What’s
Community news
Pages 4–5
Back to school
Pages 26–32
New café opens Page 7
Page 46
White stork breeding Page 16
Local sport
Pages 45–47
Plus: Streetlights, cash draw news, Church update, u3a, Let’s speak Cornish!, Emily’s wildlife and more. Front cover: Kitto and Bronte go to school (credit Emily)
Submission deadlines for articles, adverts, alterations and other items for the magazine is the 10th of every month.
Publication dates
November Friday 31st October
December Friday 12th December
February 2026 Friday 30th January
March Friday 27th February
April Friday 27th March
May Friday 1st May
online: www.issuu.com/ probusnews/
Probus News is a non-profit making, independent voluntary organisation. Your donations are always welcome.
Public notice
The inclusion of any article or advertisement in this magazine does not constitute any form of accreditation by the Editor or management committee. They are unable to vouch for the professional qualifications, etc, of any advertiser. It is the advertiser’s responsibility to ensure conformity with the Trades Descriptions Act 1975, Business Advertisements Disclosure Order 1977 and the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Readers must satisfy themselves that an advertiser meets all their necessary requirements. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of their authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor or management committee. Our privacy and safeguarding policies are available on request to the Secretary.
By email: editorprobusnews@gmail.com
By hand: Articles for Probus News can be left at Trudgian Farm Shop in Probus Square. Management Team
EDITOR: John Denyer 07824 555519 editorprobusnews@gmail.com
CHAIRMAN: Sheila Bing 01726 883400 sheila.bing@outlook.com
INTERIM SECRETARY: David Meggs 07850 945626 minesaredwine@hotmail.com
TREASURER: Eddie Bokas 07758 246673 ecbokas13@gmail.com
ASSISTANT TREASURER: Val Forster threeforsters@yahoo.com
ADVERTISING: Kaye Ludlow 07968 722430 advertisingprobusnews@gmail.com
DELIVERY MANAGER: Tim Joyce 01726 884574 timstravels01@hotmail.com
EDITORIAL: Sarah Hoggett 07931 502 939 sarah.hoggett@btopenworld.com Emily Forster wildforsterphoto@ outlook.com Clare McNeilly Datson clareprobusnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jon Hibberd 07931 502921 jonyhibs58@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Vanessa McGill
PROOFREADERS: Marilyn Joyce, Tania Williams and Teresa Hayhoe
Printed by: Control Print Ltd, 01209 214200 www.controlprint.co.uk
Wasson Probus?
Community news
PROBUS & THE SURROUNDING AREA
Our local community larder is held four times a week in Probus Church; it’s FREE and open to EVERYBODY in Probus and the surrounding area.
Help us, help yourself and reduce food waste!
We open for tea and coffee half an hour before each session. Why not join us?
Monday 4–4:30 pm
TR2 Community Hub
COMMUNITY
hubs offer safe, supportive environments where people can access help, advice and activities. They rely on collaboration between organisations to provide the best local resources and support.
At this time, TR2 Community Hub activities are currently only in Probus Church.
In Probus Church
Refreshments available:
Monday 10 am–noon
Tuesday 10:30 am–noon
Wednesday 10 am–noon
Friday 8:45 am–noon
Pain Café: 1st Monday of each month 10 am–noon.
Carers Corner: Support and advice for all carers. 2nd Monday of each month, 10 am–noon.
Digital Support Hub: Drop in for advice or assistance with using computers or completing online tasks. 3rd Monday of each month, 10 am–noon.
Move More: Falls prevention course for the over 65s. Wednesday mornings, 10:30–11:30 am.
Community Support and Information Hub: Drop-in support sessions with a range of professionals – adult social care, housing, DWP, Job Centre, Community Energy Plus, social prescribers and vicar. 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2–4 pm. The next hub is on Wednesday 15th October.
Did you know?
GOTold clothes, shoes, towels, bed linen, belts or bags you no longer need? Cornwall Council will collect them for reuse and recycling.
Simply pop your textiles into a plastic bag and place it on top of your black glass recycling box. (Glass bottles, jars and make-up bottles still go inside the box as usual – lids off if you can.)
Everything collected is passed on to charity, who make sure it’s reused or recycled.
A kind cut ON
Saturday 30th August, 11-yearold Abi, a Year 7 student at The Roseland Academy, had an impressive 14 inches of her hair cut off to donate to The Little Princess Trust.
Abi was inspired by a former pupil who lost her hair and wanted to do something to help. Her hair was cut by
Tammie at Unique Hair Studio, Probus, before being carefully packaged up and sent off to the charity, which creates wigs for children affected by hair loss.
What a thoughtful and generous act –well done, Abi!
Probus News Magazine Annual General Meeting
Probus Comrades Club
WEDNESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2025 AT 7:45 PM
Everyone welcome! Come along and find out what goes into producing your village magazine.
