The Stoke Climsland NewsletterIssue 7 May 2020 WELCOME to the seventh

issue of the Newsletter. Depending on when you start counting, we’ve just passed Week 6, 7 or 8 of the ‘lock-in’ and we are still doing pretty well as a community. But, let’s be honest, there have been some lapses and it is getting more onerous. The Prime Minister addressed the nation on Sunday just passed and we feature the latest advice from the government on the next page. We recommend that you read, inwardly digest and follow. It’s in all our best

interests for you, and yours, to do just that.

As you will all know, May 8th was the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. Despite the restrictions, the Parish was bedecked with colour and the commemorations were heartfelt. Under the circumstances, an excellent effort all around. As most of you couldn’t get out and about to

see them, we thought we’d share some images with you.

Issue 8 will be published on 29th May. Please send contributions to Deri by 26th May (earlier will be appreciated).

Digital skills and access to the internet are increasingly important as more and more of us are self-isolating but also need to stay connected. In fact, the self-isolation may have made you realise that you could benefit from being better connected – if only you knew how. There’s no need to get left behind. Although the Old School IT Clinic is not be able to offer group sessions for the foreseeable future, we are pleased to say that we can offer, indeed have been giving, free remote support – by phone, e-mail, Skype, Zoom or however is most appropriate.If you need our help (software issues only for laptop, tablet, i-pad or smartphone), then email Nigel Allam (nigel.allam@icloud.com) with a brief description of your problem, and he’ll either deal with it if he can, or he’ll send it to Deri and Rosemary for them to help you. In case you do not have their email addresses, they are: Rosemary (rosemary_buckler@yahoo.co.uk) or Deri (derrick.parsons@btinternet.com). If you can’t access e-mail, you can phone Deri on 01579 370319 and he’ll do what he can to help.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Hello everyone. Well, we now have the Government’s next steps as we move forward. ‘Stay Alert’, ‘Control the Virus’, ‘Save Lives’ is the message and the key points are:• Stay at home as much as possible• Work at home if you can• Limit contact with other people• Keep your distance if you go out (2m apart where possible)• Wash your hands regularly• If you or anyone in your household has symptoms, you

allneed to self-isolateA lot was said by the Prime Minister: too much to report here so keep your eyes out for the full reports and analyses that will be pored over by the media over the coming days. But he did outline a ‘conditional’ plan meaning that any relaxing of the ‘lock down’ will need to be flexible and contingent upon results coming back from the mortality statistics and enhanced testing. We are promised more details over the next few days but it does appear that we will be able to spend more time outside, relaxing in parks etc, providing we continue to keep our social distancing. We can even drive to other places for exercise. June may see some shops and schools reopening and July some hospitality venues reopening. Social distancing will continue to be a challenge, but we have probably become well versed in this by now and even happy to continue if we can enjoy a bit more freedom. We must remain careful and vigilant with our social distancing and contact with others. Let us hope that any easing helps to get our local businesses, pubs and restaurants back into operation in a safe way as soon as can be allowed.Even allowing for these changes, the needs in our community are still there and still warrant our support. Our group remains active, so if you, or anyone you know, need any further help, then please contact our co-ordinators who will try and assist:

Ren Jackaman (contact: parishclerkscpc@gmail.com or 07878 368857), our ‘vulnerable and self-isolating’ co-ordinator is sending out regular Facebook messages to those on her list, or making phone calls. Contact Ren if you want to be added to our list or if you know of a neighbour who might be in need of some support.Sarah Ross (contact: srossscpc@gmail.com or 01579 370521), our prescriptions and medicines co-ordinator, please contact her if you need help.Nigel Cooper (contact: njcooperscps@gmail.com or 07525 351628), our volunteer co-ordinator.Village Store: Sue Watts (contact: sue-watts@btconnect.com or call 01579 370201)

Stay safe and keep well. Please continue to follow the Government guidelines. It’s in all our interests that we do this and do our very best to help drive Covid-19 away.

