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The West Country | Archive | 2003 | March

Stories for 13 March 2003

Burnham On Sea News

Recycling centre is set to go ahead

PROTESTS against the building of the household waste-recycling centre at Walrow proved to be in vain at a recent county council meeting. more...

Unprovoked hammer attack

A BURNHAM man who launched an unprovoked hammer attack on his landlady was told by a judge that he was very lucky not to have killed her. more...

Council tax bills battle

RESIDENTS of a Burnham registered home for the blind, who thought they had won their battle against paying council tax could still be forced to pay, the Weekly News can reveal. more...

Burnham On Sea Sport

Red card is costly

Bishops Lydeard Res 2 Highbridge Town 2: more...

Sell-out for big night of boxing

KING ALFRED Amateur Boxing Club's annual show at Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village was a sell-out, with a packed audience seeing 15 bouts. more...

Rebels are revving up

ALL Somerset Rebels' riders, except injured number one Mario Jirout, will be at Highbridge's Oak Tree Arena tomorrow night) Friday for the traditional press and practice night. more...

Camborne Redruth News

Vodka could be dangerous

The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent warning to anyone who may have recently purchased a brand of vodka called Imperial Valkonov as it could contain dangerous levels of methanol. more...

Students pass test with flying colours

TWO public services students from Camborne Pool Redruth College have achieved outstanding results in their Royal Navy entry test. more...

ON Sunday, March 4, a static mobile home was broken into in the Wheal Seaton area of Camborne. A window was smashed to gain entry and property, including an old age pension book, cheque books, video recorder and Vodofone mobile telephone were stolen. more...

Orders at last?

more...

Shed firm in £253,000 debt

Creditors have been told that a failed Redruth company that owes them more than a quarter of a million pounds has never kept any form of accounts. more...

Bus firm to cut services

COMMUTERS and shoppers wanting to travel from Four Lanes to Truro or Falmouth will face longer journey times as First Western National cuts services. more...

Dressed for the part at Rosemellin

Saint Piran's Day was celebrated in style by the children at Rosemellin School as they came to school in their best Cornish get-ups. Smugglers and miners filled the Camborne primary school's classrooms as both pupils and teachers dressed up to celebrate the patron saint of Cornwall. more...

Town decides to sell itself

AN initiative to look into selling the benefits of Redruth and the surrounding area has been given the go-ahead by the town council. more...

Proposals for county councillors to be `equal'

Historic foundry has £5m facelift

AS work gets underway on the £5 million regeneration of the historic Harvey's Foundry in Hayle, Plymouth architects Stride Treglown have revealed the design of a new two-storey building which will incorporate offices and workspace. more...

Plaque to be restored

A MONUMENT to one Cornwall's greatest sons is being restored after its state of neglect shocked local councillors. more...

Lions clubs plan swim fundraiser

LIONS clubs all over the district are getting together to organise a swim marathon in support of the Merlin Project. more...

Camborne Redruth Sport

Shock as Mullion quit

Arrangements for the forthcoming Jolly's Drinks Cornwall Cricket League season have been thrown into confusion with the shock decision by Mullion Cricket Club to seek permission to withdraw from the ECB Cornwall Premier League. more...

Cornwall play waiting game

CORNWALL 4 SUSSEX 0 more...

Gareth's goal boosts IIlogan

RNAS CULDROSE 0 ILLOGAN 1 more...

Reds breeze past Camels

REDRUTH 64pts Wadebridge Camels 0pts more...

Cornwall News

SPORTS CENTRE PLANS NEARER

THE future sell-off of Falmouth recreation ground is looking more likely this week after the town's rugby football club signed a five-year option agreement on a new sports centre. more...

SPORTS CENTRE PLANS NEARER

THE future sell-off of Falmouth recreation ground is looking more likely this week after the town's rugby football club signed a five-year option agreement on a new sports centre. more...

South Crofty wins lifeline

Plans to redevelop the South Crofty site at Pool could be put on hold for up to five years as the owners continue their battle to re-start tin mining. The stay of execution became known yesterday following talks between Baseresult Holdings Ltd, the mine's owners, and the company formed to regenerate the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area with £150 million of EU money. Baseresult sought a meeting after the regeneration company said it might use compulsory purchase powers to buy the site. It is now five years since South Crofty, Europe's last working tin mine, closed. Most industry commentators have said that there is no chance of it ever re-opening as a viable tin mine but Baseresult, who acquired South Crofty nearly two years ago, think differently. Baseresult, which has substantial financial support from a mysterious Bermuda-based company, insists it is working on plans to start mining tin again. more...

Falmouth Inport

FALMOUTH

Friday, March 14 01.30(4.17m) 14.10(4.11) Saturday, March 15 02.40(4.46) 15.10(4.44) Sunday, March 16 03.40(4.86) 16.00(4.83) Monday, March 17 04.20(5.23) 16.40(5.17) Tuesday, March 18 05.00(5.56) 17.20(5.46) Wednesday, March 19 05.40(5.76) 18.00(4.07) Thursday, March 20 --.--(--.--) 12.40(5.63) more...

North Atlantic is no place to be in winter

The North Atlantic can be a brutal environment in the winter months. Captain Peo Toften of the self-discharging bulker Nordenhav recalled for me, this week, how he encountered mountainous seas off Newfoundland on his last trip across the Atlantic from Fowey. more...

