A PARISH council chairman is at the centre of controversy over his application to build a 130ft wind turbine in his village.

Andrew Harris, chairman of Lanivet Parish Council, has put forward the plans for a 250kW turbine on land at his Higher Woodley Farm in Lanivet.

The application has angered locals who put together a 143-strong petition in objection to the scheme and Cornwall Council has also received scores of objection letters as well as comments posted online.

At an extraordinary meeting of Lanivet Parish Council on Thursday last week villagers packed in to hear a debate on the issue, after which the parish council chose to back Mr Harris's plans.

His application comes a year after the parish council rejected an application for a smaller 20kW turbine in Nanstallon.

Bryan Sautelle-Smith, of Berry Lane, Nanstallon, spoke at Thursday's meeting on behalf of Nanstallon residents.

He said there was strong objection locally to Mr Harris's application.

"At present there are no wind turbines visible from Nanstallon following our successful challenge to an application last year," he told the meeting.

"If the planning committee felt that one of 20kW was too big for our landscape, then this one at 250kW can surely only be described as ridiculous?"

He said there had also been no Environmental Impact Assessment carried out; that the planning application documents were not detailed enough; surveys for wildlife, such as bats, had not been carried out; it was close to The Saints Way walk; that there was no community benefit package attached to the scheme and that access to the site was "woefully inadequate".

However, after a lengthy debate, the parish council voted to support the application.

It will now go before Cornwall Council for a final decision. It is not yet known whether it will be heard by a planning committee or be decided by an officer under delegated authority.

In response to the claims Mr Harris said: "Every site is different. We have been told that it is an excellent site with high wind speed and a low visual impact. We have been approached by a number of companies over the years about putting up a turbine.

"You have to do what you can to maximise the potential and we are doing that by harvesting the wind."

He said proper procedure had been followed.

"The offer was made that if a parishioner requested a public meeting on wind turbine application then we should have one. The parish council obliged with the meeting on Thursday; I can't call a meeting myself on my own application."

However, fellow parish councillor Tracey Osborne said she was disappointed by some comments made at the meeting.

"One comment was that the Harris family have been around a lot longer than anyone else there so why shouldn't they have it if they want it?

"I have lived in the local area my entire life, as have others, and my family have been here for generations so why should our wish not to see it be any less regarded than his wish to have it?

"Maybe it just gets taken for granted by a few of those who have lived here all their lives and don't realise how lucky we really are."

Cornwall councillor for Lanivet, Mick Martin, said he would be requesting the application go before the council's planning committee.

THE FABLED Beast of Bodmin is a legend that has terrified children, and more than a few adults, for decades. A large phantom wild cat, wandering the moor, feasting on the livestock of local farmers and the imaginations of a nation. A steady flow of beast sightings have been poured in to the public's consciousness. Tales of close encounters with a big panther-like cat, mutilated farm animals and the occasional blurry photograph bringing debate, curiosity and, more often than not, mockery. But a recent find in the dusty recesses of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery may have just put the mockers on the mockers. The discovery of a stuffed Canadian lynx, shot dead in 1903 after it had killed two dogs, has led scientists to announce that a 'big cat' was on the loose in England's countryside over a century ago. The animal in question had rested in the depths of the museum for decades having been donated upon its death. After carrying out tests on the skin and preserved bones of the animal, a team of researchers from Durham, Bristol, Southampton and Aberystwyth universities, believe the lynx is the earliest example of an 'alien big cat' in the British Isles.

A YOUNG North Cornwall archaeologist donned a white lab coat and gloves alongside experts to help conserve Roman artefacts.

Brandon Turner, 11, from Egloskerry was tasked with preparing some of the artefacts for display in Colchester's Castle Museum, which is currently being redeveloped.

Brandon Turner, a member of the Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC), entered a competition in YAC's subscription magazine, Young Archaeologist, in order to win the unique opportunity.

He completed the sentence "I would really like to work with the conservators at Colchester Castle Museum because …."

Brandon explained: My sentence said 'I really, really like history and I would die to examine some genuine Roman artefacts, plus I think I would learn a lot and it would help me with my dream of becoming an archaeologist'." His day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum stores, where he was able to look at – and handle – a range of objects including a Roman helmet, Saxon swords, and Roman and medieval pottery.

He described his day as: "Great, perfect, fun and a chance in a lifetime."

Nicky Milsted, from the Young Archaeologists' Club, said: "Brandon had a thoroughly fantastic time with the team from Colchester Museum Resource Centre and was thrilled to get a chance to experience the real work of conservators and museum archaeologists.

"This type of opportunity is completely unique and we could not have provided it for a YAC member like Brandon without the superb support of the museum staff. Brandon's enthusiasm was infectious, and I really think that he will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg presented new radios to Newquay taxi firms as part of a new crime prevention scheme at the resort this week.

Taxi Watch is the first of its kind in Cornwall and Devon and is being introduced at the end of the month.

It means drivers will remain in constant and direct radio contact with each other, police officers and the town's CCTV monitoring team and will radio in any incidents they may witness.

On Wednesday, Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner handed out the first of the new radios to Newquay taxi firms. In total, around five new radios will be given to five taxi control rooms in Newquay covering 50 to 60 taxis.

Mr Hogg said he was "delighted" to hand over the radios as part of the safer transport initiative, adding that it is a "good scheme" by Newquay police.

