As the end of the year approaches we look forward to Christmas with anticipation and excitement.

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir’s ‘Christmas Joy’ concert on Friday, November 29, at Stoke Climsland Parish Church brings with it an evening of carols and joyous Christmas songs to get everyone in the mood for the forthcoming festivities.

There will be songs to join in and refreshments will be available. In aid of Church funds, tickets for the concert - £10 (under 14s free) - will be available at the door. The concert starts at 7pm. Bring your Christmas hats!

Unforeseen events led to an eleventh hour change of venue for the November Altarnun Parish Council meeting. With a large public contingent arriving and assembling outside the Village Hall, and with circumstances evolving which were outside of the councils control, the meeting was hastily moved to the Church Hall thanks to the prompt response of Helen Naylor of the PCC.

Commencing only a few minutes after the scheduled start, Chair of the council, Cllr Craig Dowler started proceedings by introducing two representatives of Devonshire Homes who positioned their proposals and timescales for seeking planning permission for in excess of 30 residential units and a children’s play area as phase 2 of their development of Gratton Field, Five Lanes. They were met by challenges from a number of the twenty five members of the public present, regarding the proposed build quality as it was perceived there were numerous major failings in the phase one development, and many remain outstanding. Also, that during that build, there were seemingly unauthorised occasions when the main road was made impassable in day-time hours due to contractors plant and delivery vehicle movements. Despite reassurances by Devonshire Homes that things have changed and apologies to those affected by the initial build, there was an air of scepticism in the room which proved to be a stark takeaway for the Devonshire Homes spokespersons as they left the meeting.

Former North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson was also present and representing the current incumbent, Ben Maguire, who was unable to attend the meeting due to the budget vote taking place in Parliament. Dan was keen to act as a conduit to strengthen links with Altarnun and our neighbours regarding the proposals for Plusha junction laid bare by National Highways (NH) at Lewannick, in September. Members of the public expressed their views in a forthright manner and pointed out that the Parish Council had requested a surgery appointment to discuss matters with Ben in early October but had only just heard back with the offer of a meeting being scheduled for 13th December 2024. Dan appreciated the urgency of the situation to garner Ben’s support for a grade separated junction to be delivered, as opposed to the ‘cut price solution’ presented by NH and promised to bring the date forward.

In planning matters the council had a revised application to consider in relation to Moorview Barns, Altarnun. Previously an agricultural workers dwelling had been applied for and tabled at the September meeting. The revision is for a dwelling for a supervisory worker with the Shared Lives Charity that provides either short term respite type breaks, day support or long-term placements with severe anxiety living with the applicants. Recognising the importance of being sympathetic with the location lying within a protected landscape, councillors once again gave their support with a clear rationale that this application demonstrated that it looks as though the new development will be discreet within its environment and that the remaining barn structures are to be enhanced.

Other applications were relating to the renovation of historic barns at Dryworks at Bolventor where the applicants sought listed building consent and, secondly a lawful development certificate for a barn at Wenn Farm, Trethinna has been applied for. Although the barn dates prior to 2013 there was no prior [planning consent. Both these proposals were supported.

In closing the council clerk advised that street lighting in our area is now being switched off between the hours of midnight and 5am. A Cornwall Council initiative to save costs and reduce carbon footprint. Also, that fortnightly rubbish collections had been introduced and that whilst a bedding in period was to be expected, the system has been proven in other areas of the county and is working well.

The December parish council meeting to be held on Wednesday 4th December 2024 at 7.30pm in Altarnun Village Hall. All are very welcome.

On Thursday, November 7, the President, Kate Sibborn, welcomed ten members to the meeting, having received apologies from seven members who were unable to attend due to illness or other commitments. She then welcomed and introduced Brian Farmer, from Moorland Distillery to talk to us about his business.

Brian began by giving us a brief account of his history, having worked in training, particularly in special needs, and organising events, supplying volunteers to places like The Eden Project. He was also involved in aquaponics – a system where fish are housed in tanks and their waste is transformed into nutrient rich food which is used as plant food. He was seeking a new direction and noticed in supermarkets the variety of products listed as “Cornish” but there was no “Cornish Brandy”. So in 2016 he decided to go into distilling using 99.9% apple juice or sloes from Cornwall creating 4 x 1,000 litres distilled to 70-80% proof, which was then reduced as required to 8% to 20% using spring water, using natural resources to create a quality product such as Cornish Apple Brandy and Apple Schnapps. His sloe brandy is 65% alcohol and matured for two years before adding spring water to reduce it to 40%, A recent new addition to the range is Lovage, a sweet and herby product. Brian then produced samples of his range for our members to try, which was much enjoyed! Helen Naylor gave Brian a sincere vote of thanks for an informative and enjoyable presentation.

