.W.- Common Worship]

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS in DecemberThursday 10th Cusgarne School 6pm Nativity.Sunday 13th 11am Christingle Service, particularly for theyoung.Sunday 20th 11am Service of Nine lessons and CarolsThursday 24th 11.30pm Midnight CommunionFriday 25th 10am Christmas CommunionEveryone is very welcome to all our services. Do comealong and join us.

GWENNAP LADIES GUILD - will meet during the wintermonths in the Church hall at 2.30pm on the 4th Tuesday ineach month. No meeting in December. In January we willhave our annual lunch together. Our AGM will be inFebruary. We enjoy walks and talks, visits to places ofinterest as well as charity fund raising. We would bedelighted to welcome new members. Come and try usout. Contact Sue Martyn on 01872 862670 for furtherdetails.

Christmas Concert in Gwennap Church.THE TRENGILLY SINGERS with Melanie UrenSaturday 19th December at 7p.m.Refreshments in the interval.

The COFFEE STOPWe are meeting once a month in the winter on the secondTuesday of the month at the homes of various generouspeople. For future venues phone Vanessa 01209 820355.

GWENNAP LUNCH CLUBDecember 15th at 12.30 in Gwennap Church Hall Bookingby Dec. 10th essential.Tuesday January 19�� : Tuesday February 16�� : TuesdayMarch 15th

LENT LUNCHESEaster is early this year, so our lunches of soup and a breadroll with cheese start on Friday 12th February at 12 noon inthe Church Hall. Then every Friday until Easter on March27th. No booking necessary, just turn up and enjoy lunchtogether.

QUIZ NIGHT WITH BANGERS AND MASHSaturday 6th February 2016 at 6.30 Gwennap Church Hall.Make up a team and give your brains a work-out. Deliciouspuddings follow the bangers and mash. Bring your ownbottle. Please let us know if you are coming 01872 862670.

WEDDINGSWe have celebrated the following marriages in the past fewmonths:Aug. 1st. James Richard Harrison and Jessica HannahFrenchAug.15th. Michael Andrew Hood- Ledder and GeraldineAnn HammondSept. 12th. James Henry Marks and Joanna ClareBroadbankSept. 19th Roy Finbar Duggan and Alexandra HuntOct.10th William Mark Medlyn and Kelly Emma Millichap

We wish them all happiness in their lives together.

FOX & HOUNDS COMFORD

· Christmas Menu now available Lunchtime or Evening, four courses £23· Christmas opening times

Christmas Day 12 noon – 2pmBoxing Day ClosedNew Years Day 12 noon – 3pm (food available)Closed Mondays as usual

Devon and Cornwall ConstabularyCONTACT NUMBER!!

To contact your local Police station to report non-emergency incidents, all you now need to dial is 101, (15p flat call rate).The Rural Neighbourhood Team for our area can also be contacted by e-mail on:

falmouth@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or direct on: 01326213455 our PCSO is Ashley Fuller .For emergencies, or offenders still at the scene, continue with 999

1612 SUE’S RECIPE & REMEMBRANCE DAY

Chairman of the parish council,Kevin Furnish lays the traditionalwreath at Gwennap ParishChurch on Remembrance Sunday

BRAISED BEEF IN RED WINE AND KEA PLUM JAM (Serves 6)

Winter is the time of year when you can use the cheaper cuts of meat and make delicious stews andcasseroles. There is something very homely about sitting down at the end of a cold, dark, wet day to a heartystew that smells wonderful as it comes out of the oven. I made this one the other day and my husband insistedthat I make it again before winter is out. I used stewing instead of braising steak and increased the cookingtime. Just a note – start the preparation early as this needsseveral hours in the oven. Like any hearty stew you can cook itthe day before and then reheat and simmer for several minutesbefore serving. It also freezes well.

1kg braising steak, cut into 3cm/1inch cubesSeasoned flourOlive or sunflower oil2 large onions, roughly chopped3 parsnips, peeled, cut in half, then cut each half lengthwaysinto quarters3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2cm/¾ inch slices4 cloves garlic, finely chopped2 star anise600ml/1 pint red wine (or damson wine if available)4 tbsp Kea plum jam (damson jam is a good substitute)

Pre­heat oven to 275˚F/140˚C/gas mark 1Large flameproof casserole with close fitting lid

Toss the steak cubes in the seasoned flour to coat them all over.

Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan, add a quarter of the meat andquickly brown all over. Take out of the pan and put to one side in alarge casserole dish. Repeat the same with the rest of the meat,adding more oil as necessary.

