The picture of swans gliding across the estuary with a pink and orange sunrise in symmetry immediately comes to mind whenever Polbathic is mentioned. This was the scene that greeted me as I lifted the cottage’s blinds on the first morning after we moved to the village around twenty-five years ago.
One evening later that week, we watched the current rising with trepidation, as it ebbed across the water-meadow and crept up the back garden wall. We sat there at one with nature and euphoric as the white-feathered regatta approached, signets whistling at the rear.
We were relieved when the tide changed and retreated, thankful too, over the following eight years at North Cottage that the property never flooded, and there was no history of it ever happening. However, our excitement at high spring tides never waned.
Whenever I drive by on my way home and the tide is in, I can’t resist stopping at the lay-by a few metres away from our old address to enjoy the view across Polbathic Lake, which is part of the River Tiddy and River Lynher river system. As I write this, I recall that Pol in Cornish means pool, well, or lake.
Many businesses have closed over the years, but The Halfway House, pub, restaurant, and bed and breakfast is still there and worth visiting, which we do often under normal circumstances, especially when the car needs washing. Then we drop it off across the road where it’s valeted while we tuck into lunch.
Some buildings, now used in a residential role, show signs of enchantment from bygone days. The old bakery, post office, and a Methodist church are a few.
Polbathic’s claim to fame is unusual. Situated on land beside the road leading from Polbathic to Downderry, Brenton’s farm implement makers, invented, patented, and produced Brenton’s safety bolt at the end of the 19th Century. It’s a design that is still popular and will be familiar to many people today.
The hall opened in 2012 and replaced the old one which had been there for decades after being transported from Tregantle Fort where it had been a First World War army hospital.
It was handy for children’s parties, dancing, and other pastimes, although a little draughty at times, particularly when watching the annual pantomime. The new building is luxurious in comparison and a credit to those who fundraised and organized its completion for community occasions and events.
Community occasions and events, now that’s a happy thought. Not long now, I tell myself – be patient, but it’s a virtue I’m not always blessed with.
Until next time.
Sue. X