SHARE Update


Investment Offer over-subscribed For the past few years SHARE has offered a fixed-term investment opportunity. This is our means of paying off our capital investment in the 40kW solar PV installation at Church Park, South Hill. Each time, we look to raise a certain amount of capital, spread between as many investors as possible and offer to our members first. We are already over-subscribed for this year. Thank you for your support. Church Park is performing well, in fact much better than our initial cashflow predictions, which is why we can offer 4% interest to our investors. To date the project has generated electricity equivalent to that used per year on average by 4 UK households (4,648kWh). This is a carbon saving of 7.5tonnes CO2e. As a matter of interest I have just read that the average USA household uses 11,700kWh of electricity!

Recycling for Charity suspended due to Covid-19 Please save your items and sort like items together, our volunteers can no longer sort out crisp packets from sweet and biscuit wrappers etc, we need your help. When you have a bag full, drop to Green Meadows.

Climate changing emissions down – CO2 and NOx One positive result of the current pandemic is the huge reduction in “greenhouse gas” emissions globally. Parts of China worst affected by the virus have seen up to 25% less Nitrogen Dioxide in the atmosphere, as observed by NASA on satellite images. The BBC reported that there are observable reductions in CO2 emissions in the UK due to people travelling less, and lower air pollution levels in towns and cities. Perhaps the current enforcement of home working and holding remote meetings will make people realise that not everybody needs to be out on the roads every day.

SHARE in the Community While events were still going ahead, we have been very active in the area spreading the word about SHARE and our projects to various groups from W.I , U3A, Youth Groups and attending a number of Environmental Action Group meetings held by Cornwall Council and local Towns and Parishes.

Firewood and wood chippings available Large trailer load logs £120; dumpy bag logs £60. Dumpy bag chippings £5 Contact Ali 07305 044049

Tree Planting Another 400 trees planted! Thank you to the children that helped plant trees along the verges in the parish.

Stay safe and be sensible  Don’t panic buy, there is plenty to go round. Over buying of fresh food especially could lead to food waste, which we’ve all been trying to cut down on.

Ask if you need help, we’re all in this together.

St Sampson’s Unlocked Project Update


Lots has been happening in the background since Christmas, with quotes, condition reports and plenty of visiting experts on bells, ceiling, gutters, windows, monuments and heating. We are working closely with our architect, who has to oversee a lot of the work because our wonderful grade 1 listed building needs to be cared for sensitively, to preserve our unique heritage and at the same time make it fit for 21C use by the community and congregation. We are blessed by having a 14thC piece of Christian Cornish history in our midst (Trelawny himself would have set foot here in his first parish as Rector) and we must be thankful to all those who have cared for it over the years. Now it is our turn to be tasked to care for St Sampson’s and maintain it for the future. Older members of the church and community may remember that it was thought when the tower work was done 20 years ago, that the roof would need re-slating in 10 to 20 years. Thankfully all the advice we have received is that the roof generally remains in good condition. A recent survey revealed that some slating and timber work is needed in the roof valley, but the rest was ok. The ceiling, however, is proving to be a major job. Conversations are ongoing with a specialist plasterer, our architect and Historic England. The mains water and path lighting will commence soon. Many thanks to the Treffinick Solar fund for a generous funding contribution towards this work. Funding for all the different elements of the improvements are being sought from here, there and everywhere and fundraising events are being planned. Including; Beating the Bounds walk on Sunday May 24th, a dance festival June 13th and a murder mystery evening in November. We will, of course, adhere to government advice regarding coronavirus and postpone if required. If you would like to hold a fundraising event on our behalf, big or small, please get in touch.

It would also really help our forward planning and funding applications if a few more people could make regular donations by standing order, however small. Again, please get in touch if you can help and thank you to the people who are already helping in this way. South Hill quiz night in January raised £168. Thank you to the 50 people who supported it. It was a fun evening especially trying to work out the location of the Cornish elevators!

