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CORNWALL had a wasted trip to Wales MC as their opening group game in the Unicorns Knock Out Trophy was abandoned at Newport without a ball bowled.

The pitch at Spytty Park had been well protected, but the heavy downpours of the previous day or so meant the surrounds and outfield were too wet for a prompt start.

There was hope a 20-over game later in the day, but when further rain fell during the lunch interval that was that and the points were shared.

Cornwall had included three potential debut players in their 12 man squad. Liam Norwell and Tom Shrewsbury are both on Gloucestershire's books, while Callum Whittaker played for Devon last season before joining Truro.

This Sunday, Cornwall take on Devon, at Truro (11am). The visitors narrowly lost on Sunday against Wiltshire, at Instow, by three runs after being set 235.

Cornwall's recent one-day record against Devon poor. In the eight games since the groups were re-introduced, Devon have won six, Cornwall one (at Redruth in 2010) and one was cancelled two years ago.

Cornwall Women start their season on Sunday with a friendly against Devon at Torquay.

In the Davidstow Village Cup, former champions Troon got off to a winning start with a ten-run success at South Petherwin.

Troon's middle order saved the day with Tom Williams (23) and Sam Eva (21) top scoring. It enabled the visitors to post a modest 115.

South Petherwin got off to a reasonable start with Michael Bolt making 26 and Steve Drew 21. The innings faded however, to 105 all out with Jack Angove taking three for 21 and two each for Matt Walker and Will Eva. Troon are away to Perranporth in round two.

Tintagel got a "walkover" when Mount Ambrose were unable to raise a side. Lewdown conceded to Calstock who have a trip to Perranarworthal to look forward to. The Stithians v Ipplepen game was postponed due to the weather and has been scheduled for this Sunday with the venue reversed.

NEWLYN'S Jack Nowell has suffered a bitter blow with the news that he will miss out on England's summer tour of New Zealand in order to undergo knee surgery.

The 21-year-old has not played since damaging his shoulder in Exeter Chiefs' 45-15 Premiership defeat at Leicester Tigers on March 23.

Ands having started all five of England's 2013 Six Nations games, he will miss out on the summer's action in a bid to regain fitness for next term.

Nowell was handed his England debut in the cauldron of the Stade de France in the tournament opener – in which Stuart Lancaster's side were edged out 26-24.

The Red Rose improved rapidly over the course of the competition and were only narrowly beaten to the title by Ireland, while Nowell notched his first try during the emphatic 52-11 win in Italy.

But, with a lengthy international career predicted by many, Nowell has opted to undergo an operation aimed at curing a persistent knee problem and will also have his shoulder complaint assessed.

"Jack has a pretty bad shoulder injury," said Exeter boss Rob Baxter.

"It was going to be hit and miss to get him back in time for the end of the season and he also needs an operation on a long-term knee issue.

"This is an important chance to get on top of that; he's had the knee injury for pretty much all of his senior career."

Nowell's absence will intensify the battle for places on the plane to New Zealand with the likes of Marland Yarde, Christian Wade and a seemingly-rejuvenated Chris Ashton vying for inclusion.

England face three Tests against the world champion All Blacks this summer, starting in Auckland on June 7.

After helping England's U18s retain the European Championship, former Pirates youth product Jack Stanley will be hoping to continue his amazing journey later this summer when he returns for pre-season training with the Exeter Chiefs.

The 17-year-old, from Helston, featured in all three of the national side's games in Poland, where they beat Ireland 30-14 in the final in Wronki to lift the Championship trophy for a third consecutive year.

At the weekend the Truro College student represented his country again, this time at U17s level, where a last minute try helped England defeatFrance at Broadstreet Rugby Club, Coventry.

His involvement in the national setup has provided Stanley with yet more invaluable experience, on top of playing Academy rugby for the Exeter Chiefs this season.

Injury rules Nowell out of England tour squad

THE Cornish Pirates have this week announced that they have again frozen their ticket prices for the 2014-2015 season.

A season ticket guarantees entry to all Cornish Pirates Championship Stage 1 games and the pool games in the British & Irish Cup.

Season Ticket prices: Truro & Penwith College Grandstand - all £350; Jewsons Stand – Adult £260, Concession £235, Child £75 (U16s); Terrace – Adult £190, Concession £170

To reserve the same seat as last season bookings must be made before Friday June 27.

Grandstand & Jewson Stand season ticket sales close on Friday July 11.

Advance Ticket Prices: Truro & Penwith College Grandstand - all £25 (Match Day upgrades £10*); Jewsons Stand – Adult £18, Concession £16, Child £5 (Match Day upgrades £5*); Terrace – Adult £13, Concession £12, Child £1 (Age 5-16), Under 5s free.

Match Day Ticket Prices: Truro & Penwith College Grandstand - Match Day Upgrades £10*; Jewsons Stand – Match Day Upgrades £5*; Terrace – Adult £15, Concession £15, Child £1 (Age 5-16), Under 5s free; *Subject to availability .