Taxi Watch is the brainchild of Newquay Sergeant John Capp, who said: "This scheme will provide safer transport for Newquay via a direct radio link to the CCTV office and police officers and is already receiving favourable comments from proprietors."

Sergeant Capp presented the proposed scheme to Newquay taxi companies at the police station on Wednesday.

Police, taxi proprietors and drivers, councillors and enforcement officers were present and all welcomed the scheme, he said, with every taxi company wanting a radio for their firm.

Inspector Dave Meredith is also continuing his drive to ensure every street in Newquay is covered by a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Commenting on the reduction in crime at the resort, he said: "This is proof that the efforts of the police and partners are having a positive impact on the town."

Newquay police has also just launched a Business Watch, which will see the town's traders share information with each other and the police on a dedicated Facebook page.

News of the schemes comes in the same month that Newquay police revealed a year on year decrease in crime of more than 20 per cent.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Lady Emma Rashleigh, who has been described as a woman of "great faith and conviction".

The wife of Sir Richard Rashleigh, she died peacefully at home after an illness, aged 52.

A private funeral took place at Tregaminion Chapel, Menabilly, and a service of thanksgiving for her life is expected to take place on May 22.

Her husband, with whom she lived at the Menabilly Estate, said his wife, born Emma Felicity Clare McGougan, had once worked alongside Margaret Thatcher at 10 Downing Street.

"Although modest in her assessment of her secretarial abilities, she succeeded in getting a job at the Central Office of the Conservative Party," he said, "and through a series of fortuitous moves found herself as one of the team of backroom secretaries working at 10 Downing Street when Mrs Thatcher became Prime Minister.

"She described herself as having the role of the office junior and as such could be asked to run errands for Mrs Thatcher such as nipping out to buy sausages for supper or being asked to pop something in the oven for Dennis and herself to have later.

"However, Emma dreamed of a life outside an office, even if that office was Number 10 Downing Street, and when an opportunity occurred she found herself heading out to Mount Earnslaw Sheep Station in New Zealand."

Although she fell in love with the country, Emma returned to England and was immediately offered her old job at Number 10.

She accepted, but it was not long before the call of the great outdoors became irresistible once more.

"This time she wanted to be a gardener and after writing a letter to the chairman of Kew Gardens – she always started at the top – she was amazed to get a reply and an introduction to Rosemary Verey, an internationally known English garden designer, lecturer and prolific garden writer who designed the famous garden at Barnsley House, near Cirencester.

"It was thanks to her that Emma learnt about plants, including their correct Latin names and good planting and husbandry."

She also became passionate about visiting gardens, and it was through this interest that she came down to Cornwall, where she met Sir Richard.

They were married in 1996 and had two children.

Another key aspect of Lady Rashleigh's life was her strong Christian faith, Sir Richard said, "from which everything else flowed. She trusted completely Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and encouraged others with her faith.

"She adored all children and became particularly dedicated in the local church to leading children and youth work, and promoted a scheme to give a Children's Bible to every primary school pupil in the county."

Lady Rashleigh also worked to support couples in their marriages, running marriage enrichment courses and the Church's Alpha course.

Described by her husband as a greatly loved and cherished wife, mother, sister and friend, she is also survived by their son and daughter.

Mike Marshall, vicar at Holy Trinity Church, St Austell, spoke of a generous and creative woman who would be missed by many.

"A woman of great faith and conviction, she was ever ready to serve others," he said. "On numerous occasions she hosted, with her husband Sir Richard, Alpha suppers, youth adventure weekends and many other gatherings at their home in Menabilly.

"In the various stages of her final illness she maintained a vibrant confidence in God.

"It's remarkable that her death occurred just before the day of the year she loved most – Easter Sunday. The congregation in church that day were therefore able to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and all that meant for Emma, while grieving for her loss."

A service to celebrate the life of Lady Emma will take place at Holy Trinity Church , St Austell, on Wednesday, May 22, at 3pm.

LOCAL people knew the quiet dustman and road sweeper as Gentleman John.

What no one would have guessed is that he took part in the most sensational heist of all time, the Great Train Robbery.

But now, a week after his church funeral at Launceston, John Daly's widow Barbara has spoken of a husband who turned his life around and worked hard and honestly to raise his family.

Mr Daly, whose funeral took place at the Catholic Church in St Stephen's Hill, Launceston, near the home where he had lived for almost 40 years, was one of the gang who made off with £2.6 million in August, 1963, the equivalent of more than £50 million today.

The robbery and subsequent capture and jailing of the gang gripped the nation.

John, unlike his compatriots who received sentences of up to 30 years for their part in the robbery of the mail train in Buckinghamshire, was acquitted at the start of the trial, the only member of the 16-man gang to walk free.

His defence claimed that although his fingerprints were on a Monopoly set found at the farm where the gang hid after the robbery the game had been taken there at a later date.

John Daly then turned his life around completely and, after leaving his underworld friends, spent the rest of his life in Launceston, working as a dustman and street cleaner for the county council.

"John never spoke to anyone about the Great Train Robbery as he was told he could face a retrial," said Barbara.

His £150,000 share of the £2.6 million in used notes was stolen from him by the men meant to be minding it for him.

Mrs Daly said: "John was devastated when he learned his money had been stolen.

"Things were tight financially and John struggled to get work. But he never committed another crime.