Juice carrier in for repairs

The next time you pour out a glass of orange juice at breakfast time the chances are it may have reached your table courtesy of the frozen juice carrier Southern Juice currently in Number Three drydock undergoing repairs. more...

Bulk carrier loses rudder

A&P Falmouth has won the contract to carry out repairs to the bulk carrier Highland Faith more...

Shipping Intelligence

Tuesday, March 4 more...

Bulk carrier loses rudder

A&P Falmouth has won the contract to carry out repairs to the bulk carrier Highland Faith more...

Falmouth News

Awards presented at museum

Representatives of the South West branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute visited the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to present a regional planning award. more...

SPORTS CENTRE PLANS NEARER

THE future sell-off of Falmouth recreation ground is looking more likely this week after the town's rugby football club signed a five-year option agreement on a new sports centre. more...

Pensioner locked in park at Penryn

A PENSIONER walking her dog in a Penryn park had to scale the wall after being locked inside. more...

Oyster Festival given £2,500 by district council

Falmouth Oyster Festival has been given £2,500 by Carrick district council despite it running over-budget last year. more...

The 93rd Annual Cornwall County Music Festival

The 93rd Annual Cornwall County Music Festival got off to a promising start on Monday with the voices of children from across Cornwall filling Truro Methodist Church. more...

RESULTS

Verse speaking (Year 5) - Jordan Evans, Treyew Primary School, 88 distinction. Kitty Gallagher, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 86 commended. Jake Stewart, Devoran School, 86 commended. Ross Lannon, Treyew Primary School, 86 commended. Hayley Trestrail, St Newlyn East School, 85 commended. Kerri Andrew, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 85 commended. Lucinda Allen, Devoran School, 85 commended. Simone Heather, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 85 commended. Emma Newell, Devoran School, 84 commended. Zoe Cornwall, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 84 commended. Christina Birch, Devoran School, 84 commended. Jodie Rickett, Devoran School, 84 commended. Amy Jones, Devoran School, 83 Merit. Thomas Mitchell, Treyew Primary School, 83 merit. Georgie Hutchens, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 83 merit. Sarah Wignall, Treyew Primary School, 82 merit. Emily Nother, Treyew Primary School, 82 merit. Nicholas Flower, St Mary's Catholic Primary School, 82 merit. Edward Hougham-Slade, Devoran School, 81 merit. Suzy Powell, Devoran School, 81 merit. Maia Gaffney-Hyde, Devoran School, 80 moderate. Evangeline Mifsud, Treyew Primary School, 80 moderate. Nicky Kinney, Treyew Primary School, 80 moderate. Jacob Lee, Treyew Primary School, 79 moderate. more...

Superyacht launched in Penryn River

Workers and directors of Bluewater Projects turned out to see the launch of a 57ft Mystic superyacht finished at their Ponsharden yard. more...

No priority system for buses on new road

Putting a 60mph speed limit on the new stretch of road between the Playing Place and Carnon Downs roundabout was just asking for accidents, Alan Groves warned a Feock parish council meeting. more...

Awards presented at museum

Representatives of the South West branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute visited the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to present a regional planning award. more...

Anti-war group plans silent vigil on Moor

Falmouth Stop the War Group are preparing to conduct a silent vigil at the outbreak of a war with Iraq. more...

Cash boost for sailing calendar

The summer's sailing calendar has been given a £3,500 boost by Falmouth town council. more...

Andrew will open maritime museum

PRINCE ANDREW will officially open the National Maritime Museum Cornwall tomorrow. more...

Cheri acquitted of murder

The 29-year-old Falmouth mother of two accused of murdering her husband has been acquitted. more...

Lib Dems accuse Tories of stealing their thunder over Pavilion plan

A Conservative Party leaflet circulating in the Boslowick area of Falmouth, claiming victory in the saving of the Princess Pavilion, has angered a leading local Liberal Democrat. more...

Former museum man appointed to tourism post

The former head of marketing at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Robin Barker, has been appointed as deputy chief executive at South West Tourism. more...

More flower power

Cornwall's daffodil industry is receiving a boost thanks to investments totalling £750,000 to enable 12 of Cornwall's growers to bring their businesses into bloom over the next three years. more...

More flower power

Cornwall's daffodil industry is receiving a boost thanks to investments totalling £750,000 to enable 12 of Cornwall's growers to bring their businesses into bloom over the next three years. more...

Falmouth Sport

Jason strengthens grip after Spring Cup trial

Current champion Jason Lawer secured victory and maximum points with an eight mark cushion over Gareth Andrew in Pendennis Motor Club's Spring Cup Trial at Constantine on Sunday. more...

Shock as Mullion quit

Cornwall play waiting game

CORNWALL 4 SUSSEX 0 more...

Town secure points after strong finish

Falmouth Town 2 Newquay 1 more...

Shock move as Barr quits

PENRYN ATHLETIC 2 ST AUSTELL 3: more...

Lewis stands in for remainder of season

Penryn Athletic held their first training session without Ronnie Barr on Wednesday evening. Barr and his coach Ashley Tallon resigned after last Saturday's 3-2 defeat against St Austell. more...

Helston News

Wash and setter madam?

The ultimate in canine cleanliness has come to a garage near Helston, with the installation of Cornwall's first Dogwash. more...

Call for council action over the travellers' camp

Parish councillors in St Keverne have called for urgent action to be taken over an unauthorised travellers' camp near the village, after parents said they were considering moving their children from the local school. more...

