Cornwall’s residents might be wondering why it has taken so long to form an administration at Cornwall Council.

The reality is that forming an administration that will actually work does take time.

For example no one party has an over all majority and even with just two parties getting together, it still does not guarantee the formation of an administration.

Why? Well, it is the full council of 123 which votes for a Leader, and to guarantee a preferred choice for Leader you need 62 votes. Without a Leader you cannot form a Cabinet, and with no Cabinet, there is no administration.

Furthermore, the first full council meeting is on the 21st; so that is the first opportunity for anything to be officially decided.

This is why for the last two weeks the various groups and parties have been locked in talks to find common ground that everyone can agree with. This in itself is not a simple task, but needs to be done or else the administration would quickly fail.

This cannot be allowed to happen as the cuts in funding and pressures that Cornwall Council faces in the next four years will need a lot of unity between the different groups for services to be delivered.

As the discussions have progressed, the smaller parties at the council felt it was up to the big-three to sort out the administration.

This left the Indy’s, Lib Dems and Tory’s to have more focused meetings, though still keeping the smaller parties informed. However, there is always a point when actual decisions have to be made as to who is in/out of any administration.

This came to a head last week when it was felt there was enough talking and agreements had to be reached.

On Thursday the big-three met in their individual groups during the day, with the Indy’s meeting at 4pm. The Indy Group gave the group leaders three options for the administration to take to the other group.

Sadly, the Conservative Leader did not feel the need to stay around to find out the result from the Indy’s even though the Lib Dems did. So nothing further could be discussed, which is very disappointing.

With time running out it was imperative that an agreement had to be reached by Friday. The Lib Dems and Indy’s reached agreement on who could be the preferred Leader and the Cabinet split which followed on from Thursdays discussions.

It just needed the Conservatives to either agree or disagree. This proved rather problematic, as the Tory Leader was not returning calls. Various messages were left, and deadlines were given for a response.

These past and still nothing firm was coming from the Tory’s. A final deadline was given.

With the final deadline fast approaching the Tory Leader finally responded.

Though, this was just a call to say more time was needed.

At that point, it was felt enough time had been given and now an administration would be formed without the Tory’s.

Even if more time had been given to the Tory leader, there was still no guarantee decision would come from her.

The now preferred administration being four Indy’s, four Lib Dems and the two remaining Cabinet positions coming from the smaller parties.

The preferred Leader of the Council is John Pollard, and the deputy-leader, being a Lib Dem, means Jeremy Rowe.

It is also likely the Chairman will be an Independent too.

For me I got the feeling that many in the Tory Group had more desire to be in opposition, but could not just put themselves into it for fear of being criticized for doing this and it would be better if they were ‘forced’ into opposition.

As you can only put up so many hurdles until there was no other option but to leave the Tory’s out.

Of course the Tory Leader was quick to put out a press-statement saying the offer was unfair etc.

However, I read it more as crocodile tears, rather than being really upset.

Roll on Tuesday as anything could happen before that!

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CCN today publishes the full transcript of Disability News Service Editor John Pring’s interview with ‘put down the disabled’ row Cllr Colin Brewer.

The extraordinary document will finally allow readers to decide for themselves if disgraced Cllr Brewer is mad, bad or just too naive to know not to plunge into debates about disability, disablement and abortion with hard-hitting journalists.

The small town politician’s latest foray into controversy has divided the Duchy, with a loud moral majority demanding he stand down, and a small knot of hardcore liberals defending his right to freedom of speech.

Would you say Colin Brewer is a threat to our health services? Or to the disabled?

It’s an astonishing conversation which led one Indy councillor to decide ‘he should stand down’.

Now you decide:

Telephone interview with Colin Brewer, 8/5/13

John Pring is JP, everything else is Colin Brewer

Talking about the incident in October 2011.“What I couldn’t get out because the lady (from Disability Cornwall) turned her back, it was very expensive. My concern was that children are being sent from Cornwall all over the country far away from their parents and carers, and is that what we wish for our children? My concern is that such facilities ought to be local. It fills in with the ideas of Whole Life. I thought that it would be cheaper to provide those facilities closer to home in Cornwall, or that could deal with Devon as well.

