Eden Sessions website to go dark to highlight dangers of legal highs

May 3, 2014, 8:52 am

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THE Eden Sessions is one of 24 UK music festivals which are taking part in a digital blackout on Monday to highlight the dangers of "legal highs". It is taking part in a campaign which will see websites for top festivals including T in the Park and Bestival turning their websites dark for a day to raise awareness of the risks of taking legal highs. Visitors to the Eden Sessions homepage on Monday will be met with a completely black window except for a grey light bulb and the message: "Don't be in the dark about legal highs". When music fans click on the light bulb they will be taken to information about legal highs and can then choose to find out more or navigate to the festival's standard homepage. The initiative has been put together by the UK festivals trade body the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) which is working with the Angelus Foundation, a charity set up to educate people about the risks of taking legal highs. It is hoped that the campaign will become an annual event. AIF is against the sale of legal highs at festivals and members are taking a stance by banning the sale of the substances by on-site traders. AIF co-founder and vice chair, Ben Turner said: "Legal highs are a serious concern for any festival organiser and the issue is only going to get bigger. The substances have managed to fly under-the-radar purely by evolving faster than the monitoring bodies can regulate. "Banning it at our festivals is only part of the battle however, we need to make fans aware of the dangers of legal highs and help them make safer choices when having fun on site." Maryon Stewart, founder of Angelus Foundation added: "Legal highs are a huge but hidden problem because young people are acting in ignorance and no-one is measuring the harms. As the lead organisation raising awareness of these substances, Angelus is delighted the festivals are taking the issue seriously and helping to keep their audiences safe. We are determined to keep expanding our prevention programme into new areas and bigger events until everyone get the message that the effects of these substances are unpredictable and high risk."

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Porkellis Moor Gig Club gets off to a flying start at gig championships

May 3, 2014, 8:56 am

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For one of the crews taking part in the World Pilot Gig Championships, a little identity crisis did nothing to stop them from clocking up an impressive first result. Porkellis Moor Gig Club is less than a year old and normally rows on Stithians Lake, near Falmouth. However, the club has decided to change their name along with their main rowing venue and will soon be reborn as Portreath Gig Club. Club captain Claire Radbone said the aim of their first outing on the Scillies was simply to have a "jolly good laugh" and do their best. However, the club's veterans have already proved they are a force to be reckoned with after clocking up a healthy mid table finishing position despite only picking up their oars eight weeks ago. "They did brilliantly," said Claire, who is also a parish councillor for Wendron. "They have only been training for seven or eight weeks so to come in the middle of the pack is really good, but they are an ace team." She said the club was growing all the time and had brought three teams to the championships, including one member who answered an online plea for another rower and flew in from Holland. "We only got our boat in November, so it's all looking good. "The aim for the championships is to have a jolly good laugh. "It's the 25th year of the championships and our first year as a club, so we are just going to go out there and enjoy it."

Truro Tesco manager is full-of-beans after charity fundraiser

May 3, 2014, 9:17 am

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A supermarket manager from Truro took part in a saucy fundraiser on Saturday by letting customers pour baked beans over him. Tesco store manager, Stuart Bourn, had hundreds of tins of beans slopped on his head between 10am and 2pm in a bid to raise money for the supermarket's national charity partner, Diabetes UK. Mr Bourn sat in a paddling pool while punters took turns to hurl can loads of food over him – for just a £1 donation. "It's quite cold sitting here but the customers have had some real fun with it," said Mr Bourn. "It's made a lot of people smile." Staff said the stunt raised around £300, which will go towards supporting the 3.8 million people with diabetes in the UK. "We've raised about £4,000 in the last 12 months with the various stunts and events we've done, and we will continue this year," added Mr Bourn. All of the Everyday Value brand beans that were used during the fundraiser were donated as animal feed.