The four pews dating from 1873, which were removed to make space for hospitality, have all found loving homes in the parish. There may be a few more at some time. The relocation of the font, from the back of the church to in front of the organ, which completes making the space for hospitality and a future mini kitchen, should take place soon when the faculty (church “planning permission”) is finalised. Some of you may remember it being moved to its present position about 50 years ago. If you have any memories of this, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting this project, in whatever way. Community support is vital in securing St Sampson’s future. This is South Hill’s Church. It belongs to us all. Keep in touch by following St Sampson’s Unlocked on Facebook. Questions ? Ask judithayers@yahoo.co.uk 01579 384617 mlawranceowen@icloud.com 01579 382863

St. Sampson’s update


Dear friends at St Sampson’s, You have probably seen this news, so in summary: –

all Church services are suspended until further notice – churches are encouraged to remain open during the day as a place of sanctuary – churches encouraged to continue to pray – church communities are encouraged to continue to support food bank, homeless etc – church members encouraged to support individuals in their local community.

I enclose Bishop Phillip’s letter at the end of this e mail, which is very encouraging The letter finishes by saying: “We have called, along with our fellow church leaders, for a day of prayer and action this coming Sunday – Mothering Sunday (22nd March). Mothering Sunday has always been both a day of celebration for many and a sensitive and emotional day for some. Wherever you are this Sunday please do join in this day of prayer and action and remember especially those who are sick or anxious, and all involved in our Health Service. As one action, we are calling on everyone to place a lighted candle in their window at 7.00 p.m. as a sign of solidarity and hope in the light of Christ that can never be extinguished.”

St Sampson’s church will remain open for prayer. Their are sanitising wipes and gel on the table at the back. On Sunday mornings at 9.30am a Reader and/or worship leader will say the morning worship service on behalf of everyone. Please use the service booklet you have, to be united in prayer. If you don’t have one and would like one, please let me know. Tuesday morning prayer gathering will continue in church at 9.30am. (we can do this because we are small in number) Keeping our distance of course. I will soon be sending everyone a sheet with prayers for you to use and suggestions of online resources. The church of England website is very good and updated daily at the moment. Please continue to pray in whatever way you can. South Hill has an emergency support plan set up for us all to use. If you are able, think about volunteering to help the vulnerable, or if you need help in any way, contact them. Mark and Mandy Haxby are co-ordinating this 07543062251. They are also liaising with volunteer Cornwall. Or make contact via the South Hill Facebook page. As a church my name is the main contact point. Keep looking at South Hill parish website, their is lots of local news and information on what is happening.

There will be regular phone calls made to our congregation who are self isolating to check all is well. Please let me know if you are self isolating. We will all need phone calls and e mail contact to keep in touch, please keep in touch with each other and your neighbours. If you would like prayer support or a listening ear please let me know.

Please continue to give financially. Church bills still need to be paid. Either arrange a direct debit, or put your offering aside and then it can be collected. Things seem to be changing rapidly, so these provisions may change. I will try and keep you updated. We are a community of believers, have faith, love God and love one another. Blessings to you all and keep safe in this very strange time. Judith 07748773416 On behalf of St Sampson’s Church

