WARNING – A very wordy newsletter, but worth the read!

Lots of great info from our Annual Parish Meeting, and three great articles – two reader submitted, and the other by our roving reporter Ellie Boyden.

A lot of jam-packed information in this months edition… but stay calm, pop the kettle on and get your reading glasses out.

Without your submissions, this newsletter cannot thrive…

It’s of the utmost importance readers submit content to this newsletter so that there is actually something to put in it. Every month, it takes hours of scouring social media to make sure that there is enough interesting content for people to enjoy.

Please, if you have anything to put in this newsletter, send it by the 18th of the month for it to appear in next months edition to [email protected].

Societies, groups or clubs, activities and events, communal / community buildings, local business holding events, sports clubs / teams, local charities, artists / photographers / creative people, or even just someone with something to say…

We want to hear from you!

You’ll also see that the format of this newsletter keeps changing – we are looking at a layout that suits everyone, please bear with us!

St Agnes Parish Council

St Agnes Parish Council Annual Meeting

Words from St Agnes PC Chairman, Jinny Clark:

It has been a very busy year, and at times, somewhat challenging for us all, in particular our staff.

Our former clerk, Lee, left us in January this year to work in pastures new. During his time as our clerk, he transformed our council into a fully functioning and well thought of council, we moved forward and became more proactive and approachable.

Our office staff increased from three hard working members, originally the clerk Lee, Charlotte our Planning guru and Annette who is the burials and allotments expert, to that of four, with the addition of Emily as our Environment and Properties Manager. With the advent of devolution we took over the St Agnes Library with its equally committed staff, Andrew, Emma and Rachel. They were later joined by Claire, who not only made her presence felt in the Library but has become a very successful outreach worker visiting nurseries, schools and residential homes. The opening hours of the Library have increased too, thanks to the diligent staff, and this is a bonus to local residents.

Having taken over the toilets under the devolution programme along with footpath cutting, we needed a maintenance team, headed up by Emily in the office and, originally a team of two – Blene and Jay, who have recently been joined by Chris, they do a great job in keeping our footpaths cut, tending our open spaces and are soon to be working with the L.I.C on repairing the paths in the Garden of Rest. We also gained Hayley, our facilities operative, an early-riser who keeps everything looking spick and span.

More recently we have welcomed Catherine as our new clerk. We appreciate her legal, and community services expertise. Catherine and the Office Team are currently working on updating our policies, modernising our administrative practices and looking carefully at our budget expenditure including finding innovative ways to generate additional income to support the services the Council delivers.

The Parish Council is currently working with Cornwall Council to assume freehold ownership of the Beaconsfield Play Area, public open space at Trevaunance Cove, and the car park opposite Porthtowan Post Office. The Council currently leases the Beaconsfield Play Area and car park from Cornwall Council – however the devolution of the freehold will ensure the Parish Council can safeguard these assets for the benefit of the community moving forward.

The Council is not immune to the increase in the cost of living, the precept has risen by 8.6% – this may seem a lot, but when you consider that it is an extra £10.54 per year for a band D property (20p more per week) it puts the increase into perspective. As a council we are always working hard to manage our budget, to spend our money judiciously and to keep our precept increases to a reasonable level whilst maintaining excellent services and value for money. We need to look to the future and see how, in the forthcoming years we can raise our precept responsibly to deliver the quality of services that our residents require and expect. As the Government reduces the amount of money it gives to Cornwall Council some of the burden of cost will be passed on to our own Parish Council as we seek to protect the public services and community assets our residents rely on.

As well as our monthly Full Council meetings, where all councillors are present, there are monthly Planning Committee meetings. On average there are between 16 to 20 applications to consider each month, but there have been occasions where much more applications have been deliberated. The agenda ranges from small extensions, barn conversions through to house demolition and rebuild or to totally new developments with a range of property sizes and styles. The latter may not be popular but our young people, in particular, need a home.

Not forgetting the Environment and Property Committee, managed by Emily, who meet monthly too. This committee oversees the day to day management of the Council’s land, open spaces, buildings and assets. It also considers such things as whether more bins should be provided to prevent an increase in dog fouling, as well as some very meaty environmental issues, such as the nation wide problem of the discharge of sewage into our seas.

In honour of the late Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, we now have the Platinum Paddock with trees having been planted the previous year and with a commemorative stone remembering our late Queen and celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.

