Update: Congestion westbound into Cornwall and on A30 at Bodmin as holiday season gets into full swing

July 27, 2013, 6:34 am

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Update - 4.25pm: The Highways Agency has now lifted its major congestion warning on the A30 at Bodmin and the M5 heading towards Exeter. Traffic still remains busy on the A30 however, but the Agency said it expects the worst of the delays to have now passed. Earlier - 2.30pm: THE holidaymakers are on their way to Cornwall and the west - as congestion is reported on the M5 and A30 this afternoon. This weekend is the first of the school holidays and the roads heading to the west are started to fill. The Highways Agency said traffic is building up westbound between Launceston and Bodmin on the A30. Delays are currently running at around 20 minutes with the average speed of traffic down to 25 miles and hour. The Agency said it expects the congestion to ease into the afternoon. Up country on the M5, there is also heavy traffic southbound between Taunton and Exeter with speeds dropping to 40 miles per hour on the motorway.

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West Cornwall fishwives hope for chart success

July 27, 2013, 10:00 pm

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THE FISHWIVES Choir have released their first single and singer Hannah Pascoe is asking the people of west Cornwall to help push it up the charts.

The choir comprises 40 women from fishing communities, including operatic soloist Hannah from Newlyn and mother and daughter Sue Hendricks and Jennie Ansell from Perranporth.

They came together to support the work of the Fishermen's Mission after a number of them – including Sue and Jennie – lost loved ones at sea.

They then approached Hannah, the group's only trained singer.

Now they have recorded and released their first single, a double A-side of When The Boat Comes In and hymn Eternal Father, available as an iTunes download.

Hannah, a soloist with the Mousehole and Holman's Climax Male Voice Choirs, Penzance Operatic Society and Duchy Operatic Society, and singer with the Goonvrea Singers, said: "Only iTunes sales count towards the chart so we need to sell 10,000 downloads by August 24 to guarantee chart position.

"Any help would be appreciated.

"I'm really excited at the idea of being in the charts."

The choir have appeared on The One Show on the BBC, on Radio 4 and numerous local TV and radio shows as well as featuring in The Cornishman.

The next step is to break into the charts.

You can download the Fishwives single at https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/when-boat-comes-in-eternal/id675149831

Learn more at www.facebook.com/thefishwiveschoir and follow the girls at www.twitter.com/fishwiveschoirs

Penzance solicitor Helen's new job at Coodes

July 27, 2013, 10:00 pm

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A SOLICITOR based in Penzance has been promoted to head of department at law firm Coodes just six months after relocating from London.

When she worked at international law firm SJ Berwin Helen Willett worked on a £1.8 billion property deal.

Now Helen, who divided her time between Coodes' Penzance and Truro offices, has been named head of commercial property at the firm.

This means she will also cover the firm's other five locations, at St Austell, Liskeard, Launceston, Newquay and Holsworthy.

Alistair Whyte, a partner at Coodes, said: "The past six months have seen a great deal of success for the commercial property team.

"We've got a strong and growing team in place and Helen's promotion will further add to this."

Helen said: "I'm looking forward to the challenge of being head of the commercial property department.

"The past six months have been busy and successful and it's great to be part of a strong team. There's a huge amount of experience and that will help us achieve further growth.

"It was a big step leaving London but it's been made easier by the fact Coodes has a strong sense of its own identity and is committed to Cornwall and Devon.

"I'm also enjoying working closely with commercial property agents, accountants, developers and investors."

Vandals destroy newly-opened path's benches

July 27, 2013, 10:00 pm

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VANDALS have caused nearly £3,000 of damage along a cycle path in Truro just two months after it opened.

Five of seven new benches along the Coosebean Greenway have been destroyed in a spate of "wanton destruction".

It is believed the vandals struck between Saturday and Monday.

The damaged benches have since been removed.

The bill for the damage is believed to be around £2,800.

Cornwall Council is appealing for help in tracing the vandals.

The benches lined the route of the 1.3km off-road path connecting St George's Road with Coosebean Lane and Treliske Lane.

Councillor Bert Biscoe, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for transport and waste, said: "This is wanton destruction which has upset many people. If you know who did this please contact Crimestoppers so we can take steps to ensure those responsible are punished."

Joining existing off-road routes between Treliske, Gloweth and Threemilestone, the Coosebean Greenway gives cyclists a safe alternative to the busy A390 and walkers a scenic walk behind Malabar.

The path also links with Malabar Road, giving nearby residents off-road access to the city centre.

If you have any information about the incident please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number GT/13/1371.

'Appalling' smell concerns St Mabyn villagers

July 27, 2013, 10:00 pm

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A VILLAGE is kicking up a stink after noxious smells have been making their lives a misery.