"I was much prouder of him being a dustman and road sweeper than a train robber."

After the robbery Mr Daly and his wife, aged 72, went on the run.

She said: "I was pregnant and had to leave my oldest, who was a baby, with a friend. Wanted pictures of us had been released by the police and I felt like a hunted animal.

"The worry that he might be arrested again was making me ill. I hated the Great Train Robbery, it was like a stone on my back.

"The others got 30 years, which was shocking and savage. John didn't have any money, but he had his freedom, his garden and his family — and that was everything.

"He proved that crime does not pay and that the best things in life come from hard work and honesty."

"We had just enough to survive and we worked long hours to make ends meet. He was a decent man who reformed and had a strong belief in God.

"John would be up at 5am and walked 17 miles a day following the dustcart. Even after he retired from the council, he got cleaning jobs and worked until he was 70.

"We had a very simple life and didn't earn a lot, but we had what we needed."

Launceston photographer Paul Hamlyn worked on the dustcarts with John Daly two decades ago and will be eternally grateful to him.

Mr Hamlyn said: "A bin I was about to tip into the cart was heavy with water and I started to fall in with it. The weight was dragging me into the crusher, but John saw what was happening and pressed the stop button.

"He saved my life," said Paul.

"He would help anyone, and people used to call him Gentleman John. I feel proud that I was asked to be a bearer at his funeral."

Mr Daly's death comes just six weeks after that of his brother-in-law and gang leader Bruce Reynolds, who was married to Barbara's sister Angela.

Recruited by Reynolds to join the gang which held up a Glasgow to London Royal Mail train near Leighton Buzzard, John Daly's job was to alter the signals to red.

Within 12 hours of the robbery, Daly was one of six suspects named by an informant; he was captured at a London flat after being betrayed by the two men who had shielded him then stolen his £150,00 share.

FOUR men had a lucky escape after their converted fishing vessel smashed onto rocks near Padstow.

The wreckage was strewn over beaches across the area, with most concentrated on the sands at Daymer Bay.

It was also carrying 900 litres of diesel and Padstow Harbour authorities worked with Falmouth coastguard to help contain the fuel spill.

Skipper Rob Bygott said: "A lifeboat turned up in about 15 minutes, and it's lucky they did because my boat and the wheelhouse broke in half.

"The wheelhouse was attached to the main mast. If that had gone we would probably have gone with it."

Mr Bygott said the lifeboat crew had "certainly" saved their lives, rowing over the rocks to pluck them to safety.

Michael England, RNLI mechanic at Padstow, said the crew were on the way to the port to take part in the annual May Day celebrations (today).

He said: "This was a very speedy rescue as the four men were in immediate danger with the boat literally breaking up under their feet.

"Fortunately, thanks to Alan's [RNLI coxswain Alan Tarby] skilful boat-handling in very shallow water we were able to get them off the boat and ashore in minutes.

"They're regular visitors to Padstow, usually appearing for our annual May Day celebrations, and it's very sad to see their boat in such a situation."

They had left from Bristol but experienced worsening weather conditions.

Falmouth Coastguard received a call at around 3.52am on Monday after their vessel – Courageous II – had beached on the Doom Bar sand bank.

"They were beached on the sand and they thought they would be OK," a coastguard spokesman explained.

"When they came off the sand they couldn't control the vessel and went onto the rocks."

He said they hit the rocks just after 4.45am. The boat broke up quickly, he added.

An RNLI spokesman said the crew were in "immediate danger".

"Arriving on scene in just 12 minutes, volunteer RNLI coxswain Alan Tarby skilfully brought the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Spirit Of Padstow alongside the stricken vessel in very shallow waters.

"The four men assembled on the aft deck of the converted fishing vessel and transferred to the lifeboat.

"The RNLI team then headed straight back to the lifeboat station so the survivors could be checked over by paramedics."

The call came just four and a half hours after the Padstow RNLI team had returned from assisting two people onboard a small yacht that lost its rudder two miles north of Boscastle. The volunteer crew had towed the boat to safety, arriving back at their Trevose Head boathouse at 12.30am on Monday.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed.

THE "tragic" death of a 48-year-old man outside a Newquay club at the weekend will not have long-term repercussions on the town's reputation, say police and community leaders.

Shockwaves continue to ripple through the community after keen angler Michael 'Mick' Kearns, of Newquay, died outside Sailors nightclub during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Initially, a murder investigation was launched and four men were arrested on suspicion of the crime.

However, the men have since been released on bail and police say the case is no longer being treated as a murder enquiry.

The Newquay Safe Partnership, police and community leaders have sought to distance the death of Mr Kearns from the events of 2009, when two teenagers died after falling from cliffs after nights out in the resort.

The shocking events put the resort in the national media spotlight but community leaders have maintained that the death of Mr Kearns is "isolated" and that the town's image will go unharmed in its wake.

Rob Andrew, Newquay Safe project manager, said: "This is a tragedy. Our thoughts go out to the family members of the person who has passed away.

"Newquay Safe is working with police. We want to find out what the cause was and if there is anything we can do in the future to stop it from happening again.

"It appears that young people were not involved in this which has been the problem in the past.

"It is unfortunate that this has come at the start of the summer. Hopefully Newquay will continue to flourish."

Newquay inspector Dave Meredith said he believed the death was "an isolated incident" which will not have any repercussions on Newquay in the long term.

