IF there were a 'Camelot' anywhere in South East Cornwall then the idyllic and tranquil village of St John, would be a main contender.

People who live there say it is extremely well protected by the two lines of hills and woodlands which surround it, which means it experiences very few frosts, and there has hardly ever been any snow. Apparently the more extreme weather seems to pass over the top of the village and heads towards Plymouth!

Only about three miles from Torpoint and positioned at the head of the tidal estuary of St John's Lake, facing Devonport, this charming village lies in an area of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and in a wildlife protected area. The Lake and ford are a haven for wild birds, including waders and egrets, and even osprey have been seen there.

It is also part of its own small parish, known as St John-in-Cornwall. This is because Devon once included much of the Rame Peninsula and St John was on the Cornish border. The parish also takes in Freathy, Tregonhawke and Treninnow which follow the coastline. However, the village itself straddles two parishes, with some of the community finding themselves in the neighbouring parish of Antony. The Sunwell stream is the dividing line.

As you cross the little bridge over the stream the ancient church of St John comes into view, and the neat and tidy appearance of the War Memorial situated close by, surrounded by a well cut grassy bank with a rose garden and varnished bench, gives one the impression that this is a place where the community cares for its environment.

The church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, and before that St John the Evangelist up until 1912, is dominated by a large stubby Norman tower dating back to the 11/12th century. On the west wall of the tower is a list of rectors from 1270, but unfortunately much of the history of St John was lost when the church records, stored at Mount Edgcumbe House for safety during the Second World War, were destroyed when the house was hit during a bombing raid.

The tower houses only three bells, which is unusual, the treble being the oldest and dating back to pre-reformation, and parishioners like to think they were rung to warn of the approaching Spanish Armada in 1588. However, it is certain that up until New Year's Eve, 1999, the bells had not been rung for more than half a century, so it was a new experience for many to hear them ringing out merrily to welcome the new millennium. This was made possible by the parochial church council's decision to have them restored, helped financially by the Truro Dioceson Guild. The oak bell frame is 16th century and the oldest in Cornwall.

Also to commemorate the millennium two paintings were commissioned from local artist David Greenhalgh of Picture Hill. They are unique 'torn' paper collages and depicting the village and the church they are living memorials of St John in the 21st century.

Rector of the Grade One Listed church for the past two years has been Father Christopher Epps who says the history is important but more importantly it is a living place of worship. Also in charge of All Saints, Millbrook, Father Epps spends Wednesdays at St John where there is a 10am service, the Sunday service being at 9am. Both are Holy Eucharists.

Profits

He says the church has an excellent inter-relationship with the village hall and the pub and all help one another out. A harvest celebration is hosted by the pub the proceeds of an auction of produce being shared by the church and hall, and the hall has recently held a Christmas Fayre, sharing the profits with the church. During the festive season the annual carols by candlelight service will be held in the church on December 10, and on the 15th the pub will have a Christmas carols evening. There will also be carol singing around the village. 'Whether they are worshippers or not, everyone likes to help the church and keep it in the lovely condition it is,' says Father Epps.

The church organist is Mrs Jean Stevens, and churchwardens are Mr John Woodfields and Mrs Barbara Ball.

Father Epps has put the church on the internet with its own extensive website, and has also been responsible for the production of a brief history and guide book about the church. He received help with this from Mr Cecil Moreton, who at 88 is one of the oldest residents, and knows much about the history of St John, especially the church. He was warden for more than 20 years. Together with his wife Jean, they moved to the village in 1948, first living at Trellis Cottage before moving to their bungalow which is over the river and puts them in Antony parish!

Cecil remembers the last incumbent of the outstandingly beautiful rectory, Canon Benskin, who was vicar of Antony and rector of St John.

Now known as the Old Rectory, it has been owned by Clive and Button Poole for the last four years, and is run as country house accommodation, being especially suitable for those in need of some quiet retreat.

However, it was far from quiet when the grounds and village were used some time ago for the filming of the Russ Abbot television Christmas special. Les Dennis was also in the action.

