Mayar Akash - Penzance Council Election 6 Nov 25

 

Updated 26 Oct 25

Lloyds Bank -Advice on Branch Closure

The letter below was enclosed with an email to local Cornwall Councillors on 24 Sep 25 announcing the closure of the Penzance Lloyds branch in Jan 2026.  Lloyds will be eager to reassure local customers that alternative arrangements exists for face-to-face transactions once the local Penzance branch closes.  Local Lloyds Bank customers can expect to receive something similar direct from the Bank in the near future.

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The Ritz Cinema Penzance - Opening Ceremony 27 July 1936

 Transcript from the Cornishman 30 July 1936 

Researched through the British Newspaper Archive & Morrab Library, Penzance 

An OCR transcript is provided because the original image of the newspaper is hard to read.  There are uncorrected errors from the OCR transcription process.

THE RITZ, PENZANCE

 CORNWALL'S MOST SUMPTUOUS CINEMA

 SPECTACULAR OPENING CEREMONY

 AUDIENCE CHARMED BY MIGHTY ORGAN.

The formal opening of the new Ritz Theatre, on Monday night, marked a tremendous advance the Cinematograph world at Penzance. Built by the Union Cinema Co., it embodies the latest ideas in film projection and all its accessories. Well planned, it is luxuriously furnished, and the comfort of the cheapest seats is equal to that of the highest priced.

The decorations are artistic and restful, and the lighting arrangements are designed to enhance this effect. One attraction the Ritz alone possesses among cinemas Cornwall is what is known the Mighty Organ. The services of Mr. Harold Ramsay, famous for his organ broadcasts, were secured for the opening of this wonderful instrument, and the audience were charmed by his renditions that his selections had to be prolonged.

 Those who were unable to be present at the opening ceremony will pleased to hear that the identical programme Is retained all the week.

Everything in the theatre is in keeping with its elaborate character. There is a large staff to cope with the requirements patrons. Page boys in smart uniforms are in the spacious, heavily carpeted foyer to direct ticket-holders to the different sections; girl attendants in smart semi-military uniforms conduct them to their seats so that the public convenience is studied every way.

The opening ceremony on Monday night was well worthy of the occasion. It was well-conceived and carried out with dramatic effect: brief but impressive.

The Mayor .(Ald. Robt. Thomas J.P- C.C.), who had accepted the management's invitation to formally declare the theatre open-, accompanied on the platform by the Mayoress (Mrs. Thomas), the Town Clerk (Mr. R. C. E. Austin) and Mrs. Austin, and other civic dignitaries. Powerful electric lights were focused to the beautiful curtains, and these were withdrawn a prelude of rolling drums, and a fanfare of trumpets by buglers in oriental costumes. The Resident Manager (Mr. Austin E. Marsh) briefly introduced the Mayor, and explained that, by his appointment resident manager of the Ritz, he had returned to his native Cornwall, after an absence of ten years. (Mr. Marsh is a son of the late Canon F. S. Marsh, vicar of St. Ives). He thanked the Mayor for accepting the invitation. The Mayor in his speech traced the history the cinema in Penzance, and paid a compliment to everyone connected with its progress —except himself, who, as is well known, has been the mainspring of the enterprise locally and has been the source of inspiration that has kept Penzance in the forefront for many years in filmland.

THE MAYOR S SPEECH.

Greeted with applause, the Mayor said:

-No form of entertainment has made such rapid strides the film industry, and it is with all modesty that I make the assertion that Penzance has kept pace with the national advance this direction. My recollection of this popular pastime in Penzance extends over a longer period of time than I sometimes care to remember, but this function recalls vividly to my mind what perhaps might* described the pioneer age of this particular class of amusement as far as this locality is concerned. I expect there are others present this evening who can look back with me to what was, believe, the first picture theatre in. Penzance—"The Rink," in New Street, on the site where the Penzance and District Steam Laundry is now erected. Another then made  its appearance in Market Jew-street, where Messrs. Holman's garage now stands and must digress at this stage to pay a tribute to its founder, Mr. Colin Bennett. (Applause). Mr. Bennett had natural aptitude for this type of work and he applied himself whole-heartedly to it, with the result that he was at one time Technical Editor of what is known as the "Kinematograph Weekly," and also contributed much in a very practical way to the success of the coloured pictures, which find such favour with cinema fans today. This lead was followed quickly other interested persons, and the next theatres to be established were the "Picturedrome" in 1910, and the "Cinema" and the "Pavilion'' 1912. And so the march of the time goes on, until in the latter part of 1928 there was introduced to the public-at-large the films familiarly referred to "Talkies," and Penzance was one of the first towns in the West of England to have them, for, in July 1929, the renowned cinema orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Walter Barnes, which had for many years given such pleasure to visitors and residents alike, was superseded the "Talkies," and so will be readily appreciated that those who have gone before have prepared the way for this magnificent building which is to be opened to-night. (Applause). The site which "The Ritz" stands was formerly occupied a well-known house "The Horse and Jockey," which was closed in 1911, and the splendid building now erected has not only resulted in a street improvement, but it has also contributed to the comfort of picture goers by reason the installation of excellent organ and the provision of up-to-date seating accommodation, etc. Competition in any business invariably to the advantage of the patrons, and am sure the Union Cinemas Ltd., and the Penzance Cinemas Ltd., although in opposition, will work in friendly and healthy rivalry, one towards the other, and with local population of 20,000 there undoubtedlv room in the borough for both enterprises. (Hear, hear). As you are aware, I have taken very active part in the entertainment side of this town for nearly twenty five years, and that being so, I greatly appreciate the compliment which has been paid me in being asked to perform this opening ceremony. The Cinema Co. has made a happy choice in their manager, Mr. Marsh. I am sure he will prove to be a capable and tactful manager and will look after the best interests of his patrons and company (Applause). I now have pleasure in declaring "The Ritz Theatre" duly opened, and I hope and feel sure you will have very enjoyable evening. (Applause). Handsome bouquets of carnations presented by the management to the Mayoress and other ladies on the stage.

Artemis Technologies Ltd - Press Release (Newlyn/St Mary's Demonstrator Project)

 For release 31 July 2025

Artemis Technologies, FRS Group, Connected Places Catapult and the Council of the Isles of Scilly partner to advance connectivity in Isles of Scilly

Artemis Technologies, a global leader in clean maritime, has announced it is leading a feasibility study in partnership with international ferry operator FRS Group to establish a new UK Green Shipping Corridor between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly.

The study will assess the technical and commercial viability of deploying the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 100% electric, high-speed hydrofoil ferry, to provide a reliable, year round passenger and cargo service on a route where no winter ferry currently operates and air travel is frequently disrupted by bad weather.

Powered by Artemis Technologies’ proprietary eFoiler® technology, the Artemis EF-24 Passenger flies above the water on hydrofoils, dramatically reducing drag and energy use while ensuring a smoother and more comfortable journey in rough seas. This cutting edge solution operates with zero emissions and reduced wake, offering a step change in both performance and environmental impact compared to traditional ferries.

Dr Iain Percy OBE, CEO of Artemis Technologies, emphasised the transformative potential of the project, stating:

“This study represents an exciting step toward transforming connectivity for the Isles of Scilly, using our world-leading eFoiler® technology, to deliver a service that is not only zero emission but faster, smoother and more resilient in challenging sea conditions."

“Our Artemis eFoiler® technology can make this vital route viable. By lifting the vessel above the water, we dramatically reduce drag and increase efficiency, helping to deliver a service that can operate reliably year round.”

Alongside Artemis Technologies and FRS Group, the project brings together a consortium of partners including Connected Places Catapult and the Council of the Isles of Scilly. Together with local government, harbour authorities, and transport planners, the team will assess port-side charging needs, integration with local transport networks, and regulatory pathways to make the corridor a reality.

