ICAN no longer claim to be a "huntin', shootin' and fishin'" type (though I have in the dim distant past taken part in all these rural pursuits) but like so many native inhabitants and a surprising number of newer residents of our area, I still feel duty bound to turn out and support the Boxing Day meet in Holsworthy's Market Square. It is an opportunity to demonstrate a touch of country dweller's solidarity – even if you are not a strong advocate of field sports, the heavy-handed approach and Draconian measures of our central urban-based governments deserve a double fingered salute from the rural population.

Given the way that the indigenous population (that means us natives – Stevie) is routinely treated as a collection of second class citizens, with zero respect for our way of life and traditions, it is hardly a surprise that the ludicrous hunting ban is accorded very little honour down here in the not so Wild West! Judging by the large field of riders and the crowd of onlookers many people at Holsworthy's meet feel the same way. In any case, with the weather clement for a nice change, and some excellent refreshments being provided by the nearest hostelry, it was the perfect opportunity to literally meet old friends and enjoy a festive and convivial gathering. Long may this tradition last.

By the way I do not care how pretty foxes are: having seen the devastation they can inflict on lambs and poultry and, having been raised to view them as vermin, any letters of protest will be wasted on me (however, doubtless I shall recycle them in a green and caring manner)!

ACCORDING to my sister and the Mayan calendar, as well as a pungent brand of deodorant (much favoured by teenage boys in lieu of washing) 2012 is going to be the year that the world ends. I am never sure why we should take note of the beliefs of an extinct Central American "civilisation" which relied heavily on human sacrifices, could not invent the wheel, and got badly wiped out by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th Century (did they fail to predict their arrival?) but there are plenty of modern pessimists keen to back the Mayans up, with equally dire forecasts. For instance, the whole of the Yellowstone Park is long overdue to erupt (so is Mount Vesuvius) and one of the Canary Islands likewise (giant tsunamis and nuclear-type winters all round) thus giving us the dinosaur treatment – that is of course, if a giant meteor does not arrive from space first or a worldwide pandemic of some deadly disease! We must not forget global warming or another ice age (depending upon which is fashionable this week) or, indeed, the possibility of some mad Middle or Far Eastern despot letting fly with the nukes. All this tends to make worrying about the VAT bill or Britain's chances of doing well in the fiendishly expensive Olympics, pretty silly doesn't it?

I will not say "mustn't grumble" as that is one of the few untaxed pleasures left to us but I thought this list of "reasons to be cheerful" could comfort all those poor sinners who have already failed to keep their New Year's resolutions. Life goes on and most of us just get to grips with it.

MEANWHILE, back on the local front, I welcome two new (or recycled) town councillors. At least they had enough get up and go to stand for election (expensive business though, especially given that a third vacancy – no doubt to be filled by co-option – has already arisen). I expect they will be joining in the debate engendered by the regeneration plans proposed under the aegis of the MCTI and other bodies and led by Martin Prentice. Some people may be surprised but, personally, I welcome broadly any such regeneration proposals. Even a strongly traditional town like Holsworthy cannot stand still and unchanging for ever. That way lies stultification and commercial and social death. However, some details may require discussion and amendment – such as moving the old pump in the Market Square for example! Mind you, I did hear no less than a "Guardian of the Tree" suggesting that said "new" old tree was also in the wrong place and should be got rid of. Subversive views indeed, especially coming from a member of this elite organisation – whatever next?

More seriously, the town's parking problems are becoming acute and in some residential areas public service vehicles such as the dust carts and, even more importantly, the emergency services can no longer get through. Urgent action is required to address these issues and not just in the Square.

I also hope that our local representatives are still fighting the good fight regarding the fiasco of the Coles Mill Viaduct – they should be united on all these issues and certainly no party political labels should come into play at this level of local government. I did notice however that it was only weeks of agitation from local residents that finally got some badly needed road repairs in Bodmin Street implemented just before Christmas. Sadly I suspect that it was only a temporary "bodge" job and will need further attention very soon. I know that the country, as a whole, has achieved Third World status in rapid time but some effective local representation might help delay the meltdown round here – at least temporarily.