He said: "We are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. I would like to reassure the public that the police are treating this death as an isolated incident.

"The management and staff of Sailors nightclub are cooperating fully with the police investigation."

Police and paramedics were called to the club at around 3am on Saturday morning.

Mr Kearns was unconscious and not breathing when police arrived. Staff at the club and police officers tried to resuscitate him until the ambulance arrived.

But he was taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Newquay Safe Partnership was launched following the deaths of Paddy Higgins, 16, and Andrew Curwell, 18, in a bid to shed Newquay of its reputation as a haven for drunken revellers.

Newquay Mayor, Kevin Towill, said of Mr Kearns' death: "It is a very sad event. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

The four men have been bailed until July 23. The investigation is ongoing.

A MAN who was miraculously saved after he "died" six times at his friend's wedding reception is to raise awareness of the condition that almost took his life.

Adam Halls, from St Cleer, slipped into a coma after his heart stopped beating at the wedding reception of his friend Kylie Cox, nee Magee, in March.

Luckily three guests, who were trained nurses, carried out CPR on the 28-year-old at The Carlyon Bay Hotel, near St Austell for 30 minutes until the ambulance arrived.

Mr Halls told the Cornish Guardian he actually died about half a dozen times and was resuscitated.

Currently in the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske, Truro, he was due to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted yesterday.

His last memory is dancing to one of his favourite songs – Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO – and then waking up in hospital days later.

"It's quite horrific but I just feel awful for the trauma I have caused my family when they didn't know if I was going to make it," said the humble MENCAP support worker, who is also a part-time artist.

"I'm so lucky not to have any brain damage. It's a miracle."

He also said he felt guilty.

"It happened right at the beginning of the night so Kylie didn't really have a reception. She said the best thing was that I'm OK, which is amazing and it made me feel better knowing I didn't ruin her wedding completely."

The 24-year-old bride from Polgover Way, St Blazey, Par, who works as a nurse in Bodmin Hospital, followed in a car behind the ambulance on the day with her new husband. The newly-weds stayed at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske until 4.30am in their wedding day clothes.

"I just wanted him to live, nothing else matters really," said Mrs Cox. "I've said to him it doesn't matter about any of it as long as he's alive. It's lovely, I'm so happy."

Brave Mr Halls said the experience had opened his eyes and he wanted to promote charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young – which raises awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). He believes first aid should be on the national curriculum in schools. "It's rare anyone survives SADS," he added. "It was having those people around that could do CPR that saved me. Without them I wouldn't be here.

"My family have said they are going to do a course to learn. They are obviously really worried about me coming home in case it happens again."

The defibrillator works by monitoring the heart and delivering a jolt of electricity if it detects an irregular beat.

"It's an amazing piece of equipment; it's very empowering because I can go on living normally," he said.

"When I see the charity's website it brings tears to my eyes. The bereavement parents have to go through when young children die in their sleep. That could have been me."

He also thanked the Royal Cornwall Hospital. "Treliske has been absolutely fantastic. They have been so supportive to my family."

THERE is only one place the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Division One West trophy will be heading back to on Saturday, and that is the pub where Godolphin Atlantic's remarkable journey began.

It's safe to say 'The G' have put up with their fair share of critics since making the step up to Peninsula League football just five years ago.

Why? Because they were formed, in 1980, at the Godolphin Arms pub in Newquay.

Apparently that's not good enough for some of Cornwall's senior clubs and their fans, who have often looked down on Godolphin as a mere a pub team in Newquay.

But these humble beginnings are what makes Godolphin Atlantic.

The club is proud of its roots, and will always, according to chairwoman Tania Semmens, regard itself as a pub team, no matter what league they are playing in.

She said: "Everybody calls us a pub team and yes, we are. We are very proud of that fact.

"We have put an enormous amount of work in over the years, and that will never change.

"We are like one big family, who just enjoy our football on a Saturday afternoon."

That is evident when you go down to Godolphin Way to watch a game. It is always a team effort. Not just on the pitch, but off it as well.

Tania's mum 'Muff' Ashwood, with whom she runs the Godolphin Arms, has been pivotal in the club's success.

Tania said: "She has put a lot of money into all our teams down the years. She loves her teams and loves her football.

"If it wasn't for mum I don't think we would be where we are today."

Tania's daughter, Stevie, also chips in too. She puts together the club's matchday programme, while son Shaun is the first-team goalkeeper, following in the footsteps of his dad Nigel who played for the club.

As well as chair duties, Tania also pitches in with groundsman Tommy Bradshaw, who has been at the club the last three years, in ensuring the club's Godolphin Way pitch is ready for match day.

Tania has been involved with the club virtually since it was formed more than three decades ago.

She eventually went on to replace Brian Bilkey, who served the club as chairman for many years.

Minnows

During her time at the club, Tania has watched Godolphin grow from junior minnows to one of the most attractive teams to watch in Peninsula League football.

And this weekend the club will complete one of the biggest success stories in Cornish football history when they are presented with the championship trophy in their final game of the season, at home to Vospers Oak Villa (3pm).

Tania said: "We have come a long way together, and that's what makes it so special."

Many of Godolphin's players have been with the club since their junior football days.

Striker Lee Paxton has been with the club for 12 years and he was promoted to the first-team when Derek Martin took over as manager in 2003.

