Remember how Cornwall was transformed with the great offshore oil rush and Falmouth turned into a “mini-Aberdeen” at the heart of it all?

No, nor do I - because it never actually happened. But 35 years ago all the talk - and much action - was focusing on just such a prospect, writes Mike Truscott.

Falmouth Docks cleared the decks - well, 13 acres of them - and people in high places predicted oil-related industrial development stretching fully 15 miles from the town.

The Packet even produced a 20-page special supplement on the topic, costing all of 5p.

Preparations had been under way for nearly a decade and, with North Sea production now two years old, what had got everyone so excited here was the start of exploratory drilling 175 miles off Land's End.

A dedicated offshore support base was set up in the docks, headed by Mayor Peter Tierney aided by ex-deputy mayor David Thomas, John Treveal and work experience secretary Jackie Hull.

Six large silos were installed on the County Wharf and, yes, well-heeled oilmen were propping up local bars.

Docks boss Ian Sutherland anticipated that - if exploration turned to production - there would be increased heavy road and rail traffic, much storage of pipes, drill casing and containers.

There would be more crane and wharfside activity, along with helicopter traffic using the newly-built helipad.

There was even speculation that a refinery might be established in the area. In the property market, agents reported a surge in oil-related enquiries.

Alas, the great “black gold” bonanza never materialized. Despite more drilling programmes, there were no reports of oil being found, and exploration never moved on to production.

Like the epic Falmouth container port saga that followed, it was all destined for the what-might-have-been file.