News and Events - 2013
Pillaton Village News Magazine - May 2013
The May edition of the Pillaton Village News has been published. As always there is plenty of local news and information so make sure you take a look.
See the Village News page for links to previous issues.
Fund Raising for Pillaton Church - 12th May 2013
Three items of news relating to the Pillaton Church Disaster Fund:
- An account for donations to the Pillaton Church Disaster Fund has been set up on the 'Just Giving' website. You can use this to make donations to the fund.
- Bethany Skinnard has raised over £1000 for the Disaster Fund by completing the Plymouth Half Marathon last month in a very good time of 1 hour and 37 minutes.
- Shelagh Skinnard is holding a Charity Lunch on Thursday 23rd May from 12.30 pm. Usual stalls, cakes, bring and buy and 50/50 clothing rail (bring your mistakes!) and a raffle. £12 per person to include a glass of wine. Proceeds in aid of the Pillaton Church Disaster Fund. Contact Shelagh on 350277 if you are able to attend as numbers are limited.
Skittles League Presentation Evening - 20th April 2013
Another excellent meal at the Village Hall, courtesy of Shirley and Dave, rounded off the latest Skittles League season. For a summary of the season and the final tables, see Sue's Skittles Report.
Pillaton Public Library - 13th April 2013
While most Councils throughout the land are reducing their libraries Pillaton Parish Council has just created one. Yes, the Pillaton library is now opened thanks to the efforts of Dave Dolley for painting and Gary Martin and Roger Warne for supplying the materials and building the shelves, all at no cost to the Parish. The library is open day and night every day of the week, a true 24/7.
The library is situated in a distinctive red telephone box next to the Village notice boards. Any one is welcome to borrow or donate a book and to enjoy the new facility.
'Walks Around Pillaton' Booklet - 31st March 2013
The popular guide to some local walks produced by Andrew Harris has been revised by him and made into a 16 paged A5 sized booklet by Robin Dwane (Editor and Producer of the Pillaton Village News). If you feel like taking some exercise to walk off all those hot cross buns and Easter eggs, then see 'Walks Around Pillaton'.
Keeping Your Dog Under Control - 28th March 2013
The Parish Council has been made aware of a number of attacks by dogs on other dogs. This has happened where the Owner of the attacking dog has not had their dog under control. If you are a dog owner, please familiarise yourself with the information to be found in keeping your dog under control.
Skittles League - 23rd March 2013
The final games in this season's Skittles League have now been played. The Dare Devils made a remarkable turn around from their 2012 wooden spoon position to take first place, a comfortable 20 points clear of second place Knackered Monks. Skittles League 2013 - Final Table.
Pillaton Village News Magazine - March 2013
The March edition of the Pillaton Village News is now in circulation. Naturally the main topic is the lightning strike on the church but there are items from the WI and the Gardening Club together with Jan Simms' regular 'Fruit Case' column that is always worth a read.
Go to the Village News page for links to previous issues.
Church Repair Update - 11th March 2013
Further details from Tony Rowe on repairs to the Church
Church Repair Update - 3rd March 2013
The latest upate from Graham Heap on the situation regarding repairs and improvements to the Church
Also news of an event to be held at Calstock Church on Good Friday that is contributing to the Restoration Fund. This will be a performance of Haydn's quartet The Seven Last Words of Our Saviour on the Cross.
e-petition Regarding Wind Turbines - 2nd March 2013
Sherryl Murray is sponsoring legislation to prevent distant bureaucrats from over-ruling decisions made by local planners. Many times, local planners reject applications for wind turbines, only to have their decisions over-ruled by the planning inspectorate.
Please go to http://www.windpetition.com/ and sign Sherryl Murray's petition to make local decisions stay local over wind turbines. It will take you just 1 minute to sign this e-petition.
February Rainfall - 1st March 2013
See how February compared to the other recent months in our latest rainfall figures.
Pillaton Gardening Club AGM - February 2013
The Pillaton Gardening Club AGM was held on 13th February and the following officers elected:
- Chairperson – Ken Beal
- Vice Chairperson – Rose Peters
- Secretary – Linda Mavin
- Treasurer – Linda Mavin
- Show Secretary - Village hall rep. - Carole Hoskin
- Committee: Pam Aggett, Richard Warwick, John Hubbard, Sue Archer, Julie Bazley, Kathryn Bunkum.
George Pollock is retiring from the committee and thanks were expressed for his help over the years.
Copies of the minutes are available from the Secretary.
Don't forget the Spring Show which takes place at the Village Hall on 16th March.
Old Bearah Snowdrop Day - 17th February 2013
Trudy and Tony Rowe opened their garden on Sunday 17th February so that friends and neighbours could wander round looking at the snowdrops, daffodils, camellias and other early spring plants. There was also a large supply of home made cakes and tea for refreshments. Read Tony's article on the Old Bearah Snowdrop Day for a fuller report. The event was held to help raise funds for the Pillaton Church Disaster Fund.