The AGM is a friendly, no-obligation chance to meet the committee, share ideas, and see how you could get involved.
Help us keep Probus News thriving and make sure the magazine is here for the next generation.
Join the Probus News Editorial Team!
WE’RE
on the lookout for fresh faces to join our editorial team. Whether you fancy interviewing, writing up local stories, attending events, following leads, researching, or giving articles a final polish, there’s a role for you.
No experience? No technical skills? No problem! Full support, training and plenty of encouragement are provided. You can dip in and do a little, or get more involved – it’s entirely up to you.
Interested? Curious? Get in touch with the Editor, or any of the editorial team –our details are on page 3.
Coffee and cake?
Do you have a problem?
Why not contact one of your local parish councillors for advice?
Streetlight dimming project
CORNWALL
Council has rolled out its light-saving programme to Probus. This means certain street lights will now be dimmed, then switched off between midnight and 5 am.
The selection of lights has been made carefully, in consultation with local police, to ensure the most appropriate locations were chosen.
If you believe this will seriously affect safety in a particular area, please contact Probus Parish Council with your representation. You may also submit suggestions for additional street lights that could be switched off.
See Probus Parish Council Facebook page for a link to an interactive mapping page that shows the impacted street lights in your area.
clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Jack Burr Treviglas Lane jackburr@probusparishcouncil.co.uk
Alison Cook Nankilly 07516 794883 alisoncook@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Chris Dutton Carne View Road 07969 451207 chrisdutton@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
James Faull Tresowgar Cottage 07494 756249 jamesfaull@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Nick Gillard (chair) Fore Street 01726 883926 nicholasgillard@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Ivan Myles Kew Wav 07815 944752 ivanmyles@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Wendy O’Callaghan wendyocallaghan@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Ian Peters Carne View Road 07825 889067 ianpeters@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Jo Vincent joannavincent@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk wwwprobusparishcouncil.gov.uk
If you are not able to contact a particular councillor, then contact the Parish Council Clerk Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk - Cornwall Councillor Karen Glasson can also be contacted on 07980 975527 or cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk.
ONSaturday 20th September, Bonti Bakes officially opened its doors to the village – and it’s fair to say there was plenty of excitement. This cosy new café is already proving a hit, offering the perfect central spot to enjoy a proper coffee and a slice of homemade cake.
Owner Emma takes real pride in serving thoughtfully sourced, ethical produce. Bonti Bakes is all about championing Cornish businesses. The coffee comes freshly roasted from Newquay’s Roasting Room, the teas are from nearby Tregothnan, and every cake and bake is lovingly made by Emma herself.
Having grown up in Probus, Emma decided it was time to return when little Matilda came along. Baking from scratch is her passion, and she’s committed to keeping things natural – no artificial flavours or preservatives here. Buttercreams are coloured with berries, bakes are decorated with simple natural touches, and even the gooey banana caramel drizzled over her blondies is homemade.
The café is open 8 am – 3:30 pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you bring along your own reusable cup, you’ll even get a small discount on hot drinks.
Tredenham Charity Lands field for lease
A field has become available at Truck for lease, it is 1.27 acres.
on opening day
and
Initially on a 3 year lease at £200 per year, a rent review at this stage with option to renew for further 3 years. There is no water supply.
Please send any enquiries to Amanda Kendall
tredenhamcharity@gmail.com
Emma, Matilda
Renars
of Probus clubs,
Acoustics Night (Comrades Club) Tim Joyce 07412 126774 timstravels01@hotmail.com
Badminton Club
Bees (swarms/issues/questions)
Bookworms book club
Bowling Club
Breakfast Club
Church Bell Ringers
Churchwarden
Comrades Club
Cornwall Councillor
Cycling – Probus Pedallers
Football - Saturday Club
Probus Youth FC - Juniors
Probus FC - Seniors
Friends of Probus Church
Nicky Plant 07771 726118
Tony Paddock 07486 295414
Gaynor O’Kane okanegaynor@gmail.com
David Meggs 07850 945626
John Denyer 07824 555519
Liza Deards 07888 684425
Steve Dalton 07813 995206 churchwarden@probus.church
Grampound Road Cricket Club
Hawkins Arms
Bryan Trebilcock 01726 882747
Karen Glasson 07980 975527 cllr.karen.glasson@cornwall.gov.uk
Dave Light 07966 683852 or Colin Brown 07484 740249
Steve Flack 07956 049727
Eric Bendelow 07917 008491
Graham Smith 07968 478970
Richard Heath 07849 315432 geotechrich@gmail.com
The Club House 07800 915578 grampoundroadcricketclub@gmail. com
Graham and Phil 01726 882208 www.thehawkinsprobus.co.uk
Historic Cornwall Society (PHCS) Joanna Czlonkowska 07399 544014 joannaczlonkowska@gmail.com
Kids Club Breakfast/after-school at Probus Primary School 01726 882647 kidsclub@probusschool.org.uk
Knit & Natter Group
Litter Picking Group
Little Lights and toddler group
Mid Cornwall Wood Turners
MHA Over 55s Luncheon Club
MHA Over 55s Friendship Group
Parish Players (Pantomime)
Playing Field Mgmt Committee
Parish Council Clerk
Probus Primary School
Probus Primary School PTA
Probus Club of Probus
Probus Environmental Action Team (PEAT)/Probus Churchground maintenance
Probus Nursery
Eve Richards 01726 882657 or 07767 383982
Steve Dalton 07813 995206 stevedalton166@btinternet.com
Eleanor McCartney 07510 054838 eleanorjmccartney@icloud.com
Gary Cutts secretary@midcornwallturners.com
Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 tracy.beavill@mha.org.uk.
