Born on May 28th 1934 and passed peacefully on November 21st 2025.

Saturday February 8th 2025: Sally Thomas, Port Navas resident for over 92 years, passed away gently in her sleep in the early hours of this morning. Rest in peace Sally.

We’re sorry to have to report the passing this week of a celebrated son of Port Navas. Rodney Myers was born on D-day – June 6th 1944 – and grew up here with his two sisters; Jane and Sally. His parents Tony and Sue Myers opened Trewince House as a hotel just after the war. They helped to found the Helford River Sailing Club in 1948 and instigated the L’Aber Wrac’h Race in 1959. Otter, the Myers family sailing boat, became one of the best known gaffers on the Helford.

Although Rodney moved to Hampshire as an adult, he and Sandra returned to Cornwall when Rodney retired, settling eventually in Flushing. Rodney’s first love was always Port Navas. He was a regular competitor in our Regatta and a frequent winner of the Veteran’s Rowing. He will be greatly missed by his many friends here and around the Helford.

Rodney at the 2014 Regatta

2nd December 1930 – 15th July 2022

Following a stroke at home Pat Cross died peacefully in Falmouth Hospital on Friday July 15th with her family at her side. Pat was greatly admired in Port Navas for her sense of humour and her unstinting support of our community.

Twenty years ago with her husband Tom she led the successful campaign to buy the village hall for the community. She also founded our very successful winter soup kitchen.

Pat always appeared at local events dressed in style and often sporting a distinctive hat. She was a key player in Port Navas village life and we will all miss her very much.

Patricia Cross

2nd December 1930 to 15th July 2022

Patricia Cross sadly passed away in Falmouth on the 15th July 2022 after a short illness.  Born in 1930 in Liverpool the family moved to Romford where her father worked at Fords in Dagenham and later became mayor of Romford.  Pat went to the Ursuline Convent school in Brentwood subsequently working for Bass Charrington in London and then then became a PA to the labour MP Maurice Foley.  Pat was a keen swimmer and rock climber and through this she met her husband Tom who was studying at the Slade School of Fine Art.  They both developed a strong friendship with the artist LS Lowry as Tom was brought up in Manchester.   After living in France, Italy, Wales and Reading Tom and Pat both moved to Cornwall in 1976 where Tom became principle of Falmouth School of Art, living on Greenbank in Falmouth.  Tom was a well known artist painting extensively on the Helford River and also wrote number of books on the Penwith and St Ives art movements which Pat copywrote and edited.

Pat was a keen weaver and had a major role with the Cornwall Craft Association.  They moved to Port Navas in 1984 where they lived for many years before moving locally to Treviades at High Cross and had a huge role in community life where they helped the village acquire the Reading Room in Port Navas.  They travelled extensively taking 2 sabbaticals in the USA and visited Australia, Mexico, Italy and the Middle East where Tom painted and exhibited as well as in Cornwall in St Ives, Falmouth and Kestle Barton.  Through her connections and love of art she became great friends of many of the leading Cornwall abstract artists.  She could walk into the permanent gallery at the Tate St. Ives and recollect conversations, parties and friendships of nearly all the famous painters whose work hangs on the walls.

She continued to live independently in Cornwall after the death of Tom in 2009 and was active even with failing eyesight.  She had many interests including swimming and loved Test Match cricket where she went to South Africa and Sri Lanka on England’s recent tours with her family.  She passed away peacefully with them at her side – David her son and Carol her beloved daughter in law.

We just wanted to let everyone know that after a valiant fight with Motor Neurone disease, John Ford died on 17th April. He is buried in Constantine Church. Our thoughts are with his wife Teresa, their three lovely children Hannah, Ed and Ellie and the whole Ford family.

John loved The Helford and was looking forward to spending more and more time down here after a long and successful career in the Far East.  We will miss his energy, enthusiasm and love of life.

John at the helm of Gemima with his family and Fran, Judy and Finn

We very much regret having to report that Adrian Seys-Prosser passed away at home over the weekend.