We then moved on to the business part of the meeting, where the report of the last meeting was approved, and there were no matters arising. The financial report was given which was virtually unchanged from last month. Forthcoming events included the Carol Service to be held at Lanhydrock, and our Christmas Coffee Morning and hamper raffle. Members gave their donations to Helen Naylor to purchase the contents for the hamper, and names were allocated to the various stalls and duties involved. The money raised from the Coffee Morning and raffle this year will be donated to the RNLI who are celebrating 200 years in service. We have our Christmas lunch on Thursday 12th December at The King’s Head at 12 for 12.30, when the competition will be the best wrapped gift as usual. Menu choices will be gathered once we have the menu. Our President had been seeking to find a suitable outing for us which would be educational as well as enjoyable, but found costs were very prohibitive. The Maritime Museum at Falmouth had offered a 10% discount for 10+ members after February 15th, 2025, which would be £16.20 each person, plus transport. Enquiries will be made to use the Little Red Bus. The WI Resolutions details have been received and will be discussed in detail at a later meeting.

The Competition this month was for an unusual bottle opener and was won by Gwen Naylor, with Tricia Allen 2nd and Gilly Crossley 3rd. The Raffle was won by Victoria Anderssen, and all were congratulated. Our next event will be the Christmas Coffee Morning and Raffle held on Saturday 7th December in the Village Hall from 10am – 12pm.

A busy month so far for members – items were displayed from a recent craft taster day, a report was read from the Cornwall federation AGM attendees. Other members spoke about a fun evening socialising with St. Neot and Liskeard WIs and there was feedback on the entry from Pensilva WI at the Liskeard Prime stock show. Something for everyone!

We then settled to some beautiful scenery in a slideshow, as Gerry Rennie answered ‘What are the Munros?’. With walking as a passion of her and husband, they explored Scotland and over time found out that there are 282 summits over 3,000 feet, these are called The Munro’s – named after Sir Hugo Munro in 1891 who surveyed all of these and completed all but one – the Impossible Pinnacle (ImPin!). Whilst it was not their original intention, they began to realise that is was a challenge they could complete – and they did – over 33 years, countless miles, every type of weather condition and of course overcoming fears along the way. Pictures of wildlife – puffins, seals, red squirrel and amazing vistas of the mountains transported members to Scotland. She even told us of a brush with (then) Princes Charles and William as she had parked her bikes on a special estate! We were in awe of Gerry’s achievements – especially as she did conquer ImPin!

Posies were given to members celebrating November Birthdays: Mavis Philp, Janthia Luter, Lorna Truscott, Rosie Drake, Christine Matthews.

Competition winners: Shortbread: 1st Carolyn Cox; 2nd Frances Tucker; 3rd Mary Yates. Flower of the month: 1st Frances Tucker; 2nd Verna Dawe; 3rd Mary Yates.

Next meeting is on Wednesday, December 11, 7.15pm in Millennium House, Christmas party, fun, games and a bring and share supper. Perhaps Santa will visit?

Special event open to everyone: Wednesday, January 8 – an evening with Tony Rea from Great British Sewing Bee. A famous face comes to the village, don’t miss it - 7.15pm Millennium House. All welcome!

The annual Remembrance service was held at St Melor’s Church, Linkinhorne on Sunday, November 10, attended by a large congregation. The tower bells were also rung before and after the service. The service was led by Licensed Lay Minister, Brian Norris with the opening sentence read by LLM Roy Cooper.

Members of the 1st Linkinhorne Scout Group processed their flags to the chancel where they were accepted by LLM Andrew Doney during the singing of the first hymn.

They were carried by Brandon (Union), Flora (St Pirans), Phoebe (Explorers) with Colour Party, Alex and Luka, William( Scouts) with Noah and James, Owen (Cubs) with Flora and Arthur, and Zac (Beavers) with Harry and Max.

A bible reading was given by Kathryn Harris and the names of the fallen from the parish were read by Peter Sharp.

The wreath on behalf of the Scouts was laid by Scout leader Mark Turner and the Sermon given by LLM Gaynor Sutton which included readings by the children from the Scout group. She spoke of some of those people from the parish who had lost their lives during the wars and with thanks to Peter Sharp for his research of them.

The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Bugler Lt C Harris, Royal Navy. The Act of Commitment was read by Kim Howatt and Act of Penitence by Brian Norris. Prayers were led by Roger Webster and the Collection taken by Judy Cooper, Buzzy Howatt and Roger Webster, and the final blessing by Roy Cooper and the flags were returned by Andrew Doney to the Scout members. The organist for the service was Mark Smith and bells were rung before and after the service.

Members arrived at the recent meeting with a reminder that Christmas is upon us and the sight of a table full of wooden reindeer.

Marhamchurch WI welcomed Colin and Sheila Cholwill, founders of ‘Reindeer for Little Harbour’ as guest speakers.

After working at Bude infants school as school administrator Sheila decided that a change of direction was required and that she would like to volunteer.