The club are also repeating their 'Early Bird Offer', whereby considerable savings can be made.

All applications must be received by Friday May 30 to qualify for the Early Bird Offer.

Early Bird Season Ticket Prices: Truro & Penwith College Grandstand – Adult £300, Child Under 16 £150 (this is a new offer); Jewsons Stand – Adult £220, Concession £200, Child £75 (Under 16s); Terrace – Adult £170, Concession £150.

Season ticket holders are entitled to a special discount for hospitality at £25 per person per game or £300 for the season.

They are also eligible to apply for World Cup 2015 tickets, subject to availability.

For further details visit www.cornish-pirates.com, or contact the ticket office 01736-331961, open Mon-Fri from 9am-noon.

Cornish Pirates announce ticket price freeze

THE 2014 Jolly's Drinks Cornwall Cricket League season could hardly have got off to a worse start.

A belt of very heavy rain swept across the county late on Friday evening. Saturday dawned with strong winds and frequent heavy showers.

Together with a poor forecast it meant, inevitably, that cancellation after cancellation followed from mid morning onwards. Just when it looked like an opening day total washout right across the county, the Tamar Valley threw up a glimmer of hope.

Calstock got their first ever game in Division 5 under way. Following two successive promotions, after joining from the Tamar League, they took on Menheniot Thirds, who elected to bat.

Only 4.2 overs were possible however before the heavens opened. The visitors had reached nine for one at the time.

Simon Light put his name in 'lights' by claiming the first League wicket of the season in the county. Of the other 63 scheduled games all were cancelled, bar one.

That came a few miles down the Tamar at Landulph, where Saltash Town entertained Boconnoc in Division Three East. Following a delayed start the home side made 142 for eight in a 33 over game.

Justin Hemmings top scored with 30. Boconnoc were bowled out for 91 with Ross Braund and Mark Hutchings taking three wickets each.

The Premier 50/50 Cup games were all called off before midday starting with St Just's home game with Camborne.

The Newquay v St Austell and Falmouth v Truro ties followed. Werrington travelled to Grampound Road and the game survived a first inspection.

By the time of a second one, at 2pm, conditions had worsened and it was officially called off.

It was even more straight forward in County Division 1 with the entire programme called off by midday.

The fixtures at Beacon, Gorran, Helston, Stithians, Troon and Wadebridge were all cancelled in quick succession.

Hopefully a more settled forecast will enable the season to get under way properly this weekend.

Truro, who profited by having a bye on Saturday, start their 50/50 Cup campaign at home to Falmouth.

In the other group game it's derby day at Roskear with Camborne taking on Redruth.

In the east group Callington gained by sitting out last weekend. They get under way at St Austell. Grampound Road take on Newquay.

It's a busy weekend for the Premier clubs as, in contrast to the rest of the League, they have a round of games on Bank Holiday Monday.

Reprieve

Camborne are at home to Falmouth and Truro visit St Just. In the east Callington host Grampound Road and Werrington host Newquay.

The County Division One fixtures on Saturday see newcomers Helston take on Wadebridge. The other promoted club, Launceston, take on Troon at Lawhitton.

Penzance celebrate their reprieve with a derby at St Clare against last year's runners-up, Ludgvan. Elsewhere, Hayle host Gorran while Beacon and Stithians head up the A30 to Roche and Menheniot Looe respectively.

The newly named Royal London National Club Championship was due to get under way on Sunday but not a ball was bowled in the county.

Callington, affected by Cornwall commitments and other unavailability, pulled out of their home tie with Truro, being unable to field a 'competitive side'.

Truro will now be away to the winners of the Falmouth v St Just tie on 11th May. They will try again at Trescobeas on Sunday.

Similarly Werrington will be hoping for a dry weekend so they can complete their first round tie with Devon side Cornwood at Ladycross.

Of the eight scheduled ties in the South West and South Wales Group only one was played with Ynysygerwn beating Radyr by 81 runs.

