Latest News
The Cardinham Parish Emergency Plan can be found here
The Blisland Community Website can be found here and the weekly Blisland Digital Newsletter here
The Blisland Parish Council Website can be found here
Calling Bodmin Moor Farmers
Members of Liskeard & Bodmin Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be at this event on Wednesday 4th February at 7 pm in Blisland Village Hall, and would encourage local Farmers to attend. Dogs worrying livestock continues to be a real and growing issue across Bodmin Moor. This is an evening about sharing practical experience, improving understanding and working together on realistic ways to reduce incidents.
‘Working Together Across Bodmin Moor’ is a community and Police led event especially for those of you who farm, work and live on the Moor. We’re pleased to be joined by Trevor Wayborn from The Sheep Show who brings practical insight and lived experience from working directly with farming communities.
Places are limited so if this issue affects you, or your stock, please register to attend using the link below. The Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team very much look forward to meeting you.
Click here to book your place- https://forms.office.com/e/Yb3s2Br6Ss
Liskeard Police Bodmin Police Launceston Police
St Meubred’s Tower Repair Fund
Saturday 13th March, 7.30 pm in Cardinham Parish Hall. Talk from Chris Batters on ‘Filming in Cornwall’, A light hearted slide show of Chris’ connection with the making of famous films in Cornwall. Followed by light refreshments.
Thursday 25th June, at 7 pm, in St Meubred’s Church, Johnny Cowling Show with light refreshments. Raffle to be drawn.
Sunday 19th July ,Tower Open Day. To include tower tours, refreshments, stalls and wedding dress display
Dates to be confirmed: Auction of Promises, Duck Race in Cardinham Woods, walks/rides and teas, celebration of the centenary of the organ installation.
Jenny Cruse has compiled this interesting and useful summary of the important activities underway in Cornwall Council at the moment. Cardinham Parish Council has been discussing these issues over the autumn and has already submitted an Expression of Interest saying that a Neighbourhood Priorities Statement may be submitted after full guidance has been received towards the end of the year, and an Open Meeting held in the Parish to gather the views of Parishioners. So watch this space!
“Cornwall needs a new Local Plan because the current one is no longer sufficient
to meet new, higher housing targets set by the government, and its policies are
aging. The existing plan is also being updated to incorporate recent changes,
such as the declaration of a climate emergency and a shift in transport philosophy
to prioritize community needs over car-centric growth.
Housing targets have increased
The government’s standard method for calculating housing needs has changed,
requiring Cornwall to plan for 4,421 new homes per year instead of the 2,707 in
the existing plan. The current plan cannot meet this new requirement, meaning
some of its policies are now considered “out of date”.
Age of the plan
Since the current plan is more than five years old, the council must be able to
demonstrate that it remains “up to date” and can meet the housing numbers and
current ‘Concept of Sustainable Development’
Therefore all planning applications currently refer back to the National Planning
Policy Framework and requires us to find in favour of the ‘Presumption of
Sustainable Development.’
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework–2
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.“
Such needs would be Social Economic and Environmental. However, soundings
are that Environmental needs are set to be outweighed by the Social/Economic
needs.
Time line to produce plan
Formal construction of plan to commence February 2026 and is planned to
complete circa 2028. Followed by Examination and Adoption process that will
lead to adoption circa January 2029.
An initial public survey can be accessed on the ‘Lets Talk’ Council page where you
will find links to various important documents.
https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-for-our-future
Interim policy statement from Cornwall Planning
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/4vgdpzic/interim-policy-statement-finalapril-
2025.pdf
Baseline report
https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/s191421/Local%20Plan%20
Update%20-%20Appendix%201%20-%20Draft%20Baseline%20Report.pdf
Draft plan
https://democracy.cornwall.gov.uk/documents/s191423/Local%20Plan%20update%
20-%20Appendix%203%20-%20Draft%20Engagement%20Plan.pdf
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Public Consultations (Walk in events) are currently taking place all over Cornwall
where the public are invited to attend and have their say. A list of these are available
on the Cornwall Council website.
Lost Neighbourhood Plans There must exist a certain amount of embarrassment
by Officers regarding the fact that only eleven out of 77 Neighbourhood Plans in
Cornwall are deemed to be ‘in date’ based on the rationale that those plans make
specific site allocations which are deemed to be of sufficient size and protected
by14B in the National Planning Policy Framework. These plans involved the public
and specifically the Parish Councils in a huge amount of work which involved
public engagement and hours of very hard high level detailed presentation. All of
which was undertaken by volunteers. There was also funding available to enable
the Parish Councils to do a thorough engagement with the public.. A new system
called a Neighbourhood Priority Statement is now being piloted. It is to be hoped
that original detail can be incorporated into the new statements. No funding has
been made available for the proposed NPS.
Call for sites As part of the Government directives Cornwall Council have put
out a ‘Call for sites’ in order to provide a 2050 land supply. The initial returns were
sifted through by a board of Developers and Planning Officers, for suitability.
There was a link supplied to the public to make comment, which I shared at the
time, but the system was not easy, but may still be followed through the Council
website until the 1st January 2026. I commented on two sites in my division when
I was the Local Member.. https://cfs.cornwall.urbanintelligence.co.uk
Climate Emergency
Cornwall declared a climate emergency in 2019, and the new plan is being developed
to include policies that address this directly, helping to shape a more
resilient future for the region. For example all new approved applications must
provide housing to a carbon neutral standard and if this is not achieved a £25,000
levy is taken for each house built which is then used to retrofit the Councils existing
housing stock.
Changed transport philosophy
The new plan is moving away from the “predict and provide” model, which led
to more traffic and pollution. The new “decide and provide” model will focus on
working with communities to plan for their specific needs and create healthier,
more sustainable places. Notably there appear to be traffic monitoring going on
in areas that are defined for development.
However robust the ‘transport plans’ appear on planning applications the reality
is that people are generally very reluctant to use public transport (if it is available)
bicycle and pedestrian means of movement. The noticeable increase in traffic on
all our roads will certainly not improve and is set to be substantially increased.”
Jenny Cruse – 11/11/2025
Be Alert for Burglars
After several burglaries in the area the Police are warning everyone to stay aware and take precautions to secure their homes and properties.
Detectives have launched an investigation into a series of burglaries which have occurred in East Cornwall. As part of their investigation, they are seeking dashcam footage from anyone who was driving along Well Lane, which is the main road between St Cleer and Tramar in Liskeard on Monday 20 October. One of the incidents took place between 7.20am and 2.10pm on Monday 20 October at a property on Well Lane in St Cleer, with another occurring between 9.30am and 1pm on Trecarne view, St Cleer. In both incidents, jewellery and cash was stolen.
Detective Inspector Claire Nicholls said: “We believe that both incidents are part of a wider burglary series in the area. Many of the incidents have taken place in Liskeard, but we also have reports of burglaries in Pelynt, Looe, Widegates, Menheniot and Polbathic. The incidents have increased in the past few weeks with thieves targeting rural and secluded properties often in the daytime. Many of the incidents result in jewellery and cash being taken. We are asking residents to come forward with any information, particularly if they have doorbell camera footage. We are also reminding locals to be vigilant about home safety, ensuring homes are secure. Please see further home safety advice here https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/
“If you have any information, please contact police via the Force website https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/ or telephone 101, quoting master crime reference number 50250281114. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555 111.”
Be Prepared for Flooding
Advice to everyone from Cornwall Council. For more detailed queries, email floodrisk@cornwall.gov.uk.
With the rainfall Cornwall has received recently, there’s been an increase in incidents of flooding across the Duchy. Here are some ways you can support residents who have recently experienced flooding:
- Encourage them to report the flood via Cornwall Council’s report a flood web page. This process ensures that the right team is made aware and can investigate.
- Tell them about the Council’s Property Flood Resilience grant scheme. This scheme helps residents install measures like flood doors and barriers to protect their home. Residents can complete an expression of interest on the Let’s Talk Cornwall site.
For residents who are interested in increasing their preparedness for future flood events, you can also:
- Encourage them to check their flood risk using the Environment Agency’s check your flood risk tool.
- Signpost them to sign up for flood warnings if available in your area.
- Tell them about Cornwall Council’s guidance on insurance for properties at risk of flooding.
Cornwall Community Flood Forum (CCFF) works with town and parish councils and communities to prepare flood plans, train volunteer flood wardens and provide PPE grants. You can learn more about their work and get in touch on the CCFF website.
Beware of Scams
Fake unpaid parking fine notices
Scammers are continuing to send fake texts claiming people have been issued with a parking penalty notice (PCN) using spoofed mobile numbers and email addresses. The text tells you that you must pay a £20 parking fine and says that this is your final notice.
