Emma Ferguson

Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited has become a registered charity, number 1217390, and will operate independently from the Helston Railway Preservation Society, which previously fundraised for the railway. The new charity will manage its own membership, communications, fundraising and operations, while benefiting from Gift Aid and VAT relief. The company says the change will provide clearer governance and support the railway’s maintenance, restoration, extension and educational work. Tim Childs, chair of the Preservation Society, said the two-entity structure protects railway assets and explained that his organization will continue acquiring land, including work connected to the Cober Viaduct, while the company pursues its own fundraising and membership scheme.

Devon and Cornwall Police seized 271 e-bikes between May 2025 and May 2026, up 168% from the previous year and among the highest totals outside London. Officers have focused enforcement on Falmouth, Camborne and St Austell, targeting illegally modified bikes, including models capable of speeds up to 50mph. National seizures also rose sharply to 7,049. Police, politicians, safety charities and the Government link illegal e-bikes to antisocial behaviour, crime, collisions and battery fires, while acknowledging that most legal users ride responsibly. New powers allowing police to seize antisocially used vehicles without first issuing a warning came into force on June 29, 2026.

Plans submitted to Cornwall Council propose converting a light industrial unit at Water-ma-Trout Industrial Estate near Helston into a mixed-use Cornish food hub associated with Ann's Pasties. The facility would combine pasty production, a retail counter, indoor and outdoor seating for up to 60 people, and an events and workshop area with pasty-making classes. If approved, it would operate daily from 7:30am to 9pm and create eight full-time and eight part-time jobs. The proposal includes customer viewing of the baking process, biodegradable packaging, Cornish-sourced ingredients, energy-efficient ovens, accessible design and measures to limit delivery disruption and baking odours.

Police are appealing for information to help locate sisters Summer, 14, and Skye, 15, from West Cornwall. They were last seen in Truro and reported missing on Friday, with possible sightings or locations in the Redruth, Penryn or Falmouth areas. The public is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Ann's Pasties has received conditional planning permission from Cornwall Council to open a small retail outlet in a single-storey container between Helston Business Park and Tresprison Business Park. The council cited economic benefits, support for a local Cornish-produce business and additional employment, while concluding that the outlet would not create unacceptable noise, amenity or traffic impacts. The shop is intended primarily to serve workers in nearby business parks, with parking and turning arrangements still subject to approval before opening.

The touring West End production of Annie will run at Truro’s Hall for Cornwall from September 29 to October 4. Claire Sweeney discusses taking on the role of the villainous Miss Hannigan, a character she has wanted to play since childhood, and explains why the musical continues to resonate through its familiar songs and heartfelt story. She also reflects on her long-standing love of theatre, her favourite performance moment, touring essentials and advice for aspiring young actors.

A 0.573-acre freehold plot near Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall, an area nicknamed “Hollywood on Sea” for its celebrity residents, is being offered at auction with a guide price of £30,000. The land has sea views and potential for leisure or other development, but no planning permission; prospective buyers must consult Cornwall Council. Flint Real Estate is handling the sale, scheduled for September 30, 2026, with bidders required to register and complete identity verification.

A photo-led account of Cornwall's 2026 partial solar eclipse, which reached up to 96% coverage in the region. Clear skies enabled people in Falmouth and elsewhere in Cornwall to watch the eclipse using specialist glasses and homemade viewing methods, while Packet reporters and readers captured images from locations including Gyllyngvase Beach, Pendennis Castle, Truro, Helston and St Ives.

John Mules, a retired physics teacher and former head of upper school at Helston Grammar School, died peacefully at home aged 92. Born in Launceston, he studied physics at Oxford before beginning a teaching career in Kettering and later moving to Cornwall. Former students remembered him as firm but fair, warm and respectful. After retiring in 1989, he organised Cornwall's blood donor scheme, donated more than 50 pints of blood, and remained active in lifesaving, Methodism and rugby. A service of thanksgiving was scheduled at Balwest Methodist Church, with donations requested for Prostate Cancer UK and the Salvation Army.

Thousands of people attended Porthleven Lifeboat Day for family entertainment, live music, harbour demonstrations and RNLI displays. Lifeboats from Lizard RNLI and Penlee took part, while local groups provided activities including swimming events, gig rowing, environmental games, craft sessions and a working-boats water fight. The event also raised support for the RNLI, with local businesses, volunteers and community organizations contributing to its success.

