Be one of the first to try our new activity feed British team Saint Piran reportedly used non-approved road bikes from China that the riders called the ‘Wuhan Weapon.' British Continental team Saint Piran has been caught and has admitted to using unmarked Chinese frames with fake UCI approval stickers, according to a report by Cycling Weekly The team — led by Richard Pascoe (as seen on the Bobby & Jens podcast here) and recognized as a British Cycling Elite Development Team — was discovered racing on all-black frames from a Chinese manufacturer fake UCI approval stickers were applied to the seat tubes riders called the bike the “Wuhan Weapon.” Saint Piran won’t clarify where the frames are sourced specifically saying only that it used a “Chinese brand.” The Saint Piran Continental team appears to have gone down this path starting in 2022 Saint Piran raised concerns about the safety of the frames from its then-sponsor and no issues were reported by Lapierre’s WorldTour team Saint Piran’s safety claim amounted to £100,000 leaving the team without bikes for a period until Trek stepped in as a new sponsor the team purchased those frames the riders called the “Wuhan Weapon.” The team downplayed any safety concerns about the non-UCI-approved frames they insisted the frames met UCI standards according to a run of WhatsApp messages from Pascoe revealed to Cycling Weekly While the team won’t clarify what frame they ended up using it appears the frames are from Lightcarbon with the model simply named “Integrated Road Bike Disc Frame.” and it doesn’t even look like the team sprung for that They just went for raw carbon without any branding at least if you’re racing in UCI-sanctioned races All equipment used in UCI races must be officially approved with compliant frames receiving stickers applied during manufacturing the stickers seen on Saint Piran’s frames could be easily lifted with a fingernail Pascoe allegedly used clear nail varnish to apply the stickers The UCI strictly prohibits individuals from applying these approval stickers which must be indelible and permanently affixed to the frameset The stickers in question differed from current UCI-approved ones lacking the unique code that links the frame to the UCI list of approved equipment No Lightcarbon frames appear on the UCI’s approved list A post shared by Saint Piran Pro Cycling (@saintpiran) Saint Piran addressed the issue in an Instagram statement today acknowledging that their unbranded frames did not comply with UCI regulations we can confirm the unbranded frames were not compliant with the UCI regulation process.” “Saint Piran acted on the advice of the manufacturer and an external expert and understood they were in line with UCI regulations at all times We have now reported this to the UCI and British Cycling and will abide by their ruling.” The team has since reported the issue to the UCI and British Cycling stating they will comply with the governing bodies’ rulings While the use of unapproved equipment is prohibited for safety reasons it also ensures no team gains an unfair advantage Saint Piran maintained in their statement that the frames met all ISO safety standards and adhered to UCI geometry and design regulations asserting that no performance benefit was gained lifting at the corners and clearly different from a legit approval sticker is also the same as the one on the example stickers from the UCI website shown below.  A fine of up to CHF100,000 is possible for the embattled Continental squad which is run by Richard Pascoe and holds British Cycling Elite Development Team status unmarked framesets purchased from a Chinese manufacturer Fake UCI stickers were then applied to the seat tube in order to give the appearance of compliance.  It must be said that no recall has been issued on the models in question and no issue was reported by Lapierre's WorldTour team The cost of the claim by Saint Piran was reportedly £100,000 and resulted in the team being without bikes on which to race for a period before eventually using commercially sourced Trek bikes.  the team purchased frames from a Chinese manufacturer dubbed the ‘Wuhan Weapon’ by riders It appears from pictures seen by Cyclingnews that the frames are from the brand Lightcarbon with the model being simply named ‘Integrated Road Bike Disc Frame’ instead only stating that it used a 'Chinese brand' It is reported that Pascoe brushed off any safety concerns regarding non-UCI approved framesets and accused the riders of ‘moaning’ and insisted that the frames were UCI compliant The 'Wuhan Weapon' in action.(Image credit: SW Pix)And the fake sticker clearly visible in competition (Image credit: SW Pix)All equipment used in UCI races must be approved by the governing body hence the need for stickers on frames that are compliant with clear nail varnish to achieve the effect it can be seen that the corners can be lifted up with a fingernail There is a chance that the strong acetone solvent present in nail varnish could have dissolved the ink in the stickers The application of UCI approval stickers by an individual is in direct contravention of the rules UCI rules state ‘the fixing of the UCI frameset and UCI fork labels by private individuals is forbidden’ and moreover that the stickers must be ‘visible indelible and inseparable from the frameset’ The stickers in question are also unlike the current approval stickers each of which has a code linking the frameset in question to the UCI list of approved equipment The stickers in this case merely say ‘APPROVED’ with no such code The UCI approval list also has no Lightcarbon approved frames from Lightcarbon.