IN this week’s Cornish Times we lead on the national lockdown set to begin tomorrow if, as expected, it is backed by MPs in a vote later today. Business and tourism representatives in South East Cornwall have given their reaction, describing their frustrations and hopes as we go into another four weeks of strict restrictions. And town councils and leaders across the district have been reaching out to residents, offering reassurance that they, and local organisations and volunteers, are there for those who need practical help or moral support.
In Liskeard, the Council and volunteers were racing around yesterday to try and get at least some of the Christmas lights up in place before the lockdown begins. They’re determined – along with St Martin’s Church, where a beacon will be lit on November 28 - to bring light and cheer to people in what will be a very different festive season.
Inside the paper we carry news and pictures of Remembrance services and displays across South East Cornwall. While many services have been called off, some are still going ahead, and in other places people are being invited to lay wreaths at memorials in their own time, and mark Remembrance Sunday on their doorsteps in “remote unity” at 11am.
We’ve news from a town where extra free parking to support traders in the run-up to Christmas was requested – and has been turned down – by Cornwall Council.
Four years ago, the BBC Panorama programme exposed neglect and abuse occurring at the Morleigh group of care homes in Cornwall, including homes in Callington and in Looe. There’s a detailed report from local democracy reporter Richard Whitehouse on the findings of a review that has been carried out into the failing at the home, and how the situation could have been allowed to develop in the first place. Significant changes have been made in how the care system operates in Cornwall and senior councillor for Adult Social Care Rob Rotchell explains.
We’ve got the lovely story of local volunteer Joy Parker, whose efforts together with her family and friends have helped raise £40,000 for Cancer Research UK. She’s been recognised by the charity with a national accolade.
And there’s a tribute to much-loved Looe man Tom Weston from his friends at the Looe Rifle Club.
This week we bring you a special Farming Diary with local and national news in the agricultural sector. We’ve got pictures from a special event run by Young Farmers Clubs in the district – they took part in the “Give it Some Welly” relay challenge, walking, cycling and riding horses from one club to another to raise funds to keep the Young Farmers Club afloat in the Covid crisis.
Also in your Cornish Times this week are features on TV show airing this week where local places and people are highlighted – Simon Reeve enjoys the stunning scenery of the county but tries to get under its skin as well in “Simon Reeve in Cornwall”. And celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is at the White Hart in Gunnislake talking to landlords Amy and Ian as part of his four-part series into how to save the British Pub.
We also bring you a lovely page special from IWalk Cornwall, featuring routes on Bodmin Moor and in the West Looe area.
As well as this there’s our special Sport section, packed with exclusive interviews, match reports, photos, results and previews, readers' letters – including a detailed expert look at the Government’s plans to overhaul the planning system - Nature Watch with Ray Roberts, and a wealth of information for readers on Homes and Gardens, Christmas preparations, Property, Motoring and Antiques.
Look out for your latest edition of the Cornish Times, out in the shops today!