Citizenship will be subject of Chief Constable's talk

Citizenship will be the main theme of this year's spring conference organised by the Cornwall School Governors' Council to be held at Truro College on Saturday. more...

Paying off Pennant marks end of base's Met School

The rain didn't dampen the spirits of those gathered at RNAS Culdrose to witness the formal closing ceremony of the Royal Naval Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic School known to most as, simply, "The Met School." more...

Fond farewell to Dave and Wendy

THE end of an era at Porthleven's Harbour Inn was marked on Saturday night with a farewell party for the pub's licensees. more...

Army cadets can `pat themselves on back'

HELSTON Army Cadets held their annual inspection conducted by Major Rupert Hooper, Officer Commanding D (Cornwall Light Infantry) Company Rifle Volunteers, from Truro. more...

Farmers' syndicate share

A new machinery syndicate - funded with European help - is being set up by a group of farmers from the St Martin area of the Lizard. more...

Students learn lessons for life

The potential hazards of getting behind the wheel of a car were graphically spelled out to students at Helston College last week when they took part in the county council's Young Driver Education Programme. more...

Fencing likely to go up at Harbour Head

Fencing looks set to be installed on the Harbour Head at Porthleven sooner rather than later after attempts to find an acceptable alternative failed to reach a satisfactory conclusion. more...

Call to report litter louts and anti-social pet owners

Parish councillors in St Keverne are urging residents who care about their community to report anyone seen dropping litter or allowing their dogs to foul in public places. more...

More flower power

Cornwall's daffodil industry is receiving a boost thanks to investments totalling £750,000 to enable 12 of Cornwall's growers to bring their businesses into bloom over the next three years. more...

Maggie is true May 8 devotee

Margie Knight, a headteacher from Hertfordshire, is the fourth member of the leading set of the Midday Furry on Flora Day this year. more...

MP furious at hunt supporters' `stunt'

Helston and The Lizard MP Andrew George has demanded an apology from hunt supporters, some involved with the Cury Hunt, who besieged his constituency office last week in what the MP denounced as a "cheap publicity stunt". more...

SCIENCE MAY BOOST FLORA

Cutting-edge technology could find a place within one of Helston's oldest traditions - if ambitious plans to devise a new sound system for Flora Day prove successful. more...

Helston Sport

Jason strengthens grip after Spring Cup trial

Current champion Jason Lawer secured victory and maximum points with an eight mark cushion over Gareth Andrew in Pendennis Motor Club's Spring Cup Trial at Constantine on Sunday. more...

Shock as Mullion quit

Cornwall play waiting game

CORNWALL 4 SUSSEX 0 more...

John's great round of 40 pints wins Stableford

The men's Stableford at Praa Sands Golf Club on Sunday was played in a strong wind which reflected in the results. John Murrish (17h/cap) returned an outstanding 40 points to take first place with Simon Moody (15) in second place with a worthy 36 points. more...

Wendron happy to be cup underdogs

SUNDAY will be the biggest day in the club's short history when Wendron meet Newquay in the semi-final of the Jolly's Combination League Cup at Penryn Athletic's Kernick Road ground. more...

Magical night for Cury

CURY 2 HOLMANS 1 more...

Somerset News

No Smoking Day survey

ALMOST one in four Somerset shops selling cigarettes is flouting the law by failing to display signs warning customers about illegal sales. more...

Sundayindependent Cornwall News

Cornish firm strikes gold

A CORNISH car dealer has struck gold in its pursuit of outstanding customer service. more...

Taunton News

Estate agent did nothing wrong say bosses

A TAUNTON estate agent accused of getting a house at a knock-down price after a couple had put in a higher offer did nothing wrong, say his bosses. more...

A new school may be built

THE largest primary school in Somerset may be built at Monkton Heathfield as an extra 900 homes are constructed in the village in the next ten years. more...

