FoPB Calendar 2021
18th October 2020

FoPB are pleased to announce the availability of our 2021 Calendar featuring selected pictures submitted by you, our supporters.

At the cost of just £5:00 the Calendar is available from our Treasurer, Mike Freemantle (01726 816454) or place an order here on the website via the Contact Us page, putting 'Calendar' in the Subject box.

October Work Party
Sunday, 25th October 2020
Venue: Car Park opposite the Duck Pond
Time: 10:00 - 12:00 hrs

UNDER NEW COVID REGULATIONS THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS WHERE GROUPS CAN BE MORE THAN 6 PEOPLE INCLUDING FOR WORK AND VOLUNTARY OR CHARITABLE SERVICES

WORKING PARTY

Sunday, 25th October

10.00 to 12.00 hrs

ERADICATING SEA BUCKTHORN in the SECONDARY DUNES

MEET AT THE CAR PARK OPPOSITE DUCK POND

We shall have supplies of sanitiser, disinfectant spray and paper roll on site, but... 

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN GLOVES

WE SHALL HAVE PRE-SANITISED TOOLS AVAILABLE, but...

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOOLS IF POSSIBLE

Regrettably we are unable to provide refreshments at present

Enquiries to Phil on 01726 817396 

Email    info@parbeach.com

Working hard for Par Beach and the Environment

Co-op Local Community Fund

WITH ONLY 6 WEEKS TO GO HERE's HOW YOU CAN HELP US...

If you have a Co-op membership card vote for us at membership.coop.co.uk/causes/33650.

As a member when you shop with the Co-op, 1% of what you spend on selected Co-op branded products and services goes to support local causes through their Local Community Fund. You can choose a local cause that you want your 1% to support.

No Co-op membership card? then enquire at your local store or online at coop.co.uk/membership.

As a member when you buy selected products and services from them, including their food stores, they put 5% of what you spend into your Co-op Membership account.

MANY THANKS!

September Work-Party
Sunday, 27th September 2020
Venue: Orchid Field gate at Western End
Time: 10:00 - 12:00 hrs

UNDER NEW COVID REGULATIONS THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS WHERE GROUPS CAN BE MORE THAN 6 PEOPLE INCLUDING FOR WORK AND VOLUNTARY OR CHARITABLE SERVICES

WORKING PARTY

Sunday 27^th  September

10.00 to 12.00

CLEAR UNDERGROWTH ROUND TREES PLANTED LAST YEAR

MEET AT THE SCULPTURE AT THE END OF THE ACCESS ROAD

We shall have supplies of sanitiser, disinfectant spray and paper roll on site, but... 

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN GLOVES

WE SHALL HAVE PRE-SANITISED TOOLS AVAILABLE, but...

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TOOLS IF POSSIBLE

Regrettably we are unable to provide tea and coffee at present

Enquiries to Phil on 01726 817396 

Email    info@parbeach.com

Working hard for Par Beach and the Environment

INVITATION TO THE 11^th AGM OF

FRIENDS OF PAR BEACH

Thursday 24^th September 19:00 hrs

at The Gott Hall, Par Green, PL24 2AG

CANCELLED DUE TO RECENT CHANGE IN CORONAVIRUS PERMITTED GROUP NUMBERS RESTRICTION

Invitations limited to members only this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Your input this year is extremely important. Please read information below.

In recent years Friends of Par Beach have included a guest speaker and time for socialising with refreshments before and after the business meeting of the AGM. However, this is not possible for the 2020 meeting due to current limitations relating to social distancing, infection control guidelines and limited numbers able to be accommodated in Gott Hall.

Despite the impact of an international pandemic, Friends of Par Beach are pleased to report another busy year, which we look forward to detailing at the meeting! Highlights include work parties prior to and following `lockdown’, which saw more native trees planted in the nature reserve and ragwort management in the dune system.

During Lockdown, work continued `behind the scenes’ redesigning our website, developing ideas for picture information boards identifying some of the native wildlife we help protect and embraced `zoom’ committee meetings! We also continue to benefit from the Co-Op community fund, which will help pay for some of the developments outlined above.

It is really important that members attend the AGM, BUT places must be booked in advance by email to Jennytagney@gmail.com or  Janice_hillier@hotmail.com or telephone Jenny on  07799258379. Places will be allocated on a `first come, first served’ basis and we will operate a `reserve’ list if necessary.

The current committee comprises:

Richard Parks – Chair                Mike Freemantle – Treasurer               Janice Hillier – Secretary         

Jenny Tagney – Secretary        Phil Gadd – Events Co-Ordinator and Website             Gill Butler – Education

Nick Hillier – Committee Member      Simon Tagney – Committee Member

Nominations for Officers and Committee Members may be sent in advance to the Secretaries.  Any member may volunteer for a post, or be nominated, at the AGM

Posts for election are:-              i) Chair               ii) Secretary                     iii) Treasurer

A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 Committee Members should be appointed at the AGM

Resolutions may be proposed by any member at the AGM or, in advance to the Secretary (see below) by Thursday 17^th  September. A seconder can be obtained in advance or at the AGM.

CANCELLED DUE TO RECENT CHANGE IN CORONAVIRUS PERMITTED GROUP NUMBERS RESTRICTION

 AGENDA for the 11^th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

to be held at 19.00 on Thursday 24^th September 2020 at

The Gott Hall, Par Green, PL 24 2AG

Please bring your membership card and your own refreshments (NB - Toilets will NOT be available during this meeting).

1. Apologies for absence

2. Minutes of the 10^th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 26^th September 2019

3. Chair’s Report - Richard Parks

4. Treasurer’s Report - Mike Freemantle

5. Election of Committee and Officers

i) Chair

ii) Secretary

iii) Treasurer

iv) A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 Committee Members.

6. Resolutions

7. Any Other Business

SECRETARIES - 

Jenny Tagney email jennytagney@gmail.com   telephone 07799258379

Janice Hillier email Janice_hillier@hotmail.com telephone 07540381388

Storm Ellen - Par Beach
21st August 2020

Storm Ellen

The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings, with travel disruption expected.

The Met also warns the South West of England could see surface water flooding.

The front is moving in from the Atlantic and contains the remnants of Tropical Storm Kyle.

Storm Kyle formed off the East Coast of the US, but has now merged with another storm that came from Greenland and renamed Storm Ellen by Ireland's Met Office, Met Eireann.

Luckily for the UK, we're only getting the tail end of Storm Kyle, but even with that, Storm Ellen will see high winds and heavy rain.

Check out the Photo Gallery for more Storm Ellen Images.

StARR Project Newsletter
31st July 2020

The StARR project.

The St Austell Bay Resilient Regeneration (StARR) project aims to reduce flood risk to communities.

Follow this link to read their latest Newsletter. 

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AFTER THE SUCCESS OF OUR FOPB 2020 CALENDAR, MAKE ANOTHER DATE WITH YOUR CAMERA. 

Friends of Par Beach have again seen so many great shots posted on Facebook over the last year that we would like again to create a calendar for 2021 to raise funds and showcase our wonderful beach and nature reserve.

Closing Date: 15th August 2020

The theme for our second calendar will be PAR BEACH AND NATURE RESERVE IN ALL ITS FORMS.

We need High Resolution shots of LANDSCAPES, FLORA AND FAUNA and new for this year, SEASONS.

So we are inviting you to submit one or two of your very best shots to be considered for the calendar. Having your picture acknowledged and printed in high quality is the prize, plus a free calendar for all successful entrants.

If you would like to join in please submit your entries by email to  gillbutler1@gmail.com by Saturday 15 August.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The event is open to all, not just members of Friends of Par Beach.

2. Images may be taken by camera, drone, tablet or phone.

3. The panel will reject any images clearly not taken at Par.

4. Please do not submit any images containing facial features of anyone under the age of 18 years.

5. If you use photoshop or any similar image enhancing software, please make that clear in your entry email.

6. You may submit 2 images in total.

7. The scoring system will be led by  two committee members who will not be submitting an entry themselves. They will be the only people who know the names of each entrant, before final selection by the full committee..

Again entries to be submitted by 15 August to gillbutler1@gmail.com

Happy Snapping.

Kids Quizzy thing
4th May 2020

Like all groups of our nature we are effectively shut down due to the Coronavirus situation.

So our Education Officer, Gill Butler, has put a few quizzy things together for the kids (ages 5 - 10) to do. She has tried to keep it fun rather than being too educational as we are sure they are getting plenty of work from their schools!

We would like you to send their drawings and words back to Gill (gillbutler1@gmail.com) so that we can choose some to put up on our Website, Facebook page and in the next PL24 magazine.

Closing date for entries is 4th May 2020.

Quizzy thing (Word format) Quizzy thing (PDF format)

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

COVID-19 IMPACT
18th March 2020

From the Community Partnership Officer at Cormac.....

Dear Volunteers,

COVID-19 and Volunteering with Cormac.

I write in the light of recent events relating to the spread of Corona virus and actions that must now be taken. I can advise that the Community Partnership Officers have been in discussion with senior managers this morning to determine the way forward in respect of volunteering operations across Cormac’s business.

I’m sorry to have to inform you that in the light of current governmental advice, Cormac will cease to facilitate volunteer events until further notice. This will apply to both permissions for work to be undertaken on Cornwall Council land (if you are currently signed up as a constituted group), and to permission and insurance to work if you are signed up via the direct Cormac Volunteer route.

Additionally, the tool trailer service is being withdrawn with immediate effect, in order to minimise exposure risk to all involved and to ensure that we have staff capacity to keep essential services operating.

I’m sure that you will appreciate the necessity of complying with governmental advice to limit social interaction, and if there is any other way that we as CPO’s can help you at this time then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We will of course update you as the situation changes and in the meantime can be contacted via our usual email addresses.

Stay safe!