We are looking to build a new library as the current one is not large enough for its current use for the well attended literary events and the outreach work being undertaken. The planned new building will incorporate the parish offices and plans are being drawn up. There have been well attended public consultations with the vast majority of the public who attended being very much in favour of the project.

I would like to thank our hard working members of staff and our committed and voluntary parish councillors.

St Agnes PC Community Access Defibrillator Network and some words from Cllr Paul Kimberley:

The Parish Council would like to say a very grateful congratulations and thank you to all of the collaborators in the formation of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.

In March 2023, we had just 10 defibrillators for a Parish covering 10,000 residents, but thanks to all of the fundraisers and collaborators in local businesses and organisations, along with some of their own funding we now have a tremendous 45 defibrillator locations, covering all five villages and the hamlets in the Parish of St Agnes in Cornwall – more than quadrupling the amount of units, to save lives. That’s a 350% increase, in just 12 months.

At the Annual Parish Meeting we recognised 22 recipients of Certificates of Appreciation for their tremendous collaboration and support in supporting and growing our new network.

Ian, Sue Skillings and Sue Jones for fundraising £3,500, allowing the provision of three full defibrillator kits and the further provision of two additional defibrillators.
National Coastwatch Institute (St Agnes Head) – for hosting a defibrillator to support the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
National Trust (St Agnes) for collaboratively hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network at St Agnes Head.
Polgarth Farm Leisure Park (Mike, Ann and Emma Parris) for hosting a defibrillator to support the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network
Geoff Perry & Family, in Memory of Hazel, for the provision of two full defibrillator kits, a cabinet and hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network at Chipingali and Park an Dre, and for the continued fundraising.
Zoe Chaney for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
St Agnes ACE Academy Head Teacher Jess Mills and school team for providing public access to a defibrillator in collaborative support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
St Agnes Hotel Neal and Tammy Mather – for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
The Tap House Tim Bawden – for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network
St Agnes Boxing Club, Karen Johnson-Russell and Lee Shine for providing public access to a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network
Mithian School -for providing public access to a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Goonbell Riding Centre, Francis and Julia for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
The Victory Inn, Simon and Buffy Smith for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Blue Hills Tin, Mark Wills for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Smokey Joes, Aubrey Caddy for hosting a defibrillator in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
St Agnes Local Improvements Committee for the funding of £2,840 for two full defibrillator kits and one cabinet in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network at The Tap House, St Agnes Hotel and St Agnes ACE Academy.
Shiney Electrical, Lee Shine for installing the initial defibrillators free of charge in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Finnistere for self-funding a defibrillator and providing public access to it in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Beacon Country House Hotel for self-funding a defibrillator and providing public access to it, in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network, and continued fundraising.
Mount Pleasant Eco Park for self-funding a defibrillator and providing public access to it in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
St Agnes & St Piran Rotary for donating £250 in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.
Presingoll Farm Caravan & Camping Site, Pamela Williams and Family for self-funding a defibrillator and providing public access to it in support of the St Agnes Community Access Defibrillator Network.(Click to enlarge images.)

Please consider assisting or undertaking fundraising to support the long term sustainability by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] with any contributions or assistance.

The network can only be sustained by funds raised locally, which will then be held in a ringfenced account at the Parish Council. There is no mandatory requirement for the Council to subsidise the network continuation. Any money raised cannot be used for other allocations of funding.

Let’s all keep it going for future generations!

Heartfelt thanks for all of your collaboration and continued support.

Parish Youth Project annual report

The PYP has continued its growth throughout the year of 2023. Although participant numbers varied each week, we continually saw a rise in young people wanting to be a part of the project. As always, the session are thought up by the young people and then put into a plan tailored as much as possible with the resources and space we have. Due to the cost of living crisis we had a big focus on self-care and also healthy eating. We ran numerous cooking sessions where cheap and easy to get hold of ingredients were used to make a filling meal and all these sessions were high in attendance.

The young people came up with ideas for activities/trips in the holidays and were well received. Unfortunately, the number of attendees had declined and upon speaking with parents and the young people we found that even though we kept the costs to as minimum as possible they were unable to afford to send their young people on the trips (especially those with multiple children who attend the groups). We offered where we could free spaces and these were greatly received.

The total number of Young People coming through the doors and engaged in the Parish is 1046.