Jason Isaacs says publicity for the US release of The Salt Path will be difficult after controversies surrounding Raynor Winn’s memoir. He continues to regard the film as beautiful and says much of its story remains valid, while acknowledging that claims about the couple’s homelessness and Moth Winn’s corticobasal degeneration have been questioned. An Observer investigation alleged that some events may have been misrepresented, prompting Winn to describe the report as unfair and misleading.

David Toseland, a much-loved Falmouth resident and acclaimed cricket and football player, died at 73 after a period of illness. He was remembered for his 46-year career as a conveyancer at Hine Downing, his dedication to his wife Sue and family, and his enduring contribution to local sport. His funeral will be held at All Saints' Church in Falmouth on August 24, followed by a wake at Falmouth Cricket Club, with donations supporting the Sunrise Centre and Headland Unit.

Hundreds of participants marched through Falmouth in pink wigs and mermaid-themed costumes to launch Falmouth Week 2026. Starting at the Greenbank Hotel and ending at the Falmouth Week Event Marquee, the event included music from Falmouth Marine Band, a silent disco, a raffle and community fundraising. Proceeds support breast cancer care at the Mermaid Centre at Royal Cornwall Hospital, funding equipment, staff training and facility improvements.

Royal Navy trials in southern England demonstrated that drones and Wildcat helicopters can operate together over distances of up to 200 miles, linking Cornwall with Somerset and Salisbury Plain. The Dragon Rider exercise used a secure Mobile Ad-hoc Network to transmit live video and sensor data, identify targets, communicate securely and remotely control drones. The Navy considers the low-cost system ready for operational use, with the next stage involving satellite communications to enable secure worldwide control of drone fleets from the UK. The technology is intended to protect human crews, extend reconnaissance and targeting capabilities, and increase the number of units available to commanders.

A Church of England scheme has been approved to combine benefices across 16 Cornwall parishes, including Constantine, Helston and Wendron, The Lizard, Mullion, and Cury with Gunwalloe, under a team ministry. Following 171 objections, 23 supporting representations and further comments, an additional team vicar was added to the original plan for one team rector and one team vicar. The Church Commissioners said concerns about priest-led services, pastoral care, travel times and Helston’s separate needs did not outweigh evidence supporting a collaborative model. Each parish will retain its identity, and no church buildings will close.

The Truro Diocesan Board of Finance has applied for permission in principle to build between five and nine homes on nearly 0.7 hectares of agricultural land south of Parc Garland at Church Cove on The Lizard. Landewednack Parish Council strongly objects, citing the loss of Grade 3a farmland, possible harm to the National Landscape and Heritage Coast, flooding and drainage risks, pressure on sewage, water and other infrastructure, light pollution, and highway safety concerns affecting access to the RNLI Lizard Lifeboat Station. Thirty-nine public objections have been submitted. No detailed designs have yet been provided, and Cornwall Council is expected to decide the application this month.

A man in his 40s reported being approached and assaulted by three men near the river at Coulson Park in Lostwithiel on Tuesday, July 28. He escaped without injury. Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating and asking witnesses or anyone with information to contact them, with anonymous reports accepted through Crimestoppers.

Eleven-year-old Orkney Reid is preparing to run 77 kilometres over seven days from Porthleven to the Isles of Scilly to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. The challenge will include runs from Porthleven to Penzance, a ferry crossing on the Scillonian, and routes across St Agnes, St Martins, Bryher, Tresco and St Mary’s. Reid, who has fundraised since age four and has completed increasingly demanding endurance events, will be accompanied by his mother Samaya, with each stage recorded on Strava. His previous efforts have earned national recognition, including a Marine Conservation Society award and BBC Make a Difference Awards success.

A campaign led by Dennis Lucan is calling for the planned average speed cameras on the A3083 past RNAS Culdrose in Helston to be paused and formally reviewed. Freedom of Information documents show that 343 of 558 consultation respondents opposed all or part of the proposal, while funding appears to have been approved before the consultation began. The £250,000 scheme will install average speed cameras but retain the existing 60mph limit, abandoning the proposed reduction to 50mph. Campaigners are also seeking clarification over funding discrepancies, petition rules and whether resources should instead support targeted enforcement and road engineering. Cornwall Council says funding was secured as part of normal scheme development and that its decision considered consultation responses, collision history, speed data, coroner recommendations and its road-safety responsibilities.

