The newsletter thrives on your submissions!

The newsletter thrives on reader submissions – it’s great to receive them so they can be shared with people around our parish.

Are you a society, group or club? Do you lead courses or activities in communal buildings within the parish? Are you involved with a community building such as a hall, church or chapel? Are you a local business providing / hosting events for the community? How about a sports club? A charity? A museum? A gallery?

We want to hear from you!

Please send your submissions to [email protected], check the submission tips at the bottom of this newsletter.

St Agnes PC

Notice of Election

An election is to be held for one Councillor. If the election is contested, the poll will take place on Thursday 2nd May 2024.

Nomination papers can be obtained either from the Parish Council Clerk, or from the Deputy Returning Officer at Cornwall Council ([email protected] / 01872 324196.

For more information, please see St Agnes Parish Council’s website here.

Community Infrastructure Levy Report 2023/2024

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge which allows planning authorities (Cornwall Council) to charge development to fund infrastructure which addresses the cumulative impact of development. It came into force on 6 April 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended).

Of the CIL income received, 5% can be retained by the Charging Authority (Cornwall Council) for administering the process, 15-25% is paid to the Town or Parish Council in which development takes place (the ‘Neighbourhood Portion’), and the remaining 70-80% (the ‘Strategic Share’) must be spent on infrastructure to support the development of the area. Please consider the CIL Guidance for Town & Parish Councils for more details.

CIL Regulation 59C sets out that a local council must use CIL receipts to ‘support the development of the local council’s area, or any part of that area, by funding:

a) the provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure:

b) anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulation 121B sets out that Town and Parish Councils must prepare a report for any financial year in which it receives CIL payments. This report must be published on the Town or Parish Council’s website and sent to Cornwall Council.

Annual Parish Meeting

Please join us at the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 22nd April 2024 at 6:30PM.

Being held at the MMI, St. Agnes. Further details of invited speakers to follow.

Previous Meetings

Future Meetings

Full Council (02/04/24)

Environment and property (08/04/24)

Planning (15/04/24)

Wheal Rose Road Closure Update

What’s Been Going on in the Parish?

St Agnes Spring Show

The St Agnes Spring show was held in the Methodist Church in March and certainly cheered up a miserable wet day.

Despite a very challenging growing season, participants managed to find lots of blooms to enter. The judge was very pleased with the standard of the entries and returned in the afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere.

The new children’s class of a decorated jam jar with spring flowers, attracted more entries than expected. The Pre-school artwork was also admired. It was lovely to see the next generation getting involved.

The Show committee were thanked for organising the event as were all those who took part as without entries there would be no show.

The Summer show is to be held on Saturday 13th July at St Agnes Acadamy. The craft schedule was included in the February newsletter, and the flower and produce schedule will be made available nearer the date. As an open show, entries are open to anyone in the Parish and beyond. So, if you have a craft, art, photographic, brewing, or cooking hobby or are a keen grower, please consider entering to help make the show a success.

Blackwater Spring Show

The Spring Show was held on 23rd March. Despite appalling weather, it was another successful day with the items on show of the usual high quality. Judging was difficult – the standard was so good it was difficult to separate the individual items! But well done to all whether awarded prizes or not. Huge thanks to all that submitted items to be judged.

Building on previous years’ successes, this year’s Summer Fair is planned for Saturday 13th July. Keep an eye open for more details on the village Facebook page and in future editions of this e-Newsletter. Additional thanks to Cornish Lithium who has financially supported the fair for the second year.

Blackwater School Fundraiser

The Friends of Blackwater School would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that came and supported our fundraiser. The Johnny Cowling comedy evening which, as well as being hugely entertaining, raised an amazing £940 towards new play equipment for the school.

Blackwater Village Trust AGM

The Blackwater Village Trust (BVT) AGM was held on 12 March 2024. Key individuals were voted in for the coming year – a huge thanks to those stepping down (you are not going to get away easily!) – and a big welcome to those volunteers stepping up. It was noted that Margaret D had been the Treasurer of the BVT since 2011 and had helped with the transfer of the village park from the Parish Council to the BVT. Additionally, she has been instrumental in many of the regular events that take place within the village, including the carol singing, the village fete and the spring show. Further, it was noted, that in 2008 Dean E called the first public meeting that, with David C as the Chair, set up the group that restored the institute and created the BVT. It took six years to raise the funds needed to complete the work and reopen the Institute as Blackwater’s village hall. A massive thanks to all those pioneers that made the Passmore Institute what it is today and how it has become so important to Blackwater as our village hall.

St Agnes AFC

Pete Mitchell’s Community Chest Fund – Thank You!

St Agnes AFC Dynamos Girls u8s would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to our local County Councillor Pete Mitchell who has supported this new squad with a grant from his Community Chest Fund. The grant has allowed the squad to develop out of our St Agnes AFC Weetabix Wildcats supporting kit, coaching qualifications and training equipment.

