Site Cleared At Boat Cove

The shed and slip at Boat Cove have now been removed marking the end of an era for what was once a much needed facility.

After no solution could be found to extend the life of this amenity Ian Hicks was left with the unenviable task of removing both the shed and the slip.

Although the lease had been passed back to the National Trust Ian was still in the frame for clearing the site.

Ian said:

" I was able to save some money by enlisting the help of my son-in-law with his tractor and his ability with a digger, but it was very hard work at least 3-4 days .

The cost of Recycling is huge the last trailer load, with bagged up asbestos, metal and plastic was nearly £300, there were 4 other loads of wood and Ivy that I hope will come in a lot cheaper, so the quote we were given by the Trust of just under £2,000 all done was fair value".

So there we have it, the end of Boat Cove as we knew it. All life changes, whether we like the changes or not is another thing.

The Trust would like to point out they are still very keen to have your comments, ideas and opinions about Boat Cove and its future, particularly regarding the use of the cove by boat owners, and access to the beach. You can contact Julie Hanson, Warden for Godolphin and Mount's Bay on 01736 762479 or Julie.Hanson@nationaltrust.org.uk

Photos courtesy of Ian Hicks

All Clear At Boat Cove

Well the site is clear at Boat Cove at last. I informed Julie Hanson last night by email, and asked her to inspect it and sign me off.

Still more people who take no notice of signage, given that yesterday was so wet the mud so sticky, it was like a swamp in places, some still came through or tried to, perhaps it shows an Independent Spirit and one that hates Health and Safety Rules , in truth I think that probably applies to lots of us. Pity we still find ourselves in the E. U. then ?

Best regards,
Ian


Submitted by Ian Hicks

Boat Cove - Warning

The Shed is sadly no more.

I had notice from the Trust on, I think Tuesday to carry out the removal of the Slip and Shed.

They kindly gave me a price from a builder but my son-in-law is an Agricultural Contractor, who like all crop farmers in this wet weather, is unable to get on with planting potatoes until we get some dry weather. So with the bad weather window now, before Peter Allen gets his potatoes in the ground, it seemed now or not for months.

The slip has been taken out and today the clearing of the site has started. Asbestos sheets have been wrapped up ready for the proper disposal. All the wood will be recycled as will every other thing we can.

You are all respectfully asked to stay away from the immediate area of the shed please, in the interests of , you guessed it, HEALTH and SAFETY.

In this instance it is not silly as some have suggested today, but for your safety. With large machines charging around people and dogs can be hard to see, apart from other injuries incurred on the site.

Please, just for say 2 more days can you give us space to be safe.

Many thanks
Ian

Submitted by Ian Hicks

Boat Cove - Latest Update

The National Trust has through Health and Safety issues forced the removal of the old slipway, (which has been done) with the shed to be removed as soon as the weather conditions allow.

The Trust is still open to a replacement shed being built at some time, but in view of growing opposition to any replacement by some members of the community, this is now unlikely to take place.

It is very sad that after the initial support for shed and slip, this community has effectively ended generations of small boat fishing from Boat Cove.

Submitted by Kevin Samson

Boat Cove Is About To Change

For more than a year the future of the shed and the slipway at Boat Cove has been in the balance. When the facilities became so unsafe as to be un-insurable a large group of people expressed their dismay at what was perceived to be the end of Boat Cove.

However, the National Trust attended a series of meetings with a newly formed Boat Cove Association and there was hope that a way forward could be found. Discussions focused firstly on ways of preserving the existing shed, and then on the possibility of replacing it entirely with a new one. Minutes of the meetings are available on this website, use the search box top right hand corner to find them.

New steps down to the beach were installed, and site visits with a number of experts were conducted in order to explore several possibilities. As February gets into its stride it has become clear that either repairing and propping the old shed, or pulling it up the field are not feasible. The cliff edge is so crumbly, and the elements so unpredictable that props are not likely to remain effective for long. And the poor old shed, being held together with flotsam and jetsam would probably just fall apart at the first attempt to move it. Unfortunately the building is now so unsafe that it needs to be taken down. As soon as the date for the work has been set the information will be posted near the shed and on this website so that folk are able to photograph, paint or sketch the shed, or just walk past it knowing it is for the last time. Please don't approach it too closely! The slip will be hauled up shortly.