A FIFTH of crimes in Cornwall could be going unrecorded by police, according to a new report. An inspection of 13 forces – including Devon and Cornwall Police - found 14 rapes were among offences not recorded by officers. It included an allegation made by a 13-year-old autistic boy against a 15-year-old male friend, wrongly written off as "sexual experimentation". Another rape was not recorded due to "workload pressure" as recording the crime would "entail too much work", the report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) said. The police watchdog also found some offenders have been issued with out-of-court disposals, such as cautions, when they should have been prosecuted. An unrecorded crime is classed as one that is reported to the police, but not recorded as an offence. HMIC is conducting an inspection into the way all 43 forces in England and Wales record crime data, and said if its findings so far reflect the national picture, it could mean 20% of crimes may be going unrecorded. As for motive, inspectors said they could not rule out "discreditable or unethical behaviour" on the part of officers for the failure rate, as it's "too high." Out of a sample of 3,102 incidents, HMIC found 2,551 crimes should have been recorded but 523 were not, including sexual offences, crimes of violence, robbery and burglary. Home Secretary Theresa May said the report exposed "unacceptable failings by the police" and warned that once HMIC concludes its work in October, official figures may show a spike in police recorded crime. "If that increase is driven by improved accuracy in the recording of crime or more victims reporting crime to the police, we should welcome it," she said. "Such an increase would not mean that crime itself is rising." She added: "Despite these concerns about the accuracy of recorded crime statistics, we can be confident that crime is falling and is at its lowest level since the crime survey began in 1981." The shocking report comes after serious concerns were raised over the integrity of crime figures, sparked by claims made by former Metropolitan Police officer James Patrick last year. Mr Patrick, who has since resigned, told MPs that massaging crime figures to hit performance targets had become ''an ingrained part of policing culture". His comments, combined with further evidence submitted to Parliament, ultimately led to the UK Statistics Authority stripping police-recorded crime figures of their gold-standard status. HM chief inspector of constabulary Tom Winsor said the consequences of under-recording of crime may mean victims and the community are failed because crimes are not investigated. "The levels of crime will be wrongly under-stated, and police chiefs will lack the information they need to make sound decisions on the deployment of their resources," he said. Adam Pemberton, assistant chief executive at charity Victim Support believes this is about more than simply "inaccurate statistics" or "poor number-crunching". "Each mistake represents a victim losing their chance to get justice and to access support services," he said. "It is completely unacceptable that victims of any crimes – let alone serious sexual offences such as rape – should have their complaints go unrecorded or downgraded because of police incompetence or even laziness. "We know from speaking to tens of thousands of victims of crime every year how important it is victims get the help they need and that they trust the police to carry out a thorough investigation." Although only 13 of the 43 forces have been inspected, this covers 60% of crimes, because two of the largest - the Metropolitan Police and Great Manchester Police - have already been done, HMIC said. The forces inspected so far are Cheshire, City of London, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Gwent, Hertfordshire, the Metropolitan Police, Norfolk, North Wales, North Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

Fifth of all crime reported to police in Cornwall 'may be unrecorded', report suggests

DJ, produce worker and now award winning film producer, Stephen Hole doesn't have much in the way of spare time. Shortly after reaching number one in the Trackitdown DJ chart with this track Damn Son, the Camborne man has scooped the Half-Cut Cinema's Half-Cut and Hungry Film award at the Porthleven Food and Music Festival for his cartoon animation Fly Cornwall. He said: "The idea Fly Cornwall came from the television show Family Guy. "I love it when the show goes off at a tangent and I started putting together a similar little piece about two flies, but I then decided to make it into a full length film. "I originally got into animation when I toured with the Kernow King helping him with a few visual gags." Mr Hole, who works at Tesco Extra in Pool and is a resident DJ at Zone Nightclub in Redruth, first posted Fly Cornwall online. The video was then spotted by Half Cut Cinema's Amanda Buckley who suggested that he enter the video in the cinema's competition that took place at the Porthleven Food and Drink Festival. Mr Hole said: "Combining my day job, DJ sets and animation is quite a juggling act, but I've already began work on my next animated film which is about a man called Mark, who lives in Camborne and got attacked by seagulls." Mr Hole, who goes by the name of Steve Heller when performing, will be playing sets at Murdoch Day and the Pasty Festival in Redruth.

Camborne DJ turns award winning film producer

The 6 Rifles have headed to Cyprus for a two week training exercise - and have been joined by our reporter Esme Ashcrost. Here is her first report from the Mediterranean island.

THE most disconcerting thing about boarding a military plane is the sense that it is so unmilitary.

If you didn't know you were in the Oxford RAF base Brize Norton, the line of men, women and children filing on to the vast A330 aeroplane could be bound for Spain or Tenerife.

Passengers are still given the same vacuum-packed plastic food and told to keep their seats in the upright position for take-off; the only difference is that the safety messages are delivered by air hosts in army overalls.

Yet feelings of familiarity evaporate the moment you disembark at the RAF airport in Akrotiri and pass through the stern checkpoint of the Episkopi Garrison to catch the first glimpse of the expanse of uniform buildings.

For the next two weeks the base will serve as home to 150 men from the West Country infantry battalion, the 6 Rifles.

As with full-time, or regular, Army recruits, women are permitted to join the reserves, but not in a frontline capacity.

The Cyprus training trip makes up part of the reservists' mandatory quota of hours which includes giving up one night a week and one weekend a month to train.

Throughout the fortnight, the mixture of seasoned and new Rifles will take part in a series of sessions culminating in a company field training exercise in the desert heat to prepare them for potential deployment to numerous places around the world, including Afghanistan.

The military has worked hard to shake the "Sunday soldier" image of the reserves and Monday's helicopter tragedy has once again cemented this. Alongside Corporal James Walters from Horsedowns and three other regular officers who died in the crash was reservist Lieutenant-Corporal Oliver Thomas, of the Intelligence Corps.

