DICK WHITTINGTON

POLGOOTH PANTOMIME
FEBRUARY 2015

www.polgoothtimes.co.uk

Editorial
As I write this editorial, nature is showing that spring has sprung. This
year the camellias and magnolias are looking magnificent and primroses
and daffodils are giving a lovely splash of yellow. Despite the
temperature still being low, many of us are now busy in the garden, as
demonstrated by the queue at the tip most weekends. Hopefully by the
time the magazine is distributed in May we will be experiencing some
warmer weather and we can start saving on our heating costs.
The magazine this issue is concentrating on the Village Hall. The hall is
so important to Polgooth but for several reasons does not realise its full
potential. Please take the time to fill in Garrys survey on the new
website (see page 40) so the Hall Committee are aware of your interest
and can try and provide something for everyone. If some events are
aimed more at group participation and you are like me a single or have
a non-social partner, perhaps some of us can get together as a group in
order to enjoy the social events; please feel free to contact me on 01726
65342 or email info@polgoothtimes.co.uk if this appeals to you.
The Village Hall Committee is investigating several options to help with
fund-raising, so please check regularly the new
www.polgooth.weebly.com website for updates.
The expected date for the Dragon Racing event in the hall is 11th July,
also you have plenty of time to prepare for The Wheelbarrow Carnival,
which should be on 8th August. More details on these events will be
available nearer the time.
We have by now missed the Cornwall Hospice Care annual Make A
Will Week but please contact Tamsin Thomas on 01726 or 07442
533832 if you would like more details on donating or leaving a legacy to
this worthwhile cause.
Lastly, I would like to thank Garry Hitchens, on behalf of the village and
Polgooth Times for his time and energy, producing the Pantomime,
creating the new website and his efforts toward improvement of the
village hall by producing the survey. I hope his new Cinema Club is
successful in providing a regular evening of entertainment. Please see his
article on page 8.
Di Thompson (Editor)
01726 65342
3

Polgooth Times dates

2015
Issue 132 Closing date 3 July delivery 14th August
Issue 133 Closing date 2 October delivery 13th November
2016
Issue 134 Closing date 8 January delivery 18 February
Please bear in mind delivery dates when submitting events for inclusion in
the Times. We need events up to November for Issue 132.
The Polgooth Times is very grateful for the band of regulars who deliver the
magazine. I would like to hear from anyone who would be willing to act as
reserve to help in this capacity. Please call Di Thompson (Editor) on 01726

In memory of my dear wife Betty

Collected for Royal National Lifeboat Institution
At Fowey Station
The sum of 253.81
Thank you all
Gordon Fowle

Hunters Moon Bed & Breakfast

Chapel Hill, Polgooth.
Phone: 01726 66445
Email: enquires@huntersmooncornwall.co.uk
www.huntersmooncornwall.co.uk
Four en suite rooms, providing double, twin or family accommodation.
Lovely views, private parking, open all year.
For enquiries, please contact Richard or Pauline Scott
4

R.I.P Leslie Poore

Leslie passed away on 30th January in hospital in Barnstable. He had
been living in an apartment there for seven years he was eighty nine
years old.
He used to live in Springfield Close, having moved there in 1989. Sadly,
he lost his wife, Peggy after living in the village for only nineteen days.
I was asked by June Corneby to help him for a couple of weeks, I was
there for seventeen years!
Once he had moved to Barnstable, I kept in touch, phoning him regularly.
We always ended up talking about Polgooth.
He was a perfect gentleman. I will always remember him.
Joy Bettison
5

FRIENDS OF THE CHERRY CLINIC

INVITE YOU TO A CREAM TEA DAY
on

SATURDAY 16TH MAY

2 4 PM
At
7 CHAPEL GREEN
TRELOWTH
CAKES, PLANTS, RAFFLE PLUS CREAM
TEAS AND CHAT

Adventure to Kisumu Kenya

Little did I know as I travelled to Heathrow
in January 2015 that I would be invited to a
grand reception with champagne and cake
as my flight was going to be the inaugural
Dreamliner B78 Kenya Airways flight to
Nairobi. There were many officials, the
press and Virginia McKennas son were
present as they cut the red tape and two
lions were coming on board, luckily in the
hold!
This was the eighth year I have been visiting Kisumu, as a new medical clinic is
being built in a very poor rural area. We have held four free medical camp
days and free eye clinics for the people. Last year my husband came with me
and we held another free eye clinic with voluntary help from an Optometrist
from a local hospital and also free reading glasses from St Austell Pound shop!
We took four people from this clinic who needed treatment to a new Eye
6