Tregonning Burrows Glamping, a two-acre site near Helston in West Cornwall, is being marketed for £750,000. The freehold sale includes four glamping pods, an owners’ four-bedroom bungalow, a static caravan, and views toward Mount’s Bay. The property is promoted as a home-and-income opportunity, with the secluded location and quality of the pods praised by guests.

A celebration of life for Penryn resident Harrison May, who died aged 28 after a sudden deterioration in his health, will be held at Penryn Rugby Club on August 7. His mother, Karen Harris, remembered him as a kind and joyful Disney fan whose laughter, music, dancing and resilience brought happiness to others despite his rare chromosome deletion, autism, seizures, learning difficulties and scoliosis. The family thanked hospital staff and local support organizations and is raising money through GoFundMe for a personalised headstone and a scoliosis charity.

Ginger’s Diner in Redruth, Cornwall, will close later this year after owner Ashley Sweet decided not to renew its lease. Rising operating costs and financial pressures affecting independent hospitality businesses contributed to the decision. The diner, which opened in March 2024 as a 1950s-style coffee shop and milkshake bar, became a community hub known for events, local support and providing an inclusive space. Its planned final trading day is October 17, subject to change, followed by a public open house where furniture, equipment, décor and memorabilia will be sold.

Twenty-one people will be inducted into the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow at a ceremony in Bodmin on September 5, 2026. Led by Grand Bard Jenefer Lowe, the event will honour contributions to Cornish language, culture, identity, music, arts, history, archaeology and community life. The ceremony, conducted in Cornish with English translations available, forms part of the Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture.

Harbour House pub in Flushing received a one-star Food Standards Agency rating following a Cornwall Council inspection on July 1, 2026. Inspectors found that hygienic food handling needed improvement and that food-safety management required major improvement, while the cleanliness and condition of the facilities were rated good. The rating will not change until a follow-up inspection, and Harbour House had not responded to the Falmouth Packet's requests for comment. The pub, owned by William Speed and Tamara Costin, opened in 2023 and was later included in the Michelin Guide.

Falmouth Carnival will return as part of Falmouth Week, with a family fun day at Falmouth Rugby Club from noon and the parade departing at 6:30pm before ending at Events Square. A free Carnival Night at the Waterfront Marquee will feature Kernoasis and Falmouth Soul Sensation. Falmouth Marine Band Cornwall and Falmouth Town Council are organising the event, with donations and proceeds supporting local community groups and charities. Entrants must register online by August 1 for floats or August 7 for marching entries.

CAST in Helston will run its free CAST-Off programme throughout August, with family-oriented artist-led activities at Penrose every Saturday, including printmaking, botanical inks, seaweed pressing, serpentine polishing, clay modelling and painting. Free Wednesday workshops at CAST’s Art Studio will cover maritime painting, block printing, mobile-making and portrait printing. The programme is supported by FEAST, Discovering 42, Cornwall Council and the Geoffrey and Carol Holland Trust, while CAST is seeking donations to keep the activities free. Visitors can also use a camera obscura, view films by Mikhail Karikis and visit the CAST Café.

Whitbread has confirmed closure dates for ten Premier Inn-linked restaurants in Cornwall. Eight sites, including locations in Bodmin, Camborne, Helston, Newquay, St Austell and Wadebridge, will close on September 3; Loggans Moor Brewers Fayre will close after dinner service on September 7, and the Carnon Inn Beefeater will close on September 10. The closures form part of Whitbread’s plan to sell or replace its branded restaurants, add hotel extension rooms and focus on its hotel business. The company says guests will continue to receive breakfast and dinner through restaurants located inside Premier Inn hotels, while the wider UK programme is expected to put around 3,800 jobs at risk.

A teenage paddleboarder, 19-year-old Vincent McNevin, helped rescue a father who became exhausted while trying to reach his two children after they drifted offshore from Marazion beach in Cornwall. McNevin kept the father on his paddleboard while Penlee RNLI rescued the children, who were cold and frightened but safe. Coastguard officers advised the father to seek medical attention if his condition changed. The RNLI praised McNevin's intervention and urged water users to check weather and tide conditions, avoid offshore winds, wear flotation devices and use suitable clothing.

