Jailed fraudster Deborah Matthews from Falmouth still employee of charity

August 8, 2014, 10:00 pm

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A CONVICTED fraudster is still employed as a manager at a Cornish autism charity, despite being jailed. Deborah Matthews, of Falmouth, was sent to prison last month for dishonestly spending thousands of pounds of company money on designer clothes and jewellery. She is now set to have her position as compliance manager at Penryn-based Spectrum reviewed after she failed to tell her bosses about the seriousness of the allegations she was facing. Her involvement in MacDonald Macphee Developments Limited (MMD), which was labelled "a hub for fraudulent activity" by a judge, only came to the attention of Spectrum after Matthews was jailed and the details of the case were reported in the West Briton – more than a month after she pleaded guilty to serious fraud charges. On June 16, Matthews appeared at Truro Crown Court where she admitted having acted in contravention of a disqualification undertaking between April 2002 and July 2008 and fraudulent trading in that period. After that hearing she was granted bail to await sentencing. Matthews was hired by Spectrum, which runs 25 residential units, in July 2009, initially working as an admin manager, then as head of resources, deputy finance manager and most recently as compliance manager. A spokesman for Spectrum, which provides care to people with autistic spectrum disorders, said Matthews had no access to the movement of funds, which could only be authorised by the finance director or chief executive. Matthews, aged 53, of Comfort Road, Mylor Bridge, was jailed for 18 months on July 22, but is technically still an employee of Spectrum. The offences related to her position as a director of MMD, which she ran with her partner Mark Abbott-Compton, who pleaded guilty to similar charges. The court heard that they used company funds to live a lavish lifestyle, putting small businesses which sub-contracted work for the development company at risk of bankruptcy. A spokesman for Spectrum said: "She did make us aware that a court case was pending in relation to her partner's business, but we were not aware of the gravity of the case nor the extent of her involvement until we saw it reported in the local media. "She passed a criminal records check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau) and did not give us any cause for concern in the conduct of her duties for us. "In light of her conviction her position is under review and we are taking advice."

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Sandy Perry is flushed with excitement to don the Malpas mayoral loo chain

August 8, 2014, 10:00 pm

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MEET the 'mayor of Malpas'. No, we're not yanking your chain.

By day Sandy Perry is a psychotherapist but out of work she dons a chain of office made out of a toilet chain, bottle caps lids and mementos of the civic leaders' choice.

This is because Sandy, 63, is the First Citizen of the quaint riverside village of approximately 160 people.

Residents went to the polls earlier this summer – casting their votes in the ballot boxes over a beer at the local watering hole, the Heron Inn – and a disc engraved with her name was added to the chain as she took over the office from retired local vicar Father Ted Barton at a ceremony held again in the pub.

Sandy then attached her own keepsake – a crocodile pin – to the hallowed collection of civic nicknacks.

Sandy only moved back to the village in March and says she is loving her new role, describing it as an honour and a privilege.

"The chain is heavier than you'd think; it weighs you down," she said.

"I think people would think it wacky if I wore the mayoral chain to the shops. I do like my chunky jewellery but this might be a bit too much.

"I get called all sorts of things – Lady Mayor, HRH and Your Worship.

"It's a really fun role. My main duties include opening the regatta and judging the fancy dress to presenting awards for the rowing races.

"Everybody at work thinks it's really funny."

Sandy said Malpas was her des res.

She first moved to the village in 2000, and it was then she met her husband-to-be, Ian, who was working for a removals firm and helped her move into the new abode.

They married six years later and moved to Mawnan Smith, but Sandy's heart was always in Malpas and she has spent years trying to move back because she missed the community so much.

"I've lived all over the world, I spent a year in America and I can honestly say Malpas is the zaniest and most fun place that I've lived," she said.

"The role of Malpas mayor, I think, gives recognition to each resident; all the residents are special.

"There are some very interesting characters here and that's what I love.

"It gives each person in the village a chance to have their special moment.

"For the regatta I rode through the village in a World War Two jeep with a motorbike from the same period as an outrider, which was organised by the regatta committee. It had no idea about it and it was wonderful. It was bit like being in Foyle's War."