"Being a reserve is no longer just a hobby," Army press officer Ronnie Jones told me, "it is a second career for those willing to risk their lives for Queen and country."

Since the 2010 move to an "integrated Army" – whereby reservists and regulars work symbiotically – recruitment has increased.

Lieutenant-Colonel Neville Holmes, MBE, commanding officer of 6 Rifles, said: "We currently have 400 people in the 6 Rifles which is around 85 per cent capacity. I have at least 150 people interested; we're well on our way to being at 100 per cent by December 2018."

Despite this a significant number need to step forward to make the new integrated Army structure function.

But have the increased mortality rates, economic hardships and diminishing sense of cultural dedication to the Forces upped the stakes too high?

Throughout the week I will be talking with a variety of reservists about their motivation to join the Army, life on base and what they believe the future will hold for the Armed Forces.

6 Rifles in Cyprus: Shaking the image of a 'Sunday soldier'

New plans for housing and a community farm will be submitted for a controversial site on the edge of Truro. The developers behind the Higher Newham Farm site want to build 155 homes and set up a pioneering community farm with a restaurant and educational facilities. Previous plans for a massive 1,000-home development on the site were thrown out by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, in July 2010. The new proposals for the site, just off Morlaix Avenue and above the businesses in Newham, are the result of a partnership between the development company Living Villages and Duchy College. Lord Matthew Taylor of Goss Moor, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell, is acting as an adviser to Living Villages. He said: "Having opposed former big developments on this site in Truro, my particular interest in Higher Newham Farm is to create something fantastic and open it up to the community so they can access this beautiful green space and all it has to offer whilst creating an exemplar sustainable village affordable for all income groups." The proposed scheme will see 70 acres of green space gifted to the local community for the purposes of food and farming education. If the plans are successful the site would be the largest community farm in the UK. The land would provide woods, orchards, allotments, fields and growing areas protected from future development forever, through its permanent transfer to a specially formed Community Trust. Tim Walton, spokesman for Living Villages, said: "Ever since we acquired Higher Newham Farm we have asked ourselves how can we ensure that this stunning site is used to maximise the benefit of its location for all whilst enhancing its capacity to act as a working farm." Access to the development would be off Morlaix Avenue near the Arch Hill roundabout. The double roundabout that currently exists on the road from Falmouth is due to be rebuilt as part of plans for 320-home site on the other side of Arch Hill that already has planning permission. The developers said 30 per cent of the 155 homes would be a mix of rented and part-ownership homes at well below market prices. The land surrounding the village would be managed by Duchy College and used to deliver courses in farming and horticulture. A community farm would house classrooms and facilities for students. Andrew Counsellcorrect, principal of Duchy College said: "Higher Newham Farm is a great opportunity for students to study horticulture, agriculture and animal care on their doorstep in Truro. "We will be especially focusing on entry-level programmes providing youngsters with the skills to help them gain employment, as well as short leisure-interest courses for the public." The project is being managed locally by Vicky Garner, former chief executive of environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, and Lord Taylor's wife. She said: "This is a truly exciting project, the first of its kind. We hope that this will lead the way in establishing a better approach to creating places to live, work, learn and enjoy. But most importantly, it will open up this beautiful green space for public access and protect it from further development in the future." A four-day launch of the public consultation is taking place detailing all the plans from May 28 to May 31 at 1 Back Quay, the former Spar Shop on Lemon Quay, from 9.30am to 6.30pm each day. Plans are due to be submitted to Cornwall Council in June.

155 homes and community farm for Truro at controversial Higher Newham site

MONEY raised at an impromptu lido fun day in Porthleven has now been handed over to help Cornish fishermen. The event on March 29 raised more than £800 for the Fishermen's Mission. Organisers now hope to recreate the day – dubbed Lido Day 2 – to run alongside the fishermen's barbecue on August Bank Holiday weekend. Lido Day was inspired after all the boats were removed from the inner harbour after the winter's storms. Richard Smith remarked that the harbour looked like a lido and his wife, Sarah Smith took up the idea of reviving something of the port's old gala week swimming events. In the space of just a couple of weeks, the event had been organised and all the charitable organisations in Porthleven were also asked to man their own stalls. More than 300 turned up on the day with many taking to the freezing cold March water, involving sculling races, space-hopper races and other silly games. Mr Smith said: "We decided to give the money to the Fishermen's Mission, which financially supported the fishermen and their families, who could not work over the winter. "On the day itself, Andrew Bayley organised the sculling event, showing off the fishermen's skills of propelling a boat with a single oar. "The event and cup was won by Jeremy Richards and raised money for the Mission. "Further money were collected by Joyce Edwards on the day and Jona Jones ran a donation bar supplied by Simon Stone of the pub Out of the Blue." He said £816.93 was raised in total. Mr Richards thanked his fellow organisers Phil Ward, Suzie Williams, Julia Schofield, Sarah Smith, Andrew Bayley and Jona Jones.