Hospital at Bomet one and a half hours

from Kisumu - we had a job to find it with
no signposts! An eye specialist from the
USA whom I had been in contact with
was able to help them. Afterwards he
asked me where three young men could
stop off on their way to Edinburgh for a
holiday. I said the Lake District.
Last year we were able to send Dianne,
who was blind and deaf (see picture left)
to the Eye Hospital for cataract operations and she was full of joy afterwards
looking at flowers and bushes and even trying to eat them! She had been left
in the bush to die. In her condition it was
considered a bad omen, but luckily a herdsman
had found her and taken her to safety. Now she
stays in a home for the blind and deaf with a
lovely couple and she has a sponsor for food and
education. I was able to visit her there.
I found another deaf orphan girl aged five there
named Jackline. She had been brought in to the
home the previous week by her grandmother who
died shortly afterwards. It seems she had known
she was going to die and brought the child to a
safe place. At present she has nobody to provide
for her. If anyone feels like sponsoring her I would
be happy to arrange it (it costs about 10 per
month).
It was very hot while I was there, 37 degrees one day and over 30 degrees
other days. I travelled most of the time in a Tuc Tuc with Solomon the driver
and had to hang on for dear life as the roads are very bad.
I was able to visit the villages where the rented clinic used to be and took three
children to buy their uniforms so they could start school (courtesy of sponsors).
One boy of ten was quiet in the shop but when he got home he put on his
uniform and shoes and ran round the village laughing and shouting because he
was so happy. Education is everything in Kenya, it is free till thirteen but
children are not allowed to go without uniform and it is impossible for poor
families to afford it.

Like us on Fa& check out our website for more details

Cherry Watt

Polgooth
Film Club
Come and join other film lovers for an evening
of movie goodness
One evening every month, Polgooth Village Hall will become
a community cinema.
A wide variety of films will be shown.
Teas, coffees and other refreshments will be available.
Watch new (and not so new) films in HD on the big screen.
Look out for posters for further news and updates, or contact
polgooth@outlook.com

Coming Soon
The film club will probably be on the second Thursday of the
month. The first one, 'a not to be missed', is scheduled for
Thursday 14 May, more details can be found at
www.polgooth.weebly.com or from Garry on 01726 61220.
8

St Ewe District Gardening Club

Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month
at the
St Ewe Village Hall at 7.30 pm unless otherwise stated

May 13th

Coastal Gardening

May 23rd
(11.00 am)

Coffee Morning and Plant

Sale

June 10th

Garden Visit

July 8th

Summer Buffet

Pentewan
Nurseries

Wine and Quiz

Dave and Lyn would like to thank everyone who

donated to the Donkey Sanctuary (Sidmouth) at
their party in October. We were able to
forward cheques to the value of 178 for which
we received a lovely letter of appreciation from
the Sanctuary.
Once again Thank You for contributing to this amazing charity
which does so much to alleviate the suffering of donkeys throughout
the world.

Congratulations to Mavis and Herbert

Palmer of Trecarne Close, Polgooth who
celebrated their Diamond Wedding
Anniversary on 19th February 2015.
Mavis and Herbert, Mum and Dad to
Marilyn and Graham and Grandparents to
Emma and Richard, were farming at St Ewe
before moving to the village on their
retirement.

10

11

The Deaf Wife Problem

121 Alexandra Road

St Austell
PL25 4QL

Bert feared his wife Peg wasnt hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might
need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to
discuss the problem. The Doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband
Range
of
could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about herExtensive
hearing loss. Heres
what you
do, said the Doctor. Stand about 40 feet away from her and in a normalSamples
conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet and so on
Free Measuring
until you get a response.

Free Estimating

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner and he was in the den. He says
to himself Im about 40 feet away, lets see what happens. Then in a normalFitting
tone he
asks Honey, whats for dinner? No response.
So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife and repeats
Peg, whats for dinner? Still no response.

Telephone 01726 72845

Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks
Mobile
Honey, whats for dinner? Again he gets no
response. 07968862624

12

Trelowth, St Austell
Barry Marsh - 07887 767630

Do you want to reduce your energy bills?

Generating Electricity using the sun
will help you to save money and
is good for the environment.
The Governments Feed In Tariff
pays for all the electricity you generate
AND you use the energy in your building
to reduce your bills.
We will give you honest and clear information that will help you
reduce your bills and give an attractive long term investment.

Your Local Installer

www.stellarsolar.co.uk

13

Polgooth 2030!!!!!
Attending a public meeting in the village hall recently really got me thinking which
was the intention of the meeting anyway! A new committee has been formed through
a government initiative to be the voice for communities at Borough Council
meetings. A voice that is intended, as I understand it, not only to gather views,
hopes and aspirations, but to interpret and relay the communities views regarding
plans and decision making that is likely to affect any of those communities.
Incorporated in the purposes of the meeting was an encouragement to think outside
the box of the here and now by giving opportunity to post our thoughts, hopes and
dreams to enhance community life and what infrastructure would bring it about.
Further encouragement was given regarding possible funding for certain types of
ventures.
SO do we as Polgooth village people yearn to see positive changes happen in the
near or not too distant future? If so what? Should we be giving ourselves
opportunity to share our views and continue to feed back to this committee what we
want?
We can wait for the compilation of a questionnaire to be widely circulated in up to
two years time or we can begin to grow a plan for our space some of which may
be realised in our time?
How about it?
What do we want Polgooth to look like in 2030?
What are we going to do about it NOW!
Jeanette Warren (May 2014)
The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group would also be very pleased to receive any
comments via the website wearestmewan.org.uk

14

The Talking Centipede

A single guy decided life would be more fun If he had a pet. So he went
to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet.
After some discussion he finally bought a talking centipede (100-legged
bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house.
He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box and decided
he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him.
So he asked the centipede in the box Would you like to go to church
with me today. We will have a good time.
But there was no answer from his new pet.
This bothered him a bit but he waited a few minutes and then asked
again, How about going to church with me and receive blessings?
But again there was no answer from his friend and pet so he waited a
few minutes more, thinking about the situation.
The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time.
This time he put his face up against the centipedes house and shouted
Hey, in there Would you like to go

to
church
with
me
and learn about God?
This time a little voice came out of the box.