The current mayor of Malpas's upcoming civic duties includes hosting a barbecue on September 26 to celebrate the first birthday of the village hall, paid for through National Lottery cash.

Sandy also hopes to raise plenty of cash for her chosen mayoral charity, the Salvation Army.

New homes occupants keen to leave Lanner Parish Council legal battle against development in past

August 8, 2014, 10:00 pm

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DELIGHTED families have moved into a housing development after a bitter feud which cost a parish council more than £50,000 in court fees.

The 25 homes in Gyllyvean Gardens, Lanner, were officially opened last Wednesday after a two-year battle between Lanner Parish Council and Cornwall Council.

In late 2011 the parish council voiced its opposition to the scheme on the grounds that a parish plan identified a need for just 11 affordable homes in the village. It launched a judicial review against the authority's decision to grant planning permission in an attempt to block the development, but this was thrown out by the High Court last January; it ruled there was a desperate need for affordable homes in Cornwall. The 25 families, all local to Lanner or with a connection to the village, are now keen to leave the controversy behind and enjoy their new homes. Resident Karla Skingsle said: "Having my own place in Lanner has allowed me to gain independence, but stay near family who also live in the village. I've lived in Lanner for eight years and couldn't think of living anywhere else. It's given myself and my daughter a family home of our own and I'm very thankful we were given the opportunity to have this."

The properties range from one-bedroom bungalows to four-bedroom homes.

Six of the two-bedroom houses have been bought under a shared ownership scheme, while the other 19 are social accommodation given to families registered with Cornwall HomeChoice.

Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Councillor for Carharrack, Gwennap and St Day, said: "Social housing is about supporting people and the needs of the community. I am very proud to have been involved in the delivery of these 25 much needed quality homes in my village of Lanner.

"These have all been allocated to those with a local connection, which proves unreservedly that there definitely was and is an affordable housing need in Lanner. There are many young families who I recognise here today who have never had a home that they can call their own, so this is a very special moment for them.

"There are others who have downsized and moved into the bungalows which will now suit their needs." The parish council refused to comment.

Fire crews set for periods of strike action across Cornwall

August 9, 2014, 12:51 am

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The Fire Brigades Union in Cornwall has confirmed that its members will be taking part in further periods of strike action between from today for the next week. Strike action will take place every day until next Saturday, August 16 between noon and 2pm and 11pm till midnight. Cornwall Fire & Rescue Services (CFRS) Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury said: "We are developing our contingency plans to ensure we maintain minimum levels of cover during the strike action. "The most important thing to remember is that if you do have a fire, get out of the building, stay out and call 999 – you will get an emergency response. "We will continue to respond to emergency calls and will obviously prioritise those where lives are at risk. Public and fire fighter safety remains of paramount importance and we will give the best service to the people of Cornwall within the limitations of the resources available to us. My message to residents, businesses and visitors is to remain vigilant."