The girls loved their new training tops received and photographed today. We are all very grateful for all the ongoing support Pete offers to our club and within our community in general!

St Agnes AFC celebrate England Football Accredited Club 3 Star Award

Everyone at St Agnes AFC is super proud to have renewed our England Football Accredited Club 3*** for the 2023/24 Season.

Offering as many opportunities for players to take part in community grassroots football as possible with a full pathway for male, female and dis-ability participation from youth to the adult game!

We really are offering football for everyone across our amazing inclusive club and the Accredited Club 3*** demonstrates the commitment to qualifying coaches across our 38 football teams ensuring everyone can enjoy football in a safe and positive environment.

Thank you to all our coaches and everyone for all the work that goes in to make a grassroots club as big as ours (in fact the biggest club in Cornwall) function, sustain and grow football stars of the future!

St Agnes Old Cornwall Society

After being ably paraded through Truro, by Nicholas Roberts, President of St Agnes Old Cornwall Society, from Waterfall Gardens to High Cross, during the St Piran’s Day celebrations on Tuesday 5 th March 2024, the St Agnes OCS Banner was displayed again in the St Agnes Methodist Chapel at 7:30PM.

Over 70 people, including members and visitors alike, came along to the Chapel Hall, on what turned out to be a very cold evening, to celebrate St Piran, and all he proudly stands for in Cornish history.

The gathering was “properly” entertained by local singing group ”Proper Job”, with many favourites, including ‘Proper Job’ (the groups own introductory song), ‘Cornwall My Home, Cornwall the Land I Love, Working Man, Home from the Sea, Cousin Jack, Lamorna, Cornish Lads’, and many, many more.

Brian Murrish, St Agnes Old Cornwall Vice President, welcomed everyone to the evening, and without further ado introduced the group to the audience. Half-way through the evening, traditional pasties, cake, and biscuits and cups of steaming hot tea & coffee, were distributed by the Societies willing and much valued helpers, being very much enjoyed by all. Brian ended the evening by thanking Proper Job on behalf of everyone present, for what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening of music, song, and prose.

A group of people holding banners

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The Society looks forward very much to its next public meeting due to be held at the St Agnes Methodist Chapel Hall on Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm (Talk on “History of Boat Building”, by Gary Mitchell) and to “St Agnes OCS 60th Birthday Celebrations”, due to be also held in the Chapel Hall on Saturday the 6th of April 2024.

Presingoll Farm and The Grower visited by Shadow Minister for Nature and Rural Affairs

Presingoll Farm and The Grower recently welcomed Toby Perkins, Shadow Minister for Nature and Rural Affairs, and local Labour candidate Perran Moon, along with their teams, for an engaging farm tour and discussion on sustainable farming practices.

Mark and Andy Williams of Presingoll Farm, alongside Inez from The Grower, led the delegation through various aspects of their farming operations, focusing on the integration of nature conservation, water management, biodiversity, and tree cultivation.

During the visit, Toby and Perran delved into the intricacies of Presingoll Farm’s approach to farming, which encompasses regenerative principles and a harmonious coexistence with nature. Mark and Andy shared insights into the farm’s evolution over the past two decades, highlighting their commitment to balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. The visit provided a platform to highlight the farm’s innovative approaches, including diversification into tree cultivation, succession planning, and addressing the pressing issues of the nature and climate emergency.

St Agnes Library News – April 2024

Temporary Reduction in Library Opening Hours

Please note the revised temporary opening hours from Monday 18th March 2024 until further notice. Please note the closure of 1 hour on Monday lunchtimes and an earlier closing time on Fridays. Thank you for your understanding.

Whales Event for children on Saturday 16th March

We were delighted to welcome back the St Agnes Marine Conservation Group on 16th March for a free event for children, all about whales! 36 children and 24 adults learnt about the vast scale of these creatures, by seeing their size mapped out in the car park! The children were able to touch some real whale bone and learnt information about different types of whales, what dangers they face and how we call all help them by protecting our seas and beaches. Rachel from the Library read the book “The unexpected visitor” about a whale and the importance of sustainable fishing and the session was finished off by the children making cute craft egg-cup whales. Thank you to everyone who attended this lively, fun and informative session.

Children’s Jigsaws wanted!

St Agnes Library runs a jigsaw lending scheme. Library members can borrow jigsaws free of charge for 3 weeks. Simply pop in and choose a jigsaw from our current catalogue, we have jigsaws for adults and children. We are delighted with how popular the scheme has been, therefore a polite reminder to anyone who has borrowed one, to please return it after 3 weeks, so that it may be borrowed by someone else. We would love donations of good quality junior/children’s boxed jigsaws to expand our collection. Please bring donations to St Agnes library. Thank you.