Drains in St Mabyn have been full of foul water for days, but attempts by residents and the parish council to get various authorities to take action have failed.

Villagers say the powerful smells have been unbearable, particularly during last week's heatwave.

They claim the problem has been caused by the failure of the sewage system installed at a newly built housing estate, but the estate developers, Linden Homes, say the stink is simply down to high summer temperatures.

Resident Audrey Cooke said the situation where she lives in Station Road is particularly bad.

"The smell in this heat has been absolutely appalling," she said. We do not have mains sewage disposal in this village. All properties have independent septic disposal facilities.

"However, the new housing estate on the perimeter of the village has its own sewage treatment plant that has stopped working, and all the residue is therefore being directed through the clean water pipes in Station Road.

"Various people, including parish councillors, have contacted the local authorities, without success," said Mrs Cooke.

Another resident, Sheila Menhennit, said: "There is a terrible stink coming up from the drains which has been in the village for days, and we have been trying to get hold of Cornwall Council, and South West Water to do something, but nothing seems to have happened."

Both Cornwall Council's environmental health department and the Environment Agency said they had sent officers to St Mabyn to investigate the stink. Both said the odours came from the estate's pumping station.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We have been out and investigated the complaints of odour and reports of raw sewage in the street. We could not locate any discharge into the watercourse.

"The issue is an odour from the pump station which serves the new housing estate. The developers have taken responsibility for further investigation, alongside the environmental health department from the council."

A Linden Homes spokesman said: "As a result of the heatwave, there is an unpleasant odour coming from the pumping station at Greenwix Parc in St Mabyn. We would like to reassure the local residents that there is no raw sewage, blockage or overflow coming from the pumping station.

Pan fire fills kitchen with smoke: one person treated by paramedics

July 28, 2013, 12:42 am

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AN ambulance crew paramedic had to treat a householder last night for breathing in fumes, after their kitchen became choked with smoke. Two fire engines had rushed to the scene of the incident after there was a report of a smell of burning. When they arrived at the property in Penryn, near Falmouth, they discovered the kitchen had become full of smoke. Entering the house, they found a pan had been left on the hob and had become dangerously hot. A fire service spokesman said a report was received at 9.15pm of a strong smell of burning at a house in St Thomas Street. He said: "Two appliances from Falmouth Community Fire Station attended this incident along with a whole time officer. "The smell of burning was due to a pan that was left unattended on the hob. "An ambulance was requested to attend to treat one person suffering from smoke inhalation." He said the firemen used a fan to clear the house of smoke. "Crews then fitted a smoke detector prior to leaving the scene," he added.

Fuel leak from VW camper in Padstow street

July 28, 2013, 1:33 am

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THE police have been informed after fuel was found leaking from a VW camper van. The incident happened in Padstow yesterday evening. Firemen had been alerted after the leak was discovered in Broad Street at around 7.30pm. They used a hose reel jet to clean the leaking fuel away. The incident was then handed over to Devon and Cornwall Police, which is looking into the matter.

Holy crab! Beach cleaners surprised by huge crustacean

July 28, 2013, 3:22 am

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VOLUNTEERS out cleaning a Cornish beach were stunned to discover this huge crab on the shore. The long-legged sea creature proved friendly enough however for them to safely scoop it up. The group had been out picking litter from the beach, including the depressing debris of empty beer cans and disposable barbecues as well as scraps of plastic and old rope. They were seven members of staff from the Helston-based holiday lettings agency Classic Cottages, and had joined Keep Britain Tidy's beach coordinator Neil Hembrow. They went down to the beach at Loe Bar, at the eastern end of Porthleven Sands, when they made their surprising discovery. Ed Manning, who works in Classic Cottages' IT department, said: "Although the beach was relatively clean, there was quite a lot of rubbish on the high tide line that had been brought in by the large tides that had just passed. "As usual a lot of the rubbish was from boats including rope, line and polystyrene. "We still found a few empty beer cans and disposable barbecues - that had not been disposed of - but it was nice to see that a lot of the beach was litter-free and that people have been making an effort to dispose of their rubbish." Also joining in with the beach clean were property managers Jackie Gulliford and Philippa Penney, booking office manager Nicky Bennett, Toby Foord from IT and Katie Chown and Adam Ludnow from Classic's online marketing team. Adam Ludnow added: "We were lucky to have a stunning day for the beach clean, and Loe Bar is absolutely beautiful. "Cornwall has an amazing coastline and it's such a shame when a little bit of rubbish spoils it, so I was more than happy help Keep Britain Tidy and help get the beach back to its best." Beachcare is a project being run by Keep Britain Tidy, aimed at reducing beach litter on England's beaches by involving local communities. The charity's beach coordinator, Mr Hembrow, said: "Apart from looking unsightly and potentially deterring visitors, litter can be a health risk to beach users and local wildlife. "By involving local communities and companies like Classic Cottages, we can keep beaches clean and make visiting Cornwall's beaches more enjoyable for everyone." The volunteering day was organised by Classic Cottages' 'Green Team', which regularly gets involved with local conservation projects such as beach cleans, woodland clearing and river clearing. The company also supports environmental organisations like the National Trust, Woodland Trust, South West Coast Path Association and rainforest protection charity Cool Earth. The Green Team has volunteered on five beach cleans previously, and is planning another for later this summer.