Clean out the pan. Toss the vegetables in oil and add to the pan,cook over a high heat until the edges of the vegetables are browning.You will need to keep turning them to avoid burning. Add tocasserole dish.

Mix the chopped garlic, star anise and Kea plum jam into the redwine. Pour over casserole.

Bring the casserole to the simmer on top of the stove before puttinginto the oven. Allow about 3 hours cooking time but start checkingthe tenderness of the beef after 2 hours. You may want to add somestock or water as it cooks – I did as I felt there was enough red wine.

Serve with mashed or baked potatoes and dark Cornish greens,cabbage or sprouts. Do not expect too much conversation during thedemolition process.

SUE HUBBLEwww.hubbles.co.uk

EDGCUMBE MINE, TREVARTH

Can anyone help with this enquiry? One train of thoughtsays it could have been part of the Ting Tang Mine set.

To Gwennap Parish Council

We have tried  so hard, without much success to obtaininformation about the history of the Edgcumbe minewhich we believe was in the field of Trevarth farm andpart of the estate before it was split up. County archivesalthough very helpful and encouraging  have said that ifit closed before compulsory registration there would not be records   Is there any chance that any of the villagepeople there will have some memories or information we can draw on, or is there anyone that we can correspondwith who is interested in the history of the area.

The mine, as near as we know is in the field in front of Trevarth farm house about 100 or so yards from the housewhen facing Carharrack with the road to the left and I think West Trevarth Cottage on the other side of the roadjust.People may know it as Susan Gribble’s farmThanking youCarolann Reeves

(any replies to gwennapcouncil@btinternet.com – I’ll send them on)

1313Each quarter, our CornwallCouncillor will provide anupdate on his activities. Hereis this quarter’s update.

Cornwall Councillor Mark KaczmarekTinner’s Lodge Pennance Road Lanner Redruth TR16 5TFEmail mkaczmarek@cornwall.gov.uk

FROGPOOL METHODIST CHURCH

Minister Revd. Mark LiddicoatTel: 01326 317427.

Sunday Morning Services 10.45 a.m.

Coffee Mornings are held at the Church from10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. each month

Coffee mornings – 17th Dec. for St. Petrocs.                               28th January                               25th February                               31st March.

Christmas Carol Service at 4.00 pm on the13th December with items by

Cusgarne School.Refreshments to follow.

Christmas Day Service 10.30 amMrs. S. Wainwright.

Frogpool Methodist Sunday School Hall and StableRoom (including kitchen facilities) are available for

hire. Enquiries to Mary Richards 01872 863143.

Dear resident

Chief Executive: I and a number of other Cornwallcouncillors were given the opportunity to meet thefour short-listed candidates; it was my opinion thatnone of them demonstrated the knowledge of runninga large rural council such as Cornwall Council. On the24th of November councillors were asked to supportthe recommendation of the appointment panel andendorsed the appointment of Kate Kennally as thenew Chief Executive of the Council. Ms Kennally iscurrently the Strategic Director for Commissioningand Deputy Chief Executive at the London Boroughof Barnet. I voted against the appointment as Istrongly believe that there are senior officers currentlyemployed by the council who are better qualified andhave demonstrated that they are committed toCornwall and the people we serve.

Policing: Devon and Cornwall Police haveannounced that they will be closing a number ofpolice stations in Cornwall our nearest police stationis Redruth which they say will be closing in 2016. Ihave challenged the Police and Crime CommissionerTony Hogg and our MP George Eustace over thegovernment funding cuts forced upon the police andthe community. It simply cannot be right that theGovernment takes no account of the impacts oftourism on policing and it has done little to reflectnon-crime demand on the police such as road safetyand mental health issues. The Government has alsofailed to take on board key points about the additionalcost required to police rural areas. Despite thepostponement of the proposed cuts until next yearwhile they review the funding formula, there remainsa real concern that our police numbers will still be hit.

Fund raising: On the 1st of October I was theauctioneer at the Cornish Arms at Frogpool HarvestFestival the evening raised £730 for the Merlin MSCentre, so thank you for all of you that came along tosupport such a good charity.