Ade and his partner Jan lived at Covehill in Port Navas for many years before moving to Constantine a few years ago. They were always actively involved in village life and Ade loved living in Port Navas, appreciating its sense of fun and community spirit. He particularly enjoyed being part of the Regatta barbecue team each year. Many of Jan’s memories with Adrian are of happy times down at ‘the club’, crabbing on the quay and messing about in dinghies with the grandchildren. 

Ade will be missed by his family and by all who knew him.

Martin Winters, Stuart & Sally Annan, James Jowett with Ade at The Port Navas Regatta

We’re very sad to report the untimely passing of Alan Gardner. Many in Port Navas will know Alan as the always cheerful and generous former owner of Port Navas Yacht Club. Sandra, Alan’s wife, has said that their years owning PNYC and getting to know all the members were some of the happiest years of their family life. Sandra has loved the Helford since childhood, and Alan grew to love it so much, never more content than when pottering about in his little boat and having a pint of Doom Bar or enjoying a meal and a few glasses of wine with friends!

Alan was interested in everything and everybody. He spent the last active week of his life in Port Navas before he showed signs of being unwell and he and Sandra had to cut their stay short. He collapsed 24 hours after they got home; spent the next three weeks in hospital, and was never able to return home.

Our thoughts go out to Sandra who is having to cope with both loss and self isolation due to Coronavirus. Alan will be cremated on 24th April with only Sandra, Jamie and Kerry present.

Alan was a lovely man who will be remembered fondly by many in Port Navas and around the Helford.

1936-2020

It is with much sadness that we heard of the death of David today. Our thoughts are with Jane, Christopher, Irena, Jennifer and Nicola; Michael, Caroline, Jasmine and Louise.

David was a man of many parts and gave so freely of his time, knowledge and skills to the community. The Garden Society, History Society and Regatta Committee all appreciated his contributions as a member and treasurer, (a role he also undertook for the Save The Children branch). His own garden is testimony to his horticultural skills and will be a lasting memorial to him. When he and Jane arrived at Upalong the land was a mass of brambles, nettles and pittasporum, pathless and featureless. He tackled the whole with his usual vigour and it is now a feast of camellias, magnolias and azaleas. He was still planting his arboretum when he was taken ill and regretted not being able to complete it. His sturdy tractor was much used in the village, for the Regatta as well as in Pope’s Garden.

David was a mean card player, especially enjoying the more challenging games as well as evenings of rummy and whist with friends. He also enjoyed playing snooker every week with a group of pals. Friends and family were so important to him, especially his four granddaughters. Nothing pleased him more than to tell us all that they had celebrated Christmas in October, every year in a different part of the UK, with a large group of family members. This left him free at Christmas proper to wassail with village friends. Wassailing was not the only celebration he hosted; for many years 1st April was Sloe Gin evening, an event when fellow sloe gin makers met and sampled each others’ bottles. His love of real ale was indulged every year by visiting the Real Ale Festival, and he was partial to a drop of single malt.

He served as a member of the Village Hall Management Committee from its inception, for many years being the Treasurer. He also coordinated the pitching and decoration of the Christmas tree, and insisted that we had flashing multi-coloured lights. His contribution to the summer barbecue was a huge steaming tray of fried onions, a real labour of love. His other thankless task was to oversee the maintenance of the troublesome septic tank. All this was carried out with efficiency and good humour, thank you, David.

I am sure there is more we could say.

David was a gentleman and we will miss him. 

  • David and Jane in their garden in 2006

It is with great sadness that we are reporting the tragic loss of Richard Winfrey who was laid to rest at Mawnan Church on Saturday.  Richard was a huge character who will leave an indelible mark on this community – in Mawnan Smith, within the shooting fraternity and on the Helford as a rower, sailor and drinker.  Richard was a fierce competitor at the Port Navas Regatta from an early age and I can personally attest to this, particularly in the Run And Row.  He was also a fantastic commentator for a number of years.  This summer he and his son Sam won a number of races and thereby added another Winfrey name (8 year old Sam) to the Presidents Cup for the overall points winner.

