Quantcast
Channel: West Briton Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9616 articles
Browse latest View live

More Camborne public toilets to shut over winter

$
0
0

CAMBORNE residents will be even more likely to be caught short this winter after it was announced that more toilets are to be shut in the town.

Members of Camborne Town Council have revealed their concern after learning that between October 1 and March 31, only the unisex toilet at Rosewarne Car Park will remain open, while the Camborne Recreation Ground toilets will only open at weekends.

The decision was made by Cornwall Council at a meeting earlier this month and Mayor of Camborne Colin Godolphin has said that the public should be aware of the council's actions.

"There have been more cuts to services in Camborne without consulting the public. Cornwall Council is responsible for providing this service and the cuts will only leave one toilet open in the town centre from October to the end of March."

The news follows Cornwall Council's closure of the toilets in Gurney's Lane. Camborne Town Council had tried to take on the toilets, but an inspection identified a number of problems with the building, meaning it would have been too costly.

Chairman of Camborne Town Council's Amenities Committee, Jacqueline Merrick said: "I understand that Cornwall Council faces financial challenges.

"The current budget proposals rely on town and parish councils being able to fund and deliver services that Cornwall Council will no longer provide.

"Camborne Town Council has limited resources but will do all it can to try to work with Cornwall Council to preserve a wide range of services throughout the parish."

More Camborne public toilets to shut over winter


​Storm FC player cleared of referee attack

$
0
0

AN alleged attack on a referee has been dismissed by the Cornwall Football Association (FA).

Jordan Myatt from Tuckingmill claimed he was punched from behind by a spectator shortly after he blew the final whistle in a match between Hayle FC and Redruth-based Storm Football Club (FC) in May.

After separate investigations by the police and Cornwall FA the charges brought by the 18 year-old against a Storm FC player were dismissed in September.

Richard Pallot, governance manager at Cornwall FA, said: "A discipline hearing was convened by Cornwall FA and after considering all the evidence an independent panel found that the charge against the Storm player was not proven."

A spokesman from Storm FC said: "The club are delighted that the accusations have proved unfounded and that justice was upheld. The medical evidence dismissed the claims and complete lack of witnesses despite there being several in attendance meant there was absolutely nothing to back up the stories.

"Allegations such as these can quickly tarnish the name of a club and we would like to thank the Cornish FA for their part in this matter. As a result of their hearing, the referee will no longer be officiate games involving Storm FC."

Despite efforts by the West Briton, Mr Myatt was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

​Storm FC player cleared of referee attack

New school menu includes feta moussaka and beetroot burgers to educate Falmouth's Marlborough School pupils

$
0
0

COCONUT daal, pearl barley and sardines may not sound like traditional school meal fare, but for one Falmouth primary school it has become the norm.

Marlborough School introduced the new menu to its pupils at the beginning of this term as part of the Universal Free School Meals for Infants initiative.

As well as traditional staples such as sausage and mash and roast pork, new cook Jess Oughton has introduced new takes on old favourites, like Falmouth Bay fishcakes, vegetarian chickpea, lentil and feta moussaka and beetroot burgers.

Ms Oughton said she designed her menu using "the best of what is good in the local area", adding: "Using high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally, and in season, gives me a better chance of making a meal that is economical, healthy and tasty, as well as being environmentally responsible and sustainable."

Head teacher Richard Gambier said the school has turned its kitchen into an opportunity to educate children about food origins.

"This has been a challenging but interesting time for everyone as the school turned away from an external catering company and took the school kitchen back under its own management," he said.

"Marlborough School has the potential to be a hub of food culture for the children, parents and local community.

"Its location is second to none, a short walk to Swanpool beach, a great setting for children to get involved with all the coast has to offer.

"We are surrounded in Falmouth by small farms, many of which could be potential learning centres for the children in regards to where meat comes from and how it reaches us."

And he said the new vision attracted the attention of the Behind the Scenes section at The Guardian newspaper, which was "eager to visit".

He added: "They tweeted us saying: 'A school kitchen making (Israeli chef and cookery writer) Ottolenghi fishcakes isn't something to ignore – we thought it would be lovely to come and pay you a visit."

They are due to visit the school tomorrow.

