Christine Butler

The restoration of Saltash Pebble Memorial in Cornwall has been completed. The memorial contains 141 individually painted pebbles representing 140 local soldiers who died in World War One, plus one stone for those whose names were never recorded. The pebbles had faded since the memorial was created in 2018, but they have now been reinstated in resin, coated for greater durability and repainted with quality paint. The project was led by members of Saltash’s Great War 1914-1918 Committee, while relatives described the memorial as an important place for remembrance and reflection.

Residents in Portreath oppose an Environment Agency flood defence plan, warning it could allow sewage from combined sewer overflows to enter a widened stream and pollute the beach, harming wildlife and reducing safety for children. Campaigners argue the costly project offers insufficient flood protection and replaces a preferred upstream water-storage approach. The Environment Agency maintains the scheme protects homes and businesses and says upstream storage is not viable due to environmental and mining‑related risks.

A new purpose-built cargo vessel, Menawethan, was officially named to replace the aging Gry Maritha on the route between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group highlighted the ship as a major community investment designed to improve year‑round reliability and capacity. Constructed in Vietnam and rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope due to regional instability near the Suez Canal, the vessel is part of a £40m upgrade that also includes a new passenger ship due in 2027. The outgoing vessels, long central to island life, are now up for sale.

Hundreds gathered at Gyllyngvase beach to support Ruth Hitchcock as she completed her 1,000th consecutive daily swim, an effort that has raised more than £65,000 for neuroendocrine cancer research. Hitchcock began the challenge in October 2023 to raise awareness of her husband Dave’s terminal stage four neuroendocrine cancer. The couple aim to promote earlier diagnosis, noting widespread lack of awareness among medical professionals. Supporters joined the milestone event, and Neuroendocrine Cancer UK praised Hitchcock’s dedication and impact.