Truro News

Rose is ideal guest at conference

World famous lone yachtswoman, author and adventurer Rose Swale Pope will be guest of honour at this year's Spring conference for primary school headteachers in Cornwall which is being staged at Truro College on Friday. The theme of the conference is "creativity" a subject not unknown to Rose Swale Pope - described as a "sailor, voyager, adventurer, gaucho, cross countries runner, trekker, mountaineer and free spirit extraordinaire" She will be joined by internationally renowned Penwith artist Anthony Frost and Bill Laar, an associate adviser for Birmingham local education authority, as guest speakers. Pat Bostock Smith, the chairman of the Cornwall Association of Primary Headteachers, said: "Each year we aim for top class speakers at our headteachers' conference. This year we decided on a theme of creativity, partly because this is an element of the LEA education development plan, but largely because primary schools in Cornwall have always maintained the creative elements of the curriculum despite the pressures of the numeracy and literacy strategies. "We are proud of our creativity and want to celebrate it. We know that this is what will make a difference in our pupils' lives - this is what they will remember in years to come." Our speakers this Friday bring with them a huge range of experiences and lifestyles - the day promises to be stimulating and thought provoking - something to reflect on while we tackle the more mundane tasks of our working lives!" Bill Laar is a former primary headteacher and has worked for a number of LEAs as an inspector and adviser. He will speak on "practical ways of developing creativity in primary schools," and his talk will include suggestions for developing art and design, drama, music, dance, literature and poetry in primary schools. Anthony Frost's talk, intriguingly entitled "Mr Zoot Horn Rollo hits that long lunar note," will cover the subjects of music, space, colour and sound. Anthony has been involved in school projects in Cornwall for the last 15 years, including Arts in Trust projects and a number of Arts Weeks and Book Weeks in schools. He has also worked with on educational projects with Tate St Ives, Newlyn Gallery and the Eden Project. Rose Swale Pope's talk , entitled "Challenges of Life" will outline many of the challenges she has faced in her own colourful life, including sailing solo across the Atlantic in a 17ft water line cutter; travelling 3,000 miles on horseback down the length of Chile and exploring Guatemala, Belize and the Lacandon rainforest and completing a solo walk around Albania after it became the last country to escape from Communism. In recent years Rosie has taken up marathons, taking part in the 42 mile Swiss Alpine marathon and the Sahara and Reykjavik marathons, and running alone from Macedonia to Kosova, Montenegro and the Albanian Alps and across Cuba. She has written a number of newspaper and magazine articles and books about her adventurers and also gives lectures and talks around the world. The day will also include a performance by the popular Cascade Theatre Company. The conference will end with a special presentation to Rosie by Geoff Aver, the director of education, arts and libraries, of a banner from the Cornwall Association of Primary Headteachers which she will be able to display during her next adventure - trekking through Nepal at the end of this month. She will also be presented with a small St Piran's Flag which she will be able to stick on her rucksack. more...

Truro based lute player in festival

Truro based lute player Ben Salfield, 31, has been invited to appear at the prestigious Paganini Festival in Parma, Italy, at the end of the month. The renaissance maestrois renowned throughout Europe and has been described as one "of the most world's most exciting performers of 17th century solo lute music". Ben said: "It is a great honour to be asked to appear on one of Italy's most important music festivals. I made my Milan debut last August and am delighted that I seem to have gone down so well in what is one of my favourite parts of the world." Although he will be hundreds of miles from home, Ben will still have some familiar faces to cheer him on when he flies out in a fortnight's time. "The great Italian classical guitarist Andrea Dieci, a dear friend of mine, will be making the trip down from Milan and a few fans from Slovakia are hoping to turn up; apparently, a handful of UK aficianados are flying out to support me, too!" After his concert, Ben will be one of the judges in Parma's international guitar competition - his first appearance on an international jury. "It is a big responsibility, as competition results can influence the direction of a performer's career, particularly nowadays when there are so many fine young players and relatively few openings for aspiring professionals. Personally, I've never actually entered a competition, which is almost unique, I'm told!" Ben has no time for a rest upon his return, either, as his new album "Fantasie" is due to be released on the Red C label in time for tours in Poland and Slovakia in May, and two Cornish appearances are on the cards in June. "It is an exciting year", said Ben. "I've already performed in Sweden this year and there's a host of countries to come... but I always love crossing the Tamar back into Cornwall, and playing `home fixtures' still gives me just as big a buzz as it did when I made my debut at St Ives nearly 15 years ago." You can keep up to date with Ben Salfield's career by logging onto his website at www.themusicexperts.com/bensalfield or by joining the free mailing list - write to PO Box 32, Truro TR1 1ZL or email info@themusicexperts.com more...

Welcome new service

A new, improved bus service between Porthtowan and Truro has been launched at The Unicorn Inn, Porthtowan. The service is thanks to a joint venture funded by coach company Hopley's and The Countryside Agency through the Rural Transport Partnership. The 304 Hopley's Service was officially launched by Mrs Dorothy West, a regular Hopley's passenger from Mount Hawke, who has been unable to travel into Truro on public transport with her wheelchair. Mrs West said: "I go shopping to Safeway, Pool, once a week but have been unable to go to Truro for some time. I am really looking forward to getting the new bus to Truro." The launch was attended by representatives from Porthtowan transport group, Chacewater parish council and Carrick district council, as well as the main funding partners and regular passengers. Two, new, super-low-floor Optare Solo buses will be operating the 304 service. Richard Cooper, county councillor for St Agnes Ward, said: "The Hopley's service is just what this area needs - improving access to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, and the beach." A significant financial commitment has been made from Hopley's and The Countryside Agency. Revenue support for the service and the enhancement of the infrastructure and bus shelters has come from the county council. The bicycle racks on the buses are part-funded by the Department for Transport's cycling projects fund. Improved bus stops along the route are part of a rolling programme of roadside infrastructure improvements and work will begin in early summer. more...

St Piran off to Gulf

A bit of innocent teasing from Scottish and Welsh colleagues led to Cornish Naval engineers aboard ship sending home an SOS for a Cornish flag. Cornish engineers on aircraft carrier HMS Ocean sent a light-hearted distress call back to the UK, from their ship sailing towards the Gulf, after it was brought to their attention they had no Cornish insignia on their uniforms. Martin Bassett, aboard the ship, contacted his grandfather Ronny, who relayed the message to retired policeman Jim Morran. Mr Morran contacted County Hall, who set the wheels in motion by organising for Tremovah Industries at Threemilestone to create 14 County Crest material badges. County council chairman, Phil Tregunna, said: "We were delighted to help supply these small reminders of home to the naval personnel on HMS Ocean, not only as a token of gratitude for all the Navy does for Cornwall, but to show our pride in the county's close association with all services." Once the SOS was received, it was a race against the clock to get the the Cornish "rescue package" completed in time. As well as the badges, Tremovah Industries managed to supply a large St Piran's Flag to rally the boys on. The package was passed over to Devonport and transferred to the warship as part of its regular supply run. Ronny Basset said: "Once Tremovah were contacted things really began to happen. They produced the Cornish badges for us, and girls in the textile department also made the boys a full size Cornish flag. Within two days everything was on its way out to the boat!" Now the Cornish contingent are on an equal footing with their Celtic counterparts, but whether the flag of Cornwall will fly alongside the Royal Ensign is yet to be known. more...