South West Water

A representative from South West Water visits St Agnes Library on one day each month from 9.30am until 12 noon. Please pop in and speak to them about how you can save water and save money on your water bill. Upcoming dates are Monday 8th April and Monday 13th May 2024.

What’s Happening This Month?

Community Calendar

2nd April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 9AM-5PM
Norman Family Exhibition of arts and crafts in the De Pace room.

2nd April 2024
Methodist Chapel, St Agnes, 7:30PM
Old Cornwall Society talk on The History of Boatbuilding with Gary Mitchell.

3rd April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, daily 9AM-4PM
NHS Vaccination & Health Promotion Team – Cholesterol and blood pressure checks, as well as diet and lifestyle advice. No appointment needed.

5th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7PM
An evening of Lindy Hop Swing Dance with live music from the fab Swingology! £8 cash on the door.

6th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 9:30AM
Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley – theatre for Ages 3+, 9:30AM (now sold out) and 11:30AM showings, pre-book online!

6th April 2024
Chapel Hall, St Agnes
Old Cornwall Society 60th birthday celebrations.

8th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Community Cinema Night showing “The Great Escaper”. £4 donation on the door.

9th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation.

12th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 6-10PM
Night Hatch Classics at the MMI! – Adam Vasey’s pop-up restaurant returns for one April weekend! More info coming soon!

12th April 2024
Methodist Hall, St Agnes, 7:30PM
Phil Frampton, Born at Rosemundy, talks about his life and the search for his identity. Museum members free, £3 entry on the door.

13th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 10AM-3PM
Children’s workshop to make clay houses and lanterns that will be used for the Giant Bolster pageant.

13th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 6-10PM
Night Hatch Classics at the MMI! – Adam Vasey’s pop-up restaurant returns for one April weekend! More info coming soon!

16th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation

18th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7:30PM
Film Screening of “A Year in A Field” and Q&A with director Cristopher Morris. Ticket £5-7 available here.

20th April 2024
Church Hall, St Agnes, 10AM – 12PM
Ken Young’s St Agnes by Clive Benney, book launch and signing.

20th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7:30PM
St Agnes Carnival Fundraiser Silent Disco! Tickets £15 raising money for Carnival! More info on our website.

23rd April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation

24th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7:30PM
Community Cinema Night Showing: “Summerland”. £4 donation on the door.

25th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7:30PM
Power to the Meeple – St Agnes’ Board Game Night! £4 donation.

26th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, from 5:30PM
The MMI’s monthly Grub Club! Featuring different chefs every month – Pre-book links and more info on our website.

27th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics,’ St Agnes, from 8PM
Distorted, groovy, proggy goodness from 3 belters of bands! Venice Treacle, Danger of Death, and The Rodians! Tickets available here.

30th April 2024
Passmore Edwards Institute, Blackwater, 7PM
A meeting for anyone interested in joining the Blackwater Village Trust Play Park working group to help decide what funding will be spent on.

30th April 2024
Miners & Mechanics’, St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation.

Bolster Pageant

Plans are well underway for this year’s Giant Bolster Pageant, and we’re pleased to announce the dates for the event. It all kicks off at the MMI on Saturday 13th April with the workshops, where children can make clay houses and lanterns that will be used in the Pageant. Doors open at 10AM until 3PM.

Bolster weekend, with the Bonfire, BBQ and Pageant is on May 4th and 5th. The whole event is open to all, and the public are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing in traditional red and black. There are many opportunities to get involved, including joining the Bolster drum band, the Giant crew, or helping out with the workshops or BBQ. More information can be found on our website or Facebook page.

Blackwater Play Park – Working Group

Calling all interested families! Blackwater Village Trust (BVT) is wanting to improve the play park. New funding is available. For anyone interested in joining the BVT Play Park working group to help decide just what the new money might be spent on, there will be a meeting at the Passmore Edwards Institute (village hall) on April 30th 7:00PM.

All are welcome to attend to ensure the youngsters get, where possible and affordable, what is wanted.

Mount Hawke TRA

St Agnes Museum

St Agnes MMI

Mount Hawke Millennium Green

Submission Tips

If you have something to submit, whether it be an event, poster, write-up or some photographs, there are a couple of things that make it easier and more streamlined for the editor:

Some text lightly formatted in an email with photos attached is brilliant – images can be saved and uploaded, and text can be copied and pasted.
If you have an event for the calendar, please make sure it has location, time and date, with a brief description of what it is.
If you have an event poster, it is easiest uploaded if it is a PNG. PDFs are okay, but PNG is a lot quicker.
Rather than reply to last months email, please send a new email with a different subject title than the last.
Remember – not everyone has social media, and some may be reading printed copies of this newsletter.