New school menu includes feta moussaka and beetroot burgers to educate Falmouth's Marlborough School pupils

Blazey in seven heaven as they thrash champions Parkway

$
0
0
St Blazey 7 Plymouth Parkway 1 St Blazey produced arguably the shock result of the season on Wednesday night as they thrashed Carlsberg South West Peninsula League champions Plymouth Parkway 7-1 at Blaise Park. Lewis Coombes fired a hat-trick and his strike partner Seb Broomfield helped himself to two goals with others added by Marcus Iles and Aaron Spear. It was a truly remarkable result because Blazey had scored only 18 goals in their previous 12 league games, while Parkway had conceded only 15 in their 12 games. Blazey moved up to seventh place in the premier division, now only a point behind Parkway. Bobby Oaten's side, which included two second team players with another four on the bench, made the perfect start when Coombes met a Spear corner to power his header past Parkway keeper Josh Colwill in the eighth minute. It was 2-0 in the 21st minute when another Spear corner caught Parkway napping and Iles was well placed at the near post to head past Colwill. The visitors gave themselves a lifeline five minutes before the break with highly-rated striker Levi Landricombe finishing off from close range. But Blazey, playing some inspired football, were in no mood to let their Plymouth opponents off the hook. Spear made it 3-1 in the 43rd minute from Coombes' pass and in the first minute of stoppage time Broomfield fired Blazey's fourth goal on the break. A clearly shaken Parkway sent on experienced Chris Wright, signed from Launceston on Tuesday, and Marcus Martin at the start of the second half in place of Dan Hart and Danny Lewis as they attempted to get back into the game. But Blazey continued to press and they extended their lead in the 57th minute with a good finish from Coombes. And it was 6-1 in the 65th minute with the pick of the goals as Broomfield raced clear before sending an exquisite chip over keeper Colwill into the net. Parkway's humiliation was completed in stoppage time when Martin was shown a straight red card and Coombes clinched his hat trick for Blazey's seventh goal. St Blazey: Painter, R Swain, Iles, Barker, A Rundle, Retallick, Grindrod, Barker, Coombes, Broomfield, A Spear. Subs: Beresford, Thomas, Killen, J Rundle. Parkway: Colwill, M Landricombe, J Heveran, Stringer, Hart, Lewis, Bass, Trott, Neal, L Landricombe, Krac. Subs: P Heveran, Martin, Moorhead, Coulton, Wright. The other premier division game on Wednesday night produced even more goals, with Saltash United recovering from 2-0 down to beat Launceston 6-4 at Kimberley Stadium. The Clarets had raced into a two goal lead inside 15 minutes but Saltash were 3-2 ahead before half-time and increased their advantage to 5-2 before Launceston hit back to reduce the arrears to 5-4. But the Ashes had the final say on a remarkable night of Peninsula League football. Saltash's goals came from Sam Hughes (2), Jon Hoyles (2), Sam Farrant and Toby Clark. For Launceston, Sam Davey hit a hat-trick and Chris Head added the other. And the crazy results didn't end there. In the Devon Bowl, Willand Rovers beat Witheridge 6-4 after Peninsula League premier division side Witheridge had led 4-0.

Blazey in seven heaven as they thrash champions Parkway

FALMOUTHWork on road

$
0
0

SCHEDULED resurfacing of Arwenack Street in Falmouth will take place from January 12. It is likely to take two weeks.

Christmas cards go on sale for good causes at Truro's City Hall

$
0
0

CHRISTMAS cards raising money for good causes are available to buy from Truro's City Hall.

The cards are being sold in aid of a range of charities including the RNLI and Barnardos.

Truro's mayor Loic Rich said sending cards at Christmas was a lovely gesture but it was even better to send ones that were helping good causes.

He said: "If you're concerned about Christmas being too consumerist then at least you know that the money's going to help someone who needs it."

Christmas cards go on sale  for good causes at Truro's City Hall

Carn Brea Leisure Centre gets pinked up for breast cancer

$
0
0

FITNESS enthusiasts have got dressed up to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Carn Brea Leisure Centre's Big Pink Weekend was organised to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month and featured activities with a distinctly pink theme.

Throughout the weekend customers made donations to participate in pink studio fitness classes and showed their support with a Bras Out For Breast Cancer dress code.

Gym and studio manager Amelia Blackford said: "As a charitable trust and social enterprise, it's great for us to be able to help other very deserving charities.

"Our staff and customers have been amazing, as always, and have helped to make this another really successful event."