Tracy Beavill 07720 680989 tracy.beavill@mha.org.uk.
Shareen Partridge 07919 313643 info@probusparishplayers.co.uk
Graham Smith 07968 478 970
Maria Roper 07749 626021 clerk@probusparishcouncil.gov.uk
Stephanie Moore 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk
Chris Dutton 07969 451207 probuspta@gmail.com
Nick Hibbett 01726 883093 nick.hibbett@btinternet.com
Steve Dalton 07813 995206 probus.peat@btinternet.com
Nick Lauder 07403 659869 n.lauder29@btinternet.com
Stephanie Moore 01726 882647 hello@probusschool.org.uk
Sticker Memory Cafe 07901 147353 or 07717333713
U3A Roseland & District
Terry Neil 01872 530196 u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly.com
Village Hall Lettings 07749 368162 lettings@probusvillagehall.co.uk
Walking Group - Wednesdays
- Fridays
Young Farmers
Kay Hyatt 07948 993635
Teresa Hayhoe or Kaye Ludlow 07720 393754 or 07968 722430
Tori Dymond - Sec
Lewis Marsh - Chair 07393 984713 07522 874798 toridymond2005@icloud.com
Other village pages: Probus Cornwall, Probus Super Mums!, Probus News Magazine, Probus Fun Week
Advertisers’ Index
Probus Bookworm Club
By Gaynor O’Kane
The month of August, traditionally a ‘quiet’ period for Bookworm Club due to summer holidays, was different this year. ‘Let’s meet up and discuss books we’ve read individually and want to recommend’ was the general cry – and so we headed up to the Comrades Club for a lovely, chatty, relaxed evening talking and laughing over a drink. Our Bookworms didn’t disappoint – suffice to say there were more than a few thumping good reads. There isn’t anywhere near enough space to list them all, but just to give you an idea of the breadth of our members’ reading tastes, they included a literary classic (the audio version of Dickens’ Bleak House, narrated by Miriam Margolyes); Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce, a stage version of which was directed by our own Bookworm, Johanna Egar, at the Minack in August; The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier, set in Venice and following a family of glassmakers over five centuries; Sleeping Beauties, a collaboration by master of
horror Stephen King and his son Owen; and The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki (‘A tale of cats, cakes and astrology.... before the coffee gets cold’). Everyone that’s shared has hopefully encouraged more of us to open a book and delve into another world.
In September we celebrated our second anniversary with a beautiful cake from Marcia Anne Hughes, lots of plates full of goodies from the rest of us, a golden ‘two years old’ balloon from the Hawkins Arms and a very impressive synopsis of September’s chosen book, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, from Val Forster.
Huge thanks to every single Bookworm – and here’s to another year of new books, friendship and lots of laughter. By the way, if you are thinking of joining us, we meet on the third Tuesday of every month, alternating between the Hawkins Arms and the Comrades Club. Both venues have supported us and we are, as always, most grateful to them.
Kewsyn Kernewek!
LET’S
speak Cornish! September saw the start of the academic year and, as you’ll see on pages 26–32, for a lot of Probus youngsters it was a momentous occasion – their first ever day at school. Here are a few Cornish school-related words and phrases. Why not try them out with your kids and see who can learn them the quickest?!
Want to learn more?
There are free Cornish language sessions at Wheal Martyn (the first Monday of every month at 10:30 am) and Kresen Kernow in Redruth (the first Thursday of every month at 2 pm). There’s no need to book – just turn up. You can also find details of more formal Cornish language classes at www.gocornish.org.
ENGLISH KERNEWEK Approx. pronunciation
I go to Probus School.
My teacher’s name is...
My a wra mos dhe’n Skol Lannbrobus.
Mih a RA mose then skol lann-BRO-bus.