Ofsted praised King Charles CofE Primary School in Falmouth for its strong early years education, caring ethos, ambitious curriculum, inclusive support for pupils with SEND and effective character development. Inspectors found expected standards across other areas, but identified weaknesses in the consistency of teaching handwriting, punctuation and spelling, as well as in evaluating support for disadvantaged pupils. The school must address these issues to sustain improvements in achievement and attendance.

Helston Indian restaurant Anglo Asia has improved its Food Standards Agency hygiene rating from level 5 to level 4 after an inspection identified major weaknesses in food safety management, particularly allergy documentation. Supervisor Abdul Ahad said the issues were addressed within two weeks, the staff member involved had left, and updated allergy warnings were added to the menus. The restaurant is now working toward regaining a level 5 rating. A dining review praised the warm service, richly spiced chicken sagwala tawa, well-heated jalfrezi and garlic naan.

Circus Funtasia has replaced diesel generators with solar panels installed on its touring vehicles, supported by large-capacity battery storage. The system is designed to power lighting, sound, catering, heating, air conditioning and other daily operations during the company’s 2026 UK tour. The circus says the move may make it the first touring circus in the UK to operate on solar power and could encourage other touring productions to adopt more sustainable practices. Its current run is in Helston, followed by dates in Bude, Pool and Par Market.

Two children were rescued after an offshore north-easterly wind swept them away from Marazion beach while they were paddleboarding. Penlee RNLI launched its Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat after being alerted by Falmouth Coastguard, bringing the cold and frightened children safely back to shore and reuniting them with their parents. The RNLI urged people to check weather and tide conditions, wear personal flotation devices, dress appropriately, and avoid going onto the water in offshore winds.

Helston Community College held an awards evening celebrating the academic achievement, determination and effort of more than 60 nominated students. Awards were presented across subject areas, alongside Head of Year awards for exceptional students. Guest speaker Professor Martin Siegert encouraged students to show courage, resilience and kindness, while the college concert band and Year 10 food technology students contributed to the event.

Helstonbury 2026 delivered four days of live music and community fundraising at the Blue Anchor Inn in Helston, highlighted by a jazz night featuring a reunion of the Helston School Jazz Orchestra celebrating Clive King’s 20 years of leadership. Multiple stages showcased emerging local talent and a wide range of performances across the weekend. Organisers thanked performers and attendees for contributing to the long-running festival’s continued success.

Planning advice from Cornwall Council requires relocating a proposed pay and display machine at Porthleven harbour to reduce its impact on nearby listed structures and the conservation area. An alternative site beside the Albatross Gallery was recommended, with guidance to use minimal and unobtrusive signage. A full planning application and separate advertisement consent will be necessary, and consultation with local representatives and residents is advised before submission.

Residents near Treloyhan Manor in Carbis Bay have filed 26 objections to a licence variation request that would allow the hotel to sell alcohol outdoors from 9am to 9pm daily in a new barbecue and seating area. Neighbours argue the proposal would cause noise and disruption in the quiet residential area and note a similar application was rejected in 2025. The residents’ management company warned that licensing the area could permit amplified music and increase nuisance risks. The application will be reviewed by Cornwall Council’s Licensing Act Sub-Committee on July 22.

A suspected ordnance device found near Pordenack on the Lands End coastal path prompted an emergency response, with the area cordoned off by the Coastguard until explosive ordnance specialists arrived and carried out a controlled detonation. The public was reminded not to touch suspicious objects and to call emergency services if such items are found.

Katie Price is filming a behind-the-scenes documentary titled Katie Price, Cornwall and Me, showcasing a lighter and more authentic side of her as she explores Cornwall with presenter Lewis Nicholls. Directed by Shane Solomon, the production features various adventure activities, including ziplining at the Eden Project, and will also include appearances by her son Harvey. Filming continues for another week, with viewers invited to suggest additional activities, while Price and the team share updates across social media.

A set of archival photos highlights community events across Cornwall in July 2004, including Penryn Carnival, Stithians Show, Mawgan parish church fete, and Cadgwith Buller Day. Despite reduced entries, Penryn Carnival raised funds for local charities, while favourable weather boosted attendance at Stithians Show. Other gatherings also successfully supported local causes.