I heard you the first time

Im putting my shoes on!

15

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR STICKER RALLY AND FAIR - A

WEEKEND STUFFED WITH FUN, VINTAGE, MUSIC AND
GAMES
Its full steam ahead for this years Sticker Fair and Vintage Rally as organisers
have got all fired up to ensure loads of great activities, stalls, displays and
entertainment for the whole family.
The timeless beauty of steam engines and fairground organs will be rolling into
the adjoining fields and grounds of Sticker AFC Grounds, alongside a huge
display of vintage and classic vehicles plus tractor displays and parades on
Saturday and Sunday. Family entertainment includes fairground and inflatable
rides, laser guns, a traditional sports day, fun dog show, pets corner, street dance
displays,
In the main marquee there will be more than twenty craft stalls under cover, with
a range of beautiful ceramics, woodwork, jewellery and other crafts as well as
musical performances throughout the weekend plus a Nepalese cookery
demonstration and Owl display.
The weekend event kicks off on Friday July 31st with popular Cornish comedian
Johnny Cowling and Fossil Rock playing in the main marquee from 7.30pm.
Tickets for this are 10 and are available from Sticker Post Office and Stores or
call the Merlin MS Centre on 01726 885530. There will also be live music from
Mevagissey Male Voice Choir and a bar in the main marquee on Saturday night,
which is 3.00 per ticket (also available from the same outlets).
There will also be a huge outside area for trade stands. A BBQ will be sizzling
throughout the two days as well as pasties, cream teas, ice creams, licensed bar,
hot and cold drinks on sale. Car parking is free of charge.
Day time entry to the event is 10 for a family ticket; Adults 4; pensioners 3;
over 10s 2 and under 10s free. Gates open on both days at 10am.
Mike James, one of the organisers, said: This year we have pulled out all the
stops to make sure there is something for everyone the steam engines and
vintage vehicles are always hugely popular for enthusiasts, but we know the kids
need loads of entertainment, so we have packed the weekend full of treats for
them too.
All proceeds will be split equally between the Merlin MS Centre, Cornwalls
only MS therapy centre for people with Multiple Sclerosis and other
neurological conditions and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

16

POLGOOTH PUNCHLINES
DID I READ THAT SIGN RIGHT:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER, PLEASE USE FLOOR
BELOW

IN A LAUNDRETTE:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE
REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT
GOES OUT

IN A LONDON DEPARTMENT STORE:

BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

IN AN OFFICE:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP
LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR
FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

NOTICE IN HEALTH FOOD SHOP:

CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

NOTICE IN A FARMERS FIELD:

THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE
FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES

SPOTTED IN A SAFARI PARK

ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

17

18

19

Tregongeeves Farm Cottages and River Valley Holiday Park

Offer 4 and 5* accommodation set within 5 minutes of
Polgooth village.

Why not pop in have a look around

and pick up our brochure.
Have a look at our web site www.cornwall-holidays.co.uk or
give us a call 01726 68202 /73533

PENGELLY PLANT CENTRE

Hewaswater, St Austell
Cornwall. PL26 7JG
Tel: 01726 883757

PURE PLEASURE

20

21

All Gardens Great and

Small
Would you like to share your beautiful garden with others and
help support a Cornish charity?

Help us make money grow on trees

For more information please contact the centre on

01726 885530 or email ruth@merlinmscentre.org.uk
22

Polgooth Times Information

News information and diary events for inclusion in the forthcoming
issue should be put in the Red Box in the shop or emailed to
info@polgoothtimes.co.uk
Thanks to those who regularly contribute to our magazine.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Di Thompson, (Editor)10 Pondhu Road, St Austell.
01726 65342.
Sally Williams (Compiler) Treloweth Farm Cottage, Trelowth
01726 75129
Roger Smith ( Treasurer) 44 Little Trelower Park, Trelowth
01726 67653.
David Holman (Webmaster) 38 Polyear Close, Polgooth
01726 64267.
Lynda Thomas 1 The Old Cooperage
01726 77800.
Nik Howard Tynance, Fore St, Polgooth.
01726 73189.
Heather Lamble 50 Polyear Close, Polgooth
01726 75299
Katherine Spencer (Adverts) Netherton, Trelowth Road.
01726 61889
www.polgoothtimes.co.uk
Polgooth Times
Check out our website
We are making our website more active and invite you to publicise
any events you think readers may be interested in by e-mailing
info@polgoothtimes.co.uk.
We are working with social media including links to Facebook and
also uploading past issues of the magazine. Please let us know if
you have any comments about the website.
23

VILLAGE DIRECTORY
Police: Ring 999/112 for EMERGENCY - but for Local Enquiries the number now is
101 and ask for your Local Police Station
The NHS 111 service. You can call 111 when you need medical help fast but it is not a
999 emergency. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free
from landlines and mobile phones.
The Polgooth Post Office & General Stores
The Shop is open

Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 8am8pm

PO Counter Open Weekdays 8am to 5.30pm Sat (8 am - 12.30pm). The last post is
collected at 4.45pm on weekdays, 9.30am on Saturdays, no collection Sundays. Tel:
01726 73816 (see advert)
The Polgooth Inn . 01726 74089, email: enquiries@polgoothinn.co.uk
Monday-Thursday 11am11 pm
Friday & Saturday 11am12am
Sunday 11.30am11pm
The Mobile Library opening times from 16.01.15 then fortnightly
Trelower Park
16.0516.25 pm
Woodgrove Park (top)
16.3016.35 pm
Refuse Collection takes place on Wednesday. Recycling fortnightly.
See special notices re Public Holiday Collections.
Coal and Anthracite is delivered by R.A. Hawke & Co.
Mondays in Polgooth - Wednesdays at Trelower Park
Tel: 01726 73121 (see advert)
Daily and Sunday Newspapers are delivered by
The Post Office & General Stores (delivery or collection).
Travel Cornwall Bus Service 471 is now operating between St Austell and Gorran
Haven.
Age UK Minibus to Truro. 2nd and 4th Friday of each month leaving Trelowth Road
at 1.15 pm. Return fare 2. For more information contact Pam Harrison 66681 or
Barbara Littlejohns 71265

24

GROUPS & ORGANISATIONS

POLGOOTH LADIES GROUP will be meeting on the last
Tuesday of each month in the Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. For further details
please contact Mrs Carol Peatheyjohns on 63457.
POLGOOTH KEEP FIT CLUB In the Village Hall. Monday 2.00 pm
Term-time only. Contact Irene 67757
POLGOOTH PLAYERS Contact Ian Taylor 73150 or Jacquie Kessell
64059 for details. All welcome. Annual productions.
POLGOOTH CHURCH Coffee morning in the Chapel, on the first
Monday of the month at 10.30 am.
POLGOOTH VILLAGE HALL BookingsContact Michelle Taylor 73150

KNIT & KNATTER

Contact Angela Champion 72440

POLGOOTH EVENTS COMMITTEE

Arrange seasonal events throughout the year. To get involved
contact Kate Spencer on 61889
POLGOOTH KIDS CLUB
At Polgooth Village Hall every Friday from 6.00 pm7.30 pm
Ages 411 years. Entry 1 per child
POLGOOTH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
At Polgooth Village Hall every Wednesday from 9.30am11.30 am during
term time. 2 per session

PLACES OF WORSHIP
St. Mewan Parish Church
For details please contact the churchwardens, Myrna Baker 01726 73698 or
David Priston 01726 70575.

Polgooth Methodist Church

For details please contact Tony Warren on 01726 75362.

St Augustine of Hippo, Roman Catholic Church

Woodland Road, St Austell (opposite ASDA)
Sunday Mass Times: Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 8.30 and 10.30 am
Holy Days: 10.30 am & 7 pm
Telephone: 01726 73838

25

Advertisers Telephone Numbers

A1 Weston - Driving School
Averlea Residential Home
Bowen Therapy Centre
Capitol Carpets
Carnmoggas Holiday Park
Chambers Marcus - Painting & Decorating
Clark J.V & Sons Electrical
Cornwall Screenprint
Enviroscape Solutions
Everything Stone
Family Law
Grigg M.A Country Store & restaurant
Hawke R.A & Co. coal & fuels
Hunters Moon Bed & Breakfast
Heligan The Lost Gardens of
J & L Plumbing
Lee Harvey computing
Lobbs Farm Shop-Heligan
May Whetter and Grose
May D & Sons (Hewaswater) Country clothing etc
May Denis & Sons (Goonvean) sand, cement, etc.
Giles McGuffie - Get the Gardener
Pengelly Plant Centre
Pentewan Valley Nurseries
Polgooth Inn
Polgooth Village Stores
Poltarrow Farm
River Valley Garage (formerly Hillside)
Shane Perry, Aerial & Satellite Services
Stellar Solar Ltd
Sweet Bros car servicing/repairs/recovery
Tregongeeves Farm CottagesHoliday accom
2KS Building Services
Village Salon
Weed Control Specialist

61167
66892
65758
72845 /07968862624
74070
07768713957
65300
68689
844688
814466
68926
65656
73121
66445
845100
73958/07824961470
07884812739
844411
222963
883838
823333
07886791392
883757
842360
74089
73816
67111
74056
883655
07887767630
72959
68202/73533
07434947420/07816913479/
01726891972
75930
68746

Printing of Polgooth Times by KCS Trade Print Ltd. 01566 773696

For advertising please contact:

Katherine Spencer
Tel: 01726 61889
Heather Lamble
Tel: 01726 75299
info@polgoothtimes.co.uk
26

Johnny Cowling
Comedy Night

Thursday 21st May 2015

Doors Open at 7.30pm
DJ til Late
The Seahorse Club, Pentewan Sands,
Nr St. Austell, PL26 6BT
Tickets 10.00
Available from Merlin MS Centre, 01726 885530
email sarah@merlinmscentre.org.uk or
The Sea Horse Club, Pentewan Sands, 01726
845208
27

SERVICING AND REPAIRS

GENERAL AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERS

RECOVERY SERVICE
EAST RAND POLGOOTH
01726 72959

GET THE GARDENER

FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING SERVICES
& GENERAL MAINTENANCE WORK
FULLY INSURED
YOUR LOCAL MAN
TEL: - 07886 791392
FOR A FREE QUOTATION