Cash from Porthleven Lido Day handed to Fishermen's Mission

THE removal of the Blue Flag status for Gyllyngvase Beach without consulting local tourism businesses was "shameful," according to Falmouth hoteliers. Falmouth Town Council said it was also "disappointing" that it was not consulted by the unitary authority. Cornwall Council's decision not to apply for the internationally-recognised quality standard – which only costs £838 – shows a "total lack of understanding" of the town's tourism industry, said the Falmouth & District Hotels Association (FDHA). Both organisations said they could have contributed to the cost, if only they had been asked. Blue Flag is the internationally recognised standard for water quality, safety and environment management of beaches, which is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The deadline for application was in February. The Seaside Award is run by Keep Britain Tidy and is only recognised in the UK. Falmouth's town clerk Mark Williams said: "It's disappointing that Cornwall Council didn't approach us when they decided not to apply, as we could have assisted them with the application I am sure, given the profile that Blue Flag Beaches give the Town and Cornwall. "I didn't realise we were out of time to apply either, although that has now been confirmed for me by Cornwall Council." A spokeswoman for the unitary authority said: "Cornwall Council, like other beach owners, has to pay to apply for Blue Flag status. "Consequently, we will not be applying for the Blue Flag this season on any of the sites that formerly used to have the award (Gyllyngvase, Porthtowan and Polzeath). "We will be replacing the Blue Flag with a Seaside Award on these sites for the forthcoming season. "It is however important to reassure beach users that we will not be reducing standards of service on any of our beaches and will strive, as always, to keep them clean, safe and healthy." FDHA chairman Shaun Davie said the community was very proud of the beach's Blue Flag status and "appreciated" the financial constraints placed on the council. "But members of the FDHA are very annoyed that this award has been withdrawn without any consultation with our own town council let alone ourselves," he said. "We have consequently been denied any opportunity to express an opinion on the issue, or even raise the fee ourselves. "To learn that the decision was made back in February is just shameful and goes to show the total lack of understanding some of our county councillors have towards our tourism industry. "Falmouth has faced a challenging start to the season, with Easter numbers down on last year - this is not going to be helpful in attracting the 'late-bookers' still to make their holiday decisions for the rest of 2014 or for future years." The Seaside Award application costs £609 and is considered as a "stepping stone" towards attaining the Blue Flag award as beaches need to achieve a lower EU standard of water quality, according to KBT.

No Blue Flag consultation for Gyllygnvase is

A PENRYN woman with a "love-hate" relationship of social media renamed her house Dun Facebookin and shut down all her accounts – only to rejoin several months later. Writer Elaine White decided she was wasting too much time indulging in "electronic chatter" and closed all her social media accounts, vowing never to use them again. She even marked her withdrawal from Facebook by installing a bespoke slate house sign outside her 150-year-old granite cottage. The 60-year-old then began listing Dun Facebookin as her new postal address. But she admits that just two months later she couldn't resist going back online – and reactivated her Facebook account. The mum-of-one, who lives with husband Steve, 44, said her sign has since become an unlikely tourist attraction in the ancient market town. She said: "The positive side of Facebook is being able to keep in touch with old friends. "But at the same time it's very hard to shut yourself off from the constant gossip and the incessant liking. It's the modern day equivalent of the chattering classes. "I decided people should have the opportunity to retire from Facebook and decided to mark mine with the sign. "It started as a bit of a laugh but we soon had tourists coming to look at and groups of schoolkids stopping to take photos. "I had intended to close my Facebook account and replace it with just an image of the sign but unfortunately I caved in and went back on after two or three months. "Facebook just has this way of sucking you back in - we have a love-hate relationship."

Penryn woman renames her house Dun Facebookin

FRIENDS of a terminally ill teenager who inspired the nation to raise £3 million for charity will be continuing his work to 'spread happiness' in Falmouth. A fundraising page set up by Stephen Sutton, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer four years ago, had already hit £2m in donations last week. The 19-year-old came to national attention after posting his 'final' blog update on Thursday. Falmouth student Bethany Hughes, 18, who went to school with Mr Sutton in Staffordshire, is leading Good Gestures Day in Falmouth on May 10, when more than 300 friends will be handing out free hugs, high fives and handshakes in his honour. "Knowing Ste is like having a constant ray of sunshine in your life," said Miss Hughes. "He knows exactly how to cheer people up, and if he ever sees you're feeling a bit down, he comes over, cracks a joke and makes you feel about 50,000 times better. "I can guarantee that all Ste's friends will continue to spread his message, and I do think his story will be told in 50 or 60 years' time simply because of the volume of people he has touched." Miss Hughes has visited Stephen at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham since his condition improved. "It really helped seeing that he was so happy, as it made us feel like we had no reason to worry or be upset," said the Falmouth University dance student. "If Ste's fine, then we should be. "Knowing how much it means to Ste is really important to me and I'm so proud to be leading National Good Gestures Day in Falmouth. "It's basically just a day of fun, happiness and being kind. Ste has always continued to remain positive and this is a great way to spread his message that we should all live our lives to the full, and predominately, stay happy." The Falmouth event, which will be held on Market Strand, 11am-3pm, and is open to anyone to join in, is one 10 across the UK with the support of Fixers, the national charity which helps young people tackle any issue that matters to them. Margo Horsley, CEO of Fixers, said: "Members of the public can get involved in any of the events and we'd be delighted for as many as possible to help continue Stephen's mission to spread positivity and happiness with simple acts of kindness." The idea was first conceived by the cancer sufferer last year. He held the first Good Gestures Day with Fixers in Birmingham in November 2013 and made a film about it. Before the teenager's condition deteriorated and he made an emotional farewell from his hospital bed, he and his friends, now at universities across the UK, had decided to work with Fixers and turn Good Gestures Day into a nationwide event. Along with Bethany in Falmouth, his friends in Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Nottingham, Swansea, Manchester and Sheffield swung into action and even complete strangers in Glasgow and Sunderland were inspired to arrange the events. More information about National Good Gestures Day can be found at: www.fixers.org.uk.