Moritz Bruns, Managing Director of FRS International Division GmbH, FRS Group, commented:

“By combining operational expertise with innovative technology, this collaborative effort aims to explore how zero-emission ferry services can be established and delivered on challenging regional routes like the Isles of Scilly."

“We’re pleased to work alongside professional partners from the maritime and logistics industries, as well as the local community, to support the broader transition to clean maritime solutions.”

Speaking about of the importance of improving year-round connectivity for the community, Councillor Robert Francis, the Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly, said:

“Currently, people travelling to or from the Isles of Scilly during the winter months have very limited options. With no regular ferry running and flights often cancelled due to poor weather, the islands can become effectively cut off."

“This project aims to change that by investigating if a new type of high-speed zero-emission electric ferry creating a green maritime corridor which will provide a reliable, clean, and affordable year-round transport link between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly."

“The council is looking forward to working with Artemis Technologies to see if this new technology can bring a year-round ferry service to life not just for the Isles of Scilly, but for other island communities in the UK and around the world."

Highlighting the collaborative nature of the project, Richard Holland, Head of Maritime at Connected Places Catapult, said:

“We are delighted to be working with project partners to support the electrification of ferries and the establishment of new Green Shipping Corridors, which were highlighted by the Clydebank Declaration at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow."

“Many residents of the Isles of Scilly depend on regular and affordable transit,” he adds.

“Artemis Technologies’ pioneering hydrofoil technology offers a solution that gives high speed, safe, efficient and clean movement of people and goods out to this archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, which is arguably one of the most challenging marine routes in England.”

The Isles of Scilly Clean Maritime Corridor is funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £230m since 2022 to develop the technologies necessary to decarbonise the UK maritime sector and capture the economic growth opportunity of the transition. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions.

This project is one of many projects demonstrating and showcasing their project and technology around the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.

ENDS

  

Notes to Editors:

The Isles of Scilly Clean Maritime Corridor is funded by UK Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme in the Department for Transport. UK SHORE has allocated over £230m since 2022 to over 247 projects, leveraging over £107m private investment. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the main delivery partner for UK SHORE interventions, including the flagship CMDC and ZEVI competitions.

Maritime is a key sector which needs to find innovative solutions to its carbon footprint in order to contribute to the UK’s decarbonisation agenda. The UK SHORE programme is a key part of that work, supporting research and development to unlock an industry-led transition towards Net Zero and deliver economic growth, in line with the Government’s missions and the Plan for Change.

The UK SHORE programme consists of multiple headline projects situated all across the UK from Belfast and Orkney to Cornwall and Portsmouth and all points in between – showcasing the exceptional, highly-skilled work being delivered throughout the UK economy. UK SHORE is supporting 500 organisations, unlocking investment potential in UK technologies, at UK ports and at UK shipyards.

About Artemis Technologies

Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Artemis Technologies is at the forefront of the maritime industry’s push towards decarbonisation. Founded in 2017 by Dr. Iain Percy OBE, Artemis Technologies recognised the urgent need to decarbonise high-speed maritime transport and assembled a team of industry-leading experts to integrate proven technologies from yacht racing, motorsport, and aerospace. This collaborative effort led to the development of the patented Artemis eFoiler® technology, a 100% electric, hydrofoiling system that dramatically reduces drag and enhances energy efficiency.

Artemis Technologies' social channels:

·       LinkedIn:  artemis-technologies-ltd

·       Instagram: artemistechnologies

·       YouTube: @ArtemisTechnologies

 

 About FRS Group

The FRS Group, based in Flensburg, northern Germany, has grown over the past 150 years from a regional shipping company into an internationally active group with more than 1,500 employees. Today, FRS operates 70 ships worldwide and offers a wide range of passenger and freight services. The group includes 14 operating subsidiaries across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. In northern Germany, FRS is one of the leading providers in inland waterway transport.