The service at Mawnan Smith was emotional but also very beautiful and made a huge impression.  The variety of people, as well as the sheer number, is a testament to his huge character.  On behalf of everyone at PNYC, we send our best wishes and thoughts to his wife Brush, his four children Harriet, Georgie, Treve and Sam and the wider family.  We are poorer for his early passing.

Tom Elleman

Very sad news this morning: Peggy Shepperd, our village’s oldest resident, passed away peacefully at her son John’s.

Peggy had been at the centre of life in Port Navas since she and her husband Douglas moved here in 1956. Together they published the definitive history of the village in 1994. Peggy produced a much expanded 2nd edition of  ‘The Story of Port Navas’ in 2016 just before her 100th birthday.

Peggy was a remarkable lady and we will all miss her greatly.

Peggy at her 101st birthday party

Port Navas is mourning the loss of one its most committed community members. Bernice Wickens died in St Julia’s Hospice on the evening of Friday September 8th.

Bernice was involved in all aspects of village life – from the maintenance of Pope’s Garden to the management of the Village Hall. She and her husband Roger could always be counted on to help, whatever the cause. She will be much missed and our thoughts are with Roger.

Giles Williams, who was a very good friend to Port Navas, died unexpectedly on September 9th.

Giles was a partner at KPMG in London. Their chairman described him as “one of the world’s leading experts on financial services regulation” and “the ‘go to’ adviser for the major financial institutions, regulators and governments”. He was also a born and bred Cornishman who loved this part of the county and was committed to making a difference here.

Two years ago Giles acquired the Port Navas Yacht Club. His intention was to preserve an iconic local institution that he, and his family and friends, so enjoyed.

Giles was also a keen supporter of the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust. The HRCST is dedicated to providing the opportunity for children in local schools to sail and kayak single-handed, discover love and respect for the sea, gain confidence for life and accelerate academic learning. His family have asked that any donations in his memory are made to the HRCST. You can find out more at hrcst.org.uk/giles-williams.

Giles had many friends around Constantine and Port Navas. They, and his family, will miss him.

Giles at this year’s Port Navas Regatta

John Green of Calamansac passed away on 4 May 2014. John was a remarkable larger-than-life character who was, among many other things, a great supporter of village life here in Port Navas.

John was born in London into a family of architects and moved to Burnham Overy, north Norfolk, in 1939. He left school early, and after working on a farm in Shropshire and undertaking a Nuffield farming scholarship in 1949, he moved to a farming company in Lincolnshire. In 1964 he married Margaret and gained two much-loved stepsons. Two years later, the family moved to Ely, where John and his brother Andrew formed a farming partnership. The business still flourishes and now includes substantial operations in central Europe.

In 1995, he and Margaret moved to the Helford River and the woods and gardens of Calamansac. He had visited Calamansac as a child and then, after marrying Margaret, every summer was spent holidaying on the river.

Inspired by his own experiences as a child and their unique location on the shores of the Helford, he established the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust, a charitable trust for local schoolchildren to learn to sail single-handedly and enjoy the resulting freedom and confidence.  For this he was made MBE and his extraordinary enthusiasm and energy continue to be an inspiration.

1933-2010

Fiona Beale arrived in Port Navas in 1965 on her beloved yacht Devon Maid.  She lived aboard while work was completed on the former garage, bought from Sally Thomas’s father, which was to be her home for the next 45 years.

Fiona became well known around the village and the river as an active oarswoman and sailor, and as an accomplished artist and woodcarver. She was an enthusiastic contributor to many local organisations, particularly the Port Navas Regatta and the Helford River Marine Conservation Group. In recent years she managed to turn the little village hall in Port Navas into an exhibition venue of choice for local artists.

On the evening of April 30th many of Fiona’s friends were with her at the launch of the Tom Cross Archive at University College Falmouth. It was great party and Fiona was in fine form.  She died suddenly at home that night. Port Navas will not be quite the same without her.
Peter at the Tall Ships in Falmouth August 2008

A crowd of Port Navas people, many straight off the river in their sailing gear, turned out on a sunny morning, Friday July 31st, for the dedication of a new bench at the Port Navas Village Hall. Peter Prall, who’d had a family home in the village for more than thirty years, passed away earlier this year.  Mary and the family decided that a bench on which others could pause a while in the village that Peter loved, would be a fitting memorial.