The cost of living crisis played a big part in rising numbers across the project. Young people were attending the venues seeking warmth and something to eat as well as the social and fun activities. YPC secured funding to give out supermarket vouchers and we offered these to 4 families we recognised in need totalling £400 in vouchers. We have faced real challenges when seeking sponsorship from local businesses, a lot were approached but only one was able to offer funding – £1200 spread over 12 months. We will continue to secure finances. This task is also been undertaken by the young people at the project. A committee across the four venues has been set up with young people from each one gathering ideas on how they can support and ensure the service continues. By summer 2024 we aim to have run a fundraising event close to each venue of operation.

Through social media we had been forwarded a post regarding anti-social behaviour and use of cannabis in a couple of villages in the parish. The workers have been engaging in detached work where after session we walk around to the areas they have been reported and engage with individuals. Although they may not wish to attend the group itself, it is vital for us that we build these relations outside of the venue of operation. After building bridges and talking to the young people offering advice on keeping safe and their behavioural impact on others in the community we have not received anymore reports on ASB. We met with a community member who had concerns of the behaviours and they have also confirmed that it has de-escalated noticeably.

Previous Meetings

Future Meetings

Full Council (06/05/25)
Annual Parish Meeting (07/05/25)
Environment and property (13/05/25)
Planning (20/05/24)

News from Blackwater

Formal Certificates of Recognition

On Monday 22^nd April, St Agnes Parish Council held its Annual Parish Meeting which, interesting for some, is a separate legal entity to a council meeting and is a type of separate local authority – it is a post-1894 survival of the ‘Annual Meeting of the Vestry’ of the ecclesiastical parish! The evening’s Meeting included the formal presentation of Certificates of Recognition to those parishioners nominated in recognition of their selfless community work across the parish of St Agnes. Blackwater and Wheal Rose Ward received four! Three were awarded together to the Blackwater Village Trust, the Old Mill Shop and the Red Lion Pub who throughout the year provided events, support and friendship. This included coordinating and delivering the popular annual summer fête and spring fair, arranging bespoke activities on the green or in the village hall, raising money for and the hanging of the Christmas lights or maintaining the hall or playpark. The whole team ensured everything is accomplished for the benefit of all. Between them, they advance the quality of life throughout the Ward and without them it would be a poorer place in which to live.

The fourth certificate was awarded to Margaret Davies in recognition of her unstinting support to Blackwater village – from sitting on the Passmore Edward’s Institute’s management committee (from the conception of an idea over ten years ago to restore the Institute to provide a hall for the village), to acting as the Village Trust’s treasurer, to looking after the play park, to supporting senior citizens – she has been a steadfast and dependable member of the village. A thoroughly deserving award.

Save the Date! Saturday 13 July

From 12PM to 3PM on Saturday 13th July, the Blackwater Village Fête will be held on the green. Further details are on the attached poster and also will follow on the village Facebook page as we approach the date. Anyone wishing to join the organising team comprising (of course) the BVT-Shop-Pub coalition, please let us know either via the shop or the pub. Any donations for the raffle or fête games (including old crockery no longer needed) also can be dropped off at the pub or shop.

Surfers Against Sewage – an article by our roving reporter, Ellie Boyden:

We are hopefully now emerging from a particularly despondent winter, with relentless deluges of rain being deposited all over the country.

However, saturated footpaths and flooded roads are not the only consequence of these torrential downpours. Venturing down to the local beaches, you may have glimpsed streaks of brown water seeping into the ocean. The chances are that this constitutes yet another sewage spill, a problem that Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), a local NGO, has been tackling for nearly thirty five years. The SAS headquarters originated in the Wheal Kitty workshops in St Agnes, and in subsequent years the organisation has grown to a team of approximately fifty people, with a reach that encompasses the whole of the UK.

Surfers Against Sewage promotes activism in various areas, focussing on water quality, sewage pollution, plastic pollution and the impact of climate change, and recognises how these issues interact to damage marine environments, wildlife, and people enjoying the water. Poor water quality reduces biodiversity by destroying marine organisms’ habitats. For example, the phosphates in water polluted by raw sewage exacerbate the process of eutrophication. These excessive nutrients cause extensive algae blooms that deplete the water of oxygen and harm other living things. The largest lake in the UK, Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, is confirmed to be ecologically dead, a process that SAS warns is occurring all over the country.