Winter Fuel Payments DWP
After the recent Winter Fuel Payment announcements, scammers have been busy impersonating the Department for Work and Pensions. Fake messages include scam links to websites designed to steal your personal and financial information. DWP will never contact you by text to apply for payments that are part of the Winter Fuel Payment. If you receive a scam text message, you can forward it to the National Cyber Security Service on 7726
Fake QR codes
QR codes across the country are being tampered with in an attempt to scam motorists. Vandalised QR codes take you through to a fake website and ask for your bank details. If you scan a QR code in a Cornwall Council car park, please check that it redirects you to BuzzPay, Cornwall Council’s express payment provider. There have been no reports of this occurring in Cornwall at this time and Council teams regularly check all signage in Cornwall Council car parks to ensure it is safe to use.
This has also been seen in a Boots Pharmacy across the country where the NHS QR code had been replaced with a fake QR code placed over it to steal personal details and acquire bank details for prescription services.
See The Little Book of Big Scams for more scam prevention advice.
What to do if you’ve been affected: If you’ve disclosed any financial information or lost money, please inform your bank immediately. Report to the police by calling 101 or completing an online reporting form here: https://orlo.uk/7YyXb If you’ve been targeted by a scam, you can also contact Action Fraud: https://orlo.uk/pl4D5
Time to cut overhanging hedges and trees
Autumn has arrived and it’s that time of year again! After a very healthy Summer’s growth, please can all landowners with hedges, gorse or trees on their property that are next to a public road or right of way arrange to have them cut back as soon as possible so that everyone has safe access to roads, footpaths and bridleways. In particular, please make sure that visibility is not impeded at junctions, passing places and on bends. According to the regulations, two lane roads should be cleared to a minimum width of 5.5m (18ft) to maintain the free flow of traffic, and single lane roads to a minimum of 2.75m (9ft). Where there is a verge this should be cleared back to 1.5m (5ft) for pedestrian use and to aid visibility. Main verges will be cut by Cornwall Council contractors. Overhanging trees and bushes must be cut to a minimum height of 2.1m (7ft) over footpaths, to 2.5m (8ft) over bridleways and to 5.2m (17ft) over roads. The responsibility to maintain your own hedges and trees applies whether you are a landowner, farmer, business owner or occupier of a residential property. If growth becomes a problem Cornwall Council can serve formal notice on the owner/occupier requiring the work to be completed in a specified time period. If this is not done they can carry it out and will recover the costs from you. Thank you for your co-operation to make our Parish safer and look tidier over the Winter. Further details can be found at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/u4aophcp/cornish-highway-hedge-leaflet.pdf
A38 Overnight Closures
National Highways will be resurfacing the road between Halfway House and Trago Mills, and between Bodmin Parkway and Clinnick from Monday 8 September to Friday 3 October. The works will take place overnight only (8.30pm to 6am, weeknights) when there’s less traffic on our roads. The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends.
Access for residents
We’ll maintain access for residents at all times. Local residents need to show a copy of the letter they have received in the post to our gatemen for access through the works.
Key access routes:
- Turfdown to Bodmin Parkway station: via Turfdown roundabout
- Mount junction: via North Lane or St Neot junction (Halfway House pub)
- St Neot and Trago Mills employees: via Doublebois crossroads
- Properties between Trago Mills and Lower Lodge: via Doublebois crossroads (you’ll be escorted through works)
- Springfield House: Access from A390 via North Lane (escorted through works)
- Dobwalls and Doublebois: Via Doublebois crossroads
- Halfway House pub: Via A390 and North Lane (signage in place)
Access to Bodmin Parkway Station will be maintained throughout via Turfdown Roundabout.
Special arrangements 8-12 September:
- Properties between North Lane and Drift Lane: Access via A390 and North Lane
- Bellasize access: Via North Lane (escorted through works)
- White Lodge Crossroads below Trewithen Dairy will be closed – residents should use Turfdown Road and Fletchersbridge
Traffic diversions
Light vehicles (both directions) and westbound HGVs will be diverted via Lostwithiel.
Eastbound HGVs over 20 tonnes will use the A30 to Launceston, then the A390 to rejoin at Carkeel roundabout.
Police Warning about SIM Swap Fraud
SIM-swap fraud is a clever and increasingly common type of crime where a criminal takes over your mobile phone number. They do this by tricking your mobile provider into switching your mobile phone number to a new SIM card that they control. Once they have your number, they can access your online accounts and steal your money and personal information.
How Does It Happen?
Scammers begin by gathering personal information about you from various sources, including social media, data breaches, and phishing attempts. With enough details, they contact your mobile provider pretending to be you. They might do this online, over the phone, or even in a store. Using your stolen information, they pass security checks and convince your mobile provider to transfer your mobile phone number to a new SIM card. Once your number is affiliated to their SIM card, they receive all your calls and text messages. They can then try to log into your bank accounts, email, and social media. Since many of these services use one-time passwords (OTPs) sent by text message for verification, the scammer can easily receive these codes and gain access to your accounts.
How to Protect Yourself
Add Extra Security to Your Mobile Account: Contact your mobile provider and ask what additional security measures you can add. Many providers allow you to set up a unique PIN or password that must be used to approve any changes to your account, whether in a store or over the phone.
Use Stronger Authentication: Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email, social media, and bank accounts. While SMS-based verification is better than nothing, it’s vulnerable to Sim-swap fraud. Wherever possible, choose more secure methods like passkeys or authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). Passkeys, in particular, are a great option as they are tied to a physical device rather than your phone number.
Review Your Online Presence: Check your privacy settings on social media to control who can see your profile. Avoid sharing personal details like your date of birth, phone number, and information that could be used for security questions (e.g., your mother’s maiden name or the name of your first school).
Recognize the Warning Signs: If you suddenly lose service on your mobile phone or receive an unexpected message about a SIM transfer, act immediately. This could be a sign of a SIM-swap in progress.
Act Fast if You’re a Victim:
- Immediately contact your mobile provider. Tell them your phone service has been hijacked.
- Alert your banks and financial institutions. Call them right away to inform them of the suspected fraud so they can freeze your accounts. You can quickly reach many UK banks’ fraud departments by calling 159.
- Keep a close eye on all your accounts (bank, credit card, email, social media) for any unusual activity.
- Change all your passwords and, where possible, switch off SMS as an authentication method.
- Report the crime to Action Fraud. You can report it online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Cardinham Parish Emergency Plan
This Emergency Plan was developed and adopted by Cardinham Parish Council in July 2025
The major potential Risks to People in Cardinham Parish that could require their Evacuation to a Designated Safe Place are:
- Fires on the Moor, in Woodland and at Farms and Homesteads
- Fires including Gas Explosions in Properties
- Chemical Spills on Farms and Roads
- Exceptional Weather Conditions (rain, snow, wind)
- Flooding of Property
- Landslips affecting Properties
- Electrical Outages extending over a significant area or time
- Major road traffic or aircraft accidents
- Incidents affecting the School
The following arrangements are in place for a major Emergency in the Parish that requires Evacuation of People from the Scene, their Homes or Places of Work:
- Anyone involved in or becoming aware of a major Incident in the Parish that is or may pose a risk to life should ring 999 immediately to request assistance from the Emergency Services
- This Emergency Plan for Cardinham Parish is held by Cornwall Council for their use in the event of a major Emergency
- Cardinham Parish Council has a small Emergency Committee which holds a list of Contacts who may be able to assist during or after a major Emergency, but it does not have its own Emergency Response Team
- The Parish has Community Access Defibrillators and Emergency Bleed Kits which are available in locked Cabinets in the telephone box opposite Cardinham School (w3w: apprehend.screaming.clays), outside Millpool Chapel (w3w: vertical.nesting.refer) and on the green at Littledowns (w3w: readings.airless.conveying). The code to access this equipment is available from the 999 Operator
- The Lead Emergency Official (Police or Fire) in charge of dealing with the Emergency will alert all People in the Danger and At Risk Areas, and advise Evacuation if necessary to a Named Safe Point or the Designated Safe Place
- The Designated Safe Place in the Parish is Cardinham Parish Hall (w3w: holiday.select.wove), although Evacuees may elect to go to a Named Safe Place of their own choosing such as with Friends or Family
- The Key Holders of Cardinham Parish Hall will be informed by the Lead Emergency Official as soon as possible if an Evacuation is required so that the Hall can be prepared to receive Evacuees
- Evacuees will need to take the necessary clothing and other belongings, including at risk pets as allowed by the Lead Emergency Official, to ensure their own comfort in the Hall
- The Lead Emergency Official will inform the Chair of Cardinham Parish Council of the Emergency, and when an Evacuation has been recommended
- The Lead Emergency Official will keep all concerned up to date on the Emergency and inform Evacuees when it is safe to return to their Homes or Places of Work
Family Hubs
Cornwall Council’s Family Hubs support the delivery of services for families, children and young people aged from pre-birth to 19 years old (or up to 25 years for anyone with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). We have 23 Family Hubs across Cornwall which offer a friendly, informal atmosphere for families to be supported by professionals, meet with other families and access high-quality services. Information on the Bodmin Family Hub can be found here
St Breward Community Bus
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Quad bike theft
Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team have identified that several Quad Bike thefts have taken place across the two counties in recent weeks and are encouraging farmers and farm workers to be vigilant. The theft of agricultural machinery and plant equipment is a considerable problem and is sometimes the result of organised crime. The Police offers this general advice:
Remove keys from vehicles when not in use and keep them safe.