Over the weekend £406.92 was raised, including £76 donated by 14-year-old Katie Broad, who made and sold loom band jewellery.

Other activities at the centre included a quiz night and cupcake sale, and Carn Brea was flooded with pink balloons over the weekend.

Carn Brea Leisure Centre gets pinked up for breast cancer

National Rotary president praises Penryn College Interact Club members for their fundraising efforts

$
0
0

YOUNG Rotarians from Penryn have been praised as a "dedicated team" of fundraisers.

The new officers of Penryn College's Interact Club met Rotary Great Britain and Ireland's president Peter King at BF Adventure in Longdowns.

He was in Cornwall visiting Rotary districts and asked to meet the team which won the title of best club in the country for its competition based on BBC TV show The Apprentice. Teams were given £20 each and had to invest it to make as much as they could.

Their latest efforts have raised money for books and school equipment for children in Africa.

Penryn Rotary Club matched their total and it was enough to send 12 boxes of equipment, which children from the club went to the depot and helped assemble.

Mr King said: "I'm so proud of the achievements of Penryn College Interact Club, being the youngest, and the Rotary Club of Penryn, the smallest club in Cornwall, which always punches above its weight. I hold these up as an example as to what can be achieved by youngsters with a dedicated team behind them."

He praised Rachael Bastian and Lisa Cooke at Penryn College, who help run the club.

The four students, Janna, Cassie, Courtney and Matt – club president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer respectively – were officially inducted during their meeting.

They then got to go down the zip wire at the centre.

Next month the club hosts a fundraising disco and in late January a spider event, when children will be able to meet tarantulas.

Another Apprentice-style competition is also planned.

National Rotary president praises Penryn College Interact Club members for their fundraising efforts


St Francis School in Falmouth wins friendship bench

$
0
0

GROWING potatoes helped secure pupils of one Falmouth primary school a special playground bench.

The colourful buddy bench is aimed at helping youngsters who need a friend at St Francis School.

Anyone who feels lonely can sit at the bench and an older pupil will come and talk to them.

It was a prize in an annual Potato Marketing Board competition for schools.

The school has entered before, but it is the first time they have won, after their haul of potatoes proved the heaviest from the entries across the South West.

They had to grown a local variety and a national variety in potato bags.

Gardening club co- ordinator Doreen Varker said: "We're very pleased. The children harvested them and, once weighed, cooked and ate them."

St Francis School in Falmouth wins friendship bench

Union Corner roundabout scheme in Falmouth "at risk" after Cornwall Council planners deferred approval

$
0
0

A DECISION to delay plans for a major roundabout scheme in Falmouth could scupper it entirely because of a deadline over funding.

Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee deferred making a decision on the planning application for the £2.3million project at Union Corner, saying it had concerns.

The scheme proposes replacing two mini-roundabouts with one bigger one at the junction with Kergilliack Road.

It was drawn up to tackle congestion in the area and in the light of projected traffic growth as a result of various housing schemes in the area, and is also seen as a key step in facilitating Falmouth School's plans to improve sports facilities by taking over the former Budock Hospital site.

The scheme includes a new road leading from the roundabout across the hospital site to link up with Trescobeas Road.

A motion to approve Cornwall Council's own application for the roundabout was lost on the casting vote of chairman Rob Nolan and it was agreed to defer a decision in order to look at some of the issues – including the design and its impact on two properties at Woodman's Corner with access off the roundabout.

A planning officer warned members that any delay could be costly.

The scheme has secured £1.6 million from the Department of Transport but this has be to spent by July and will only be given once the work is completed.

"It's a six-month build and this [delay] could scupper it," he said.

"There are other steps they have to go through, getting tenders, and they are already up against the programme."

Councillor Mark Kaczmarek said he wanted local members to be involved in the design as other roundabouts were "a shambles".

However, it was pointed out by Councillor Neil Hatton that the lack of land available and the effect on other homes precluded the possibility of drawing up any other scheme.

Resident Martin Rosevear said the new design of roundabout, if approved, would force him to cross two lanes of traffic to get out on to the road or having to brake as he left the roundabout – creating a danger – in order to enter his property.

"This is extremely difficult and potentially dangerous, as slowing off the roundabout is not expected behaviour," he said.

Steve Gudge from Cornwall Council said the scheme had been safety audited for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. "It has been a long-held aspiration to develop a much-needed transport enhancement at the site," he said.