Peter’s great friend Brian Roper called the crowd to order and introduced Councillor Jim Boote, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee and the only one present in jacket and tie, to perform the dedication. Peter’s wife Mary was there with children and grandchildren, and Peter’s son Rob said a few words about his dad. It was a happy occasion on which to remember an absent friend.

Thanks to Clare Holmes for the photos.

1 November 1913 – 29 March 2009

Arthur was born in Port Navas on November 1st, 1913 the youngest, together with his twin sister Marjorie, of a family of seven. He went to school, first in Constantine and then in Ponjeravah, and on leaving school he was apprenticed to a carpenter, Moss of Falmouth. Unusually, he also served a second apprenticeship as an engineer under Mr Thomas of Port Navas (Sally’s and Robin’s father). These skills served him well during the 2nd World War when he was required to service and maintain secret naval vessels, belonging to the SOE, based in the Helford River.

After the war he worked for the Duchy of Cornwall Oyster Farm at Port Navas, driving their delivery van and maintaining the machinery and the engines of the oyster dredging boats – work he continued until his retirement in 1978. He had much to keep him occupied in retirement, with his boats, fishing and general DIY. He was a keen supporter of village activities, particularly the annual Regatta, and was delighted when Port Navas Village Hall came into being. He was also a lifelong member of Port Navas Methodist Chapel and was Chapel Steward for many years.

He is pictured here proudly displaying “Wings”, awarded to him following a flight (his first ever) from Culdrose Naval Air Station, in a light aircraft, kindly arranged by members of the village, to celebrate his 90th birthday.

When Arthur’s health deteriorated he moved first to Langholme in Falmouth, and then to Porthgwara Nursing Home at Coverack where he died on March 29th, 2009. His dry wit (at the age of 95) surprised and delighted the nurses who were only too happy to engage him in light-hearted banter. He will be sadly missed by friends, by visitors to the village, and by his niece and nephews.

Arthur with Geoff

3 February 1931 – 27 March 2009

Tom Cross lived in this part of Cornwall for more than 30 years. He was known to many, not only through his teaching as Head of Falmouth School of Art and his writing on the history of art in Cornwall, but also for his own distinctive paintings of the Helford River.

Born in Manchester, Tom trained at the Slade School and spent two years travelling and painting in Italy and France. On his return he worked in Wales for the Welsh Arts Council, later becoming Senior Lecturer in painting at Reading University and then, in 1976, principal of the prestigious Falmouth School of Art.

Tom’s books Painting the Warmth of the Sun, The Shining Sands and Catching the Wave are standard works on the history of the Newlyn and St Ives Schools. His last book, HELFORD – A River and Some Landscapes, is a beautifully illustrated account of his time spent living on and painting the Helford River.

In 2002 Tom was instrumental in organising the purchase of the Port Navas Village Hall and served as its first Chairman, establishing it as a successful centre of village life.

Tom died at home on March 27th 2009. He was a good friend to many in Port Navas and he will be greatly missed.

Dollar Bruton of ‘Shearwater’ Port Navas.

1912-2005

I would like to thank everyone who attended Mum’s funeral on 22nd April – and for all their generous comments, letters, cards, emails and telephone calls. I organised the day as she had asked and I am certain she appreciated the presence of people from Port Navas and beyond – both at her funeral and the Reception afterwards at the Village Hall.

A special thanks to the Reverend Robin Thomas who conducted the service as she had requested and who knew Mum from our arrival in Port Navas in 1947.

The collection raised £400 in Mum’s memory and has been forwarded by Keith Penrose to the Stroke Association – the national charity which helps in the prevention and treatment of strokes.

The two photographs are of Mum as a baby in 1913 and Mum with her great friend Arthur Rendle in March 2005  (taken by Patsy Loake of ‘Rocky Waters’).

