Siblyback Lake Unofficial Guide

South West Lakes Trust launched an online survey on the 3rd July 2019 the purpose of which is to, "Help us to shape the future of Siblyback Lake". The survey was run on the popular Survey Monkey website and also in paper format at the lake and Liskeard Show. A closing date of the 6th September 2019 was set. The results will be used to decide what facilities will be offered at the lake in 2020 and beyond. Andy Parsons has reported that around 1000 responses have been received. They will soon be announcing their plan for the future.

Andy Parsons the CEO of South West Lakes Trust announced on Facebook on 03/10/19 that he will be leaving in December 2019 to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the Cotswolds (AONB) Conservation Board. South West Lakes Trust is the Charity that manages Siblyback lake and closed the watersports and camping facilities at the beginning of 2019. The CEO job at SWLT is being advertised at a salary of £75,000 plus company car and other benefits. The average wage in Cornwall is around £19,262 (source https://www.cioslep.com/about/lep-chair-blog/article/35/2019/03/06/tackling-a-low-wage-economy-in-cornwall-and-the-isles-of-scilly - accessed 4.10.19) . Mr Parsons was the man behind the unpopular closure of the watersports facility and camping at Siblyback Lake in February 2019. At a meeting held at the lake he indicated that the facility was losing £20,000 a year. He was around at the time of the installation of the controversial Wakeboarding System which was put at the lak

When the wakeboard facility was closed at the end of 2017, several pieces of it were left behind. The huge concrete block with dangerous spikes sticking out of it was the most noticeable when it was exposed as the water level fell in the summer. This item could easily have been removed in 2018, but South West Lakes Trust just left it there. In summer 2019 as the water level again fell, the beach was a mess with lots of junk lying around. Old tyres, railway sleepers and sharp metal parts from the wakeboard system for example. Not really the sort of thing you would expect an environmental charity to leave lying about. Many of the smaller items were removed by kind volunteers on the 2nd October 2019. The following day a large digger was brought in to remove the huge concrete block which had been blighting the beautiful lake for nearly two years. It is great to see the beach cleaned up again, because the water level is rising and if it hadn't been done when it was it woul

On the 2nd October 2019, the following statement was issued by The Rockhopper on their Facebook page: "It is unfortunate and sad that I have decided to finish my lease of the cafe at Siblyback. Since taking on this business, there have been several changes and this year has seen the most. Siblyback is a great venue but it has always been difficult to balance the ups and downs of the trade due to the weather and subsequent path closures. Unfortunately this year has proved even more difficult with all the changes that have occurred. I have decided to concentrate on my other business which is Victoria Inn at Pensilva but would like to say a big thank you to all our customers at Siblyback and of course to all of the hardworking staff. It would be great to see the Rock Hopper customers visit us all at Pensilva. Thank you all very much for your support over the last three years".

There have been some great days of North wind in 2019, perfect for windsurfing at Siblyback Lake. The big problem is, only a few members have been able to use the lake under the buddy system. The many casual customers who used to just turn up and pay when the watersports centre was open cannot use the lake. There are no rescue boats available and no members of watersports staff on-site. Consequently some people have been heading onto the water unofficially. In previous years there have been many people enjoying the lake with their families, but in 2019 following the decision by South West Lakes Trust to close the facility it has literally been deserted. What a waste of a great facility.

On the 3rd April 2019, Neil Reeves Head of Countryside and Recreation at South West Lakes Trust wrote to existing annual members of Siblyback Lake to confirm arrangements for the 2019 season. These are: Current members can continue to access the water this year through the buddy system . This is only available to existing members or those whose membership has recently lapsed.  Launch membership rates are reduced by 25% so Family - £149.25, Single - £101.25 and Concession £74.25 Boat storage is still available at a cost of £63.75 To renew your membership you have to phone 01566 771930 or "drop in" to their office at Roadford Lake! There will be no watersports staff at the lake and no rescue boat available. The changing rooms and toilets will be available but on a reduced cleaning schedule. There will be no camping membership in 2019 The details of the Buddy System have been reiterated as:  Whilst I am pleased (as a member) to be able to continue to use