The Trust is still very keen to have your comments, ideas and opinions about Boat Cove and its future, particularly regarding the use of the cove by boat owners, and access to the beach. Please contact Julie Hanson, Warden for Godolphin and Mount's Bay on 01736 762479 or Julie.Hanson@nationaltrust.org.uk

Submitted by Julie Hanson
National Trust

Is This The End For Boat Cove?

There was a very disappointing turn out for the Boat Cove Association general meeting on Friday night which has left committee members feeling that maybe it is the end of an era.

So many people showed an interest when the issues concerning the Cove were first raised that a proper group had to be formed to get things organised. Now that that group has been formed, (The Boat Cove Association) it seems that local people are quite prepared to let them get on with it. With only a handful of members however, that task will be neigh on impossible.

The National Trust are only working with the association because they feel that it is of interest to the whole community. If they think it is for just a very small group it is unlikely they will be as willing, and who could blame them?

All those with Kayaks that have expressed an interest are it is felt, among the new users for Boat Cove as it keeps them away from Perran beach with all the children and swimmers, and gives them a safe place to launch their craft and enjoy the sea, yet none turned out for the meeting.

It is going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of money to get Boat Cove back to the usable amenity it has always been. There is funding available but with such a lack of interest from local people it is highly unlikely that any of that funding will be made available for Boat Cove.

A full report will be published shortly, in the meantime you can add your comments to this story by clicking on 'comments' below.

Boat Cove - General Meeting

The Boat Cove Association has called a general meeting to be held in the Church room Perranuthnoe on Friday 16th May at 7.00 p.m.

The agenda is as follows;

Chairman's report on progress

Treasurer's report

Membership recruitment

Fundraising ideas

Everyone interested in the future of Boat Cove should attend this meeting.

Boat Cove - Ideas needed

Penwith have now been in contact with Ian Hicks, Boat Cove Association chairman. Although they were unable to arrange a date for a meeting just yet they have indicated that they cannot see much of a problem with the moving/replacement of the shed. They have however, stressed concern over the slip.

The feeling is that the slip is very dangerous in its present state and a replacement would have to conform to safety standards.

Boat Cove Association would welcome any ideas anyone might have for a suitable replacement.

You can submit your ideas by clicking on 'comments' just below this post.

Alternatively you can email your ideas of call in to see Kevin or Val at Perranuthnoe Village Crafts

Urgent - Photos Needed - Boat Cove

Has anybody got any old photos of the shed at boat cove as it is felt they may be helpful with regards to planning permision etc.

If you do have any please could you drop them in to Kevin & Val at Perranuthnoe Village Crafts as soon as possible.

Thanks

Boat Cove Association - Minutes - 31/01/08

Attending

Ian Hicks - Chairman
Val Blake - Treasurer
Kevin Sansom - Acting Secretary for meeting.
Alistair Cameron - National Trust
Julie - N.T. Warden
Frank Jehu
Robert Jehu
Steve Breeze
Mary
Bob
Kay Bowman

Apologies for Absence

Brianna Breeze could not make the meeting due to illness.

Meeting Commenced at 18.00

The Chairman told the N.T. reps. tha B.C.A. had now been set up as a constituted organisation and of it's aims in promoting and maintaining Boat Cove's traditions.

The Chairman asked the N.T. reps. as to what would be acceptable to the Trust in the way of replacements for the shed and slip.

Alistair said that if the 'new' shed matched the existing one in size, he could not see much problem, although planning permission from Penwith District Council would be required for a new build structure and N.T.'s architechtural and building office would have to be consulted.

However, he was more concerned over a new slip way, particularly whether the structure would be in keeping with the coastal environment, natural habit and health and safety issues.

There was concern that a new slip should not interfere with the coastal footpath, as this would mean the county council becoming involved.

Various build options were discussed, but the following actions were agreed.