The ocean also absorbs an excessive amount of greenhouse gases. The warming and acidification effects of climate change damage sea life, starting with the integral species at the base of the food chain which include sea grass, kelp, and zooplankton. SAS warns that these environmental changes are also affecting animals’ reproduction and migration habits, with a strong possibility of leading to some species’ extinction.

It is not only marine wildlife that is affected, either. Water pollution in both urban and agricultural areas is hugely detrimental to bathers’ health, with only 14% of rivers meeting good environmental standards and many beaches constantly affected by sewage spills. These pathogens can cause skin, stomach, eye, ear, and nose infections, hepatitis A, and even ecola. SAS recorded one case study where a man had such bad long term health effects from an infection that he could no longer continue his job as a teacher. Unfortunately, the probability of a death being recorded from infection due to dangerous water quality is becoming increasingly realistic.

The present deficit in protecting our marine ecosystems creates a cycle of reinforcement. Damage caused by sewage and plastic pollution releases toxic chemicals and pathogens into sensitive environments – and we do not even know the full extent of their impact yet. Partnered with operations such as deep sea mining and large scale industrial fishing, these unsustainable human practices destroy coastal wetlands that are integral to the ocean’s carbon absorption, as well as to marine wildlife. These effects disrupt the natural carbon cycle and exacerbate the pollution problem – SAS claims that ‘extended periods of extreme winter rainfall are seven times more likely due to human-induced climate change’.

The UK has a combined sewage system that transports both raw sewage and surface water to treatment plants. Therefore, heavy rainfall overwhelms these antiquated pipe networks, causing untreated sewage to surge into seas, rivers, and streams. Current legislation states that such discharges should occur only in ‘exceptional circumstances’. However, the frequency of sewage spills, with 27 already recorded off St Agnes and Porthtowan beaches in 2024, highlights the large amount of progress needed to reach this point.

So, how do SAS propose to tackle the issue, and what progress are they making? SAS has different teams working in areas of policy, campaigns, and community engagement; work that is all firmly interconnected to create impactful change.

I spoke to James Luxton, who is ‘Head of Communities’ at SAS. James states that the level of interest in the sewage scandal is unprecedented, causing it to remain a dominant issue in the news for more than a year. The upcoming general election presents a further opportunity for SAS to channel grassroots pressure and action into legislative change. They have produced the ‘End Sewage Pollution Manifesto’, outlining and detailing solutions to the water quality crisis, with elements already having been incorporated into every major political party’s manifesto.

The present state of sewage treatment means that incremental steps will need to be taken to improve the process. The water industry is a monopoly due to its expensive infrastructure. Private water companies’ business structures will encourage them to prioritise profit over public safety unless forced to do otherwise, and the large loopholes that they currently exploit will therefore need to be tightened. Instead of extracting revenue for shareholder dividends, water companies’ money should be reinvested into improving outdated sewage systems.

However, legislative development cannot be practically realised whilst pre-existing legal standards are left unenforced. The Enviroment Agency is facing significant cuts and lacks capacity. Joe Lycett’s documentary (Joe Lycett vs Sewage) shines a light on how many figures within regulatory bodies such as Ofwat and the Enviroment Agency entertain conflicts of interest because of their involvement with water companies. Only with the oversight of strong regulatory bodies can more stringent requirements be introduced and stricter punishments handed out to water companies that fall foul of ethical standards. SAS advocates the eventual implementation of a nature-led approach, utilising constructed wetlands and sustainable drainage systems to improve carbon retention and biodiversity.

In the meantime, the SAS campaigns team have successfully lobbied for change through multiple petitions and community action. The ‘Dirty Money Campaign’ successfully pressured water company CEOs to refuse their annual bonuses if their businesses had not complied to either their own, or the government’s, environmental standards. Within weeks of the SAS petition achieving 100,000 signatures and extensive media coverage, all but two of the CEOs based in England rejected their bonuses.

James claims that this highlights the direct connection between individual people’s input and impactful advances. He describes how protests, such as the one organised by the Bluetits at Portreath last Christmas after continuous sewage releases, are noticed by MPs and can create a groundswell of action. Here in the parish, the team regularly carries out water quality testing at Trevaunance Cove, and works closely with groups such as St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club and the Parish Council. Although SAS keeps a professional distance between themselves and South West Water, monitoring and often criticising its behaviour, they have also established constructive lines of communication that allow them to discuss potential solutions with the company.