Hanow ow dyskador/ dyskadores * yw... HANN-oh oh diss-KADor/diss-kad-OR-ess ew...
He/she is kind. Ev/hi yw kuv. Ev/hee ew koov.
I’m learning...
My a wra dyski...
Mih a RA DISS-kee...
... to read... ... redya... RAID-ya
... and write...
... ha skrifa... ... ha SCREE-fa...
... and count. ... ha komptya. ... ha KOMPT-ya
I like playing with my friends.
We play together every day!
Da yw genev (lit. ‘good it is with me’) gwari gans ow howetha.
Ni a wra gwari war-barth pub dydh!
DA ew GEN-ev GWAR-ee gans oh ho-WETH-A.
Nee a ra GWAR-ee WAR-barth pub dith. School dinners are yummy... Livyow y’n skol yw denteythyel... LEEV-yow in SKOL ew dent-AITH-yel.
... especially the puddings! ... yn arbennik an melyssandys! ... in ar-BENN-eek an mel-iss-AND-iss.
I love going to school!
My a gar mos dhe’n skol!
Mih a GAR mose then SKOL.
There are two main spelling systems in use in Cornish – Standard Written Form (SWF) and Kernewek Kemmyn (Common Cornish), although there isn’t a huge difference between them. This text is written in Kemmyn. In the pronunciation guide, stressed syllables are shown in capital letters (in Cornish the stress usually falls on the penultimate syllable). * Dyskador is a male teacher; dyskadores is a female teacher.
A message from Rev Caroline
Dear Friends and Neighbours,
It is the time of year when I find it a joy to cast my eyes over the fields and hills to see the harvest being gathered in. When I visit different homes, I notice the changing vista from each location, and I am reminded of those ancient words:
‘I lift up my eyes to the hills –where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth’.
Psalm 121:1-2
The festival of harvest invites us to pause during our busy lives to appreciate the things we may otherwise take for granted. At harvest we give thanks for the farmers who work hard to provide food for our nation, and we think of all the people who are involved in harvesting, preparing, transporting and selling the produce we see on our supermarket shelves and in our local shops.
At this time of the year, I would urge you to become more mindful of what it means to have this bounty available and to pause to think of those who do not enjoy the same luxury. To think of those for whom hunger is a way of life. As Christians, I would encourage us to express our love for our neighbours by donating to a community larder.
Over the next few weeks, the churches of the Upper Fal parishes will be collecting food items. If you would like to contribute, please come along to a Harvest Festival service to make your donation – or visit a church at your convenience to leave your
donation by the font. To find a list of harvest festival services within the Upper Fal parishes, please visit achurchnearyou.com and enter a location.
As you make your way home from visiting church, perhaps you might find a song on your lips – one of the old faithful harvest hymns such as ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’ or maybe something a little more modern such as ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. If you have young children, you might even know ‘Cauliflowers Fluffy and Cabbages Green’.
Taking time to pause and reflect on the season and the gifts that we are blessed with helps us to develop a heart filled with gratitude and a mind ready to appreciate each day - for there is always something to be thankful for.
We look forward to welcoming you to Church so that we can sing the great harvest hymns together.
Gras ha kres, (Grace and peace)
Caroline
Church Services in October
Thu 2nd, 12 noon Holy Communion
Sun 5th, 9:30 am Connect
Sun 12th, 9:30 am Holy Communion
Thu 16th, 12 noon Holy Communion
Sun 19th, 9:30 am Connect
Sun 26th, 9:30 am Holy Communion
Other regular events... Coffee Mornings
Tuesdays 10:30 am–noon
Fridays 8:45–10:00 am
Little Lights
Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am
White Stork Project
Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park
By Emily Forster
The Screech Owl Sanctuary is currently hand-rearing two groups of young storks, soon to be released into the wild as part of the Cornwall Stork Project. In partnership with the Cornwall Nature Conservancy, the aim is to reintroduce and establish white storks in Cornwall.
But it’s not just about storks. The sanctuary also runs a wide range of activities to inspire and educate visitors – from flying displays and guided tours to school visits and talks on owls, wildlife and wider conservation issues.
White storks have been absent from the UK for around 600 years, but work is now under way to bring them back. For the project to succeed, several conditions must be met to create a
self-sustaining population. With no wild storks left in Cornwall, birds have been sourced from mainland Europe to establish breeding pairs. A key ecological factor is that storks usually return to the place where they first learn to fly – so raising chicks here gives the best chance of them coming back to Cornwall once they mature.
Of course, reintroduction isn’t without challenges. Even after release, the birds face threats including long and
hazardous migrations, predation, and the ongoing issue of habitat loss. Not every bird will survive or return. Funding is also vital, with costs for enclosures, food and specialist care continuing year after year. Support comes through local grants and crowdfunding, making this a community-backed effort to restore an iconic species to our landscape.