More than 430 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of a rising bollard in Falmouth town centre that restricts daytime vehicle access and limits entry to the Church Street car park. Traders argue the bollard harms business by reducing parking and delivery opportunities, while Cornwall Council has previously rejected a smaller petition due to insufficient signatures. Efforts to negotiate a seasonal compromise have stalled, with officials requesting more statistical evidence. Support for the bollard remains among some residents and advocacy groups who view it as part of broader pedestrianisation goals.

Helston Town Council approved plans to redevelop the Guildhall basement into a council-managed business and co-working hub, replacing the existing public toilets. The project would introduce hot desks, offices, meeting rooms and shared facilities, with potential for future workshops and events. Some council functions will relocate to Water-Ma-Trout, while the Guildhall will retain a reception area and meeting spaces. A new lift will require removal of a small toilet and part of the mayor’s parlour. The project remains dependent on securing funding, with a planning application to be prepared to ensure readiness for future financing opportunities.

The Premier League trophy will be displayed at Fonehouse in Camborne on August 1 as part of a Sky promotional campaign, with the store selected as one of only six locations nationwide. Store owner Ian Gilbert expressed excitement about hosting the trophy and plans to welcome visitors with limited free goodie bags for those wearing football shirts. Gilbert, who has run the store for nearly 25 years and chairs BID Camborne, described the opportunity as a significant honour.

A youth theatre group in Falmouth will stage Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Princess Pavilion from August 5 to 8, marking the final production directed by Ashley Spear. The cast of performers aged ten to twenty includes Miriam McDonagh as Elle Woods and Indiana Dalziel as Emmett. The show will feature popular musical numbers and include a relaxed, accessible performance on August 8. With a history of sell-out productions, the group encourages early booking, and tickets are available through its website or by phone.

A Penryn College student, Isla, earned national distinction by placing among the top Year 8 pupils in the UKMT Junior Mathematical Olympiad, receiving a Certificate of Distinction and a bronze medal. She has a long record of mathematical success and is also celebrated for significant sporting achievements. Additional Penryn College students earned awards in the Junior Maths Kangaroo Challenge, reflecting the strength of the school’s mathematics programme.

A Pool Academy maths teacher was banned from teaching for at least five years after a Teaching Regulation Agency panel found he possessed and used cocaine during a staff Christmas party. Witness testimony supported the findings, and the panel concluded his actions harmed the profession’s reputation and could affect pupil wellbeing. The Secretary of State’s representative imposed the prohibition order, citing a lack of remorse and risk of repeated behaviour. Pool Academy said it acted promptly, completed internal safeguarding procedures, and referred the case to the TRA. The teacher may appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

A councillor is urging completion of a safety review for the A30 between Loggans Moor Roundabout and Treswithian Interchange following a crash that killed two boys. Mike Thomas plans to present a motion at the upcoming Cornwall Council meeting and is requesting historic data on serious incidents from the road’s opening in 1985 through the early 2000s to support the review. He will also propose safety improvements for the affected section of the A30.

The 2026 Stithians Show drew large crowds for a full day of agricultural competitions, family activities, food and craft stalls, and live entertainment. Livestock, equestrian and domestic categories featured heavily, with expanded cavy championships and numerous prize winners across sections. Trade stand awards recognised local businesses, while reduced ticket prices supported attendance under a government VAT reduction initiative. Organisers praised the strong turnout, favourable weather and community spirit marking the nearly 200-year-old event.

Eden Sessions reversed a plan to move CMAT’s concert to an earlier time after significant backlash from ticket holders concerned about missing parts of the show due to work commitments and short notice. The schedule change was originally proposed to accommodate screening England’s World Cup semi-final, prompting strong criticism on social media. Organizers reinstated the original performance times and will instead show the match separately in the Link building.

A long-vacant former waffle house in Truro’s Victoria Square is being auctioned with a guide price of £80,000 to £130,000. The three‑storey freehold property requires refurbishment and has potential for redevelopment, with draft plans for a split‑level flat or a four‑bedroom HMO. Auction House London advises buyers to conduct their own planning enquiries. Viewings are available by appointment ahead of the July 29 auction.

Events across Cornwall in July 2006 included a large celebration marking Mylor Yacht Harbour’s 200th anniversary, a visit by the Countess of Wessex to commemorate 50 years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, the 40th anniversary of the An Gof Commemoration in St Keverne and a community fair in Ponsanooth raising funds for local playing field repairs.