Kind Regards,

Rebecca

March Work Party
Sunday, 22nd March 2020
Venue: Car Park opposite the Bird Lake
Time: 10:30 - 13:00 hrs

CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 IMPACT

Sea Buckthorn Control.

Sea Buckthorn is a valuable source of a variety of vitamins for birds, but we really do not want it to get a foot-hold on the newly formed dunes as it has done on the main dunes.

We shall be using saws and spades to dig up a patch of Sea Buckthorn before it becomes established.

We have gloves, protective glasses and tools, but bring your own if you wish.

Meet at the Car Park opposite the Bird Lake. (Parking is free until the end of March).

Come for the whole session or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Phil on 01726 817396.

As an incentive we plan to have the usual refreshments for those taking part.

February Work Party
Sunday, 23rd February 2020
Venue: The Sculpture at end of beach access road
Time: 10:30 - 13:00 hrs

More Gorse Bashing

This is one of our most popular work parties that might, the weather gods permitting, allow us to have a bonfire.

We continue building on our past work to manage the gorse covering the important grasslands towards the western end of the dunes, and starting up the programme to manage the blocks on a 10 year rotation.

 Please wear strong footwear, spare loppers always welcome, we have gloves and specs.

 Meet at the Sculpture at the end of the beach access road for 10:30 hrs

 If it does look like bonfire and picnic weather- bring a foil wrapped spud and stay a bit longer.

Fishermen's Kisses
21st January 2020

Cornish Plastic Pollution Coalition (CPPC) have just launched a short competition film, Fishermen's Kisses.

You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwa5Jyra7Fc.

January Work Party
Sunday, 26th January 2020
Venue: Orchid Field gate at Western end
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

Tree Planting

Due to weather, time put back to 12:00 - 14:00 hrs

Cornwall Council has its Forest for Cornwall project as part of it's Climate Change Action Plan.

As our contribution to the Climate Change Action Plan we have our Forest for Par project!

Okay, it's not quite a forest but for this Work Party we will be planting some native trees within the Nature Reserve.

Meet at the Orchid Field gate near the broken statue at the Western end of the site.

Wear strong waterproof footwear.

Pacific Oyster Survey Revisited
Saturday, 25th January 2020
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Par Beach Cafe
Time: 10:00 - 12:30 hrs

We shall be revisiting the sites of last year's Pacific Oyster survey on behalf of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This non-native species has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and the 2 year project was set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers.

We will be conducting this survey along the man-made rock and boulder groynes at the Western end of the beach where Par river joins the bay. Working along the broader, 4 meter wide, of the groynes, which fitted the survey parameters, last year we reached a total of 1700 Pacific oysters, along its length, after two hours work.

Anyone wishing to assist and be involved in this survey will be most welcome.

Waterproof footwear and clothing essential.

November Work Party
Sunday, 24th November 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

Gorse Bashing

This is one of our most popular work parties that might, the weather gods permitting, allow us to have a bonfire.

Today we are building on our past work to manage the gorse covering the important grasslands towards the western end of the dunes, and starting up the programme to manage the blocks on a 10 year rotation.

 Please wear boots, spare loppers always welcome, we have gloves and specs.

 Meet at the FoPB hut at 10:30 hrs

 If it does look like bonfire and picnic weather- bring a foil wrapped spud and stay a bit longer.

Co-op Local Community Fund
24th October 2019

Following an application we made to the Co-op Local Community Fund we are most pleased to have received the following Email:

Congratulations! Friends of Par Beach has been chosen to benefit from the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The funding round will open on 27 October 2019 and close on 24 October 2020.

During this funding phase, Co-op Members will be able to choose you as their local cause.

Every time a member buys selected own-brand products and services, 1% of the money they spend goes to local causes in their community, so it’s important you raise your profile and encourage members to choose your cause.

To get you ready for the launch, please encourage your supporters, volunteers, friends and family to become a Co-op Member. They can join online at https://membership.coop.co.uk/new-registration.

We’ll contact you next week when the round opens with more information about how the fund works. We’ll also invite you to a special webinar so you can ask questions and find out more.

Congratulations once again, we’re looking forward to supporting your project and helping you make great things happen in your community.

Best wishes,

April Armstrong

Co-op Local Giving Manager

Pacific Oyster Survey Revisited
Tuesday, 29th October 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos
Time: 10:30 - 14:00 hrs

We shall be revisiting the sites of last years Pacific Oyster survey on behalf of Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This non native species has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and the 2 year project was set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers.

We will be conducting this survey along the man-made rock and boulder groynes at the Western end of the beach where Par river joins the bay. Working along the narrower, 2 meter wide, of the groynes, which fitted the survey parameters, last year we reached a total of 600 Pacific oysters, along its length, after two hours work.

Anyone wishing to assist and be involved in this survey will be most welcome.

Meet at the FoPB Beach Hut at 10:30 hrs.

October Work Party
Sunday, 27th October 2019
Venue: Par Beach Western Car Park
Time: 10:00 - 12:30 hrs

The second of our 2019-20 Working Parties will be to finish the clearance of an area of gorse and bramble in front of the Western Car Park to return the area to grassland and improve the outlook.

Meet: Western Car Park.

Wear: Strong footwear and gloves are needed for this work. We have a stock of tools and gloves, but you are welcome bring your own if you wish.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Phil on 01726 817396.

As an incentive we plan to have the usual refreshments for those taking part.

FoPB Calendar 2020
9th October 2019

FoPB are pleased to announce the availability of our 2020 Calendar created as part of our 10th anniversary celebrations and featuring selected pictures submitted by you, our supporters.

At the cost of just £5:00 the Calendar is available from our Treasurer, Mike Freemantle (01726 816454) or place an order here on the website via the Contact Us page, putting 'Calendar' in the Subject box.

Quiz Night
Monday, 21st October 2019
Venue: Scout Hall, Moorland Road, Par
Time: 19.30 hrs
Cost: £5.00 per person

Join us for a fun night of questions, the picture quiz and, the enjoyable, prize Music Game.

Charge is just £5 per person, which covers cocktail pasty, tea, coffee or squash AND free entry into our prize Music Game.

Maximum 6 per table – no age restrictions.

In order to avoid disappointment and to secure your pasties (meat or cheese & onion) it is recommended to book a table with Mike on 01726 816454. If you are on your own or there are not enough to form your own team you can still book a place(s) to join a mixed table.

There will not be a licensed bar, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.

As well as the new Music Game there will be a raffle with a variety of prizes.

For further information ring Mike or use the Contact Us page on our website, please put 'Quiz Night' in the subject box.

Ranger Work-Party
Thursday, 10th October 2019
Venue: Central Car Park
Time: 10:30 - 15:30 hrs

Our site ranger, Jenny Heskett, is having a work-party to manage the Invasive species on our site.

Please wear suitable clothing, gloves and footwear.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

If you come by car please be aware that parking charges do apply.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

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September Work Party
Sunday, 22nd September 2019
Venue: Par Beach Western Car Park
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

The first of our 2019-20 Working Parties will be to clear an area of gorse and bramble in front of the Western Car Park to return the area to grassland and improve the outlook.

Meet: Western Car Park.

Parking charges apply, but please do not park in Milo's customer car park. Free parking has been offered at The Ship car park, and there may be spaces at the back of what was the Indian restaurant.

Wear: Strong footwear and gloves are needed for this work. We have a stock of tools and gloves, but you are welcome bring your own if you wish.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Phil on 01726 817396.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Bat Walk
Saturday, 24th August 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos
Time: 20:00 - 22:00 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are holding another of our very popular Evening Bat Walks with Carol Williams, a leading bat expert. Come and see the different species of bats that feed around the Beach and Local Nature Reserve area and find out more about these often misunderstood little creatures.

The event will start with an introduction to the bats that can be found around Cornwall and Carol will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Bat detectors will be available but if you have access to one please bring it along with you.

This is a family event, under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult; well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

This is a wheelchair friendly event

Meet: Meet by our Beach Hut opposite Milos at 20:00hrs (8pm). For those who will be using Sat Navs the postcode is PL24 2AS.

Cost: Free to FoPB Members (Please bring your membership card). £2 for non-members (children under 12 free)*..

Wear: Sensible footwear and clothing

Contact:  Phil Gadd on our contact us page or 01726 817396 for further info or if you have any questions.

* If not a member of FoPB, You can join at the event, it is inexpensive and could be cheaper than paying for the event on the night if joining as a family. Full details on our membership page where you are now able to join online.

Donations to ‘Cornwall Bat Aid’ will be most welcome.  To see more about them on Facebook click here, it is a public page so you don't need to have a Facebook account to see it. If you want the day to day stories by one of the bats at the bat hospital in Truro look at Nancy Noctule's FB page.

Celebrating the first 10 years
Sunday, 11th August 2019
Venue: Cornubia Community Centre, Par.
Time: 10:30 - 16:00 hrs

You are invited to join us on this special day when we shall show you some of what we have done in our efforts to promote and benefit Par Beach and the Local Nature Reserve over the past 10 years.

As well as having representatives and stands from more than a dozen wildlife and local community organisations in Cornwall, we have some special guest speakers giving illustrated presentations.

Presentations by:

• 11:00 - Ian McCarthy - Otters on the Fowey River.
• 12:00 - Sue Sayer - Cornwall Seal Group.
• 13:00 - Jenn Sandiford - Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
• 14:00 - Dave Groves - Cornwall Mammal Group.
• 15:00 - Delia Webb - Cornwall Plastic Pollution Coalition.

 Displays by:

• Friends of Fowey Estuary.
• Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
• Fathoms Free.
• Cornwall Seal Group - with their famous seal 'Septimus'.
• Cornwall Bat Group.
• Friends of Luxulyan Valley.
• Cornwall Mammal Group.
• PL24 Community Association.
• Par Bay Big Local.
• Cornwall Birdwatchers Preservation Society.
• Friends of St Andrews Wetland Reserve.
• Cornwall Plastic Pollution Coalition.
• Woodland Valley Beaver Project.