“Is their life of such low esteem that that might be it?

“I have never killed a fish in my life. I believe all life is precious, whatever animal it is.

“I had just been to a council meeting which was discussing finance. When you are talking about having to close toilets, facilities for everyone and perhaps the coastal footpath for everyone, then I have got to question individual budgets to individual people.

“People are not on this earth for very long. My main concern is planning and environmental and landscape. In that context, people are just transient.

“I have heard of terrific amounts of money being spent on specific individuals.”

JP: Disabled individuals? “I’m not sure.”

JP: Some people have very high personal budgets? “Yes.”

JP: What’s the solution to that? “The only way I can see it is more of a homes within the locality. When you look at people with mental health problems, for too long you have had all these massive institutions. Now at last people are beginning to see people with these disabilities in their locality… I really am not the ogre people are making me out to be.

“You are trying to make more of it than it was. I came out of a meeting talking about budgets very agitated.” He jad spoken to someone on another stand first. The he moved on to the Disability Cornwall stand. “I think there were three people there. I was agitated and made that stupid remark for which I will always be sorry.

“The fact is that I think to keep 10 toilets open would cost about £250,000. That’s a service to the whole of the community. This is my concern. It is a balance which has to be made.”

JP: As opposed to what? “As opposed to a service to one person. I know for instance of a lady with two dogs and she has three carers and she gets around, she has a frame. These carers are principally to walk the dogs. Little things like that that people are aware of. It makes me frustrated because I tend to think that it is money that could be better spent on someone else.”

JP: The council could provide funding of £250,000 for one person? “That comes into it. It is obviously part of the equation. You have to say when you are talking about something for economic development what is the payback. It is a major concern. You have limited budget and it is being cut all the time.”

JP: So when there are limited budgets you find it difficult sometimes to look at some of the big personal budgets being given to disabled people for social care and that is just for one person? Is that where the source of the concern is? “I don’t sit on any health committees but it is a concern. It is not only a concern of mine.”

JP: So it is a widespread feeling in the council that the higher and rising costs of social care mean that there is less money for projects that could benefit the wider community? “It is bound to be a concern. Because we are having to get rid of libraries, sports centres, and not maintain even our roads.”

JP: Should there be more abortions of disabled children? “I don’t agree with abortions. I am a Christian. All life is precious. It’s a dilemma that I have. It cannot be just me. I suppose it is an ethics question. If you were talking about getting rid of a person or a life it is not something I could condone.

“You will never believe it. Two weeks ago I walked up through a street and a retired doctor said I was perfectly right.”

JP: That some disabled children should be put down? “Presumably it would depend on the degree of the disablement.”

JP: What did you say to him? “I knew him. I was an acquaintance in the past. He is a medical man. He knows his business presumably.”

JP: There must be something to what he was saying? “If that is what he said, there must be.”

JP: But he was obviously advocating some kind of euthanasia? “All he said was I was right in my comment.”

JP: How do you balance those two things? “You just can’t.”

JP: He quoted some extract from The Way of Life, which he said he had never told anyone before but that he read every morning. It’s about doing good/no harm. “I try to abide by that.”

“The other problem is over-population. I see so many problems in the world regarding energy consumption, housing. We live in a finite environment. I am afraid that in a few generations we are going to be hit with terrible consequences of our breeding.”

JP: So what is the solution? “I think the Chinese had a way of doing it. One child family.”

JP: But then if you have a disabled child? “I really don’t know. No government is prepared to grasp it.”

JP: So the solution might be easing those out of life who might be less productive? “You mentioned abortion. Doesn’t this happen now anyway?”

JP: Do you think something might be done along the lines of the doctor? “If nothing is done we are going to have terrible wars or famine.”