1. The Chairman would approach P.D.C. planning control to take advice on what might or might not be allowed and to arrange a site meeting.

2. N.T. would help with drawing up plans and specifications for the shed and slip, following B.C.A.'s consultations with P.D.C.

3. As the N.T. had no money available for work on constructing a new slip and shed, the N.T. agreed to help with advice on grant applications and sources of funding.

4. Any new slip and shed should be constructed in such a way as to benefit the wider community, i.e. to increase the number of working boats to a maximum of 8 and to allow a number of light craft, kayaks, or canoes to use the facility.

5. Sources of old photos of the shed(s) and slip should be sought, as these would help with funding applications, by showing that this was a continuation of a centuries old traditional way of life.

If permissions were received to go ahead and replace the slip and shed, B.C.A. members could undertake the work, if N.T. transfered the tenancy of the site to B.C.A. on a repairing lease. Alistair said that he would look into this, as it would greatly reduce costs by not having to use contractors.

The meeting ended on agreement that the Chairman contact P.D.C. at the earliest opportunity and report back to B.C.A.

The B.C.A. committee would then meet to organise plans for proceesding with funding applications and recruitment of more supporters.

The meeting closed at 18.55

Compiled by Kevin Sansom (Acting Secretary)

Minutes of Boat Cove Meeting

Minutes of Meeting to set Up Boat Cove Association - 22/01/08

Present

Kay Bowman, Roz Quillan Chandler, Robert Jehu, Frank Jehu, Ian Hicks, Brianna Breeze, Mary Collins, Kevin Sansom, Val Blake, Bob ? , Jack Trewhella.

Apologies for Absence Received

Nick Wall had written to apologise for absence, and enclosed some useful information regarding local fishing byelaws.

Amanda and Harvey emailed to apologise for not being able to make the meeting but would like to express their support.

Objectives

To work with the National Trust to achieve the repair or replacement of the boat store and slipway at Boat Cove, Perranuthnoe, to enable the facility for fishing or recreational boating for future generations of local people.

It was thought that a properly constituted group would have better access to sources of funding, if needed.

A link to the Parish Council was suggested. Pippa from the council and Jane Howell of Marazion and District Forum had been invited but did not attend.

It was agreed that a newsletter to inform locals of the situation at Boat Cove should be sent to every household in Perranuthnoe (around 100) and displayed in the village shop and perhaps the Post Office in Goldsithney.

Name of Group

The name "Boat Cove Association" was agreed unanimously.

Membership Fees

Two tier membership was suggested, membership open to all, and, once the boat store is operational again, a store users membership.

£5 was agreed to be a reasonable sum for general membership. An invitation to join to go in newsletter.

Election of Officers

Chairman: Ian Hicks, proposed by Brianna, seconded by Mary, agreed unanimously.

Secretary: Brianna Breeze, proposed by Kay, seconded by Robert, agreed unanimously.

Treasurer: Val Blake, proposed by Roz, seconded by Jack, agreed unanimously.

Committee member: Kevin Sansom.

More committee members would be welcomed.

Contact for Group

Kay kindly volunteered to be the contact point.
Tel: 01736 710565
Address: The Old Chapel, Perranuthnoe, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 9NE
Email: Kay Bowman
Information will also be posted on the village website, www.perranuthnoe.com

Constitution

As this will be a legally binding document, it was decided to formulate this at a future date.

Fundraising Ideas for the Future

A party/ barbecue for the village at Boat Cove was suggested.
Sell the old boat store on Ebay? If the buyer could collect, this would save demolition and disposal costs!

Offers for Practical Help

An appeal for people with different skills or business contacts should go in the newsletter. Marazion Bypass Nursery own a JCB, may be worth asking them?

Date of Next Meeting

Will be decided at next week's meeting with Alastair Cameron from the National Trust, 6.00pm Wednesday 30th January at Perranuthnoe Village Crafts, Perranuthnoe.

