Camborne into the Future

This blog is looking for Authors !!

2010-05-20T12:43:00.005+01:00

If you live in or aorund the Camborne area and feel that you could contribute text or multi-media content on a reasonably regular basis to this blog please contact me Andy K by email on webmaster@camborne-tc.gov.uk

A "WARTS AND ALL" approach to Camborne daily life is the sort of stuff and nonsense the blog needs !!! Do you have what it takes to get Camborne the attention it deserves ? email me at the address above.

As the blog's Administrator I can give support to contributors who need any help making posts etc. I am in the process of developing a network of local Community Projects whose websites I look after and will be promoting this blog on these, and at the forthcoming Camborne Show on the 17th July 2010. See you there !!

AFFORDABLE ECO-HOUSE STARTS TO TAKE SHAPE IN CAMBORNE

2009-01-22T11:10:00.002Z

Nice to see Camborne playing a leading role in the quest for a solution to major environmental and socio-economic problems facing us all. Go here for more Info

Martin Jennings Memorial Run

2008-09-25T16:59:00.004+01:00

The Martin Jennings Memorial Run is a yearly charity motorbike event which has been taking place since 1988. Held in aid of the memory of Martin Jennings, a young man from the Camborne area who was killed whilst taking part in the Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix. The charity motorcycle run, supported by bikers from all over the country, is a wonderful display of 'community' - something that is often a trademark amongst avid bikers. Each year the number of bikers prepared to get involved increases and this year, 2008, they numbered some 1200 plus and raised £4570 towards the Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust.

I was sorry to miss this years event as, despite not being a big fan of motorbikes, I did enjoy the parade that cruised past my house last year on their way up the hill to Beacon where a minutes silence is observed. The obvious cameraderie and enjoyment of those taking part is catching as young and older bikers wave at the many roadside watchers. For me it presented a photo opportunity and in case you too missed this years ride here are some of my pictures. Enjoy!

Camborne South by-election

2008-07-31T12:39:00.002+01:00

Camborne Town Council will hold a by-election for the Camborne South ward on Thursday, August 28.

The candidates are:

- Jilly Wright (Liberal Democrat)

- Raymond Webber (Labour)

- Morwenna Williams (Conservative)

- Zoe Fox (Mebyon Kernow).

Camborne at the Royal Cornwall Show 2008

2008-07-16T10:49:00.021+01:00

In June this year Camborne had a stand at the Royal Cornwall Show, on the showground near Wadebridge, promoting all that is great about Camborne.

Sharing the marquee were representatives from all 20 or so of Camborne's Societies, whose displays did a great job conveying the pride Camborne justly has of its heritage. Thes stands included the Camborne Show Society, the Trevithick Society, and the Camborne Twinning Association, all with full and varied stands. A few photos from the show can be found below.

The stand was well recieved by its many visitors who were entertained by the TR14'ers Camborne's teenage dance troupe who were visited on the stand by "Flava" the cornish dancers from TV's "Britains got Talent". Also the atmoshere of traditional Corwall was summoned by the fantastic singing of the choir "Proper Job" and "Hevva" whose cornish folk music and dancing, perfectly complemented by their costumes transported the large crowd that had gathered back to the Cornwall of a bygone era.

Fortunately the weather for the 3 days was good (as it always seems to be for the RCS) and of the many who had come a long way to visit the show, there were some Camborne ex-pats for whom the stand re-kindled fond memories of the Town and who were glad to see some recognition of the Town's acheivements.

All in all the stand did Camborne proud, and visitors could not fail to leave with a positive impression of the sometimes much mis-represented Town.

Smoke and mirrors

2008-06-27T14:53:00.002+01:00

According to the local papers, Camborne's tin mines will once again be seen belching smoke - though not because there is any actual mining going on downstairs. No, this is a "special event", organised by the Mineral Tramways Project, to celebrate Cornwall's mining heritage.

In some ways this is a nice idea - it reminds us that all those empty shells littering the countryside were in fact once the great powerhouses of the Industrial Revolution, which put Cornwall at the centre of world technology. But this kind of nostalgia is also deeply depressing. Because where are we now? The Industrial Revolution ended over 100 years ago, yet Camborne has not benefited from it . We have been left behind.

However, we're now in the midst of a new revolution - and in my view if Camborne is to become great again it should embrace this revolution with the same energy and enthusiasm as our ancestors 200 years ago. I'm talking about the green revolution - using renewable energy to power our lives. I think Camborne is well place for this.

We have, through Tolvaddon Energy Park, started to invest well in green technology; and just down the road in Hayle there is one of the most innovative renewable energy projects on the planet in the Wave Hub. Cornwall was the first county in Britain to embrace wind power, and that should continue. I think we need more wind turbines, not less (as some people of a conservative bent propose). In my view, it is the best way to move forward in a changing and challenging world - and the only way that Camborne will once become a driving force in world innovation.