Pastoral statement by the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro 17.3.2020 My friends, I’m sharing this message today not just with the clergy and people of the Diocese of Truro, but with everyone here in Cornwall at what is a very challenging time for us all. You’ll be aware of how much has changed in just a few short days. By now you will probably have heard too the call of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to suspend public worship for a season. That will come as a shock and challenge to many of you, but in the circumstances, and following the best medical advice, I’m sure it’s right. But I want to say very clearly to you that does not mean the Church is shutting up shop! Far from it. Now is the time for the Church of God to rise to this great challenge of our times. I cannot help but feel that this crisis challenges us deeply to be just the kind of Church our God is a calling us to be. And I believe too that that this crisis challenges Cornwall to be its very best: to express in heart and soul the spirit of One and All. So to us all in Cornwall I would say – let us be the very best we can be. This is the opportunity we all have to shine, to be our better selves. It’s a great challenge: but let’s rise to it. And if you are feeling isolated and fearful, remember you are not alone. There are many people standing by you, even if you can’t see them – and our God has not changed: he remains good and faithful and we can trust him and rely upon him. He won’t let us down. And if you’re working in the public services, our NHS, the emergency services and the caring professions, planning and working to respond in the best way possible to the many challenges we face and who may be very stretched in the days to come: do know that we are cheering you on. We’re deeply thankful for you and are praying for you – and for your families too. For the Church – whilst our pattern of worship will change significantly I think our church buildings need to be more open, not less, providing space for people to come and pray and be and socially interact (at an appropriate distance of course). We should use digital media creatively wherever we can and we are working on identifying a few churches in the diocese where live streaming of worship might be possible. And we need to be the feet on the ground in our communities – identifying those who are lonely and isolated, fearful and grieving and doing all we can, within the constraints that are placed up on us, and without exposing people to unnecessary risk, to show in word and in deed the love of Christ. Likewise there will be others who will find these times very challenging economically: again we need to do all we can to meet their needs. Let’s keep the foodbanks well stocked up. So for us as a church this will not be business as usual. But it will NOT be no business, it will be ‘business unusual’. We’ll still be about the business of the Kingdom of God, but in new, different, committed, creative and deeply caring ways. The big question this crisis asks of us as a Church is this: will we meet its challenge to love and serve and give as Jesus did, for we are nothing less than his Body here on earth? I pray we will and will not be found wanting at this great hour of need. And to all of us I would say, across Cornwall, in this crisis, let’s be people of prayer. This crisis is bigger than any of us. But God is greater. So we need not be fearful – in the end we can be people of hope, as we become people of prayer: because there is a good future for us, beyond this, a good future that God holds out for us all. And as this virus is no respecter of borders, I’m going to close with a prayer written by our neighbour, Bishop Robert, Bishop of Exeter. If you’d like to, do pray with me now: Keep us good Lord under the shadow of your mercy, in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen And may God bless us all.

Recycling for Charity update.


We feel the responsible action is to stop collecting the recycling for now. We dont want to touch your items! and dont want to risk passing on any germs or virus. Please sort your items carefully going forward….. as we still dont want to touch your items and with the backlog we wont have the time to sort so will just bin any bag that doesn’t look sorted.

By sorted we mean, putting like items together that then are boxed separately to be sent to Terracycle, If you cant do this just dont bother leaving the items . If you drop off where there are marked bins, it should be self explanatory otherwise here’s what we accept.

1. Empty Crisps packets, shaken out, no need to wash, all size packets, including multiply packs and all brands .

2. Nuts, pretzels, popcorn, pork scratchings all brands plus Pringles brand only, the whole thing including the plastic and foil lid. Plus Stretchy bread bags from sliced bread only.

3. Biscuit, crackers and cakes wrappers. Mini Cheddars, Mini Rolls, Ryvita, Rice Cakes, Hot cross buns, Jaffa cakes, Rocky include multipacks

4. Sweets and chocolates wrappers, individual and bags, no trays, foil or paper

5. Clean dry bagged pet pouches plus all pets food teats and plastic biscuit bags

6. Used toothbrushes, electric heads, toothpaste tubes (no pumps) and dental floss containers .

7. Flexible tubes from creams, gels, ointments, lotions . Hand moisturizers . All Plastic from hair dye kits. Lipsticks, lip balms, lip gloss, mascaras, eye shadow compacts.

8. Triggers and hand pumps off bottles. plastic Roll on deodorants no glass, personal care cleaning wipes packets. If it has baby wipes written on the packet we can not accept them.

9. Home cleaning wipes packets, Dishwasher tablet packs, plastic air fresheners.

10. Empty Baby food pouches with lids all brands and baby snacks like Ella’s , Goodies…

IF IT’S NOT ON THIS LIST, WE CANT ACCEPT IT.