No dream finish for Porthleven's Annear as he hangs up his gloves

May 3, 2014, 10:12 am

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Truro City Reserves 3 Porthleven 1 There was no fairy tale ending sadly for Porthleven player-manager Dennis Annear in his final game as a player. The Port No1 made a couple of smart saves, but was beaten three times in the Fishermen's final game of the season, though at least, one of his sons, Jordan, got the visitors' goal. The 43-year-old keeper has had a long and distinguished playing career with a number of top Cornish clubs, but has now decided to hand up his gloves and concentrate on managing a young and talented Porthleven side at Gala Parc. It could have all been so different if Porthleven had taken their chances in the first half. They could almost have been out of sight before Olly Brokenshire headed the home side ahead three minutes before the break. Liam Hunter could have had a hat-trick, while Jordan Annear also missed a couple of good openings. And in first half stoppage time, Liam Eddy made it 2-0 after pouncing on a defensive mistake. In the second half there was little between the sides before Eddy made the game safe nine minutes from time beating the unfortunate Annear to the ball and walking the ball into the empty net. Jordan Annear soon pulled a goal back, but it was too little too late and all that was left was for a disappointed Annear to receive the plaudits at the end of a top class playing career.

Racing under way in Isles of Scilly World Gigs Championship

May 3, 2014, 10:30 am

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There were boats as far as the eye could see when a record number of gigs lined up in glorious sunshine for the silver jubilee of the World Pilot Gig Championships. Some 150 gigs were taken to the Isles of Scilly for the iconic event - a firm favourite on the Westcountry sporting calendar. The all-conquering Falmouth ladies crew has already set out their stall for a fifth consecutive win – and 14th win overall – by powering across the finishing line first in the long line up featuring every crew rowing. The team was followed across the line by Roseland and then one of the home crews from St Mary's. In the equally fiercely fought men's contest, Falmouth were aiming for the double by coming over the line first and second. The long line saw teams race 1.6 nautical miles from the island of St Agnes to St Marys while hundreds of supporters packed onto pleasure boats scream support. Kevin Pyne, from Dartmouth Gig Club, hailed the event as the "meeting of the water tribes of the South West." "There's nothing like this championships anywhere in the world. It is unique," he said. Rick Persich, chairman of the organising committee, said the 25th year of the championships was a "milestone," adding that the standard of competition was high. He said that so far there had only been one disqualification, a veterans teams from Bridport who pushed the line – or started before everyone else – on Friday night. Andrew May, chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, the main sponsor, said it was a very different picture from the inaugural event 25 years ago. "Looking back to the first ever WPGC in 1990, the differences between then and now are very apparent. In the first year only 12 visiting gigs took part, compared to the number shipped to the islands this year. "In the first years, the big races were from Old Wreck Bouy rather than the more familiar St Agnes. "Since 1990 and the participation of a small number of clubs from Cornwall, plus one intrepid Dutch crew, the islands have played host to literally hundreds of different crews arriving from all over the Westcountry, England, Wales and even further afield; from Ireland, America, the Faroe Islands and France."

Falmouth Marine Band celebrates 25 years of music

May 3, 2014, 10:00 pm

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MEMBERS of a Falmouth band which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities gathered to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Falmouth Marine Band members old and new joined together to mark the ensemble's milestone.

The musicians and singers watched a slide show of 1,000 images from all the band's performances over the years during the event at Falmouth Rugby Club.

"There was also plenty of music, food and, of course, drink," said member Mal Stone. "It was a great night; a great occasion for band members new and old to come together and enjoy.

"A good time was had by all."

The celebration was organised by John Gough and Paul and Pauline Wickes. The images were put together by Imagedelivery and local photographer Sally-Anne Moore.

One of the original band members Dave Saunby said: "It was fantastic, especially when you see old faces from the original band from 1989.

"To see the old guys you haven't seen for years was great."

On the evening the group awarded some of its members, plus a pub landlady, the title of Marine Band Legends.

Mr Gough, Chris Hodge and Nigel Collins received the title for serving the band for 25 years, along with Jane Collins, for providing the band with its headquarters at the Star and Garter pub for the same amount of time.

Band leader Dave Spargo was also appointed honorary president for his contribution to the band during the early years.

These awards were jointly presented by Paul Wickes and rugby coach Benji Thomas.

Mr Wickes said: "Benji recognised the defining moment that put the marine band on Cornwall's map as being the epic march around Twickenham in front of 50,000 Cornish supporters before the incredible 1991 final against Yorkshire.

"He summed it up by saying Falmouth Marine Band was the 16th player in the Cornwall team, and Twickenham represented that moment when two great teams joined together."