Cornwall Wildlife Trust launches £20k appeal to save butterflies

August 9, 2014, 1:28 am

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A leading wildlife charity is hoping to raise £20,000 to halt the decline of the county's butterfly population. Cornwall's struggling butterflies face numerous threats such as built development, intensification of farming and lack of management of vital habitats where they live and by raising £20,000 Cornwall Wildlife Trust believe they will be tackle all of these issues. These funds will help the Trust to stop inappropriate development, as important butterfly sites are still being damaged and lost to opportunistic developments. They will stop this by influencing strategic development plans and fighting damaging planning applications. Scrub clearance work urgently needs to be done on Trust nature reserves such as Helman Tor near Bodmin, Windmill Farm on The Lizard and Upton Towans near Hayle. Work on these sites must be done this winter if butterflies are to survive and flourish on them. Keith Hambly-Staite, trustee for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: "I hope our members and the wider public will support this appeal. "Butterflies delight adults and children alike but they are in decline; without the right habitats our butterflies, which have been part of our summer months for centuries will be gone forever. "Cornwall Wildlife Trust has 57 nature reserves across Cornwall covering more than 5,000 acres, couple this with our growing relationship with the farming community and we are well placed to reverse this decline but we do need help to achieve this." The Trust have been fighting hard for years to save rare and threatened species including marsh fritillary, small pearl-bordered fritillary and the stunning silver studded blue. Unfortunately some of our more common butterflies are now declining in the wider countryside. The Trust must continue to do what they can on their own nature reserves but see their work with farmers and land owners as now more vital than ever if they are to reverse this decline. The marsh fritillary is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority butterfly, classed as vulnerable. The UK population has declined by 46 per cent since the 1970s. These can be found on Helman Tor (Bodmin) and Windmill Farm (The Lizard) Nature Reserves. The silver studded blue is also a BAP species whose population has decreased nationally by 43 per cent since the 1970s. They can still be seen on the Trust's Upton Towans Nature Reserve, near Hayle. In the last decade there have also been some big decline in population in our more common butterflies – such as peacock, red admiral, holly blue and small tortoiseshell. To donate to Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Butterfly Appeal, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/appeal, call (01872) 273939 or post a cheque to Cornwall Wildlife Trust Butterfly appeal, Five Acres, Allet, Truro, TR4 9DJ. You can also donate via Just Giving at www.justgiving.com/cornwallwildlifetrust or simply text 70070 with the code BFAP14 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.

GALLERY: Crowds flock to the 2014 Boardmasters event

August 9, 2014, 4:08 am

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Boardmasters 2014, the festival weekend devoted to beach-side living, is well underway. This year's festival at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay includes Chase & Status, Snoop Dogg (aka Snoop Lion) and Bastille among the performers while there is also a packed programme of surfing, BMX and skate.

Cerebral palsy sufferer Natasha sails her way around Land's End

August 9, 2014, 5:14 am

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'Sip and Puff' sailor Natasha 'Miss isle' Lambert has conquered the biggest test of her Sea and Summit challenge to date in completing the 60 mile rounding of Land's End. The 17-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and controls her boat by breathing through a straw in a specially-engineered bicycle helmet designed by her dad Gary, completed the longest leg of her 12 leg voyage around England's South West coast from Newlyn to Padstow in 11 hours, arriving into the famous North Cornwall fishing harbour to warm applause on schedule at 4pm on Thursday. To complete the challenge in time, Natasha set sail at 5am - meaning a 2.30am alarm call for her and her support team - and during the sail the party had to contend with some Atlantic swell which caused some seasickness. Nevertheless she was buoyed by the sight of a pod of dolphins leaping nearby, their first real sighting of dolphins during the two weeks of the challenge so far. With the path of Hurricane Bertha expected to cause some difficult conditions in the coming days, the decision has already been made to take a few rest days before the penultimate leg of the sailing challenge, from Padstow to Ilfracombe, which is another trip over 50 miles. Mum Amanda admits she could not have been more proud of how Natasha tackled the biggest sailing challenge of her career so far. She said: "We're really pleased that one's done. It's exciting going round Land's End, but it's such a long way and we're quite relieved everything's OK. "Natasha says she's loved every minute of it, which is great because she's really enjoyed it, which was always the main thing. "Coming into all these towns and seeing them from the sea is something not a lot of people get to experience and we're really ever so privileged, it's been a real adventure." Sea and Summit is a month-long project sailing her specially-designed 21ft yacht, Miss Isle Too, single-handed around the South West coast of England to Wales before she swaps her boat for her special walking aid, called a Hart Walker, to climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. In total she will sail around 430 miles and climb 2,907ft. Through the Sea and Summit challenge Natasha is raising money for the RNLI, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the RYA Foundation, as well as the profile of sailing for people with disabilities. She has a target of £15,000 to raise by the end of her challenge. Sailing has been Natasha's big love since she first went on holiday with the Calvert Trust aged nine. She then started sailing at home and spent two years sailing with the Even Keel Project and her local RYA Sailability. Last year she sailed across the English Channel, and in 2012, the 50-miles around the Isle of Wight. To support Natasha's challenge visit www.missisle.com