The sanctuary staff have even developed an ingenious way of feeding the chicks: donning an adult stork costume so the young birds could take food from a fake ‘beak’. While it meant some chicks imprinted on the carers, it was a creative solution to ensure they were properly nourished.
Once the chicks are mature, they will be released into the wild. If all goes well, they will migrate and then return to Cornwall, giving us the chance to see white storks soaring across British skies. Encouragingly, in recent weeks there have already been sightings of storks flying over Cornwall, thanks to the success of the Devon Stork Project.
Newborn chicks in a heated tank
Storks being fed by fake adult bird
This year’s fully grown chick
‘Mast’ years
HAVEyou noticed how many acorns and beech nuts there are this autumn? This kind of glut occurs every five to ten years or so and is known as a ‘mast year’ – but why does it happen?
One theory is ‘predator satiation’. Animals such as squirrels and mice feed on the nuts and years in which crops are smaller keep the populations of these animals in check. During a mast year,
however, more nuts are produced than the animals can eat. This guarantees that some nuts will survive and grow into new trees.
A second theory is that producing vast quantities of seeds every year weakens the trees – so it’s better for them to conserve energy and produce a bumper crop only every few years.
Cash draw 2025
PROBUS
News magazine is a nonprofit organisation that aims to publish a high-quality village magazine full of local news, events, photographs and articles of interest. It is delivered free to each household in Probus 11 times a year.
Produced and delivered entirely by volunteers, our only income is from advertising, a grant from the parish council and the annual cash draw. The cash draw is a vital part of our yearly revenue and goes some way towards covering our printing costs (about £1,200 per edition).
Mast years are also due to a combination of weather conditions: warm, dry springs are perfect for pollination, resulting in a large crop of acorns, while particular patterns of temperature and rainfall influence seed development. It’s also been suggested that trees release chemical signals or synchronise through pollen exchange, allowing them to act in unison across wide areas. Whatever, the reason(s), it’s an impressive reminder of the interconnectedness of nature.
Since lockdown we have included a book of tickets in the November edition, asking those who wanted to support us to do so. You supported us magnificently, for which we thank you.
This year, we will do the same again, so look out for your tickets in the November edition. The draw itself will be held on Friday 5th December at Probus Comrades Club and the results announced in the December magazine. We sincerely hope that, once again, you will support your village magazine.
I
•
WILDLIFE blooming
By Emily Forster
MARINE
wildlife has bloomed in the past few months. Cornish coastlines have seen an influx of unusual visitors and occurrences, including the Scopoli’s shearwater and huge surges in numbers of octopus. This is all a result of our changing seas: as we see higher temperatures, the prey species such as plankton and bait fish move north.
| JAKE HENRY
Scopoli’s shearwater are being increasingly seen off the south coast because the movement of their prey is drawing them further out of their usual ranges. Between late July and mid October of 2023, there were 25 confirmed sightings of this species. Before that, this particular shearwater was extremely rare in UK waters.
The image to the left is of a Scopoli’s shearwater sighted on a trip with AK Wildlife Cruises last month. It was quite a windy trip so they stayed closer in to the coastline. Many seabirds could be seen battling the breeze further offshore and as Jake was snapping away he captured several different species of shearwater on his camera. After reviewing his photos with one of the clients on board, skipper Jake, discovered that he had managed to find a Scopoli’s amongst the group. They look very similar to Cory’s shearwaters but the extent of the white in the outer
Scopoli’s shearwater
primaries of the bird in the photo confirms that it is, in fact, a Scopoli’s.
The warmer weather this year meant that there was also an unusual increase in jellyfish and octopus numbers. Sea temperatures in the South West reached up to 4˚C above normal this year. This means conditions have become increasingly favourable for the octopus’ reproduction and survival.
Since February their populations have exploded, which had a knockon and devastating effect on fishermen. The octopus would go into the crab and lobster pots and eat them before the fisherman could get to them. One local fisherman estimated that his catch dropped by at least 60%, with some pots coming up filled only with empty scallop shells and fragments of crab and lobster.
This surplus in octopus provides abundant food for seabirds, dolphins, sharks and tuna, which is why we are also starting to see a great increase in numbers of Risso’s dolphins and giant Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Local digital creator and underwater photographer Kayleigh Slowey had a beautiful encounter with a large
octopus this year and said the following: ‘Observing octopuses up close in the UK this year has been an incredible experience. The last time I saw one was six or seven years ago, so encountering up to five on a single dive was truly thrilling. These creatures are remarkably intelligent and endlessly curious, their eyes seem to study you, taking in every movement. Spending time with them underwater is fascinating and full of wonder.’ Her photo below perfectly depicts how an octopus can blend with its environment. They have specialised reflective cells that scatter light and create iridescent effects, allowing the octopus to shimmer or match the brightness in its surroundings. This works together with colourful sacs in the skin to help them blend in.