Friends of record-breaking Stephen Sutton help 'spread happiness' in Falmouth

A FOREIGN ship rescued off the coast of Cornwall by a Falmouth company is being moored in the River Fal at a cost of £200 per day to the public purse. Falmouth salvage company Keynvor MorLift (KML) claimed it is owed about £200,000 in fees for the salvage and towing of the MV Sea Breeze after it nearly sank off the coast of the Lizard on March 9. Now, as the 87-metre vessel sits in the Fal near Trelissick Gardens, the British tax payer looks likely to foot the bill while maritime lawyers chase the payments from the ship's owner, Ukraine-based KDM Shipping. The Sea Breeze, which is registered in Barbados and mainly crewed by Russians, was taking limestone from Liverpool to Shoreham, West Sussex, when it got into trouble. The six-man crew of the stricken cargo ship were winched to safety after its engine room flooded. RNLI lifeboats, coastguards and a Navy search and rescue helicopter were all deployed to save the stricken boat and its crew. The ship was towed to St Austell Bay for repairs, and then the Port of Fowey was directed by the UK Government's marine casualty authority to take her in before she was moved to the Fal, a deep water area for mooring large ships. The cost of towing the vessel and mooring it for the past seven weeks is estimated at £200,000 – but so far KDM Shipping is yet to pay. Truro harbourmaster Capt Mark Killingback said: "At the moment she's being looked after by the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. "It's a matter for maritime lawyers to resolve any claims against the vessel." The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said discussions were underway with KDM Shipping and its insurers to resolve the issue of payment. KML director Diccon Rogers said: "Salvage is often complex. There are several interests and legal parties on an international basis so getting paid can be interesting."

Foreign ship Sea Breeze moored in the Fal could cost £200,000 to tax payers

Firefighters in Cornwall are set to take part in three days of strike action over the bank holiday weekend in a continued dispute about pension reforms. There will be disruption to Cornwall Fire and Rescue service between noon and 5pm tomorrow, with a further 12 hour walk-out staged from 2pm Saturday until 2am on Sunday. A walkout is also being staged between 10am and 3pm on Sunday. The Government wants to raise firefighters' retirement age from 55 to 60 and to increase their individual pension contributions. The Fire Brigade Union (FBU)argues that firefighters might lose part of their pensions or even face dismissal if the changes are implemented as older workers will not be able to maintain minimum fitness standards for an extra five years. The FBU say strike action has been provoked by the government and could be halted immediately if a revised pensions offer was taken into account. Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, branded the government "utterly irresponsible" for walking away from talks with the union. He said: "The FBU has never walked away from discussion and our members have been patient and measured in their approach, but we will not simply stand by while government imposes a pension scheme that is totally unworkable, unaffordable, unsustainable and unfair." In addition to the national strike action there will be a ban on voluntary overtime across England and Wales from 3pm on Sunday May 4 until noon on Friday May 9.

Firefighters to stage three days of strike action over bank holiday weekend

THE organisers of the Masked Ball music festival said they did not support a stunt encouraging people to 'tombstone' to get free tickets.

An offer appeared on the internet inviting people to jump off piers with prizes of free tickets for the event at Beacon Cragg, Porthleven, on Saturday.

Entrants were asked to film themselves jumping from a pier onto a surfboard – an act the emergency services considered excessively dangerous.

The advert also featured a picture of a man jumping onto a wave from Porthleven pier, saying it was Masked Ball organiser Kelvin Batt. The advert has since been removed.

Masked Ball spokesman Nigel Pengelly said the offer was not supported by the organisers and the tickets on offer as a prize had been bought privately in advance.

"I think it might have been a joke," he said. "We don't support any kind of Jack-Ass style stunts and we are not happy that these tickets were being offered in this way.

"I think it had been set up by a couple of surfers but I understand no one has been stupid enough to take part."

The RNLI said: "We don't want to be killjoys, but our volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews and our lifeguards are the ones who have to react when things go wrong for people who jump into the sea from heights.