A landmark free house near Carbis Bay has been listed for sale at £675,000, offering bar and dining areas, a commercial kitchen, outdoor seating, and two‑bedroom owners’ accommodation with approval to convert the attic into an additional flat. The Cornish Arms is marketed by Scott Burridge Commercial and has a strong TripAdvisor rating, with reviews praising its traditional pub food despite mixed views on its Sunday roast.

A blood biker delivering medical supplies was hit by a car while turning into the Cornwall Air Ambulance base on the A3059 near Newquay, prompting renewed road safety measures. Devon & Cornwall Police announced upcoming mobile speed enforcement after reviewing a collision history that includes multiple serious injuries and a fatality. An AI‑equipped camera trailer previously detected hundreds of drivers using mobile phones or not wearing seat belts, and the feasibility of a permanent camera is under review. Cornwall Air Ambulance supports the enforcement actions due to a rising number of incidents affecting staff, volunteers and the public.

A man arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer a suspect as police continue an extensive investigation into her death at a property near Dartmoor. Devon and Cornwall Police are conducting forensic work, house‑to‑house inquiries, and CCTV searches while maintaining a strong presence in the area. Officers urge the public not to speculate and to submit any information via the Major Incident Public Portal or Crimestoppers. Widdecombe’s family is being supported, and police emphasize their commitment to identifying those responsible and determining the full circumstances of the incident.

Cornwall Council will make 95 of its car parks cashless from August 1 to reduce cash‑handling costs and will retain coin‑operated machines at 43 sites, ensuring one cash‑payment option per community. The council cites high operational expenses and the dominance of card and app payments, while encouraging users to consider the JustPark wallet for lower daily costs.

A children’s sailing regatta on the Helford River will be supported by the Polurrian Hotel, the headline sponsor for the 20th Children’s Sailing Trust Schools’ Regatta. The event will involve more than 60 pupils from local primary schools competing in sailing races and other activities while raising funds for the trust. Representatives from the hotel emphasised its commitment to youth development and community engagement, while the trust highlighted the importance of the sponsorship. The hotel’s support coincides with its broader community initiatives and a £10 million redevelopment project scheduled for completion in 2027.

More than 100 classic cars and bikes gathered along Penzance Promenade for the 2026 Classic Car & Bike Show, attracting hundreds of visitors. Organized by Penzance Rotary Club to raise funds for the Fishermen’s Mission, the event featured polished vintage vehicles and live performances from local bands and entertainers.

Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club marks 20 years since opening its hotel in 2006, celebrating its growth from a golf club into a wider hospitality destination. Owners Graham and Clare Bond highlight longstanding community support and returning guests as central to the venue’s success. Anniversary events include a month-long celebration, a new film, a limited-edition package and a competition. The hotel has expanded facilities over two decades, overcoming challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic. Upgrades and renovations continue as the family looks forward to the future.

A community venue in Godolphin Cross has been equipped with free 500Mbps ultrafast broadband through Wildanet’s Project Gigabit rollout, supporting residents, traders and local groups with enhanced digital access. The service, provided free for three years, is part of a broader regional upgrade enabling around 1,400 homes and businesses in surrounding areas to access full‑fibre connectivity. Community leaders highlighted the importance of digital access in rural areas, while Wildanet emphasised the role of local venues in supporting community life.

An 18‑month Sunrise Appeal–funded acupuncture pilot at The Cove Macmillan Support Centre in Truro supported more than 80 cancer patients, helping manage long‑lasting treatment side effects such as dry mouth, hot flushes, pain and anxiety. Led by radiographer and acupuncturist Jenny Doolan, the program saw high demand, exceeding 150 referrals before closing to ensure all patients could be treated. Feedback was strongly positive, and the success has prompted plans to continue support for head and neck cancer patients and explore ways to expand acupuncture services for others.

A free four-day Newquay Food Festival will return to Killacourt in Cornwall from July 9–12, offering live-fire cooking demonstrations, local food and drink, and a full music programme. The event will feature chefs including Adam Handling, Charlotte Vincent and Adam Banks, with bars serving St Ives Brewery drinks and a range of food options from seafood to wood‑fired pizzas. Organisers say the festival continues to expand, with more chefs, traders and entertainment celebrating Cornwall’s food scene.