(Image credit: Lightcarbon)In a statement on Instagram posted this morning Saint Piran state: "After a detailed inspection we can confirm the unbranded frames were not compliant with the UCI regulation process." It goes on to say "Saint Piran acted on the advice of the manufacturer and an external expert and understood they were in line with UCI regulations at all times We have now reported this to the UCI and British Cycling and will abide by their ruling." The use of illegal equipment isn’t only forbidden for safety reasons but in order to prevent teams or riders from gaining an advantage the team states "The Frames complied with all ISO standards and the geometry and design met UCI regulations so no advantage was gained in any way." A post shared by Saint Piran Pro Cycling (@saintpiran) the UCI has officially provided a short statement into the affair:  'The UCI can confirm that an investigation is currently underway regarding the potential use of a non-homologated frameset by UCI Continental team Saint Piran in past events on the UCI International Calendar.' and given the ongoing nature of the investigation it was made clear that none would be going forward either.  Interrogation of the UCI approvals documentation for equipment clearly states that 'any misuse of the label or use contrary to the provisions of this protocol may be penalised by a fine of between CHF 10,000 and 100,000.' He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading or sign up for a new account to continue reading We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content no promotional deals were found matching that code Piran’s Day Cornish flag of Cornwall England is raised for the day to commemorate Grass Valley’s celebration of their Cornish mining heritage and St Piran’s Day during a previous year’s event This year’s celebration will take place Saturday the co-director of the Institute of Cornish Studies utilizes a side-arm throwing technique while taking part in the pasty toss during 2022’s Pasty Olympics at Grass Valley City Hall for St This year’s event will take place on Saturday will invite everyone to become Cornish for a day as it hosts its annual St becoming Cornish means becoming a “Cousin Jack” or “Cousin Jennie,” the names given to the town’s Cornish settlers Skilled in hard rock mining after generations extracting tin and copper from their own hilly land the Cornish had the skill to open Grass Valley’s rich gold mines With the completion of the Mill Street renovation Piran’s Day Celebration will be held on the Mill Street Plaza The white stripe on a black background represents the purified tin against the black ore The Grass Valley Male Voice Choir will fill the air with the Cornish National Anthem and Trelawny a patriotic Cornish song known as The Song of the Western Men the Town Crier will regale attendees with the Story of St the patron saint of Cornwall and of hard rock miners Historical fact is that he was a 5th-century missionary who brought Christianity to the Celtic land in the southwest corner of Britain Piran taught the Cornish to refine the tin they mined It is generally accepted that he was Irish and was later expelled from Ireland because of his powerful preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Having been thrown into the sea tied to a millstone he miraculously arrived on the shores of Cornwall where he built his tiny oratory and continued his work of evangelism Piran’s Day celebration includes a Community Pasty Bake-Off Contest sponsored by Tess’ Kitchen and Culinary and a competitive feat: the Pasty Toss Challenge are not for human consumption; they are canine-friendly prepared with liver in the crust and filled with dog food and Chamber of Commerce of Grass Valley challenge their Nevada City and Truckee peers to test their skills by tossing the pasties at a target and whichever city achieves the most bullseyes takes home the Mayor’s Trophy everyone has a chance to enter the Pasty Toss Community members of all ages are invited to try their hand at the toss and well-behaved canines on a leash are cordially invited to consume the tossed pasties We hope to see you downtown Grass Valley on March 1 at this family-friendly event on the Mill Street Plaza Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Celebrate Cornwall's national day and one of its saints with our St Piran's Day guide including a look at the history behind the day and how it's marked today St Piran's Day is on Wednesday 5 March 2025 St Piran was a bishop and is the patron saint of tin miners, as well as a patron saint of Cornwall (alongside St Michael and St Petroc). Legend has it that St Piran was actually Irish in origin, and