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Firemen use water jets on large tyre fire

July 28, 2013, 3:39 am

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FIREMEN from Camborne and Redruth used water jets to extinguish a large tyre fire yesterday evening. Two fire engines were called out to the incident at Tolvaddon at around 8pm. A fire service spokesman said: "The crews used one jet and one hose reel to extinguish a large tyre fire outside. "The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and the police have been informed."

Lifeboat rescue: High tide strands young couple on beach at Bedruthan Steps beauty spot

July 28, 2013, 5:09 am

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A YOUNG couple on holiday had to be rescued after they were caught out by the swiftly returning tide at Bedruthan Steps. The beauty spot, just west of Padstow, is notorious for the way the tide quickly cuts off the beaches in front of the steep cliffs. There were also heavy showers during the incident yesterday evening although the sea remained calm. The alarm was first raised by an emergency call to Falmouth coastguards at around 6.40pm. They alerted the RNLI lifeboat station at Newquay and the two inshore lifeboats were quickly launched. It emerged that the couple were on holiday from Middlesex, said an RNLI spokesman. "The lifeboats arrived at the scene in light winds and a calm sea at 7pm," he said. "The D-class lifeboat, helmed by Andrew Trebilcock ,went onto the beach to recover the two people. "With high tide due at 9.30pm, they were then taken out to the larger Atlantic 85 lifeboat for the return journey to Newquay." RNLI helmsman Christian Brown returned the couple to the safety of Newquay Harbour at around 7.25pm. They were landed at the quay and taken to the lifeboat station to recover with hot drinks. The seven lifeboat crew members and other RNLI shore crew volunteers then brought both lifeboats ashore and made them ready for the next time they are required to launch.

Filming of Fisherman's Friends sea shanty band of Port Isaac movie to begin next year

July 28, 2013, 5:50 am

≫ Next: Strike action on Monday at post offices in Liskeard, St Austell, Newquay, Truro, Redruth, Camborne and Penzance

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FILMING of a new movie, charting the success of one of Cornwall's most famous sea shanty bands, is due to begin next year. The film will tell the story of Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends formidable success. Now, film director Nigel Cole has signed up with Ealing Studios to shoot the new film. He was born in Launceston and also directed the British films Calendar Girls and Made in Dagenham. He said he was "very much looking forward to making a truly British movie." The band first formed in 1995 are all former fishermen, lifeboat men or coastguards. They did not hit the big time however until, in 2010, a record producer heard them singing in their local pub. He realised they had potential. They were quickly signed on a £1 million record contract with Universal and have since rocketed to fame. They have had an album in the top 10 of the UK chart and have even played the main stage at Glastonbury. Tragedy struck earlier this year however when singer Trevor Grills and tour manager Paul McMullen were killed by a falling stage door. The studio has said the group will not be given a Hollywood make-over. The final name for the film and the cast have yet to be decided.

Strike action on Monday at post offices in Liskeard, St Austell, Newquay, Truro, Redruth, Camborne and Penzance

July 28, 2013, 9:42 am

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POST office workers are due to strike tomorrow (Monday) in their continuing battle against cuts. In Cornwall, those branches affected will be Liskeard, St Austell, Newquay, Truro, Redruth, Camborne and Penzance. These are the larger Crown post offices and while they may not be closed, customers can expect disruption. In total, across the country there will be strike action at 371 post offices by members of the Communications Workers' Union. They are objecting to the plans to move Crown post offices out of their existing buildings to save money. The post office service would continue but normally be franchised into another company, such as a large store or supermarket. This is now the ninth round of strike action by the Communications Workers' Union. The union's deputy general secretary, Dave Ward, said: "Our members' determination has been unwavering because they know they are right. "They are standing up to protect jobs, services and for a fair pay rise. The company is in disarray and clearly out of touch with both its staff and customers. "We remain firmly convinced that a positive solution can be reached to protect jobs and services, but that will require the company - and perhaps government - engaging in serious negotiations." The Post Office has always said that the proposals are essential to make the business viable. Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at Post Office, said: "We regret any disruption to services the CWU's call for strike action may cause to customers," he said. "Crown branches are currently losing £40 million per year and this is being subsidised by public money. This cannot continue. The Post Office is transforming its network to improve customer experience and in turn bring in new business. We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets and our plans ensure this will happen."