Stoke Climsland Free Concert


On Saturday 25th April, the Callington Singers will be giving a free concert in Stoke Climsland Church. The concert will incorporate lots of joyful music under the general theme of the coming of summer. The programme will include Vivaldi’s Magnificat, along with some madrigals, the Hallelujah Chorus and an original setting of the Jubilate, composed by our new Musical Director, Andrew Wilson. The Callington Singers has a long tradition of making music freely accessible to the community. It is our policy to strive, wherever possible, to give concerts completely free of charge. This is not always practical, as there are many expenses to cover, such as venue hire, publicity and the fees of hired musicians. The choir rely on a retiring collection after each concert to cover these costs. We are very pleased to be working again with Stoke Climsland Parish Church. The Callington Cluster (incorporating churches in Stoke Climsland, Linkinhorne, Callington and South Hill) have the admirable policy of hiring out these churches free of charge, which makes our job of providing free music very much easier.

The free venue and delightful surroundings are not the only reason we are pleased to be performing in Stoke Climsland church again. We also enjoy performing there as an unofficial honour to an important character from Stoke Climsland’s past, who strived as we do, to provide music in his community and who would be familiar with most of the music we are to perform on this occasion; namely Thomas Calvert, gentleman of Stoke Climsland. The impressive memorial to Thomas Calvert appears prominently in the foyer of Stoke Climsland Church: In Memory of Mr Thomas Calvert Late of this parish who in the year 1746 First introduced into this Church four part Psalmody and with Indefatigable Pains and perseverance not only encouraged but in a great measure supported it with great Reputation upwards of 30 years He Was an Honest Man a Kind Master a Sincere Friend And a good Christian He departed this life at Plymouth on June 3rd 1781 in the 71st year of his Age. Although described as being ‘of the parish of Stoke Climsland’, Thomas Calvert was born in Moor Monkton, just outside of York. He was the firstborn son of Joseph and Elizabeth Calvert (née Hunter) and was baptised on the 18th August 1710. How he came to be a pillar of the Stoke Climsland community is a complete mystery. He married a local girl, but had no children. He was employed as Coroner for Cornwall in 1756 and retired from this post in 1776. He spent his last months living in St. Germans (where he made his will) and he was buried in Stoke Climsland churchyard.

His contribution to village life is undeniable. Mr. Calvert’s promotion of four part psalmody singing reflects the growing popularity, at this period, of incorporating music into church services and we owe him a debt of gratitude for the continuing tradition of choral singing which is enjoyed in this country. The ‘Indefatigable Pains and Perseverance’ which are quoted on Thomas Calvert’s memorial stone are aptly illustrated here in a transcript of an extract from the Vestry minutes of Stoke Climsland. Any modern Musical Director will doubtless recognise the inherent challenges facing him. Vestry Minutes from 28th of November 1773: A Letter was read from Mr Thomas Calvert, setting forth the disappointments he has meet [sic] with in his frequent Attendance on the Singing owing to irregularity & Refractioness of many of the numbers, and Declaring that he wou’d not think of Attending many more unless the whole Body wou’d enter into an Obligation Consisting of Several Conditions which he propos’d for the better keeping up & bringing to perfec[ti]on & carrying on with Psalmody to the promotion of Religion and Harmony [in] the Performers; Observing at the same time however that the Parishioners who were the Singers had been at much trouble in Learning & many of them were put to Inconvenience by their Attendance & moreover that few or none has Books & others in general very bad; Proposing therefore as an Encouragement & Countenance to those who wou’d enter into & sign an Association to continue & practice the singing for three years, that the Parish at Large should contribute something towards purchasing proper Books, & defraying other Expenses, in which He, Mr Calvert wou’d also contribute & Mr & Mrs Call had also promis’d. The Members of the Vestry taking the premises with Consideration & being sensible of Mr Calverts Obliging Attendance & Trouble for many years, in promoting & assisting the singing & in doing many other Beneficial Acts to the Church, Do unanimously Agree, that the sum of Six Guineas out of the Church Rates be allow’d from Xmas 1773 to Xmas 1774 to be paid to Mr Calvert by the Churchwardens & laid out by him as he judges may best promote the good order, regularity & continuation of Psalmody, provided that the singers will all enter into such a Bond as he proposes, this contribution to be for one year only at this expiration of which the Parishioners will Continue or revoke it as they See it has Promoted, or Disappointed the End Propos’d.