"It was identified as unable to cope with existing traffic flows or any future flows from development."

Cornwall and town councillor David Saunby said he had "real reservations" about the proposal's ability to alleviate congestion. "The scheme is destined to fail or at best show little improvement," he said. "I feel the designers have got it wrong."

Councillors are now seeking an extraordinary meeting before the December committee meeting in order to make a decision as soon as possible so the funding is not lost.

Long service award for Pete

$
0
0

A "SELFLESS" and "generous" worker at Helston's naval air station has been commended for his efforts with a special award.

Peter Cole has been presented with the Captain's Award for 20 years of service at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, HMS Seahawk.

He has been employed in a number of roles across the air station and, said Chief Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Lee Herron, had always provided "sterling service".

"For the past 14 years he has worked in the station's physical training department and has acted as essential continuity for a multitude of different Physical Training Instructors and countless customers, receiving plaudits for his limitless efforts," he said.

"Selfless and with huge reserves of common sense, Pete has demonstrated extraordinary levels of initiative, flexibility and trust.

"For him, his basic job description is merely the start of his responsibilities; he continually identifies tasks that without his tenacity would simply not be done.

"He was first employed as a storeman, but his generous nature has been an invaluable asset during periods of manpower shortage when he has ably stepped in to provide astute guidance.

"His advice is much sought after from every level; it is always considered and consistent and he never shirks a difficult decision."

Presenting Mr Cole with the long service award Captain Mark Garratt, the air station's commanding officer, said: "Mr Cole is a fine example to those around him.

"His personal commitment, dedication and determination have contributed directly to the physical development of a generation of RNAS Culdrose personnel.

"For his sterling efforts, and for his overall contribution to HMS Seahawk and the PT department, I am delighted to recognise Mr Cole with this award."

Long service award for Pete

Storm FC referee attack dismissed

$
0
0

AN alleged attack on a referee has been dismissed by the Cornwall Football Association (FA).

Jordan Myatt from Tuckingmill claimed he was punched from behind by a spectator shortly after he blew the final whistle in a match between Hayle FC and Redruth-based Storm Football Club (FC) in May.

After separate investigations by the police and Cornwall FA the charges brought by the 18-year-old against a Storm FC player were dismissed in September.

Richard Pallot, governance manager at Cornwall FA, said: "A discipline hearing was convened by Cornwall FA and after considering all the evidence an independent panel found that the charge against the Storm player was not proven."

A spokesman from Storm FC said: "The club are delighted that the accusations have proved unfounded and that justice was upheld.

"The medical evidence dismissed the claims and a complete lack of witnesses, despite there being several in attendance, meant there was absolutely nothing to back up the stories.

"We would like to thank the Cornish FA for its part in this matter.

"As a result of their hearing, the referee will no longer officiate games involving Storm FC."

Despite efforts by the West Briton, Mr Myatt was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

High quality of work impresses judges at Troon Methodist Art Group's annual exhibition

$
0
0

A NUMBER of high-quality artworks left a judge with some tricky decisions at an annual exhibition.

Event organisers have hailed Troon Methodist Art Group's annual exhibition at the Camborne Community Centre as a great success with more than 70 paintings and other works on display.

Eleanor Bowell, club chairman, said: " It was a very good day and we had a steady stream of visitors."

Judge Paul Jenkins awarded Elisabeth Rickard the best in show for her work, Bluebells, in Pendarves Woods.

Runner-up was Brenda Grassby's oil painting, Lavender Bloom, while Isabel Wood scooped the Ivor Williams Shield for her painting, Walking The Dog.

A new trophy donated by Joy D'Arcy in memory of Phyllis Hosking, was won by Treve Harris for his small oil painting depicting mining heritage.

High quality of work impresses judges at Troon Methodist Art Group's annual exhibition

Night raises cash for Truro City Carnival

$
0
0

LOTS of laughter raised loads of lolly for next year's Truro City Carnival.

Comedian and performer Johnny Cowling entertained the crowds at Truro City Football Club where £300 was raised for the carnival.

Organiser Jonathan Keam, also thanked the football club's chairman Pete Masters for the generous donation of three season tickets for the raffle.

Next year's carnival will be on Saturday, July 11.

Kerry 'overwhelmed'

$
0
0

AN ARTIST has thanked the "generous" and "caring" community for rallying round to help after her home collapsed.