If possible, keep vehicle/machinery in a lockable garage/shed or building.
Layer farm security from the perimeter right up to the piece of equipment you are protecting – Lock gates, lighting where suitable, cameras, drive detectors, alarms, CCTV, property marking, including DNA markers such as provided by ‘Selectamark’, Smart Water, etc….., as well as use of signage.
Property marking now includes Forensic Marking – For Secured by Design approved property and asset marking/registration products, go to the accredited product search on the Secured by Design website Secured by Design – Secured by Design
Fit trackers and immobilisers to ATVs, and quads
Record accurately your vehicle and machinery VIN, engine, chassis numbers.
Photograph your equipment and vehicles.
Register your equipment with the free national property register – Immobilise The National Property Register, for Phones, Gadgets, Bicycles & More…and The Equipment Register (TER) TER – The Equipment Register
Join Farm Watch and other local social media/community groups to stay connected with what’s going on.
Increased Emergency Safety Facilities in the Parish
We all know that the Parish has three Community Access Defibrillators – in the Cardinham telephone box, outside Millpool Chapel and alongside the Green at Littledowns – see Defibrillators page for full details. However thanks to the generosity of FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust) we have emergency Bleed Control Kits in each of the Defib boxes, that will be accessible if needed in an emergency by phoning 999 and asking for the access code – in the same way as getting a Defib in the case of a cardiac arrest. Duchy Defibrillators will be installing and maintaining these Kits which are being supplied free of charge by FLEET from Bleed Control UK. Each Kit will contain gloves, foil blankets, trauma shears, tourniquets and dressings, plus simple instructions, to be used to control and provide initial treatment of major injuries until the Emergency Services arrive. Hopefully they’ll never be needed but it’s good to know they’re there. Many thanks to FLEET, and to Duchy Defibrillators and Bleed Control UK, for their continued support of our community.
Cuckooing
Police in Bodmin are asking the public to help them keep the area safe and assist in protecting vulnerable people. Officers in Cornwall are urging the community to act as extra eyes and ears on the streets to assist officers in tackling drug crime. Local people are vital to help police identify possible victims of cuckooing, so they can put safeguarding measures in place for victims and put offenders behind bars. Cuckooing is a practice where criminals take over a person’s home and exploit them. The term is used as cuckoos are birds who take over the nests of others.
Inspector Adam Stonehill explained: “Cuckooing can take many forms but the most common is where drug dealers or gang members take over a person’s home and use it to store or distribute drugs. They target vulnerable people and usually begin by befriending them and using coercive tactics to manipulate their victims. They build rapport quickly so the victim feels they can trust the perpetrator. We know that cuckooing does happen in the Bodmin area and often the victims of these crimes are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We want to bring offenders to justice and one way to do this is to help make the public aware of the signs to look out for when it comes to cuckooing. Having the help of the vigilant public on the streets is a really effective way for us to tackle drug offences in our area. If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, you see a crime taking place, or you have some information which might help in our investigations, please come forward. Our officers are working closely with partner agencies including the local council, to identify and support victims of cuckooing, which is proving successful; however, we still need the support of our local communities to help us identify other possible victims of cuckooing which may not have come to light.”
Drug dealers may offer the victim something to tempt them; this could be a relationship, friendship, drugs, alcohol, money or clothing. In exchange they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room, to store something or meet other people at the property. Gradually the benefits will reduce and may eventually come to an end, and more and more people will come and go from the address. If the vulnerable victim tries to put a stop to the activity they may be threatened by the offender. The victim will become isolated as they are discouraged from contacting family, friends or support workers. Offenders often use threats to control their victim. Criminals target the most vulnerable in society, including individuals who experience mental health difficulties or substance misuse, are socially isolated, or who have a learning disability.
Signs to look out for that may indicate someone is a victim of cuckooing include an increase in people entering and leaving a property, especially at strange times; Frequent visitors at unsociable hours; Changes in a person’s daily routine; Suspicious, or unfamiliar vehicles outside an address; You haven’t seen the person who lives there recently, or when you have, they have been anxious or distracted
If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area or you think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call the Police on 101. If it’s an emergency, please call 999. Information can also be passed completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, just call 0800 555111, or via their website. If you’re in danger but you can’t talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you’re calling from a mobile or a landline. For more information about cuckooing and County Lines, which is the name given to drug dealing where OCGs use phone lines to move and supply drugs usually from cities into smaller towns, visit the Police website
Cornwall Council Online Planning Portal
Did you know that you can find out about and keep updated on planning applications in your area with an email direct to your inbox?
It’s easy to do – set up a website account on the Cornwall Council website and then go to the online planning register to set up your email alerts. To track an application, once you’ve found the one you’re interested in, just click the “track” button.
Follow the instructions on the online planning register webpage to get set up – you can have as many alerts for different areas as you want.
We know there are people who are less able to access online services and use the information published in Parish Council agendas on noticeboards to identify applications in their area. To ensure that you are aware of all of the applications for your area at the time of publishing the agenda, you may find it helpful to register for the alert service which complements the online weekly list facility which is part of the Online Planning Register.
Wildanet/Oakway Roadworks
Chris Howard of Oakway Ltd is happy to confirm the completion of the blanket road closures across the Cardinham, Millpool and Mount area. Over the past few months Oakway’s cabling, civils and fibre engineers have successfully brought a brand new full fibre broadband network to the area on behalf of Wildanet. Our closures and diversion signs have now been fully removed and our permits have been closed. We will continue to have some presence in the area for the short-term as our fibre engineers work to make the network accessible for as many homes as possible. These ongoing activities will have no impact on the roads. We would like to thank Cornwall Council, Cardinham & Warleggan Parish Councils and all local residents for their patience, cooperation and support in making this a successful scheme of works.
Beware of Cold Callers
There have been a number of reports of cold callers in the East Cornwall area offering roofing work. We advise that you don’t have work carried out by a cold caller as the risks are high. When looking for a business to carry out work at your home, such as plumbing, roofing or gardening etc please consider the following advice:
· Don’t agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers.
· Don’t rely on posts or recommendations on social media sites without doing your own research.
· Don’t be swayed by glossy flyers or impressive websites as they may not show the trader’s own work.
· Don’t pay cash or agree to be taken to the bank or immediately transfer money before any work is started.
· Don’t be rushed into making a decision.
Do:
· Get three written quotes from reputable businesses.
· Research the companies you’re looking to use e.g. ask for references and look online.
· Ask friends and family to recommend local traders or search via Buy with confidence.
· Decide who to use in your own time and make sure you have confidence in their skills and abilities.
· Ask to see professional qualifications, public liability insurance and if applicable waste carriers licence.
· Make sure you have full contact details for a tradesperson not just a mobile phone number.
· Check if you’re entitled to your 14-day cooling-off period
If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, don’t open the door. If you are concerned someone is at risk, always call the police. If you are concerned rogue traders are operating in your area, always report it. If a company claims to be working with a local council or neighbour, contact the council or neighbour yourself to check this is true. If you have concerns, or have any information please contact Trading Standards or police by phoning 101, if possible, please make a note of any descriptions and vehicle registrations seen. Please phone 999 if immediate/or a crime is taking place.
Please keep your dog under control and on the lead
Incidents of nuisance dogs and livestock worrying (ie of sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys, birds etc) are still prevalent in the area. Dog owners are reminded to keep dogs on leads when visiting woodlands and open spaces. Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases any domesticated or wild animal including other dogs, it is a criminal offence and can have a devastating impact on livestock, farmers, the general public and in some circumstances the dog and the owner themselves. All land is owned, and access is not a given right, so it is important that users of the countryside understand specific designations of land and ‘rights of way’. For example, on land which is designated as ‘access land’ a dog must be on a lead between the 1 March and 31 July and at all times when livestock are present. Allowing dogs to chase or attack livestock is a criminal offence. Take notice of local signage, respect wildlife and any livestock around you, keeping your dog on a lead to protect livestock and ground nesting birds. If you witness an attack on livestock, do not intervene, keep yourself safe and call 999. All other information relating to attacks on livestock should be reported to the police online or by calling 101”.
For useful free resources with tips about how to keep rural communities safe please see the Devon & Cornwall Police website here.
Getting to Grips with Using Mobile Phones
Following a grant through Plymouth University, the Trustees of the St Breward Memorial Hall are pleased to announce that in 2024 they are able to offer sessions in Getting to Grips with Using Mobile Phones. The aim of these sessions is to give guidance and help people use their mobile phones with more confidence. The sessions will be informal and there will be plenty of tea and biscuits!