JP: To ease out those unproductive members of society? “We have a tax system that encourages people to breed like rabbits. If we had a tax system that encouraged one child or maybe two.”

JP: Euthanasia might be a solution? “No.”

JP: Other people who agreed with you? “My ward is partial urban but terrific rural area with a lot of farmers. A farmer didn’t see a lot wrong with what I said because it is something they do every day. If they have a misshapen lamb they get rid of it, they get rid of it. Bang! If you go to a farmer’s funeral there is not a lot of weeping because they are used to life and death. It is something they deal with on a daily basis.”

JP: How did it make you feel? That you were right? “He’s certainly got a point. We are just animals. He’s obviously got a point.”

JP: You have some sympathy with him and the doctor? “Of course I have. You can’t have lambs running around with five legs and two heads.

“People have also said that whilst they have a great sympathy with these [families], there is always the problem when the parents or carers leave this world. What does happen? It is a worry.”

JP: They become a burden? “Yes. Who shoulders the burden after they have looked after them for so many years. But I think society is getting a lot more tolerant in that respect.”

JP: Has anybody else said they agreed with you? “Strangely enough I have been up to other towns and people have come up and shook my hand. Complete strangers.”

JP: How did that make you feel? “It made me feel that I am not the ogre that I have been painted. I think a lot of them is sympathy for me.”

JP: Sympathy? “I think humans are animals.”

JP: If other people are killing animals it is OK? “Do you eat meat? [That is] killing of an animal.”

JP: So the difference between putting down an animal who is severely disabled and putting down a child who is severely disabled is not that great then? “Yes, you seem to forget that we kill, we rule the roost.”

JP: There isn’t that much difference between putting down a lamb or a child with two heads? “I think the cost has got to be evaluated. It is not something I would like to do but there is only so much in the bucket. If you are talking about giving services to the community or services to the individual, the balance has got to be struck.”

JP: You might think then that if there was a child with two heads, that might be where the line is drawn. It might be kinder to put that child down? “Is that one child or two? I would hope that although I don’t like the idea of it, long before it is born that this problem is [stopped] and it will probably be aborted in some way.”

JP: And if it wasn’t? “Then if it wasn’t, then well, what happens?”

JP: The lamb would be put down. “It would be put down, smashed against the wall and be dealt with.”

JP: It might be as [...] for a similar thing to be done for the child? “That would be up to the decision of whoever is there at the birth. It makes me wonder that some children have been aborted, some abortions are so late that the child is there.”

JP: Those are decisions about putting down a child with that degree of impairment might well mean more money for the wider community? “It might. It probably will.”

JP: It does make an argument and a good argument for maybe ending the lives of some severely disabled children with severe learning difficulties? “I am not making that judgment. There may be a case. I haven’t a clue how much they cost. When people complain to me about the state of our finances, I say, well, we can’t afford to do it. We might be forced to close our beaches. That’s a service to us all. It is a dilemma and it is going to get increasingly a problem with budget cuts.”

JP: Between services for disabled people and…? “Between all services.”

JP: It does make an argument for putting down some severely disabled children? “Yes. That is why I keep as far away from health in the council as I can.

“I was a conservation man for Cornwall. Very much concerned with landscape and planning.”

JP: Does it frustrate you that with all the money spent on people’s lives, so little is spent on the environment? “We work according to the budget.”

Said he is currently off sick from the council. Had a series of strokes some time ago. “You’re liable to flare up.”

JP: Personality-wise? “Yes. People have said I have changed since those strokes.”

So – what do you reckon?

Let us know! Just post below!

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Trelawyny’s Army are on their way to Twickenham – and tickets are selling like hot cakes

The national team beat reigning champions Hertfordshire 41-29 on the home turf of Camborne to secure a place in the final, where they will face Lancashire in the Bill Beaumont County Championship Finals.

It is the first time for 14 years the Black and Golds have reached the final.

Trelawny’s Army, the Cornish rugby supporters’ club, said it had been “inundated” with requests for tickets.