Trevithick Day attacker weeps as he is sent down

July 28, 2013, 10:00 pm

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A TEENAGER involved in a "cowardly" attack on two Latvian men on Trevithick Day in Camborne wept in the dock as he was sentenced.

William Trengove, 19, known as Daniel, pleaded guilty to counts of affray, witness intimidation and being in possession of a bladed article, when he appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday. Family and friends in the public gallery were also in tears.

The court heard that Trengove, of Chapel Terrace, Brea, Camborne, was seen chasing down the two men in their twenties – Dmitrijs Zablovkis and Aleksejs Sperlins – on April 26.

He was with a group of 17-year-olds, some of whom were dealt with at Truro Youth Court.

Iain White, for the CPS, said Trengove was one of the "prime movers" in the attack.

He said: "Trengove was seen to punch one of the men to the head and while on the ground to kick and stamp on the young man's head."

One of the men suffered a depressed nasal bone which had to be treated under general anaesthetic and the other suffered a wound above the right eye.

Mr White said one witness described feeling physically sick after seeing the violence.

The court heard that the charges of witness intimidation and being in possession of a bladed article related to the following Friday, May 3, when Trengove threatened a 16-year-old witness to the Trevithick Day incident.

He believed the youth had spoken to the police about it and threatened him with a machete, saying, "I'll chop your head off".

Barrie Van den Berg, for the defence, said Trengove had shown "a real understanding" of how wrong, frightening and terrifying his actions were.

Sentencing him to ten months in a young offenders' institution, Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, QC, said: "It was a cowardly attack ... I hope you are utterly disgusted with what you have done."

On July 12, Truro Youth Court ordered two 17-year-old boys from Camborne to carry out an eight-month referral order after they admitted threatening unlawful violence at the Trevithick Day attack.

A 17-year-old girl from Redruth, who admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words towards the 16-year-old witness on May 3, was given a six-month referral order. She was also ordered to pay £175 in costs and compensation. The boys were ordered to pay £115 each.

Judge Harvey Clark, QC, warned Trengove and people in the gallery: "If I hear of further problems arising out of this incident and sentence they better beware."

Children get in on the act of storytelling

July 28, 2013, 10:00 pm

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A CELEBRATION of the written word is taking place in Penzance.

Hundreds of school children have joined forces with local artists to create a sea-inspired installation complete with a fisherman's net full of sea creatures and a fish chandelier made of poetry.

The eye-catching display, which is on show at The Exchange from now until August 3, is the creative idea of The Story Republic, a county-wide programme of events to inspire and entertain with words.

"The Story Republic is about making storytelling in its various shapes and forms accessible and fun for everyone," said Amanda Harris, one of those behind the scheme.

"Stories are an important part of our culture and vital to our learning. They are our past, present and future so it's important for The Story Republic to support and promote artists, performers and story writers in Cornwall."

A total of 750 children across Cornwall have taken part in the scheme, including Penzance pupils.

The installation will be in The Engine Room at The Exchange, Penzance, open 10am-5pm every day (except Sundays).

For more information visit www.thestoryrepublic.co.uk

Report slams state of Newquay's public toilets

July 28, 2013, 10:00 pm

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"RUNDOWN, dirty, litter-strewn and mouldy" – these are just some of the words used by town councillors in a report on the state of Newquay's public toilets.

The audit document, by Joan Bowden and Kevin Towill, has prompted the town council to demand Cornwall Council cleans up the conveniences before ownership is passed over.

Members agreed in March to dip into the emergency reserves cash pot to fund the management of the toilets, deemed to be a vital necessity in a tourist town.

Cash-strapped Cornwall Council, which has historically run public lavatories, had threatened to close and sell the majority.

It is estimated that it could cost up to £250,000 a year to run the nine toilets taken over by the town council, and a consultation is planned to see if Newquay taxpayers are willing to foot the bill.

The councillors' report revealed the worst toilets were on East Street, where the appearance of the building was rated just one out of ten, with 'cleanliness and hygiene' graded one out of ten in the gents' and two in the ladies'.

The report states: "There is a very unpleasant smell when you enter the gents'. There are pools of urine on the floor, green and yellow slime in the stainless steel wash basins and accumulated piles of rubbish in the closed cubicles. There are dirty floors in the ladies', mouldy walls, filthy toilets and there's a squalid baby-changing area."

