This past week has been a stark reminder of the powerful forces of nature, and of the even greater power of our community spirit. Storm Goretti certainly left its mark as it blew through Newquay.

I don’t know what your experience was, but in our home we spent an anxious evening listening to the sound of crashing glass and breaking roof tiles, with garden walls and fencing taking a direct hit.

The morning revealed a landscape of scattered branches and debris. Yet, what stays with me most is not the disruption, but the response. In the clear light of day, the true character of Newquay shone through.

Neighbours checked on each other, shared tools, and began clearing up with a real ‘blitz’ spirit. That collective effort to mend and restore is what defines us.

It felt fitting, then, to join the wonderful annual Wassail at Newquay Orchard on Saturday. This ancient tradition of making a riotous noise to ward off bad spirits and bless the apple trees for a fruitful harvest was a perfect metaphor.

Together, as a community, we can chase away the gloom and nurture new growth. The event was a joyful, muddy, and loud celebration of togetherness, and a hopeful look forward to brighter seasons ahead.

My thanks to every resident who lent a hand to a neighbour this week, and to the teams who worked swiftly to clear our streets and restore services. It’s this resilience and care for one another that ensures we don’t just weather the storms but emerge stronger.

After the storm, a much milder week ahead. Todayis probably the best day. There will be a few showers towards the weekend.

A replacement catamaran fishing boat is working from the harbour. Not many crabs catching but there are a few pollock and bass when the boats can get out.

This Saturday Mighty Howlers are playing at the Rowing Club at 9pm. On Sunday “Harbour Rats are playing at 3pm, while at 5.30pm there will be a presentation to CHSW from the Rowing Club Singers.

Thought for the Week: ”The older you get, the more friends you lose “