THE STOKE CLIMSLAND DISASTER RELIEF GROUP UPDATE

HOW THE WORLD COPES WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING

SOME TOPICAL TIPS

Ireland hopes to allow hairdressers to reopen some time in July. Social distancing will clearly not be possible; one hairdresser is

suggesting this solution.

Social distancing in Canada. A very handy measure that we can strongly recommend; you need to know that one caribou

is equivalent to ten medium sized cats or five large dogs (standing, of course, in a row).

TOPICAL TIP #1:CENTRAL HEATNG OIL

TOPICAL TIP #2: CHECK YOUR CAR REGULARLY

Heating oil prices are at a 4 Year low as a direct result of tumbling crude prices and the Covid-19 pandemic. Now would be a good time to take advantage of these low prices and top up your tanks.

With the government advice to ‘stay at home’, and only use our vehicles for essential reasons, it means many cars will be sat unmoved and untouched. As social restrictions are likely to be in place for a while yet, it is best not to leave your car unchecked while it’s parked up. Here are a few things you can do to keep it in shape and maybe prevent you being stuck in a hospital car park with a flat battery as we were last week.• Start the car once or twice a week and keep it running for 15 minutes or so. This

will keep the battery charged and help the air conditioning seals.• Check the tyre pressures regularly, including the spare. But don’t make a special

trip out to use an inflator elsewhere!• Either before you’ve stopped using the car, or after starting it once a week,

make sure that nothing has been left running in or on the car. Sidelights and the radio are two of the most obvious examples, and ones that can quickly drain the battery. However, look out for auxiliary items too – sat-navs, for instance, can put a drain on the car. The last thing you want is to return to your car in a week’s time to find out that it needs jump starting.

• If you have a trickle charger and can keep your vehicle undercover or in a garage, you could consider leaving the battery on charge. It is a good way to ensure your car’s battery is kept in the best shape possible.

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R This Newsletter is being produced by Old School volunteers for the Parish Council. Please use our contacts to provide informatiuon or with questions about the Newsletter. Please do not leave

information at the Old School office which will not be be staffed for the foreseeable future.Editorial and information for inclusion: Deri Parsons 01579 370319 or derrick.parsons@btinternet.com

Advertising enquiries: Linda Ainsworth 01579 370632 or newsletteroldschool@gmail.comCompilation by John Wilmut

Week 1 of the Virtual Village Show 2020 has produced some cracking entries in the various classes. It is just for fun, there are no prizes but a little recognition beyond the confines of Facebook would not go amiss. Here a few of the entries in this week’s categories, which were: for adults – a current project in the garden or allotment, a lemon drizzle cake and a Haiku; for children - painted pebble and a Lego model.Stuck at home and wanting something to do? Why not post something from this week’s categories? They are, for adults, wildlife in the garden, jam tarts x 3 and a painted pebble. For children, they are: animal made from food and a recycled model of a boat.As before, post photographs on the Virtual Stoke Climsland Show 2020 Facebook page.

STOKE CLIMSLAND VILLAGE SHOW: A VIRTUAL SUCCESS

Wind strums fir tree Clear blue sky lays the backing My heart joins the song

Lesley Dingle

The road runs past Our present isolation; The future disappears.

David Price

Sally Harvey

Gareth Lawless

Luke Smith

Bridget Slater Langsford

Gilda (aged 3) and Rowan (aged 6)

Harvey-James (aged 4)

Gail Kirkpatrick

Eleanor Barnes

Gail Kirkpatrick

Chrissie Le Marchant

DOWN ON THE FARMALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

As of yet no ‘We love the NHS’ or ‘V for Victory’ signs have appeared locally in grassland fields. And we certainly do not want to encourage any artistic Banksy into creating crop circles come summer. But for the increasing number now enjoying their daily exercise around the many footpaths and lanes of the Parish, no one can fail to notice the continuous signs of the changing scenery.From the most patriotic displays of the hedge banks – their bold Red (Campion), White (Stitchwort) and Blue (Bluebells) - to the various states of budding and flowering of new leaf growth of bushes and trees. But on a landscape scale, it is the ever-changing colours of the various field crops that complement our famous patchwork of countryside and West Country vistas.Dominated by grassland – livestock grazing, or freshly mown early silage crops – quickly changing from green, to fawn and back again, often with a smelly hefty dose of liquid brown ‘fertiliser’. Cereal crops are now coming into head as the ears form the grain for harvest. The bright yellow flowers of Oil Seed Rape crops or the sweet smell of Spring Beans flowering and providing for the pollinating bees. Maybe the most