Jake Gosling, now at Exeter City, played for Godolphin for three years, while another ex-player, Jamie Lowry spent six years as a professional with Chesterfield, before returning to the south west with Plymouth Argyle last summer.

Assisted by Mick Lowry, Jamie's father, it was under Martin's guidance that Godolphin's fortunes on the pitch really began to pick up.

In 2005 he guided the club to second place in the Duchy League Premier Division, as they gained promotion to senior football in the East Cornwall Premier League. In the same year they were Knock Out Cup winners and Junior Cup winners.

They then went on to claim back to back titles in the East Cornwall League Cup in 2006 and 2007.

And the following year, after finishing runners-up in the East Cornwall Premier League, Godolphin gained promotion to Division One West of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.

They improved on their position in their first three seasons, finishing 11th, sixth and second, before a disappointing fourth last campaign.

However, this season will go down as the most memorable in Godolphin's short history after storming their way to the league title.

Tania said: "The boys have been amazing this season. There were one or two tears shed after we won the league at Helston (their closest challengers for the title), and I'm sure there will be again on Saturday when we are presented with the trophy."

Next season, the club hope to be joining the likes of Bodmin Town and local rivals Newquay in the Premier Division, which, for a pub team, is not bad going at all.

NEWQUAY Cormorants' Paralympic gold medalist Jonathan Fox will take his place in the Great Britain squad for this summer's IPC World Championships in Canada.

The 21-year-old reaffirmed his reputation as one of the country's most talented swimmers after clinching a gold medal at last week's British International Disability Championships in Sheffield, to take another important step towards defending his World 100m Backstroke title.

His winning time was more than three seconds under the qualification time for the 2013 IPC World Championships in Montreal in August, to ensure his place in the Great Britain squad, which was announced yesterday.

Having led qualifying with a time of 1:10.53 in the morning heats, the Newquay Cormorants swimmer, who is now based in Manchester, clocked 1:11.29 for victory in the final, scoring 941 points for his time.

Slower

Fox, who set his world record 1:09.86 to win Paralympic gold by more than a second at London 2012, said: "I went a 1:11 in the final which was slower than this morning but I wanted to get the qualifying time in the heat so I could just have fun for the rest of the week."

He added: "If I'd have swum that 1:10 from the heats at London, I would have still won gold so that's really good to base this competition off and I'm really pleased with that time.

"It might seem like there was nothing to improve on from London but there's always things you can improve like your stroke rate, your technique and your turns.

"So I'm going to tweak those little things and hopefully I can give my world record a good run for its money in Montreal."

Fox returned to his family home in St Stephen on Monday for a break, before he resumes training this summer in preparation for August's World Championships.

Another Newquay swimmer in the medals was Ben Procter, who claimed silver in the 200m Freestyle, beating the IPC World Championships qualification time by 0.01 seconds with his time of 2:02.32.

Jonathan Fox is a member of the British Gas GBR Disability Swimming Team.

This spring British Gas is launching SwimBritain, a campaign to create a healthier nation and get more people swimming regularly by 2015. Visit swimbritain.co.uk

ST AUSTELL are guaranteed a top four premier division finish following Launceston's 2-1 defeat at home to Torpoint Athletic on Monday night.

The result caps what has been an excellent first season in management for St Austell player-manager Dan Nancarrow.

The Lillywhites could yet even finish in third, with Plymouth Parkway five points above them, having played a game more.

Nancarrow said: "I'm proud of all the boys after securing a top four finish. Now let's push for third. It's not been a bad first season as manager."

After a goalless first half at Pennygillam, Torpoint, 2-0 winners at Newquay on Saturday, took the lead on the hour when Liam Thornton claimed his second goal in as many games.

But Darren Edwards' men were pegged back in the 79th minute with Sam Davey equalising for the Clarets.

However, Jimmy Alexander made sure of the points for Torpoint with an 81st minute free kick.

St Blazey went down to a second straight defeat at home to Saltash United on Monday night.

The Green & Blacks, who were soundly beaten 4-0 at St Austell last Wednesday, lost 2-1 at Blaise Park.

St Blazey had led, before goals from ex-Blazey striker Danny Zalick and Gavin Coulton sealed victory for the Ashes.

In Division One West, St Dennis scored eight second half goals to finish 8-1 winners at home to bottom of the table Foxhole Stars.

A shock result looked on the cards as Stars led when goalkeeper Brett Allen could only push Ryan Wilkins' cross into his own net in Monday's Clay Country derby.

But second half goals from Ryan Hayhurst (3), Chris Brown, Lee Rickard (2), Carl Rickard and Perry Harvey ensured an emphatic victory for Saints.

However, the game was overshadowed by referee Tim Burley's decision after the final whistle to send off Carl Rickard, who had been booked earlier.

CAMELFORD kart racer Alex Quinn made the long journey to Scotland and secured another top spot on the podium.

Alex, 12, is racing in three separate British Championships in the cadet karting class for nine to 13-year-olds.

Last weekend saw the first round of the 'Little Green Man' championship which will be contested over eight rounds all over the UK.

The long journey to Larkhall in Lanarkshire, just south of Glasgow, did not deter Alex from stepping right up to the pace on the Saturday testing.