Ranger Work Party
Thursday, 18th July 2019
Venue: Par Beach - Eastern End off Main Car Park
Time: From 10:30 hrs

Our site ranger, Jenny Heskett, is having a work party to manage the Ragwort and, time permitting, the Invasive species.

Please wear suitable clothing, gloves and footwear.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

If you come by car please be aware that parking charges do apply.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Beach Art
Sunday, 14th July 2019
Venue: Par Beach - Eastern End off Main Car Park
Time: Starts 11:30am | Judging from 12:30pm
Cost: Free | Donations for Par Carnival appreciated

As part of Par Carnival Week, Friends of Par Beach are, once again, holding a Beach Art Competition.

Enter as an individual or group or family. No rules, just come along and have an hours fun in the sun. Bring whatever tools you think will be useful. Use natural materials to enhance your creation. Be imaginative!

Don't forget your sun hats and sun screen. Bring plenty of drinking water.

We recommend you use gloves to collect materials.

Wildlife Walk
Sunday, 16th June 2019
Venue: Par Beach main car park.
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Join us for a Wildlife Walk along the beach and dunes and Local Nature Reserve to look at the variety of flora and fauna to be found and how it fits into the habitat.

The event will start at 10:30am and will finish approximately 12:30pm.

Cost: Free to FoPB members (bring your membership card) and children aged 12 and under. £2 for non-members aged 13 and over*.

Meeting Point: Par Beach Main Car Park, look out for our flag.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the prevailing weather.

* If not a member of FoPB, You can join at the event, it is inexpensive and could be cheaper than paying for the event at the time if joining as a family. Full details on our membership page where you are now able to join online.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

MAKE A DATE WITH YOUR CAMERA!
8th May 2019

EXTENDED UNTIL 3rd JULY

We need more of your Landscape or Flora & Fauna pictures, but not birds, birds we have a plenty.

Entries are to be emailed to ecojan62@gmail.com by 3^rd July 2019.

Friends of Par Beach have seen so many great shots posted on Facebook that we would like to make a 2020 calendar to raise funds and show others how great our beach can be.

So we are inviting you to submit one or two of your very best shots to be considered for the calendar. Having your print acknowledged and printed in high quality calendar is the prize.

The two themes for this first calendar are NATIVE WILDLIFE and LANDSCAPE.

We need 13 images, so start sorting.

If you would like to join in, please submit high resolution images by JULY 3^rd.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Images may be taken by camera, drone or phone.
2. The subject of the images must be either native wildlife, landscape, or both together. No themes with other subjects as the MAIN focus of the photograph will be considered (for example: the panel will reject images of people, sports, domestic or non-native species and pictures clearly not taken at Par).
3. Do not submit any images containing visible facial features of anyone under 18 years old.
4. Judging will also take place under 2 categories which are amended and non-amended images. If you use Photoshop or similar image enhancing software please make that clear in your entries email. You will not be disqualified unless the panel thinks that an amended image has been submitted under the non-amended category.
5. You may submit 2 images in total. These can be under the same theme and category or different.
6. The calendar is unlikely to feature more than two sunrise or sunset images.
7. The selection process will take place under a scoring system led by a single committee member who will not be taking part in the voting, who will not submit an entry and will be the only person who knows who submitted the photographs. Therefore FoPB Committee members and their families are eligible to take part.
8. The event is open to all and not just Friends of par Beach members.

Entries are to be emailed to ecojan62@gmail.com by 3^rd July 2019.

Civic Award
1st May 2019

Four proud members of Friends of Par Beach, plus our Countryside Manager Jolyon Sharpe, assembled at the Cornwall Council Chamber in Truro on Wednesday evening to receive our Civic Award from Chairman of the Council, Mary May.

FoPB were nominated by our Local Councillor Jordan Rouse, who sadly could not be at the event, in recognition of our work and dedication towards helping look after the Beach and Nature reserve. Many thanks to Jordan for his nomination and support of our efforts.

Joined by many amazing people who have done work in the Voluntary sector in Cornwall over the last year, the event was rounded out by a splendid reception in the Council Chamber. A great evening enjoyed by all, where we met so many interesting and hard working residents of Cornwall, all doing their thing because they care about their local community'

And, of course, thank you to all our members for their support without whom we would not exist.

Quiz Night
Monday, 29th April 2018
Venue: Scout Hut, Moorland Road, Par. PL24 2PA
Time: 19:30hrs
Cost: £5.00 per person

Join us for a fun night of questions, the picture quiz and, new this time, the prize Music Game.

Charge is just £5 per person, which covers cocktail pasty, tea, coffee or squash AND free entry into our prize Music Game.

Maximum 6 per table – no age restrictions.

In order to avoid disappointment and to secure your pasties (meat or cheese & onion) it is recommended to book a table with Mike on 01726 816454. If you are on your own or there are not enough to form your own team you can still book a place(s) to join a mixed table.

There will not be a licensed bar, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.

As well as the new Music Game there will be a raffle with a variety of prizes

For further information ring Mike or use the Contact Us page on our website, please put 'Quiz Night' in the subject box.

Easter Fun Trail
Sunday, 21st April 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10:30 - 12:00 hrs
Cost: Free to FoPB members otherwise £1.00 per child.

Come and join Friends of Par Beach for some fun exploring the beach and Local Nature Reserve and, at the end, all children receive a chocolate surprise.

All children must bring at least one sensible adult!

Meet: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant. (Please do not park in Milo's spaces)

Cost: Free to FoPB Members (Please bring your membership card). Just £1 for each non-members child*...

Bring: Sensible footwear and clothing

This is a family event, under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult; well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Contact:  Use our contact us page if you have any queries or questions.

...* If not a member of FoPB, You can join at the event, it is inexpensive and could be more cost effective than paying for the event on the day if joining as a family. Full details on our membership page where you are now able to join online.

Cornwall Civic Award
24th March 2019

Email from Cllr Jordon Rowse to FoPB Chair Richard Parks.

Good evening Richard

I am writing to tell you that I have nominated Friends of Par Beach for the Cornwall Civic Award. Each Councillor is allowed to nominate one individual, but I have requested that Friends of Par Beach as a group are given this award as a sign of appreciation for all that you do.

This year is a special one as Cornwall Council are celebrating their 10 year anniversary, which is particularly apt as I understand FOPB are also celebrating their 10^th anniversary.

Within the word limit I was allowed, this is what I wrote on my application form, copied and pasted for ease of reference: -

 “This group deserves a Civic Award because of their hard work and total dedication to Par Beach, and not just the beach, but the whole nature reserve site.

Friends of Par Beach (FOBP) were founded in 2009 so this year, like Cornwall Council, they will also be celebrating their 10 year anniversary.

The FOPB team are complete stalwarts. Since 2009 they have worked incredibly closely with Cornwall Council to help manage the asset that is Par Beach.

Par Beach is the jewel in the crown for us not just in Par, but in the Par, St Blazey and wider St Austell Bay area. However, having such an asset comes great difficulty managing it.  This is where FOPB have proved to be our community’s unsung heroes, a group of committed volunteers working with Cornwall Council to manage this great asset.

FOPB have work parties each month tackling different issues on the beach, from cutting back the footpaths through the dunes and the reserve to make them more accessible, to creating Otter Holts to encourage otters on site, or holding litter picks.

I am nominating Friends of Par Beach for the Cornwall Civic Award because the beach would not be the same without them.”

This is simply a small token of my appreciation for all that FOPB do and to our partnership at the beach. I have been blown away by the support of FOPB, particularly you Richard on the Management Group, and I believe this is one of the reasons why there are so many positive things happening at the beach at the minute.

I wish you good luck with your nomination and, if successful, the presentation ceremony and reception is to be held at County Hall on the evening of Wednesday 1 May 2019. I would be delighted to invite the FOPB Officers (Chair, Vice Chair etc) to come along with me on the evening.

Thank you once again.

Oll an gwella/all the best,

Jordan

Cllr Jordan Rowse

Cornwall Councillor for Par and St Blazey Gate

Spring Beach Clean
Sunday, 7th April 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Friends of Par Beach are holding our Spring Beach Clean and Litter Pick in conjunction with Clean Cornwall and Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘The Great British Spring Clean’, also in support of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) 'Spring Beach & River Clean'.

PLEASE PARK IN THE CAR PARKS (No Charge), BUT NOT IN MILO’S CAR PARK AND NOT ON THE GRASS.

Meet us at our Beach Hut opposite Milos restaurant at any time between 10:30hrs and 12:00noon. Here you will be able to register and we will give you litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold your bag open.

Bring gloves and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

Ranger Work Party
Thursday, 4th April 2019
Venue: Main car park adjacent to Picnic Area
Time: 10:00 - 13:00 hrs

Our site ranger, Jenny Heskett, is having a workparty to finish some work to the Picnic Area and any other outstanding small jobs depending on time and numbers.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

If you come by car please be aware that parking charges do apply from 1st April onwards.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

March Work Party
Sunday, 24th March 2019
Venue: Orchid Fields
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

The March Work Party will consist of further work on the Orchid Fields. Much of the work has been done on previous Work Parties but we need to do more to prepare the area to encourge wild flowers and orchids in the summer.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish, they will be essential.

Meet at the sculpture at the end of the Access Road.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Phil on 01726 817396 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive we plan to provide the usual refreshments for those taking part.

February Work Party
Sunday, 24th February 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

The February Work Party will consist of clearing invasive species (Sea Buckthorn) from the secondary dunes.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish, they will be essential.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Phil on 01726 817396 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive we plan to provide the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Pacific oyster survey 5
Tuesday, 19th February 2019
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut for transport to Spit Beach
Time: 10:30am - 1:00pm

Having accessed all the areas we can from Par Beach we are now going to focus on the Western side via Spit Beach.

