Kit Hillbillies Rock Calstock


On Friday March 4th 2022, the amazing Kit Hillbillies played at Calstock Arts, at the Old Chapel, Calstock.

A great time was had by all, and a generous collection for the UK Red Cross Ukraine appeal raised £1500.


How to describe the Kit Hillbillies?

Old-timey, good-timey bluegrass!
With rousing vocal harmonies that smuggle in occasional quirky local references.

Instrumental tasting notes: Banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar. Irresistibly tappy on the toes, with a crisp percussive finish.

Think Betty Stogs, rather than Harvey’s Bristol Cream!

In their words: “We throw in some original bluesy songs with many a knowing nod to the backwoods and badlands of Devon & Cornwall. These *usually* avoid causing offence (happily people don’t always listen to the words!). We always do some 20thC classics by the likes of Johnny Cash & Steve Earle. And like Hayseed Dixie we throw in songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Clash and even Radiohead – all delivered in good-time string band style. In short, it’s the makings of a rousing, stomping night of tunes.”

Pooh Sticks!


SHARE Hydro Feasibility Update, March 2022

Regular readers will remember earlier articles describing our initial investigations into the potential of water turbines. For the benefit of newer readers, those investigations involved installing a measurement weir structure, however this unfortunately came to a premature end when the Environment Agency took an active interest. Temporary measurement weirs are permitted, however in this instance the EA considered that expensive licences would be needed, and that special provisions would have to be put in place to enable eels and migrating fish to move upstream unhindered.  To our knowledge, eels and migrating fish haven’t been seen in this tributary of the Lynher in living memory, however the possibility that Samantha Salmon might take a wrong turn and find her path obstructed was enough to keep the good folk at the EA awake at night. Also, the required licences were unaffordable, and so the measurement weir had to go. Continue reading →

Community Walk March 27th


Sunday Morning Meander  5 miles or less, on parish lanes and fields

Dogs on leads welcome and children under control, plus Mums on Mothers Day. Some stiles need climbing.

Starting at South Hill church Sunday March 27th 10:45am

We aim to be back by 1pm, Bring your own drink.

All welcome, a chance to catch up with each other and have fun.

We’ll take the Bray Shop road to the entrance of Treven and turn left crossing fields to Baddaford, a short road walk towards St. Mellor’s church tower, at Linkinhorne, turning onto the footpath and aim at the wind turbine, striding over the stream and up to Mornick. Here we’ll take the road back towards the church and those that want a 2 ½ mile walk can continue back.

Otherwise we’ll be crossing fields and stiles to Trewassick then dropping down over the stream and up the other side, staying on the footpaths to Trewoodloe. Here we’ll head for Golberdon .. the last opportunity to cut the walk short.

We’ll take the “main” road for a short distance before taking fields to Manaton then the road to the final leg and final footpath from Tregate passing The Old School and returning to the church.

Emergency Information and Links


What can we learn from Storm Eunice? If there is a Weather Warning:

Inside

  • Fully charge your computers, phones etc. ahead of time. Remember you can use your car to charge these, make sure you have the correct adaptors.
  • Fill a flask.
  • If your water is pumped, ensure you have sufficient stored water.
  • Buy torches, candles, matches and batteries in advance and get them out.
  • If you expect a power cut (storm / high winds) or if there is lightning in the area, turn off your PC and other delicate electrical items because a power surge can damage them.
  • Switch off your appliances, so they do not start working in the event you’re out when the power comes back on.
  • If the power goes off, try to limit opening the freezer and fridge.  
  • If the power goes off, keep warm by wrapping up in extra layers of clothes, blankets, duvets etc.
  • Please stay safe, do not put yourself or others at risk by using unsafe forms of heat e.g. barbeques and patio gas stoves indoors.
  • Have emergency numbers to hand.  
  • Western Power have posted details to affected homes outlining the process for automatic compensation, without any requirement to make individual claims.
    • Storm Eunice was a category 2 storm so:
      • After the first 48 hours without power you are eligible for £70 compensation.
      • There will then be another £70 for every further 12 hours.
      • All eligible customers will receive a letter and a compensation payment based on the eligibility criteria set by Ofgem.
      • You should receive that within ten working days.

Western Power Distribution – Storm Eunice: Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards Compensation Scheme

Outside

  • Store and secure outside items so they do not become a danger to you or to others.
  • Take care of your pets, keep indoors if possible. If shutting chickens in etc., ensure they have ventilation, food and water.  
  • Be flood aware and find out how to prepare. If your home starts to flood call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour).
  • Collect your medications and essential supplies beforehand so you don’t need to travel.
  • Avoid travel, unless absolutely necessary.
  • If you do have to make a journey be prepared:
    • Take extreme care.
    • Take coat, sturdy boots and warm clothes in case you break down or have to leave your vehicle.
    • Expect road closures and disruption due to fallen trees and debris.
    • Expect road damage and hedges to be collapsed.
    • Expect falling tiles / branches / trees and flying debris.
    • Expect difficult driving conditions e.g. strong winds and driving rain.
  • Rail and bus services were disrupted, always check before leaving home.
  • Please stay safe and do not do anything to put yourself or others at risk.

Communication

  • If you receive The CONNECTION newsletter we can send updates by email, if you are not signed upsend your email to editor@south-hill.co.uk
  • Facebook, Next Door, Twitter etc.
  • Contact your neighbours:
    • To establish whether your issue is an isolated case.
    • To look out for and check on vulnerable neighbours.
  • Postal and rubbish collection services were disrupted. Please safely store your rubbish for next collection.
  • If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are in danger, call 999.
  • Please contact NHS 111 first, unless you have a serious or life-threatening injury or illness.
  • Cornwall Council’s emergency line is: 01872 323752 Offers support and advice and passes specific needs on to other agencies or departments.
  • Cornwall’s 24/7 NHS Mental Health support line 0800 038 5300 FREE 24 hour, if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health..
  • Report a fallen tree blocking a road or causing danger. Inform the owner, one of our parish councilors or call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 222 (24 hour), or  www.cornwall.gov.uk/report-something/
  • If the tree has pulled down / damaged cables / poles these could be live. Do NOT touch them. Contact Western Power Distribution.

Call 105 or 0800 678 3105 105, www.westernpower.co.uk, info@westernpower.co.uk.

  • Home flooding – call the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 (24 hr). Report flooding to the Environment Agency Incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24hr).

Please email and let us know if we missed anything, your thoughts, your suggestions, any other comments or concerns to editor@south-hill.co.uk.

Thank You. Stay Safe.

Rilla Mill 6 miles ish walk with Russ


Saturday 19th February Start/Finish  :  The Manor Inn, Rilla Mill

Distance  :  6 miles plus  predominantly along footpaths

10:00  Departure  I anticipate this a 3 hour 30 min walk

Dogs welcome, expect dogs to be on leads.

Route  : Rilla Mill  –  Ley Mill  –  Phoenix United Mine  –  Henwood  – North Darley  –  Starra Woods  – Rilla Mill

Note : Parking either at the pub if you intend to make use of it upon your return; or, The Village Hall which is on the right going down hill towards the pub if you are not going to The Manor.

Donation to Royal British Legion at the end.

Russ Hanson russhanson@live.co.uk