Putting the "fun" into "fundraising"!

Over the years I have found that Charity Car Washes are a great way to bring people together to raise money for good causes.

I recently organised a car wash with Chris Goninan at Penzance Fire Station to raise much needed funds for the Penwith Older People's Forum, which aims to be the voice for all older people living within Penwith District and improve their quality of life. Now boasting more than 500 members, the forum addresses issues affecting elders such as financial matters, loneliness and isolation, improving support services for carers, grants, and advocacy advice.

It was a genuinely community event with various youth groups taking part, including members of the Police Cadets, Army Cadets, the Scouts and members of the Youth Action Team and St Just Cricket Club as well as members of the Forum. Nearly 50 cars were washed, raising in excess of £270 for the Older People's Forum.

After the event Chris Goninan said ”This money will be used to help with the administrative costs of the Forum and to ensure we are represented at the meetings where important decisions are taken about our communities. It was a really enjoyable day with young and old working in partnership. My thanks to all concerned and this is the way to develop and enhance our communities."

Without the hard work of the young people we would have raised considerably less for the Older People's Forum. Our thanks go to everyone who helped and to the crew at Penzance Fire Station for being such excellent hosts."

Photo of Jack Yeates and myself

Parking victory in Penzance

New parking bays have now been created in Penzance car parks following my campaign to improve access to the Town Centre. I was able to secure the dedicated parking areas following a change in the way street parking is enforced.

Last year Cornwall County Council took over street parking enforcement and it soon became clear that motorcyclists had very limited provision in the Town Centre. I was made aware that some motorcyclists were no longer shopping in Penzance because of this problem, in my view the authority has a responsibility to improve access for shoppers, whatever their mode of transport.

Motorcyclist can now park free of charge in the car parks formally owned by Penwith District Council.

I am delighted by this victory for motorcyclists in West Cornwall, and my thanks go to Pete Verran, former Building and Engineering Manager of Penwith District Council and David Williams of Top Marks, for working hard to create these dedicated motorcycle Bays. Together we have achieved a small but significant tool in support of Penzance Retailers.

Photo pictured aboved: myself with David Williams and David Horwell of Top Marks and Mike Waters, Chairman of Penzance Chamber of Commerce.