Contact Hall Secretary Veronica Stansfield for more information and to register an interest in attending. memorialhall@stbreward.net 07790 634429
Citizens Advice Cornwall
The latest Citizens Advice newsletter is on their website at: Citizens – Winter Edition This edition includes information on saving on energy bills, advice about buying goods online and awareness of harm caused by problem gambling.
QR Code Scams
We would like to make residents aware of scams involving QR codes. The scam works by way of the perpetrators sticking their own fake QR code over a genuine one, when the fake QR code is scanned they are taken to a similar but fraudulent website and payment details are harvested by the criminals. Please be wary of QR codes that you may need to scan at various locations, such as paying for a carpark, ordering items/services etc, look out for any tampering/alterations to QR codes and the sticking over/replacing the genuine QR code with a bogus QR code. If you believe a scam is taking place with a potential suspect still close-by please phone 999. If you come across a fake QR code and no suspect is present, please report to Action Fraud and also report via the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by phoning 101.
Cyber Security Alert
As we approach the festive shopping period, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recently launched the latest phase of their Cyber Aware campaign
Devon and Cornwall Police are supporting the NCSC in urging customers to stay vigilant when it comes to shopping online. We recommend that you take these two simple steps :-
1. Use a strong and different password for your email using 3 random words.
Your email password should be strong and different from all your other passwords. Combining 3 random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
2. Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email.
2SV gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can’t access your email. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password.
The NCSC has warned that cyber criminals are likely to use AI technology such as large language models to produce more convincing scam emails, fake adverts, and bogus websites.
However, while scams are increasing in sophistication, by having the basics in place when it comes to email security, such as switching on 2SV and having a strong password made up of three random words, you can stay better protected.
The campaign is also reminding people to shop securely by researching online sellers, paying with a credit card or secure payment platform where possible and only providing enough payment details to complete the purchase.
Tamar Toll Action Group
TTAG membership is spread across Devon and Cornwall, including many members from South West Devon and North Cornwall. Plymouth is a hub that draws people in from far afield in Cornwall and though definitive evidence of this is difficult to source from the Tamar Crossings, we believe that the tolls disproportionately affect people resident on the Cornish side of the crossings far more than the Devon side. Many of those resident in Cornwall are reliant on them as vital/critical transport links for work, healthcare, leisure and other reasons. This is unlike those resident on the East side of the crossings who have immediate access to all of those in Plymouth without a toll. Thus, our belief is that the lion’s share of the annual operating revenue (just under £15 million in the twelve months to July 2023, which equates to nearly £41,000 per day taken out of the local economy) is raised from residents and businesses on the West side of the crossings. The toll itself has a significant cumulative impact and cannot be disregarded as a trivial matter of “only £1.30 / £2.60” (as Luke Pollard expressed to us when we met with him earlier this year) as that presupposes that people only have to pay it occasionally. The truth is that many cross daily, some people multiple times per day. We have a haulage business local to me who regularly spend between £6,000 and £7,000 per month. A figure that does not have to be found by their competitors based East of the crossings. Some have made the argument that residents chose to live this side of the bridge and could move if it’s affecting them that badly. This is over simplistic and takes no account of family roots or longevity of residence in Cornwall.
Cornwall Resource Sheets
The Inclusion Cornwall Hub has more than 30 different resource sheets for families and individuals in Cornwall who need support with the cost of living, crisis funding, household goods, seeking work and more. Please check out the link to the resource sheets if you are in need of support or advice. Inclusion Cornwall is currently updating the resource sheets and would welcome any suggestions for updating the content of the sheets. If you have any thoughts, please email andrew.harry@cornwall.gov.uk.
Cardinham & Millpool Community Magazine
Now is your chance to publish something in our bi-monthly Community Magazine (archive copies can be found here on this website). We gladly welcome articles, local family history, images, recipes, funny stories, old images of the area or any forthcoming events that you would like to advertise. Are you a local business? Would you like to advertise in the magazine? We can offer fantastic rates for quarter page, half page and full page advertising. Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can make your business grow!
Please send your submissions to cmcmag@outlook.com. Photos are always welcome: please send them full size/highest quality JPGS or PDFs attached to your email in an uncompressed format.
We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you!
Polly & Marc Airey, Tel: 01208 590095
Commander Nik Adams, from City of London Police, said: “Every year, thousands of people in the UK are scammed by a fraudulent email or text message. Phishing scams, whether it’s a text message claiming you have missed a delivery and are required to pay a redelivery fee, or an email claiming to be from your bank are a common security challenges that both individuals and businesses across the UK face on a daily basis. If you receive an email or text message that you think might be a scam, don’t respond to it or click any links in the message or email. Instead, contact the organisation directly using contact information from the company’s official website, and not the links or numbers provided in the message itself. If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. By reporting phishing scams or suspected fraud, you are directly helping us in our work to identify and stop these criminals and helping us protect others from these scams.”
How to protect yourself from scam emails and texts
Received an email or text that seems suspicious? Report it. Your reports enable us to remove the emails and websites criminals use to commit fraud and cyber crime.
1: Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Send emails to this address that feel suspicious, even if you’re not certain they’re a scam – we can check.
2: Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (it’s free of charge). Your provider can find out where the text came from and block or ban the sender.
3 – If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Have you secured your email account?
Your emails contain a lot of information about you, so it’s crucial you make your email password strong. If criminals get into your email account, they could access personal information that could be used to scam you or others. To make it harder for them, always use an email password that you haven’t used elsewhere. Your email inbox can also act as a ‘gateway’ to your other accounts. Once they can access it, a criminal could use the ‘forgot password’ option to request emails enabling them to get into other accounts, such as your social media.
How to secure your email account
Your email password
Using a combination of 3 random words creates passwords that are long enough and strong enough. Avoid words that can be guessed, like your pet’s name or birth month. Adding numbers and symbols is a good way to make your password even harder to guess.
Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email
2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can’t access your email. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won’t be asked for this every time you check your email.
Hot to turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV)
· Turn on 2SV for Outlook
· Turn on 2SV for Gmail
· Turn on 2SV for iCloud
If you are using an email service that does not offer 2SV, please consider switching to an email provider that does.
How to check if one of your online accounts may have been compromised
Services such as www.haveibeenpwned.com can tell you if your personal information or any of your account passwords have been made public in a major data breach. If you have been affected by a data breach, you can find some useful information here from the National Cyber Security Centre on how to how to protect yourself from the impact of data breaches.
For more advice on how to stay secure online, please visit www.cyberaware.gov.uk
Livestock Worrying
Incidents of livestock worrying increased in Devon and Cornwall throughout May according to Police. Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding the public to keep dogs on leads when visiting Devon and Cornwall’s open spaces. Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock, it is a criminal offence and can have a devastating impact on livestock, farmers and in some circumstances the dog and the owner. Rural Affairs Officer for Devon & Cornwall Police, PC Chris Collins said: “We are hoping that by encouraging people to respect our countryside and communities this bank holiday we can also ensure responsible dog ownership and remind people of the law. All land is owned, and access is not a given right, so it is important that users of the countryside understand specific designations of land and ‘rights of way’. For example, on land which is designated as ‘access land’ a dog must be on a lead between the 1 March and 31 July and at all times when livestock are present. Allowing dogs to chase or attack livestock is a criminal offence. Take notice of local signage, respect wildlife and any livestock around you, keeping your dog on a lead to protect livestock and ground nesting birds. If you witness an attack on livestock, do not intervene, keep yourself safe and call 999. All other information relating to attacks on livestock should be reported to the police online or by calling 101”.
For useful free resources with tips about how to keep rural communities safe please see the Devon & Cornwall Police website here.
The Rural Services Network seeks to provide a voice for rural communities by representing rural services, networking between rural service organisations and establishing and broadcasting best practice in rural service provision. It comprises SPARSE Rural, the Rural Assembly, the wider Rural Services Partnership and the RSN Community Group. The organisation works with Rural England, a stand-alone CIC research group.
The RSN has just featured the following article in its weekly rural newsletter: https://rsnonline.org.uk/suffering-from-the-rural-cost-of-living-make-your-thoughts-known-in-household-survey, It is encouraging as many people as possible to complete its survey which is being held in partnership with the Citizens Advice Rural Issues Group. Research commissioned by the RSN last year shows rural areas are suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas. The purpose of the survey is to understand more about rural household budgets at, what is, a very difficult time for many. Results from the survey will help the RSN to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers. The survey can be found at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rural_Households_Cost-of-Living
Nearly two-thirds (65%)* of us are worried about our home being broken into, yet there are simple, proven measures we can all take to halve our chances of being burgled. Neighbourhood Watch has joined forces with its longstanding primary smart security partner, ERA Home Security, to promote its Think WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign:
W: WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
Leaving home? Use this free home security checklist to leave your home safe and secure.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said ‘We know that by securing your home’s windows, interior, doors, exterior and keeping an eye out for neighbours, we can all give ourselves the best chance of preventing burglary. If you have been burgled recently, criminals are familiar with your home and may come back once you’ve had time to purchase new items. Act soon to avoid being retargeted – use the WIDE(N) advice for a combination of simple yet effective prevention measures.’