·       Homepage: frs.world

·       LinkedIn: frsgroup

About Connected Places Catapult

Connected Places Catapult is the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities and local growth. It provides impartial ‘innovation as a service’ for public bodies, businesses, and infrastructure providers to catalyse step-change improvements in the way people live, work and travel.

It connects businesses and public sector leaders to cutting-edge research to spark innovation and grow new markets, and runs technology demonstrators and SME accelerators to scale new solutions that drive growth, spread prosperity, and reduce carbon emissions.

·       X: https://x.com/cpcatapult

·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpcatapult

·      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvw6s_f9D7t3wLNA5F0WUVQ

 

 

About the Council of the Isles of Scilly

The Council of the Isles of Scilly was formed under the Local Government Act 1888 and came into being in 1891, enabling people living on the islands to elect their own representatives for the first time.

The council has responsibilities and powers equal to those of mainland unitary authority to ensure that all aspects of the islands’ administration are tailored to the needs of the islands and the 2,200 inhabitants. This allows the council to provide services which meet the unique needs of the people living so remotely from the mainland on the five inhabited islands of St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes and Bryher.

The council has 16 seats for elected members: 12 from St Mary’s and 1 from each of the inhabited off-islands. Elections are held every 4 years. The council remains one of only two sui generis authorities in the United Kingdom, the other being the City of London Corporation. This unusual status means that some administrative law that applies in the rest of England applies in modified form on the islands.

Local Elections 1 May 25: Penzance Council Nominations Shortfall.

     There have been insufficient nominations to stand for election for Penzance Council .  As a result there will be an election for Penzance Council in just one of the four Penzance Council wards.  Following the election Penzance Council will be obliged to co-opt 4 members to make up the full complement of 20.

Cornwall Council's list of town and parish council nominations can be found here.  

Nominations for the four Penzance wards (for Penzance Council) are summarized below. 

Heamoor & Gulval Ward

3 councillor positions on Penzance Council.

2 nominations:

• Stephen Reynolds, Ind, current Town Mayor..
• Bonnie Jackson, Ind, currently servings as a cllr.

Vacancies after 1 May 25 election:  1 cllr

Consequences:

• No election for Penzance Council within the ward on 1 May 25.
• The two nominees will be declared ‘duly elected’ by Cornwall Council.   
• Penzance Council is expected to co-opt a 3^rd councillor to fill the vacant position after     1 May 2025.

Newlyn & Mousehole Ward

5 councillor positions on Penzance Council. 

3 nominations:

• Thalia Marrington, Lib Dem, currently serving on Pz Council and Cornwall Council.
• Penny Osbourne, Ind, currently serving on Pz Council.
• Paul Trevail,  Ind.  new candidate.

Vacancies after 1 May 25:  2 cllrs.

Consequences:

• No election for Penzance Council in Newlyn & Mousehole ward.
• The 3 nominees will be declared ‘duly elected’ by Cornwall Council.
• Penzance Council will seek to co-opt 2 cllrs to fill the vacant positions after 1 May 25 election.

Promenade Ward

6 councillor positions on Penzance Council.

5 nominations:

• Nicola Broadhurst. Lab. Currently serving on Pz Council.
• Peter Lapin, Ind, new candidate.
• Nina Martin. Lib Dem. New candidate standing for both Penzance and Cornwall Council.
• Jim McKenna, Ind. Currently serving on Penzance and Cornwall Council.
• Penny Young. Lib Dem. Currently serving on Penzance Council.

Vacancies after 1 May 25 – 1 cllr.

Consequences:

• No election required for Penzance Council in Promenade Ward.
• The 5 nominees will be declared ‘duly elected’ by Cornwall Council.
• Pz Council will seek to co-opt 1 cllr to fill the vacant position after 1 May 25 election

Penzance East

6 councillor positions on Penzance Council.