Kerry Tomlins, who works as a Reiki healer and in an office, was dismayed to find herself homeless after a wall of her rented cottage in Piece, Bowling Green, crumbled into the road last week.

Concerned neighbour Anne Lenten spread Kerry's story and started a fund for her in the village which has raised more than £200 through an online GoFundMe donation page and more has been given to landlord Nick Lake of nearby pub The Countryman.

Kerry said: "It is overwhelming, I feel very blessed. I didn't really know Anne before last week and when she came over with another neighbour to tell me about the fund we all got quite tearful.

"It is a really beautiful thing to come out of a crisis, and, in a strange way, it has brought the community together because it has got people talking and coming out and working together."

Anne, who has lived in Bowling Green since 1987, said: "When it happened I thought, 'well, I will see what I can do to make it easier for her'.

"Something like this can happen to anybody, I really feel for her and we are just hoping to make it as less stressful as possible.

"I think it is important for Kerry too to feel that the community and local people care."

The outer wall of the cottage, which has stood for decades on the exposed space between Piece and Carnkie, gave way last Tuesday afternoon.

Kerry said: "My neighbour called me and said 'you have to come home, your wall has fallen down' – he said it had made a really loud noise and he thought it was thunder. I was grateful to be alive because large blocks fell on to the road, right where I park my car and where I walk my dog several times a day.

"I was just relieved that no one was hurt."

The 36-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, has been inundated with offers of places to stay, and is currently living with friends.

She visits the collapsed cottage with her Siberian husky dog, Evie, every day to care for her four cats – all of which escaped unharmed.

Kerry remains upbeat and hopes to return to the cottage in six months' time.

She said: "I believe that the universe has a sense of humour and everything happens for a reason – I certainly don't have anything to grumble about when people are made homeless every day with nowhere to go. I almost feel like I don't deserve the fund when there are so many other people in need, but I am incredibly grateful for the love and support everyone in the village has shown me."

Donations to Kerry's fund can be given to Nick Lake at The Countryman pub or donated online at www.gofundme.com/ga0f24

Kerry 'overwhelmed'


New tin mining project could bring hundreds of jobs to Cornwall

$
0
0

A PROPOSED new project that will mine tin off the north Cornwall coast could be set to create hundreds of jobs and breathe life back into Cornwall's mining economy.

Experts have predicted that a surge in tin demand and the closure of a number of mines across the world will lead to companies flocking to Cornwall to utilise the county's plentiful tin supply.

Marine Minerals LTD, based in Falmouth, is already one year into a two-year research project and has leased sites at Portreath, St Ives Bay and Cligga Cliffs between St Agnes and Perranporth.

If plans go ahead the company will take sand from several kilometres offshore using a seabed crawler excavator, bringing it into Hayle Harbour before extracting the tin concentrate.

Mike Proudfoot, who is chief operations manager for Marine Minerals LTD, says that he hopes the project will be in operation by the end of 2017 and has assured environmentalists that methods used will pose little threat to the environment.

"We will be taking from waste dumped on the seabed and then pump it onto our mother vessel. The spiral then separates the product we're interested in from the waste material, before the waste is placed back to where it was taken from initially.

"Of the 100 per cent of sand that we will take from the seabed, 95 per cent of it will be placed right back.

"We've already been granted an exploratory licence from the Marine Management Organisation and are studying all the wildlife in the area and consulting with a number of environmental governing bodies."

Mining expert Joff Bullen, whose Mining In Cornwall series of books has reached nine volumes, has backed the project. "Following on from the perceived shortfall in tin in Cornwall, four or five companies have expressed an interest in mining in the area," he said.

"Jobs aren't just created for the people working in the industry. It's predicted that for every job created in mining, in turn four more are created in other business areas that support the miners."

According to official figures, San Rafael mine in Peru, one of the world's biggest producers of the metal, is set to close in 2017 leaving a massive supply shortage.

Mr Bullen said that he believed that Cornwall was undoubtedly still very rich in resources and the original collapse of the county's mining industry was caused by external factors. such as the end of the First World War.

Marine Minerals LTD hopes to agree to pay a landing fee to the trustees that are set to take over the management of Hayle harbour, and says they will help clean and maintain the channel once the research project has been completed.