PICTURES: K9 Crusaders fun dog show at Threemilestone Community Centre

May 3, 2014, 10:00 pm

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A FUN dog show has raised more than £700 for an animal charity in urgent need of the cash.

Titles such as Best Rescue Dog and Best Oldie were handed out to deserving dogs at the K9 Crusaders event held at Threemilestone Community Centre.

Mark Wren, a trustee of the Bissoe charity, said: "There were more than 50 dogs there and everybody had a fantastic time.

"We have to raise a minimum of £1,650 a month to open the kennels so we need to be constantly fundraising otherwise we will close."

Volunteers from the charity will be locked up in dog cages at the Pets at Home store at Treliske in Truro every day over the bank holiday weekend to raise more funds.

For more details or to inquire about any of the dogs available for rehoming, call 01872 560232.

6 Rifles in Cyprus: Death and injury in the reserves

May 4, 2014, 12:41 am

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The 6 Rifles are in Cyprus for a two week training exercise - and have been joined by our reporter Esme Ashcroft. Here is her fourth report from the Mediterranean island. SINCE the Government launched its Future Reserves 2020 initiative in 2012 to reduce the number of regular units by 23 there has been a shift in the perception of the reserve forces from "Dad's Army Home Guard" to "real" soldiers. Cutbacks in spending have meant that the MoD is creating a leaner and more effective military structure. Part of this means that reserve soldiers will be called upon in greater numbers to undertake operations both at home and abroad. But does this mean that people joining the reserves are putting their lives at risk? Major Dom Maxwell-Batten, Second in Command, 6 Rifles said: "I don't think it has got any more dangerous. Reserves have been deploying with the regular Army for the last 10 to 15 years and indeed we have been contributing some 10 to 20 per cent of troops on the ground for various operations. "We are very aware of the risks to our soldiers, indeed they receive the same support that their regular counterparts receive. "Every unit has a welfare support team which look after soldiers and ensure that any issues are identified and they are sign-posted on to specialists who can help. The Army has a Army welfare service and the notification is done through a very efficient system which is called the JCCC, Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre." In many ways joining the military in any capacity forces people to consider their own mortality, even if it is only fleeting. Colour Serjent Jamie Adams from Polruan juggles his civilian life as a range warden on Dartmoor, with his time in the reserves. He fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. CSjt Adams said: "We do it because we want to do it. We volunteer to do it so you have got to relish it and enjoy it. "I thought about stuff like that about five minutes every day. The worse time for me is when you are going out of the gate on to a patrol or on to a tasking and that's when I thought right, I need to make sure that they all come back in. "But once you are out on the ground you haven't got time to think about that because you are thinking about the blokes behind you and the blokes in front of you so you haven't got time to be scared." Besides fear for their own lives, soldiers also need to prepare themselves for losing friends and comrades. Regular soldier and 1 Rifles Platoon Serjent, Thomas Bray from Bude has served in two tours of Afghanistan where he lost several friends. He said: "Especially on the last tour, Herrick 14, we sustained injuries in 1 Rifles and lost quite a few guys who were friends of mine. "It's hard at first, especially when you hear the news if you're in a different PB [patrol base]. But it just comes with the job and it is one of those things you just have to initially take as best as you can. "And then for the Commanders especially you just need to then rally up the troops, tell them there is a job to do out there and literally, no matter how hard it gets, you just have to do that job to get everybody back home. "Different individuals react differently. It's like hearing bad news - some people will break down into tears, some people will just be in a state of shock and you don't know how you are going to react until you get that news." But out of the dozens of soldiers, both regular and reserve, I asked during training, not one said the fear of death put them off joining the Army. Corporal Rachel Souness from Porth said: "I was quite keen to go to Afghanistan because you have had all the training and you want to use it. But I think it was my sister who said 'actually I am not very happy about this', and I do think it is harder for the people at home than for the people out there. "I wouldn't really say I was afraid. I mean obviously you have got to be aware of the risks, but when you have been trained to do something it comes as second nature - you have had the correct training and you are prepared."

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Firefighters called to car crash at Lower Treluswell, near Penryn

May 4, 2014, 3:13 am

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Firefighters rushed to the scene of a car crash on the A39 near Penryn during the early hours of Sunday morning. Five crews were called out to Lower Treluswell at 1:50am after a vehicle had come off the road. The driver had managed to get out of the vehicle, which was reported to be smoking. Crews confirmed that there was no fire at the scene. They made the vehicle safe before leaving the incident in the care of the police.