GILES E T MCGUFFIE
LONDON APPRENTICE

J.V. CLARK & SONS

Electrical Contractor
VAT Reg No. 131 6119 07
Estimates Free

St Austell (01726) 65300

Truro (01872) 501720
Mobile 07779103928
Sunningdale, Recketts Road, Polgooth, St Austell PL26 7DA

Contact Kevin Clark

28

R. A. HAWKE & CO
Anthracite, Coal and all solid Fuels. Delivery to your door or collect
pre-packed at the shop.
Come and see our selection of Brass and Copper-ware:
Candlesticks and Lamps: Companion Sets in Brass or
Wrought iron-work:

Scuttles and Hods:

Bric a Brac
You are welcome to come in and browse.

Telephone 01726 73121

Opening hours
1 - 5 pm Weekdays
9.30am - 1 pm Saturdays
29

Polgooth Couple celebrate their Diamond Wedding

Pam and Garth Hitchens celebrated their
diamond wedding on January 15. The couple
grew up together in Polgooth and married in
1955 at Polgooth Chapel.
Their honeymoon was spent at an aunts house
in Bristol where Garth, a carpenter and joiner,
repaid her for her hospitality by panelling her
staircase. While Garth did his National Service
his wife worked in a shop in St Austell so they
could save her wages and their married couples
allowance in order to build their own home
once he returned. A small spanner was thrown
into the works when she fell pregnant, but her
husband returned home for good six weeks after
son Paul was born in 1957 and built a bungalow
in Trelowth, where the couple still live today.
While Garth built up his own business, his wife stayed at home with Paul and
brother Nigel, born in 1960 and when the children started at St Mewan School
she got a job there.
Pam and Garth have always been active in village life, with Garth playing the
organ at Polgooth Chapel for 66 years and Pam becoming a soloist with
Mevagissey Ladies Choir, acting in local amateur dramatics clubs and running a
childrens club at the chapel for 30 years. Pam still sings with the choir and
helps out every Friday at the Kids Club at the village hall.
The couple now have five grand children and eight great grandchildren.
They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with an open house for
family and friends.
Garth said We have been happily married for the last 60 years. I can say,
without a shadow of doubt, that Pam has been the foundation of our very close
family.
Together we have been actively connected with Polgooth Chapel
throughout our lives, and have now reached our 60th year of marriage with our
faith in the Lord.

30

Polgooth Village Hall

Sadly since my last report, St Mewan Under 5s preschool, who hired the hall five
times per week term time, has finished. This is very sad news for all the young
children who attended, the staff who worked there and also for the hall itself as we
have now lost a regular income from them. A baby and toddler group however, do
still meet weekly.
It is now more important than ever to think of new and imaginative ways to raise
funds to keep this valuable amenity running for the benefit of the whole village.
At our most recent hall meeting, a subcommittee was set up to investigate the
possibility of raising some funds through, for example, council grants, corporate
funding, lottery funding etc.
The Pantomime Players have had another successful production this year and we
hope to receive a sizeable donation from them subject to their agreement at their
up-coming AGM. We thank them for their continued support of the hall.
Thank you also to all those who came along to our quiz evening in March. A very
enjoyable evening was had and just over 140 was raised for the hall funds.
We have several evenings of entertainment in the pipeline (some may have already
passed by the time the magazine is distributed, but will probably have repeats), a
music night with a live band (date to be confirmed), a skittles evening on 9 th May and
dragon racing on 11th July, along with the regular bingo evenings which are generally
held once a month. Please look out for posters advertising these events nearer the
time.
Another very exciting idea, which is still very much in the research stages at the
moment, is the possibility of running a film club. Garry Hitchens has taken inspiration
from a number of other villages in the area and is investigating what is involved in this
and he will be trying to gauge whether there would be enough interest in this in
Polgooth to be a worthwhile venture. (Please now read the update on page 8).
The committee is intending to spruce the village hall up as best we can with our
limited budget and hope to make the hall more inviting for potential hirers. If you are
planning a birthday party, social gathering, anniversary bash or even a business
function, please do consider hiring the hall. Our rates are extremely reasonable and
any booking enquiries can be made to Michele Taylor on 01726 73150.
The committee meet once every other month on a Monday evening. We are a very
friendly bunch and the meetings are very informal. We would warmly welcome
anyone who would like to come along and join us, you do not have to wait for an
AGM to join, just show up at any meeting. Our next meeting will probably be either
Monday 4th or 11th July at 7.30pm in the hall. To confirm the date or if you do not feel
you can attend the meetings but would like to contribute any ideas or suggestions on
how the hall can continue to be a success, please feel free to contact me on 01726
65667.
Sharon Kendall
(Village Hall Secretary)
31

DENIS MAY & SONS

GOONVEAN
ST STEPHEN
CEMENT, SAND, AGGREGATE, BUILDING BLOCKS
ETC.