James emphasises that local community engagement is essential for SAS to continue making progress. He suggests that the pandemic might have reinforced people’s appreciation and exploration of their local area, contributing to a notably sustained involvement in resisting environmental threats to our beaches and waters. Ultimately, this drive comes from the public’s love for their surroundings, whether this involves walking, swimming, or surfing on the coastline. There are also increasing discussions over how enjoyment of nature can promote positive mental health.

It is this discourse that James argues is so important to ensuring that conversations over sewage and plastic pollution remain prevalent. There are myriad ways in which individuals can assist including emailing or writing to local MPs, joining paddle-out protests, or by getting involved in the upcoming summer plastics campaign. Individuals can even register beach cleans on the SAS website as part of the ‘Million Mile Clean’ campaign, and receive free cleaning equipment for up to thirty people. Downloading the ‘Safer Seas and Rivers Service’ app supports SAS, and also provides information about sewage spills, water quality, and historic data at various locations. By translating personal anger into practical action, anyone can support SAS in their fight to tackle the environmental pollution of our waters. It is becoming increasingly clear that individual actions really can collectively induce nationwide policy changes.

Phil Frampton on Rosemundy Mother and Babies Home

The Museum welcomed Phil Frampton, activist, journalist and author of “Golly in the Cupboard” to the Methodist Church Hall for a keenly anticipated talk. The Hall was packed with an audience of 80, but the talk almost didn’t take place after the flight from Manchester to Newquay that Phil had been due to catch was cancelled. A coach was arranged instead which got Phil to the talk just in time, having travelled 246 miles.

To raise funds, there was a raffle for which the main prize was a generous £50 voucher for Sunny Spice Indian restaurant and three prizes donated by Rosemundy House Hotel. A non-alcoholic bar provided refreshments run by Diana Good Dixon, Sue Amor and Susan Clayton. Shop Manager, Mike Furness, also brought copies of “Golly in the Cupboard” and Clive Benney’s book “The Secrets of Rosemundy House”.

Welcomed by Chairman, Roger Radcliffe, and after an opening film showing some of his campaigns, Phil spoke of his birth at Rosemundy in 1953 where he spent the first 3 months of his life. It was assumed that he could never be adopted as he was of mixed race. His African father was deported by the British Government simply for fathering him. After 6 months in a home at Instow he was brought up in Barnado’s Homes. His family became the other children and he found stability in the homes whereas he felt today’s children are often isolated. He never felt that he had love and the children’s education was neglected. He wanted to go to the local Secondary Modern School where they played football, not rugby, and would not have been separated from the other children, but won a place at Grammar School. He left the home aged 15, at 16 was living alone in a bedsit. He went on to Bristol University which he enjoyed. At this time he knew nothing of Rosemundy Home. He wanted to make a difference in the world and set up a Gypsy site in Bristol. In 1993 he went into journalism and market research. He wrote travel guides. After 1997 children in care were able to access their records and in 2000 the Care Leavers’ Association was set up which still exists. “Golly in the Cupboard” also won a radio award.

Phil continued to campaign and researched a programme on Rosemundy Home. He discovered that heavily pregnant women were marched in a crocodile to church, where they were often abused, that they scrubbed floors and did heavy work in the laundry. Their whole stay was designed to humiliate them. Mothers were locked in their dormitories while their babies were chosen by adoptive parents from their prams on the lawn. Phil felt there should be plaque in St Agnes commemorating the mothers and their babies. One Rosemundy mother, Lyn, spoke of her time at the Home, describing it as “wicked”. One “baby”, Peter, described his loving upbringing in his adoptive home with his Dutch mother and father.

Thanking Phil, Roger Radcliffe said it had been a “pretty emotional evening”. Afterwards, Phil signed copies of his book “Golly in the Cupboard”.

Phil and Roger took part in a Radio Cornwall programme broadcast on the following Sunday morning.

Spring Coffee Morning with Clive Benney

On a perfect spring day, so welcome after so much rain, St Agnes Museum held its Spring Coffee Morning on Saturday 20 April in the Church Hall.

Highlight of the morning was an exhibition of photographs by the late Ken Young arranged by Museum Vice Chairman, Clive Benney, who was also signing copies of his book Ken Young’s St Agnes.