was tied to a millstone and flung into the sea by a king. He washed up on Perran Beach in Perranporth St Piran is also credited with discovering tin after noticing that a black rock was leaking a white liquid in the heat St Piran's Day is celebrated with music, plays and eating traditional Cornish food. The St Piran Play takes places on the sand dunes near Perranporth and recreates the life of St Piran. Parades and concerts, often with sea shanties represents the white tin flowing from the black rocks dancers Piran Scott and Naiara were finally paired in a duet – and experienced a profound connection Do you have a romantic realisation you'd like to share From quiet domestic scenes to dramatic revelations Guardian Australia wants to hear about the moment you knew you were in love.  I was a young dancer based in Queensland when in 2012 I got my first international gig at the Leipzig Ballet in Germany, and a year later a beautiful Brazilian named Naiara joined the company. Her personality was infectious and I was instantly drawn to her high energy and natural charisma. I was attracted to her from the jump and tried to put some moves on, but we were so young – just 22 and 19. I guess she thought I was just playing the field and wasn’t interested in taking it there with me. But we were good colleagues and socialised a lot together. For three years we coasted along that way and were never paired together as dancers. Read moreIt wasn’t until I got another job in Switzerland and knew I’d be leaving the company that I goofily approached her in the studio to confess the chemistry I felt between us and the respect I had for her as an artist but I could see it shifted her interest in me our company toured in Colombia and romance blossomed Back in Germany we started spending a lot of time together There was this beautiful simplicity to our dynamic From early on we could be together in silence – dancers are good at communicating without words I could understand her; that happened so quickly for us ‘We knew we were headed into the unknown of a long-distance relationship once we got back to Europe’: Piran and Naiara in Sydney 2017Between gigs in 2017 – me in Switzerland Naiara in Germany – we had a summer break and I invited her to Australia to meet my family but we knew we were headed into the unknown of a long-distance relationship once we got back to Europe It was an eight-hour journey between Leipzig and Basel but we never let more than a fortnight pass without seeing each other For some couples distance can create a chasm But it wasn’t without its challenges and after about a year she presented me with an ultimatum – we had to be in the same city Despite the risk she obliged me and went into the jump 100% to prove she was right...As the pandemic bore down in 2020 I managed to get into the same company she was dancing for in St Gallen Because of the rules around physical contact during Covid the fact that we were a couple and living together meant we were paired together for duets I remember one day in the studio there we were rehearsing a difficult lift I kept telling her it was the right thing to do but also because she knew that even if things went wrong I felt so silly that I hadn’t double-checked it and believed her but I understood at that moment how implicit her trust in me was and how much responsibility I felt towards her In the moments she’s above my head and our eyes meet it’s like we are looking into each other’s souls – it’s profound connection pushing the limits of our trust for and responsibility to each other’s hearts and bodies But whether we are doing a duet or making dinner that sense of vulnerability and nurturing each other makes me feel love Piran Scott and Naiara de Matos appear in the Sydney Dance Company’s production of Momenta at the Arts Centre Melbourne, 8-12 October. Do you have a romantic realisation you'd like to share? From quiet domestic scenes to dramatic revelations, Guardian Australia wants to hear about the moment you knew you were in love.  Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has said the Government is committed to national minority status for Cornwall during a St Piran’s Day Prime Minister’s Questions in reference to the flowers traditionally laid at St Piran’s cross located among the sand dunes of Penhale Sands called on Sir Keir to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to national minority status for Cornwall The Cornish people were first recognised as a national minority group in 2014. It means they are classified under the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, the same as the UK’s other Celtic people – the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish. Mr Moon told MPs: “Happy St Piran’s Day to the hundreds of thousands of people in Cornwall and around the world who are today celebrating St Piran’s Day. “Will the Prime Minister confirm our Government’s commitment to national minority status for Cornwall and will he join me in wishing Cornish folk the world over a very happy St Piran’s Day?” Sir Keir Starmer replied: “Let me wish him, his constituents and everyone in Cornwall a very happy St Piran’s