Unofficial timing reported Alex to be fastest on the demanding Scottish circuit. Weather conditions on the Saturday were dry and Alex got an opportunity to test different kart set up techniques using the new IAME Parilla engine which has been introduced to the cadet class this year. Sunday morning brought heavy rain. Alex was competing against 46 other drivers. The heats were randomly selected and run over five sessions with each competitor running in three heats.

In Alex's first heat, he was on pole position and off the line Alex battled closely with another competitor before finishing in first place in the slippy conditions.

In Heat 2 for Alex, weather conditions had dried enough to enable the competitors to drive on slick tyres. As the track was still a little damp in some areas, many karts collided on the first big corner on the opening lap.

Alex started in 14th position on this heat and managed to swerve his way through the first corner making his way up to finish second.

In the three heats, the grids are randomly selected to promote fairness to all the drivers with a driver having a front, a middle and a rear starting position.

As Alex started on pole in the first heat, he had to, therefore, start in last position on his final heat of the day. Once again Alex managed to miss an incident at the start and worked his way through the field to finish in fourth place, securing the fastest lap in this heat.

During the lunch break, the organisers of the Championship welcomed all drivers onto the track for a Drivers Parade introducing each driver to the large crowd of spectators and gave a background to the Championship.

This gave the organisers an opportunity to calculate the grid positions and Alex would start the final in P2 on the grid. Alex got a good start and settled into the 15-lap race behind two other competitors.

Early on, he made a move on his first driver and several laps later, he went for the lead passing the second competitor. A nerve-wracking series of laps went by with very close racing between the two drivers.

On the penultimate corner Alex lost his lead and went over the line in second place. However, in post race scrutineering the other competitor was underweight and unfortunately excluded from the results promoting Alex to first place.

THE race for semi-final spots in this year's Jolly's Drinks Premier 50/50 Cup have been thrown wide open.

Camborne, Redruth and Truro all lost their opening games but bounced back with victories on Saturday.

After just two rounds the only unbeaten teams are Callington and Falmouth, who have only played one game apiece.

EAST DIVISION

Callington 324-3, Grampound Road 183

CALLINGTON'S openers, Matt Robins and Jake Libby, dominated at Moores Park, putting on 204 before being parted.

It was a repeat of their double century partnership for Cornwall at Oxfordshire last year, which played a major part in the county's title challenge. Robins was dismissed by Chris Hunkin for 102.

Dan Davis missed out but Libby went on to hit 160 not out off 152 balls in the 324 for three. Both Robins and Libby hit two sixes and 15 fours.

Hunkin took three for 69 while David Hoskings was the most economical, being the only bowler to go for less than five an over. After losing Tom Hughes and David Hoskings cheaply Hunkin (58no) and Chris Roberts (46) added 106 for the third wicket.

Daniel Barretto made 20 not out as the visitors claimed a fourth batting point.

Australian Daniel Callinan took two for 43, on his debut, and Andrew Libby two for 41 from his ten overs.

Truro 218-6, St Austell 116

TRURO ran out convincing winners by 102 runs at Wheal Eliza to maintain their cup hopes.

After the previous week's last over defeat they made no mistake, despite an indifferent start.

Tim Marrion and Tom Sharp were both out with only 24 on the board. Adam Pascoe followed at 57 for three. Scott Harvey found a good partner in Rob Harrison, however, to add 88 for the fourth wicket.

Harvey went for 55 off 114 balls but Harrison went on to hit two sixes and seven fours in his 70, before being dismissed in the final over.

There were two wickets apiece for Scott Barrott, Liam Watson and Mike Bone.

St Austell's innings got off to a poor start as they lost Sean Hooper, Craig Richards and Scott Kellow with only 16 on the board. Kyle Van Rooyen struck twice.

Dan Jarman (28) and Mike Bone (24) gave some hope, adding 49 for the fourth wicket, but with only Gary Bone (22) of the rest getting into double figures they were bowled out for 116.

Tom Sharp and Tom Burford both took three wickets.

WEST DIVISION

Redruth 160-9, St Just 149

IF Redruth had a few lessons to learn after their opening day defeat, it didn't take them too long to up their game as they beat one of the cup favourites, St Just at Trewirgie.

In a confidence boosting performance they defeated the full strength visitors, in a result that will have raised a few eyebrows around the county.

It hadn't looked that way for much of the Redruth innings, however. Half the side were out for 47 after electing to bat. It was Steve Kevern that held the rest of the innings together making 62 not out.

Neil Ivamy and Josh Wingfield got double figures as the eighth and ninth wickets added a crucial 71, with Wingfield out on the last ball. Kiwi Ian McPeake took two wickets on debut as did Nick George and Gareth May.

Gary Thomas made 33 as St Just reached 92 for three, but the innings collapsed with Harry Bolland (3-14) and Neil Ivamy (3-24) bowling them out for 149 in the 38th over.

Earlier, Ben Stevens dismissed David Roberts and Neil Curnow in his two for 26. Gavin Edwards was left stranded on 39 not out.

Camborne 177, Paul 117

ON the face of it this was a comfortable win for the Roskear club but they had much to thank the tail-enders of Jordan Harvey, Craig Johnson and Scott Harris.

Four batsmen got into double figures but at 92 for eight the home side held the aces. Harvey made 20 before Harris and Johnson added a vital 54 for the last wicket.

Johnson made 45 at a run a ball and Harris remained unbeaten on 12. Kelvin Snell took three for 34 with Craig Osborne and Ross Williams taking two apiece.