Tel: 01726 823333

32

A1WESTON
SCHOOL OF MOTORING
33 Years Experience- competitive rates
A1westonschoolofmotoring.tel
Simon Sweet St Austell 61167

CARNMOGGAS HOLIDAY PARK AND

INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
LITTLE POLGOOTH ST AUSTELL PL26 7DD
Telephone: 01726 74070
admin@carnmoggas.com

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

SIX RINKS FOR LONG AND SHORT MAT
BOWLS
ARCHERY ALSO AVAILABLE
TUITION ON REQUEST
LICENSED CLUBHOUSE
PRIVATE AND CORPORATE FUNCTIONS
WELCOME
33

Polgooth Ladies Group

At our January meeting the talk was given by Nick Cook who is a trustee
and supporter of the Stak kitchen in St Austell. In addition to the supply
of meals, many of us were surprised to learn of the extra help given to
users of the services in the way of form filling, understanding benefits and
general advice to make their lives easier.
February's meeting was to learn about Cornwall Hospice Southwest, a
most worthy charity which should be the pride of St Austell. This, we all
know is the local hospice for children with life limiting illnesses and our
speaker was Mary Murfitt. The work carried out there is so important to
families and patients and as well as medical and social needs, other daily
worries are taken care of from a birthday party for a sick child to family
outings and the use of therapy to improve the quality of life for the child
or young adult. Beautiful rooms, caring staff, good facilities and
wonderful scenery all help to improve their stay at the hospice.
The March meeting was open to the public to join us for a musical
evening with The Clay Country Singers, a group of former members of
IMERYS male voice choir. Under the conductor Alan "Tacker" Mugford
this really was a celebration of the male voice and we were entertained
by Cornish songs, selections of hits by Perry Como, Al Jolson and Jim
Reeves. The very talented pianist, Lisa, also gave renditions of Don't Cry
for me Argentina from Evita and the Eric Clapton song Tears in Heaven
(written upon the loss of his son Connor) in a beautiful voice. The
evening ended with the whole audience standing to sing old favourite
Trelawney. A special time was enjoyed by all .The choir gives its time
free in aid of their charity for 2015 which is prostate cancer and they are
grateful for all donations given.
Mays talk will be a demonstration of starters and desserts by St Austell
College. June is our fish and chip meal at the Polgooth Inn.
We welcome new ladies to join us on the last Tuesday of the month at
7.30 p.m in the Village Hall.
Amy Evely

34

Cornwall Army Cadets need you!

Aged 21 or over? Want to shape the future of young people?
Like the idea of inspiring and leading young people to achieve things they never thought
possible? Looking for something exciting to do in your spare time?
Then how about becoming an Army Cadet Force adult volunteer? With over 600 cadets
(aged 12-18) all over Cornwall, the ACF is one of the countys largest voluntary youth
organisations. We are currently looking for new adult volunteers in our detachments all
across Cornwall. For details of your local detachment, please go to
www.armycadets.com.
No particular experience is required and we provide all necessary training. So if you can
give up an evening a week and want to do something different with your free time, this
could be exactly what you are looking for.
For most people volunteering is about 'giving something back', socialising and making
new friends, or getting to know the local community. Others enjoy feeling like a valued
member of a team, finding a worthwhile hobby that gives them quality time away from
work or a busy lifestyle, or knowing they are making a difference to the lives of young
people.
To find out more, please visit armycadets.com/volunteer-with-us or call Bodmin Cornwall ACF Headquarters on 01208 78183.

2KS BUILDING SERVICES

For all your building work:
Call an experienced, time served,
reliable builder
Alterations and
extensions, roofing,
plastering, block work,
patios, decking, fencing,
hard landscaping

Sundry services: pressure

washing, exterior painting,
garden clearance, house
clearance, grass cutting

No job too small.

Call us on: 07434 947420 or 07816 913479
or 01726 891972
35

J & L Plumbing
Call Dave Hitchens for a free estimate
Bathrooms
Natural Gas Boilers
Gas fires
Plumbing Repairs
Tel: 01726 73958
Mobile 07824 961470
Email: info@jandlplumbing. biz
36

Bowen &
Spinal
Touch
in Polgooth

Back pain/sciatica
Poor posture
Neck/shoulder
restriction
Headaches/Migraines
Sports injury
Digestive complaints

For more information or just a chat to see if

Bowen or Spinal Touch can help, call 01726 65758
or e-mail chrissiedew@yahoo.co.uk

37

Fully qualified and

insured
practitioner
Totally confidential
consultation
Other treatments
include
aromatherapy

ENVIROSCAPE SOLUTIONS
Mr Nigel Mitchell
Tel: 01726 844688
Mob: 07968353653
Web: http://enviroscapes.wix.com/kernow
Email:enviroscape.solutions@outlook.com

Fencing

Garden Maintenance

Supply and install all types, including

Grass Cutting (Domestic &

Commercial)

Chain Link
Palisade Fencing
Timber Post and Rail
Timber Board & Panel
Steel Mesh Panel Systems
Security Fencing
Timber Gates
Animal/Stock Fencing

Strimming
Weed Control Including Japanese
Knot Weed
Ornamental & Native Hedge
Trimming
Shrub Pruning

Tree Works

Landscaping

All aspects of tree work undertaken,

including

Paving
Pergolas
Hand Rails
Raised Beds
Timber Decking
Supply/Lay Quality Turf
Ornamental Stone Walling
Rotovating/Soil Preparation
Grass Seeding
Decorative Gravels (supply & Install)
Installation of Low Maintenance
Gardens

Felling
Pollarding
Crown Reduction/Lifting
Windblown/Storm Damaged
Trees Cleared

No Tree is too big or too small;

we will consider them all!