Kind regards  Mark

14 CUSGARNE SCHOOLNovember 2015Our busy term began withour Year 5 and Year 6taking on roles ofresponsibility bybecoming Buddies to ournew Reception pupils.The School Councillorswere elected early in theterm and met to organisecharity events for theHarvest Festival and forChildren in Need. Wealso heard that 11 of ourpupils had been awardedplaces and certificates inthe Kernow GorsedthCompetition, during thesummer. First placewinner, Viktor Topps waspresented his shield bythe Grand bard early inSeptember.We have been fortunateto see many visitors to the school and haveparticipated in lots of events.Rev Ellie Sheard has led some school assemblies and‘open the book’ assemblies where members of ourcommunity enact bible stories. The Cornwall AirAmbulance held a school assembly, where wepresented them with a cheque for £510- the amountraised at our Harvest Festival. PC Ashley Fuller visitsus regularly and was one of our auctioneers at ourHarvest Festival. Our school meal providers createda ‘Ready Steady Cook’ event one afternoon that allthe pupils enjoyed- the winning meal was put onto themenu the following week.Class 3 participated in a Cornish schools choir event,held at Truro Cathedral. We were very proud of them,they sang so well and nerves held out as theyperformed to an audience of around 500. At the sameevent Joshua King played a cornet solo to accompanyhis class as they sang one of their songs.Richard Lander School hosted the Pearl of AfricaChoir and invited our Year 5 pupils to see them andtake part in a workshop with our other cluster schools.There then followed an evening performance, to whichour parents were invited.Once again we took part in the British Legion charityappeal and the children observed a one minute silenceat 11 o clock on 11th November.Our parent volunteer group (known as the Friends ofCusgarne) organise many events throughout the year.They are always fun for the children and their familiesand additionally, raise funds that add the extrasomething special to enhance the provision at ourschool. This term, they have provided refreshmentsat the Harvest Festival, sourced and purchasedstaging for the school, organised and held a very

successful Halloween Party during the half term holidayand afforded a puppet show with workshops for theentire school.The teaching staff held 2 curriculum informationevenings for parents this term- English and Online safety.Some of our memorable moments this term haveincluded:The Harvest festival - this was a huge success andenjoyed by all our pupils and so many parents. Theygave so generously and over £500 was raised. Ondisplay, were amazing 3D conker creations made bythe children (with a little help here and there) rangingfrom chocolates to jewellery and zip slides to Newton’scradle.Class two visited Flambards museum to support theirtopic work this term and Class one have thrilled us withtheir creations of Scarecrows and then they celebratedthe Scarecrows Wedding with a party at the end of theirwork, based on a book of the same name.Our current Year 4/5/6 have many pupils keen to join insporting activities and those who have represented theschool in football tournaments so far have beenextremely proud of their achievements. I believe theycurrently hold 2nd position in the league.The whole school enjoyed an outside, mud filled rambleto support the Children in need event organised by theschool council.

The term has been extremely busy so far and we arenow poised and almost ready for the forthcomingChristmas events.Christmas Greetings to you all from Cusgarne School.

Regular details of events and news can be found on ourwebsite: www.cusgarne.cornwall.sch.uk

15CROFTHANDY CORNER

FOR ALL YOURGrass Cutting,

Hedge TrimmingAnd

Garden Clearance

ContactPaul Chegwidden 01872 862771

Fully Insured

�

�

The West Cornwall Dahlia Society held their annual show at CrofthandyVillage Hall in September. The photo shows the splendid exhibits onshow.Crofthandy’s Ted Curnoe has been organising the Show for more yearsthan he can probably remember!

Our other Village Hall photo shows how things used to be, prior to theopening of the new Hall. Brings back a few memories…………..!

SHAFT ALERT!!A shaft has recently gone down in the Poldice Valley, just north ofPaynter’s Pool and close to the byway that leads on to the chimneystack (see photo). It is advisable to keep to the obvious tracks inthe valley, given the mining activity that took place in the area.Cormac have fenced the shaft and will be making it safe in the nearfuture.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION.As Crofthandy looks towards Carharrack and St Day for its daily contact,the following may be worth knowing.

● 9 Lessons and Carols at 7.30pm in St Day Church14th December

● Christmas Carols in St Day Market Square on Friday 18th

December, 8.30pm● Children’s Party, Saturday 12th Dec at the School Hall 2pm –

4.30pm - £5● Carharrack & St Day Pensioners Club (and Crofthandy!) meet at

the Mills Hall, Carharrack on the first Monday of each month,2pm. (Contact Ellen on 01209 202577)

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BENSON’SBed and Breakfast at Primrose

Cottage, Consols Road, Carharrack

Too many visitors and not enoughroom?

Perhaps we can he lp,ring Sue Beveridge

or check out our website

BENSON’s has two en-suite roomswith TV, tea/coffee making, mini

fridge – all the comforts of home!Why not call round and see for

yourselfTel: 01209 820298

Email sue@bensonsbandb.co.ukwww.bensonsbandb.co.uk