Learn more at ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden.
It seems timely for the Parish Council to record again its thanks to the band of willing volunteer Parishioners who regularly check that our three Defibrillators, located in Cardinham, Millpool and Littledowns, are operating properly. We all hope that these important pieces of medical equipment will never need to be used, but it is absolutely vital that they are in full working order if an emergency does arise. So please carry on with your good work! Hopefully we’ll be able to organise some more refresher training sessions, but in the meantime if anyone has any questions about our Defibs or other first aid issues please check out the Health tab on our website https://cardinhamparish.net/activities/emergency-first-aid/ or email: cardinhameditor@cardinhamparish.net Also use our email to let us know if you spot any problems with our Defibs. Thanks.
Bodmin Moor International Dark Sky Partnership
Please support Carleen and her local business by placing orders which can be paid for on collection by cash or card (Sum Up card reader). She can be contacted by phone (07920 044722) or personal message via her business page on Facebook (Chan ‘tea’ van).
Latest news on the outcome of the Bodmin Charrette held on 18-22 March can be found here: Bodmin Charrette
Following the launch of the Bodmin Town Centre Charrette on 1st March, a leaflet and briefing note about the Charrette process, together with information on how to get involved can be found here: Bodmin Town Centre leaflet ; Briefing note for Bodmin Town Centre Charrette ; Local residents and businesses invited to shape the future of Bodmin town centre You can also view a short film about the Charrette here: https://youtu.be/SgSpbEq6K2g We want to encourage representation from all parts of the local community to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on the future of the town centre so please take part.
Whilst there is nothing at this time to suggest there is any criminality involved, unsolicited calls of this type can be unsettling or intimidating for many people.
New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, reveals that 20,144 people fell victim to scams where they were persuaded to grant criminals remote access to their device. Victims reported losing a total of £57,790,384 – an average loss of £2,868 per victim.
What are remote access scams
Remote Access scams will often begin with a browser pop-up saying that your computer is infected with a virus, or maybe a call from someone claiming to be from your bank saying that they need to connect to your computer in order to cancel a fraudulent transaction on your account. Regardless of the narrative the fraudster’s use, their goal is to steal your money or access your financial information by tricking you into allowing them to remotely connect to your computer.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said:
“While remote access tools are safe when used legitimately, we want the public to be aware that they can be misused by criminals to perpetrate fraud. We often see criminals posing as legitimate businesses in order to trick people into handing over control of their computer or smartphone.
“You should only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop-up or text message.”
How to protect yourself
- Only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message.
- Remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device.
- If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device.
- Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on.
- Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
Inclusion Matters, which is commissioned by Cornwall Council, is a partnership between Age UK Cornwall, Disability Cornwall, Inclusion Cornwall, Digital Inclusion and Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) who leads the service. In addition we work with Cornwall Health Care Trust (NHS) to support hospital patient discharge across the county.
Our Service Offers:
Inclusion Matters is for the benefit and support of anyone with health and wellbeing needs within your parish districts. This service is in response of the ‘Big Vision 2050’ strategy for Cornwall. The aim being to facilitate and support the development of localism within our Cornish Communities, with a focus on two of the key priorities a Healthy Cornwall and a Connected Cornwall. In addition, advance the government’s strategy for all adults to have a good foundation of the five essential digital skills. We are available to help and support the needs of individuals or community groups who require some extra support, through difficult times they may be facing. We provide information, advice, guidance, and support community development, either on a one to one or group basis. We offer a free service through Cornwall Link to connect our communities to each other. This can be access here: https://cornwall-link.co.uk/
Hospital Patient Discharge:
Combining and promoting inclusion and empowering independence as part of the ‘Adult Social Care Prevention Offer’. Our hospital discharge service is focussed on alleviating the pressure of patient readmissions upon the NHS. We accept referrals for any adult patient on Pathway 0, with a focus on isolated or lonely individuals. We support patients upon and following hospital discharge and up to six weeks thereafter. This can be through information, advice and guidance, practical help, befriending and a host of other means. In addition, we have close links with Cornwall Carers Service, Veteran Carers Service, and can make direct referrals or provide, where applicable, for the unpaid Carer/Relative.
Volunteers:
We have a bank of volunteers who can where appropriate be matched to clients. We can help anyone wishing to volunteer to find a placement within their own community. This could be either with the Inclusion Matters service partners, or with a completely different organisation.
Resources:
Furthermore, we have a selection of leaflets and contacts, plus resource information gathered through our ongoing asset mapping of our local communities. This may also be of help to you as you carry out your role. The following leaflets:
1 – IM CCC Promoting Inclusion & Empowering Independence Project Leaflet
2 – Inclusion Matters A5 Leaflet
5 – IM Hospital Discharge leaflet
6 – IM Hospital Discharge Pathway A4 Leaflet
explain and provide an overview of the services offered by Inclusion Matters in Cornwall
Referrals:
If anyone would like to access any one of our services, we accept both self-referrals and professional referrals. The only exception is in relation to our hospital patient discharge service, where we invite medical professional referrals only.
Please email completed referral forms for any of our services to: inclusion@cornwallrcc.org.uk
Our website can be accessed here: https://cornwallrcc.org.uk/projects
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the service please do not hesitate to get in contact, either by phone or email. Further specific contact details can also be found on the leaflets I have attached. Please note, this is not a marketing email. We are keen to reach out, and where appropriate discuss any possibility of any collaboration which could be of benefit to your parish or the wider communities within Cornwall.
Angela Jones, e-mail: Angela.Jones@cornwallrcc.org.uk
Cornwall Rural Community Charity, 2 Princes Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2ES
POLICE WARNING: Mimicking of Bank Fraud Department Phone Numbers
Current research is showing that scammers are somehow mimicking the telephone numbers of bank fraud departments, so that when the victims checks the caller ID and compares the number against the one printed on the back of their credit cards, the numbers are the same.
Examples so far:
0467 02/06/2021 –Barclays bank number mimicked. Victim lost £27,000
0290 01/06/2021 – First Direct number mimicked. Victim lost around £30,000
0578 01/06/2021 – Lloyds number mimicked. Victim lost around £25,000
Residents are asked to exercise caution when receiving phone calls of this type and avoid dialling numbers printed on the back of cards, If in doubt where possible check with your local branch for updates of your account
Dog theft
Devon & Cornwall Police are paving the way in the region by appointing a dedicated dog theft lead. Chief Inspector Rob Curtis has been assigned to help tackle what is currently perceived as a rising crime.
There has been an increase in demand for dogs nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has inflated prices for puppies and dogs. Nationally, dog theft cases have increased by 170% in 2020.
There have been a number of dog theft stories circulating on social media, which has led to growing concern, amongst owners both locally and nationally. Chief Inspector, Rob Curtis wants to reassure people that Devon & Cornwall Police take dog theft very seriously he said “Theft of a beloved pet causes major distress to the owners. Although dog theft is very rare, we want owners to be aware and to take safe precautions to help protect their dogs from this crime. At home make sure your garden is secure, try not to leave your dog outside unattended, be careful of bogus callers or displaying signs that say, ‘my poodle lives here’.
Microchipping is a legal requirement and essential to helping returning pets to their owners. Chief Inspector Curtis urges all owners to visit their vet and have their pet microchipped with all contact details kept up to date in the event of moving home or changing a phone number. In addition to the appointment of a Force lead, Devon & Cornwall Police now have 30 microchip scanners, some of which have been donated by Dog Lost to help reunite dogs with their families. This is another step towards helping tackle dog theft.
What to do if your dog goes missing
It’s important to establish if your dog has been stolen or has got lost. If your dog has gone missing from your garden, it usually won’t wander far. Check with your neighbours and ask them to check their gardens and garages. If you still cannot find your dog, check with the local dog warden, tell the microchip company your dog is missing and call local vets and rescue centres.
If your dog is being stolen and someone has physically taken your dog from you, shout that your dog is being stolen and attract attention. If you can take photos or videos and report it to the police by calling 999. If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact details and report your missing dog to the microchip company. There is more information on our website that will give you more information and places to go for help: dc.police.uk/dogsafety
How to contact the Police
With the current restrictions in place, Devon & Cornwall Police are seeing an increased demand with reports and concerns around Covid 19 breaches. The force offers many ways for people to contact them in a non-emergency should they need help. To make sure communities receive the best service please follow these simple steps when contacting the police:
- Are you wanting to report a breach of Covid 19 restrictions?
If you are reporting a breach of restrictions then you can do this using the national reporting form on the Police.uk website – police.uk If you are wanting specific advice on current restrictions, please visit the FAQs section on the police website which provides all the latest information and advice. - AskNED – the non-emergency directory
Need to ask a question but not sure who to ask for help, then AskNED – police.uk/AskNED - Go online – police.uk On the website you can find the answers to many of the questions people ask when calling the police plus lots of helpful information and advice.
