Smuggler's sword returns home

An engraved sword which once belonged to the infamous Polperro smuggler Robert Mark, has returned to the village, on loan from the National Museum of Arms and Armours in Leeds. It is to be displayed in the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing.

The sword was delivered in person by Martin Pegler, Senior Curator at the Leeds Museum, who handed it to Mike Blackmore, chairman of the harbour trustees and director of Polperro's museum.

The sword, which bears Robert Mark's name and the date 1789, was tracked down by Sharon Cook, fiancee of descendent Jason Mark, who has researched the family history. They were both in the village for the sword's arrival, together with Jason's father, Ralph Mark. Mark was killed when he was 'about his business' in December 1801, when his boat was hit by a cannonball. He is buried at Talland Church.

Squid is top

catch on market

The fish market has been bolstered this week by the return of the mackerel, and some excellent catches of squid, which have been fetching prices between 3.00 and 3.70 per kilo. Fish figures for week Friday, September 14 - Thursday September 20 (weights in kilos): Fri - squid 375, whiting 130, monk 50, (small market only five boats at sea); Mon - squid 2000, cod 120, lemons 220, plaice 200, monk 650, whiting 800, conger 120, bass 100, john dory 150, scallops 660 doz; Tues - squid 1700, cod 100, whiting 200, monk 200, scallops 450 doz; hook and line mackerel (L 300, M 500, S 800); Weds - squid 1800, lemons 100, cod 130, whiting 500, hook and line mackerel (L 300, M 960, S 1300); Thurs - squid 2000, cod 150, whiting 350, mackerel 1500.

Limpets lunch

LOOE Limpets reassembled for a well-attended autumn lunch at Tom Sawyers, Hannafore. Chief Limpet Fred Leese welcomed members and friends, and called upon Limpet Ray to thank everyone who had contributed to making the occasion so enjoyable.

Chance to see

dahlia garden

THE Ryder Project is to benefit from an open garden day at Bogga Mill, Lanreath, this Sunday, September 23, from 11am-5pm.

Bogga Mill is the home of Roy Knight, chairman of the Cornish Dahlia Society, and the garden is still full of beautiful blooms and colour, and is well worth a visit. Roy came back from the Royal Cornwall Show with the large gold medal for his dahlia display.

There will be tea and coffee throughout the day, plus cream teas, pasties, a raffle and tombola. Follow the signs from the village centre.

Valley Singers

at school

THE Looe Valley Singers will be in concert at the Primary School, Barbican, tonight (Friday), September 21 at 7.30pm. The programme is billed as 'West End to Broadway via the Silver Screen', with excellent entertainment assured.

Admission is £2 with child concessions and all proceeds are for school funds.

The next event at the school will be a Medieval Fair on Saturday, October 6.