Clive, who is the public relations officer for RATS (Rame Association of Traders), and serves on the PCC, said when the family came to look at The Rectory they drove up through the village. 'We stopped at the hall and read the notice board which was advertising a Caribbean theme night. 'We decided there and then that this was a community that did things together and it was for us' he said. 'This village and the Rame Peninsula as a whole is the real Cornwall which people remember from their childhoods. It is unspoilt and special'.

Another resident who loves village life is Mrs Jean Warren, who retired from Cambridgeshire 18 years ago. She particularly enjoys the short mat bowls sessions. 'This is a very nice village with a lovely atmosphere' she said. 'Everyone looks out for each other'. The most famous villager is Pete Goss, well known for his bravery at sea when he rescued a French yachtsman during a storm, and for the exciting Team Phillips venture based at Totnes. Together with his wife and family they live in a charming and large cottage in the centre of St John.

Family

Cecil may be one of the oldest residents, but it is Mrs Carol Dann who was born at Marks Cottage next to the church, who has probably lived in the village the longest. Her family has been in St John for generations and her mother was in service at Wolsdon House, the large white mansion overlooking the village, whose estate once owned most of the properties and land, and her father did his apprenticeship as a wheelwright there. Carol resides at Trellis Cottage with her husband Malcolm, a retired policeman and teacher, and their daughter Kathryn. They also have a son, Stuart.

Another long term resident is Mrs Doris Stevens, whose sons David and Michael also live in the village with their families, and there are a group of dwellings known as Barrett Cottages, named after the late Eddie Barrett, who was a church warden for many many years.

Wolsdon House is named after the family of that name who settled in the area after the Norman Conquest. In the 16th century it passed to the Bogers through a female line who lived there up until the Second World War when the RAF were billeted there. After this it came into the ownership of Mr Stuart Roseveare, a former Liberal candidate for the Bodmin constituency, and his sister, Miss Jane Roseveare now lives there.

Bowls

It was the Boger's who gave the land for the village hall, formerly known as the Recreation Club, which villagers built themselves in 1926. It is a hub of activity, and is run by a management committee, chaired by Ray Waldock. He is in the throes of taking his turn at organising one of the popular wine/theme evenings, and is presenting 'Out of Africa'.

Twice a week there is a short mat bowls session, and on Wednesdays, after the church service, there is a busy coffee morning where local produce is often exchanged or bought. Villagers are now in rehearsal for the cabaret evening, involving all ages, to take place on Saturday, December 2nd.

A well kept secret which everyone 'knows about' will be the first appearance of the newly formed St John Morris Men. They are being trained by Becky Keach, of the former Mill on The Brook ladies team.

Also a committee member is Ray's wife Pam, who also serves as secretary of the PCC. The couple moved to St John from Torpoint about 28 years ago, and both are enthusiastic members of the Liskeard/Looe Hash Harriers.

Busy Ray, retired from the Royal Navy, also doubles up as chairman of the parish council, the district councillor being Liz Fourniss. He says unlike some small picturesque villages, St John only has a few holiday homes, as most are occupied all year round. He said the population has many retired people but the village is thriving well with about 42 children under the age of 13. The infants attend nearby Antony Primary School, while the older children travel to Torpoint School.

A group of mums are working together to put on events for the pre-teens, and have come together after the disbandment of the Busy Bees about a year ago.

They started off with an enjoyable bonfire party and are organising a Christmas party on December 9 in the village hall.

Also central to village life is the lovely 16th century St John Inn, under the popular ownership for the last 3 years of Roy and Pat Wheelwright. They have made some welcome changes in keeping with the character of the pub which is renowned for delicious Sunday lunches.

Roy and Pat were enjoying a well earned break in Cyprus when the Cornish Times called, safe in the knowledge that their inn is in the capable hands of daughter and son-in-law Tricia and Darren Child. As managers of a club in Aberystwyth Darren said they were thoroughly enjoying their 'busman's holiday'.

They brought four of their six children, Christina, Keiran, Lee and Abigail with them, with Rhea and Lewis staying at home in Wales.

St John also has a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, co-ordinated by Audrey Wilton and Dee Brown, and there is so much going on that there is a looked forward to monthly Village Newsletter, produced by Jean Brown, which keeps everyone informed.