Other toilets were slammed for having no soap, dead flies in light fittings, litter strewn around and obscene graffiti, among other criticisms.

The best rated were Narrowcliff and Watergate Bay, which scored between eight and ten.

Mr Towill and Mrs Bowden concluded: "It is obvious that the majority of public conveniences have not received meaningful investment for some years, if not decades."

Town clerk Andrew Curtis said the council's solicitors were "working hard to address the inherited problems from Cornwall Council" before the toilets were transferred.

He said improvement works were set to be carried out at the end of the summer season, and town councillors were pushing for "more immediate remedial works".

Andy Hannan, chair of the Economic Development and General Purposes (EDGP) Committee, which is overseeing the transfer, said: "We have stepped in and rescued as many toilets as possible following Cornwall Council's decision to stop providing toilet provision for the town. We are now working hard to make sure that the current toilets are kept as clean as possible prior to them being refurbished in the autumn.

"Once again the town council has been quick to act to secure this vital service and protect it for the benefit of our residents and visitors."

Cornwall Council remains responsible for toilets at Newquay Harbour, Chester Road and Little Fistral.

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Teamwork creates 'a pint of goodness'

July 28, 2013, 10:00 pm

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TREWITHEN Dairy and Lostwithiel Rotary Club have teamed up to turn pints of milk into pints of cash for a good cause.

The dairy has commissioned 1,200 specially designed glass milk bottles with retro labels in their Pint for Change campaign.

These will be delivered to all Rotarians from 41 clubs in Cornwall, Plymouth, west Devon and the Isles of Scilly.

The Rotarians then have four months to fill their bottles with loose change to raise as much money as possible for the End Polio Now initiative.

The bottles will be collected at the end of October to coincide with World Polio Day on October 24.

Through the End Polio Now campaign, the world has almost been freed of the potentially fatal, infectious disease.

About seven million children have been prevented from contracting polio since 1988, when 125 countries were polio endemic.

Today only three countries are still reporting cases of polio – Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Trewithen Dairy founder Bill Clarke, a member of Lostwithiel Rotary Club, said: "The idea behind Pint for Change was a simple one; to come up with a creative way to motivate people to raise money for a cause that is especially close to our hearts.

"We don't actually use glass milk bottles in the dairy any more but they are very striking to look at and evoke fond memories in many people, so both Trewithen Dairy and Rotary hope that people will take these bottles and fill them so that the value of the contents can be magnified across the globe."

Year 10 students at Fowey Community College helped put stickers on 500 bottles to raise £100 for their Year 11 prom.

"Rotary is working hard to raise awareness and to finally eradicate this terrible disease from the remaining endemic countries," said Rotary district governor Stephen Lay.

"We are all extremely grateful to Bill Clarke and Trewithen Dairy for supplying the milk bottles and the labels and also to Absolute and Excess Energy – Trewithen Dairy's communications agencies – for volunteering their time and resources to make this a success.

"We urge people to get behind this brilliant initiative.

"The cream on the top is that for every £1 raised, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving Rotary another £2 to End Polio Now."

Big leap in new homes starts in Devon and Cornwall

July 29, 2013, 3:56 am

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The number of new homes registered to be built in the South West during the second quarter of 2013 is up 50% on 2012, a study shows Experts say the Government scheme to guarantee mortgages has helped to boost demand and kick-start the dwindling supply of new-builds. However, with the number of people trapped on waiting lists more than doubling in parts of Devon and Cornwall last year, the rate of construction would still need a further increase of almost 40% just to meet the annual demand for new homes in the region. Richard Tamayo, director the National House-Building Council (NHBC) said the statistics showed "clear indications that builders are returning to the challenge of ramping up production". "The Chancellor's announcement this week in relation to mortgage guarantee guidance to help boost housing supply shows that the Government is maintaining its commitment to help the industry and those looking to buy a new home," he added. Some 3,911 new homes were registered by builders between April and June, compared to 2,616 last year – a sizeable improvement but only fractionally higher than the number in 2010. But the total number of people in the queue for homes in the South West grew to 186,000 last year, the highest in the country – jumping 42% in Devon and 138% in Cornwall. One in 12 South West households is now on waiting lists for social housing, while buying a house in Cornwall now costs £220,083 – almost 13 times the average local wage. The standard 25% deposit on an averagely-priced home now stands at £55,021, a figure the average wage-earner would take more than nine years to save. The National Housing Federation (NHF) found that more than 27,000 new households were formed in the region in 2011-12, but just 16,100 new homes were built. Its annual study, Home Truths, less than 60% of the homes needed were being built. The NHBC's latest statistics witnessed the highest half-yearly total of new homes registered since 2008. Nationally, 67,422 new homes were registered between January 2013 and the end of June, with a 38% increase in registrations for the second quarter – 35,683 in 2013 compared to 25,798 in 2012. Meanwhile, residential property analysts Hometrack said a trend for "scarcity" of housing for sale had reversed this month, with a 2.4% increase in supply. It detected a rise of 0.3% rise in house prices this month, down from 0.4% in the previous two, but said the time properties spent on the market had fallen to 8.2 weeks, the lowest for six years. Richard Donnell, director of research, said: "Overall housing market conditions are continuing to improve with shortening sales periods and vendors achieving lower discounts on asking price." Andrew Chilcott, of Truro-based estate agents Lillicrap Chilcott, said he was "very positive about the market". "We have had an exceptionally busy first half of the year," he added. "New house builders are being very realistic on price."