Rowers at World Pilot Gig Championships hail this year's event as the best ever

May 4, 2014, 3:58 am

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Rowers at the World Pilot Gig Racing Championships have hailed this year's event as the best ever – with near perfect conditions on the sea producing legendary battles for supremacy. The Scilly Isles basked in sunshine as racing got under way on Sunday morning for the heats and finals. Falmouth, who last year won an unprecedented double in the men's and ladies contest for the third year running, has already staked a claim to make it four. Both teams started the day in commanding positions after winning their races. In the men's contest, a team from Devoran rowing in the gig Irene, was starting the day in second place while Caradon were in third. In the women's race, Falmouth ladies crew was being chased by a Scillonian team from St Mary's in the gig Tregarthen's. In third spot was Polvarth, rowed by Roseland. Tamar and Tavy's ladies team, rowing in Ginette, have celebrated one of their best days ever at the championship. Rower Katie Turner said the whole crew was elated after winning their heat by a clear two lengths. "We had a really good start," she said. "There were all the other boats behind us and we had to race Bristol in Isis, but then we pulled ahead and won by two boat lengths. "It was a great race. We did brilliantly." Hayle Gig Club said they were enjoying their most successful year after bringing its biggest ever cohort and entering men's and women's crews in the veterans competition for the first time. Men's captain Sam Gilman said they were having a great time: "We are loving it. "We have brought seven crews and have about 40 people in all. It's the most crews we have ever brought and the crews are getting their best results. "Our new gig Arveth was raced for the first time on Friday night and did really well. "It's a good year." Rick Persich, chairman of the organising committee, said the feedback was really positive. "We have had people saying it's the best year ever and there's a real buzz on the water, which is great to hear."

Motorcyclist, 18, killed in crash with tractor and car in Helston

May 4, 2014, 4:43 am

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An 18-year-old man was killed after his motorcycle was involved in a road traffic collision on Porthleven Road in Helston on Friday evening. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said they believe the man was local to the area. Police received a call just after 7pm about the incident, which also involved a tractor and a car. It is understood that the man's next of kin have been informed. The spokesman said: "We believe the motorcyclist was deceased at the scene. "An investigation is in progress and we are appealing for witnesses and any information that can assist the police enquiry to contact us."

Falmouth ladies power to rowing glory in World Gig Championships

May 4, 2014, 7:38 am

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Falmouth ladies crew powered across the finishing line to become world gig rowing champions. The team, which has not been beaten since 2009, were followed home in second place by a crew from St Mary's. Third place was taken by Roseland gig club, in a race this afternoon, off the Isles of Scilly. The men's championship section of the World Pilot Gig Racing event is set to get under way shortly.

Solid finishes by Cornwall golfers at Welsh Open

May 4, 2014, 11:35 am

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Cornwall golfers Sarah-Jane Boyd (Truro) and Sammie Giles (St Mellion) finished 27th and 36th respectively in the Welsh Ladies' Open Stroke Play Championship which finished at Prestatyn Golf Club today. England international Boyd had rounds of 74, 78 and 77 for a four over par total of 229, while Giles ended on plus six after rounds of 80, 73 and 78. The event was won with a superb nine under total by Scotland's Eilidh Briggs, one clear of Scottish Ladies' Open Champion Annabel Dimmock after a tense final few holes. A further one shot behind on -7 were Emma O'Driscoll, Gemma Clews, Emma Goddard and Emily Pederson. Plus three handicapper Boyd, 22, will now be hoping she has done enough to win a place as a "wild card" in the GB & Ireland Curtis Cup squad to play the USA in St Louis next month. The eight-strong team is due to be announced at 5pm on Tuesday.