Howard Lyons, Hayle town councillor and representative of Save Our Sands, said: "As an organisationWe are in principle against anyone moving material from the bay, but if Marine Minerals LTD can do so without affecting sand levels and water quality then we would be prepared to support the proposal."

John Bennett, chairman of the Hayle Harbour Trust, the organisation likely to take over the running of the harbour, and the Hayle Harbour Advisory Committee said he would wait until the research project was completed before commenting. revealing his stance.

"If the harbour trust agreed to work with Marine Mineral LTD then everybody would have to be happy with the proposal and any potential issues resolved.

"We will wait until they have conducted their research and then talk. and see what they have to say.

"It could potentially be a good thing for the harbour and the town if the project generates between £100,000 to £200,000 in fees and creates lots of jobs."

New tin mining project could bring hundreds of jobs to Cornwall

Morgan thrilled with late fightback

$
0
0

CORNISH Pirates captain Chris Morgan said it was easy to lift the players for their clash with Cross Keys, despite their British and Irish Cup hopes suffering a huge setback in the days leading up to the game.

The Pirates completed their first series of British and Irish Cup fixtures with a bonus-point victory over Cross Keys at the weekend.

But despite their 35-34 success, their chances of advancing from Pool Four remain slim.

Last week, the RFU issued Pirates a points deduction for fielding too many players during a period of uncontested scrums against Bedford Blues earlier in the competition.

The decision has been appealed and Pirates could still resume the competition in December with 11 points instead of 7.

Either way, Morgan says the players will show the same pride in their performances.

He said: "In our minds, we won that British and Irish Cup game against Bedford.

"But we try not to think too much about what's happened last week, the week before or in the past, the game in front us is the one that matters.

"We didn't have to do much to lift ourselves for this week.

"Away at Doncaster, with a very similar team, we were unlucky not to get the result.

"We had just spoken about how momentum is important and we need to be winning games regardless of the competition.

"Whatever the final outcome of the appeal, we have taken a bonus point win now, we are doing everything we can.

"We still have to go away to Cross Key and Bedford and also Donny at home still to come – anything can still happen.

Heart

"Endeavour from the boys has never been in question this season. They have always shown heart and stuck at it.

"We have a lot of belief in what we are doing, and it shows in the way we tend to come back into games."

The Pirates lost an early lead against Cross Keys but staged a superb second-half comeback to come back from 28-17 to win the game in the final 20 minutes.

"Unfortunately, we've gone through patches in almost all the games where we have given the opposition too much respect or let them get into it," said Morgan."

"We said at the start of the season that this is not a really young team any more, there is some good experience in there as well.

"We have some young exciting players but we do have a new set-up with the coaches, with Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver playing as well as coaching, that's something different.

"We are trying to play some good rugby but we need to defend aggressively, and that is leading to some exciting games.

" We need to put it together for 80 minutes, get that cohesion in both attack and defence for a whole game now."

Festival marks conflict centenary

$
0
0

TRURO Cathedral is holding a ten-day festival of arts events commemorating the centenary of the start of the Great War.

More than 20 events have been confirmed, starting on Monday and including lectures, films, school displays about the war, art exhibitions, worship, poetry readings, concerts and recitals.

The events will culminate in the release of more than 10,000 poppies, representing the Cornish war dead and made by Cornwall's schoolchildren, from the central tower at 11.02am on November 11, after the two-minute silence, allowing them to float down to the cathedral floor.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Roger Bush, said: "The Great War is something that still influences and resonates with many people today. What the cathedral is offering is a chance for people to explore something of the horror, the courage and the determination of people not to be overcome by despair that the war consistently evokes in our imagination.

"The arts are a particularly effective way to reflect on difficult and challenging issues and help to give us different perspectives.

"In this case we hope that they will contribute to the process of honouring our collective memory.

"In word, music and art we hope to shine a few more beams of light into the collective layering that is our past so that further elements of the truth of this cataclysmic and world-changing event can come to light."

Headlining the event is the former MP and Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo, who will be one of three lecturers delivering a lecture programme examining the war.

Well known as a broadcaster and political commentator, his lecture, on Monday at 7pm, will explore the role that railways played in determining how the war was fought and even how they affected the outcome of the war itself.

Other lecturers include Professor Paul Fiddes of Oxford University on Tuesday, and Dr Catriona Pennell from Exeter University on Thursday, November 6.