- Report Crime Online If you need to report a crime or tell the police something, then why not report online using WebChat or the Crime Reporting Form. Alternatively, you can email 101@dc.police.uk
- Call – 101 Non-emergency number Remember in an emergency, always call 999
In an emergency you should of course ring 999 and ask for the appropriate Emergency Service.
Warning to Dog Owners
Police are warning people to be on their guard as there has been a spate of attempted “dognappings” in and around our area. In particular you should watch out for strangers, often in unmarked white or similar vans, showing an interest in your dog or asking where owners or breeders might live. There have been cases of people being approached aggressively and attempts made to grab their animals. If you see anything suspicious or experience an attempted attack please do not put yourselves at risk but report the incident immediately to the Police.
Cornish Buildings at Risk
The Cornish Buildings Group are leading a three-year Historic England/ Cornwall Heritage Trust grant funded project to identify and campaign for Cornish buildings at risk. The Group has maintained a register for buildings at risk since 2014 but has done so with volunteer support only. This funding will support a case officer who will have dedicated time to champion buildings at risk in the county. The aim of this project is to identify and monitor buildings at risk and seek solutions for neglected, redundant or derelict listed buildings. You can volunteer to support the project and/or report historic buildings or valued heritage assets which are either derelict or not being properly looked after to cbgcasework@gmail.com Attached is a Building at risk form v1 that will help to provide the project with some background local knowledge. The form and the current list of buildings are available on their website https://sites.google.com/site/cornishbuildingsgroup/buildings-at-risk-register?authuser=0
Ancient woodland alive with amazing arachnids
Cardinham Woods has emerged as an unlikely hot spot for a number of scarce UK spiders. Tylan Berry, Cornwall Area Organiser for the UK’s Spider Recording Scheme, has identified more than 50 species in the forest, eight of which are the first official records for Cornwall:
1.Triangle Spider (Hyptiotes paradoxus): A scarce woodland spider that is especially fond of conifers. It is named after the triangular shaped web that it uses as a net to catch flying insects.
2. Crescent Comb Foot Spider (Parasteatoda lunata): This spider creates a messy tangle web between branches and hides in a rolled-up leaf that it hangs in the centre of the web.
3. Multicoloured Shiny Head Spider (Scotina celans): An uncommon and scarcely seen spider that lives in damp areas of moss and leaf litter in shaded woodlands.
4. Serrated Tongue Spider (Centromerus serratus): This rare and endangered money spider is currently only found in a dozen or so woodland locations in the south of the UK. It is named after the saw-like projection on the male palps.
5. Winter Litter Spider (Macrargus rufus): A larger and widespread money spider that is red in colour and found in leaf litter in the colder winter months.
6. Horn Palp Spider (Sintula corniger): Another scarce money spider that lives in coniferous woodland. This spider gets its name from the large horn-like palps of the male.
7. Pallid Little Eye Spider (Porrhomma pallidum): This money spider lives in dark areas such as under stones and logs. As its name suggests, it is a pale white colour and has small eyes which aren’t needed much in the dark places it lives.
8. Yellow Comb Tail Spider (Hahnia helveola): This tiny yellow spider lives in leaf litter in woodlands and is named after the very long row of spinnerets at the back of its abdomen, similar to a tarantula.
These characterful critters have all been found and identified in just one small area of the forest, leaving rangers wondering how many more amazing arachnids have made their home in the woodland.
Tylan explained: “Many people don’t stop to consider the wildlife that lives in a conifer plantation, but if you pause to look a little closer, the whole forest is alive. Finding a scarce species is always exciting and finding the first of its kind in a new location is even better. To find eight is remarkable and I plan to spend more time at Cardinham to see what else is thriving here. The habitat at Cardinham Woods is particularly interesting because the ground and the subterranean communities are much older than the existing forest and are very well established and productive. Alongside this, the forest is thoughtfully managed by Forestry England, with lots of different micro habitats being created and retained for spiders, and other creatures, that have different habitat requirements. This produces a rich diversity throughout the area which can be unusual in a woodland site.”
Cardinham Woods Ranger, Chris Mason, said: “Cardinham Woods is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) which means that, as well as producing sustainable timber, we’re gradually managing the forest back to the way it would have been several hundred years ago. The forest’s unique character has produced a rich diversity of plants and creatures, which we support, protect, and improve as we manage the forest to thrive for generations to come. Tylan’s finds have been extraordinary and will be useful in helping us make the best decisions to care for the forest and the wildlife that lives here.”
Next time you’re walking at Cardinham Woods, take a closer look at the tree trunks, fences, logs, and banks to see what you can find. Take a photo of your discoveries and upload it to the iNaturalist app for help identifying your beastie, and to help build important records of UK wildlife. Download the free app at https://www.inaturalist.org/.
WARNING – Suspicious people and activities
Please be alert for people or vehicles acting suspiciously as there have recently been a number of thefts of property and livestock in the area, as well as unknown people offering services such as tarmacing, gardening, tree lopping etc. If you notice anything suspicious or are sadly the victim of theft please report it to the Police using their 101 phone number. You can also alert our local Cornwall Councillor Chris Batters (Tel: 01208 269991, Mob: 07714-323897, Email chris.batters@cornwall council.org.uk) who is keeping a log of incidents in the local Parishes so that intelligence can be shared. Most importantly do not put yourself at risk or in danger if challenging someone about their activities.
CARDINHAM HELPLINE
Just a reminder about Cardinham Helpline which was set up in 1995 as a voluntary caring organisation to assist anyone in the Parish. Their work normally falls into three categories:
DRIVING – Transport to appointments, hospitals, clinics, local surgeries and day centres. Unfortunately suspended during the current COVID 19 pandemic.
PRACTICAL WORK – Local shopping, fetching prescriptions, changing library books. Accompanying to shops, or on walks. Cooking an occasional meal. Sitting with the elderly or sick to give carers a break. Emergency babysitting, small jobs in the house or garden on a temporary basis. We can also help with form filling.
SUPPORT/BEFRIENDING – visiting, supply a friendly listening ear and help in finding appropriate professional expertise.
Unfortunately all lunches and afternoon teas have been suspended until further notice.
They also publish a Parish Directory which is delivered to newcomers to the Parish, so if you have slipped through the net and would like a copy please contact Rosemary Rowe, its secretary, and she will ensure you receive a copy. Telephone 01208 821225
For any help or information regarding Helpline, please contact one of its Co-ordinators: Shirley Searle: Telephone 01208 821304 or Gill Long: Telephone 01208 821745
Bodmin Way – support network
Keeping safe and keeping well – the Bodmin Way vigil – a message from Rev Paul Holley on behalf of the Bodmin Way:
We want to support the health and wellbeing of people in these difficult times and also encourage people to keep an eye on their vulnerable neighbours.
We want to spread the word around Bodmin and local villages about people and organisations, like our Bodmin Way, that can guide others and help them.
This week we will be inviting our town’s organisations and businesses to declare what they are doing now and what they hope to do in the future.
By the end of this week we will create pages on our Bodmin Way website (www.BodminWay.org) containing this information and start to share information regularly from our Bodmin Way FaceBook page to local FaceBook groups such as Bodmin’s Voice .
By the end of this month a newsletter will also be distributed by email and where necessary on paper.
If you are an organisation or individual that can offer help or advice then email news@BodminWay.org without delay or just add a comment on this post.
To keep informed you can follow the Bodmin Way on FaceBook and if you want to subscribe to our newsletter please email news@BodminWay.org
Update on Bodmin Moor Ancestry Project
I’m pleased to announce that Jodie Lampert, who has been researching the ancestry of surnames in the 12 Parishes on Bodmin Moor as part of her PhD thesis on the history and population dynamics of Cornwall at Leicester University, has successfully completed her Doctorate. Well done Jodie!
Many of the surnames that she was interested in were well represented in the Cardinham area. She made some surprising discoveries including a significant difference between a few of the variants on the Y chromosomes between the Cornish samples versus those of Devon – this is most likely due to the higher levels of Anglo-Saxon immigration into Devon than into Cornwall. As for Bodmin Moor, the Y chromosomes of the 47 local samples that were assessed proved to be more similar to those of Devon than to the Cornish ones – she attributed this to the closer proximity of the Moor to Devon, than to west Cornwall (where most of the Cornish samples came from). Most of the thesis is readable but you can skip to Chapter 4 – to see the surnames used – and Chapter 7 – to see the results explained (hopefully) clearly.
Jodie sends her thanks to everyone who helped in her research which has inspired a great love of Bodmin Moor in her and convinced her to holiday here whenever she can! She is also willing to field any questions on her past and future Cornish ancestry projects, as well as recommendations where to visit and stay on her future trips. She can be contacted through her website
Old Photos of Cardinham Parish Wanted
Do you have any old photographs of Cardinham and the surrounding area. If so please would you like to let us have a copy? It would be really good to compile an online photographic archive of our Parish which would not only be of general interest to people now living here but also as lasting record of the past for the future.