Mike Bruton and family

Born on May 28th 1934 and passed peacefully on November 21st 2025.

Saturday February 8th 2025: Sally Thomas, Port Navas resident for over 92 years, passed away gently in her sleep in the early hours of this morning. Rest in peace Sally.

We’re sorry to have to report the passing this week of a celebrated son of Port Navas. Rodney Myers was born on D-day – June 6th 1944 – and grew up here with his two sisters; Jane and Sally. His parents Tony and Sue Myers opened Trewince House as a hotel just after the war. They helped to found the Helford River Sailing Club in 1948 and instigated the L’Aber Wrac’h Race in 1959. Otter, the Myers family sailing boat, became one of the best known gaffers on the Helford.

Although Rodney moved to Hampshire as an adult, he and Sandra returned to Cornwall when Rodney retired, settling eventually in Flushing. Rodney’s first love was always Port Navas. He was a regular competitor in our Regatta and a frequent winner of the Veteran’s Rowing. He will be greatly missed by his many friends here and around the Helford.

Rodney at the 2014 Regatta

2nd December 1930 – 15th July 2022

Following a stroke at home Pat Cross died peacefully in Falmouth Hospital on Friday July 15th with her family at her side. Pat was greatly admired in Port Navas for her sense of humour and her unstinting support of our community.

Twenty years ago with her husband Tom she led the successful campaign to buy the village hall for the community. She also founded our very successful winter soup kitchen.

Pat always appeared at local events dressed in style and often sporting a distinctive hat. She was a key player in Port Navas village life and we will all miss her very much.

Patricia Cross

2nd December 1930 to 15th July 2022

Patricia Cross sadly passed away in Falmouth on the 15th July 2022 after a short illness.  Born in 1930 in Liverpool the family moved to Romford where her father worked at Fords in Dagenham and later became mayor of Romford.  Pat went to the Ursuline Convent school in Brentwood subsequently working for Bass Charrington in London and then then became a PA to the labour MP Maurice Foley.  Pat was a keen swimmer and rock climber and through this she met her husband Tom who was studying at the Slade School of Fine Art.  They both developed a strong friendship with the artist LS Lowry as Tom was brought up in Manchester.   After living in France, Italy, Wales and Reading Tom and Pat both moved to Cornwall in 1976 where Tom became principle of Falmouth School of Art, living on Greenbank in Falmouth.  Tom was a well known artist painting extensively on the Helford River and also wrote number of books on the Penwith and St Ives art movements which Pat copywrote and edited.

Pat was a keen weaver and had a major role with the Cornwall Craft Association.  They moved to Port Navas in 1984 where they lived for many years before moving locally to Treviades at High Cross and had a huge role in community life where they helped the village acquire the Reading Room in Port Navas.  They travelled extensively taking 2 sabbaticals in the USA and visited Australia, Mexico, Italy and the Middle East where Tom painted and exhibited as well as in Cornwall in St Ives, Falmouth and Kestle Barton.  Through her connections and love of art she became great friends of many of the leading Cornwall abstract artists.  She could walk into the permanent gallery at the Tate St. Ives and recollect conversations, parties and friendships of nearly all the famous painters whose work hangs on the walls.

She continued to live independently in Cornwall after the death of Tom in 2009 and was active even with failing eyesight.  She had many interests including swimming and loved Test Match cricket where she went to South Africa and Sri Lanka on England’s recent tours with her family.  She passed away peacefully with them at her side – David her son and Carol her beloved daughter in law.

We just wanted to let everyone know that after a valiant fight with Motor Neurone disease, John Ford died on 17th April. He is buried in Constantine Church. Our thoughts are with his wife Teresa, their three lovely children Hannah, Ed and Ellie and the whole Ford family.

John loved The Helford and was looking forward to spending more and more time down here after a long and successful career in the Far East.  We will miss his energy, enthusiasm and love of life.

John at the helm of Gemima with his family and Fran, Judy and Finn

We very much regret having to report that Adrian Seys-Prosser passed away at home over the weekend.

