We lead this week’s paper with another story about the Downderry Stores, where, after the new rule about face coverings in shops, they have reopened to all customers. In a statement given via the Residents Association, the owners have explained why they chose to restrict entry to those living in the village before – and the Association describes the efforts of the shop’s owners to serve the village during the lockdown. Last week’s story provoked a great deal of response and so we continue the discussion on both sides inside the paper with a selection of the comments we’ve received. The subject of how to welcome visitors and tourists safely has been a major issue to navigate for councils and businesses in Cornwall – and in Looe, where there’s also been some heated debate, the council has employed street marshals at the entrance to the town centre.
The sun was shining all over South East Cornwall at the start of this week and no more so than in Saltash, where the Regatta Committee, while not being able to stage this year’s event, have still made sure that children can enjoy the traditional sandy beach on the Waterside.
Also inside this week is the lovely story of a surprise wedding proposal in Looe, and news of what might well be South East Cornwall’s first drive-in church service, which hopes to attract people of all faiths and none to a celebratory event in Liskeard.
We’ve got pictures from the Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Newquay to officially name the new Cornwall Air Ambulance, and a busy letters page this week with plenty of views from local readers.
We hear how some of Cornwall’s leisure centres are opening this weekend – but some will stay shut – and a local independent gym owner tells us how they’ve been preparing for re-opening under the new guidelines to keep their members safe.
Our Open For Business section is packed with useful information both local and general, and includes details on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, gardening and what sorts of veg you can grow this time of year, homes, motoring, antiques and managing your money. There’s news of a campaign to ’Keep it Cornish’ and support local businesses and producers.
In Farming, find out how to get involved in a series of seminars hosted by the Duchy College Rural Business School. They’ve invited a raft of expert speakers to lead discussion on a range of issues affecting the rural economy, and they want as much input as possible from anyone interested and affected. The webinars start on Monday and we’ve got details of all the topics to be covered, and how to register.
In our Sport section this week, editor Nigel Walrond chats to new Bodmin Town head coach Gary Jeffery about his thoughts for the season ahead, and there’s a page on our local cricket side's last warm-up games before the start of the Bond Timber Trophy season on Saturday, for which we have all the fixtures. We also give you all the fixtures you need to know for the South West Rugby Union 2020-21 league season, and reports and photos from the Looe, China Fleet and St Mellion Golf Clubs. On the back page this week find out all about Bodmin Rugby Club chairman Dave Saunter’s new move into coaching after three decades at the club.
With all this we’ve also got our regular political columns, Nature Watch with Ray Roberts, the Puzzles page and lots of information to help locals and visitors stay safe as the summer holidays get underway.
Look out for your latest edition of the Cornish Times, out in the shops today!