March - April 2024
A working group has now been formed to make this newsletter run more smoothly!
During the February Full Council meeting, it was decided that a working group was to be established to help this newsletter run more smoothly.
This will help with missed submissions and emails and finding more content for certain areas of the parish.
If you’re viewing this via email, make sure to click the “see full newsletter” icon, so you’ll be able to read to the bottom of this page. People seem to be missing out on various items because of this.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, liked and shared our monthly newsletter.
St Agnes PC
Council news
Welcome to our new clerk!
We were very pleased to welcome Catherine Nutting as our Parish Clerk and RFO in January due to our former clerk, Lee Dunkley, moving on to pastures new.
Catherine became a clerk in 2018 and became professionally qualified in 2021. Prior to her coming to live in Cornwall and to be with family , she held the position of clerk and RFO in Plastow and Ifold parish in West Sussex. Catherine has a legal background and this will prove valuable to our council, in addition to her general knowledge of local government and public services.
Catherine is married and has two children. She enjoys theatre and amateur dramatics, also singing as an individual or within a group.
She is keen as clerk to further embrace modern working practices and to make the council more efficient, giving more time to staff in their everyday working and to support councillors in the delivery of local projects.
New councillor wanted!
Under Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 , due to the resignation of Mark Nason, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the above St Agnes Parish Council.
If by 11th March, 2024 a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing (by hand or post) to the Proper Officer at the address below by TEN electors* for the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
If an election is called, it will take place no later than 16th May, 2024.
*If you add your name to a petition, or write to us to request an election, please be aware that election petitions are public documents and are available for inspection. Please see our privacy notice and this link for more information.
Please get in touch with us via clerk@stagnes-pc.gov.uk for more information.
Nominate A Fellow Parishioner
Community Helpers are Everyday Heroes!
St Agnes Parish Council recognises that there are many selfless and hardworking parishioners who give their time and resources to help their communities.
Nominate a fellow Parishioner Nomination on this form or from the office.
Awards presented at the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 22nd April 2024, 6:30PM at St Agnes MMI.
For any further information please contact the Parish Office via email clerk@stagnes-pc.gov.uk or by calling 01872 553801.
Previous meetings:
Full Council (05/02/24)
Environment and property (12/02/24)
Planning (19/02/24)
Future meetings:
Full Council (04/03/24)
Environment and property (11/03/24)
Planning (18/02/24)
The Grower - Community Tree Planting Day
The Grower, in partnership with Presingoll Farm, hosts its first community planting day!
This half term The Grower welcomed 35 families from across Cornwall to turn outm to undertake a day of community tree planting. The day was built around giving the local community a chance to come and see what we grow, why and how, including how we work with nature – as well as plant some trees! The day focused on one of the farms Public Rights of Ways (PRoWs) designed so our community can come back year on year to see how the trees grow in the future.
It turned out the sunniest day of half term (phew) and with an amazing turnout, together we planted over 350 trees in the technical term double staggered row hedge! Using Hawthorne, blackthorn, cherry, wild plum, sycamore and beech. All grown on the farm and chosen for this location as it gets the worst of our north Cornish coast weather. So we aimed to diversify the species mix for flowering varieties, create a hardy windbreak and hopefully introduce some tree species. (Fingers crossed) these trees were all planted along a footpath so our guests can come back anytime to see how their trees grow!
We were eaten out of biscuits, cakes, saffron buns and pasties which can only mean one thing. A well-worked workforce. We created some nature activity packs for the children learning about all the animals which call the farm our home as well as an I-spy search game - looking for mini-beasts, bees and flowers. However, we found everyone of all ages got involved - which was just an amazing sight to see.
Inez of The Grower said of the day:
I was absolutely chuffed with the turn out. And couldn’t have asked for a more positive response to the day. Seeing families plant trees along Public Rights of Way which they can go back to year on year is a way of sharing a bit of the privilege in life I have had with having access to nature. Hopefully aspirationally it will give the children who attended confidence to eventually walk these footpaths themselves in years to come.
Please look out for more community days and email contact@thegrower.co.uk to get in touch.
Canteen
Mount Hawke location update
Canteen’s Mount Hawke location hopes to be up and running for 15th March!
The team at Canteen can’t wait to be open serving the community of Mount Hawke and beyond.
The site at the Eco Park is still full steam with a busy calendar of events this year so the new Mount Hawke site will allow Canteen to grow its catering event offering as well as another loved, year-round space.
The menus are being written and you can expect the Canteen classic approach as well as evenings and events.
The smokers will be lit and, yes, meat will be on the menu alongside plant-based dishes and, of course, Origin coffee!
Fundraiser update
Our Crowdfunder has just crossed £3000! It’s amazing and we are so stoked with the community for wanting to be part of this.
Your investment allows us to sidestep the system and not go to the banks while giving you exclusive experiences such asprivate workshops for you a your friends, coffee for a year and tickets to our first feast night.