9 nominations:

• Joan Beveridge. Lab. Currently serving on Pz Council.
• Jonathan How. Green Party. Currently serving as a Pz Council.
• Andy Law. Lib Dem. Currently serving on Pz Council.
• Duncan Paul. Mebyon Kernow. New candidate.
• Jan Power. Green Party. Currently serving on Pz Council
• Jane Pugh. Ind. New candidate
• Simon Reed. Lib Dem. Currently serving on Pz Council.
• Nadine Tonner. Ind. Currently serving on Pz Council.
• Mark Wilson. Ind. New candidate.

No vacancies after the elections (6 out of the 9 will be elected).

Consequences:

• There will be an election on 1 May 25 for Penzance Council in this ward.
• The 6 candidates with the highest share of the vote will be declared  ‘duly elected’ by Cornwall Council.

Comment.

     It is disappointing that there is no election for Penzance Council in 3 out of 4 Penzance Council wards (too few nominees). This problem of insufficient nominees is commonplace amongst smaller parish councils but has not be an issue for Penzance since 2013.  Penzance Council will be obliged to make up the complement of 20 councillors by co-option of 4 councillors after 1 May 25.   

 

 

'Buying' State Pension qualifying years - April 2025 deadline.

    It is easy to end up not entitled to a full state pension if you have chopped and changed jobs or had periods in/out of self-employment.  Such changes can result in missing or incomplete NIC years.  You can routinely ‘buy’ missing years with lump sums going back 6 years.  Since the introduction of the New State Pension in 2016 there has been a special scheme allowing the buying of missing years going back to 2006 - this scheme stops in April 2025.  

   People need 35 qualifying years of NICs to receive a full state pension (£230.25 per week, or £11,975.60 per year from Apr 25).  If you have not got 35 years of contributions at the state retirement age then you lose £328/yr. per missing/incomplete NIC year. 

   You can buy missing years before retirement age by paying HMRC a lump sum (about £907.40 for each year).  You might (see link) by able to buy after retirement in special cases.

   There are fewer better retirement investments than to buy up missing NIC years if you are at risk of reaching state retirement age with less than 35 eligible years.  The exceptions are if you are in very poor health and unlikely to live 3 years after retirement or likely to be eligible for Pension Credit due to lack of any other pensions or income and no significant savings/investments (see link).  The breakeven point is ~2.75 years after state pension age, thereafter the extra pension bought with the lump sum is profit (I have ignored tax).  On average retirees live into the mid/late 80s so filling up missing NIC years can offer an excellent return on investment (on average) depending on your circumstances.   

If uncertain about your future state pension entitlement the key steps are:

• Get a pension prediction from the Pension Service (see link below).
• Identify whether, by state retirement age, you will have 35 years of contributions.
• Prioritize buying incomplete years (best value for money) and earlier years that will become unavailable after April 2025 (as necessary)

WARNING.  Not every missing or  incomplete NIC year may be an eligible year for improving your state pension entitlement so it is best to speak to Pension Service helpline (see Money Saving Expert website link for number). The author of this post received critically important advice about which missing/incomplete years to buy (HMRC are happy to allow you to buy any missing year whether or not it improves your state pension.

   The above is just skim over the issue to explain why it is important and why some individuals will need to act before Apr 25 to avoid missing an important opportunity.  The Money Saving Expert item at the link is much more detailed and is recommended reading (it has all of the relevant links and telephone help line numbers).

Money Saving Expert (Updated 22 Oct 24) "Aged 40 to 73? Urgently consider buying National Insurance years" - click Here

Listed Building Consent for Centenary Hall, Penzance - How to Express Support

Introduction 

This post explains how users of Centenary Hall (Chapel St. Penzance) and members of the public can express support for planning permission (technically -  Listed Building Consent) for improvements to Centenary Hall which is a Grade II listed building.  

Chapel St Creative CIO (the CIO) has recently submitted an application (PA24/07663) and it will be decided based upon national planning policy, comments from statutory consultees and comments from members of the public.  

This post explains how to file an online comment on Cornwall Council's planning portal and what comments are ‘material’ (are counted) in the decision making process.   