Lost Reply to This Blog needs Authors / Apologies / Royal Cornwall Show

2008-06-09T10:40:00.003+01:00

Apologies to Louise (I think it was) who replied to my Post about the Blog needing Authors. I afraid I lost your email !!.

Please email again if you get to read this. My fault entirely while I was working on the Camborne Stand at the Royal Cornwall Show I was using a new lap top, and must have deleted your mail by mistake.

Pleased to say however that the Camborne stand at the Show was a big hit, and I will be posting more on our attendance shortly

Hope to hear from you Louise

Andy

Camborne - How Others See Us!

2008-03-12T20:41:00.005Z

I thought carefully before putting this one out to the great Camborne public - are we 'man' enough to accept a little criticism - and maybe start a sensible debate?

Check out this link

Camborne - Home of the Militant Chav - the An Goff terrorists! Is this really how others see Camborne? If so what can we do about it?

I looked up Chav in Wikipedia and this is what it says: Chav - a derogatory slang term for a subcultural stereotype fixated on fashions and imitation gold, poorly made jewellery and fake designer clothes (especially Burberry). It is also a term associated with juvenile delinquency and the ASBO/Hoodie generation.

So Camborne, let's have your comments - what is Camborne really like?

Camborne Graffiti Project

2008-02-18T18:31:00.004Z

At this weeks Town Council meeting I heard about a worthwhile graffiti project that is currently taking place in the Camborne area. PCSO's Mike Kearon and Becky Di Quirico have started the 'Together Against Graffiti Project.'

The aim of this project is to clean up unsightly graffiti, and the PCSO's aided by 25 young volunteers from Camborne, are doing exactly that. To date areas that have been cleaned are, the changing rooms on the Old School of Mines Rugby Ground (used by Storm Football Club) and a start has been made on the graffiti at the Elim Centre plus in the pipeline is graffit on Pengegon Bridge. This is a great project - giving youngsters pride in the area they live in - and we should all be supportive of ideas such as these, especially when youngsters are engaged in this way.

I understand that the project organisers are looking to erect a graffiti 'Free Wall' at Tuckingmill Valley Park in the skateboard area. To assist with the finance of this they are looking to the Town Council for support, and of course to the local councillors. We should all be voting for this one by contacting our local councillors to make sure they too are on board with the project. Your local councillors can be contacted here.

Camborne Graffiti

2008-02-06T22:26:00.000Z

With all the regeneration that is now taking place within Camborne I feel the time is right to tackle the graffiti. It seems pointless spending vast sums of money (and it is a vast sum that is being spent) on tidying up pavements, buildings, the railway station etc. yet not dealing with the creativity which is practised on highly visible buildings and walls.

Everyone should be aware that they can call the Council on 01209-614000 and report graffiti damage or download a form from this link: Graffiti form The Council is able to deal with this. Any other suggestions you may have regarding graffiti or other vandalism can be put in the comments box of this blog.

Camborne Town Council

2008-01-26T22:32:00.000Z

The other evening I decided to sit in on a town council meeting. It started promptly at 7.30pm but although due to end around 9.30pm it overran by one hour. The knock on effect of this was that discussion on the 12th (and last)item on the agenda had to be postponed. Unfortunately the 12th item was, in my opinion, extremely important and should have been nearer the top of the agenda. So what was item 12? Only a discussion to construct the town council's response on Cornwall County Fire Brigade IRMP Service Plan 2008/9!

For those who are wondering the IRMP Service Plan 2008/9 is the 'Paper' on the Fire Brigade Integrated Risk Management Plan - all about improving public safety and reducing the number of fire incidents and saving lives. The aim of this plan is to ensure effective use of resources that deal with the daily risks to our lives. At present the plan is in the consultation phase, hence an opinion on the Brigades specific objectives proposed for 2008/9 were being sought. What is more, four of the proposals in this plan could potentially effect how the Fire Brigade delivers its service.

See here for more details: www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=597

Of course we all know meetings can be difficult to control, difficult to keep on track, to stick to the agenda and be time aware. In this instance the culprit was item 6 - A long drawn out presentation and 'hot' debate on the nearly finished Camborne granite paving refurbishments, plus, the proposed erection of the new £17,000 Richard Trevithick statue at the top of Camborne Hill, all of which the Town Council had previously voted (in favour) on. This should have been cut short, or better still, swopped - not given preference to a discussion around the fire service.

Mind you the discussion on RT's statue had its comic moments, not least of which was when a Councillor (whose blushes I'll spare and not name) stood up and told the room that RT would be offended by this statue as it appears to be based on the popular song "Camborne Hill." Apparently the 4th verse of this song is demeaning to the ladies of Camborne. Really?

The Town Council holds its full council meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Magistrates Court, Basset Road, Camborne. 7.30pm start. It's a shame that more members of the Camborne public don't attend to listen to their councillors at work on their behalf.

Oyez ! Oyez ! Oyez! Camborne Town Crier Now Up !