In support of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch project to explore the shore and learn about an invasive species, the Pacific oyster. This non native has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and a new project has been set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers. Volunteers are needed and this is a chance for people to learn more and get involved.

Meet: At Friends of Par Beach beach hut opposite Milos Restaurant where we will collect our equipment and transport to Spit Beach.

Bring: Sensible rock-pooling clothing - wellies or wetsuit boots, warm clothing.

Forgotten Corner Film Festival
Sat/Sun, 16/17th February 2019
Venue: Rame Peninsula

*Lights, camera, climate action!*

Don't miss out on the Forgotten Corner Film Festival, coming to the Rame Peninsula on February 16 and 17.

The aim of this inspirational event is to remind us of how much there still is in the world to protect and celebrate, and to give us the motivation to get up and be a part of the change our planet so desperately needs.

The festival will feature a wide selection of films, ranging from low-budget local productions to game-changing international ones - as well as talks, live music and bar, a junk food café and sound bath meditation.

Donations from the event will help raise funds for local beach cleaning and marine conservation group Rame Peninsula Beach Care (www.ramepbc.org), the Old Ship social housing project in Cawsand and the Joy Rescue project, a Kenyan NGO working to support low income families.

Just some of the highlights (see full programme here (6MB, be patient for file to load)) will include:

·        *Albatross*, an incredibly powerful and moving film by photographer Chris Jordan documenting Laysan albatrosses, which raise their young in the heart of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

·        *Wild Cornwall – Out on the Edge*, a stunning film about the incredible wildlife dramas played out right here under our noses, by former BBC wildlife cameraman Ian McCarthy who will also be at the event to take questions from the audience

·        *Tomorrow (Demain), *an upbeat, award-winning French documentary, travelling the world to find concrete solutions to environmental and social challenges – in agriculture, energy, economics, education and governance

·        *Gypsea Stories* –* Wylo II* a film about local sailor and legend Nick Skeates, who has sailed the world on his handmade wooden boat and does everything the old-school way

·        *The Age of Stupid*, a drama-documentary-animation hybrid starring Pete Postlethwaite looking back from 2055 and asking why we didn’t do something to tackle climate change when we had the chance!

Cornwall Coastal Otter Project
Tuesday, 12th February 2019
Venue: Lost Gardens of Heligan
Time: 19.00 hrs
Cost: Free | Donations appreciated

Three Bays Wildlife is holding a regional meeting with info/training for the CCOP. 

Friends of Par  Beach are invited.

As spaces will be limited, before sticking it on Facebook, we are inviting possible otter surveyors from our local Marine groups.

See the poster here.

Ranger Work Party
Thursday, 7th February 2019
Venue: Lower Orchid Field
Time: 11:00 - 15:00 hrs

Our site ranger, Jenny Heskett, has arranged to come to take care of heavy growth and brambles surrounding the young trees in the lower orchid field.

She will bring brush cutters to deal with the problem, but will need volunteers to help clearing away the debis and other support work.

Wear suitable clothing for the conditions, particularly strong footwear and rigger gloves. We have some gloves and a few rakes and forks for the work but feel free to bring your own.

Come along for all or part of the time and bring a packed lunch if necessary.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Biodiversity Walk | Report
16th January 2019

Back in the Summer of 2018 we held a Biodiversity Walk on Par Beach for our, and Friends of Luxulyan Valley, members.

Click here to link to Steve Barber's Dropbox and see a selection of pictures taken on that day.

Many thanks Steve.

January Work Party
Sunday, 27th January 2019
Venue: Western End - Gate to Orchid Field
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

The January Work Party will consist of clearing brambles and saplings from the orchid field.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish, they will be essential.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Phil on 01726 817396 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Pacific Oyster 2 | Report
27th November 2018

Following a particularly wet and windy morning the weather became much kinder by 13:00 hrs when we gathered at our Beach Hut to conduct our second Pacific oyster survey. With Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch we were joined by three additional members of FoPB, besides myself and our chair, Richard, plus three members of the Three Bay Wildlife group.

Once again we conducted our survey along the man-made rock and boulder groynes at the Western end of the beach where Par river joins the bay. This time we worked along the wider of the two groynes, which worked well with the additional manpower, and one womanpower, we had. We reached a total of 1700 Pacific oysters, along its length, after two hours work.

Pacific oyster survey with CWT
Thursday, 6th December 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 09:30 - 11:00 hrs

And yet another opportunity to Join Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch project to explore the shore and learn about an invasive species, the Pacific oyster. This non native has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and a new project has been set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers. Volunteers are needed and this is a chance for people to learn more and get involved.

We have nearly completed our efforts on the rock groynes at the western end of the beach and we hope to be able to finish this area with this session.

Meet: At Friends of Par Beach beach hut opposite Milos Restaurant.

Bring: Sensible rock-pooling clothing - wellies or wetsuit boots, warm clothing.

Pacific oyster survey 2 with CWT
Tuesday, 27th November 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 13:00 hrs

Another opportunity to Join Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch project to explore the shore and learn about an invasive species, the Pacific oyster. This non native has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and a new project has been set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers. Volunteers are needed and this is a chance for people to learn more and get involved.

Meet: At Friends of Par Beach beach hut opposite Milos Restaurant.

Bring: Sensible rockpooling clothing - wellies or wetsuit boots, warm clothing.

November Work Party
Sunday, 25th November 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

The November Work Party will consist of clearing invasive species (Rosa Rugosa) from the secondary dunes.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish, they will be essential.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Phil on 01726 817396 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

October Work Party
Sunday, 28th October 2018
Venue: Par Beach - Reed Path
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

The second of our 2018-19 Working Parties will be our annual tidy up on the Reed Path. There will be some cutting back of soft undergrowth and small brambles, as well as coppicing trees.

Meet: Opposite the old car park attendant's hut.

Parking charges apply, but please do not park in Milo's customer car park. Free parking has been offered at The Ship car park, and there may be spaces at the back of what was the Indian resturaunt.

Wear: Strong footwear and gloves are needed for this work. We have a stock of tools and gloves, but you are welcome bring your own if you wish.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Phil on 01726 817396.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Click here for the poster to view, share or print to display somewhere.

Autumn Quiz Night
Monday, 22nd October 2018
Venue: Scout Hut, Moorland Road, Par.
Time: 19:30 hrs

We are holding another of our popular Quiz Nights on the evening of Monday 22nd October.

Charge is just £4 per person, which covers cocktail pasty plus tea, coffee or squash.

Maximum 6 per table – no age restrictions.

It’s a fun night so, in order to avoid disappointment and to secure your pasties (meat or cheese & onion) it is recommended to book a table with Mike on 01726 816454. If you are on your own or there are not enough to form your own team you can still book a place(s) to join a mixed table.

There will not be a licensed bar, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.

As well as the quiz there will be a raffle for prizes and the chance to win a bottle of something special  in the ‘heads and tails’ game – just £1 to enter.

For further information ring Mike on 01726 816454 or use the Contact Us page on our website, please put 'Quiz Night' in the subject.

Click here for the poster to view, share or print to display somewhere.

September Work Party | Report
30th September 2018

Our first 2018-19 Work Party was to prepare for important work to be done by Cornwall Council to improve the concrete path opposite Park Leisure that leads to the seat on the dunes overlooking the bay. The plan was to widen the path so that wheelchairs may use it more easily and to create a passing bay. In addition we tackled the clearing of gorse and other invasive species to improve the view from the seat.

Many thanks to our supporters who came bearing gifts (nice biscuits) and the visiting couple who re-joined us with a generous donation.

They say every picture tells a story so take a look at our before and afters...

Before:                                                                    After:

The Team:

Pacific Oyster | Report
25th September 2018

The weather was kind on Tuesday, 25th September when Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch came to Par Beach and taught us how to survey an invasive species, the Pacific oyster. This non native has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and a new project has been set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers.

We conducted the survey along the man-made rock and boulder groynes at the Western end of the beach where Par river joins the bay. Working along the narrower, 2 meter wide, of the groynes, which fitted the survey parameters, we reached a total of 600 Pacific oysters, along its length, after two hours work.

Autumn Beach Clean & Litter Pick
Sunday, 7th October 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are holding our Autumn Beach Clean and Litter Pick in support of Clean Cornwall, Keep Britain Tidy and and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) on Sunday 7th October.

Come and join us at our Beach Hut opposite Milos Resturaunt between 10:30 and 12:30. Here you will be able to register and we will give you litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold your bag open.

Thanks must go to Cornwall Council who have again agreed to relax parking charges for the period of the Beach Clean. If you want to stay longer you will need to get a ticket. Please DO NOT park in the bays for Milos Resturaunt!

Bring gloves if you have some and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page, please put the event name in the subject box, on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

Click here to see the event poster to print and display somewhere for us, share with your friends or just to view.

WE NEED YOUR HELP
22nd September 2018

WE NEED YOUR HELP AND IT WILL ONLY COST YOU A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR TIME.

We have been shortlisted for an award from Skipton Building Society's Grassroots Giving and need your help to win one of the 165 awards being made this year.

Details of our bid can be found at...

skiptongrg,co,uk/apply-for-funding/2018-shortlisted-groups/south-west/friends-of-par-beach/

Or, if you would like to view all the applications in the South West then go to...

skiptongrg,co,uk/apply-for-funding/2018-shortlisted-groups/south-west/#apply-map.

Please vote for us, and, if you have more than one email address, you can have more than one vote. This is all about supporting Par Beach and it's Local Nature Reserve, so ask friends and neighbours to help.

The deadline is 12th October so please do it now, whilst you are thinking about it.

Thank you.