Ade and his partner Jan lived at Covehill in Port Navas for many years before moving to Constantine a few years ago. They were always actively involved in village life and Ade loved living in Port Navas, appreciating its sense of fun and community spirit. He particularly enjoyed being part of the Regatta barbecue team each year. Many of Jan’s memories with Adrian are of happy times down at ‘the club’, crabbing on the quay and messing about in dinghies with the grandchildren. 

Ade will be missed by his family and by all who knew him.

Martin Winters, Stuart & Sally Annan, James Jowett with Ade at The Port Navas Regatta

We’re very sad to report the untimely passing of Alan Gardner. Many in Port Navas will know Alan as the always cheerful and generous former owner of Port Navas Yacht Club. Sandra, Alan’s wife, has said that their years owning PNYC and getting to know all the members were some of the happiest years of their family life. Sandra has loved the Helford since childhood, and Alan grew to love it so much, never more content than when pottering about in his little boat and having a pint of Doom Bar or enjoying a meal and a few glasses of wine with friends!

Alan was interested in everything and everybody. He spent the last active week of his life in Port Navas before he showed signs of being unwell and he and Sandra had to cut their stay short. He collapsed 24 hours after they got home; spent the next three weeks in hospital, and was never able to return home.

Our thoughts go out to Sandra who is having to cope with both loss and self isolation due to Coronavirus. Alan will be cremated on 24th April with only Sandra, Jamie and Kerry present.

Alan was a lovely man who will be remembered fondly by many in Port Navas and around the Helford.

1936-2020

It is with much sadness that we heard of the death of David today. Our thoughts are with Jane, Christopher, Irena, Jennifer and Nicola; Michael, Caroline, Jasmine and Louise.

David was a man of many parts and gave so freely of his time, knowledge and skills to the community. The Garden Society, History Society and Regatta Committee all appreciated his contributions as a member and treasurer, (a role he also undertook for the Save The Children branch). His own garden is testimony to his horticultural skills and will be a lasting memorial to him. When he and Jane arrived at Upalong the land was a mass of brambles, nettles and pittasporum, pathless and featureless. He tackled the whole with his usual vigour and it is now a feast of camellias, magnolias and azaleas. He was still planting his arboretum when he was taken ill and regretted not being able to complete it. His sturdy tractor was much used in the village, for the Regatta as well as in Pope’s Garden.

David was a mean card player, especially enjoying the more challenging games as well as evenings of rummy and whist with friends. He also enjoyed playing snooker every week with a group of pals. Friends and family were so important to him, especially his four granddaughters. Nothing pleased him more than to tell us all that they had celebrated Christmas in October, every year in a different part of the UK, with a large group of family members. This left him free at Christmas proper to wassail with village friends. Wassailing was not the only celebration he hosted; for many years 1st April was Sloe Gin evening, an event when fellow sloe gin makers met and sampled each others’ bottles. His love of real ale was indulged every year by visiting the Real Ale Festival, and he was partial to a drop of single malt.

He served as a member of the Village Hall Management Committee from its inception, for many years being the Treasurer. He also coordinated the pitching and decoration of the Christmas tree, and insisted that we had flashing multi-coloured lights. His contribution to the summer barbecue was a huge steaming tray of fried onions, a real labour of love. His other thankless task was to oversee the maintenance of the troublesome septic tank. All this was carried out with efficiency and good humour, thank you, David.

I am sure there is more we could say.

David was a gentleman and we will miss him. 

  • David and Jane in their garden in 2006

It is with great sadness that we are reporting the tragic loss of Richard Winfrey who was laid to rest at Mawnan Church on Saturday.  Richard was a huge character who will leave an indelible mark on this community – in Mawnan Smith, within the shooting fraternity and on the Helford as a rower, sailor and drinker.  Richard was a fierce competitor at the Port Navas Regatta from an early age and I can personally attest to this, particularly in the Run And Row.  He was also a fantastic commentator for a number of years.  This summer he and his son Sam won a number of races and thereby added another Winfrey name (8 year old Sam) to the Presidents Cup for the overall points winner.