Colin and Sheila lost their son Mark at the age of 29 — being aware of the lack of support for children with life limiting illness and their families Sheila decided to volunteer at the children’s hospice, Little Harbour in St Austell.

The charity Children’s Hospice South West was founded by Eddie and Jill Farwell. Their two eldest children, Katie and Tom also had life limiting illnesses and they had to travel to Oxford for help from the only Children's Hospice in the country.

Working to rectify that situation Eddie and Jill opened Little Bridge House in North Devon in 1995 followed by Charlton Farm, near Bristol and Little Harbour in 2007.

Originally hoping her volunteering would be hands on with the children and their families Sheila discovered that her admin skills were much needed but that she wouldn’t be shut away in an office being able to work alongside and with all the families needing the Hospices help.

Sheila travelled once a week on a hundred mile round trip to volunteer at Little Harbour and was honoured to be a part of the such a wonderful place. Care at the hospice is not only for the sick children but also for the siblings and parents giving them everything from much needed respite to help with arranging funerals. Sheila also became aware of the effort needed to keep Little Harbour open.

During a holiday in 2012 in a garden centre a friend spotted a very expensive carved reindeer and took photos sure that Eddie could make one just as well. After experimenting Eddie met the Challenge and the first reindeer were taken to a table top sale at Bridgerule. Next the Falcon invited Reindeers to Little Harbour to take a stall at their craft fair where 40 reindeer took 46 mins to sell.

The charity has gone from strength to strength — two appearances on TV, a page on Face book and the involvement of the whole family children and grandchildren in selecting, collecting and cutting wood-although only grandad, using his trusty chain saw can create the faces. The family raised £400 in 2012, reaching £10,000 in 2018 and to date has reached the fantastic total of £53,000.

From the loss of Mark, their son, a whole charitable institution has grown. And the scarf wearing reindeer are travelling all over both the Country and the World.

Lib Bray thanked Colin and Sheila for sharing their story and after a round of applause there was a rush to purchase the Reindeer on display- as always more required than available and long may that continue.

Next month is Marhamchurch’s Christmas Party followed in January by ‘Cookery’ with guest speaker Dave Sargent.

CLIVE Smale of Bradworthy led the service at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday, November 3. Karen Shepherd gave the welcome and extra notices.

The singing was led by Dionne Bere on the piano and Mark Shepherd on guitar with John Cleave as vocalist.

Mary Care read Psalm 62 and Linda Broome led the prayers of intercession.

The service was based on the minor prophet Nahum.

Coffee and biscuits were served at the close.

The Village Coffee Morning was held in the Social Club of the Village Hall on Thursday, November 7.

An amazing Arts and Crafts Exhibition was held in the Methodist Chapel on Saturday, November 9. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Lesley Coxon, an amazing event showed off much local talent. There was an array of arts, crafts and hobbies on display in the Chapel, with items for sale available in the Stable. Refreshments were served throughout and thanks are extended to all who supported the event in any way. Special thanks to Lesley for her vision and the many hours she spent planning the event and seeing everything through. There was a wonderful display of 'Remembrance' memorabilia which was left in-situ for the Remembrance Sunday service the following day.

Mark Shepherd led the 10am Remembrance Sunday service at the Methodist Chapel. Ruth Bealing gave the welcome and introduction.

The singing was led by Christine Tratt and Sandra Shepherd playing keyboards and Mark Shepherd playing guitar with Pamela Newton, Avril Glessing and John Cleave as vocalists.

Prayers of intercession were led by Mark Banks.

Ruth Bealing read three readings from the book of Habakkuk.

Mark Shepherd read out the names of the three Chilsworthy men who gave their lives in the two World Wars and the two minutes silence was observed at 11am. The congregation then made their way to the Burial Ground where Geoff Broome laid a wreath on the grave of the father of Archibald and Richard Hayman who gave their lives in World War I and John Cleave laid a wreath on the grave of Corporal Richard Sillifant who died as the result of injuries sustained in World War II. Everyone then made their way back into the Chapel for the singing of Faithful one so unchanging. After the blessing, coffee and biscuits were served.

Stay and Play for toddlers and their families was hosted at the Chapel on the morning of Thursday, November 14, and the Café Craft Group enjoyed time spent in the Chapel in the afternoon.

REMEMBRANCE Sunday at Woodford Methodist Chapel was marked with an Act of Remembrance commencing at 10.45am in the cemetery around the grave of Bombardier Ernest Phelan who lost his life fighting for King and Country in World War II on March 29, 1944 aged 23 years.

Paul Aslett sounded 'The Last Post'. At 11am the two minutes silence was observed and the congregation then made their way into the chapel where the service was led by Kevin Hogarth of Bude and accompaniment for the hymns was provided by Elizabeth Hobbs. Tea and coffee were served at the close.