September Work Party
Sunday, 30th September 2018
Venue: Par Beach - Meet at Concrete Path opposite Park Leisure.
Time: 10:30 - 12:30 hrs

The first of our 2018-19 Working Parties will be to prepare for important work to be done by Cornwall Council to improve the concrete path opposite Park Leisure that leads to the seat overlooking the dunes. The plan is to widen the path so that wheelchairs may use it more easily and to create a passing bay. In addition we shall be tackling the clearing of gorse and other invasive species to improve the view from the seat.

Meet: At the bottom of the concrete path opposite Park Leisure.

Parking charges apply, but please do not park in Milo's customer car park. Free parking has been offered at The Ship car park, and there may be spaces at the back of what was the Indian restaurant.

Wear: Strong footwear and gloves are needed for this work. We have a stock of tools and gloves, but you are welcome bring your own if you wish.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Phil on 01726 817396.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Click here for the poster to view, share or print to display somewhere.

AGM | Report
13th September 2018

Friends recently held their 9th AGM on Thursday, 13th September 2018. Yet another year has flown past!

Held as usual at The Gott Hall in Par the event attracted a reasonable 29 people, to hear reports given by the Chair, Richard Parks and Treasurer, Mike Freemantle.

Richard outlined the many and various events and activities that we have attended or organised including two new events, an Easter Trail and Bio-diversity Walk which both proved very successful, plus the continually popular quiz evenings and thanking all the people involved in organising and running the various events over the past year.

With the election of officers, Richard Parks remains as The Chair, and Mike Freemantle remains as Treasurer but due to an impending move out of Par, Jules Jonklaas has steped down from the committee which has left us without a Secretary as nobody came forward for the role. Jules has agreed to continue to organise our quiz nights for which we are very pleased.

Phil Gadd, Gill Butler and Tamsyn Howes remain as Committee members, but we are losing Cathy Trodd, and would like to thank her for all her efforts and support over the last few years. We are pleased that Caroline Ward has joined our number as well as Jan Phillips who has returned to the committee after a number of years absence.

The AGM then had a short break for refreshments and socialising, and this was followed by a very lively and totally absorbing presentation by Sue Sayer of the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (CSGRT). Have a look at http://cornwallsealgroup.co.uk/. Whilst on the website take a few moments to follow the, HAIRSTORY and seals, article and cast your Vote in support of CSGRT. Or to go directly to the voting page follow this link https://www.hairstory.com/1-planet/1-planet-cast-your-ballot/. Your vote counts!

Altogether it was a successful and friendly evening, and the plentiful food prepared by Janet Parks was much enjoyed, so thanks to Janet for her efforts on our behalf.

Pacific oyster survey with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Tuesday, 25th September 2018
Venue: Par Beach - Meet at FoPB beach hut.
Time: 11:00 - 13:30 hrs

Join Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Shoresearch project to explore the shore and learn about an invasive species, the Pacific oyster. This non native has been becoming increasingly common all around Cornwall and a new project has been set up to Monitor its spread and where necessary control its numbers. Volunteers are needed and this is a chance for people to learn more and get involved.

Numbers limited to 30 people.

Please email to book your space on Shoresearch@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Meet: At Friends of Par Beach beach hut opposite Milos Restaurant.

Bring: Sensible rockpooling clothing - wellies or wetsuit boots, warm clothing / sunscreen and sun hat if forecast is good! Water and packed lunch.

We aim to finish by 13:30 hrs but keen people may want to stay on longer!

Bat Walk | Report
25th August 2018

Fifty people, including a number of family groups, and two dogs attended the Bat Walk presented by Dr Carol Williams of the Bat Conservation Trust. It was a sunny evening with a cool wind so hopes were high of a good turnout which proved to be the case for both people and bats.

Carol gave an introductory presentation to improve our understanding of these fascinating creatures and then as the sun set and dusk crept up on us we armed ourselves with a number of bat detectors and set off towards the orchid fields to seek out our only flying mammals.

After some moderate success identifying some Common Pipistrelles the group moved back to the Duck Pond area as dusk moved into darkness under a splendid full moon. The bat detectors really came alive in this environment with both Common Pipistrelles and Soprano Pipistrelles being heard and fleetingly seen. Finally Carol managed to tune in and identify Daubenton's Bats over the lake.

We were also rewarded with two Herons circling over the lake in the moonlight, quite eerie and awe-inspiring!

Ranger Work Party
Wednesday, 5th September 2018
Venue: Par Beach Picnic Area, adjacent to Main car park
Time: 10.00 - 13.00 hrs

Our Ranger, Jenny Heskett, is running a work party with the aim of repairing the damaged picnic benches in the picnic area adjacent to the main car park.

Depending on manpower and time there could also be some paling work to be done on the undesirable footways through the dune

Bat Walk
Saturday, 25th August 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 20:00 - 22:00 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are holding another of our very popular Evening Bat Walks with Carol Williams, a leading bat expert. Come and see the different species of bats that feed around the Beach and Local Nature Reserve area and find out more about these often misunderstood little creatures.

The event will start with an introduction to the bats that can be found around Cornwall and Carol will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Bat detectors will be available but if you have access to one please bring it along with you.

This is a family event, under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult; well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

This is a wheelchair friendly event

Meet: Meet by our Beach Hut opposite Milos at 20:00hrs (8pm). For those who will be using Sat Navs the postcode is PL24 2AS.

Cost: Free to FoPB Members (Please bring your membership card). £2 for non-members (children under 12 free)*..

Wear: Sensible footwear and clothing

Contact:  Phil Gadd on our contact us page or 01726 817396 for further info or if you have any questions.

* If not a member of FoPB, You can join at the event, it is inexpensive and could be cheaper than paying for the event on the night if joining as a family. Full details on our membership page where you are now able to join online.

Donations to ‘Cornwall Bat Aid’ will be most welcome.  To see more about them on Facebook click here, it is a public page so you don't need to have a Facebook account to see it. If you want the day to day stories by one of the bats at the bat hospital in Truro look at Nancy Noctule's FB page.

Environment Agency Notification
9th August 2018

Environment Agency (EA) Notification

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE –  Par Beach Duck Pond, Par Sands

I would like to confirm that the sample taken on _09/08/2018 from _Par Duck Pond for algal analysis …

 *    had a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)  

 The sample was taken from the lee shore where the algae would probably be at their highest concentration. This is not necessarily representative of conditions in the whole water body. You are recommended to make regular inspections to check for scum formation.

 Many waters are susceptible to problems with blue-green algae, typically between June and November. Once algal numbers are high, the bloom is likely to persist throughout the season, declining only at the onset of winter weather conditions.

 You are encouraged to take whatever steps you consider necessary to inform users of your water of these statements. If you need further advice on health matters, you should contact your local Environmental Health Officer

The Night Sky
Tuesday, 14th August 2018
Venue: Roseland Observatory
Time: 20:30 hrs onwards

Brian Sheen and his team have extended an invite to all Friends of Par Beach members to attend the Roseland Observatory to observe the Perseid meteor shower.

Made of tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus. This is because the direction, or radiant, from which the shower seems to come in the sky lies in the same direction as Perseus. The Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers because most years at its peak, one can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour from a dark place.

Date: Tuesday, 14th August 2018. From 20:30 hrs (8:30pm)

Dress: Dress for the weather, and make sure you are comfortable. Bring a blanket or a comfortable chair with you—meteor watching can be a waiting game.

Venue: Roseland Observatory, Court Farm, St Stephen. PL26 7LE. ( Directions )

Cost: Free to FoPB members. As we need to indicate numbers attending please register your interest using the Contact Us page on our website. Put The Night Sky in the Subject box and the number of persons attending in the Message box. Thank you.

The Sky at Night
Friday, 27th July 2018
Venue: Par Beach Picnic Area, adjacent to Main car park
Time: 20:00 - 22:00 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are delighted that Brian Sheen and his team from the Roseland Observatory will reveal some of the secrets of our night sky to us.

See the Moon rise in total eclipse. With Mars at its closest and best for years together with Saturn with its rings and the biggest planet of all - Jupiter.

Brian will explain how to view these exciting features of our Solar System, and demonstrate some of the equipment that can be used.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

Time:       8.00pm  - 10.00pm.

Cost:        Free to FoPB Members (bring your membership card), £2 for non-members* (children under 12 free).

Wear:      Sensible footwear and clothing according to the weather.

Contact:   If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

* If not a member of FoPB, you can join at the event or online on our membership page. It is inexpensive and could be cheaper than paying for the event at the time, especially if joining as a family.

Biodiversity Walk
Sunday, 22nd July 2018
Venue: Par Beach - Eastern End off Main Car Park
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm

At the behest of Friends of Luxulyan Valley(FoLV), join us for a Biodiversity walk along the beach and dunes and Local Nature Reserve to look at the variety of flora and fauna to be found and how it fits into the habitat.

The event will start at 10:30am and will finish approximately 12:30pm.

Cost: Free to FoPB and FoLV members and children aged 12 and under (bring your membership card). £2 for non-members aged 13 and over*.

Meeting Point: Par Beach Main Car Park, look out for our flag.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the prevailing weather.

* If not a member of FoPB, You can join at the event, it is inexpensive and could be cheaper than paying for the event at the time if joining as a family. Full details on our membership page where you are now able to join online.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

Family Beach Art Competition
Sunday, 15th July 2018
Venue: Par Beach - Eastern End off Main Car Park
Time: Starts 10:30 | Judging from 12:00
Cost: Free | Donations for Par Carnival appreciated.

As part of Par Carnival Week, Friends of Par Beach are, once again, holding a Family Beach Art Competition.

No rules just come along and have fun in the sun. Bring whatever tools you think will be useful. Use natural materials to enhance your creation. Be imaginative!

Bring plenty of drinking water.

Use gloves to collect materials.