"This can be a high-risk activity because water depth alters with the tide, the water may be shallower than it seems, and submerged objects like rocks may not be visible and can cause serious injury if you jump on to them.

"The shock of cold water may also make it difficult to swim and strong currents can rapidly sweep people away."

Free ticket 'tombstoning' stunt not supported by Masked Ball

LOST photographs showing the building of Mullion Cove harbour have been unearthed and could go on display. The pictures dating from 1891 had been handed down by a family from Liskeard and it is believed they have never been published before. They first came to light when a woman in her seventies turned up at the ice-cream parlour window at Porthmellin Café in Mullion Cove. Barbara Willcox had copies of the photographs and told café owner Paul Pearson they had been taken by her grandfather, John Coath, a Victorian photographer who had a shop in Liskeard. She said the photos had been found among her father's belongings and she wanted them to be returned to the cove. A short time after her visit, the photos were posted to Mr Pearson, who has kept them safe since. The remarkable story of the pictures excited the interest of Bob Felce, author of the 2012 book A History Of Mullion Cove. He said: "The photographs are an extremely rare and important historic record of the construction of the harbour from its earliest days. "They show how the foundations of the pier were laid, how the excavations were carried out and the methods and equipment used. "Most importantly they show the actual faces of the Victorian construction workers and engineers looking back at the camera over 120 years ago." He said the engineering company responsible for building the west pier was called T Lang, also from Liskeard. "Maybe it was a commission or this photographer was following the company to provide photographs of their work. Thomas Lang was once Lord Mayor of Liskeard." He added: "At a time when Cornwall's harbours and piers have been under attack from the recent Atlantic storms, the photographs are an important reminder of the amazing skills and methods employed by the engineers. "They show the use of Cornish and West Country materials used to build what was a commercial venture financially supported by Lord Robartescorrect of Lanhydrock." correct He said the piers were more than just shelters for fishermen and could be used as safe harbours for shipping to restock and for farmers to export goods. "In times of strong easterly winds, there could often have been as many as 200 to 300 sailing ships anchored offshore in the Mullion Roads, between Mullion Island and Gunwalloe for their protection. "In the early 19th century there were many shipwrecks on the coast of the Lizard peninsula or in Mount's Bay." Research shows the engineer in charge of the plans for the harbour was called Sir William Matthews. He was born in Penzance and lived from 1844 to 1922. He also oversaw the construction of harbours at Dover, Singapore and Malta. Mr Felce said he hoped a new home could be found for the photographs. so they could be seen by visitors to the cove. Mullion Harbour is now owned by the National Trust.

Unseen Victorian photographs shed new light on Mullion Cove Harbour

The 6 Rifles are off to Cyprus for a two week training exercise - and have been joined by our reporter Esme Ashcrost. Here is her second report from the Mediterranean island. THE idea of joining the Army regulars or reserves has not once crossed my mind. Apart from anything else, I am far too fond of my home comforts and I do not look good in a beret. But there is certainly an attraction for some as more than 200,000 people are employed by the Army, with 420 men signed up for the west country based 6 Rifles reserve battalion. And after just one day training with the troops I am beginning to think my perception of the reserves as a outlet for middle-aged men going through a mid-life crisis is sorely skewed.

For Warrant Officer Tracy Freer from Probus the 6 Rifles is something she has poured her energy into for more than 20 years. During this year's training session in Cyprus Warrant Officer Freer is supporting the infantry by carrying out administrative duties and support to the battalion. She said: "I was 18 when I joined and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I had an administrative job and it wasn't challenging enough. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but for me it is the best thing I ever did. "It is always challenging physically and mentally and I don't think you get that with anything else. Moreover the dedication each Rifler shows makes it clear that this is far more than a hobby to them. Corporal Rachel Souness from Porth near Newquay gives up her annual holiday from her civilian job at a toy manufacturer in St Columb Major to take part in the annual two week reserve training. She said: "I joined because I thought it was now or never. At home I have a 9-5 job, very much office based. It is interesting and I really like my civilian job but being in the reserves gives you so much more variety. "And my work do benefit from it because I am learning so many new skills that are transferable in to civilian life." It is an undeniable that the team work, communication and problem solving exercises give the soldiers and extra edge. Having taken the opportunity to sit in the middle of a simulated assault it is impressive to witness the effectiveness of seemingly unintelligible commands and the ease in which a platoon made up of 24 men can target and take down a fictitious enemy. Plus, more than anything it looks like good fun. from the friendly banter between individual reserves to the excitement of simulated combat, it was clear to see that everyone, despite the volume of expletives aired, was enjoying themselves. And for many this seems to be the real reason they sign up, to meet new people and to test themselves in an environment so alien that the bonds formed are stronger than any except those felt between relations. Warrant Officer Freer said: "Like all families we have our moments but you pull together and laugh and cry together."