Co-ordinating Local Events - 15th February 2013
There is likely to be a significant increase in the number of events in and around Pillaton following the drive to to help raise funds for St Odulph. In order to avoid conflicts, Graham Heap is now the main co-ordinator for all fund raising events, Church, WI, Village Hall, etc. and will have a list of all such events to ensure that there are no clashes of dates or too many similar events in a short space of time. Anyone who wishes to run an event should check the intended date with Graham and give him details.
For contact details and further information, see the PCC update, February 10th that was issued recently.
Resurgam Sign Unveiling - 10th February 2013
Sunday 10th February saw the unveiling of the Resurgam sign to mark the road to recovery of St Odulph following the damage caused by the recent lightning strike.
Restoration of St Odulph - 8th February 2013
Following the meeting held in The Weary Friar on 31st January to discuss the repairs and future of the church, Richard Lowther has produced a report covering the situation - see Church meeting, 31 January 2013. However, this is just the start and all ideas are still welcome.
The image above is the design to be painted in gold by local artist David Whittley on a shattered piece of pew (about 4ft long). It will be ready shortly and hung prominently to herald the rebirth of the church.
Rame Against Windturbines - 8th February 2013
In addition to the plans for installing a wind turbine near Dennett in Quethiock, we have just received notice of plans to install one at Rame. Although this is further away from us, people from these parts often go to the coast there. If you are unhappy with the plans and want to register an objection you will need to do so by 11th February 2013. See the Rame Against Windturbines document for more details. Alternatively, visit the Rame Against Windfarms website.
Restoration of St Odulph - 28th January 2013
There will soon be a chance to have your say regarding the repair and restoration work on our church that was damaged by lightning last week.
A meeting is planned for Thursday 31st January in The Weary Friar at 6.00 pm. and all are invited.
Read Tony Rowe's update and some options for discussion for more background and do your best to be at the meeting.
River Levels at Pillaton - 28th January 2013
I recently came across an Environment Agency web page that shows the current River level at Pillaton. Additionally, it gives the typical range of levels and an indication when flooding could occur. This may be of general interest to those living in the area but could be very useful if you are in a location that is liable to flooding from the River Lynher.
Church Damage Latest - 23rd January 2013
Work has started on making the church safe by removing some of the large granite blocks that were still perched on the roof and covering up the holes there to prevent rain and snow from coming in.
BBC Spotlight featured the incident on its broadcasts yesterday. DId you spot the local film stars? There is also an item about it on the BBC webpages. As will be gathered from these, it is not yet known whether insurance will pay for the repair work but this will clearly involve a large sum of money. Initial estimates are indicating that this could be in the order of £500,000 for this Grade I listed building.
Acacia Martin (aged 8) who lives in the village was moved to write her own report of the event which you can read in Acacia's report.
Emergency Services Team up in Callington - 23rd January 2013
We have received notice from Cornwall Council stating that ambulances will soon be operating from Callington Community Fire Station on South Hill Road following an agreement between the respective fire and ambulance authorities. Currently the nearest ambulance stations are at Liskeard and Saltash.
St Odulph Struck by Lightning - 22nd January 2013
Late last night Pillaton church was damaged by a lightning bolt that destroyed the NE pinnacle on the tower. Flying masonry made several holes in the church roof and damaged fixtures and fittings inside. One stone also broke a bench outside The Weary Friar. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.
Photographs showing some of the lightning damage can be found in the Gallery.
Also some more photographs of the lightning damage this time taken by Richard Warwick and Tony Rowe. These feature interior shots and some from the top of the tower.
Please do not attempt to go into the church, or stand to close to it, until the damage has been stabilised. There is still a risk of stones falling.
Pillaton WI Thank You - 21st January 2013
Pillaton WI would like to thank all who supported them when carol singing around the village before Christmas. We raised £161 for Air Ambulance and a letter of thanks is attached.
Pillaton Village News Magazine - January 2013
The January edition of the Pillaton Village News has just been published and distributed. In it you can read about the early days of the Village News and catch up on the effects of the weather we experienced in December. The latter making the 'new look' front page and also featuring strongly in Fruit Case's regular column.
Go to the Village News page for links to previous issues.
Liskeard Work Hub - 19th January 2013
We have received notice of the Liskeard Work Hub. Further information and contact details can be found using the first link in the linked page. The second link takes you to details of an existing Work Hub at Totnes where you can see how such an enterprise works.
WI Meeting - 14th January 2013
A report on January's WI meeting is now available.
Links to other WI Meeting reports can be found in the WI section on the Activities page.
Callington U3A to Celebrate its 10th Anniversary in March
We have received notice of Callington U3A's 10th Anniversary Exhibition which is open to all. Although this is not taking place in Pillaton, quite a few village residents belong to this U3A and it is always happy to welcome new members from the area. Find out more about the proposed exhibition and anniversary display.
December Rainfall - 1st January 2013
December failed by half a millimetre to equal November's rainfall of 255mm! After threats of a drought and hosepipe bans in the first quarter of the year we saw a turnround that made 2012 one of the wettest years on record. Compare our rainfall figures for the past two years now.
Persistent heavy rain in the days leading up to Christmas saw a repeat of November's flooding in some places around the parish with the River Lynher, in particular, coming over its banks for a while. Some photographs taken after the heavy rains can be found in the Gallery.
Let us hope for some better weather in 2013.