In the upcoming issues look out for my articles about what you can see each month and how you can photograph, document or look after them yourself. Get involved...
To be in with a chance of featuring in our next issue, send in your Probus wildlife photos or artwork to: wildforsterphoto@outlook.com
First day at school
By the Editor
OFall the regular features I get to put together for Probus News, this is one of my favourites. A big thank you to all the parents and guardians who sent in photos of their little ones (and some not so little) setting off for school – whether for the very first time or returning after the summer.
There’s something very special about these moments. With a lifetime ahead of them, who knows what paths these children will take, where they’ll end up, or what they’ll achieve? We can’t predict the future, but in a world that often feels unsettled, seeing children begin their school journey is a heartening reminder of optimism and hope.
Clockwise from above: Kitto (Reception) and Bronte (Y2), Harriet (Y2), Indie (Reception), Jenson (Y3) and Archie (Reception), Isaac (Reception), Matilda (Reception) and Ben (Y2).
Clockwise from above: Lilly (Nursery), Amelie (Y3) and Leo (Y6), Rosie (Y2) and Arthur (Y4), Jasmine (Y3) and Skylar (Y1), Skye (Y1) and Jules the cat (10), Winston (Reception), Marli (Y7) and George Y10), Oscar Y3).
Clockwise from above: Rory (Reception), Wilf (Y2) and Edwin (Y4), Caden (preschool) and Arthur (Y2), Saffee (Y2) and Hallie (Nursery), Lexi (Y4), Evie (Y1) and Senara (Nursery) along with new baby brother Jowan, Ellowyn (Y4) and Annabelle (Y1), Jensen (Y1) and Logan (Nursery).
Clockwise from top left: Grace and Oscar (Year 5), Imogen-Rose (Reception) and finally, Beatrix (Reception).
Cornwall Housekeeping & Support Solu4ons Ltd
Providing a comprehensive range of domes2c, respite and support services for those seeking assistance with certain aspects of daily life.
Allowing families to be families whilst we take care of the rest!
www.ch-ss.co.uk / info@ch-ss.co.uk 07538511558
Coming from a range of backgrounds we are commi=ed to offering the best support possible to those who ask for help in our community.
All our experienced team are DBS checked, fully insured and have completed relevant training to ensure the highest quality standards.
Autumn walk: Philleigh Way Wood
By Sarah Hoggett; Photos by Jon Hibberd
SITUATED
at Court Farm just outside the village of Philleigh, this is an easy and relatively new walk, having only opened to the public in April.
From the A3078, take the turn-off at Ruan High Lanes, signposted to the King Harry Ferry and Philleigh. From there, it’s about about 4 km down a very narrow, winding country lane with high hedges on both sides, so drive slowly –you won’t be able to see any oncoming traffic until you’re virtually bumper to bumper with it! You’ll pass Philleigh church and the 16th-century Roseland Inn on your right-hand side and the entrance to the wood and car park is a little further on, also on your right. There’s a map and information panel in the car park, showing circular trails ranging in length from 1 to 3.7 km. We chose the longest route, which initially took us through a newly planted 80-tree orchard and over fields with beautiful views of rolling agricultural land.
In late September, when we did the walk, there were pheasants roaming over the fields and along the tracks, their raspy calls echoing over the landscape. They’re perhaps not the most intelligent of birds: three of them skittered along the track ahead of us for 100 metres or so before it eventually dawned on them that the best way to escape was to veer sideways into the undergrowth!
After an easy stroll, we reached a viewpoint high above the Fal, before entering an area of ancient temperate rainforest that forms part of the Upper
Fal Estuary and Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An ambitious project is under way here to extend the temperate rainforest and restore some of the natural habitat lost to agriculture and, to date, 15 hectares of new woodland have been planted with predominantly native species.
Roughly halfway round the trail, in the middle of the woodland, there’s a sizeable hide shaped like an upturned boat, where birdwatchers can look out over the estuary. Not having binoculars with us at the time, we could only identify a few of the larger species –a ‘bevy’ of swans (don’t you just love those collective nouns for different species of animals and birds?!), a large flock of Canada geese in the distance, a lone heron and a little egret perfectly reflected in the water – but the area also supports black-tailed godwit, curlew, dunlin, shelduck, redshank, kingfisher and golden plover. The information panel at the start of the walk says that, if you’re very lucky, you may even spot an otter! You can catch glimpses of the
estuary all along this stretch of the walk and there are some places where you can get right down to the water’s edge for a closer look at the birdlife.