Cornwall Vice Chairman David Broadhurst told reporters: “Twickenham will be a sea of black and gold for the final.

“At half time, they had us guessing – sometimes we suffer for our support – but then they changed up a gear and we knew it was going to happen.

“When the final whistle went my feelings were of relief and exultation.

“This means everything and although I know it’s going to be a tight game, I’m confident Cornwall can win.”

A CRFU spokesman added: “The win against Hertfordshire was what can only be described as one of the best games of rugby in a while.”

“A cracking game, and sincere commiserations to Herts.”

You can still try to get tickets through Ticketmaster but good luck, they’re rapidly selling out

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At just before 22.15hrs on Friday 10th May 2013, police received a report of single vehicle road traffic collision on the A393 at Lanner, Redruth, Cornwall, at the junction Pentreath Terrace.

The sole occupant of the vehicle, a grey Honda Civic was a man in his early twenties. He was treated for injuries by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police are now conducting an investigation and an appeal is being made for any witnesses to the incident.

Next of kin have been advised but details of the deceased will not be released pending formal identification.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service also assisted at the scene.

Road closures were in force following the collision but are expected to be re-opened imminently.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle being driven prior is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via the 101 non-emergency telephone line and quote incident number 798 10/05/2013.

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Some councillors are joining the crusade as a Facebook group entitled ‘hoax-quoting and the actual provenance of the golden-voiced actors apparent words are also unclear.

Wadebridge single mother Sarah Maguire, who came last in the democratic election Brewer won, is championing the cause.

Many of the deeply upset parents and relations of disabled children are joining the group and promising to attend the demo at Town Hall on May 24th at 10.30am.

Liskeard mum Josephine Wilding posted: “I currently live in Cornwall, and this despicable heartless man has been all over the radio and news today.

“Every time I hear what he has said my heart and stomach contract. The thought of us not having our youngest daughter Alaina, who has Spina Bifida, in our lives makes me ache.

“All I can say is that our children will grow up knowing they are loved and wanted, and to hopefully have the ability to ignore people who are ignorant and viscous. My child will be able to hold her head high and be proud.

“Pity you can’t do the same Colin Brewer.”

Mebyon Kernow Cllr Lance Dyer was also quick to ally himself to the protest.

He posted: “Things seem to be moving apace!

“I cannot see how Brewer can remain in place after this.

“If he is genuinely ill at present perhaps he will use that as a way of removing himself?

“The next couple of days could bring developments. I have emailed Paul Masters and will let you know the response.”

None of the protestors appear to accept the principle that a democratically elected politician is entitled to hold his post by definition of being democratically elected, or that as a free citizen they retain the right to hold and broadcast private views, however wretched.

Cornwall Council put out a comment explaining that it had not time for Cllr Brewer’s obnoxious personal opinions – but that he had won the election, and could only be removed by the people in his Ward.

A spokeswoman wrote: “The recently published comments which are attributed to Councillor Brewer are completely unacceptable and are contrary to the Council’s policy of supporting all people with disabilities.

“Such views have no place in local government. These remarks represent the personal views of Councillor Brewer who does not speak for the Council or the people of Cornwall.”

But the council then explained in detail that they couldn’t ‘sack’ politicians – only the public could do that – at the ballot box.

The spokeswoman went on: “In this case the Monitoring Officer found that there had been a breach of the Code of Conduct and determined that the only appropriate and proportionate sanction he could impose was to require Councillor Brewer to issue a formal apology.

“Mr Brewer was notified of this in November 2012 and subsequently wrote to the complainant apologising unreservedly for his remarks.

“The Council does not have the power to stop anyone standing for election.

“Both the qualifications for candidates and the reasons why an individual could be disqualified from standing for election are clearly set out in legislation.

“Mr Brewer was entitled to stand for election to Cornwall Council and was subsequently chosen by local voters to represent the Wadebridge East electoral division.”