This investment has sent us all the way to Exeter through hail and snow to pick up some beautiful stainless benches and an almost new oven!
Over the coming weeks we will be talking you through our vision for the space, but already we have folks turning up at our door with amazing ideas and suggestions.
Check out our Crowdfunder here.
Porthtowan Tree Preservation Orders
After some great work from Porthtowan residents getting TPO applications submitted. Cornwall County Council has awarded Tree Preservation Orders for all the trees in the area marked in green on map below.
Well done to all involved in getting these trees and the wildlife that relies upon them this protection.
Mount Hawke Millennium Green
Accessible benches
We are so grateful to Rowland and Mark for supplying our 3 new wonderful picnic benches and repairing our old ones. The benches are amazing and your kindness in the many things you do for us is truly welcome.
We are particularly pleased about the seating accessibility of two of the benches which have a space for people with wheelchairs and pushchairs so everyone can enjoy an all-inclusive picnic together.
Our brilliant Millennium Green makes us so proud and to live in such a kind and supportive community is truly amazing.
Football pitch repair
A big thank you to Pete who came and surveyed and kickstarted the repair of our beloved and much-used football pitch.
The ground under the goals had worn away from years of constant use and recent bad weather. We aim to have them looking fabulous and refreshed just in time for the summer!
St Agnes Garden of Rest
Many of you will have noticed that over the winter months the Garden of Rest has been undergoing a bit of a transformation in as much as many of the leaves have been swept up and removed and some of the gravestones have been exposed. There are 132 graves in this former cemetery and while it is interesting to see to whom they relate we must remember they are relatives of some residents living locally and that this exposure can damage the slabs. In 2000 these grave stones were mapped out and numbered and it was deemed then sensible to cover them and sow grass over them to protect them.
The Garden of Rest was in use from 1814, one year before the battle of Waterloo, until 1917 one year before the end of the First World War and so covered a very interesting period.
Today thanks to the help of the LIC, the Community pay back scheme and the Parish council maintenance staff we see new shrubs being planted, spring bulbs showing themselves in the form of crocus and daffodils, and later in the year, bluebells.
Another example of the cooperation between these three groups will be the refurbishment of the pathways, with new gravel being laid and the removal of the muddy puddles. This is a much valued community asset which we hope will be enjoyed by future generations.
A big thanks to all who are involved.
St Agnes Local Improvements Committee
In 2022, we celebrated 100 years of the Local Improvement Committee being formed. Initially fund-raising events were held in order to make some improvements to the village.
In 1947 Alderman Kemp gave the L.I.C the land which is now the car park at Trevaunance Cove, in 1960 and an additional piece was gifted by Mrs. Lee. The main source of our income is from the car park.
Other areas in St Agnes have been gifted to the L.I.C including the Jubilee Garden and Green in the Cove, land at Old Quay Point and the Town Hill site by the bakery.
Over the years the committee have enhanced the village by using the money from the car park, gifts and bequests to undertake many projects, these included, new paths, seats, gates and essential tree works in the Garden of Rest, the leasing of land at Wheal Kitty, and named “Wheal Kitty Retreat” and managed as part of the Wheal Buzzy project, maintaining over 120 seats, small garden areas Pole Hill Memorial garden, Vicarage Road garden, Town Hill garden, entrance to Methodist Chapel and War Memorial and Parish Council Office.
We have also provided street signs, way markers, handrails, notice boards, granite welcome signs, 4 Speed monitors and 2 Defibrillators, this is just a small selection of our contribution the village.
Over the past 10 years approximately 30 organizations have benefitted from grants totaling over £40,000.
Some areas previously maintained by the L.I.C. have now been handed back to the Parish Council.
We are a committee of volunteers and would welcome any new members, the only criteria is to be a resident of St Agnes and a willingness to be involved in improving the village. If you are interested, please contact our chairman Beryl Thomas at berylthomas45@hotmail.com or junegoonown65@gmail.com for the secretary, June Crossland.
St Agnes Library
Children’s jigsaws wanted!
St Agnes Library runs a jigsaw lending scheme. Library members can borrow jigsaws free of charge for 3 weeks. Simply pop in and choose a jigsaw from our current catalogue, we have jigsaws for adults and children.
We would love donations of good quality, boxed jigsaws to expand our collection, especially junior/children’s Jigsaws. Please bring donations to St Agnes library. Thank you.
South West Water
A representative from South West Water will be at St Agnes library on the 1st Monday morning of each month from 9.30am until 12 noon. Please pop in and speak to them about how you can save water and save money on your water bill. Upcoming dates are Monday 4th March and Monday 8th April (due to Easter Monday).
Wellbeing journals for children
St Agnes Library was pleased to giveaway free wellbeing journals to young people aged 8-11 years old in conjunction with children’s mental health week. The journals, created by Headstart Kernow and Cornwall Council, allow young people to explore and nurture their wellbeing.