This year is shaping up to be a ‘mast year’ – one in which trees such as oak and beech produce an unusually abundant crop – which tends to happen every five years or so, and all the way through the woods there was a thick carpet of acorns underfoot, with many more ripening on the trees. Holly and hawthorn berries were also in abundance, along with the last of the season’s blackberries. The trees were only just starting to change colour, but in by early or mid-October they’ll be decked out in all their russet-and-gold glory. On a crisp, early-autumn day with
sunlight streaming through the trees, this was a really pleasant stroll and, although some patches might get a bit muddy after heavy rain, it’s definitely worth visiting at different times of year – perhaps in spring when the bluebells are in flower. The various tracks and trails are all clearly marked and, for anyone interested in nature, there’s plenty to see, whatever the season.
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Celebrate the Festive season with us at The Hawkins Arms.
Time to eat, drink, and be merry! Whether it’s a toast with colleagues, a festive catch-up with friends, or a family feast, Christmas is best celebrated together.
Be it lunch or dinner, an intimate family gathering or a large group celebration, let us host your festive occasion at the Hawkins Arms. Enjoy delicious seasonal dishes, a cosy atmosphere, and memories to treasure this Christmas.
3 Courses - £32.95
2 courses - £26.95
Ready to celebrate? Call us today on 01726 882208 to reserve your place or to find out more. Please note, a £5 deposit per person is required at the time of booking. Valid from 25th November to 23rd December.
Join us for our Christmas Party Nights throughout December, featuring a DJ with disco and karaoke.
Friday 5th & Saturday 6th December
Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December
Friday 19th & Saturday 20th December
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HAWKINS? WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE HAWKINS?
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
By Andrew Kennedy, Director.
ATALE
of a girl, three bears, some porridge… and much more!
The traditional story of Goldilocks is given a brand-new twist in this year’s pantomime. Deep in the woodland, an evil Queen Bee is hatching a wicked plan for global domination with the help of her swarm – and now she has a secret weapon: a powerful hypnohoney! Soon, a battle for control of the wood is under way, with Goldilocks and her friends caught right in the middle. Expect plenty of silliness, jokes (old and new!), colourful characters and lots of audience participation in this family show.
After a tough audition process, we’re delighted to announce a fabulous cast for Goldilocks and the Three Bears!
We welcome back Lowena Walker in the lead role of Goldilocks, supported by Isobel Hosking as TomTom, the Piper’s Son. The three kindly bears will be played by Anthony White, Meg Russell and Grace Hambly (in her first principal role).
There are some familiar faces in fresh challenges this year: our traditional dame Auntie Septic will be brought to life by Pete Keam, alongside her dopey daughter Marge, played by Annie Kennedy (also in her first principal role).
The villain of the piece, the nasty Queen Bee, will be played by Sarah Wilson, backed by her buzzing minions (Sam Vimes, Lisa Phillips, and Lilia Tofts) –all shadowed by the irritating wasp Kevin (Beth Pritchard). Meanwhile, the woodland will be kept safe by the royal woodsmen, Choppit (Becs Wilton) and Splinter (Sophie Baker).
The principal cast will be joined by a lively chorus performing toe-tapping, well-known songs – all reimagined with that unmistakable Probus panto flair!
Secretaries: To publicise your meetings or events, let us know well in advance and we will include details here. The contact details for all groups/clubs/ societies can be found on page 8.
Key: PVH = Probus Village Hall. PCC = Probus Comrades Club.
Acoustic Night Upstairs Last Monday of the month at PCC, starting at 7:30 pm.
Badminton Club: 8 pm every Monday at PVH. New members welcome.
Bookworms Book Club: 7 pm on the third Tuesday of every month. Get in touch for details of the venue and book to be discussed.
Breakfast Club: Monday 13th October 9 am at Grigg’s Restaurant, Sticker. Everyone welcome – book your place via John Denyer – see page 8.
Coffee ‘n’ Chat: Every Tuesday morning from 10 am to noon at Probus Church. Open to everyone, young and old, church-goer or not.
Friendship Group: MHA Communities Cornwall is open to folk 55+ on the 1st Thursday monthly from 10 am to noon at PVH.
Luncheon Club: MHA Communities Cornwall is open to folk 55+ on alternate Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm at PVH. Next lunches are on Wednesdays 1st, 15th and 29th October.
Mobile library: Next visit is on Friday 3rd and 31st October. PVH car park between 11:30 am and 12:15 pm.
Probus Club of Probus: Lunch meeting on Thursday 16th October at The Cornwall Hotel, wine tasting at the Knightor Winery on Wednesday 22nd October and ‘Black Tie’ do at the Comrades Club – date tbc.
Probus Historic Cornwall Society: Probus Historic Cornwall Society 7:15 for 7:30 pm start in Probus Village Hall. Visitors £3.50 (includes refreshments), members free (membership £15).