Passage for Par | Report
24th June 2018

Over three days, 22 - 24 June, the Passage for Par performances took place on Par Sands. An evening performance on the Friday and Saturday followed by a morning performance on the Sunday.

The performances were commissioned as part of Groundwork (www.groundwork.art), a season of exhibitions and events presented in special places in Cornwall, May to September 2018. Produced in partnership with Dance Republic 2 and Artsadmin, with support from Falmouth University's Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA).

At the turn of the tide thirty women began their passage across Par Sands. The performance was best viewed from a distance as the thirty women moved rhythmically across the tidal landscape from the Eastern end to the Western end of the sands tracing meandering pathways through the wet sand, showing movement and shape as a collective form against the backdrop of St Austell Bay.

The cast of thirty women - selected from Cornwall, the UK and abroad - had worked intensively over the last two weeks on the beach to discover, adapt and refine the work as it had emerged. Their steps had been influenced in part by the traditional dances of Brittany and Cornwall. Each day they experienced radically different conditions and noticed new features of the site and of the practice of moving together as a collective form.

The acclaimed choreographer, Rosemary Lee, visited many of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches before deciding to work on Par Sands. She had chosen Par because of its dramatic contrasts - between the industry of Par Docks and the green slopes of Gribbin Head - and because of the exceptional beauty of the tidal expanse, with its glittering deposits of quartz and mica.

She was also intrigued by the biodiversity of the area. The china clay industry has had a visible impact on the landscape around St Austell and has dramatically altered the flora and fauna of the area. The flora of the port and beach at Par has also been affected by marine traffic introducing species from ports around the world. A high proportion of these species were able to seed and establish themselves in the various habitats the beach provides; in total 878 flowering plant species have been recorded.

Whilst the performances of Passage for Par will leave no physical trace on the landscape, Rosemary Lee hopes that its presence will linger in the memory and become part of the history of this special place.

Landscape Painters Anonymous
Sunday, 24th June 2018
Venue: Par Beach
Time: 11.30 - 13.15 hrs and 14.30- 16.15 hrs

Artist Simon Bayliss will lead two half-day painting sessions on Par Beach. 'Landscape Painters Anonymous" sessions offer the opportunity to join a group of people painting in the open air. Previous drawing or painting experience is not necessary. The first session will take place from 11.30am to 1.15pm and the second from 2.30pm to 4.15pm. Participants are welcome to take part in both.

To book a free place email: irsimonbayliss@hotmail.com

Tel: 01326 565632

Field Trip | Alluvial Strands
Saturday, 23rd June 2018
Venue: Par and Luxulyan Valley
Time: 11.00 - 16.00 hrs

Artist William Arnold will lead an eight mile circular walk from Par beach to Luxulyan valley, the steep-sided and wooded valley of the River Par. Now a designated World Heritage site, the valley was once the site of a booming copper mining industry and is rich in early 19th century industrial remains. This field trip will explore the valley from the Port of Par to the Treffry viaduct/aqueduct, not far from Luxulyan Village. The terrain is varied and participants will need to be physically able, with suitable clothing and footwear. Participants should bring a packed lunch.

To book a free place email: williamlawrencearnold@gmail.com

Tel: 01326 565632

Passage for Par | Programme
Friday, 22nd June 2018
Saturday, 23rd June 2018
Sunday, 24th June 2018
Venue: Par Beach
Times: Friday - 7.15pm. Saturday - 8.15pm. Sunday - 9.15am

Rosemary Lee rehearsing on Par beach near St Austell

Passage for Par is a dance performance created specially for and presented on Par Beach, conceived and directed by choreographer Rosemary Lee.

At the turn of the tide 30 women will rhythmically snake their way across the tidal landscape, tracing meandering pathways through the wet sand, their outlines etched against the sea and sky. Following their movements from afar on headland or dune, viewers are invited to take time to discover the ever-changing landscape as the women slowly continue their passage through it.

A Passage for Par will begin at approximately the following times:

– Friday 22 June         7.15pm

– Saturday 23 June     8.15pm

– Sunday 24 June        9.15am

Timings for each day will be updated on this page. Each passage lasts for somewhere between one hour and 90 minutes. Come to Par Beach to witness either the full duration or part of the performers’ journey. The three live performances over three days are free to attend and no booking is required.

Passage for Par has been commissioned by CAST for Groundwork. Produced by Dance Republic 2 in association with Artsadmin.

Moth Night
Friday, 22nd June 2018
Venue: Par Beach Picnic Area, adjacent to Main car park
Time: 21:30 hrs onwards

A moth evening with 'Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society' (http://www.cornwallbutterflyandmothsociety.org.uk). A Mid-summer event led by local moth enthusiast, Russ Hemmings and assisted by local ‘Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award’ volunteers Robert Slaughter & Tom Rawle.

Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There is the prospect of recording many different species of moths, including Hawk-moths, here over a few hours and it is hoped that there will be some good migrant moths arrive at the moth lights. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one!

Free parking is available during the evening only.

Passage for Par | Volunteers
Friday, 22nd June 2018
Saturday, 23rd June 2018
Sunday, 24th June 2018
Venue: Par Beach
Times: Friday - 7.15pm. Saturday - 8.15pm. Sunday - 9.15am

A dance performance by choreographer Rosemary Lee on Par beach.

The Groundwork project is looking for volunteers to welcome visitors to special dance performances on Par beach in June. At the turn of the tide, 30 women will slowly cross the beach like a moving sculpture, lasting for about 90 minutes. Groundwork is a season of exhibitions and events by internationally acclaimed artists. Volunteers will be offered travel expenses and free training to support performances at the following times: 22 June, 7.15pm; 23 June, 8.15pm; 24 June, 9.15am.

Visit the Groundwork website, www.groundwork.art  for more information

email Liz@c-a-s-t.org.uk or phone 01326 565632.

The Big Lunch & Dog Show | Report
3rd June 2018

FoPB had a presence at The Big Lunch and Dog Show with our Gazebo and Display plus some Stone Painting for our younger visitors.

The weather was kind this year and there was a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. Our Stone Painting proved popular, if somewhat messy at times, but nice to see the creative talents in action.

Beach Clean
Tuesday, 5th June 2018
Venue: Par Beach main car park
Time: 11.00 hrs

Invitation to a Beach Clean On

World Environment Day Tuesday, 5th June 2018  -

"Without a healthy environment we cannot end poverty or build prosperity. We all have a role to play in protecting our only home: we can use less plastics, drive less, waste less food and teach each other to care." — Secretary-General, António Guterres

Your are invited to attend a beach clean at Par beach

(PL24 2AS)

 On Tuesday 5^th June 2018

 At 11 am

We will meet in the Par beach car park at 11 am and clean the beach for about 1 hr and 30. You will see a large white van from Cosgarne –come and find us.

Lunch is kindly provided by STAK.

Please wear weather appropriate clothing and closed shoes. PPE will be provided.

If you wish to attend could you please send me an email with your contact details including mobile number. This will help with catering numbers and be added to the risk assessment.

The Big Lunch & Dog Show
Sunday, 3rd June 2018
Venue: Par Track
Time: 11:00 - 15:00 hrs

FoPB will have a presence at The Big Lunch and Dog Show with our Gazebo and Display plus some Stone Painting for our younger visitors.

Pop in and have a chat.

Wildlife Celebration 2018
Sunday, 20th May 2018
Venue: Caerhays Castle, Gorran, PL26 6LY
Time: 10:30am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free - with complimentary ticket

On behalf of Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT) we are very excited to offer you, as members of Friends of Par Beach, complimentary tickets to their Annual Wildlife Celebration on Sunday 20th of May. It is being held at Caerhays Castle, where they will have birds, bats and beasts, rockpool rambles, woodland walks, plenty of information and activity stalls as well as a guest appearance from Springwatch's very own Gillian Burke! A great day for both Adults and Children alike.

The complimentary tickets accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

Car parking is free (follow signs to Wildlife Celebration and park in Caerhays Beach car park) and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

For additional information follow this link.

Click here (broken) to see the event poster.

To order your complimentary tickets (no latter than 8th May) please use the Contact Us page on our website. Put Wildlife Celebration in the Subject box and include your postal address (for delivery) in the Message box. Thank you.

Note: CWT members get your Free Entry form in the spring edition of Wild Cornwall magazine.

Spring Quiz Night
Tuesday, 24th April 2018
Venue: Scout Hut, Moorland Road, Par. PL24 2PA
Time: Start at 7.30 pm - Doors open at 7.15 pm
Cost: £4.00 per person

We are holding another of our popular Quiz Nights on the evening of Tuesday April 24th.

Charge is just £4 per person, which covers cocktail pasty, tea, coffee and squash.

Maximum 6 per table – no age restrictions.

It’s a fun night so, in order to avoid disappointment and to secure your pasties it is recommended to book a table with Jules on 01726 812700. If you are on your own or there are not enough to form your own team you can still book a place(s) to join a mixed table.

There will not be a licensed bar, but you are welcome to bring your own drinks if you wish.

As well as the quiz there will be a raffle for prizes and the chance to win a bottle of something special  in the ‘heads and tails’ game – just £1 to enter

For further information ring Jules or use the Contact Us page on our website, please put 'Spring Quiz' in the subject.

Please keep an eye on this page as details can sometimes change.

Easter Fun Trail | Report
1st April 2018

On the overcast but thankfully dry morning of Easter Sunday we held our first ever Easter Fun Trail. The trail started and finished at the, Friends of Par Beach, beach hut and encompassed the beach, orchid field and dunes. Along this route were eight Easter egg markers containing an interesting fact, relating to the environment, and an alphabetical letter to be noted. At the end of the trail the participants had to work out that the noted letters spelt 'Beach Hut' and all children were rewarded with a Cadbury Cream Egg whilst the parents were given a bag for life. 21 family groups participated, totalling 37 adults and 40 children, and a good time was had by all.

