Falmouth Meeting - 17th December 2008 

Unfortunately our speaker booked for the monthly meeting at St Mary’s Church Hall, Falmouth had to cancel at the last moment due to illness. Fortunately however last month’s speaker, Russell Holt was able to fill the gap, which he did so admirably. He gave an illustrated talk under the title ‘Industrial Archaeology – Animal, Wind and Water Power’. 

Within the county of Cornwall over a number of years, Russell has photographed many examples of long since forgotten and often changed buildings containing machinery used to generate power for such diverse applications as grinding corn to powering foundries.  Many of the round or hexagonal buildings were used for animal powered machinery these being found mainly on farms many of which no longer contained the machinery used but fortunately he was able to find and photograph a few examples.  Evidence of wind power, ie: windmills is still there if you know where to look. 

The main part of Russell's talk covered water power mainly water mills where there are fortunately still a number of examples to be found in the county. He was also able to show a few examples of where creeks have been used to generate power through the use of reservoirs. As he pointed out the cost of maintaining these various monuments to the past is often the main stumbling block to retaining them but at least there are some pictorial records to show future generations part of their heritage which is rapidly disappearing.  Russell has written an illustrated book entitled ‘Cornwall’s Industrial Past’ which gives map references as to where some of the items illustrated can be seen. After such a detailed talk there were few questions and Pamela Dinsmore gave a vote of thanks saying that we were looking forward to future talks next year.

The next meeting will be on the 21^st January 2009, when Dean Evans will give a talk on the Victorian philanthropist John Passmore Edwards.

John Harris, 19th December

Truro Meeting - 16th December 2008

The results of the Poetry and Prose Competition and also the Photographic Competition, held in memory of Barbara Scammell, were announced at the meeting in Truro Town Hall and the prize winners were presented with their awards.   

Ian Searle opened the meeting with a short account of Barbara's life. He explained that she had founded U3A Carrick in 1990 and then worked hard as Chairman and later as Life President. Mary Bryon-Edmond and Chris Berry from the Hayle U3A Creative Writing group had read through the poetry and prose competition entries submitted by our members. They selected Ian Searle's poem "Fish" as the winner of the poetry section, with Edith Pascoe's "The Guitarist" as runner-up.  The winner of the prose section was Nancy Kinnison, with her fairy story "A Kind of Magic" and the runner-up was Jo Grande's "Retribution".   

Pam Baker and Molly Dussek, both of whom had been members of Barbara's poetry group for a number of years, presented the trophies and cash prizes. The winners and runners-up then read out their compositions to the meeting.    Dave Neale explained that he and Mary were preparing to publish all of the entries, and it was hoped that a memorial booklet would be available early in the New Year.   Following a break for tea and mince pies, John Bishop showed the meeting the new large 'F' hand bell that had been purchased for Carrick Bells,  partly with funds from Barbara's bequest. 

"Ancient & Modern"  Robyn Hall  - Winner: Barbara Scammell Photographic Competition              

Gilbert Rimes then gave a PowerPoint presentation, showing all the photographic competition entries on the theme of "My Cornwall".  He presented the trophy and winner's prize to Robyn Hall and the second prize to Eric Irons.   Overall, it was a very pleasant afternoon. Maybe we could have these competitions again next year!

Tony Herring, 16th December 2008

Perranwell Christmas Show 2008 

Our annual Christmas Show, one again organised and led by Les Moulson, took place on December 3rd at Perranwell Village Hall, to a packed house of some 150 members, whom Les in fine spirit, led through an opening short story, to be followed with enthusiastic audience participation in a performance of  the "Twelve Days of Christmas".    

This was followed by the intrepid pair, Mrs Harris and Mrs. Trebilcock, who gave us a couple of their celebrated dialogues; these were both very amusing and much appreciated by the audience.  

Marjorie Roach then led The Carrick Bells through four well know numbers, culminating in a rousing performance of  Gilbert and Sullivan's "With Cat-like Tread" from the "Pirates of Penzance" to be followed by Peggy Williams, who recited two poems, including "The Jumblies" by Edward Lear.

Les once again returned, to lead the audience in a session of Christmas carols, to bring the show to its conclusion, at which point we all adjourned to the West Room, where Bill Brown and Michael Tapp had laid on wine, fruit juices and mince pies for all.    In support of Mrs Harris' and Mrs Trebilcock's favourite charity, a bucket collection  was taken for "The Precious Lives Appeal" which raised £146.60 for the long-awaited Cornish Children's' Hospice, 'Little Harbour' planned for Porthpean.   

Finally, our thanks to Les Moulson, for his enthusiasm and production of the show and to Gilbert Rimes for the pictures!

 Duncan Tribute, 3rd December

Anyone interested in joining Carrick U3A, or participating in any of our wide range of activities should contact David Neale (Membership Secretary) on Truro (01872) 320107 to request an membership information pack