Monday 13th October, Speaker Helen Wilson on ‘The Remarkable Spinwill Sisters’, who were professional woodcarvers with family links to the Stackhouse and Rashleigh families.
Monday 10th November, Speaker D P Matthews on ‘The Life of Goldsworthy Gurney’, and what an amazing life it was! Surgeon, chemist, architect, builder, lecturer, consultant, gentleman scientist and inventor! Will one evening be enough?
Probus Knit and Natter Group: Every Wednesday 10 am at PCC.
Probus Litter Pickers: First Saturday of each month at 10 am. Meet at PVH.
Probus Parish Council: Meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Next meeting is on 16th October. Members of the public are welcome to attend and are given 15 minutes public participation. www.probusparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Probus Pedallers: Leave from the surgery every Sunday at 9 am. The more leisurely group leaves at 10 am.
Probus Walking Group: Every Wednesday 9 am or 9:30 am start. Every Friday for shorter walks 10 am. New members always welcome.
Roseland u3a
October events:
French Conversation: Tuesday 7th and 21st October, 2–4 pm at The Pavilion, Roseland Parc, Tregony.
Local History: Wednesday 1st Religious Changes in the 18th Century 10:15 am to noon at Tregony Church Hall.
Classic Film: Thursday 9th 10 am to noon Hobson’s Choice (1954) at Probus Village Hall.
Crafts: Friday 10th and 31st 9:30 am to noon at Probus Village Hall.
Rummikub and Scrabble: Tuesday 14th, 2–4 pm at The Pavilion, Roseland Parc, Tregony.
Book Club: Wednesday 15th, 2 pm at Roseland Parc, Tregony.
Strum for Fun: Tuesday 28th, 2 pm at The Pavilion, Roseland Parc, Tregony.
Lunch Club: Thursday 30th, noon at The Roseland Inn, Philleigh.
u3aroselandanddistrict.weebly.com
Probus Historic Cornwall Society
MONDAY
8th September saw the beginning of our indoor meetings; autumn is really here!
Probus Historic Cornwall Society was delighted to welcome David Holman to give a talk about ‘Family History and How to Trace It’. David has a long and distinguished involvement with family history and was made a Cornish Bard in 2011 for services to Cornish family history so if anyone knows anything about the subject, it’s David!
The lively and amusing talk concluded with questions, of which there were many, and several of our members showed interest in joining a local family history group that David is proposing to start. Most of us went home with one of his handouts which contained all the slide images to help us get started (or re-started!) in our searches.
What a cracking start to our season!
National Church Awards
CONGRATULATIONS
and good luck to Eleanor McCartney who was nominated and subsequently shortlisted by the National Church Awards for her volunteer work, along with others, with the ‘No One Goes Hungry’ project.
Local sport
Probus FC
PROBUS
FC First team sit seventh in the Kernow Stone St Piran League – Division 1 West. Played 5, won 3, drawn 0, lost 2 with 9 points.
Two divisions below, Probus Reserves (pictured opposite top) sit tenth in the Kernow Stone St Piran League – Division 3 West. Played 4, won 1, drawn 1, lost 2 with 4 points.
This season has seen a big influx of youngsters into the Reserves, with last season’s U16s moving up at the end of their youth football journey.
At the moment, eight players in the match day squad are in their very first season of men’s football.
The team is now a great blend of youth and experience. The senior players have really stepped up, guiding the lads with support, encouragement and plenty of
communication on match days – while the younger legs take care of some of the running!
Performances so far have been very encouraging. We picked up our first league win on Saturday 13th September, beating Carharrack 4–2 at home. A week later, on the 20th, they battled to a gritty 2–2 draw away at Stithians in truly awful weather conditions.
There’s a real buzz around the squad. Team spirit is strong, especially considering they only started training together this summer – the lads are making progress with every game.
The future looks very bright for this group of players.
Groundsman required
PROBUS
playing field committee are seeking a new groundsman. The post is voluntary and would require one or more persons to cut and prepare the pitch for match days for both youth and senior football teams as well as providing ongoing maintenance for the village to use.
No experience necessary as full training can be given.
Please contact the secretary, Graham Smith, on 07968 478970.
Probus YFC U16s
CONGRATULATIONS
to Probus U16s who beat Falmouth 3-2 in their first league game of the season. Goals were from Tristan (pen), Harry and Jake. This team had originally folded at the
end of last season after playing from u9s to U15s, but with support from coaches Nige, Mark and Richard they are able to compete in the U16s league.
Proud mum Jo Harding-Byrne said, ‘We have some of the old team and some new players who haven’t played in a team before, but they are all good friends and work hard for each other.’
L–R Harry, Charlie, Tristan, Archie, Cameron, Jaxon, Oli, Oscar, Jake, Max, Olly and Will.
