STACK NEWS ISSUE ONE December 1997
Over the years several of our friends have included a newsletter with the Christmas cards they've sent us. I've often thought that this was a good idea as it does update us with their news and definitely makes a welcome change from the soaps on TV. So here it is, our own little effort, which because we're really mean we've put on the back of a homemade card! At least those of you who are totally mystified by the photo on the front can get a decent explanation as to why you've received a picture of a building site rather than cute reindeer in the snow.
So here goes - Yes, you probably know that we've moved to Cornwall (or back there in Roger's case). This has been made possible by the generosity of our sponsors Granada Television! You may know that they took over London Weekend Television some time ago, and proceeded to look for ways of making the company yet more profitable! Human Resources (what used to be known as staff are a drain on any organisation, as of course they seem to want a regular salary, and so it was that I was fortunate enough to become surplus to requirements', and obtain a very generous severance deal.
Well that was back in '96, and that year we decided to move to Cornwall - Jayne finally seeing the light whilst we were on holiday in Kenya.
The bad news was it took an age to sell our house in Surrey, the good news though was that as part of my redundancy package the company paid for me to study for the British Safety Council Diploma in Safety Management, and then promptly re-employed me (on short term contract) as a safety advisor. I've even been back up to London since we moved to Cornwall- lured by lots of money - to provide holiday cover for an ex colleague. I'm not sure though that I want to go back again - at any price!
We bought Tredinnick Stack last September. It's named after the old tin mine engine house which forms part of our back garden wall. This steam powered engine pumped the water from Ding Dong mine until its closure in 1878. Tredinnick is a small hamlet of about six houses situated four miles north of Penzance (which is on the south coast, in the far south-west of England - for our overseas readers) on the edge of the Penwith moors. When the builders stop hammering, it's really peaceful!
Which links nicely to the next phase in the story when we finally moved out of 16 Kilnside on 6th June 1997. Only then did we have the funds to start tearing down and rebuilding our new home. The original house was constructed in two phases. The rear part, which we knocked down, was a large wooden chalet which was moved here around 1945, but which by 1997 was pretty rotten! The front part was built in l986 as a studio/workshop for a well known local folk singer, Brenda Wooton, and her husband John, Sadly they both died a couple of years ago, and their daughter subsequently sold her inheritance to us.
The photo shows our builders, Billy (left) and Steve (right) guiding the steel beam, which now supports our bedroom ceiling, into position. Just above Steve's head you can just make out 'The Lizard'- the most southerly point in mainland England - this gives you some idea of the view we'll get when we awake! Through the window opening below Billy is part of the old bungalow roof, which is now covered by the new (two storey) extension.
I've just realised that unless I resort to really small type I won't get much more in - so I'd better tell you that I'm now retired (no I'm not that old! Remember that severance payment!) - at least from employment - and concentrating my efforts on completing our new home. Jayne has got a job that she very much enjoys - membership secretary for the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. This occupies her for three days each week, and in her remaining time has done voluntary work for the Penzance Bat Hospital, and 'Paradise Park' a bird park. We've also been sussing out local organisations and have joined The Trevithick Society (famous Cornish engineer - shame on you), and the local branch of the National Trust. We're part way through a course on the Natural History of West Penwith (we live in Penwith district), and Jayne is learning to paint in watercolours - somehow appropriate 'cos we get a lot of rain!
Well that's about it for now, see issue two of Stack News for the next thrilling instalment! Best wishes for the festive season to all our readers!
Roger & Jayne
PS Any mail sent to 16 Kilnside is being forwarded to our new address by the post office