We sincerely hope that Thomas Calvert would approve and enjoy this upcoming concert, as we also hope you will. Stoke Climsland church will shortly undergo a major refurbishment of the church roof, which we hope will go forward without a hitch. Come and help us raise the roof before it is repaired by joining us for a splendid evening of music on 25th April at 7pm.

Church Matters March 2020


As I write this article the UK has just left the European Union and entered a period of transition during which all sorts of negotiations and changes will take place. Transition is often difficult and challenging as many things we have become familiar and comfortable with are replaced by the new and unfamiliar. Locally, the Anglican Church is also in a state of transition following Tony’s retirement at the end of January. The year 2020, and indeed the decade of the 2020’s, seems set to be one of transitions.

In addition to local and national transitions there is a global transition on the horizon. We have dire warnings from scientists and environmental pressure groups that there needs to be an urgent transition from our present way of life to a carbon neutral and then on to a carbon negative lifestyle. This will involve radical and sometimes difficult changes at all levels from personal right up to national and international action.

This call to change the way we are living is not at all new and was present in both John the Baptist’s and Jesus messages some 2000 years ago: Repent (change the way you are living) if you want everything to be well (the Jews of the time were looking forward to an age of peace, justice and prosperity which they called ‘the Kingdom’), Not a million miles away from the message of scientists and environmental activists of the 21st century!

The context of these two appeals for a change to the way of life are very different, one was a call to prepare for the coming of the long awaited Jewish Messiah, the other is from scientists and others who can see a massive problem developing. Our western 21st century way of life needs to change, not only to address global environmental problems, but also to ensure a fairer distribution of the planets resources. We need to live in a way that treats our fellow human beings in the way we would wish to be treated – ‘to love our neighbour as ourselves’ as Jesus put it once, quoting a much older principle.

For an individual’s commitment to live this way to realise it’s full potential, however, there needs to be a transformation in government and co-operation globally. Christians still look forward to the coming of the Messiah (more commonly referred to as the return of Jesus) to establish a global government of peace and justice in which the individual commitment to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves can be fully realised.

Good news indeed!

Brian Norris CONTACT: During the transition all contacts which would have gone to the rector should be made to: Vanessa Whitting: Tel: 01579 382484 Email: vwhitting @outlook.com

Parish Council Report


New Councillor – It gives me great pleasure to welcome Carol Samuel as our new Councillor, coopted at our January 2020 meeting. There was a very good response to the vacancy advert, and I take this opportunity to thank those who expressed and interest in the position.
Recreation Field /Play Area – The Council are looking at options to create a natural habitat wildflower area at the top of the recreation field, so if you have any ideas please let us know.
The fencing around the children’s play area is going to be replaced and the Council are looking at options and costs to get the work completed as soon as possible. As part of this work the fence line will be moved slightly to increase the size of the play area in the bottom corner of the site.
Weekly inspections are carried out on the play equipment and any repairs identified are dealt with as a matter of urgency.
The grass cutting contracts are now available to any contractor interested in tendering for the work. The closing date is the 14th February 2020. Please get in touch if you would be interested in submitting a price. Contractors will be required to provide insurance and the appropriate certificates to carry out the work required. The contractor will be appointed at the February 2020 meeting and the decision will be based on costs, work standards and “best value”.
The field is available to hire for private functions and can also be used in conjunction with the hire of the hall. Hire requests are approved at the discretion of the Council, so if you would like to hold an outside event and need some space, please get in touch.
Climate Change – At the start of our November 2019 meeting, the Chairman Cllr David Skelton gave a short presentation on climate change and how we can all do our bit to help stop a world-wide climate emergency. Several members of the public attended and shared ideas on what measures could work in South Hill. Those present were challenged to make the top 10 pledges, see here and also to find out their own carbon footprint using one of the easy to use carbon calculators such as https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/#/ or https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
Traffic speed – The Council recognise that much of the traffic travelling through Golberdon is exceeding the speed limit, especially during early mornings and later in the day. Often in these circumstances local residents can be to blame as drivers become complacent with the road layout. Cornwall Council have been notified of our concerns and we are working with them via the Community Network and the Police to address this matter. We are also in discussion with local Community Speed Watch teams who will be visiting the village to carry out random speed checks. Please be aware of your speed. We do lack the safety of pedestrian footways and need to protect our residents, the children walking to the school buses, and those who visit.