Fully Insured NPTC and Lantra Qualified

Please Contact Me For Free No Obligation Quotation

38

The Village Salon

Polgooth
Unisex hair salon
Professional & friendly
service for all the family

Stockists of
Moroccan Oil and
Goldwell products

Ask for Tanya or

Mandy

TEL: 01726 75930

The Village Salon

Fore Street
Polgooth

39

New Polgooth website

Did you know Polgooth now has a dedicated website? Something our village has
been lacking until now was a website to collect together everything in one place.
We've relied on a Facebook page to advertise upcoming events, but not everyone
uses Facebook or is aware of these pages and can therefore be unaware of what's
going on in the village. Things can get a bit muddled on Facebook as well, with
separate pages for separate groups, requiring liking and keeping track of
multiple pages. The site is designed to be used in the following ways: advertise
all future village events (be it organised by the village hall, chapel, events
committee, Polgooth Inn or anything else that might be going on, like the regular
band nights), keep a record of all past village events (from more recent years,
along with pictures where possible), provide information on all of the groups
within the village, advertise the village hall as a place that can be hired and bring
together & provide information on all of the businesses within the village.
The website can be found at www.polgooth.weebly.com. All feedback is much
appreciated. If I've missed anything out (I know there are several businesses in
the village I haven't listed yet), then please fill out the contact form on the
website and let me know. Most importantly, if you are holding an event that you
are looking to advertise, please pass on the details, so I can get the site updated.

Polgooth Village Hall survey

There is currently a survey available on the new website that can be found at
www.polgooth.weebly.com/survey. It is designed to find out what local people
would like to see in the village. This includes potential new events and
improvements to the village hall. The results will be used to help inform the
village hall committee when it comes to making decisions about what is best for
the hall. We would really appreciate you spending 10-15 minutes filling it out so
we can get a broad set of views.
The survey is intended to be anonymous, but there is an option to be added to an
email mailing list if you wish. No signing up is required, simply follow the link
to the Polgooth website, enter your choices for the 15 short questions and press
submit at the end. There are some questions that allow for more thorough written
answers if you feel you have more to say. The survey is carried out through
Google forms, so results will be submitted securely. The results will be collected
in a spreadsheet so we can get an idea of what villagers want to see.
We are aware that there are many in the village who may not have access to the
internet to get the survey filled out, so we will be offering a paper version as
well. If you, or someone you know, requires a paper copy of the survey, please
contact Di on 01726 65342 or Garry on 01726 61220.
40

41

MAYS
COUNTRY STORE
PET: Most leading brands of pet food. We carry a
wider range and are cheaper than the
supermarkets.
GARDEN:
Growbags, fertilizer, compost, peat,
seeds, hand tools
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR: Wide range of top
brands including Tayberry, Tagg, Hoggs, Dickies,
Caterpillars, Dr. Martens
EQUINE: Feed, bedding, riding wear, tack, rugs,
most things for horse and rider
HOUSEHOLD: Domestic cleaners, detergents,
washing powders, kitchen essentials
D.I.Y:
Decking, timber, fencing, hand tools,
power tools, building materials
D MAY AND SON
HEWAS WATER, ST AUSTELL
01726 883838
Open Mon-Fri 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
Sat 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Ample Parking Assisted Loading
Beside the A390 St Austell to Truro road

42

Barrys Energy Blog

In the last magazine I started an energy blog and shared my top three tips to
help with energy efficiency. Over the last three months the buzz word in the
energy industry is SWITCHING.
The Government (and this is not a party political debate as this has cross party
agreement) has made it simpler for us to switch our energy supplier. I will try to
dispel some of the more commonplace myths:
Fiction: It takes a lot of time and effort to switch.
Fact: Getting a quote is as simple as typing your postcode into a website and
hitting enter, then choosing the plan that is right for you. And if you want to
switch, all you need to do is give your new provider your personal details,
including your name, address and a current meter reading. Theyll take care of
everything else for you, keeping you up to date with the process and handling
everything with your previous supplier.
Fiction: I have to deal with the hassle of telling my current supplier about the
change.
Fact: No. Once you have told your new provider you want to move, theyll take
care of this for you.
Fiction: Its not worth my time for the saving.
Fact: Well, that depends how much you think your time is worth! According to
comparison service uSwitch.com, the average customer can save 228 a year
by switching energy provider.
Fiction: If I leave my current supplier Ill be saddled with exit fees.
Fact: Well it could be true, depending on your contract. You might have to pay
up to get out, but often the savings you stand to make far outweigh any leaving
penalties.
Fiction: I cant find who my supplier is or the cheapest deals in my area.
Fact: You can find your energy supplier by looking at a recent bill, but if you
don't have one, give your local distribution company a call and they will tell you.
Fiction: A good deal means there is a catch, or their customer service is poor.
Fact: Not all energy companies are created equal, that much is true. In addition
to finding a good price (and reading the terms and conditions of the offer
boring but necessary), it is important your provider makes you feel important and
valued as a customer. Check out impartial expert review sites such as
uSwitch.com, TrustPilot and Which? for their recommended providers and ask
friends and family about their experiences.
Happy switching! If you have any questions where I might be able to help
please do not hesitate to contact me on 07887 767630 or email
barry@stellarsolar.co.uk