Compiled by Brianna Breeze
Boat Cove Association Secretary

Meeting To Set Up Boat Cove Association

There will be a meeting in the Church room Perranuthnoe on 22nd January 2008 at 7.oopm to set up the proposed Boat Cove Association. Anyone interested in joining or supporting the Association is invited to attend.

Outcome of Trust/Talking Party Meeting

A preliminary meeting between Alastair Cameron of the National Trust and some volunteer 'talking party' members, was held last night in the church room, Perranuthnoe.

The emphasis for the meeting was to ascertain exactly what people wanted to be done at Boat Cove.

It has been well and truly establish that everyone wants Boat Cove to remain a usable amenity for local people. The Trust are in agreement with this and prepared to work with us, the local community.
Thanks go out to everyone for taking the time to sign the petition and offer support.

If Boat Cove is to remain a usable amenity two things have to be addressed, the slip and the shed.

The shed is needed to store boat and fishing gear and has a great appeal and history behind it. Unfortunately it is very dilapidated and now actually overhanging the cliff.

The question is, what can be done about it? Suggestions raised at the meeting were as follows;

1. Shore it up
This was the most popular as everyone likes the shed just the way/where it is.
Things to take into account are the costs which would be astronomical and with rising sea levels and erosion how much longer would it last? Would it be worth it?

2. Drag it back
The second most popular was to drag the whole shed back a few yards away from the cliff edge and repair it.
Things to take into account are; Can it be done and what would be involved? Would the shed stand up to moving it?

3. Knock down and not replace
Not an option, or is it? Could be seen as a natural demise with a little help at the end for health and safety reasons.

4. Knock down and replace with new
Considerations with this one were; What will the new shed look like? Will it be wood? Will it be stone? Where will it go? Could parts of the old shed be incorporated in to the new one? How big should it be?

5. Keep old shed and build new one
This option involves sealing the shed and preserving it where it stands. Maybe have some history boards on it with information and pictures of now and then.
Considerations are; The shed is overhanging the cliff, very dangerous for anyone walking on the beach should it fall. How long before it does fall? It will have to be repaired and made secure as bits come off it in heavy winds, another danger for anyone passing.

The slip is needed to launch boats and as a means to get equipment to and from the shed. It is not really necessary for access to the beach as there is another way down and the Trust have already said they will provide steps.

So what where the ideas for the slip;

1. Make it safe and insurable
What would this involve? Can it be done?

2. Build a new one
Whats needed? Do we need hand rails? how wide will it have to be? what will it look like? should it be wood? metal? should it be fixed or movable?
To bring boats up it will have to be around 6-7 feet wide. To make it movable it would have to be very light.

3. Do away with it
The Trust will provide steps to access the cove. Boats can be launched from elsewhere and brought round to the cove. The problem is with the boat and fishing gear. The equipment is heavy and to try and walk across pebbles and rocks then up steps could prove a bit too much and so defeating the object of keeping Boat Cove a usable amenity.

There is a lot to consider and sort out including Planning and, Health and Safety issues. Alastair Cameron has said that the Trust will get a risk assessment done, he will arrange for a Health and Safety Officer to visit and will get the planning side looked in to as well as getting a building surveyor in for our best options.

From the community side, views and comments are needed on the suggestions put forward.
To be able to work with the National Trust we, as a community need to get organised. Communication is a key issue.
There are a lot of people to which Boat Cove is important. To keep all those people informed and up to date as well as letting everyone have their say will prove costly and time consuming.

The modern world revolves around modern technology, it's quick and effective as well as being more environmentally friendly.
This website is a good place to start. It enables everyone to be able to voice their opinions and read the opinions of others. If Boat Cove is important to you and you have access to a computer please use modern technology and go ahead and make your comments on the issues raised. If you have no access to a computer then you can phone me on 01736 710565 and I will publish your comments for you. This will enable us, as a community to get organised and really get to grips with what is wanted/needed. All final decisions can then be made face to face with the knowledge and piece of mind that it is a whole community decision.

It has been suggested that a 'Boat Cove Association' be formed to fulfill the needs of now and the future. Again, comments on this are needed.

Go ahead, click on 'comments' below and do your bit. Lots of people have offered support, this is the next step, actually giving it.