Centenary Hall.  

Centenary Hall (Chapel St, Penzance) was purchased from the Methodist Church by Chapel St Creative CIO on 29 Feb 2024 with funds raised by the community and grants from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, Penzance Council and Architectural Heritage Fund.  A total of £375,377 has been raised and spent buying the building and undertaking priority repairs and electrical system upgrades.  

Centenary Hall (Main Hall)

Reason for the Application.  

The CIO intends to seek grant fundings for more extensive improvements to the building but these require 'listed building consent' from Cornwall Council. Potential grant funders need to be reassured that the necessary permissions exist where projects involve work on heritage buildings.

The Application.  

The CIO’s application for Listed Building Consent was accepted by Cornwall Council on 18 Oct and is likely to be decided later in November.  You can view the application and supporting documents by visiting Cornwall Council’s online planning register here  https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applications/online-planning-register/ .   Search for the application using reference PA24/07663.

How to Comment.  

To file a comment you first have to register with Cornwall Council (see link in planning portal when you try and make a comment).

Having already registered you can file a comment.  Your personal details will automatically fill many of the boxes of the online form.

Click on  ‘Comments’ tab

Click on ‘Make a Comment ‘

Complete authentication (enter code sent to your mobile phone)

Select 'Commentor Type'  (select ‘Member of the Public’)

Stance:  select “Support”

Reason: select ‘Residential Amenity’ (the form requires a box to be ticked)

Add you comments in the text box (best prepared in Word and cut and pasted into box).

 Material Planning Considerations.  

For comments to count they have to relate to ‘material planning concerns .  For this application the following are ‘material’ considerations:

• Creation/improvement of community facilities.
• Provision of accessibility improvements (accessible WCs and wheel chair platform lift).
• Energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint by installing renewable energy installations.
• Economic sustainability of businesses/community charities etc
• Protection of heritage assets, especially listed buildings (preventing changes or removing later additions).
• Impact on the Penzance Conservation Area.

Decision Making.  

Cornwall Council, as the Planning Authority, has to weigh the benefits of the proposed works against any harm to the heritage building and the Penzance Conservation Area.  Public support for the planned works (the improvements) means they weigh heavier in the scales in the assessment process and reduce the risk of a refusal. 

Changes Proposed in the Application.

 This application seeks approval for changes to achieve the follow:

• Expanded use of the Main Hall on the first floor by making it suitable for performances and events by providing pull-down concertina seating for 100 people. 
• Installation of accessible WCs (1st floor and ground floor) removing a significant limitation on usage.
• Improved 1st floor accessibility by providing a wheel chair platform lift.
• Reduced energy costs and CO2 footprint through a major pv panel and battery installation.  

Example comments: 

I support this application for the following reasons:  (quote your preferred reasons below – the list of reasons below are examples, use your words and experience of the building).   

Centenary Hall would make an excellent venue for community events and there is a  shortage of such locations in Penzance that are affordable and properly equipped.

Our group uses the Hall and would benefit from being able to mount fund raising events in the Hall.

The toilets are rather basic and there is currently no accessible toilet.  This is not acceptable in a community venue.

The lack of accessible toilets and a platform lift to the first floor (Main Hall) prevents my group using the Hall on a regular basis because we have to exclude those who are wheelchair bound.

Centenary Hall can be very chilly in the winter and solar electricity can help reduce the cost of heating while helping the environment by reducing CO2 emissions.

A solar pv installation will help keep running costs down whilst helping the environment by reducing the building's carbon footprint.

Reducing this buildings negative impact on the environment by installing pv panels is commendable.

The solar installation will help support this important community venue and be good for the environment.  The rooftop solar panels will be largely screened from view by surrounding buildings.

It is good to see listed buildings being provided with solar panels.  We need to avoid placing panels on agricultural land. 

This application removes some poorly constructed and unsightly 20th century stud walls which detract from this heritage building.