The picture shows a group of happy children receiving their eggs and the adults with their bag for life whilst the family dog wonders where his reward is!

March Work Party
Sunday, 25th March 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

The March Work Party will consist or clearing invasive species (Rosa Rugosa) from the secondary dunes.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish, they will be essential.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Jan on 01726 810026 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Spring Beach Clean | Report
4th March 2018

Today we held our annual Spring Beach Clean, and the weather gods were most kind to us. Following the bitterly cold spell, with snow and wind, it was touch and go that the event could take place, and even with a sudden warming the day before it decided to rain heavily through the night right up to 07:30hrs this morning. Low and behold, the rain stopped, the clouds passed away and the sun came out to give us a glorious spring day.

Sixty One (61) volunteers turned up for us including several family's with young children and a group of pupils (eco squad) and teachers from Poltair School in St Austell. They all worked very hard and at the end of the event the beach was sparkling. Our thanks go to all who made it such a worthwhile day.

Spring Beach Clean
Sunday, 4th March 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos restaurant
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are holding our Spring Beach Clean and Litter Pick in conjunction with Clean Cornwall and Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘The Great British Spring Clean’, also in support of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) 'Big Spring Beach Clean'.

PLEASE PARK IN THE CAR PARKS (No Charge), BUT NOT IN MILO’S CAR PARK AND NOT ON THE GRASS.

Meet us at our Beach Hut opposite Milos restaurant at any time between 10:30hrs and 12:00noon. Here you will be able to register and we will give you litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold your bag open.

Bring gloves and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on our website or call Phil on 01726 817396.

February Work Party
Sunday, 25th February 2018
Venue: Western End - Gate to Orchid Field
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

MAKING THE ACCESS PATH ACCESSIBLE.

Following the success of widening the ‘Access Path’ between the Western Car Park and the Orchid Field in November last year, we will be extending that effort by working on the path between the Orchid Field and Haul Road.

It is essential that this path is wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to pass.

Please wear suitable clothing for weather and conditions. We have a good stock of gloves, but you are welcome bring your own.

We shall be using a variety of tools including spades, sickles, secateurs and shears.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Jan on 01726 810026

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

St Andrews Pond Local Nature Reserve
Thursday, 15th February 2018
Venue: St Andrew's Pond Car Park
Time: 10.00 - 15.00 hrs

There will be a volunteer day organised by the Ranger responsible for the reserve on Thursday 15th February between 10am and 3pm
We will be cutting back woody vegetation between the cycle route and wet woodland to let light in to increase diversity and adding wild flower plants to the meadow
Meet at 10am in the car park by the pond
Tools will be supplied. Wear old clothes and strong boots. Bring food and a drink.
Hot drink and biscuits will be supplied
For more info or to let us know you are coming either email jheskett@cormacltd.co.uk or call 07973 813843

Click here to view the poster.

• LOVE YOUR BEACH
• BEACH ART EVENT
• FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Inspired by the Your Shore Beach Rangers and their support of the new 3 Bays group with a Love Your Beach Day on Wednesday 14^th February (which is half term) we plan is to hold a Beach Art Event with the specific theme of Valentine's Day.

In addition, weather permitting, there will be some activities, sponsored by Kernow Youth (Fourways) and PL24 Community Association.

Look for our blue Gazebo at the Eastern end of the beach off the Main car park.

This is a fun family day where you Feel the Love!

January Work Party | Report
28th January 2018

Friends of Par Beach held their first work party of the New Year today and concentrated on removing some invasive species from the dune area near to our new Beach Hut .

Using our Hut for the first time as base camp for the work, we were pleased to welcome our biggest turn out for some time, including several new faces, and many thanks to all who turned out on a pleasant morning.

Pictures show Mike and Phil clearing up around our brand new sign, kindly donated to us by Jolyon Sharpe of Cornwall Council Countryside Department, and the group having a well earned half time tea break.

Whilst pausing with the digging we were very happy to observe the work already being undertaken on the newly re-furbished play area next to Milo's Restaurant.

Friends has played a big part in selecting the supplier and encouraging the Parish Council to undertake this initiative.

However great praise and thanks must go to Councillor Doug Scrafton who has really driven the project with the Council and at last we will have a great new facility at Par Beach, no more than it deserves.

If you feel like getting involved in one of our work parties, keep a look out on our Website or Facebook page or for a poster put up around the area, including in our brand new notice board.

January Work Party
Sunday, 28th January 2018
Venue: FoPB Beach Hut opposite Milos Restaurant
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

The January work party will be tackling invasive species.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, conditions underfoot and work in hand (safety footwear would be best if you have any) and bring a spade, loppers, secateurs if you can. We have some protective gloves but bring your favourite ones if you wish.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website.

Concerned about weather? Ring Jan on 01726 810026 between 9.00am and 9.30am on the day.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

New Notice Board
11th January 2018

Our brand new, shiny bright, notice board was installed successfully today.

Friends of Par Beach would like to thank, very much indeed, Jolyon Sharpe, Countryside Officer, for this generous gesture, and for his continued support of our group.

Pictured below are Chair, Richard and Treasurer, Mike showing off our latest acquisition which sits nicely alongside our Beach Hut.

November Work Party | Report
26th November 2017

On Sunday 26th November we had one of our regular winter work parties, and this time we helped to clear and widen the access path between the western car park and the existing path which runs around the Orchid field.

This was originally laid by the Council, specifically to help with access to the beach for wheelchair users and others with mobility problems, but sadly has not been maintained due to financial issues. The path was made up of clay waste which hardens quickly and stays almost white in colour, which also makes it good for people with sight issues. A group of ten volunteers plus a small dog cleared the length of the path in two hours, an amazing effort in mostly appalling weather. Many thanks and very well done to all who came along. Tea/coffee and biscuits were as usual handled by Chair Richard, who also managed to arrange the only ten minutes of dry weather, and a glimpse of the sun, during the whole morning, for this well earned break.

Par Carnival Celebration Awards
23rd November 2017

On Thursday 23rd November, Treasurer Mike and Chair Richard attended a wonderful event at the Railway Club in St Blazey in celebration of the Par Carnival this year. A lot of local organisations and clubs who helped with the Carnival received an award for their efforts, and Friends of Par Beach were one of the lucky recipients with thanks for putting on the annual Beach Art Competition, as part of Carnival week. Lots of money was raised including some large amounts for two Cancer Research groups.

Prizes were handed out by Councillors Pauline Giles and Jordan Rouse, and a pleasant evening was had by all.

November Work Party
Sunday, 26th November 2017
Venue: Western Car Park of Par Beach Local Nature Reserve
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

MAKING THE ACCESS PATH ACCESSIBLE.

Cormac made a good job of clearing the main dunes path and some of the cross-paths a few weeks ago, but the work did not include what is known as the ‘Access Path’ that was opened 5 years ago to enable disabled people to access more of the Local Nature Reserve and the beach.

It is essential that this path is wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to pass.

Please wear suitable clothing for weather and conditions. We have a good stock of gloves, but you are welcome bring your own.

We shall be using a variety of tools including spades, sickles, secateurs and shears.

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Jan on 01726 810026

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

SAS Autumn Beach Clean
29th October 2017

News Article from Cllr Jordan Rowse:

“When I found out that Surfers Against Sewage were holding a national autumn beach clean I felt that, as the Chairman of the Par Beach Management Group, it was something I had to get involved with.

Each year our coastal communities brace themselves against the winter conditions that create a ‘Perfect Storm’ of plastic pollution on our beaches. The Autumn Beach Clean extends deep into this darker, colder time than any other beach clean project. When, in the absence of summer’s tourist spotlight, the health of our coastlines can slip from the nation’s mind.

Along with over 300 other Beach Clean Leaders, I joined Surfers Against Sewage and their partners; The Crown Estate, Greggs, Parley For The Oceans and Ecover to unite, inspire and empower my community to take action to help create Plastic Free Coastlines.

Par Beach is perhaps the PL24 area’s most important asset and, with it being one of the only growing dune systems in Europe, it faces many challenges, plastic pollution being one of them. By engaging the community in beach cleans it helps make our great asset more enjoyable to use, but more importantly helps protect our beach and dunes from plastic pollution, helping create a plastic free coastline.

I’d like to thank everyone who turned up to help, Friends of Par Beach for their support and The Ship Inn for generously putting on tea and coffee for our volunteers.”

October Work Party | Report
29th October 2017

Over twenty volunteers, mostly FoPB members plus the odd new face gathered at the Reed Path on Sunday morning to carry out two tasks.

After the recent coppicing work carried out by local Tree Surgeon Richard Heyward and his team, a large area of open space has been created in the wetland area which will promote light and new vegetation growth, as well as encourge new wildlife to use the area.

The plan was to build an Otter Holt using the large amount of logs and brushwood which was created by the work and to improve the Reed Path with the chippings that also had been created.

One group, mostly the boys, returned to their childhood wallowing about in ankle deep mud, building dens in the woods, and in no time, guided by enthusiastic member Jan Phillips, who leads our work parties, a five star property had been created for otters which are known to frequent the area.

Not sure which part of their childhood the girls returned to, but by the end of the event they had reduced the huge pile of chippings to nothing, and laid it out along a two hundreed yard stretch of the reed path to discourage weeds and make the path easier to navigate. They also used some of the chippings to create a comfortable area of bedding within the Otter Holt itself.

It was declared 'Our best work party ever' by Jan Phillips, who had organised the whole project, with the support of our ranger, Jenny Heskett, and courtesy of some funding given to us via the Tesco Blue Tokens scheme where we came in first place for our two month collection period. So many thanks also to all those kind souls who put their tokens in our box on their shopping trips.

Refreshments as usual were handled by Chair, Richard Parks, and Photography was mainly done by Treasurer, Mike Freemantle, when he was not up to the tops of his wellies in mud, and sometimes when he was!!.