National Trust Notes On Meeting

Boat Cove Petition

If you want to add your name to the list of people opposed to the removal and non replacement of the shed and slip at Boat Cove you can do so at the following places;

Perranuthnoe Village Crafts
The Victoria Inn
Goldsithney Village Stores

We need to have the list ready to present to the National Trust by the 21st November.

Boat Cove Tenancy

Ian Hicks has regrettably given the Trust one months notice on the tenancy for the slip and shed at Boat Cove.

This has come about because the licence agreement requires him to bear full liability towards third parties.

Ian had asked the National Trust to place some good clear signage around the shed and slip warning the public of possible danger and directing them to another way down, but so far nothing has materialized.

He wrote and asked them if he was still liable under the circumstances and if so could he suspend the agreement until everything has been sorted out. This was the reply;

I am afraid the contract does not allow you to suspend the agreement.

In fact it does not make provision for you to terminate it at all, however The Trust will accept 'reasonable notice' in the circumstances and I will recommend that one month's notice is accepted.

If you do wish to give up the licence please will you let me have a letter to this effect.

What happens now is a good question. The Trust may well turn around and say that no more licence agreements will be issued.

Lets hope the Trust will preserve our heritage and let us continue to use Boat Cove in a way it always has been.

Apology To The National Trust - Re Boat Cove

Alastair Cameron has asked me to print an apology, in respect of my selective reading of Tom Odling's letter to me ----dated 5th September 2007

Third paragraph reads --

Clause 4 states that you are fully responsible for the maintenance and repair to the boathouse and to the wooden slipway to it, however your liability to maintain appears to be mitigated by clause 6 that says once the boathouse becomes too dilapidated to repair it shall be removed and not replaced. Underclause 1 we can give you six months notice and ask you to remove the boathouse and slipway.

I had omitted to include the last paragraph which is as follows--

I would be grateful if you would let me know if you now consider the boathouse and slipway to be beyond repair in which case we can consider its future.

For the omission of the last paragraph I apologies unreservedly to the National Trust . I realise my omission gave a false picture of the Trust's position at Boat Cove.

Yours sincerely Ian Hicks.

Radio Cornwall - This Time It Happened

Denis Nightingale from BBC Radio Cornwall arranged an interview, at short notice, with Ian Hicks at 9.30 this morning at Boat Cove.

Ian telephoned myself and Brianna Breeze and asked us to attend. Mr. Nightingale did not want more than 2 - 3 people.

The interview went ahead as planned.

Denis is not responsible for when/if an interview gets aired but feels if it does it will be on Monday 8th October on the breakfast show.

Boat Cove - Marazion and District Forum Letter

Jane Howells, Vice-Chairman of The Marazion And District Forum has written a letter to Mr. Cameron of the National Trust.

The Forum have expressed their support for the retention of the Boathouse and slip at Boat Cove.

A copy of the letter is here; Forum Letter to National Trust

Radio Cornwall

Ian Hicks and myself were contacted by Radio Cornwall today. The intention was to conduct an interview at Boat Cove with ourselves.

Alastair Cameron (National Trust) was also to be interviewed in Helston on the way over to us.

We arrived at Boat Cove at the time stated, 3.45pm, when within minutes Ian's mobile rang, it was the Radio Cornwall interviewer saying that he was sorry but he was not going to be able to carry out the interview as he had had an equipment failure.

It is not known whether or not the interview with Mr. Cameron was carried out.

Boat Cove Needs You

As reported in the Cornishman this week, Alastair Cameron, National Trust property manager for South West Cornwall, has agreed that the boat house at Boat Cove is an important facility for those that use it as well as being an important landmark in the cove.

It would seem though, that they are not prepared to do anything about it without the help of the local community. They want us to form a small working group, presumable to carry out work on the boat house.

Therefore would anybody that is prepared to help please Email or phone 01736 710565 so that we can get a list of names together and present it to the Trust.

We need to get this matter resolved as soon as possible and keep Boat Cove as it has been for generations, an amenity for local people.