Government scheme will help Cornwall Council free up land for housing

August 9, 2014, 6:23 am

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Cornwall Council has been chosen to take part in the latest phase of a programme which encourages local authorities and the Government to work together to release land and buildings for housing and projects to create new jobs. The unitary authority is one of 20 councils which have been selected to take part in the second phase of the One Public Estate Programme. The programme, headed by the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association, is designed to boost economic growth and regeneration by releasing surplus Government land and property through greater collaboration between local and central Government. It also encourages local authorities to share services and buildings with partners to help reduce running costs and to use the money from selling surplus property. Local economies are expected to benefit to the tune of £40 million, and estimates suggest the programme could create 5,500 jobs and 7,500 homes over the next five years. "This is very good news for the Council and for Cornwall," said Alex Folkes, the Council's cabinet member for finance and resources. "We are already committed to using our assets more efficiently, and have saved millions of pounds of council tax payers money through our office estate plan which is enabling us to make better use of our key buildings. "By redesigning New County Hall in Truro and Dolcaoth in Camborne we have been able to move 850 staff out of expensive leased offices into Council owned buildings, and release other buildings for sale. "We are now looking at repeating this in Penzance, where we are refurbishing St John's Hall and in Bodmin where we are creating a new building. "Both schemes will reduce costs, address significant maintenance backlog issues in excess of £2m and enable services and partners to work more closely."

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Cornwall's roads clogged with holiday traffic

August 9, 2014, 7:15 am

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Cornwall's roads are clogged this afternoon with traffic slowed to a crawl at a number of locations throughout the county. There are delays in both directions on the A30 between Launceston and Bodmin and also westbound at the Chiverton Cross roundabout. There is also heavy traffic on the A38 on the Tamar Bridge at Saltash and long queues waiting to get into the Boardmasters Festival site at Watergate Bay.

Celebrations for 360 HE students at Truro & Penwith College

August 9, 2014, 7:46 am

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More than 360 Higher Education students at Truro and Penwith College were in celebratory mood as they received their exam results. In total, 122 BSc/BA Honours degrees were awarded to completing students, showing an increase of over a third compared with 2013. Within these, 21 students achieved first class degrees, 66 2:1s, 34 2:2s and 1 third. There were also 213 foundation degrees, 36 of which were awarded with Distinction as well as 14 Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) awarded, including 1 with Distinction, and 1 Higher National Certificate (HNC). Sarah Shobrook, programme team leader for Higher Education, said: "More and more students are staying with the college to finish their degree programme. "The college is proud of all of our higher education students' achievements and wish them all the very best in future careers or future study." On the Penwith campus 25 students achieved their foundation degrees, three with distinction which means that all of the students now have the opportunity to continue their studies and complete one further year to achieve a full honours degree. Many of the students are either staying at Truro and Penwith College or going to Plymouth University for their final year of study. The Penwith site is approved to run a range of courses including in FdA Children & Young People's Workforce, FdA Commercial Music Performance and Production and many more. Starting in September the college will also run courses in HNC Art & Design and HNC Motor Vehicle Operations, subject to approval.

Steam engines take on Penryn granite challenge

August 9, 2014, 8:17 am

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Plans to recreate a challenging engineering feat from the golden age of steam will take place tomorrow. Prior to World War 1, steam was the motive power to move large blocks of granite from the quarries around West Cornwall to the monumental works of Freeman & Mcleod in Penryn. In 1904 two large granite blocks, one of 54 tons and one of 48 tons left a quarry in the Polkanuggo Valley just the Helston side of Longdowns en-route to Penryn. These blocks were used to create the base of the King Alfred monument in Winchester. Tomorrow at noon, plans are afoot to relive steam on the "Old Granite Road". Steve Sanders, grandson of a granite worker of those days, and Robin Daniel are planning to use their engines to take a large block of granite from Longdowns down into Penryn, passing the former granite works (now boat yards, Falmouth side of Penryn Bridge). The engines will then continue to Dales roundabout before starting a climb of about 500 feet back to Longdowns, via Asda Roundabout and Mabe Village. Two large steam engines ascending both Nanturrian and Antron hills should be quite spectacular. Tomorrow's challenge takes place a week ahead of the Cornish Steam and Country Fair which takes place at The Showground, Stithians from Friday to Sunday, August 15 to 17.

