Well, the muggy, mizzly, Cornish weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the exhibitors and visitors at The 2024 Stoke Climsland Show.

The show was opened by this year’s president Dr David Price. In an emotional opening address, he highlighted the community spirit that the Show engenders. He thanked our chair, Mr Derek Ross, for all his hard work over the past 10 years and acknowledged all the support he has received from Alison, his wife.

It was lovely to see so many new faces, including tiny babies, as well as those who have become part of the fabric of “The Show” over the years. A new generation of show goers as well as old stalwarts. I noticed more walking aids in use than ever before – it’s brilliant to see how much effort people make to get out to enjoy everything the show has to offer. It felt like a proper community get together and everyone was making the most of it, accompanied by the uplifting sound of Callington Town Band.

Gardening conditions have been challenging this year, but despite this, there was an extensive and impressive display of fruit, vegetables and blooms. Some surprises included white, heritage carrots, stripey tomatoes, wild strawberries and a curly squash. One hardened gardener and committee member described this year’s marquee contents as “different”. It certainly generated a lot of interest with more than 300 people having a good look around.

There was an impressively wide-range of talent on show in the art and craft classes. There was a delightful patchwork hare, a hand turned Ash bowl, a felted owl and sea birds, a courgette chameleon and so much more.

Of course, it’s not just about the taking part, but also the winning. Some notable Cup winners this year include Ros Hardy and her family winning five cups, including most points in show and family with most entries – 112! Nicola and Stephen Pryor won four, including for wine, beer and cider. Edah Joll won three cups for her baking and preserves, and young Grace Moore won three for her beautiful writing and creative work. Other winners who were best in their classes are Masie Gardiner in the children’s classes, Gail Kirkpatrick for her photography, Derek Ross and David Hancox for their flowers and potatoes who won two.

The incredible afternoon teas, held in the Old School seemed busier than ever, but thanks to the generous donations of delicious, home make cakes and scones, there was no risk of them running out.

Evening entertainment, arranged by the Sports and Social Club featured “PorkChop and a Cider Banjo” a Cornish take on folk and bluegrass with a unique brand of humour. They, along with the bar, generated a really lively atmosphere and got any weary legs stomping — what a great way to round off the day.

As Dr Price said, so many of the village amenities contribute to making it such a success. The show really does bring the whole community together. Long may it last.

The August Altarnun Parish Council meeting was relatively short and sweet. Only two planning applications required councillors agreeing consultee comments in support of both. The first was for a temporary dwelling to be sited on land north west of Carne Manor to allow a young family to be on hand to manage their recently inherited, time intensive farming enterprise. The second was a retrospective application for listed building consent for a complete re roof with rag slate at Treween Cottage, the work having been completed in June 2024 and seemingly to a good standard.

Having promised action after July’s general election at last month’s meeting, Cornwall councillor Adrian Parsons was clearly quick off the mark, and advised that he secured a meeting with our new MP, Ben Maguire at Lewannick Village Hall on August 9 to thrash out the way forward for the A30 safety improvements and impose local wishes for a scheme that did not force traffic to use our villages as rat runs. Most of the relevant parish council chairs and officials were in attendance and it remains to be seen how attentive and ultimately supportive our new representative at Westminster will be.

Parish council funds had to be used to repair vandalism at the Altarnun village bus shelter. This is certainly not the first case of such meaningless activity; the parish cemetery and public conveniences have previously been targeted. Any information that anyone may have as to the perpetrator or background circumstances, would be very mush welcomed. Please have a word with any of the councillors or the clerk.

As we are always positive and reflect all the good things that happen in the parish, we were absolutely delighted to hear the Altarnun Fun Day held in July raised £1,003. Cllr Craig Dowler expressed his hearty congratulations to the main organisers, Roy and Ann Rider and wished them well for next year’s event!

In conclusion to the meeting it was confirmed the next parish council meeting will be held on September 4 at 7.30pm in Altarnun Village Hall. All are very welcome.

A mystery awaited members — only the president, Verna, knew where the group would be going for the summer meeting — a closely guarded secret! Meeting at 1pm on a beautifully sunny day, 32 members boarded the coach. Lots of guessing at each junction taken, but the road to the North coast became the route, arriving at the beautiful Trenance gardens. Soon it was time to climb aboard again — more mystery to come. We reached Newquay bus station and were given two hours to explore at leisure.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 11, Pamela Vass will be speaking about the Story of the South West Suffragettes. Visitors and new members welcome, 7.15pm at Millennium House.

THE South Petherwin Flowerpot Festival will be held from August 24 to 31, culminating in a Craft & Produce Show at the Village Hall on Saturday, August 31.

There will be a bingo on the Friday from 6pm for 7pm in the village hall. On Saturday, afternoon tea will be served in the Parish Church from 2pm to 4pm followed by a quiz in the village hall from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

The cricket club will be hosting an open invite for families on Sunday from 10.45am with a youngsters training session, adult friendly matches and a barbecue. In the afternoon the parish church will hold a Songs of Praise event from 4pm.

On the Bank Holiday Monday there will be a parish walk from 2pm and a drop in Friendship Group craft afternoon from 2pm to 4pm in the Methodist Chapel Hall followed by bellringing in the church from 7.30pm.

It will be a crafty Wednesday with needlecraft in the Methodist Chapel Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Meet the local craftspeople in the village hall, woodturning, flower arranging, willow weaving, beekeeping and much more, refreshments available from 2pm to 4pm. There will also be a drop in line dancing session later that day in the village hall from 7pm to 9pm.

On Thursday there will be a colourful display of Morris dancing at The Frog & Bucket from 7.30pm and the following day there will be a coffee morning in the village hall from 10am to noon.

The week will culminate on Saturday, August 31, starting at 9am with exhibitors bringing their entries to the village hall for set up and judging.

At 2pm the hall will be open to the public where refreshments will be available. Prizes will be given out at 3.30pm. There will also be a bouncy castle for children in the field behind the hall.

For more information visit southpetherwin.com/flowerpot-festival-24th-to-31st-august-2024-final