Date set for
Trawler Race
SATURDAY, July 14, has been announced as the date for Looe's popular annual Trawler Race, with the vessels heading out to sea for the 'skirmish' around the bay and back at about 12 noon.
As usual there will be various prizes according to the boat size, but the most sought after is the fancy dress award.
It is understood that secretive plans are already well in hand! Spectators not only enjoy watching the colourful race, but also the antics before and after when most crews indulge in a little friendly and humorous rivalry, which usually involves getting very wet.
The race will be followed by a bar and barbecue on the fish quay with a live band, and in place of the auction held in previous years - which organisers say took too long to get through due to everyone's generosity - there will instead be a large raffle.
Anyone who would like to donate prizes is asked to contact the Blue Sail Fish Company on 01503 264069, or Phil Dingle on 01503 263422.
Proceeds are for the RNLI and Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, and chosen local charities.
Forum
meets
THE next meeting of Looe Town Forum takes place at Looe Community School on Wednesday next, June 6, at 7pm. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in discussions about various issues affecting Looe.
Limpets' farewell
to Wendy
LOOE Limpets held their Whitsun lunch at Tom Sawyers and although there were not as many members present as usual, the event was still enjoyed in the customary convivial style.
Chief Limpet Fred Leese, presiding, appealed to the Limpetesses to take a turn at moving the thanks. Both he and Limpet Peter Leggat, who thanked all at Tom Sawyers for their welcome, also thanked Wendy, attending her last Limpet lunch, for her unfailing cheerfulness and efficiency over a series of parties.
Sid Gardner retires
as county member
COUNCILLOR Sid Gardner attended his last town council meeting on Monday evening, as Looe's representative on Cornwall County Council. After a four year stint he will not be re-seeking election at county level on June 7.
He said he had had an interesting time at county during a momentous period during which there had been many changes in Local Government. He said he now intends instead to put all his efforts into representing the town, as one of the three Caradon councillors.
Mr Gardner is a busy member of the Caradon Cabinet, with a portfolio for 'caring for people'. This involves health and housing. 'I am sometimes called the OAPs' champion' he said, 'but that fits with my age'.
Mr Gardner last week represented Caradon at County Hall for the launch of the concessionary fares for senior citizens and the disabled.
The mayor, councillor Wally Scarah, thanked Mr Gardner on behalf of the town council. 'He has put in many hours of work serving our community' he said. Councillor Jimmy Dingle said if the new county councillor, whoever he might be, was half as good as Sid, he would do a good job.
No quorum for
Trust talk
An attempt by Looe town council to hold a discussion on the agenda about the idea of joining East and West Looe Town Trusts, failed at Monday night's meeting.
Mayor Wally Scarah, deputy mayor Frances Kenshole, and councillors Dave Bryan and Ron Overd all declared an interest as Trust members. This left only three councillors which was not a quorum.
On the suggestion of councillor Jimmy Dingle it was decided to write to both Trusts asking for their views before the subject came up again.
Harbour warning
to 'tombstoners'
LOOE Harbour Commissioners are still warning of the grave dangers to youngsters who are continuing to jump off the ends of the Banjo Pier and Little Pier, and then trying to swim across the river.
A harbour spokesperson said on Wednesday that many of the youngsters had been identified, and the Board would be contacting their parents. As soon as the new term starts they will also be seeking an input through the local schools to try and hammer home the danger message.
'We have to put a stop to this before there is a serious accident or even worse' said the spokesperson. 'The doodlebugs are now in operation, and they don't always have experienced boatmen driving them. The river is very busy, and is a death trap to these silly youngsters'.
Fish figures
still good
Many of the boatmen are now also engaged taking tourists out on day trips, but the figures are still remaining quite good for this time of year with lemons and whiting being the mainstay.
Fish figures for week Friday May 25 - Thursday May 31 (weights in kilos): Fri - squid 60, lemons 1700, plaice 170, whiting 2400, pouting 200, monk 100, john dory 70, turbot 60; Tues - lemons 1000, plaice 200, monk 100, whiting 1500, pollack 100, conger 350, scallops 150 doz; Weds - squid 40, plaice 140, monk 100, lemons 700, pollack 200, whiting 650, cod 100, turbot 350; Thurs - squid 120, lemons 1800, plaice 300, cod 100, pollack 200, whiting 900, monk 150.
Still no drop in
for youngsters
DISAPPOINTMENT by Looe's youngsters that the town is still no further forward after much fundraising and appeals, in providing them with proper youth facilities, came to the fore at the town council meeting.
Councillor Dave Bryan said Looe Youth Action was in fact fed up with no action.
Councillor Roy Perriment said LYA was still waiting for the council to hold a meeting on youth matters.
'We have been talking for years and got nowhere' he said. 'We must make a commitment to our young people.
Besides needing a Drop In Centre they also want a Youth Officer in the town'.
Councillor Jimmy Dingle said it was the responsibility of the town to look after its youngsters and suggested a meeting be held in June as soon as possible.
Mayor Wally Scarah said enquiries must also be made to try and gain some Key Funding for a proper youth centre.
Hugh to preach
at Hannafore
THERE will be a chance to meet and listen to one of the area's best known local Methodist preachers on Sunday, when Mr Hugh Beswetherick of Dobwalls will be speaking at Hannafore, West Looe, near the cafe at 3pm.
At 98, Hugh is the oldest preacher in the Liskeard/Looe Circuit and has been preaching for a remarkable 70 years. This will be his third visit to Hannafore this year.
'What God did with ordinary people on the day of Pentecost by the Sea of Galilee, He can do today by the sea at Looe' says Hugh.