They added: “The Council is committed to ensuring that all staff and Members receive appropriate training in equality and diversity issues. Equality and diversity training is mandatory for all paid staff and we staged specific workshops for all Members during the first week of their induction programme. Further training, on-going workshops and awareness sessions will also be available throughout the four year life of this Council.”

Brewer caused a fresh outrage when he gave an interview to Disability News Service.

In it he professed his Christianity, expressed support for the closure of large instutions for the mentally ill, and believed all life was ‘precious’.

He again excused his outrageous remark to Disability Cornwall’s Theresa Court at an equalities event – that ‘disabled children cost the council too much money and should be put down’, saying it was meant as a deliberate provocation to a politically motivated campaigner.

DNS editor John Pring admitted Cllr Brewers professions of moral rectitude and included his repeat apology.

But he naturally led on startling comments the local politician then made to him in what appears to have been a wide ranging discussion on the ethics of abortion, choice and disablement.

We’ve not spoken to John in great depth. But he did tell CCN he didn’t invite Brewer’s ill-advised remarks – which led to him talking about how deformed sheep were killed at birth, and how a local doctor had apparently professed some sympathy to him for the idea of abortion for the severely disabled.

He told how ‘like hundreds of other journalists’ he left the newly re-elected councillor a message and was surprised when he got a call back from him. There’s no recording of the conversation but John took professional shorthand notes, a transcript of which he has issued to interested parties.

The remarks below are pasted straight from Johns interview, which you can read in the original here.

Some readers may find the content disturbing.

In DNS’s interview, Cllr Brewer’s philosophy of life is portrayed as a kind of strange home-spun eco-fascism, with a liberal dose of Nazi-style eugenics thrown in.

The pioneering website exclusively reported:

(Cllr Brewer said): “People are not on this earth for very long. My main concern is planning and environmental, and landscape. In that context, people are just transient. I have heard of terrific amounts of money being spent on specific individuals.”

He said: “Who shoulders the burden after they have looked after them for so many years?”

Cllr Brewer originally flipped his lid in February 2011. He was at a council ‘equality and diversity event’.

Waylaid by disability campaigner Theresa Court, he snapped that disabled children cost the council too much and ‘should be put down’.

She complained to the council, he apologised at the authoritys request, and when the story was leaked it went national and sparked a wave of moral outrage.

Brewer stood down after liberal candidates talked about running against him.

Then he stood up again – and went for election: the opposition was split, or considered not credible , and the long-standing independent nudged in by 4 votes

Indy Cllr Andrew Wallis said he felt Cllr Brewer should now stand down because the views he expressed in the new interview were so unacceptable.

He posted on his popular blog: “Once you could have forgiven as people deserve a second chance (within reason) if there is a genuine mistake. And from that mistake you make amends.

“But after the second and in my opinion a far worse interview, he should stand-down. There is no other option. And I say this having seen the whole interview transcript which the journalist in question was kind enough to send me after I asked.

“It is not pleasant reading.”

What do you think of all this business? Is a fascist? Is Colin Brewer a fascist or is he just very honest and being taken out of context? Are people entitled to debate abortion and disablement? Should some views be illegal (as in hate crime), or should we all have total freedom of speech? And most of all – should Colin Brewer keep the post he’s been voted into – or stand down under the pressure? Let us know! Just post below!

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Twenty yachts raced from the French town of Pornichet in the bi-annual Sailtica 2013 race for cruiser/racers to the picturesque harbour of Fowey on the south coast of Cornwall, arriving over 24 hours from 6th May.

The last time Fowey had a French invasion in such numbers was in the 15th century when they sacked the town and burnt down the church!

This time, far from raising the chain to repel the raiders, we rolled out the red carpet for the race-weary crews and their support teams.

We took them on at Cornish Rules Croquet (they beat us) and Boules, let them try out our Troy sailing boats, fed and watered them well with parties every night (200 came for the hog roast) after exhausting them on guided walks around the estuary.