Slateford latest player to commit to Truro City for next season

May 4, 2014, 12:01 pm

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Neil Slateford is the latest player to re-sign at Truro City for next season, manager Steve Tully announced today . The midfielder made 22 league and cup starts for City as well as 11 substitute appearances, scoring six goals, after joining from Bodmin Town. He missed a number of weeks after being injured at Bideford on Boxing Day but finished the season strongly. And City boss Steve Tully was delighted that Slateford had agreed to stay at treyew Road. He said: "I am very happy. He is a good young lad who is only going to get better." Slateford joins Jake Ash, Joe Broad, Cody Cooke, Warren Daw, Grant Fisher, Dan Green, Arran Pugh, Ben Watson and Shane White as players who have committed to the club for 2014-15. But one player who will not be part of, what City hope will be a promotion-chasing squad, is the club's record scorer Stewart Yetton. Yetton has agreed a new two-year deal to stay at City's Calor League premier division rivals Weymouth, which will keep him at the Dorset club until the summer of 2016. Yetton said: "There was obviously some interest from Truro which I'm sure many people knew about and it's tough to decide not to go back, but it was certainly important to carry on with Weymouth after this year with the opportunity that Jase (manager Jason Matthews) has given me." The Weymouth boss said: "I'm going to look to build my team around Stewart, this gets the ball rolling and it's great to have him on board. "Truro made their interests clear along with another couple of clubs but Stewart really enjoys it at Weymouth and we are delighted to have him."

Owners thank helpers for storm-hit beach repairs

May 4, 2014, 10:00 pm

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THE owners of a beach damaged in the powerful storms earlier this year have thanked those who have donated towards repairs.

Trevaunance Cove was open for business as usual at Easter thanks to the work of owners in making sure the repairs were completed.

Money was given by St Agnes Management Fund as well as from owner Jean Blumsden and donations from locals and visitors alike.

Mrs Blumsden said: "I want to thank everyone who has helped and ensured that the beach was safe in time for the Easter weekend.

"It has cost almost £13,000 and that has been paid for by the local improvement committee and myself. We have also had many generous donations from locals and from visitors who have wanted to help."

Mrs Blumsden hoped to be able to claim money that she has spent of her own from the Government.

She said: "The Government said that they would help with the cost of repairs so I am hoping that I will be able to get my money back.

Her comments came after Prime Minister David Cameron last week moved to clarify his comments at the time of the storms that money would be "no object" for repairs.

Mr Cameron said his promise was related to emergency repairs.

A series of fundraising events and initiatives have been launched to help continue to raise money for repairs at Trevaunance Cove.

Lucy and Daisy Docking are set to take part in a sponsored half-marathon at the end of this month to raise funds.

A coffee morning is also being held on May 17 at St Agnes Church Hall to raise money. And a book sale is running each day in the beach car park with all proceeds going to the repair fund.

Mrs Blumsden said: "We have had such a lot of wonderful donations from people and we are so grateful for their generosity."

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Home cooking at Kat's place will support African orphans

May 4, 2014, 10:00 pm

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WALKING the streets of Sierra Leone, Kat Buxton was amazed by the generosity of locals who would invite her into their homes for a meal, despite having very little food for themselves.

Now the enthusiastic cook has replicated this generosity in her Porthtowan home by opening it to the public as a pop-up restaurant – The Food Commune – to raise money for orphans in the war-torn country.

Mrs Buxton and her husband Patrick were volunteering as teachers in the African country after an invitation from friends who live there.

She was shocked by the level of poverty experienced by children, and by their restricted access to education. So when they returned the couple decided to raise money to pay for orphans to be educated, and now support 24 children with school fees.

To help pay for this and with plans to raise money to build a health centre there Mrs Buxton is using the culinary skills which got her crowned champion of a mid-Cornwall Come Dine With Me-style competition.

From her kitchen she said: "I love cooking and I love having people around my dinner table so I thought this was an ideal way of bringing them together.

"In Sierra Leone when walking through the streets we would have people calling to us from their homes and inviting us to eat with them – now I am doing the same.

"As well as raising money for the children I also want to bring people together, people who might not normally eat together coming together around my dining table.

"Many people cannot afford to go out and eat nowadays either so this is an affordable way of being able to enjoy that as well."

She aims to charge her guests as little as possible, with many evenings costing about £5 for two courses. She then invites guests to donate to her collection for Sierra Leone.

Menus for each evening are posted on The Food Commune Facebook page each day with anyone wishing to dine asked to let her know in advance.

She said: "When in Sierra Leone we were amazed by the level of poverty which people are facing there every day.