Matt O'Leary made 42 as Paul got to a promising 57 for one. But Craig Johnson made the breakthrough to initiate a dramatic collapse as six wickets fell for only 16 runs.

Craig Osborne made 25 to help get the total to 117 all out. It was former skipper Martin Jenkin did the damage taking six for 24 from 9.3 overs. Matt Rowe wrapped up the game taking two for 21.

Liam Weeks had a great game behind the stumps for Camborne, claiming five victims.

AN OBESE recluse who hated going out during the day because he was abused about his weight, murdered his lover after being asked to buy some sherry from a supermarket.

Alexander Channer, 55, of St Austell, Cornwall, who weighs 20 stones, has been jailed after losing control and suffocating pensioner Colin Payne, 72, in his bed after tying him up and gagging him.

He had acted out a similar fantasy 13 years ago when he bound and gagged another man during an act of false imprisonment – but was then only given a caution and treated in a psychiatric hospital.

The killer cracked retired postmaster Mr Payne around the head twice with a rolling pin before smothering him with two pillows after he bound his legs and hands and put a gag in his mouth.

Channer admitted murdering grandfather Mr Payne at his flat in Helston, last June. He had previously admitted manslaughter – which was rejected by the Crown, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

He was jailed for life and will serve at least 15 years before he can be released. Judge Graham Cottle said the victim was a man who "enjoyed a quiet and completely independent life" near his family.

Channer was in a relationship with Mr Payne, which the victim's own grown-up family did not know.

The judge said Channer "acted out a fantasy" with another lover in 2000 by restraining and detaining him for several hours, adding: "The matter was eventually resolved by you being cautioned."

Channer again acted out the fantasy when he killed Mr Payne, who was found with restraints on various parts of his body and with a gag in his mouth.

Judge Cottle said: "It was a wicked act. Colin Payne was a much-loved and missed man who met his death in quite appalling circumstances."

He said the murder was triggered by a comparatively minor event – being asked to buy some sherry by Mr Payne.

Channer had become a lodger at the flat and told police they were in a sexual relationship. Mr Laws said Channer was reclusive and "rarely went out".

Channer is thought to have murdered Mr Payne before taking his credit cards and travelling around Britain using them before being arrested in a Nottingham hotel two days after his victim was found dead.

Mr Payne's body was not found for two weeks until his son Nicholas went round to visit him on Father's Day last year.

He had to use a ladder to break into the flat where he found his father's body in his bed and a rolling pin on the floor.

Channer told police he had harboured thoughts of causing harm to Mr Payne and killing him by smothering him.

He said on the day of the murder Mr Payne asked him to go and buy some sherry but Channer was reluctant to do so, and this minor incident triggered the murder.

Mr Laws said for some bizarre reason Channer lost control and armed himself with the rolling pin before using pillows to smother him as Mr Payne cried out: "What are you doing to me? Why are you doing this? I love you."

Paul Mann, QC, for the defence, said: "He never hid that he killed Mr Payne unlawfully. He wants help."

THE FUTURE of Bodmin's Foster Hall looks bleak after the last remaining hurdle preventing its demolition was overcome.

Cornwall Council planning officers ruled this week that the prominent building's owners – Community First Cornwall and leaseholder Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – did not need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This means the iconic building, designed by renowned Cornish architect Silvanus Trevail, could be demolished under "permitted development" rights.

The NHS said the building is costly to maintain and an obstacle to development on the old St Lawrence's Hospital site.

A campaign group fighting to save it – The Foster Hall Revival Trust – said the 1906 building could be restored as a community centre and performance venue with a café, bar and shops.

Phil Ugalde, chairman of the trust, said he feared their battle had come to an end.

"We've fought all we can," he said. "I don't know what more we can do."

He added that group's plans were perhaps the "wrong project at the wrong time".

"For the project to be realised there needs to be a lot of public money as well as private and community finance," he said.

"We can't get any appetite from Cornwall Council; they're not interested."

And he said he was concerned for the future of Bodmin should Foster Hall be demolished.

"Bodmin is moving and expanding to a big population centre but [with Foster Hall gone] there will be no big cultural centre.

"If Foster Hall is demolished then perhaps the focus of the trust will change and we will look at an appropriate community centre for Bodmin."

Gill Patrick, who was previously involved with the campaign, said he was baffled by the current situation.

"What is absolutely barmy is that if you believe that the St Lawrence's site is a key economic development site – where there can be new businesses – then the economic development of North Cornwall is being run by the part of the NHS that delivers mental health services in Cornwall," he said.

"If they [the NHS] are determined that whatever they want to do can't happen in Foster Hall then it should be handed back to the public purse. The whole thing is just mad."

Cornwall Heritage Trust has also lodged its objections.

A spokesman for the trust wrote on Cornwall Council's online planning website that the buildings were an "important part of Cornish architectural heritage and as such should be retained and included in any future redevelopment of the site rather than be demolished".

He added: "They deserve to be saved for our future generations to learn about and appreciate their Cornish architecture."

However, English Heritage said Foster Hall did not warrant listed building status.

Ian Bartlett, estates and facilities manager for Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, said: "We acknowledge this decision will create mixed feelings locally and, while some people may have fond memories of working at the old asylum, others may have less pleasant recollections.