Whales Event for children - Saturday 16thMarch
We will be welcoming back the St Agnes Marine Conservation Group on Saturday 16th March at 10.30am for an event for children, all about whales! Expect storytelling and information aimed at children aged 4-11 years old. FREE tickets are available from St Agnes Library.
Porthtowan Village Hall
Parish Council funded partition
New partition funded by the parish council. This means safe-guarding requirements are met for the kindergarten with people being in the upstairs rooms.
We have 2 meeting rooms to rent. Both having undergone recent redecoration and suitable for a wide range of meetings and therapy needs. There is a chairlift to provide access if anyone struggles with the stairs. Full details on our website www.pvhall.com.
Gaz Brookfield event
Parish Youth Project
St Agnes MMI
Job opportunity
Cancer Research UK talk and update
Only a few days to go before we welcome Professor John Hartley and Dr David Tucker, two experts in their fields, to talk about the latest advances in research and care, and how fundraising support both.
This Friday 1st March at the MMI. Doors 7PM for 7:30PM start. Please obtain your free ticket from the Newsagents or Churchtown Veg (donations at the event). The bar will be open, we are holding a raffle, so come along to meet and chat with some of the committee members too. Looking forward to seeing you there!
- St Agnes Local Committee, Cancer Research UK
Events
St Agnes Museum reopening
St Agnes Museum reopens 1st April
Opens daily 10:30AM - 4:30PM, until 31st October. Free admission.
Blackwater Village Fete
St Agnes Scout Hut jumble sale
St Agnes and St Piran Rotary Club
Blackwater’s Red Lion quiz night
Scrap collection
St Agnes Spring Show
Mount Hawke TRA
St Agnes Methodist Church
World Day of Prayer
On Friday 1st March, we are holding the World Day of Prayer service at 2PM in the Chapel. This year it has been written by the women of Palestine.
Coffee morning in aid of Sight Savers
Community Calendar
(MORE EVENTS TO BE ADDED TO THIS ASAP - editor running a tad late.)
2nd March 2024
Porthtowan Village Hall, 7:30PM
Following the success of his previous village hall tour back in Feb 2023, and the release of his top ten album, Morning Walking Club, Gaz Brookfield takes to the road once more. Buy tickets here.
9th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7PM
St Agnes Local Committee Cancer Research UK quiz.
29th February 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Power to the Meeple – St Agnes’ Board Game Night! £4 donation
1st March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Grow Your Potential: Confidence & Impact Workshop, free with booking
1st March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Cancer Research UK Talk – how your support is Powering Progress. Free tickets from Churchtown stores or CP&S newsagents, Doors PM for 7:30PM start.
2nd March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 10AM - 4PM
St Agnes Food and Crafts Market. Artistic creations and yummy treats from talented local stallholders.
2nd March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Pingers X Beastro X Pipeline! Ping pong, dance music, burgers and beers in the MMI Bar. Burgers sold out already but enjoy hazy beers from 6, and free ping pong from 7PM
5th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation
7th March 2024
Fault Lines from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, 7:30PM
Mining, magic, migration, memories, music, mischief…with thanks to Carn to Cove! Tickets £12/6 online
9th March 2024
Cancer Research UK Fundraising Quiz, 7:30PM
Teams of 4 or come along to join others, £5 pp cash on the door. To book please contact Ann Miles on 01872 552118
11th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Community Cinema Night Showing: ‘The Miracle Club’. £4 donation on the door
12th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation
19th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation
26th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7PM
Pool Party! Weekly Games Night with pool, table tennis, and darts in a fun and friendly atmosphere, £3 donation
27th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PM
Community Cinema Night. See MMI website for latest listings. £4 donation on the door
28th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, 7:30PMPower to the Meeple – St Agnes’ Board Game Night! £4 donation
29th March 2024
Miners & Mechanics’ St Agnes, from 5:30PM
The MMI’s monthly Grub Club! This month featuring the incredible Lebanese food of Smoke and Honey. Pre-book link coming soon to our website.
Submission Tips
If you have something to submit, whether it be an event, poster, write-up or some photographs, there are a couple of things that make it easier and more streamlined for the editor:
Some text lightly formatted in an email with photos attached is brilliant - images can be saved and uploaded, and text can be copied and pasted.
If you have an event for the calendar, please make sure it has location, time and date, with a brief description of what it is.
If you have an event poster, it is easiest uploaded if it is a PNG. PDFs are okay, but PNG is a lot quicker.
Rather than reply to last months email, please send a new email with a different subject title than the last.
Remember - not everyone has social media, and some may be reading printed copies of this newsletter.
Useful resources
Cornwall Council feedback and complaints
St Agnes Parish Council website
St Agnes Parish Council Facebook
St Agnes Parish Community Calendar Facebook
Cornwall Council list of community minibuses