An historic 16th‑century pub, the Old Ferry Inn in Bodinnick, is being auctioned with a guide price of £475,000 and nine letting rooms overlooking the Fowey Estuary. Auction appraiser James Lofthouse expects strong interest due to the inn’s location and facilities. The property is offered freehold with vacant possession, with multiple viewing dates available. A 2024 proposal to convert part of the inn into residential space drew significant local opposition and was ultimately rejected by Cornwall Council in 2025.

Hundreds of jellyfish, mostly harmless moon jellyfish, were washed ashore and stranded at Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, requiring staff to remove 11 wheelbarrows and 20 trugs of them to make the pool safe for visitors. The pool team noted that jellyfish commonly appear along the coast at this time of year due to warm sea temperatures, though a bloom of this size is unusual. Once stranded, the jellyfish cannot survive and were left to become part of the natural coastal ecosystem. Staff also reported finding a few blue and barrel jellyfish and encouraged the public to learn more or report sightings through the Marine Conservation Society.

Penzance Driving Test Centre is expected to reduce waiting times as the UK Government increases examiner capacity at both Penzance and Camborne centres and improves online booking visibility. MP Andrew George, who campaigned for expanded services and gained over 1,000 petition signatures, welcomed the move but said its impact will be closely monitored. Transport minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that additional DVSA resources are being deployed, aiming to restore better access for learner drivers in west Cornwall.

Kate Lockett has left the Falmouth Packet after four years to become a digital and on‑air reporter for Rewind Radio in Cornwall. The station, marking its fifth anniversary, highlights her experience and strong local connections, with leadership praising her appointment as part of efforts to strengthen local news coverage. Colleagues from the Packet commend her contributions and express confidence in her future success at the independent Redruth‑based broadcaster.

Lifeguards at Perranporth beach conducted three rescues over consecutive days, aiding a surfer, a kayaker and a young bodyboarder who encountered dangerous surf and strong currents. The incidents required the use of rescue boats and careful navigation through challenging waves. RNLI supervisors praised the team’s coordinated response and reiterated safety guidance encouraging beachgoers to swim between designated flags, follow Float to Live advice and call the Coastguard in emergencies.

The building housing Mr B's ice cream shop on Penpol Terrace in Hayle is for sale as a retail investment, though the business itself will remain in place under a 15‑year lease that began in 2018. The property generates £12,000 in annual rent, with planned increases over the remaining term, and is listed at £130,000. Mr B's continues to attract strong local and tourist support, while the sale is being handled by Miller Commercial.

A competition offers readers the chance to win two adult tickets to the 2026 Stithians Show, Cornwall’s largest one-day agricultural event scheduled for July 13. The show features livestock competitions, equestrian classes, vintage vehicles and a wide range of family attractions. Participants can enter by answering a simple question and submitting the online form before July 8, 2026.

A Bodmin rider, Rachael Claridge, and her hand‑reared horse Indie won the 120km two‑day endurance ride at Boconnoc. Indie, bottle‑fed as a foal after being rejected by his dam, has developed into a successful long‑distance horse with more than 1,600km of Endurance GB mileage. The achievement highlights the bond between horse and rider and reflects years of dedication from the Claridge family. Rachael hopes Indie’s success will inspire others to try endurance riding and aims to continue the season with further competitions.

Cornwall’s men’s and women’s rugby teams presented their championship trophies at St Austell Brewery following major wins in the County Championship and Gill Burns Division 2. The event highlighted the brewery’s long-standing support of regional rugby through its Tribute Pale Ale sponsorship, which extends from grassroots to senior county teams. Representatives from both squads attended, with the brewery praising the achievement and reaffirming its commitment to supporting rugby across Cornwall and the wider South West.

Newly installed parking meters at Helston’s Fairground Car Park were vandalised with foam on the first day of charging, prompting a police investigation. Cornwall Council said repairs will be required but charges still apply through the JustPark app. The introduction of parking fees has drawn strong local opposition, including objections from Helston Town Council, residents, and Cornwall councillors. Despite 969 objections and a petition with over 4,000 signatures, the council approved the charges, citing resurfacing costs and the car park’s long-term future. Local officials plan to continue challenging the decision ahead of the next review in 2027.

A long-running Christmas lights display in Angarrack faces cancellation after Storm Goretti caused extensive damage, destroying the volunteer collection hut and affecting major installations. Organisers launched a £10,000 fundraising appeal for repairs, LED upgrades and safety improvements, stressing the importance of the event to local families and visitors. A GoFundMe campaign seeks additional community support to ensure the tradition can continue.