6 Rifles in Cyprus: Why it's more than a hobby for reservists

CORNWALL Council is still waiting to hear whether it is going to be able to claim money to cover the £21.4million of damage caused by storms. However it has warned that as well as needing to cover damage caused by the ferocious storms which battered the county between December and March it is also facing a backlog of £200m in road maintenance. A report due to go before the council's Cabinet on Wednesday details the efforts which have been made to claim money from the Government and Environment Agency to cover the cost of damage caused to roads, footpaths, sea defences and buildings by the storms. The £21.4m bill does not cover any private buildings or areas which require repairs including Looe and Porthleven Harbours. In the report the council states that it is still unsure how much money it might be able to claim under the Belwin scheme which is open to local authorities to claim for repairs as a result of weather, but says that it could be as little as £823,000. The council is also making an application for a national pot of £130m which is being administered by the Environment Agency but is still awaiting an official announcement. It also reveals that a scheme run by the Department for Transport had allocated £10.7m to Cornwall Council for damage caused by flooding. In the report it states that the total cost of highways repairs from the recent storms was around £5m and relate largely to repairs at Calstock and Coverack. However the report states: "This funding should also be put in the context of Cornwall's highway maintenance backlog, which before the recent storms was estimated at £200 million. "Although this funding will enable the council to catch up on its highway planned maintenance, with further cuts in revenue funding the council will be unable to fund planned revenue maintenance at the levels required and will slip further behind on its backlog maintenance, as well as being unable to progress innovative schemes to enable stronger resilience in our highway network." The report outlines four options available to the council ranging from "do nothing" to "repair all damaged defences with improvements in key locations". It states that ideally it would like to complete the latter but is dependant on what Government funding is awarded to the council. The report to Cabinet also includes a copy of a letter sent by council leader John Pollard to the Prime Minister last month appealing for his help in pushing forward Cornwall's claim for funds to help with storm repairs. In it he highlights David Cameron's statement at the time of the storms that "money is no object" – however last week it was widely reported that Mr Cameron qualified that by stating that it only related to emergency repairs which were required whilst the storms were happening and not for repairs required afterwards. Mr Pollard asks the Prime Minister to address the important issues facing Cornwall and try and ensure that funding is in place for repairs to be completed before the "crucial" summer holidays. He concludes: "Basically I call on you to honour your promise to fund all the storm damage within Cornwall." The Cabinet meeting takes place at 10am on Wednesday (May 7) and will be available to watch live on this website.

Cornwall Council still in the dark over storm damage bill and faces £200m road repair bill

THERE are concerns that music tuition in schools could effectively end after Cornwall Council indicated it can no longer subsidise lessons.

A report going to the council's Cabinet next week says a "new model" has to be found to provide music tuition in schools.

However it also states: "The outcome that the council wishes to achieve is a sustainable unsubsidised model so that schools across Cornwall can continue to access music tuition."

Full details of the changes being proposed by the council have been kept confidential due to the financial information involved.

The report has led to fears that cutting funding will leave the service no longer viable for schools.

An anonymous e-mail sent to the West Briton claimed the council was effectively looking to make all those involved with the service redundant.

It states: "This will end 40 years of service during which time it has become a jewel in the crown of music-making in the county, indeed in 2003 it was selected as the most successful music service in Great Britain.

"The loss to pupils' education in the county will be huge."

They also criticised the way the decision was being made by the council, saying: "The whole process seems to be taking place in an environment of secrecy and the parents that pay for the lessons haven't been made aware of these plans."

Councillor Andrew Wallis, Cabinet member for children and young people, disputed the claims and insisted the council was committed to continuing a music service in schools.

He said: "The music service has to be a break-even service but it hasn't been a break-even service for several years. Under our budgetary pressures, we have to look at those services which do not break even and see what we can do to prevent any overspend.

"The council is committed to keeping a service but under a different model."

Mr Wallis highlighted the fact private firms also provide music tuition to schools in Cornwall.

He said: "Schools do not have to use us, they can use anyone they like."

Addressing the claims of secrecy, he said: "Whatever the Cabinet decides next week there will be a full consultation process so all those involved can have their say."

The Cabinet meeting takes place on Wednesday at 10am and can be viewed online at www.westbriton.co.uk

Fears raised over future of music tuition in schools as Cornwall Council drops subsidies

WORK to rebuild a collapsed ancient Cornish monument near Camborne is due to start later this morning. The Stonehenge like structure, known as Carwynnen Quoit, or Giant's Quoit, was built 5,000 years ago but collapsed in 1966. The first stones are due to be re-erected by owners the Sustainable Trust, which bought the site in 2009. The cap stone will be replaced on 21 June. The £55,000 restoration project follows a series of archaeological digs to establish how the scheduled ancient monument should be reassembled. According to the trust, Carwynnen Quoit is among 12 similar monuments in Cornwall. The burial chambers, also known as dolmens, are thought to have been covered in earth which has eroded over the years.

Work to rebuild Stonehenge-like structure near Camborne to start this morning

Cornwall ready for Devon test at Truro