Bus Stop Sign – Cormac have agreed to place a bus stop sign on the post opposite the existing shelter in Golberdon. This was requested so that the designated stop could be clearly identified.

Potholes and Blocked Drains – If you come across a pothole. Blocked drain on any other highway issues the best way to report this is directly to Cornwall Council. The easiest way is to use a smart phone or computer and follow the link. You will soon see if it has already been reported and you will get updated when the problem has been inspected and the work done. You can also phone 0300 1234 222.

Footpaths – As the days get longer and the weather improves the Council will be looking to carry out some maintenance work on the parish footpaths. The Council can now accept the help of volunteers to trim the public rights of way and complete minor maintenance work. For anyone who is interested please get in touch with Cllr Andrew Budd. You do not have to commit and volunteers will be supervised, and work in groups. Thank you to those people who have already put their name forward.

Meetings – The Parish Council meet on the third Tuesday of each month in the Parish Hall at Golberdon. Meetings start at 7.30pm and last approximately two hours. At the start of every meeting there is a public session where members of the public can address the Council on any subject relating to the parish. Otherwise if you would like to just sit and listen, you are welcome – it’s surprising what we do.
Information and contacts – Information on the Parish Council including our meeting agendas and minutes can be found on our website www.south-hill-pc.gov.uk
Sharon Daw is our Cornwall Council Ward Member and her email address is sharon.daw@cornwallcouncillors.org.uk

Jenny Hoskin (Parish Clerk) telephone 01208 72789 or email southhillpcclerk@gmail.com

Big Farmland Bird Count


Last year saw a record-breaking count, 140 species of farmland birds over 1 million acres. But there are still many farmers and land managers who have yet to get involved.

3 reasons to make 2020 the year of your first Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC):

1. You might learn something about your farm You know your farm better than anyone. You know your crop rotations, your livestock movements, your wet and dry fields. But what do you know about the wildlife on your farm? If you have never set time aside to consider this, the BFBC is the perfect opportunity. 30 minutes to look at your farm from a different perspective might help you to appreciate both the pleasure of being a custodian of our countryside, and the business opportunities of paid-for environmental management.

2. Results us to champion the great work farmers do in caring for the environment CFE partners such as the NFU and GWCT use data on the great work you do to promote farmers’ interests with government and the public. The more data we have to make the case for support for farmers, the stronger this case will be. The information gathered by the BFBC is a unique snapshot of bird populations on farmland which adds another tool to the toolbox for championing the farmed environment and you, the farmers who care for it.

3. You might enjoy it! The mental-health benefits of taking time out to appreciate the natural world are well documented. Add to this the sense of pride you can take in creating and caring for farmland bird habitat and those 30 minutes in a busy week will be time invested, not time wasted. You are your farm’s most valuable asset; think of the BFBC as a ‘maintenance period’ for yourself.

Don’t be put off by the thought that you might not recognise some bird species. You probably know more than you think (robin, starling, goldfinch…) and GWCT have a handy guide for some of the trickier ones. If in doubt, take a camera with you. Take a snap of any you’re not sure of and look them up. The RSPB ‘identify a bird’ tool will whittle down the options by size, colour, beak etc.

You can register, download your guide and count sheet and send in your sightings at www.bfbc.org.uk. There are even some prizes up for grabs, so don’t forget to submit your results.