Electoral review underway

A review of the county council's electoral arrangements started this week. It will be carried out by The Boundary Committee for England and aims to make sure, where possible, that every county councillor represents the same number of electors. The review will also take into account the identities and interests of local communities. Reviews are carried out periodically because the number and distribution of electors changes over time. The committee can recommend changes to the overall number of councillors, the number of councillors representing individual divisions, the number and boundaries of divisions, including the creation of new divisions, and their names. The committee cannot consider changes to the external boundaries of a county, district or parish, or create new parishes. However, changes to parish boundaries can be considered by the relevant district, following a parish review under the Local Government and Rating Act 1997. Local people, interested parties and associations are invited to submit their own proposals for changes to electoral arrangements, in writing, no later than July 7, to: Team Leader (Cornwall), The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2HW. The committee expects to publish draft recommendations for consultation towards the end of this year. more...

Firefighter returns to open school's replacement building

Almost a year to the day since the second of two arson attacks, the firefighter who led the battles against both blazes at Truro High School returned to open one of the replacement buildings. Assistant Divisional Officer Jeff Hick, accompanied by a fire engine and crew, performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the new Trevean Nursery building on Friday. The two arson attacks occurred in the space of just four months. Each setback necessitated a daunting reallocation of accommodation and facilities, but the teaching of all the school's 45-plus students and pupils continued uninterrupted during a major fast-track rebuilding programme. The open day also saw the formal re-opening of the newly-restored Helford Building - as the modern languages block, including three large teaching rooms and a number of additions to the original structure. This ceremony was performed by Deborah Smith, marketing manager of Cornwall Tourist Board, who staged presentations on tourism, languages and communications. Earlier, Dr Peter Brunt, of the University of Plymouth, gave a lecture on languages and tourism to the senior girls. Other highlights of the day included the ceremonial launch of a new ecology garden in the school grounds by a representative of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Professsor Philip Corbet, who lectured to Year Ten students on ecological issues after the ceremony. The main theme for the day was environmental awareness, with displays about birds of prey and endangered species and about the devastating effects of forest fires in Australia and North America. An art exhibition was staged in the art studio, with examples of pupils' work, while ongoing rehearsals were held in the Kensey Hall for the school's forthcoming production of Girls On High, which will be staged at the Hall For Cornwall, Truro, on Monday. The Prep School also staged their major 2002-03 concert at 2pm in the main school hall. more...

MP offers advice to lovers of local beer

Candy Atherton, the MP for Falmouth-Camborne, met members of the Cornwall branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, a licensee and the owner of a small brewery to discuss the demise of the Beer Orders, and the fact that local brewers cannot sell their products in many of the county's pubs. The meeting took place in the Hawkins Arms, at Zelah, which is the only pub owned by the Doghouse Brewery, of Scorrier, and was attended by landlord Ian Spencer-Brown, brewer Steve Willmott, and Cornwall CAMRA members Rod Davis and Maggy Goodier. The Beer Orders were originally introduced to force the major pub-owning breweries to allow their tenants an element of choice by being able to sell a "guest beer". Now the big breweries have mostly sold off their tied outlets in blocks to companies who may hold up to 5,000 pubs, and are immune from the restrictions of the Beer Orders. Rather than extend the Beer Orders to cover these new pub companies, the government has decided to scrap them altogether. Some pub groups are mostly behaving in the same old way, telling tenants what they are permitted to sell, which real ale drinkers say has the effect of freezing the small micro-breweries out of many of their natural outlets - local pubs. Cornwall has 14 breweries, of which at least ten are in the position of struggling to find enough outlets to be profitable. Ms Atherton has proposed that the best way to take the issue forward might be to campaign for a Beer Orders Mark II covering the major pub estates, which would allow landlords to sell a guest ale of their choosing. She said the current state of affairs is a threat to regional distinctiveness as well as being discriminatory. She proposed sponsoring, possibly jointly with the other Cornish MPs, an Early Day Motion on the subject, which if it gathers the signatures of 100 or more MPs will go forward for debate in the House of Commons. After the meeting, Ian Spencer-Brown said: "I was delighted with the sympathetic hearing we received. I don't think we could have asked for a more constructive meeting with an MP. Let's hope that we can now take this issue to the Government and press for action." Cornwall CAMRA chairman Rod Davis told the Packet: "This is not just a Cornish issue, it affects all the regions around the country, so there should be many sympathetic MPs who can add their voices to the campaign. I will now put this to CAMRA to see if there is anything they wish to add before we ask Candy Atherton to move on to the next stage." more...