Beer ahoy for Scully Day racers in St Ives!

July 29, 2013, 4:00 am

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ANOTHER 'Scully Day' is to be held in St Ives harbour as part of the campaign to re-invigorate the town's maritime past. The free event will be held on Saturday afternoon (AUG 4). St Ives Jumbo Association, which builds classic St Ives "jumbo" fishing boats, has also started building new punts, which were classically "scullied" across the harbour from fishing boat to quay. The events are designed give people a chance to 'scully' - the traditional method of propelling a small boat using a single oar over the stern. Previous events have proved popular with dozens taking the opportunity of acquiring a new skill which, only recently, was a 'rite of passage' for any St Ives boy yet has until recently been at risk of being forgotten. This time the Jumbo Association have joined forces with the St Ives Pilot Gig Club to present 'PUNTS, GIGS AND JUMBOS' as both organisations operate traditional boats and are keen to attract younger members. They also wish to see a greater involvement of the community with the sea. Now newcomers will also have the chance to try their hand at rowing the gig Defiance and to meet members of the club. The club's new gig Fortitude, which was launched earlier this year, will be displayed on the Lifeboat slipway (by kind consent of the Harbour Master and the RNLI). Jonny Nance, of the Jumbo Association, is now also offering a prize of a case of beer for the winners of a scullying race. Jonny said: "Both punts have have been built by me to the same lines and so should be fairly matched for the Scully Races which are due to begin at 4.30pm. "In order to showcase the skills that may still exist within the harbour it has been proposed that St Ives Boatmen should take on the Rest of the World! Potential contestants should register with the Harbour Master on 01736 795018. Late entries may be made on the day at the Jumbo Assocation's stall on the plat above Old Slipway. Marco Amura of St Ives Brewery has donated a case of beer for the winner. The event begins at 2pm. Participants for both scullying lessons and gig rowing should make their way to the Old Slipway (opposite the Sloop Inn). Jonny said: "All ages are welcome but please be prepared to get your feet wet." * The St.Ives Jumbo Association are holding their Annual General Meeting on Monday 5th August at 7.30pm in the Shore Shelter.