Cornish house prices could rise by 10% year on year

August 9, 2014, 8:58 am

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House prices in Cornwall and Devon are expected to shoot up to a new record high over the next five years. According to the latest regional land report from leading property advisers CBRE, the region's economy is well on the road to recovery after house prices started rising steadily. Guy Mansfield, head of national land and development at property advisers CBRE Bristol, said the price of homes could rise by 10 per cent year on year to reach their highest regional increase from 2015 to 2019. The CBRE said the property market rise could put the average house price at £207,420 across Devon and Cornwall by 2019, an increase of more than £20,000 from today's prices. Mr Mansfield said: "Improved sentiment has resulted in an upswing in activity across the region, although limited land availability has clearly had an inflationary effect on values. "Housebuilders continue to focus on opportunities that deliver traditional housing, with limited appetite for higher density apartment schemes." The CBRE's report also highlighted that funding for development continues to be challenging as banks remain risk averse, often requiring substantial equity and personal guarantees to consider lending on speculative residential schemes. Mr Mansfield said a small increase in interest rate, which economists believes could be announced by the Bank of England in the autumn will not have too much of an impact on mortgages. He said: "When interest rates start to rise, we expect it to be at slow and considered increments so impact on mortgage affordability may be quite minor and contained." Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said there was a risk of seeing the housing bubble return especially as the effects of the London housing market start being felt in the South West. He added: "We are fearful of the house price bubble returning to the South West. "It is healthy to have a thriving housing construction activity but we need to have an affordable housing stock and a market where there are opportunities for young people to access the market and progress." Mr Jones added: "Any price bubble which reflects the London market would be making these issues more difficult to achieve. "We need to build more homes to redress the demand and offer balance but we need to be more efficient with our planning system so the down side of the housing bubble and the impact on the environment are minimised."

Truro City suffer a disappointing opening day defeat

August 9, 2014, 10:06 am

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Truro City 0 Chesham United 3

City's season began in disappointing fashion as they went down to last season's Southern League premier division runners-up.

A loss of control by keeper Mike Searle gifted the Buckinghamshire visitors a 1-0 half time lead from the penalty spot and as City pushed for an equaliser after the interval, they were twice caught out on the break to give Chesham a rather flattering victory margin,

And City boss Steve Tully, while happy with some aspects of his side's display, admitted there was still a lot of work to do.

He said: "We said at the end of pre-season that this game was a barometer of where we are at and we have got to improve a lot.

"We gave them three goals and made silly mistakes.

"For the majority of the game we matched their physicality, but did not play enough balls into the feet of the front three.

"It is one game and I have told the players get your heads up and we go again (City are at Paulton on Tuesday).

"But I am disappointed for the fans, the crowd and the club."

City began with the side that started last week's friendly against Yeovil with debuts for Searle, Chris Long and Rob Farkins.

There was little to choose between the teams in the opening stages, with Jamie Lowry coming closest to a City goal with his free-kick being tipped onto the bar by Shane Gore in the Chesham goal.

But then a crazy kick out by Searle on Chesham striker Ryan Blake, midway through the half, turned the match in the visitors' favour.

The former Tiverton keeper had safely collected the ball when he flicked out at Blake, conceding a needless penalty and earning himself a yellow card.

Simon Thomas made no mistake from the spot kick and City were left to chase the game.

Tully said: "It was stupid and he was lucky to stay on the pitch. At 0-0 we had the better chances, but as soon as it was 1-0 they sat in and tried to play us on the break .

"I don't know what he was thinking and it gives me a decision whether he will play on Tuesday. You can't give teams a 1-0 lead in this league."

City did finish the half strongly. with Gore denying Hayles and Cody Cooke, but after the break they struggled to create openings against the street wise visitors, who were content to sit back and play on the break.