There will also be two performances of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, on November 8 and 9 at 7.30pm, in which the poetry of Wilfred Owen and the words of the traditional Latin Requiem are set to music. It is nearly 30 years since the last performance of this iconic choral work in Cornwall and Three Spires Singers, a large orchestra and Truro Cathedral Choir will all combine for a moving and emotional tribute to the dead of the Great War.

Before the concert on November 8 Britten expert John Bridcut and BBC Radio 3 presenter Petroc Trelawney will discuss the work at 6pm in the Chapter House.

Three classic movies about the war – All Quiet On The Western Front (November 4), Gallipoli (November 5) and Regeneration (November 6) – will also be shown on the Big Screen in the cathedral.

On Wednesday, November 5, at 7pm there will be a musical tribute to poet and composer Ivor Gurney, who fought in the war as a private soldier, by Jonathan Carne, Naomi Johnston and David McKee.

On Friday, November 7, at 1.10pm Luke Bond, the cathedral's assistant director of music, gives an organ recital exploring the war's effects on the music and personalities of early 20th-century British music, and providing a visually arresting backdrop to all the events will be two linked art exhibitions by St Ives artist Roy Ray, entitled No Man's Land and Trenches.

Roy juxtaposes fragments of the soldiers' lives and fragments of the terrible war machine to create a stunning testament to sacrifice, loss and horror over the loss of life.

Roy has been working on his No Man's Land exhibition during the past few weeks within the cathedral.

Cornwall Remembers is Truro Cathedral's four-year commemoration of the centenary of the First World War and consists of a range of worship and other linked events which are taking place throughout the 2014-18 period.

Funding for the week of events has been partly provided by the Arts Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For more information about Cornwall Remembers see www.cornwallremembers. org.uk or www.trurorcathedral.org.uk

Tickets for most events are available from the Hall for Cornwall on 01872 262466 or www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Festival marks conflict centenary

War poetry will take the place of prayers

$
0
0

POETRY commemorating the First World War will be read by familiar faces from across Cornwall in Truro Cathedral next week as part of its Cornwall Remembers project.

Retired teacher Simon Price has selected 35 war poems, from the hundreds written, to commemorate the centenary of the start of the Great War.

The First World War was different from previous conflicts not just because of the 20 million deaths, but because it produced in England an unprecedented – and unsurpassed – outpouring of literature, particularly poetry.

Mr Price said: "In undertaking the project, some criteria for selection were definitely needed.

"I had to find as wide as possible a range of material, covering the idealism as well as the disillusionment, the horror and pity of the trenches, and the experience of civilians back home.

"I had to include the voices of women, and voices from Germany and other countries. I wanted to cover the many different human reactions to the war, including the powerful cries of simple grief, or outbursts of bitter or sarcastic anger, as well as the many less obvious and more complex responses, but above all I looked for poems that would paint for us what it was like: vignettes in the mud of Northern France and Belgium, or inside the field hospital, or in the farmland and streets back home."

A poem will be read on the hour each day of the week between 10am and 4pm from Monday to Friday, November 3 to 7, taking the place of the usual prayers on the hour.

Tell us what you think of the West Briton - and win an iPad

$
0
0

Would you like to see a change in the West Briton? Do you feel the paper could better reflect your community, your lifestyle and your area? Or do you love your local paper just the way it is?

For more than 200 years, the West Briton has successfully informed, entertained and interacted with our readers and we're still doing that – in some ways more so than ever as our online audience grows.

We know that as much as we can put our news and sport online and gain an instant reaction to everything we publish, the paper itself is still at the heart of everything we do.

It's still the way most people want to find out what's going on in their local community or across Cornwall, see their friends and family in print, buy and sell their homes, cars and unwanted items and reach their customers.

We love the paper and we put our heart and soul into it every week. But we know it has to evolve to keep attracting new people and giving you, our loyal readers, exactly what you want. So, we are looking to make a few changes. But we don't want to change anything without consulting you.

Today, we are asking you to fill out a questionnaire. Don't hold back – we want to know all your thoughts. Tell us what you love but don't be afraid to tell us where you think we could be better too.

And of course, we wouldn't be making you do all this hard work without an incentive, so there's an iPad up for grabs for one of you lucky responders too. We appreciate you taking the time to help us out and we look forward to reading your responses. Help us shape the future of your paper.

Click here to fill out the questionnaire now.

Tell us what you think of the West Briton - and win an iPad

Viewing all 9616 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>