dramatic change is the sudden appearance of rows of clear white plastic, acting as a mini greenhouse to give the Grain Maize crop a head-start. The more conventional Forage Maize is still waiting to appear from its traditional brown earth sowing. Each in due season, all benefitting from the warmth and rain of springtime and setting the scene for summer. All part of life’s rich tapestry, Coronavirus pandemic or not.Our message remains to everyone during these testing times – Stay Home, Stay Safe and Support Local. As farmers and key workers, at the start of the food chain, we remain resilient and proud to continue to produce quality food to keep the shelves stocked for our nation. But please respect and enjoy the beautiful countryside we all have created ‘Down on the Farm’.

Photograph of a patriotic hedgerow by David Price

REMINDER: GET THE FACTS FROM CORNWALL COUNCIL

We have mentioned previously that Cornwall Council is providing an impressively comprehensive set of information to help you weather the Covid-19 storm. Through their website (www.cornwall.gov.uk), you can get guidance for just some of the following issues:• I’m finding it harder to cope at home• I don’t feel safe at home• I am worried about money• I run a business and need help• I’m struggling to understand• I have a worry about my home• Can I go to the tip yet?It is updated regularly which is important in the light of recent and future changes in the restrictions placed on us. It is there to support residents and businesses alike, as well as providing information on how Council services are affected. You can also sign up for a regular (weekly) e-mail that will keep you up-to-date with any changes.

Monday to Friday: the shop will be open from 8 am until 6 pm and the Post Office counter will be open from 11 am until 2 pm Saturday: Shop 7 am - 12.30 pm and PO counter 9 - 10.30 am Sunday: 9 am - 11 am shop only.If you prefer, we are delivering, with priority being given to those who are self-isolating. Or we offer a ‘call and collect’ option. For orders, please call us on 01579 370201, or email sue-watts@btconnect.com We can take payment over the ‘phone and aim to deliver the next day if you order before 4 pm. Minimum order £10, no delivery charge.

VILLAGE STORE AND POST OFFICE OPENING HOURS

THE STOKE CLIMSLAND CHARITY TRUST - A REMINDER

The Trustees of the Stoke Climsland Charity Trust (registered charity No. 306514) have consulted and decided that, within the terms of the constitution, it could allocate some funds to those living within the Parish to assist them during this period of extended shutdown of businesses.This was, in part, the result of several approaches offering donations to help those who would welcome some local financial support. At the time there was no mechanism to receive and distribute such contributions. However, through the Stoke Climsland Charity Trust, and with guidance from the Charity Commission, the Trust can handle such contributions. Stoke Climsland Parish Council also supports this initiative.You may already have seen a recent Facebook message outlining this new fund.• Are you struggling financially due to loss of income during this

shutdown period?• Applicants must be residents of Stoke Climsland Parish. • All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence under

GDPR and only the Trustees will know who the applicants are and of contributions made.

• For an application form please email: parishclerkscpc@gmail.com• If you would you like to donate to the Trust Fund to help others, you can do this via BACS to Stoke

Climsland Charity Trust, Sort Code 30-90-89, Account No. 55036168

Safer Cornwall is calling on residents to support each other during the pandemic and avoid confrontations over social distancing. The

partnership, made up of Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police and other agencies, has received reports of verbal abuse, abuse on social media, and criminal damage to personal property as a result of people being mistaken for breaking social distancing rules. Both Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team have warned that they will not tolerate behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress and will take action against those responsible. Safer Cornwall strongly discourages anyone from approaching another person to confront them about social distancing, or if they have concerns that a business is open that should not be. Instead, the partnership is reminding residents to treat one another with respect at this difficult time, and to report their concerns to the correct agencies so they can carry out the appropriate investigations.Anyone concerned about social gathering should contact the Police by calling 101 or email 101@dc.police.uk and 999 in an emergency. If a business is suspected of flouting closure orders reports should be made to Cornwall Council on 0300 123 1118 or by emailing covid19@cornwall.gov.uk