We would like to thank everyone who came along to help, young and old, new members and old members including what seemed like the entire family of young Reubyn Howes, who had celebrated his fifth birthday the day before and who, as usual, had brought along his trusty digger and trailor to help with the manual stuff.

A great day out was had by all and the weather was perfect.

Pictures here.

Autumn Quiz Night | Report
24th October 2017

Fifty Two people making up ten tables contested this years autumn quiz night at the Scout Hut on Tuesday 24th October 2017.

The event was hosted by our new quiz mistress, Jules Jonklaas, who did a sterling job in preparing a testing set of questions and presenting them on the evening. Jules was ably assisted by Tamsyn Howes who kept the scores on the doors, or flip pad to be more precise! As ever, our treasurer, Mike Freemantle, was heavily involved, arranging the pasties for the evening, collecting the money at the door as well as running the 'heads and tails' event and the raffle. Also our thanks go to Penny Gibbs and her friend Denise who kept us all fed and watered for the evening.

Cornwall Community Celebration Award 2017
19th October 2017

Three members of Friends of Par Beach, John Page, Jan Phillips and Harry Bosworth, attended the Cornwall Community Celebration Awards 2017 organised by Cornwall Council and Cormac at Eden Project on the evening of Thursday, 19th October.

The event is a celebration of volunteer groups, who work throughout the county, giving their free time for the benefit of the community. Friend of Par Beach were one of around twenty five groups present. There are various categories covering different aspects of community group work and Friends of Par Beach ones are shown on the certificate below.

The 23rd to 29th October is Surfers Against Sewage Autumn Beach Clean week. In recognition of this, Councillor Jordan Rowse is organising a Beach Clean for Par Beach on Sunday, 29th October, between 10:00am and 12:00 noon. Friends of Par Beach are supporting him in this endeavour.

Look for the blue FoPB Flag on the raised grass area in the corner of the Main Car Park. Here you will be able to register and get your litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold your bag open.

Thanks must go to Cornwall Council who have again agreed to relax parking charges for the period of the Beach Clean. If you want to stay longer you will need to get a ticket.

Bring gloves if you have some and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page on the website, please put the event name in the subject box.

UPDATE: Conditions are looking good, but, WELLIES are a must for the Otter Holt part of the exercise!

We’ll try again! We couldn’t carry out this work in September as the water level was too high. The contractor has been on site and it is ready for us to do our bit to build an OTTER HOLT in the wetland area of the Local Nature Reserve. We shall use wood from the coppicing to build the holts and the pile of chippings will be used to improve the path that leads into the reeds.

If the wet water level rises again we may. Instead, have to clear the encroaching Sea Buckthorn on the main dunes path and the sand ramp from the Main Car Park.

Meet: opposite the hut/barrier 200 metres down the Beach Access Road. Parking may be available in The Ship car park.

Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm, come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Please wear suitable clothing for weather and conditions. Wellington Boots and gloves will be essential on this occasion. We have a good stock of gloves, but you are welcome bring your own.

We shall be bringing hand saws, slashers, secateurs and loppers for you to use

Under 16s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Jan on 01726 810026

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Please keep an eye on this page as details can sometimes change.

Click here for the poster to view, share or print to display somewhere.

'Friends' 8th Annual General Meeting
6th October 2017

Friends recently held their 8th AGM on Friday 6th October, where has the time gone?

Held as usual at The Gott Hall in Par the event attracted a reasonable 28 people, and reports were given by outgoing Chair John Page and Treasurer Mike Freemantle.

John outlined the many and various events and activities that we have attended or organised including a very successful Bat Walk, the continually popular quiz evenings and two new projects which are nearing completion.

Our new beach hut will become our headquarters for events on the beach, and the coppicing project which is part of the Local Nature Reserve Management Plan, has now started despite the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

John Page has decided to stand down as Chair and from the committe to pursue a future in Local Politics, and we wish him well in that initiative.

Richard Parks returns to The Chair after a year as Secretary, Mike Freemantle remains as Treasurer and Jules Jonklaas returns as Secretary role after taking a short break in that role.

Phil Gadd, Gill Butler, Tamsyn Howes and Cathy Trodd remain as Committee members, but we are losing Dennis Brock, and would like to thank him for his efforts over the last year. We are actively seeking at least two more committee members, so if anyone is interested in joining our small band of enthusiasts, then please get in touch.

The AGM then had a break for refreshments and mingling, and this was followed by a very absorbing presentation by Karen and David who run kayaking nature trips on the Fowey river under the name of Encounter Cornwall. Have a look at www.encountercornwall.com

Altogether it was a successful and friendly evening, and the food prepared by Sandra Freemantle was much enjoyed, so thanks to Sandra for her efforts on our behalf.

FoPB's 8th Annual General Meeting
Friday, 6th October 2017
Venue: Gott Hall, Par Green, PL24 2AF
Time: 19.30 hrs

Friends of Par Beach will be holding their 8th Annual General Meeting at Gott Hall on Friday 6th October at 7:30pm.

19.30 Annual General Meeting

c20.00 Illustrated talk by David and Karen from Encounter Cornwall, who run wildlife trips on the Fowey Estuary

c20.45 Meet and Greet with wine, tea, coffee and nibbles

ALL are welcome, but only members may speak and vote at the AGM, so please bring your membership card.

if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page putting AGM in the subject

Autumn Beach Clean
Sunday, 1st October 2017
Venue: Main Car Park
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

Friends of Par Beach are holding our Autumn Beach Clean and Litter Pick in conjunction with Clean Cornwall, Keep Britain Tidy and and Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) on Sunday October 1st.

Will we be able to beat the amazing 110 people that came to last year's event!!!

Come and join us at our blue FoPB Gazebo between 10:30 and 12:30 on the raised grass area near the Main Car Park. Here you will be able to register and we will give you litter pickers, bags and hoops to hold your bag open.

Thanks must go to Cornwall Council who have again agreed to relax parking charges for the period of the Beach Clean. If you want to stay longer you will need to get a ticket.

Bring gloves if you have some and suitable clothing for the prevailing weather.

If you have any queries please use the Contact Us page, please put the event name in the subject box, on our website or call Mike on 01726 816454

Click here to see the event poster to print and display somewhere for us, share with your friends or just to view.

September Work Party
Sunday, 24th September 2017
Venue: Reed Path by Sluice Gate
Time: 10.30 - 12.30 hrs

The first working party of the 2017-18 season, is an exciting project to build an OTTER HOLT in the wetland area of the Local Nature Reserve. We shall use materials from the long-overdue coppicing, rejuvenating the wetland. Much of the tops of trees coppiced will be chipped and we shall be moving most of it to improve the path that leads into the reeds.

If the wet weather prevents our contractor from carrying out work before Sunday we shall clear the Reed Path using secateurs, shears, bow saws, and sickles. We shall bring our tools, but do feel free to bring your own.

Meet opposite the hut/barrier 200 metres down the Beach Access Road. Parking may be available in The Ship car park

Wellington Boots and gloves will be essential. We have a good stock of gloves, but you are welcome bring your own.

Come for the whole morning or drop in to suit.

Under 18s must be with a responsible adult.

For further info or if you have any questions please use the Contact Us page on our website and use the title of this event in the subject field.

Concerned about weather on the day or have any other queries please ring Mike on 01726 816454.

As an incentive there will hopefully be the usual refreshments for those taking part.

Please keep an eye on this page as details can sometimes change.

Click here for the poster to view, share or print to display somewhere.

Tesco Bags of Help
25th August 2017

Friends of Par Beach would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who voted for them in Tesco during May and June. As a result, we came first in the voting so have won the grant we asked for of £3500 which is for habitat management work in the alder carr at the pond.

Alder carr, which also contains willow, is a wet woodland habitat which colonises marsh and in past times would have been carefully managed to produce coppice products for housebuilding, hurdles and so on, in a similar way to hazel in drier places. Our pond edges are getting too filled in with saplings and so we will be coppicing a proportion of the alder and willow to start of a 7 or 15 year cycle of coppice which provides a more complex structure that benefits all wetland wildlife.

Details of the work are now in the planning stage and you should see something happening in the next few months. We will also be removing some sycamore from the edge of the marsh and constructing 1 or 2 artificial otter holts which will act as safe laying up places for otters passing through (and yes, there is evidence that they do!).

A proportion of the money is also set aside for upgrading our tool stock and educational activity about wetland wildlife and any left-over will contribute to the removal of other invasive species in the other habitats in the reserve.

We have a year to spend the grant but the coppicing is due to start taking place in September during which time the bird watching path will not be open for access.

We are enormously grateful to Tesco for initiating this scheme and to Groundwork South who promote it on their behalf.

Re-Launch of Par Beach Seaweed Survey
4th August 2017

We are re-launching the survey that was asked for by Jolyon Sharpe, Countryside Officer for Cornwall Council, to consult with the local community and beach users for their thoughts on the seaweed that sometimes washes up with the tides on Par Beach. Not enough returns were received from our previous launch for Cornwall Council to form a valid community/beach users view on the subject of seaweed on the beach.

If you want let the the Council know your thoughts you can download the questionnaire here to fill and and return by one of the methods given on the form. There will also be hard copies at locations given below where you can obtain, fill them in and leave at the location to be collected at a later date

Word version with this you can fill in using you computer. When completed, save it to your computer and e-mail it to the address on the form.

pdf version that you can download to print to fill in by hand. When completed you can either scan it and attach to an e-mail to the address shown, post it to the address on the form or drop it off at one of the drop off points.

Hard copies of the form can be obtained from the following sites.

Tywardreath Village Stores
Par Library
Par Sands Holiday Park Reception

If you have any questions please contact Friends of Par Beach using the Contact Us Page with 'Seaweed Survey' in the subject.