"But despite this and the problems they face the children are so enthusiastic to go to school and are so proud of their uniforms. They all know that education is their route out of their situation and appreciate any opportunity they are given. But they need more and we are hoping to help fund a health centre which is badly needed."

To find out more go to www.facebook.com/thefoodcommune

6 Rifles in Cyprus: Female reserves: Finding a place in the boys club

May 4, 2014, 11:17 pm

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Our reporter Esme Ashcroft has joined the 6 Rifles on a two-week training exercise in Cyprus. Here is her fifth report from the island: AFTER less than half an hour on the Army base in Cyprus it is clear that banter, teasing and general joking is part of the currency of camp life. But is there a sense that the joking can go too far and in fact push women out of what has essentially been a boys only club for decades? Warrant Officer 2 Tracy Freer from Probus said: "The reserves are actually a really nice bunch of guys. They have manners and they know where the line is. But you can have a laugh with them. "There is never a time where I have felt isolated." Helston's Lance Corporal Carly Mainwaring added: "We've known the unit for a long time so you do have a bit of a laugh and you do enjoy having a bit of banter and taking the mick out of each other - you get a thick skin after a while." And you do get a sense of almost by-gone propriety while talking to the male soldiers. Doors are opened for you, seats pulled out at the dinner table and profuse apologies given if a swear word happens to slip out in your presence. In what appears to be another archaic rule women are unable to join the 6 Rifles as female soldiers are not allowed to serve in the infantry. Despite being permitted on the front line in medical and communication roles the concept of allowing a female soldier to pull the trigger seems to be the last taboo of the Army. Talks about whether women should be given the opportunity to join a infantry battalion have been ongoing and there are rumours that a favourable decision might be made in the coming years. One of the main arguments against their inclusion is the fear that a female soldier might unbalance the structure of an infantry battalion as if they were to be injured the male troops would be distracted by concern and spend time trying to get medical help for them. Corporal Emma Williams from Exeter said: "Personally I don't know whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. "There are women that could do a job on the front line, but I don't know whether it would be something that I would want to do. "But I think it is inevitable that women will join the infantry just because other countries already do it." Although banned from becoming a rifleman, women in Cornwall and the south west can still train with the 6 Rifles through a type of secondment attachment to the battalion. Alongside administrative roles female soldiers can carry out a variety of professions including signal, administrative and even media posts. During day to day life on the camp the female soldiers are treated the same as their male counterparts, both have to eat the same food, use communal showers and sleep in basic female only accommodation. Cpt Williams said: "We get treated just the same as the guys, we don't get any special treatment. "you get the occasional comment and you have to earn the respect and I think that is probably the same with the guys as well. "I like shooting and I shoot for my Company and there is sometimes a bit of 'what's a girl doing that?' But when I come in the top ten then they shut up. "I think the guys need to earn the respect as well, but because there is fewer women you need to be, not better, but put more effort in to it."

World record challenge for Penryn rower

May 4, 2014, 11:54 pm

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A PENRYN rower is making his final preparations for a gruelling world record-breaking challenge. Alternating between rowing and sleeping in two-hour shifts – for five weeks, non-stop – Samuel Collins will try to cross the Pacific Ocean from California to Hawaii. Sharing a small rowing boat with three team mates, he will start the 2,400-mile journey next month as the team competes in the Great Pacific Race, which is the first competition of its kind. The four-man crew, consisting of the Cornishman and three friends from London and Kent, have funded the £50,000 trip themselves. On top of the £18,000 entrance fee and the boat costs of £14,000 – to lease and transport the vessel out to the start line – the crew has spent £6,000 on dehydrated food. So what motivates a 40-year-old man to blow the best part of £12,500 to spend five weeks on a tiny vessel with three other men battling against sleep depravation? "Life is short and you need to justify your time here by really pushing yourself to do the best you can achieve," said the Penryn rower. "When you're 55 and look back at your achievements, this is a better investment than, say spending £12k on a new car. "I chose to define myself by what I do not what I own." But there is also a sustainable element to his trip. The four rowers are trying to raise awareness for the plastic which is polluting the world's oceans. "So it's both a personal and ethical challenge," he said. "Team Pacific Rowers, as we are collectively called, will spend five weeks flitting between rowing, sleeping and eating the most calorie-intense food we can get our hands on in a vessel not much bigger than us, hoping the sight of those lush Hawaiian volcanoes will make the whole adventure worthwhile. "The boat will be laden with the latest staying alive equipment, powered by solar-charged batteries, including communication devices and water desalinators, and also necessities in the event of an emergency – when 1,050 miles from civilisation. More importantly, we will be able to blog." The team will leave Monterey on June 7. The rowers will compete against 14 other teams from across the globe, including four-man, two-man and solo entrants. The first of the 15 boats in each category to make it from California to Hawaii will set a new world record. One of the crews is an all-female team named Boatylicious. Another crew, Team UN, is made up of a Dutchman, American, South Korean and a New Zealander. On the way to the finish line in Honolulu, the competitors can expect to witness 360-degree sunsets and amazing displays of flying fish. All information about the trip is available on the team website: pacificrowers.com.