2008-01-12T19:31:00.000Z

The January 2008 edition of the Town Crier is Here ( sorry for the delay guys)

Camborne Youth Band

2008-01-07T17:30:00.000Z

I've always had a simmering passion for the sound of a good brass band and Camborne Youth Band certainly is good. I first heard them as they gave a live performance in the town 'square' and they gave me goosebumps as I listened.

The band has been in existence for many years and has won many competitions. In the past Camborne Youth Band won the British National Junior (Band) Championships, in fact they won in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2007 they struck gold and became the National Community Youth Champions of Great Britain. Despite being an award winning band they still have time for beginners, lending instruments to children who wish to learn music before they buy an expensive instrument.

There are 3 youth bands - the training band: for beginners who are taught the art of playing 'together' and playing in front of an audience. Once mastered players progress to - The youth band. The youth band is well supported having around 43 active players but many more members. Once players have gained valid musical experience they progress from the youth band to the 'B' band - this is the link band between youth and adult.

Throughout 2008 they have many engagements and I would recommend locals and visitors take the time to support these wonderful Camborne youngsters. Their next venue is a New Year concert at Penventon Hotel in Redruth, Sunday 20th January at 7.30pm. Check out their website for further dates at www.cambornetownband.com/YouthBand.html - can't think of a nicer way to be goose-bumped!

Camborne Christmas Lights

2007-12-19T22:32:00.000Z

It is now only 6 days to Christmas and already there seems to be a problem with the Camborne Christmas lights. The grand 'turning on' ceremony seemed well supported and I had hopes that this year the displays would manage to stay alight until the big day. Unfortunately this is not to be.

A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to spend a few days on the island of Madeira, a Portugese island where Christmas is celebrated with a vengence and the multi-coloured light displays take centre stage. The capital city Funchal is a blaze of fabulous designs and patterns from the 1st December through to the New Year. The locals are immensely proud of their stunning displays and each evening take time to stroll around the town in family groups to spot new additions. Civic pride draws this community together.

I realise that Camborne could not hope to compete with Madeira, after all the Madeiran government pays for the island lights, but I have to admit my disappointment that Camborne can't keep all its lights glowing - at least until 25th - please.

Camborne Show Hot Global Figures

2007-10-04T14:53:00.000+01:00

Konichiwa to Japan, Howdy USA.
Great to see the Camborne Show website get so many visitors from the 4 corners of the world.

Alternative May Ball a "Fantastic Community Effort"

2007-07-05T13:19:00.000+01:00

Read all about it in this months Town Crier Free Online

Camborne Town Forum Hacked

2007-06-21T13:21:00.000+01:00

The Camborne Town Forum has again been brought down by East European Hackers. Sorry but the "SimpleForum cgi script" that I based the Forum on is just too vulnerable these days.

It was great for its time but unfortunately it has had its day. It became very popular for its adaptability and was a good choice for the Cornwall Blind Association's Forum as it was possible to build in extensive accesssiblity features.

Thanks to Daan Deconinck Simpleforum's developer for the years of good service it provided but i think really the days of any CGI based forum is now over giving way to the new Generation of PHP based forums which offer a greater degree of security.

I am now developing a new SimpleMachines Forum for the Cornwall Blind Association watch the CBA website for progress.

The Camborne Show 2007

2007-06-21T12:01:00.000+01:00

This year the Show is at a new Venue: GWEALAVELLAN FARM, Nr COOMBE, CAMBORNE, on Saturday 21 July 2007, check the website for more details www.camborne-show.org.uk and the blog at camborne-show.blogspot.com/
See you there.

Alternative May Ball

2007-05-14T12:21:00.000+01:00

I have been asked to contribute to this great new blog and tell you all about an upcoming event at the Corn Exchange in Camborne on Sunday May 27th at 7.30pm.
It is a evening of music, entertainment and food. 4 tons of Funk will be performing along side croupier run casino table and a DJ, and hot served buffet food.
Opening the evening will be The TR14ers Community based youth Dance group, the event is to raise funds for them to continue to hold half term and holiday dance workshops.

But........... the big part of the evening will be a competition to find a MR KERNOW and a MISS KERNOW the prize money for each win will be £250!!!! I have some entrants for this competition but i am also holding open auditions on Sunday 20th at 2pm in the Corn Exchange. Everyone 18yrs of age and over is welcome to enter. Hope to see you there!!!!

Tickets for the event are available @ The Corn Exchange, Camborne. £15

Early Evening Trip Through Camborne Town Centre

2007-05-08T13:56:00.000+01:00

Camborne Cornwall

Another Vid from Paul at less than 30 mph of course !!

Trevithick Day 2007 (Steam Engines)

2007-05-02T13:57:00.001+01:00

Great Video posted by Paul1967uk on YouTube click on his username to visit his YouTube site to view more from the Day

This blog is looking for Authors !!

2007-02-19T14:38:00.000Z

Welcome to a blog about the future of Camborne

2007-02-01T15:51:00.000Z

Is there a growing despondancy in Camborne about its future, or is there a community out there determined to have a say in the way their town is being planned ?