Trewennack 68th Horticultural Show - results and pictures

July 29, 2013, 4:04 am

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HELD in sunshine last Saturday, Trewennack's 68th Horticultural Show was well supported by exhibitors and the public. Introduced by show president Ronnie Williams, the event near Helston was opened by Aileen Walker, whose family has been involved with show over many years. The prizes and cups were presented by Sandra Squire. In total there were 957 entries – an increase of over 150 on last year although the number of entries in the vegetable classes was lower than usual due to the cold spring. 40 children entered 147 entries in the children's classes which is encouraging for the future of the show. Geoff Squibb, who judged the snapshot classes, made particular comment on the quality of the entries this year. On entry to the marquee, visitors were presented with an array of home baking. As now expected at Trewennack Show, these entries were of a very high standard and the cause of much conversation. The flowers provided a beautiful display with a large variety of colours and perfumes – and because of the better weather, there was a good number of entries in each class. The children's entries showed much creative work over a variety of skills including cookery. The egg section proved very popular this year with quite a dramatic increase in entries. The handicraft section also proved a challenge to judge due to the standard of the skills exhibited. A good number of pictures displayed a variety of skilled brush work and were a pleasure to look at. Refreshments were served in the chapel hall by a willing team of helpers ably led by Maureen Haywood. The chairman Ivor Treloar thanked the committee for the work it has put into the show. The full list of prize winners and results are as follows: Prize Winners Best Exhibits Fruit Paul Dunstan Vegetables Stephen Nicholas Collection of Vegetables Colin Phillips Rose classes Mrs L Ruse Flowers Becca Treloar Dahlias Colin Phillips Eggs Blair Hocking Yeast Cookery Mrs I Johns Cookery Mrs I Johns Preserves Diana Kettle Handicraft Mr D Jenkin Senior Citizens Handicraft Janet Stedman Snapshots Harry Trollope Childrens Classes Travis Williams Childrens Cookery Holly McGroary Art Ivor Matthew Most Points In show (ladies) Mrs L Ruse In show (gents) Colin Phillips In Show (girls) Emily Stedman In show (boys) Ben Treloar Vegetables Stephen Nicholas Potato Classes Stephen Nicholas Onion Classes Stephen Nicholas Flower Sections Mrs L Ruse Dahlia Section Colin Phillips Eggs Mr B Hocking Photography Mr N Tongue Cookery Mrs I Johns Handicraft Mrs L Ruse Art Ivor Matthew Medals for miniature gardens were received by Under 12 Stanley Salkeld Under 8 Emily Stedman First Prize Winners Gooseberries Ruth Curnow Currants Ruth Curnow Raspberries Paul Coulston Rhubarb Paul Dunstan Any other Fruit Ruth Curnow Beet Peter Collins Lettuce Stephen Nicholas Cucumber Russell Willey Tomatoes – not cherry Stephen Nicholas Tomatoes – cherry Colin Phillips Potatoes – white Peter Collins Potatoes – coloured M W Blake Potatoes – bi-coloured Stephen Nicholas Turnips – yellow Peter Collins Turnips – AOV Peter Collins Carrots – short Russell Willey Carrots – long Colin Phillips Onions – Autumn sown Stephen Nicholas Onions – Spring sown M W Blake Onions – Sets Colin Phillips Leeks Stephen Nicholas Shallots – Pickling Russell Willey Shallots - Red Colin Phillips Shallots – AOV Russell Willey Shallots – Heaviest Dave Lee Broad Beans Collin Phillips Runner Beans Stephen Nicholas Peas A C Foreman Cabbage Colin Phillips Parsley M W Blake Parsnips Colin Phillips Courgettes Colin Phillips Herbs Sandra Bickerdike Any other Vegetable A C Forman Collection of Veg Collin Phillips Roses 3 – rambler Mrs Loretta Ruse Roses 1 – not rambler Mrs Loretta Ruse Roses 3 – not rambler Mrs Loretta Ruse Sweet Peas – Mixed Tom Pearce Fuchsias, double Mrs Loretta Ruse Fuchsias, single Mrs Loretta Ruse Fuchsia, stem Carole Drew Pansies/Violas Mrs Loretta Ruse Pelargonium Mrs Loretta Ruse Gladioli, 3 Mrs Loretta Ruse Gladiolus, 1 Mrs Loretta Ruse Marigolds Colin Phillips Begonia, Flowering Mr Summers Pot Plant – flowering Becca Treloar Pot Plant – Foliage Colin Phillips Fern Mrs Loretta Ruse Geraniums Peter Collins Carnations Mr Summers Carnations – Border Mr Summers Annuals Mrs A Green Perennials Mrs A Green Hydrangeas Carole Drew Succulent Claire Sleigh Antirrhinums Mrs Loretta Ruse Fuchsia in pot Carol Sawyer Patio Container Viv Treloar Dahlias, Pompom Colin Phillips Dahlias, Decorative Colin Phillips Dahlias, Cactus Colin Phillips Dahlias, other type Tom Pearce Egg - 1 large brown Mr R Williams Egg – 1 large other colour Mrs Martin Eggs – 3 large Alan Kettle Egg – 1 Bantam Blair Hocking Egg – 1 Waterfowl Blair Hocking Egg – 3 Waterfowl Blair Hocking Egg – 1 large contents Blair Hocking Egg - Bantam contents Blair Hocking Egg – Waterfowl contents Lisa Sharrinton Ginger Fairings Mrs E Tremayne Rock Buns Ivor Matthew Scones Mrs E Tremayne Sausage Rolls Mrs Ivy Johns Pasty Bethany Tremayne Quiche Ivor matthew Splits Mrs Lee Eggle Saffron Buns Mrs I Johns Yeast Cake – Saffron Mrs I Johns Yeast Cake – White Mrs I Johns Bread - White Mrs I Johns Bread – Brown Mrs I Johns Heavy Cake, Plain D Trevorrow Heavy Cake, SR Mrs I Johns Queen Cakes Ivor Matthew Sponge – fatless Mrs A Bassett Congress Tarts Ivor Matthew Victoria Sandwich Mrs S Bennetts Marble Cake Ivor Matthew Pasty, Men only Mr P Coulston Victoria Sandwich, men Philip Bennetts Fruit Cake Carol Sawyer Lemon Curd Mrs Lee Eggle Jam Diana Kettle Jelly Sharon Strike Marmalade Lee Eggle Chutney Liz Trollope Decoupage Mrs Lorna Cocks Cross Stitch Sharon Stedman Embroidery Wendy Peek Greeting Card Sharon Stedman Hat Mrs L Ruse Knitting 3/4 ply Mrs Loretta Ruse Knitting – other Mrs Loretta Rule Woodturning Mr D Jenkin Stuffed Toy Mrs L Cocks Bazaar Item Mrs L Ruse Handicraft Women Mrs L Ruse Handicraft Men Ivor Matthew New from Old Mrs L Ruse Handicraft OAP Mrs Janet Stedman Picture, Oils A Davidson Picture, Watercolour Ivor Matthew Picture, Acrylic Emma Sibley Picture, Pastel Ivor Matthew Picture, Other medium John Hoskin Snap, Still Life Harry Trollope Snap, Through the Trees Harry Trollope Snap, All Creatures Emma Sibley Snap, Landscape M Gratton-Kane Snap, Water Mr N Tongue Snap, Happiness Mr N Tongue Snap, Portrait Mr N Tongue Snap, Black and White Mrs Lorna Cocks Painting, Under 8 Emily Stedman Painting, Under 12 James Crow Drawing, Under 8 Emily Stedman Drawing, Under 12 Travis Williams Drawing, Under 16 Lydia Curnow Collage, Under 8 Daniel Strike Collage, Under 12 Lucy Treloar Recycled item under 8 Emily Stedman Handicraft, Boys under 8 Seth Williams Handicraft Boys under 12 Travis Williams Handicraft Boys under 16 Ben Treloar Handicraft Girls under 8 Emily Stedman Handicraft Girls under 12 Lucy Treloar Handicraft Girls under 16 Holly McGroary Decorated Flower Pot und 8 Lily Hattan Decorated Flower Pot und 12 Alice Williams Miniature Garden under 8 Emily Stedman Miniature Garden under 12 Stanley Salkeld Vegetable Sculpture under 8 James Boniface Vegetable Sculpture under 12 Alice Williams Vegetable Sculpture under 16 Holly McGroary Snapshot under 8 Daniel Williams Snapshot under 12 Alice Williams Snapshot under 16 Holly McGroary Poem under 11 Emily Stedman Poem under 16 Lydia Curnow Greeting Card under 8 Isolde Trevorrow Greeting Card under 16 Holly McGroary Jam Tarts Thomas Curnow Victoria Sandwich under 16 Holly McGroary Butterfly Buns under 16 Dylan Mitchell Brownies, under 11 Alice Williams Brownies, under 16 Ben Treloar Shortbread, under 11 Thomas Curnow Shortbread, under 16 Lydia Curnow Pasty, under 16 Andrew Coulston

