The Area's Third Annual Mining Celebration Opens

It’s a Hard Rock Life is a free exhibition exploring the grizzlier side of Victorian mining in the area. Opening to the public tomorrow it promises an unusual and revealing insight about life in the area’s mines with the opportunity to visit a Victorian Mine Doctor’s unsavoury surgery.

Open from 28 June to 8 July at Stuart House and the Liskeard and District Museum in Liskeard.

Urgent Police Appeal

We are appealing for information from accommodation in the Caradon and West Devon areas.

We would appreciate it if you could check your records to see if you had males staying using a silver BMW around Wednesday 8 June 2011.

If you have any information please contact the Police on 08452 777 444.

Summer Solstice



Summer Solstice sunrise over Stowes Hill


Today marks the first day of summer. It is the longest day and shortest night of the year, when the sun is at the highest in the sky.

As I mentioned last week our Project Officer, Iain Rowe, formed a party to watch the sunrise over Stowes Hill from Craddock Moor Stone Circle. As the clouds were not in their favour they moved to a different spot were they joined the Roseland Observatory group led by Brain Sheen. As you can see from Iain’s photo they were not disappointed and enjoyed a fantastic start to this very special day.

Invasive Plants Day

On Saturday 2 July our Project Officer, Jane Uglow, has organised an informative invasive plants day in Liskeard. Working with James MacFarlane, Cornwall Council’s expert on invasive species, they will be offering free advice at the Goldenbank Nursery in Liskeard between 10am and noon.

In the afternoon there will be a guided walk and talk on St Cleer Downs identifying invasive plants in the field and the damage that can be done. Email Jane at juglow@cornwall.gov.uk for further details.

For more information about invasive plants in Cornwall take a look at the Council's website.

Sunrise on the Summer Solstice

During the Bronze Age Moor walk last month, it was suggested by me (foolishly) that we ought to come back to

Craddock Moor Stone Circle

and observe the sunrise over Stowes Hill on the Summer Solstice.

Anyone who would like to take up the offer should meet us in The Hurlers Car Park, Minions at 4am on Tuesday, 21 June, morning. We should hopefully joined by astronomers and archaeologists who will be able to explain the significance of this site on this seminal day in the calendar. If the forecast is for rain or heavy cloud the trip will be cancelled, please contact me on Monday if you are unsure.

Also do not forget the Liskeard Old Cornwall Society Midsummer Bonfire at Siblyback Lake on Thursday 23 June, 9:30pm.

Iain

Project Officer, 07791 136704 or 01579 362350

St Cleer Projects Group launch website

The St Cleer Parish Projects Group is now online. Their website details all their current and past projects, including the very successful St Cleer Skate Park and the Pipewell Project. There is also a gallery showcasing all their hard work.

www.stcleerparishprojectsgroup.co.uk

Latest news from the website

Be tick aware this summer

At this time of the year unfortunately there’s a danger we should all be cautious of when out and about, especially in areas of long grass and moorland. Places like these are the perfect habitat for the tiny blood sucking parasites, known as ticks.

Ticks are particularly prevalent between April and October. These tiny bloodsuckers attach themselves to exposed skin and need special care to remove as their head and body can detach. The greatest danger is infection which can lead to Lyme disease.

Lyme disease causes a range of unpleasant symptoms which may include a circular red rash, headaches, a stiff neck, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and disturbances of sight, hearing, digestive system and sleep. If left untreated it can progress to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected tick, the charity Lyme Disease Action advises parents and their children to take the following precautions:

·         Wear long sleeves and trousers

·         Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot

·         Use an insect repellent effective against ticks (look for those containing the chemical DEET)

·         Keep to pathways and try to avoid areas of overgrown vegetation

·         Check for ticks regularly during the day

·         Remove any ticks found attached as soon as possible

·         Pack a tick remover if walking or holidaying away from home

Tick removal

Example of what to look out for!



Ticks should be removed immediately with a tick removal tool or fine pointed tweezers. Gently pull the tick's body away from your skin directly outwards, without jerking. Do not try to pull the tick out with your fingers, burn the tick or cover it with creams or chemicals.

Treatment

If you have been bitten by a tick and notice any of the above symptoms, seek medical help straight away. Diagnosed and treated early, Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.  NB tick bites do not itch like mosquito bites, so awareness is important to aid diagnosis.

For more information, help and advice about ticks and Lyme disease take a look at the Lyme Disease Action website, you will also find a number of useful leaflets and posters there.