Mike and Lyn Furness brought their Museum shop, full of interesting cards, books and gifts, Jan Davidson sold tempting homemade cakes and jams, Steve Roberts and Jackie Cotton manned the raffle, and Mary Wilson and family had children’s games. As Membership Secretary, Mary also took subscriptions. Diana Good Dixon and her team served coffee and biscuits to the visitors.

A total of £716 was raised for Museum funds, with the shop contributing a magnificent £390 and the raffle £123. We are grateful to everyone who supported us in any way.

St Agnes Library news

Local Author Clive Benney

Local Author and Historian Clive Benney will be at St Agnes Library on Saturday 11^th May from 10am until 12 noon, selling signed copies of his books including his new one “Ken Young’s St Agnes”. Pop in and buy a signed copy and see the selection of library books for borrowing as we celebrate Local History Month.

South West Water

A representative from South West Water visits St Agnes Library on one day each month from 10am 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 13^th May 2024 and Monday 10^th June.

Temporary Reduction in Library Opening Hours

Please note the revised temporary opening hours which took effect from Monday 18^th March 2024 and are operational until further notice. The changes include closure of 1 hour on Monday lunchtimes (12:30-13:30) and an earlier closing time on Fridays (5pm).

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 are also still accepting donations of good quality junior/children’s boxed jigsaws to expand our collection. Please bring donations to St Agnes library, during opening hours. Thank you.

Story Time (24/04/24)

During story time we reminded ourselves about The Extraordinary Gardener that we read a few months ago and enjoyed the similar vibes of Errol’s Garden, before making these beautiful flower collages.

New books!

A selection of our lovely new books available to borrow and read.

Join us in St Agnes Carnival – Saturday 3rd August

We’re excited to announce that our entry will be called… “STORYTIME!” We’d love as many of you as possible to join us, dressed as your favourite book character!

See photos below for our previous years themes!

Porthtowan Village Hall

We’ve sprung into action at the Porthtowan village hall this spring. The Easter Eggstravaganza event complete with a performance from the Charlie’s Angels choir and dog show was a really great way to bring our community together and to raise some much need funds for the Porthtowan Play Park.

Last weekend we held our open door and AGM event and we’re delighted that local groups including the St Agnes Marine Conservation Society and the Surf Life Saving Club sent representatives to show how our community can all work together.

We also used this open event as an opportunity to provide some defib training and to raise some much needing funds to keep the 2 x community defibrillators in Porthtowan in working order.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we are ever so grateful to our community volunteers including the gardening group who have been working so hard to really bring this great community space alive.

Mount Hawke Millennium Green plant sale

Thank you so much to everyone who attended or donated to our plant sale on Sunday.

It was lovely to see so many people out and about browsing and having a chat and we raised over £40 towards the Millennium Green upkeep.

Your support means the world to us!

Open Studio – Lucy Joines

Lucy’s journey in ceramics began as a child, inspired by her grandmother’s pottery, and she began to develop her ideas through clay during her early years. Her ceramics are inspired by her love of nature and the wild. Much of her childhood was spent freely roaming the land of her family farm in North Devon.

Lucy will be participating in Open Studios Cornwall where her workshop will be open for the public to come and visit at 3 Rope Walk, Mount Hawke, Truro, Cornwall TR4 8DW.

You can see more of her beautiful work on her Facebook, Instagram and website.

Sarah Jane Keyworth Art

Monotype Landscape Workshop, £30, 10AM -1PM, Saturday 18th May, The Old Forge, Wheal Rose, TR16 5DA.

Fancy trying a new skill? Ever done printmaking? Whether you are a complete beginner or a painter/sketcher wishing to loosen up your style, you will find this workshop very accessible. Using rollers and printing inks to lay down backgrounds, we will layer up, working into it with subsequent layers using organic stencils for texture and depth. You will take home monochrome and coloured landscapes/seascapes on quality archival paper, suitable for framing. Book your place here: https://buytickets.at/sarahjanekeyworthart/1230341

Mithian Duck Race

Rock Choir at St Agnes Churc

Mount Hawke TRA

Pilates in the Parish

Mount Hawke and Porthtowan Cricket Club

Dance lessons throughout the Parish

St Agnes Museum

Porthtowan Village Hall movie night

Community Calendar

Coming soon – waiting on a few last minute confirmations, please check back here in a few days.

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.