Festival on course

for 2001

THE annual general meeting of the Polperro Festival of Arts was held recently in the Rowett Institute when the dates for next year's looked forward to event were set for May 16-24.

There were no changes in officers with Teddy Pilcher remaining as chairman, Brian Shepherd, secretary and Ann Shepherd, treasurer. Also serving on the committee are Derek Campbell (poetry), Robert Chisman (Morris Men), Roger Powell (art), Ann Olner (floral dance), Bryn Taylor (media), Monica Field Johnson, Emma Wallington and Richard Laurence.

Anyone with ideas and suggestions about various events is asked to contact any committee member. Their thoughts will be most welcome.

Crime figures

are down

CONSTABLE Barry Mills of Looe police reports a drop in reported crimes in the town area of 40, in comparison with the same period (January 1 - November 13) 1999, when the figure was 318 offences as opposed to 278. There have been 37 offences between the six week period of October 2 - November 13 this year, the two dates he has given reports to the town council. During the same period last year the total was 45.

Statistics show there were five burglaries (non household), 16 thefts from motor vehicles, 3 damages to buildings, four thefts, one attempted murder (not involving local people), one administration of poisoning, two drink related offences, one menacing call by telephone, one excess alcohol, one assault, two possession of drugs.

Car park funds

should be used

CARADON Council have informed Looe town council of suggested changes to their maintenance services, including slipways. They have asked if the public slipway in the Millpool car park is necessary, and if so would they consider taking a long lease of the facility and maintaining it themselves.

Councillor Dave Peat said the slip was enormously important and the only accessible one to get large boats into the water. It was also hugely popular in the summer with visitors.

Councillors are to tell Caradon the slipway is much needed and they should continue to maintain it themselves using funds from the Millpool car park revenue.

A giant lion

for Alex

JEREMY and Charlotte, the parents of Barbican youngster Alex Lane, say they cannot thank enough all the people who supported the auction at J Arthur's on Friday to raise funds in aid of his 'Early Intervention Behavioural Treatment'. They are delighted to report the total raised was a staggering £2,847.74.

Jeremy says proprietors Stuart and Lisa Fisher and staff were great as was auctioneer Sean Barrett. 'We also wish to thank everyone for their generous bids and for the many items which were given' says Jeremy.

They were particularly touched by the person, they believe to be called Lenny, who bid £180 for a giant lion, and then dropped by the house the next day and gave it to Alex as a gift. Jeremy says this lovely gesture has made a little boy very happy indeed.

There were also spontaneous gifts on the night which included local chef Julian Clements standing up and offering to cook a five course meal in the buyer's home which raised £115, and Saltash jeweller Jason Bond offered a £250 voucher which made a further £195.

Singing for

the RNLI

THE RNLI will be the beneficiary from a grand concert at Riverside United Church tonight (Friday), December 1, to round off the evening of fun welcoming Santa to the town by boat, and the switching on of the Christmas lights.

The two choirs providing the entertainment from 7.30pm, will be the Looe Valley Singers, fresh from their success at the Plymouth Music Festival, where they won the top choir award, and the Newquay Male Voice Choir, who are stalwart supporters of the RNLI in their home port. Singer/guitarist Tricia Moore will also feature.

Tickets are £2.50 at the RNLI shop on East Looe Quay or at the door from 7pm.

Chamber quiz night

The December 5 meeting of Looe and Polperro Chamber of Commerce, is a special quiz night and members and guests are being invited to get into the festive spirit at the Harbour Moon Restaurant, West Looe, where a free glass of mulled wine and festive fayre are to be enjoyed.

Teams of four are being sought to compete for a luxury Christmas hamper. Quiz master will be Tony 'the weakest link' White who is also compiling the questions. Quiz entry is £1 per person, at 7pm for 7.30pm start.

To enter contact Tony at Polperro Post Office on 01503 272225.

Poor weather

and no fish

THE fleet is back to full strength since about ten trawlers came back to port a few weeks ago, after fishing out of Brixham for cuttle. However, continuing poor weather , coupled with low catches and high fuel prices has led to fishermen hoping for some improvement before Christmas.

Fish figures for week Friday, November 24 - Thursday December 30 (weights in kilos). Fri - squid 300, cuttle 160, hake 150, codling 200, lemons 100, monk 100, whiting 1000, mackerel 800, pollack 150; Mon - squid 200, hake 100, whiting 1000, codling 100, conger 150, pollack 150; Tues - squid 250, codling 360, whiting 800, lemons 60 (weather kept most of fleet in on Mon), Weds and Thurs no markets poor weather.

Polperro

appeal

AN appeal has been lodged following a Caradon council decision to refuse permission to change the use of stores on the first floor of The Stores, Lansallos Street, Polperro to a dwelling.

The council contended that the proposed alterations to the listed building would adversely affect its character. The appeal, by Mr S J Byford, will be dealt with by the written representation method.