Guest Worrall stars as Devils pull off shock win

July 29, 2013, 4:10 am

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≪ Previous: Trewennack 68th Horticultural Show - results and pictures

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PLYMOUTH pulled off one of the shock results of the season with a 46-44 away win over Premier League leaders Workington on Saturday evening. The Devils were indebted to guest Richie Worrall from Newcastle, who dropped only one point from his five rides as a replacement for injured number one Ty Proctor. There was also excellent support from Danish star Mikkel Bech, who provided the back up for Worrall with crucial 5-1 heat wins in heats 13 and 15. Between them they secured six of Plymouth's eight race wins with Mark Lemon and skipper Cory Gathercole managing one each. It proved to be a spectacular recovery by the Devils, who were trailing by eight points going into the final five races. They produced a brilliant run of three 5-1 wins after securing a 4-2 advantage in heat 11. The one exception was heat 14 when Jake Anderson was on the wrong end of a 5-1 against Tero Aarnio and Ashley Morris after Gathercole had been excluded following a collision with Aarnio. That left Plymouth with a two-point deficit going into the last heat decider but Worrall and Bech did the necessary against Richard Lawson and Kyle Howarth. Workington: Richard Lawson 8 (5 rides), Kyle Howarth 11+2 (5), Rusty Harrison 3 (4), Tero Aarnio 6 (4), Rene Bach 7 (4). Reserves: Ashley Morris 4+2 (4), Chris Mills 5+1 (4). Plymouth: Richie Worrall 14 (5), Todd Kurtz 2 (4), Mark Lemon 6+1 (4), Cory Gathercole 5 (4), Mikkel Bech 11+2 (5). Reserves: Jake Anderson 5+2 (5), Simon Nielsen 3+2 (3).