One specific interest is of St Meubred’s Church, and in particular photos taken from the south side showing the fir tree growing out of the grave to the left of the path. We are interested to try and estimate the age and growth rate of the fir tree that emerges from the grave of the Reverend Thomas Grylls (1790-1845), who was an eminent 19th Century Rector of St Meubred’s for 31 years, as its root ball masks any inscriptions that might be on the base of the cross which stands at the head of the grave and next to that of one of Thomas’ sons, Humphry Millett Grylls.
Any information or photographs showing this area would be gratefully received to assist in the extensive research of the Grylls family currently being undertaken by a distant descendant.
Many thanks in anticipation for any old photos of Cardinham you would like to share so that we can preserve the heritage of our beautiful Parish. Please send them to cardinhameditor@cardinhamparish.net
More Life Saving Defibrillators in the Parish
As some of you may have noticed, we now have three Community Access AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in the Parish. This is great news as the swift use of a Defibrillator in a cardiac emergency along with performing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) on the casualty until the Ambulance arrives, really does save lives. For those of you living in the South-East of the Parish, there is another Defibrillator outside the Village Hall in Mount.
Our two new Defibrillators, courtesy of generous funding from the Callybarrett Wind Turbine Community Fund and the National Lottery, have been installed by FLEET/Duchy Defibrillators on the outside wall of the Chapel in Millpool and beside the Common in Littledowns. The cabinet housing the original Defibrillator in the old telephone box opposite the School in Cardinham has been upgraded. Thanks must also go to the people who are “hosting” the new installations, as well as to those volunteers who respond and help in an emergency.
Although AEDs are easy and safe to use, and will automatically “talk you through” exactly what to do in an emergency, it’s very useful if you’re able to attend a short training session to learn first hand how to use the equipment and perform CPR in a relaxed atmosphere before you might need to act in earnest. We will be offering sessions over the coming months in Cardinham and Millpool, and are also looking for people who would like to host small groups of friends and neighbours in their own homes for training. In this way we can get the message spread widely across the Parish, so please let us know if you would like to host a session.
In the meantime, please make sure you know where the closest Defibrillator to you is located, and ideally find yourself a personal “Defib Buddy” who you can ring in an emergency and ask to collect the Defibrillator for you and help administer CPR with you until Paramedics and the Ambulance arrive. You can also offer to be a “Buddy” for your friends.
Your first action in any emergency of course is to ring 999 to request an Ambulance. All of the information you need on what to do in a cardiac emergency and how to give CPR is on the Red Card that the Parish Council sent out to all households last year – the only change is that you now have to ask the Ambulance Control Phone Operator to give you the key code so that you can unlock the cabinet to get the Defibrillator. If your Card has been mislaid you can get a replacement from me. Full details are also on our website www.cardinhamparish.net
If you feel you can offer to help, we’re looking for volunteers who could monitor our AED cabinets every so often or join our small Support Network of people who respond to emergency alerts, if they are available, and go to where the Defibrillator has been taken to assist before the Paramedics arrive. In the longer term it would be fantastic if the Parish could develop its own First Responder Network of trained people able to administer a range of First Aid to casualties. If you have any thoughts on this, please let us know.
If you want to know anything more or think you can help, please let me know by emailing cardinhameditor@cardinhamparish.net or by contacting the Parish Council directly. Many thanks in anticipation!
South East Cornwall Native Woods Initiative
Richard Dorling is the Tree Warden for St Keyne Parish Council and is in the process of setting up a voluntary organisation “South East Cornwall Native Woods”. This is an opportunity to harness the enthusiasm people have for trees, bringing together those with land and volunteers who would like to help reforest the region.
The initiative will be tying in with the the Forest For Cornwall plans, concentrating on engaging the South East of Cornwall in this project. Saplings will be provided by the Woodland Trust and a minimal requirement for tools means the project can operate at no cost. Creating an organisation covering South East Cornwall will increase the number of opportunities to share resources, manpower and expertise.
Richard would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved and promote this scheme where possible. Contact details: Email: rdorling70@gmail.com; Facebook page: South East Cornwall Native Woods
Helicopter Pilot Training over the Parish
There have been a number of complaints recently about commercial helicopters flying low over the Parish. These concerns were aired in an article published in the Parish Magazine in which it was asserted that Cornwall Flying Club had signed a contract with Cobham Helicopter Academy allowing them to carry out training of helicopter pilots from Bodmin/Cardinham Airfield.
Cornwall Flying Club which operates Bodmin Airfield has issued a statement confirming its desire to exist in harmony with the local community, as it has tried to do for almost 50 years. It states that it has not contracted with Cobham which is based at Newquay Airport and does the vast majority of its training there or elsewhere in the area. Bodmin Airfield is available to any aircraft that can safely use its facilities, and often plays host to the Air Ambulance, the Police, Navy, Army, RAF and private helicopters. Cobham helicopters visit Bodmin on the same basis as any other aircraft, and contrary to reports, visit the area on average only several times a month for short periods and are not doing continuous circuits over the Parish.
Cardinham Flying Club does everything in its power to reduce disturbance to local residents, and has impressed upon all helicopter operators, including Cobham, that: training circuits from runway 31/13 must be flown to the west over the open fields between the airfield and Bodmin town; all circuits on runway 21/03 must be flown to the north over the fields on the opposite side of the A30 from Cardinham and Millpool; no helicopter shall fly over Millpool; and on approach to runway 31 or climb-out from runway 13, helicopters should turn before overflying Cardinham. These instructions are part of the standard Bodmin Airfield Procedure for Noise Abatement, available on its website.
Cornwall Flying Club Ltd is a not-for-profit enterprise and represents a unique training opportunity for SW residents. Over the last half century more than 1,000 pilots, most from Cornwall and Devon, have qualified at Bodmin, and many have gone on to rewarding careers in aviation with the military or commercial airlines. In addition, the Bodmin Airfield-based charity FOG – Feet Off the Ground – works hard for many worthy causes, especially with children and young adults. There is a standing invitation for local resdients to visit the Airfield to talk about how its operations are run, and how it could possibly do better. Also its café, Diner 31, run by Cardinham residents Keith and Dottie Elderkin, is open five days a week, and everyone is welcome. It’s hoped that residents will take up these opportunities.
Devon & Cornwall Police Alert
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Courier Fraud, Bogus Police and Bank Officials Alert Individuals have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to be a police officer or banking official The suspect will say either: |
- There has been fraudulent activity at the victim’s bank and the staff at the bank are involved, the victim is then asked to withdraw money to either keep it safe or assist the police with their investigation
- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is fraudulent and they require the victim’s assistance to help secure evidence by purchasing jewellery or exchange a large amount of currency to hand over to the police
- The victim’s card has been compromised and used to purchase goods by a suspect, the victim is requested to withdraw their money to keep it safe or hand over their bank card to the police
- Occasionally the victim will be told to dial a non-emergency extension of ‘161’ to receive confirmation of the individual’s bogus identity, the bogus official will advise the victim to lie about the reason for the withdrawal or purchase if challenged by staff, as the staff member is involved in the fraud
- A courier attends the victim’s home address to collect the goods the same day, often the victim is given a code word for the courier as a way of authentication
What you need to do
Your bank or the police will never:
- Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
- Ask you to transfer money out of your account
- Send someone to your home to collect cash, PINs, cards to cheque books
From: Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
How to protect yourself from Cyber Crime
Following the interesting and important talk at our Annual Parish Meeting by Grahame Mace from the Devon & Cornwall Police Digital Capabilities Unit, here are some helpful tips on what to look out for and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of Cyber Crime:
1. The Metropolitan Police’s ‘Little Book of Cyber Scams’ covers everything we didn’t in the presentation: https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia
– It’s definitely worth printing off to have at hand for specific guidance.
2. Get Safe Online: https://www.getsafeonline.org/
– A great site which gives advice for individuals, businesses and children on all aspects of internet safety.
3. Take Five to Stop Fraud: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
– Advice on financial and banking fraud
4. The National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/
– The NCSC is the governments ‘arm’ of cyber. Lots of information on latest threats, incident management and guidance
5. Another useful tool is to input your email address into the ‘Have I Been Pwned’ website and the site will advise if your address has been involved in a data breach: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
– Very useful to check this if you are receiving a lot of spam email in your account. If you find that your account has been compromised, change your password immediately.
6. Reporting fraud and Cyber Crime to Action Fraud: Telephone number 0300 1232040: www.actionfraud.police.uk
The Bodmin Way
A new walking, cycling or driving trail has been created by the Churches in the Bodmin Team Ministry to encourage locals and tourists to visit five churches in the surrounding Parishes: St Meubred’s in Cardinham, St Petroc’s in Bodmin, St Stephen’s in Nanstallon, Lanivet Parish Church and St Hydrock’s in Lanhydrock.