Second linear accelerator for Sunrise Centre

THE Sunrise Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, in Truro, has taken delivery of its second linear accelerator. The additional machine is part of a £70 million national package for new cancer care equipment announced by the Department of Health last summer. The new linear accelerator, which costs around £1 million, uses the latest technology to target high-energy radiation beams precisely to destroy tumours, and will enable the further expansion of local cancer services. Over the next month, it will be fitted into the specially-designed bunker alongside the existing machine in the Sunrise Centre. Following all the necessary testing needed before it is fully commissioned, it is planned that the second machine will start treating patients from the beginning of June. Clinical oncology manager Janet Shepherd said: "We're certainly looking forward to getting the additional `linac' up and running. As we'd anticipated, the first machine is extremely busy and we have had to continue treating some patients in the old department in order to keep up with demand. "Having a second machine will be a tremendous benefit to our patients and we will be able to provide all radiotherapy treatment from the Sunrise Centre. In addition, it will give us the capacity to start developing new techniques." more...

Voices fill church

The 93rd Annual Cornwall County Music Festival got off to a promising start on Monday with the voices of children from across Cornwall filling Truro Methodist Church. Following the official opening by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Mr Michael Galsworthy, the Junior Schools Choirs competition got underway. Official adjudicator, Richard Deering, put all the children at ease, and it was evident that the young performers were revelling in the occasion. The afternoon session saw a huge number of entrants compete in the popular Verse Speaking competition. Pupils from a breadth of Cornish schools impressed the judges with their poetic recitals. Jazz piano solos and junior piano duets followed in The Wesley Hall. The first day culminated in an evening programme of musical performances, including Operatic Aria, Parlour Song, Lieder and Light Opera. Yesterday (Tuesday) commenced with equal promise. The Junior Schools (schools over 100 pupils) Choirs Competition saw Treleigh C P School outshine the opposition to take the Buller Howell Shield. more...

Colleges celebrates ten years of success

Truro College is celebrating a decade of dramatic success and outstanding achievement that can have few precedents in Cornwall's history in terms of speed of development and wide-ranging impact. Its recognition by Government inspectors last month as one of the UK's top ten further education establishments was but the latest in a long line of landmark accolades in its short life. "The record of achievement in that time - collectively and individually - is vast," said Cheryl Mewton, director of studies. "It appears that there is an achievement here every day and we are now looking at suitable ways of celebrating it all in this tenth anniversary year." The college's publicity department is putting together an archive of events on its intranet and has unearthed an old photograph showing the first college building and contrasting starkly with an aerial view of the present massive campus. The college's quality provision, which includes specialist facilities amongst the best in the country, reflects the expansion of student numbers in all categories. Full-time further and higher education numbers have grown and grown and part-time student numbers and courses have consistently developed and become more varied. In 2001/2002, there were 2,821 full-time and 9,970 part-time enrolments at Truro College, served by a dedicated team of approximately 140 full-time and 310 part-time lecturers and staff. In 1993, the comparable figures were 792 students in total with 48 lecturers and staff. The statistics represent not only a phenomenal contribution to education in Cornwall but, as a major employer and base for so many students, a significant impact on the county's economy and community life. College principal Jonathan Burnett said: "There is no substitute for quality and dedication and the college's fantastic growth in popularity and usage testify to its status as a centre of educational and vocational excellence. "This status has been underlined by repeated formal recognition at the highest level and is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of all our staff. It has been nothing if not a team effort of the highest order and amounts to a great success story of which Cornwall can be truly proud." As well as its main campus on the outskirts of the city, Truro College also operates from Tregye, in Carnon Downs, and from and the open learning centres in Truro and Newquay. The college has recently received a COVE Award for excellence in care and a Beacon Award for being recognised for having an excellent Ofsted inspection and named as being a particularly successful college in the Ofsted annual report. As part of the continuing development programme, work recently began on the new £2.6 million Allen Building on the main site. This will comprise of teaching and study areas, a café and a main reception area, and is scheduled for completion in September. "We hope that Truro College continues to enjoy success and I am confident that everyone working here wishes to maintain its excellent standards and the reputation for good quality education," said Mr Burnett. "We have a very clear sense of purpose in that each student should receive support and guidance through their studies. We will do everything that we can to provide our students with the best possible education and to support them so that they are successful." more...

More flower power

Cornwall's daffodil industry is receiving a boost thanks to investments totalling £750,000 to enable 12 of Cornwall's growers to bring their businesses into bloom over the next three years. Cornish Horticulture Enterprises, the Objective One umbrella scheme that provides capital investment to help farmers add value to their primary horticultural produce through processing, packing or marketing, has approved investments that will assist 11 projects. The investments, which involve 12 growers, will provide funding for bulb grading and packing facilities. Daffodil bulbs are lifted from the ground every two-to-three years, with around half the bulbs replanted and the remainder are sold to bulb marketing companies and later onto garden centres and other outlets in the UK, Europe and the USA. To enable growers to be successful in this highly competitive market, bulbs have to be cleaned and graded to ensure only the highest quality bulbs reach these markets. The funding from CHE will enable growers to purchase the necessary equipment to carry out this process on site. Other investments include revenue funding for individual growers and groups to develop web sites and promote the Cornish flowers and bulbs at national and international shows, as well as developing markets in the UK and abroad. One recent investment at Winchester Growers Ltd, Varfell Farm, Penzance is having a significant effect. The introduction of three flow-wrapping and labelling machines has increased output and reduced cost. These daffodils previously would have been picked and transported to Lincolnshire for packing, but are now packed at Varfell, securing more jobs in Cornwall and saving significant transport costs. Roger Whilding of CHE Ltd, said: "We were very pleased to be able to facilitate Objective One funding for these growers to help protect and expand their sales of flowers and bulbs and improve the quality of both product and the packaging. Several growers are developing their own sales through collaborative websites and local sales through the Eden Project". The twelve projects have a combined total project value of £780,912 have received £163,933 of their funding from the Objective One European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund with match funding from DEFRA and the additional funding from the individual growers. more...