And their tactics paid off when with 12 minutes left  a quick counter-attack saw Blake run clear to make it 2-0.

The visitors completed City's misery in stoppage time when some more poor defending allowed substitute Mark Nwokeji to score their third with a low drive.

CITY.: Searle; White, Pugh, Farkins, Pugh, Long; Ash; Green (Duff 62), Lowry, Vassell, Hayles (Watson 62), Cooke (Afful 69).

Subs (not used): James, Moore (GK).

Yellow cards: Searle.

CHESHAM UNITED: Gore; Fletcher, Purse, Brown, Prosper; Graham (Hamilton-Forbes (60), Smith, Fotheringham (capt), Bell (Towner 73); Blake (Nwokeji 80), Thomas.

Subs (Not used): Lynn, Cooper.

Yellow cards: Blake (24), Fotheringham (34), Smith

Goals: Thomas pen (24) 0-1, Blake (78) 0-2; Nwokeji (90 + 3) 0-3.

Referee: Andrew Bennett.

Crowd 435.

Concern that restorative justice is used for serious cases in Cornwall

August 9, 2014, 10:07 am

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The number of crimes punished using restorative measures reached almost 10,000 in Cornwall and Devon last year. New figures released by Devon and Cornwall Police showed 9,487 cases were dealt with in 2013-14 without going through the formal justice system and included one case of rape, 52 other sexual offences, 53 burglaries, 17 offences of drug trafficking and just over 2,700 crimes of violence. The total represents a third of the 28,809 offences detected by the force in 2013-14. The rate was also up 11.6% compared to 2012-13. Criticised as "delivering justice on the cheap", concerns about the appropriate use of restorative justice, which can include a written apology, paying for damage and unpaid community work, have been growing. Labour has said it would ban the used of restorative justice for sexual offences and domestic violence. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Steve Reed said: "The use of restorative justice can be very effective in tackling anti-social behaviour and low level crime, but the evidence and guidance are very clear that it should be used for low level crimes only. "To use it for anything outside of this category risks undermining public confidence in the police, the justice system and the value of restorative justice itself. "It is very worrying that these methods are being used to deal with serious crimes like sexual assault and even rape. This is not fair on victims and undermines confidence in the justice system." Since September 2011 four cases of rape had been dealt with by means of restorative justice, according to figures released by Devon and Cornwall Police under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. It was also used to conclude 173 other sexual offences, 50 cases where people were caught carrying weapons, some 4,400 instances of shoplifting and 3,375 violent attacks in which victims were injured. Devon and Cornwall Police failed to respond to requests for comment but in its FOI response it said: "Each use of restorative justice is in consultation with the victim, admission of the offence by the offender and agreement – based on risk, harm and vulnerability – that it is proportionate to use this approach. "It is essential that the offender accepts responsibility for their actions. "The use of restorative disposal is therefore based on victim impact, rather than a crime label. This is because often the national crime recording standards do not necessarily reflect the impact of the crime on the victim. "This is either by appearing to be a 'low-level' crime with high victim impact, or to have been a 'significant' crime type but with lesser victim impact. "There are strict controls around the use of restorative disposals for sexual offences and for offences around 'domestic' incidents."