Barry MarshTrelowth
43

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE POLGOOTH TIMES

The format and number of pages are decided soon after the specified
date. Late material may be impossible to fit in, unless especially
important, articles, letters, etc. will be held over for fresh consideration.
Editing of some articles may be essential.
SUBMISSIONS for publication can be hand-written, printed, typed or
photocopied BUT MUST BE LEGIBLE. We can also include
photographs. WHEN SUBMITTING ARTICLES PLEASE TRY TO
PRODUCE THEM ON A5 SIZE (as this page). This helps reduce work
in compiling the draft. Articles may be emailed to:

info@polgoothtimes.co.uk
The Editorial Committee cannot undertake to confirm times, spellings,
dates, venues, etc. Contributors are asked, please, to check
accuracy of details sent in. Views expressed in letters and articles in
the POLGOOTH TIMES are not necessarily those held by
members of the Editorial Committee, the Committee does not
accept responsibility for opinions, methods, conclusions or views
expressed in content material.
The POLGOOTH TIMES is FREE to people living in Polgooth, Little Polgooth
and Trelowth.
Additional Copies
60 pence
Copies sent by post:
4.00 per 4 issues (payable in advance)
FROM
Mr Roger Smith, 44 Little Trelower Park,
Trelowth, St Austell. 01726 67653

We do not have any contributions from the Methodist Church

for this issue as Tony Warren has been unwell, he sends his
apologies for this.
Unfortunately we also do not have anything from the Parish
Council although there are no updates on the Parish Plan.

44

ADVERTISING IN THE POLGOOTH TIMES

If you are a retailer, or provide a service, in or near Polgooth, youll find
this newsletter a worthwhile advertising medium.
Potential advertisers will get a good deal because:
THE POLGOOTH TIMES is published four times a year

It is delivered free to every household in Polgooth, Little

Polgooth and Trelowth

It has a circulation in excess of 500 copies

Subscribers U.K. and Overseas

Copies supplied to St. Austell Library for County Records

Advertising Charges are reasonable

We cannot guarantee the positioning of adverts. This depends on the
layout decided when the newsletter is compiled.
Advertisements will continue to be published and charged annually,
unless the advertiser notifies Kate Spencer before the deadline of
31 December.
New advertisers may be put on a waiting list.
If any advertisers wish to pay electronically, please contact Roger on
67653
For advertising please contact:
Katherine Spencer
Tel: 01726 61889
Heather Lamble
Tel: 01726 75299
info@polgoothtimes.co.uk
Should anyone, advertisers
or others, wish to include a
flyer with this magazine we
are now having to make a
small charge. A5 size
would be 25 but anything
that required folding would
be 50. Anything directly
concerning the village is
negotiable.

ADVERTISING CHARGES
Annual rates:
Full Page
88
Page
54
Page
42
Page
32
Advertisements started during the year
will be charged pro-rata.

45

Polgooth Pantomime Players Spring update

February 21stand the curtains closed on our thirtieth production. The week had once
again been a success, with great audiences every night, despite being down on numbers
from last year. The cast and crew all had an enjoyable and tiring week. The comments
we received every night made all of the months of rehearsals well worth it. We were all
once again hit with a dose of depression once the hall had been cleaned, the seating had
been taken down and the staging dismantled on Sunday morning.
However, onward and upward as they say, and we now look forward to starting work on
our next show. By the time you read this, we will have had our AGM, so we will have
some plans in place. Keep a look out on the Players Facebook and Polgooth website
pages for more details. We will hopefully have a director in place by now, to take charge
of the next production, as I will be stepping down from that role (I have a slight feeling
of dj vu here!). A script will need to be sourced, but it is likely that we will once again
opt for the more traditional, bought in scripts.
I say this in every panto article that I write, but we are always on the lookout for new
members to join the group. We are a friendly group and will welcome any fresh faces
with open arms! Dont feel the roles are only limited to being on stage. We are looking
to fill some positions in the equally important role of backstage crew as well. If you
dont feel you can commit to months of rehearsals, which is understandable, the
backstage crew tend to get involved at a later stage in rehearsals. There are also front of
house roles available during performance week if you would like some involvement
without the rehearsals beforehand.
On stage roles do require a lot of commitment, but rehearsals are always good fun and
liven up the dark, cold winter nights. In recent years, we have generally started in late
September straight through to performance week in February half term, breaking for half
term and Christmas. This year, we are hoping to start a bit later. We generally dont hold
auditions to fill roles, but give cast members a chance to pick their top three roles. The
production crew will then sit down and place people in the roles best suited for them.
Something that also used to be held in the village was a variety show evening.
Pantomime isnt to everyones taste, so this was an opportunity for others to get involved
and to show off their talents, including dancing, singing, instrument playing and
monologues. In some years, comedy sketches were performed and, further back, choirs
and magicians used to get in on the act. We would like to hold something like this again,
and will have hopefully come to a decision at our AGM, but we would also like to hear
from anyone who would like to be involved. It is likely that it will be held in mid to late
October.
If you want to be involved, in any capacity (in the show or pantomime), please do get in
touch. You can email us at polgoothpantoplayers@outlook.com, or you can contact me
on 01726 61220.

Garry
46

47

48