County council hails review

Cornwall county council has welcomed the recent review of First Western National bus services across most of the county. There is considerable support for the initiative which promises to match service delivery to the best resources the company has available. The changes are expected to bring about a step change in the reliability and punctuality of First's local services. The company have promised that the revision in depot location and enhanced local management will bring local commitment to better services. This, along with a better quality bus fleet, is expected to bring about the improvements that have been desired. Whilst the First review has concentrated on well used routes, the county council has ensured that this has not disadvantaged passengers on the rest of the system. The county council invited tenders on many routes across the county; taking the opportunity to address local requests for change and enhancement. Overall the invitation to provide services has been successful but two routes - Bude - Launceston - Bodmin - Truro and Crackington Haven - Camelford - Launceston - Plymouth attracted no interest from bus operators. These particular routes will cease operating on April 13t but there are alternative services available for passengers. First have retained many of the tendered services. However, Western Greyhound has won a number of routes in North and mid Cornwall. Significant amongst these are Wadebridge-Camelford-Bude and Bodmin-St Austell-Gorran Haven. Six other operators have won one service each. First acknowledge that the age and type of vehicle has been a disincentive to passengers and have greatly reduced the numbers of elderly double deck buses. The use of these vehicles will generally be restricted to a small number of short distance school contracts. The county council has been obliged to review a great number of school contracts to provide an efficient service whilst recognising the availability of vehicles. Most of these contracts have been won by local operators close to the schools - this has several advantages including supporting the local economy, familiarity with the locality and enhancing community identity. All these contracts have now been assigned and letters will shortly be sent to schools and the parents of some 4,000 children involved. The successful operators for local services will be each publishing an interim timetable for their services whilst newspaper advertisements will advise of the overall changes. The new format county timetable will be published in late May to coincide with the introduction of the summer services. Robert Hichens, the county council's executive member for strategic planning and transport, said "I welcome the initiative that First have brought about and I congratulate them on the process although there will be many watching them to ensure that their performance matches the promises they have made. "The promised change in performance does, however, come at a cost and we expect that the extra expense that the county council will have to bear will be justified by the improvements in services. "I am also pleased to see further expansion of Western Greyhound which has shown itself to be a quality focused operation." more...

New gnome makes Eileen happy

The mystery of the missing Truro gnomes may not be solved - but what happened next goes to show there are still some good people in the world. After seeing the story about a Truro woman's missing gnomes in the Packet last week, a thoughtful reader came forward with a nice surprise for their owner - a replacement gnome. "I can be its foster mother!", said 79-year-old Eileen Dyer who had lost more than two gnomes from her garden. The replacement gnome has kindly been given to Mrs Dyer by Truro resident Ray Foskett of Midway Drive. Mr Foskett contacted Packet reporter Heather Robson on reading the story. Heather then took the gnome to a surprised Mrs Dyer who lives near the city centre. Although the little fellow needs a lick of paint, Eileen has that under control. "I've got some red paint in the shed", she said. Eileen normally restores her collection of garden gnomes every winter, but was upset over the past weeks by the disappearance of some of her prized collection. Both her front and rear garden is home to gnomes of all types. Now, with a bit of sprucing up, her latest acquisition can be shown alongside her remaining ornaments in all their splendour. Mrs Dyer, a widow, still hopes someone will return her missing gnomes. Some of her collection have been in her garden for 30 years and all are her friends. more...

Top award for Truro

"Simply the best" was how the judges described the City of Westminster, which, despite having to cope with a cleaning challenge unequalled by any other city in the country, swept up the Britain's Cleanest City title this year for the first time. But there was also joy for Truro - in winning the British Cleaning Council Chriman's Special Award for Excellence. Eleven cities got to the final of the competition. In addition to Westminster and Truro, the other finalists were Bristol, Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, Lincoln, the City of London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Plymouth, and York, all of which received a Certificate of Merit to mark their achievement, while the City of London, Bristol also earned the British Cleaning Council Chairman's Special Award for Excellence, alongside Birmingham which received a special award for its outstanding canalside development. Seen above are the Mayor Mayoress of Truro, Coun and Mrs Ronald Cooke, and Alan Miller, Principal Officer (Service Contracts), Health &andHousing Department, Carrick District Council (second from left), who were presented with the plaque marking their city's Special Award by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, Edward Daniell (extreme left), at the award ceremony on the opening day of The Cleaning Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Right is Brian Cole, Chairman of the British Cleaning Council, sponsors of the competition. Alan Miller said after the ceremony: "Truro is thrilled not just to have received the award for being the best small city but also to be part of the Britain's Cleanest City Awards as we always have been. "We would also like to express our appreciation of our contractors and cleaning staff and everybody who contributed to making the city what it is and our achievement today." more...