Full details can be found at www.bodminway.org
Annual Parish Meeting Wednesday 8 May
The Annual Cardinham Parish Meeting was held in the Hall on Wednesday 8 May. This was a good chance to hear what’s going on in and around our Parish as well as to ask questions. Attendees were also treated to excellent talks on how to protect ourselves from the ever present threat of Cyber Crime, and also what we should all be trying to do personally to help combat Climate Change. It was also announced that our Tourist Information Hub is now operational in the Bus Shelter in Cardinham, and Parishioners were asked to help protect it from potential vandalisation by regularly keeping an eye open for any suspicious activity in the vicinity. We were also urged to treat our Parish with respect, not to drop litter and to clean up after our dogs.
Levow Kesson Mixed Voice Choirs
Levow Kesson Mixed Voice Choirs are run by Musical Director Heather Taylor, and meet in St Neot Chapel Schoolroom every Tuesday evening, arriving 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Subs are £2. Members are drawn from across South East Cornwall, and anyone of all levels and abilities wishing to have a taster session or join will be warmly welcomed. Further details on the Choirs can be found here
Cornwall Family History Society
The Cornwall Family History Society (CFHS) is a charity that was established over 40 years ago to help promote genealogical research and to aid people with their family history questions. For the past several years it has focused on expanding its online presence and advertising to those people whose ancestors left our county. However, with the temporary closure of the Cornwall Record Office (CRO) ahead of its impending move, the CFHS has decided it is time to focus more on it roots. Further information can be found here or on its website www.cornwallfhs.com
Information for Visitors and Tourists
Cardinham has its own Tourist Information Hub, located in the redecorated bus shelter across the road from the school next to the defibrillator. This houses a large map showing the footpaths and bridleways in the area, together with a new Parish Noticeboard and Posters highlighting interesting facts and points of interest. There are also super packs of leaflets, produced with the Bodmin Information Centre and the Bodmin Community Network, giving background information on Cardinham and our surrounding areas – Blisland, Bodmin, Helland, Lanhydrock, Lanivet and Withiel.
Copies of the Posters on Points of Interest around Cardinham Parish and on St Meubred’s Church, as well as the Leaflets, can be downloaded.
So spread the word to find out and explore Cardinham and our surrounding areas – we live in a beautiful and interesting place!
Looking for that new or different exercise regime?
Then it may be time for you to try Morris Dancing
You have probably seen Trigg Morris out and about enjoying performing their dances & putting on a show. It is now time when those with an aspiration for the Morris Dance are invited to enlist as Dancers or Musicians. Perhaps you do not fancy Cricket or Rugby, so this may be just the team sport for you, especially if you have half an an ear for the music. Whether a novice or experienced you should soon be able to perform with style.
Members of the Side come from all over the Eastern half of Cornwall, so there may well be someone near you who is part of the action, therefore do not let distance be an issue.
Trigg Men enjoy entertaining the Public on a regular basis from May to September, and occasionally at other times, but all gatherings will end with some socialising that generates the camaraderie that is usual amongst Morris Sides.
We currently hold weekly practices on Thursday Evenings in Lanivet at 8 pm, so if you feel it is for you please get in touch.
To see more have a look at our website www.triggmorris.co.uk or Facebook page, then email triggbagman@hotmail.com or call Roger on 01208 73907.
Cardinham Helpline – an invaluable local resource
Cardinham Helpline was set up in 1995 as a voluntary caring organisation to assist anyone in the Parish. Our work falls into three categories:
DRIVING – Transport to appointments, hospitals, clinics, local surgeries and day centres.
PRACTICAL WORK – Local shopping, fetching prescriptions, changing library books. Accompanying to shops, or on walks. Cooking an occasional meal. Sitting with the elderly or sick to give carers a break. Emergency babysitting, small jobs in the house or garden on a temporary basis. We can also help with form filling.
SUPPORT/BEFRIENDING – visiting, supply a friendly listening ear and help in finding appropriate professional expertise.
MONTHLY LUNCH CLUB – for those living in the Parish in Cardinham Parish Hall on the third Thursday of each month, excepting August, at 12.45pm. To book lunch please call Julia 01208 821216 or Shirley 01208 821304
We also publish a Parish Directory which is delivered to newcomers to the Parish, so if you have slipped through the net and would like a copy please contact Rosemary Rowe, our secretary, and she will ensure you receive a copy. Telephone 01208 821225
For any help or information regarding Helpline, please contact one of our Co-ordinators: Shirley Searle: Telephone 01208 821304 or Gill Long: Telephone 01208 821745
You can help the hungry
Foodbanks which distribute essential supplies to the needy are unfortunately a sign of our times. They rely totally on donations from the local community for the food to give to people who can’t supply enough for themselves and their families. You can help by donating food and dropping it off at local collections points in Millpool Methodist Chapel and St Meubred’s Church for onward distribution via the Bodmin Christian Fellowship to local families. Full details can be found here
What you can do to save a life
Cardinham Parish Council has sent an informative letter and reminder card to all households in the Parish explaining what people can do to help if someone has a cardiac arrest in their home. It is suggested that everyone asks someone living close to their nearest defibrillator to become their personal Defib Buddy who they can call in an emergency to bring the defibrillator and help give Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) until an ambulance arrives. This needs to be done immediately after ringing 999 for an ambulance and asking for the code to unlock the defibrillator cabinet. If your phone line is held by the Emergency Operator to give advice, try and phone from another phone if you have one or ask a neighbour. Further details can be found on the Defibrillator and Dealing with a Cardiac Arrest pages.
If you would like to offer to be someone’s Defib Buddy to help them in an emergency, please send your name and contact details to Julie Best, the Chair of Cardinham Parish Council
Cycling Church
St Meubred’s has become the first Cycling Church in the UK. Early in October Bishop Chris of St Germans dedicated the newly installed Cycle Prayer Station which has been gloriously decorated by pupils from Cardinham Primary School.
St Meubred’s Church wanted to make it known that it especially welcomes cyclists and walkers who are enjoying the delights of the surrounding countryside. People are invited to bring their thoughts and prayers to the Prayer Station by tying ribbons to the bicycle or writing on and attaching luggage labels. The original idea came from a member of the congregation who sadly lost a close friend who had been passionate about cycling. More details on the Prayer Station can be found here
DH-CL Forever
Does anyone know a couple in or from the Parish or surrounding area with the initials DH and CL? If so please could you contact Peter Claridge on cardinhameditor@gmail.com as I have some good news for them!
Cardinham Pop Up Pub
The Pop up Pub in Cardinham Parish Hall which first opened its doors on Saturday 21st January 2018 is going from strength to strength.
During each session the Hall is packed with friendly happy faces ranging from 6 months to much older! Everyone enjoys the wide selection of beverages on offer served by efficient bar staff, and is a marvelous opportunity to meet friends old and new in relaxed surroundings for a good chat. Many thanks to the organisers and all who are helping to make these wonderful evenings such a major success.
Update on Bodmin Moor Ancestry Project
Jodie Lampert, a PhD student from Leicester University, is researching the interesting ancestry of surnames in the 12 Parishes on Bodmin Moor, as part of her thesis on the history and population dynamics of Cornwall. She visited our area in September looking for male volunteers with particular surnames and whose grandparents were born on the Moor to help with her study. Many of the surnames that she was interested in were well represented in the Cardinham area.
Jodie needed samples of saliva from men for her to analyse the make up of the male specific Y chromosome, so unfortunately lady volunteers were not suitable. All information obtained will remain anonymous and confidential, although the summary conclusions will be available once her study is complete.
Thanks to a lovely and successful trip by Jodie to Bodmin Moor last month, including local TV coverage for the project and for several volunteers, the sampling part of her study is coming to an end soon. She will have some preliminary results of the Bodmin Moor Y-chromosome typed up on her website by Christmas. After that the next step will be to compare them with Y-chromosomes from men in other parts of Cornwall and from Devon.
Although Jodie is still interested in all the surnames listed on her website, she is making one last appeal to find men with the following names whose paternal ancestors were born on the Moor. These represented the highest percentage in the moorland Parishes in 1881 so are especially interesting to her. If you know any local males with these names who would like to take part in this interesting and important project, please ask them to contact Jodie as soon as possible:
TAPRILL, GOYENS/GOYINS, TREGLOYNE/TREGLOIN, BERDINNER, SMITHERAM, FERRIT, BARNECUT, DUENCE/DUENS, TREVAIN, CLEMINGS, TREHANE, BURNAFORD, POLMEER, HONEYCOMBE, CREEPER, GUMBE
Jodie wants to thank everyone that has helped her with her project. Please check her website if you are interested in the results of her project which will be ongoing for the next year, so there is a lot to look forward to!
Full details on her project and the list of surnames can be found on Jodie’s Bodmin Moor Project website or by contacting her by email at jel27@le.ac.uk.
The Fuel Bay Cafe
The The Fuel Bay Cafe at Cardinham Airfield is now open for snacks, drinks and, from mid October, Sunday roasts (booking recommended). Come along and enjoy great food whilst watching the aeroplanes taking off and landing.
Cardinham Parish 
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