February 2026 News

A Splash of Colour Thanks to Community Volunteers

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Newlyn Community Flora Group and the Penzance Community Flora Group. These wonderful volunteers continue to find fulfilment, friendship, and purpose through their work planting, tending, and brightening our public flower beds.

This season, our donation of crocus corms has once again burst into bloom, adding early colour to the town. Beyond their beauty, these crocuses also carry a deeper meaning: part of the funds from Rotary’s purchase of corms through the ‘Purple for Polio’ scheme supports Rotary International’s mission to End Polio Now .

In October, the resale of a quarter of the corms to members raised an additional £100 for The Rotary Foundation—a small effort with meaningful impact.

Weathering the Storms Together

It has been a month of seemingly endless storms, and we sincerely hope you have come through relatively unscathed. Some members experienced temporary loss of utilities, and it’s in these moments that the strength of Rotary shines. Your fellow Rotarians are always ready to help—sometimes all you need to do is ask.

A special well‑done goes to Helston Lizard Rotary Club, whose members stepped up to help operate a bottled water station after Storm Goretti caused major disruption to water supplies. Their swift action exemplifies Rotary service at its best.

Extending Honorary Membership

Following last month’s visit from Rtn Martin Straus (Taunton), who shared his experience of receiving Honorary Membership as Mayor of Taunton, we are pleased to announce that an offer of Honorary Membership has now been extended to the Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds. Stephen previously joined us to present an award to Rtn Des Hosken in recognition of his remarkable fifty years of Rotary membership.

A Busy 5th Friday and Growing Membership Elsewhere

The 5th Friday in January brought a flurry of interest from neighbouring clubs. Although limited space meant we couldn’t welcome everyone, we were pleased to host President Nick Wills and Chris Butterill from Helston Lizard. Their club’s success in recruiting 18 new members (net 14) in the past year—largely through word of mouth—is an inspiring reminder of the power of personal connection.

Looking ahead, our next 5th Friday gathering will be in May, and we are grateful to Hon. Rtn and Past President Anita George MBE for agreeing to facilitate a Charity Lunch at The Logan Rock Inn.

International Fellowship for Peace

A small sub‑committee led by Rtn Alan Wilson continues to prepare for the upcoming visit from members of three French Rotary Clubs and two Italian Clubs. With invaluable support from Hon. Rtn Sue Home, the itinerary is taking shape for this early‑May gathering, which aims to promote world peace through fellowship, cultural exchange, and shared service. Rotary worldwide remains committed to addressing the root causes of conflict—poverty, discrimination, intolerance, and lack of education.

Youth Competitions: Successes and Setbacks

Youth Speaks was a great success, despite fewer entries this year. Congratulations to Mousehole School, who narrowly edged out St Just School. Both teams now progress to the area round. Huge thanks to Rtn Zena Muth and the Youth Service team for their dedication.

Unfortunately, the Young Artist competition had to be cancelled due to last‑minute school withdrawals. Our thanks go to local artists Richard Sorrell and Sarah Bell, who generously offered their time as judges and remain willing to support a future competition.

Returning to The Queen’s Hotel

Our winter residency at The Fishermen’s Arms in Newlyn has now concluded, and we are pleased to be back at The Queen’s Hotel. Lunchtime talks have resumed, beginning with an informative update from Rtn Mike Ward (St Austell) and community organiser Alan Shepherd, joined by Nadine Tonner and Martin Venning, on the current situation of the Golowan Festival CIC. With the change of ownership at the Barbican and the loss of their long‑standing workspace, the future of the festival has faced uncertainty—but the team continues to work tirelessly to secure its continuation