Jail breakers to make
new bid for freedom
LOOE'S intrepid jail breakers, who raised £4,000 for children with cerebral palsy in the 2000 October Jail Break, are to make a bid for freedom once more.
The Admiral Boscarn is the venue for the ladies first fundraiser towards the April 2002 'Great Escape'. They will hold a special children's party there on Sunday, December 30. There will be a disco, plus entertainment from Firebird International, a raffle and prizes for the best fancy dress, which is optional. The fun is between 2.00pm and 4.00pm and admission is £1 for children, adults free.
The jail breakers are Tracy Taylor, Tracy Mitchell, Leanne Winterton, Gemma Tamblyn and Diane Parker, and cerebral palsy has been chosen by them once more as the charity to benefit from the jail break, as Diane's own three year old son is a sufferer.
The ladies didn't take part in this year's run for freedom, as both Tracy (Taylor) and Diane were otherwise engaged - having babies!
Absent from next April's line-up will be Tracey Parry who has since moved to Lanzarote, and it is Gemma who has taken her place.
The remaining four, however, are already in training, and say all funds raised will be for Vanch House, which runs schools and centres for cerebral palsy affected children. They wish to thank everyone for their generous support last time and are hoping for the same response again.
Open day
at sanctuary
THE Monkey Sanctuary Trust in Looe has opened its doors to a new species of primate. Frosty, the Black Capped Capuchin arrived in Cornwall on August 31 following months of fundraising and labouring to build his new enclosure. Since his arrival, he has captivated staff and visitors alike with his increasing vocabulary and singing. Frosty's arrival marked a major development in the Sanctuary's work. The Sanctuary started as a rescue centre for Woolly monkeys in the 1960s giving deprived, lonely or neglected monkeys the chance of a new start. By opening its doors to a new species by introducing Frosty, the centre has embarked on a new era and challenge. Staff and associates of the Sanctuary would like to thank all those involved in the new project.
The sanctuary will be holding an open day this Sunday, December 9, from 12.00pm-3.00pm. Entry is free and will include wreath making and Christmas card making. There will be entertainment in the form of resident musicians and refreshments of mince pies and punch will also be provided.
For further information contact the sanctuary on 01503 262532.
Centenary
of rescue
RAY Thornton reports that to date 47 living relations of the Looe Lifeboat crew involved in the rescue of 19 French sailors from The Gypsy, which foundered off Downderry in 1901, are to attend the small service of thanksgiving and remembrance to mark the centenary.
The service is to be held on the seafront today, at 12 noon, and all interested in the marking of this historic event are welcome to attend.
The bravery of the crew of the lifeboat, 'Boys Own No1' was recognised by the French government who awarded them medals. The coxswain, Edward Toms, received a gold medal, which will be on display along with the other medals. It is presently in the keeping of Mr Brian Penrose Toms, who lives in Looe
The service will be conducted by the rector, the Rev Brian McQuillen, who will also take part in a dramatised reading of the rescue, along with Ray and John Pope. John has recently retired from active service on Looe's present RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, Spirit of the RAOC, and is now shore helper.
Fish figures
This week was a good week for mackerel in Looe. Fish figures from Monday December 3 - Wednesday December 5. (All weights in kg): Mon - squid 550, cuttle 1100, lemons 100, whiting 250, cod 150, monk 180, scallops 360 doz, mackerel 1100l 1900lm 8300 m 10,300s; Tues - squid 100, cuttle 200, whiting 60, mackerel 5200l 1200lm 7100m 11,600s; Wed - mackerel 5200l 1200lm 7100m 11,600s.
Figures courtesy Looe Fish Selling.
100th anniversary
of lifeboat
THE Ryder, the restored Looe lifeboat which now forms part of the Polperro Heritage Museum will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year. It was built in London at the Thames Iron Works.
The Ryder has been entered for the annual Thames Rowing Race in September 2002 as part of its centenary celebrations. The course down the Thames is 23 miles. The Ryder is looking for some extra crew members to take part in this race and to form part of this historic team.
Anyone who feels they can fulfil the demanding requirements of a team member to row the Ryder should contact the Chairman of the Ryder project, Mr Tony White on 01503 272225 daytime, or 01503 263199.
Meetings to
be open?
TRUSTEES of East Looe Town Trust are currently considering whether to make their business more open by allowing the general public to attend their meetings. It is expected a decision will be made after further discussion at their next full meeting.
First aid day
TEN fishermen from the port of Looe attended a first aid training day at the RNLI Lifeboat house run by Western Training of Plymouth.
A qualified first aider on board a fishing vessel is now a requirement by the Marine and Coastguard Agency as a safety measure.
All those involved, skippers and crew, gained their first aid certificates.
Council vacancy
THE electorate of Looe are currently being asked if they wish an election by ballot to fill a vacancy on the town council.
In accordance with election rules, if 10 or more members request a ballot in writing then one must be arranged.
The closing date is Thursday, December 13, and requests must be via the Returning Officer at Caradon District Council. Alternatively the council will themselves co-opt a new councillor. This will be a replacement for Mrs Carole Andrews.
Christmas lunch
GUESTS are required for a free Christmas lunch which is to be held at Looe Community School on December 25, and is being organised by Looe and district Churches Together.
The Christmas lunch is open to all those on their own for Christmas Day, such as single parent families or people living alone, who would like to share the occasion with others. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Ann Sanders on 01503 272032, or Rev Maggie Tubbs on o1503 265628, or call into the Cornerstone shop in Looe.