Football: Jack's the lad to rescue a point for Newquay at Falmouth

August 9, 2014, 10:11 am

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Falmouth Town 3, Newquay 3 Jack Bray-Evans' second half strike earned a point as Newquay twice came from behind in an entertaining opening day CSWPL premier division encounter at Bickland Park. Ross McOnie's men showed great character to come back from two goals down, before Bray-Evans, with the Peppermints trailing 3-2, smashed the ball home in the 65th minute to ensure a share of the spoils. Falmouth had made a dream start, leading 2-0 inside the opening 22 minutes. First, former Newquay striker Rob Wearne headed home Josh Burton's cross, and just moments later John Dent's men doubled their lead when Wearne finished from close range from Kayne Trevaskis' cross. Matt Drummond pulled a goal back in the 27th minute after Dan Peters could only parry into the path of the ex Falmouth striker. And three minutes later Bray-Evans' brilliant long range strike brought Newquay level. The game swung back in Falmouth's favour in the 38th minute when Trevaskis slid in to beat Newquay goalkeeper Tom Vercoe to the ball and score. But back came Newquay again in the second half as Bray-Evans was on hand to drive the ball home to make it 3-3. The Peppermints very nearly snatched it at the death when, in the second minute of injury time, Elliott Simcox saw his effort smash down off the underside of the bar. Falmouth: D Peters, E Timmons, J Greet, A Sincock (R Pope 56), J Cooper, J Sims, H Evans, G Bell, R Wearne (A Westgarth 80), K Trevaskis, J Burton (M Vanes 70). Subs (not used): M Smith, A Williams. Newquay: T Vercoe, O Morrison, E Simcox, T Barnett, P Harvey (C Jamieson 46), O Dart, R Jarvis (C Bidgood 80), J Bray-Evans, L Weldhen, M Drummond (H Turner 53), C McOnie. Subs (not used): P Clarke, J Avery. Referee: Adam Price.

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City of Truro looks for People's Trophy nominees for its own celebration day

August 9, 2014, 10:00 pm

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THE countdown has begun to a day celebrating the City of Truro and the people who live and work here.

Organisers of the first Truro Day at Boscawen Park on September 14, taking place between 1pm and 8.30pm, say it's going to be a great day.

The idea was born from the power of social media.

Matt Hillyard put together a Facebook group called Nostalgic Truro – Old Shops, which now has more than 5,100 members across the world.

Truro Day then started to take shape after a member of the group suggested it would be good for the community to unite once a year to celebrate everything wonderful about the city.

A highlight of the day will be the crowning of a true Truronian, who will be presented with the People's Trophy, paid for with donations by the Facebook group's members.

Truro Day chairman Paul Caruana said: "Truro Day is for Truro, organised by Truro and celebrating Truro.

"Helston has Flora Day, Camborne has Trevithick Day and Padstow has 'Obby 'Oss but Truro, with all the history it has, doesn't have a special day.

"This is the first event but if it's successful we'll make it an annual event."

Bands and more than 60 dance troupes, community groups and charities have signed up and the committee has raised £7,000 since February towards the day's costs.

Funeral directors and builders LJ Tregunna and Sons, People's Palace and Cornish Mutual are among Truro Day's business sponsors, while city and Cornwall councillors Rob Nolan and Bert Biscoe, mayor Loic Rich and Truro City Council have donated £1,100 in all to help the event get off the ground.

Another £2,045 from an Awards For All grant has helped in organising the day.

Nominations are now being invited for the People's Trophy, which is open to the 25 parishes surrounding the city, stretching from Cubert to the Roseland.

Mr Caruana said: "Nominations can for any club, group, society or individual for recognition of their hard work and dedication to where they live or work.

"They must have a tenacious link to the city."

The winner will also join Mr Rich in opening the day.

Crimpers will be flexing their fingers for the Truro Day pasty championships, sponsored by Cornish Mutual and judged by the company's director, David Price, Mary Torr of Mary's Pasties, and Truro residents Inez and Dave Buckingham and Hayden Jose. Entries are now invited.

The committee is also running a photography competition for 'then and now' images of the city.

A free shuttle bus is going to be provided to ferry people from the city centre to the park.

You can nominate someone for the award. Nominations must be received by September 4. For more information about everything that's going on, visit www.truroday.co.uk

Protesters at Truro demand Matalan reveals compensation paid after factory collapse horror

August 9, 2014, 10:00 pm

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A PROTEST has been held outside the Truro branch of retailer Matalan to try to find out how much the company paid in compensation to victims of a factory disaster in Bangladesh.

Matalan was one of a number of retailers which had sourced products from the Rana Plaza factory which collapsed in April 2013, killing 1,129 and injuring another 2,515.

However, the retailer only made its donation to the UN-backed fund a day before the deadline, under pressure from campaigners. British retailers which have contributed include Asda, Primark and Debenhams. Matalan has refused to reveal how much it paid, leading to continued protests.

