A very Happy New Year to you all!

I hope you managed to find some rest and joyful downtime over the festive period.

What a magnificent way we had to begin 2026! I was absolutely thrilled to lead the charge into the harbour on New Year’s Day for the fantastic dip in support of Young Lives vs Cancer. It was an incredible community event, with almost 500 people taking part and many hundreds more offering their support from the shores. While the water was a truly invigorating 9 degrees, the atmosphere was so warm and positive. A huge thank you to every volunteer who made it happen, and to the RNLI and Surf Life Saving Club for their expert oversight in keeping everyone safe.

This community spirit was also embodied by resident Heather Stanton, whom I met over the holidays. Heather is raising vital funds for the Royal British Legion by committing to walk 10,000 steps every day, a brilliant cause. You can find her Justgiving page via my Facebook to support her fantastic efforts. Well done, Heather!

Looking ahead, this new year is brimming with excitement for projects that will benefit our whole community. We have the construction of our wonderful new play park starting this spring, and I am particularly enthusiastic about the youth centre coming fully on board, supported by a significant expansion of its services through the Town Council. These developments, alongside your incredible community spirit, give me enormous optimism for the year ahead. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026 for everyone in Newquay.

The cold spell is just about over now. It looks like heavy rain tomorrow and freshening westerly winds. There’s been a couple small rock falls over the end of the harbour beach. The area by the Active shelter is being tarmaced this week.

Next Tuesday is the Newquay Rowing Club AGM at 7.30pm. There is no band this Saturday, but Sunday is Lee Quinney at 3pm. All welcome.

Thought for the Week: “You can’t repair what you pretend isn’t broken.“