The service at Mawnan Smith was emotional but also very beautiful and made a huge impression.  The variety of people, as well as the sheer number, is a testament to his huge character.  On behalf of everyone at PNYC, we send our best wishes and thoughts to his wife Brush, his four children Harriet, Georgie, Treve and Sam and the wider family.  We are poorer for his early passing.

Tom Elleman

Peggy at her 101st birthday party

Very sad news this morning: Peggy Shepperd, our village’s oldest resident, passed away peacefully at her son John’s.

Peggy had been at the centre of life in Port Navas since she and her husband Douglas moved here in 1956. Together they published the definitive history of the village in 1994. Peggy produced a much expanded 2nd edition of  ‘The Story of Port Navas’ in 2016 just before her 100th birthday.

Peggy was a remarkable lady and we will all miss her greatly.

Port Navas is mourning the loss of one its most committed community members. Bernice Wickens died in St Julia’s Hospice on the evening of Friday September 8th.

Bernice was involved in all aspects of village life – from the maintenance of Pope’s Garden to the management of the Village Hall. She and her husband Roger could always be counted on to help, whatever the cause. She will be much missed and our thoughts are with Roger.

Giles Williams, who was a very good friend to Port Navas, died unexpectedly on September 9th.

Giles was a partner at KPMG in London. Their chairman described him as “one of the world’s leading experts on financial services regulation” and “the ‘go to’ adviser for the major financial institutions, regulators and governments”. He was also a born and bred Cornishman who loved this part of the county and was committed to making a difference here.

Two years ago Giles acquired the Port Navas Yacht Club. His intention was to preserve an iconic local institution that he, and his family and friends, so enjoyed.

Giles was also a keen supporter of the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust. The HRCST is dedicated to providing the opportunity for children in local schools to sail and kayak single-handed, discover love and respect for the sea, gain confidence for life and accelerate academic learning. His family have asked that any donations in his memory are made to the HRCST. You can find out more at hrcst.org.uk/giles-williams.

Giles had many friends around Constantine and Port Navas. They, and his family, will miss him.

Giles at this year’s Port Navas Regatta

John Green of Calamansac passed away on 4 May 2014. John was a remarkable larger-than-life character who was, among many other things, a great supporter of village life here in Port Navas.

John was born in London into a family of architects and moved to Burnham Overy, north Norfolk, in 1939. He left school early, and after working on a farm in Shropshire and undertaking a Nuffield farming scholarship in 1949, he moved to a farming company in Lincolnshire. In 1964 he married Margaret and gained two much-loved stepsons. Two years later, the family moved to Ely, where John and his brother Andrew formed a farming partnership. The business still flourishes and now includes substantial operations in central Europe.

In 1995, he and Margaret moved to the Helford River and the woods and gardens of Calamansac. He had visited Calamansac as a child and then, after marrying Margaret, every summer was spent holidaying on the river.

Inspired by his own experiences as a child and their unique location on the shores of the Helford, he established the Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust, a charitable trust for local schoolchildren to learn to sail single-handedly and enjoy the resulting freedom and confidence.  For this he was made MBE and his extraordinary enthusiasm and energy continue to be an inspiration.

1933-2010

Fiona Beale arrived in Port Navas in 1965 on her beloved yacht Devon Maid.  She lived aboard while work was completed on the former garage, bought from Sally Thomas’s father, which was to be her home for the next 45 years.

Fiona became well known around the village and the river as an active oarswoman and sailor, and as an accomplished artist and woodcarver. She was an enthusiastic contributor to many local organisations, particularly the Port Navas Regatta and the Helford River Marine Conservation Group. In recent years she managed to turn the little village hall in Port Navas into an exhibition venue of choice for local artists.

On the evening of April 30th many of Fiona’s friends were with her at the launch of the Tom Cross Archive at University College Falmouth. It was great party and Fiona was in fine form.  She died suddenly at home that night. Port Navas will not be quite the same without her.
Peter at the Tall Ships in Falmouth August 2008

A crowd of Port Navas people, many straight off the river in their sailing gear, turned out on a sunny morning, Friday July 31st, for the dedication of a new bench at the Port Navas Village Hall. Peter Prall, who’d had a family home in the village for more than thirty years, passed away earlier this year.  Mary and the family decided that a bench on which others could pause a while in the village that Peter loved, would be a fitting memorial.