SAFER CORNWALL REMINDS COMMUNITIES TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER DURING PANDEMIC

Many thanks to Sheila Johnson for drawing our attention to a delightful period piece from the early 1950’s. Starting with shots of Luckett Station, that

magnificent terminus befitting the capital of the Parish, the film goes to enthrall us with a tale of a sheepdog saving a couple of children from a local tin mine. It was shot in and around the area and it would be great if any keen-eyed readers could identify the farm and the mine. If you can, let us know. You can find the film, it’s free to view, athttps://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-rover-makes-good-1952-online

ROVER MAKES GOOD

Ninetieth BirthdayYou go up the long trackThat will take a car, but is best walkedOn slow foot, noting the lichenThat writes history on the pageOf the grey rock. Trees are about youAt first, but yield to the green bracken,The nightjar’s house: you can hear it spin On warm evenings; it is still nowIn the noonday heat, only the lesser Voices sound, blue-fly and gnatAnd the stream’s whisper. As the road climbs, You will pause for breath and the far sea’s Signal will flash, till you turn againTo the steep track, buttressed with cloud.And there at the top that old woman, Born almost a century backIn that stone farm, awaits your coming; Waits for the news of the lost villageShe thinks she knows, a place that exists In her memory only. You bring her greetingAnd praise for having lasted so long With time’s knife shaving the bone. Yet no bridge joins her ownWorld with yours, all you can do Is lean kindly across the abyssTo hear words that were once wise.

POETRY TO REFLECT ON DURING THE ISOLATION OF LOCKDOWN

The poet R S Thomas (1913-2000) lived his whole life in Wales. Though his first language was English and he wrote all his poetry in English, he learned Welsh as a young man and was a strong, even vitriolic, defender of Welsh culture and heritage, though contemptuous of Welsh people who could not speak Welsh or who sold out to the English.He beame a priest in the Anglican church and all his parishes were in poor rural north Wales. He had a reputation for being remote and difficult, was tormented by his faith, yet wrote some of the most insightful and often beautiful poetry about people and places. In later life he was nominated for the Nobel prize in literature.

We are separated by lockdown. Some of us are regarded as ‘vulnerable’ and are isolated from the social interactions that we normally use to shield ourselves. It often feels as though the world is slipping away from us. R S Thomas can

see this as he climbs from his village near the Welsh coast to visit an elderly parishoner for whom normality is the stone walls of a remote farmhouse and her own fading recollections.If you would like to know more about R S Thomas and his poetry I can strongly recommend the biography by Byron Rogers The Man Who Went Into The West, Aurum Press, 2007, ISBN 978-1-84513-250-7; this will give you access to the various volumes of Thomas’ poems.

John Wilmut

Several people have asked me why the Parish Church clock no longer chimes especially as it was rather important on VE Day. The simple answer to this is that the mechanism needs repair and we have contacted the repairer. However, due to the current situation, he has been unable to visit us as the Church is closed because of the regulations imposed by The Church of England which were issued at the beginning of the lockdown. Further instructions were issued by The Church of England last week which stipulated that the winding of clocks along with ringing of bells is currently suspended and I have personally received an email from the Rural Dean, Chris Painter, reminding us of that. I therefore regret to inform you all that until restrictions are lifted, the Parish Church clock will be stopped, as allowing it to stop of its own accord would be detrimental to the mechanism. I look forward to when we all as a community can be together and the clock can be repaired.

Rob Stewart (Church Warden)(Just in case you are wondering, the photograph does not show socially-distancing clock-repairers but the men who repointed the church tower in 2014).

WHAT? NO CHURCH BELLS?