They even received a civic welcome in the Church with a replica of one of the French boats lost at Trafalgar being given to the Mayor, John Berryman, by the Mayor of Pornichet.

Gale force winds delayed the start of the return leg of the race by 24 hours and on Friday, 10th May, they set off, contending with high winds and seas across the Channel, through the Canal du Four, Raz de Seine and the Bay of Biscay to Pornichet, the first yacht making the journey in 32 hours!

And apart from a few hangovers, those of us living inf Fowey are looking forward to their return in 2015.

These wonderful pictures are by South West Aerial Photography

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St Ives volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew launched the station’s all weather Mersey class lifeboat The Princess Royal to reports of a life raft drifting a mile off Godrevy light house on Monday

The life raft was initially spotted by RNLI volunteer crew member, Barney Stevens who was on duty as part of the charity’s lifeguard team patrolling Gwithian beach.

Barney contacted Falmouth coastguard who requested the lifeboat launch.

Using Barney’s initial information along with further details from the National Coastwatch Institution who are based on the Island at St Ives and who had sight of the life raft, the lifeboat crew located it two nautical miles north of Godrevy lighthouse.

Paul Whiston, RNLI all weather lifeboat Coxswain at St Ives said: ‘As soon as we sighted the life raft, it was immediately obvious that there was no one inside.

“It was taken aboard the lifeboat and bought back to St Ives in good condition.

“On arrival at the harbour, we were able to check the serial number and trace it to the motor vessel Cwind Athenia who had reported a life raft that had been lost over board off Lands End the day before (Sunday 12 May)’

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The newly-restored Carmears Tramway in the Luxulyan Valley has been officially opened.

Local volunteers, organisations involved in the restoration and around 60 children from Luxulyan School gathered at the World Heritage Site to mark the completion of the £30,000 project which has refurbished around a kilometre of the tramway.

Visitors will now be able to see the granite setts, chairs and two lengths of rail from the original tramway which has been uncovered as a result of the work between Treffry Viaduct and the Wheelpit.

Proposals for the restoration were developed by The Friends of Luxulyan Valley who, supported by Cornwall Council and Groundwork, gained funding for the works.

Chris Tigg of The Friends of Luxulyan Valley, said: “This historically important horse-drawn Tramway is just one of only a handful in the country where lengths of original tramway rails dating back to 1840 are still in situ. The successful conservation work means that we can not only all now enjoy a beautiful walk, but also appreciate the significance of this important access route linking the magnificent Treffry Viaduct with the Wheelpit.”

Clare Leverton, Manager of Clay Country Local Action, said; “Members of the Group were very pleased to invest in this project which meets so many aims in their local development strategy by conserving the distinctive local heritage, making it open and accessible and, involving young people in the work. The volunteers in the Friends group should be very proud of their achievement, not just this project but also their ongoing work to care for this special valley.”

David Attwell, Cornwall Council’s Principal Countryside Officer, said; “Civil engineers Jon Sandoe and Sons battled through appalling weather conditions throughout last year to create the new surface using locally-sourced gravel called Growan from within the valley. Access to and from the site was challenging and the team also had to carefully excavate around the original granite setts which are still in situ. It has been a great team effort and the Friends in particular deserve much credit.”

As part of the project, pupils from Luxulyan School visited the site to learn about the history of the area and worked with local artist Tony Minnion to produce artwork which is now displayed at the school.

Built in around 1840 by Joseph Treffry as part of his grand plan to create a trans-peninsular route between Par and Newquay, the horse drawn tramway carried granite, china clay, coal and lime between Ponts Mill and Molinnis (Bugle). Branches were also constructed linking Carbeans and Colcerrow and in 1855 to the Cairns quarries at Golden Point (all now on private land). The last section of the tramway to remain in use, from Carbeans Quarry over the viaduct to Luxulyan Station, was removed in 1940.