Peter’s great friend Brian Roper called the crowd to order and introduced Councillor Jim Boote, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee and the only one present in jacket and tie, to perform the dedication. Peter’s wife Mary was there with children and grandchildren, and Peter’s son Rob said a few words about his dad. It was a happy occasion on which to remember an absent friend.

Thanks to Clare Holmes for the photos.

1 November 1913 – 29 March 2009

Arthur was born in Port Navas on November 1st, 1913 the youngest, together with his twin sister Marjorie, of a family of seven. He went to school, first in Constantine and then in Ponjeravah, and on leaving school he was apprenticed to a carpenter, Moss of Falmouth. Unusually, he also served a second apprenticeship as an engineer under Mr Thomas of Port Navas (Sally’s and Robin’s father). These skills served him well during the 2nd World War when he was required to service and maintain secret naval vessels, belonging to the SOE, based in the Helford River.

After the war he worked for the Duchy of Cornwall Oyster Farm at Port Navas, driving their delivery van and maintaining the machinery and the engines of the oyster dredging boats – work he continued until his retirement in 1978. He had much to keep him occupied in retirement, with his boats, fishing and general DIY. He was a keen supporter of village activities, particularly the annual Regatta, and was delighted when Port Navas Village Hall came into being. He was also a lifelong member of Port Navas Methodist Chapel and was Chapel Steward for many years.

He is pictured here proudly displaying “Wings”, awarded to him following a flight (his first ever) from Culdrose Naval Air Station, in a light aircraft, kindly arranged by members of the village, to celebrate his 90th birthday.

When Arthur’s health deteriorated he moved first to Langholme in Falmouth, and then to Porthgwara Nursing Home at Coverack where he died on March 29th, 2009. His dry wit (at the age of 95) surprised and delighted the nurses who were only too happy to engage him in light-hearted banter. He will be sadly missed by friends, by visitors to the village, and by his niece and nephews.

Arthur with Geoff

3 February 1931 – 27 March 2009

Tom Cross lived in this part of Cornwall for more than 30 years. He was known to many, not only through his teaching as Head of Falmouth School of Art and his writing on the history of art in Cornwall, but also for his own distinctive paintings of the Helford River.

Born in Manchester, Tom trained at the Slade School and spent two years travelling and painting in Italy and France. On his return he worked in Wales for the Welsh Arts Council, later becoming Senior Lecturer in painting at Reading University and then, in 1976, principal of the prestigious Falmouth School of Art.

Tom’s books Painting the Warmth of the Sun, The Shining Sands and Catching the Wave are standard works on the history of the Newlyn and St Ives Schools. His last book, HELFORD – A River and Some Landscapes, is a beautifully illustrated account of his time spent living on and painting the Helford River.

In 2002 Tom was instrumental in organising the purchase of the Port Navas Village Hall and served as its first Chairman, establishing it as a successful centre of village life.

Tom died at home on March 27th 2009. He was a good friend to many in Port Navas and he will be greatly missed.

Dollar Bruton of ‘Shearwater’ Port Navas.

1912-2005

I would like to thank everyone who attended Mum’s funeral on 22nd April – and for all their generous comments, letters, cards, emails and telephone calls. I organised the day as she had asked and I am certain she appreciated the presence of people from Port Navas and beyond – both at her funeral and the Reception afterwards at the Village Hall.

A special thanks to the Reverend Robin Thomas who conducted the service as she had requested and who knew Mum from our arrival in Port Navas in 1947.

The collection raised £400 in Mum’s memory and has been forwarded by Keith Penrose to the Stroke Association – the national charity which helps in the prevention and treatment of strokes.

The two photographs are of Mum as a baby in 1913 and Mum with her great friend Arthur Rendle in March 2005  (taken by Patsy Loake of ‘Rocky Waters’).

Mike Bruton and family