"For many years now, the buildings have not given any benefit to the provision of healthcare for local people and, indeed, require considerable investment in order to ensure their security and the safety of the public.

"Patient care is our priority and finances are becoming ever tighter. With this in mind, together with the owners, we have taken the decision to demolish. Continuing to invest in a derelict property must not take priority over health services for patients."

SCILLY'S World Gig Championships just keep rolling along as the islands gear up for this year's event.

In 24 years the event has burgeoned from modest origins into the undreamed-of spectacle that it is today.

An extraordinary flotilla of 132 gigs are scheduled to line up over the weekend making it arguably the foremost maritime assembly in the South West region.

Decks are being cleared, flags put out and preparations made for the famed food "tunnel", where once just a modest tea urn and cake stall sufficed. Beer barrelage has reportedly already gone through the roof.

For three or four mad days the islands' population is more than doubled. It's a shattering, if temporary, switch from torpor to overdrive. A three-cop mainland back-up force (codename Operation Chunter) to assist the local trio is due in case of a disorder that never happens.

For weeks a steady stream of gigs has rolled off the ship to their temporary anchorage at Longstone.

A hectic weekend lies ahead before RMV Scillonian, crazily listing from the sheer numbers lining the rails , casts off on the Monday afternoon.

In the 1990 inaugural year a mere 17 gigs (12 visiting) took to the water with trophies from the back of a lorry.

The chairman at the time –to an overwhelmingly positive response asked: "Shall we do this again?"

The organisers had feared a reaction deriding the event's global tag as a grandiose concept making the islands look a bit silly. They needn't have.

"I'm flabbergasted," admitted chairman Rick Persich.

"At a time of recession we have five more gigs than last year. And we now have a newly arrived sports injury specialist islander who will be on hand to treat anyone who pulls a muscle or sprains a joint," he added.

Even the veterans' sections have attracted 52 male entrants and 56 women, while for those longer in tooth and claws (also known as the "super-vets) the banner is carried by 19 men's and 16 women's crews.

The sailing race that traditionally closes the weekend on the Monday has attracted six entrants, who will compete for a model of a pilot gig under dipping lug sail. It will be presented by the trustees of Scilly's oldest charity the Pilot Widows' Trust.

In the event's fledgling years Scilly, fittingly set the pace. Then for well over a decade it was Caradon from Tamarside – an amazing 12 titles in 13 years. More recently the dominance has swung to the west of the county where it has been all Falmouth for both the men and women.

From intelligence drifting into the islands there appears to be little reason to suspect any change in the running order this year taking into account Falmouth's power, professionalism and focus – again men and women – who, remarkably have done the double three times 2002,2011 and 2012. Success this year, with the somehow menacingly named Black Rock, would gave them a true hat-trick – three years on the trot.

It is unlikely that there will be many, if any, new names among those contesting Falmouth's primacy.

Main challenges are expected to come from old familiar faces – last year's runners-up Looe and third-placed Caradon, plus the likes of 2008 champions Mount's Bay; Par Bay, the back-to-back 2009-10 winners; and five times bridesmaid but never-the-bride Roseland.

More than a passing interest will focus on the indomitable Dutch in their Scilly-built, newly launched gig Sea Hero.

Interest in the event has grown each year, with more clubs being formed and more gigs built. The gospel according to the Cornish pilot gig – launched initially as "Project X" to keep it under wraps until it happened –has spread to all corners. Contestants flock to the tiny island not only from this side of the Tamar.

Mr Persich said: "This year a club from Hampshire, rejoicing under the racy name of Langstone Cutters, is taking part and a club in Essex is talking about attending.

"No doubt next year the new Northern Irish club will be heading out this way.

"With money being short these days once you've got a gig it's quite a cheap sport."

New gigs taking part include Smudger (Dart), The Vilt (Flushing and Mylor), Spirit of Langstone (of the aforementioned Langstone Cutters), Tempest (Lyme Regis), Pulpit Rock and Chesil (both Portland).

"As well as the new Dutch gig built by Scilly's Peter Martin, I know the St Ives club has a new gig."

In past years Scilly has seen crews from Holland, Ireland, France, Wales, USA and the Faroe Islands. This will be the first time that the Dutch club is the only international entrant, but overall the number of clubs taking part, around 60, is up – a testament to the sport's explosive impact.

For a gig rower Scilly is the only place to be this weekend, and while it is, perhaps, written in the stars that the ultimate prizes rest with the handful of aforementioned clubs, as past experience tells us, the overall comeraderie and mere taking part is sufficient for most.

That is why the World event – over in just three days – is so appealing: the rowers are assembled like no other event in the gig calendar.

On the mainland logistics decree the rowers hitch up a trailer and drive to the regatta. Once the races are over they rehitch and hit the road for home.

The Isles of Scilly has them captive and marooned with other like-minded people; talk focuses on thole pins, stretchers and their passion for the sport, coupled with a fair amount of drinking which, perhaps, is only to be expected with a such a lung-busting and thirst-inducing activity.

"The format will be as usual," said Rick.

"Crews and gigs need to get off the beach and to the start line ready for the race, otherwise the whole thing falls behind.

"To help with that I have as my beachmaster, the "trained rottweiler" Craig Dryden, who happens to be the chief planning officer on the Isles of Scilly Council.

"He'll have no problems growling at everyone," joked Rick.