Falmouth takes the gig double for the fourth year

May 5, 2014, 4:23 am

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THERE were boats as far as the eye could see when a record number of gigs lined up in glorious sunshine for the silver jubilee of the World Pilot Gig Championships. But in the end there could be only one winner and, for an unprecedented fourth year, that honour went to the men's and the ladies' crews from Falmouth. It was a sweet moment, said Esther Oldrieve, a member of the all conquering ladies team which had led every stage of the 2014 championships on Scilly. "It's a lovely result," she said. "We have been training so hard. We enjoy fitness and rowing together. We enjoy the craic." The last time the team failed to make it to the top spot on the podium was in 2009, so clinching a fifth consecutive title was fantastic, said Karen Beswetherick. "It was just quite emotional crossing the finishing line," she said. "We were here for the weekend, but we have worked hard winter for this." The home team from St Mary's came second and Roseland clinched third position despite leading the final at first. Falmouth men also took their place on the podium after powering across the finish line. Rower Matt Pullen said it was fantastic that all their training had paid off on the day. "It's really good," he said. "It's been a really nice weekend and we have worked hard, but you never know until the last race. "We have been training really hard and we'll certainly be celebrating now." Up to 147 gigs were taken to the Isles of Scilly for the iconic event and firm favourite on the Westcountry sporting calendar. The event, which started 25 years ago with just 19 boats, a dozen of them from the mainland, celebrated its silver jubilee this year. It was named the World Pilot Gig Championships by the founders as a bit of a joke, but has grown to fulfil its name with every event attracting more crews than the previous. The weather couldn't have been more perfect this year, with crystal blue skies and warm sunshine. Hayle Gig Club was also having its most successful year after bringing its biggest ever cohort and entering men's and women's crews in the veterans competition for the first time. Men's captain Sam Gilman said they were having a great time: "We are loving it. "We have brought seven crews and have about 40 people in all. It's the most crews we have ever brought and the crews are getting their best results. "Our new gig Arveth was raced for the first time on Friday night and did really well. "It's a good year." Rick Persich, chairman of the organising committee, said the feedback was really positive. "We have had people saying it's the best year ever and there's a real buzz on the water, which is great to hear."

Falmouth pub to get £260,000 makeover to "put it back on the map"

May 5, 2014, 5:35 am

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THE operator of a Falmouth pub is looking for a "driven and passionate" new landlord to "put it back on the map" after a huge refurbishment project. The current landlord of the King' Head, on Church Street, has called time and closed its doors vacating the town-centre pub. The owner, Punch Taverns, has pledged to invest £260,000 to "fully refurbish" the pub both inside and out, but the pub and bar will be looking for a return on its investment. "Once the works are completed the pub will be ideally placed to be re-launched and re-established," said a spokesman. "The full refurbishment will put The Kings Head back on the map and applicants must be driven and passionate to maximise the pub's potential. The advertisement for a new landlord added: "Falmouth is a picturesque harbour town and the pub benefits from scenic views. "The area has a real sense of community and the pub has a local trade which is further boosted by students during term times. "It is also important that the successful applicants are keen to get involved in the local community. "An opportunity exists to create four en-suite letting rooms which would be located on the second floor of the property. "There is an opportunity to introduce a quality food offer, so any previous catering experience would be extremely beneficial." A prospective landlord would need to invest an initial £16,570 to take on the business, with an annual leasehold rent of £35,708.