Changes on railways

Train operator First Great Western is reminding customers that its Easter weekend services between London and Cornwall will start and terminate at Ealing Broadway, not London Paddington. From late on Thursday April 17 until early on Tuesday April 21, Network Rail, which is responsible for track and signalling, is undertaking engineering work on the tracks into London Paddington. Edith Rodgers, First Great Westernís Interim Customer Services Director said: "We want to make it clear that we are still running services to and from London. In effect, Ealing Broadway will be First Great Western's London terminus for those four days." Over the weekend, First Great Western will be operating a service each hour to and from the West of England, Bristol and South Wales. Extra staff will be working at Ealing Broadway, to provide customer assistance. more...

Truro Sport

Jason strengthens grip after Spring Cup trial

Current champion Jason Lawer secured victory and maximum points with an eight mark cushion over Gareth Andrew in Pendennis Motor Club's Spring Cup Trial at Constantine on Sunday. more...

Jason strengthens grip after Spring Cup trial

Current champion Jason Lawer secured victory and maximum points with an eight mark cushion over Gareth Andrew in Pendennis Motor Club's Spring Cup Trial at Constantine on Sunday. more...

Cornwall play waiting game

CORNWALL 4 SUSSEX 0 more...

Late goals deny Truro just reward

LAUNCESTON 4 TRURO CITY 2 more...

City `chuckle' over names linked as possible manager

CHRIS Webb's decision to stand down as joint manager of Truro City's Carlsberg SWL side at the end of the season has led to a rash of names being associated with the job. more...

Wellington News

Centenary celebrations underway

PLANS for Wellington Park's centenary celebration are well in hand, according to the Edwardian Day organisers. more...

Yeovil News

Would-be radio stations upset in defeat

THREE would-be radio stations who had been vying to win the licence to take to the airwaves in Yeovil have been left bitterly disappointed at losing out to rivals Ivel FM. more...

Mayor needs nominations for award

THE Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Julian Freke, is seeking nominations for the 2003 Mayor's Award. more...

Get on yer bike for charity!

BLUE Peter is calling on children in the Yeovil area to be a part of one of the nation's biggest cycle events - all in aid of Leukaemia Research. more...

Crimebusters - you hold the key!

IF you are unlucky enough to have a burglary the thieves will want to spend as little time as possible in your home - as two-and-a-half minutes is a very long time in a place where you have no right to be. more...

Crimebusters - Neighbourhood Watch does work

AVON and Somerset Police statistics show that Neighbourhood Watch schemes do really work in reducing the threat of crime from a particular area. more...

Crimebusters - more schemes are needed

THE Yeovil Express has teamed-up with Neighbourhood Watch as part of our on-going Crimebusters campaign in which we are trying to promote crime reduction measures among law-abiding residents. more...

Ivel FM delighted at radio station victory

YEOVIL and the surrounding area will get a new local radio station by the end of the year - after Ivel FM last week won the licence to hit the airwaves. more...

Yeovil Sport

Bryan Moore becomes YTISA President

THE former chairman of Yeovil Town FC, Bryan Moore, has officially accepted the invitation to become the first-ever Honorary President of the Yeovil Town Independent Supporters' Association. more...

YTISA merchandise on sale in town centre

THE Yeovil Town Independent Supporters' Association has a selection of its merchandise - including scarves, hats and flags - on sale at the Key Stores newsagents in Princes Street, Yeovil. more...

Club looking for Patron Draw entries

YEOVIL Town FC are on the lookout for businesses, groups, organisations and individuals to take part in its annual Corporate Patron Scheme. more...

Thompson praises players on Hereford intimidation

YEOVIL Town's first team coach Steve Thompson has praised Glovers' keeper Chris Weale for the way he handled himself during the recent 4-0 Nationwide Conference victory over Hereford United at Huish Park. more...

Yeovil away at Margate in Dover

YEOVIL Town's next match in the Nationwide Conference is on Saturday, March 22, away at Margate - but will be played in Dover. more...

Annual dinner and dance

YEOVIL Town FC will be holding its 18th annual dinner and dance at Westland Leisure Complex in Yeovil on Sunday, May 11, from 7pm for 7.30pm. more...

Match Report: Woking 1, Yeovil Town 1

FOR full match report from Yeovil Town's 1-1 draw at Woking see here: more...

Williams and Jackson okay for Trophy match

YEOVIL Town boss Gary Johnson has reminded supporters that the Glovers have no divine right to march into the FA Trophy Semi-Finals. more...

Match Report: Yeovil Town 3, Leigh RMI 1

FOR full match report from Yeovil Town's 3-1 victory over Leigh RMI see here: more...

Match Stats: Woking 1, Yeovil Town 1

FOR full match statistics from Yeovil Town's 1-1 draw at Woking see here: more...

Match Stats: Yeovil Town 3, Leigh RMI 1

FOR full match statistics from Yeovil Town's 3-1 victory over Leigh RMI see here: more...

Suspensions coming up for Gav and Locky

YEOVIL Town midfielder Gavin Williams will miss the Nationwide Conference matches with Margate and Scarborough due to suspension. more...

Defender White ruled out for season

YEOVIL Town defender Tom White has been ruled out of action for the season because of injury. Yeovil boss Gary Johnson said: "It is very disappointing." more...

Executive lounge to screen big Conference match

THE Executive Lounge at Huish Park will be open on Monday (March 17) to allow supporters to watch the vital Nationwide Conference fixture between Chester City and Doncaster Rovers which is being screened live on Sky Television. The bar will be open from around 7pm. more...

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