On Saturday a small group of protesters gathered at the Matalan store in Threemilestone demanding the company reveal how much it contributed to the fund.

Louise McDermott, one of those who attended, said: "I took a letter to the manager of Matalan but she refused to accept it and instead gave me contact details for their PR department.

"The protest was very small and had been organised at the last minute. I did speak to a couple of customers about what we were there for but they had things to get from the store and carried on and that's fine; it's their choice.

"Matalan has only made its contribution to the fund in the face of public pressure but we feel that they should state how much they have contributed and whether it's the bare minimum."

The company's chairman Allan Leighton said in a statement: "We wish to make it clear that we have never been ordered by any organisation to pay compensation or been found culpable for the tragedy. However, our company is happy to continue to make substantial contributions to help the people who need it most."

Camborne woman Dorothy Garood defies doctors to celebrate 105th birthday

August 9, 2014, 10:00 pm

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A WOMAN has defied doctors who said she would not live past the age of 8 – by celebrating her 105th birthday.

Dorothy Garood, from Camborne, rubbished the gloomy claims made by the doctors concerned by her small size and bad chest as a baby.

She was joined by her extended family for her birthday celebration, which spanned five generations and included her great-great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Garood said: "I had a lovely party and I'm lucky to have such a great family, as there's always somebody to talk to."

She spent the majority of her life in New Cross, in London, where she worked in a jam factory and ran a local club for blind people.

Mrs Garood moved to Camborne to live with her daughter and her husband at the turn of the millennium after visiting the area on holiday for many years:

"I absolutely love it here; there's lots of space, the air is clean and you're never far from the water," she said.

"Throughout my life I've enjoyed lots of walking."

Mrs Garood can also recall the first time she encountered an electric light switch.

"I remember getting home from school and my mum showing me the light switch; I'd never seen it before and it was absolutely amazing.

"I can also recall when the Second World War broke out and there were lines painted around lots of trees, and I had no idea why.

"It wasn't until I was told that it was so everybody could see them during blackouts that it all made sense."

Growing up, Mrs Garood's family would host parties with a wind-up gramophone and when the music stopped, the family would wind it up to set the music going again and resume the party.

She was married to Roy, with whom she had two children; he died aged 64.

Mrs Garood also has some unusual advice for those looking to lead a long and healthy life like her: "The secret is, always eat your crusts."

Worst of Hurricane Bertha has passed through Cornwall

August 10, 2014, 12:07 am

≫ Next: Dog rescued from smoke-logged Porthleven flat

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Heavy overnight rain is clearing away to the north east this morning as Cornwall looks likely to escape the worst of the tail-end of Hurricane Bertha. The low pressure system has passed through but it will be a windy day with sunny spells and a risk of gales from the south and south west and heavy showers, especially across exposed coasts and hill. Further heavy showers will continue throughout the rest of the day and into the evening; it will remain windy but with the gales easing. Tomorrow will remain windy with sunny spells and scattered showers. It will feel cooler than of late. Nevertheless flood alerts remain in place and the Environment Agency said coastal areas could flood with the storm swelling high tides. It said: "Rain moving north-eastwards across England and Wales during Sunday may be heavy enough to cause some surface water flooding in places. "Details of the rainfall forecast are still uncertain so it is not possible to be more accurate with the location of any potential impacts at this stage. "Some coastal flooding is also possible on Sunday and Monday around the coasts of South Wales and South West England. "Spray and wave overtopping may occur due to high tides coinciding with the stormy conditions and perhaps some large waves."

Dog rescued from smoke-logged Porthleven flat

August 10, 2014, 12:27 am

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A dog was rescued from a round floor flat in Gibson Way, Porthleven last night. Fire crews from Helston were called after receiving reports of a fire alarm sounding and a smell of burning coming from the property at 9.15pm. On arrival they found the flat smoke-logged, and a further appliance was called from Camborne. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus located a fire in the kitchen and rescued the dog from the property. One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the fire and crews used a thermal imaging camera to confirm the fire was out before ventilating the property.