Funding for the restoration works came from China Clay Local Action Group (whose funding comes from the Rural Development Programme for England with finance from the EU and Defra) and The Friends of Luxulyan Valley, with additional contributions from Cornwall Heritage Trust, St Blaise Town Council and Cornwall Council.

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Representatives from the Friends of Carmears Tramway, Clay Country Local Action Group, Groundwork and Cornwall Heritage Trust gather at the opening ceremony

(left to right) Lacey, Abi and Harvey from Luxulyan School cut the ribbon at the official opening of the newly-restored Carmears Tramway

Porthleven Town Council, Surfers Against Sewage, Porthleven Community School and Pants Matters have all benefited from a recent £2,600 donation from a popular local festival.

Masked Ball Productions, organisers of the annual Porthleven Masked Ball, have said they donated the money as a way of giving something back to local people.

Kelvin Batt, of The Masked Ball said: “Although we use local businesses wherever possible in putting on our events, we felt that it would be good to give something to people who do not benefit directly from the ball.”

The Masked Ball at Porthleven saw more than 3,000 revellers – many in fancy dress – party the night away to top national acts as well as many local bands and DJs.

Kelvin added: “There is an impact on Porthleven with the ball and so it’s our way of saying thanks to the local community.”

Porthleven Town Council was handed £1,000 to spend as it pleased. Town councillors are still mooting suggestions as to how the money should be spent; with one idea to furnish the town play park with more benches.

Cornwall and Porthleven Town councillor Andrew Wallis said: “I think it’s always nice for the wider community to benefit from an event. A donation of this size is always welcomed.”

Pete Lewis, fundraiser at Surfers Against Sewage, said: “We really appreciate the help of Masked Ball Productions. This will make a valuable contribution to our campaign.”

Porthleven Community Primary School also received funding towards much needed IT equipment as part of their circus skills fundraising efforts.

Leigh Yates, member of Porthleven Community Primary School parent teacher association, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that The Masked Ball are prepared to spend money locally as well as support local initiatives.”

Porthleven Town Council received £1,000, Surfers Against Sewage £1,000, Pants Matters £500 and Porthleven Community Primary School £100.

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A Culdrose Navy Lieutenant who penned a Blog about the Nautical Adventures of a travelling bear has had his work released in a special fund raising book.

Lt Mark Taylor’s blog detailing the globe-trotting adventures of a ships mascot bear has been released as a children’s book in aid of charity.

The series of blogs, written whilst on board HMS Bulwark during the ship’s visit to the Baltic region in 2012, were sent to Durham Trinity School and Sports College, providing a novel teaching experience.

The bear named William, designed by Lesley Harrison of “Cassop vale Bears” and wearing a Navy uniform, was presented to the Ship’s company of HMS Bulwark by Durham Trinity School during a Freedom of the City of Durham parade in 2011.

Proving an instant hit with children of the north east and backed by the Mayor of Durham and the City Council, children’s author Michelle Emerson was enlisted to help turn Mark’s pictures and stories into a children’s book.
Marks job, as the Aviation officer controlling all the aircraft operating onboard HMS Bulwark kept him busy during the deployment, but he found time to keep his readers up to date with Williams amazing sea-going exploit.

“When William was given to us no one could have imagined that his adventures would prove so popular.

I wrote about our day to day life on board the Ship and all the countries we visited.

It was remarkable how children were able to relate to all the comings and goings on an operational Warship.

They seemed to understand and hopefully they learnt our world.”

The book is aimed at 7-10 year olds and entitled The Nautical Adventures of William Bear. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Durham City’s St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

Teachers and pupils from Durham Trinity School attended and met Lt Mark Taylor and William the well travelled mascot star they’d heard so much about, at a special book launch at Northumbria Quay, North Shields when HMS Bulwark docked recently for a port visit.

Julie Connolly, the school’s head teacher, said, “This has been an exciting, innovative project that has further promoted the bond between HMS Bulwark, Durham County Council and Durham Trinity School and Sports College. We hope children enjoy reading the book.”

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