Day. “We do recognise Cornish national minority status, not just the proud language, the history and the culture of Cornwall, but its bright future, and I know that he and Cornish colleagues will continue to be powerful voices for Cornwall.” Neither St Piran’s Day nor St David’s Day on March 1 are bank holidays. St George’s Day, celebrated in England on April 23, is also not a bank holiday. But people in Northern Ireland and Scotland receive bank holidays to mark patron saints’ feast days – St Patrick’s Day on March 17 and St Andrew’s Day on November 30. An MBA with 30 year experience in journalism covers reporting for higher education institutions like IIT 8 Indian safaris that don't require tigers to impress 10 friendly pet dog breeds that are great for families with children 10 Kolhapuri dishes every foodie needs to try Priya Prakash Varrier turns heads with her effortless glam Pooja Hegde's breathtaking ethnic looks Our Privacy Policy has been revised. Please review updated ';P+='Privacy Policy Here';P+=' Grass Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris Armstrong tosses a dog food filled pasty towards a target placed along the Mill Street pedestrian walkway as part of the St Piran’s Day celebrations held in downtown Grass Valley Grass Valley Chief of Police Alex Gammelgard (far left) A dog food filled pasty lands on the target placed on Mill Street during Saturday’s St Piran’s Day celebrations in downtown Grass Valley where the Pasty Olympics take place Members of the Grass Valley Cornish Men’s Choir sing from a number of selections during the St Piran’s Day ceremonies Saturday morning in downtown Grass Valley Official Cornish Pasty judges taste and weigh their decision from a selection of pastys made for human consumption during Saturday morning’s St Piran’s Day celebrations in downtown Grass Valley Local canines keep a close eye on the dog food filled Cornish pastys as errant throws are occasionally snatched up by the waiting dogs Local historian and author Gage McKinney speaks to those gathered at the beginning of the St Piran’s Day ceremonies Saturday in downtown Grass Valley Folks gather ‘round to watch as competitors from Grass Valley and Nevada City take to Mill Street to toss their pastys during the St Town Crier Paul Haas readies to get the crowd into the event with his A pair of Nevada Union Miners lacrosse players compete against each other using their crosses to toss the pasty in the Grass Valley Pasty Olympics An opportunistic pooch keeps an eye on each toss of the pasty by his human counterparts during St The City of Grass Valley continued their tradition of honoring its Cornish heritage with Saturday morning’s St Piran’s Day celebration held on the Mill Street Plaza Piran is the patron saint of the tin miners from Cornwall England that came to Grass Valley to mine gold and help establish a community here during the gold rush It’s the common saying that ‘Everyone is Cornish on St Members of the Grass Valley Cornish Mens Choir were on hand to sing from a number of tunes including Trelawny and the Star Spangled Banner while Gage McKinney and Town Crier Paul Haas provided some history on St With the singing and history talks complete it was time to bring out the plaid target and the dog food filled pastys for the annual St the special dog food filled pastys were created as a way to not have to waste real food and also offer special treats to the dogs of spectators waiting close by Pastys were a popular food filled pastry that the Cornish miners would take with them into the mines for a meal during their work shift Pastys made for human consumption were also brought to the annual St Piran’s Day celebrations for a trio of lucky judges tasked with choosing the best community pasty submission Frankie Durham’s pasty was chosen as the winner the stars did not align in 2024 and it has taken its toll,' team says in statement There stands to be no British men’s Continental teams in 2025 which has competed at Continental level since 2021 revealed on Tuesday night that it “will not take to the startline in 2025” The Saint Piran statement read: “With a tough season behind us and more recently turbulent media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities for next year it has been decided that Saint Piran Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team and Saint Piran WRT Elite Development Team will not take to the startline in 2025.” “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right another opens for a team wishing to step into our shoes Saint Piran has proved that you can successfully run an independent UCI Continental Team in the UK and take on some of the biggest challenges and teams in the World the stars did not align in 2024 and it has taken its toll poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision.” The team’s closure comes as a blow to the British domestic racing scene the country had five men’s Continental teams in Saint Piran Canyon dhb SunGod and SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling there stands to be none for the first time since 2004 Founded by Richard Pascoe Saint Piran counted 21 riders on its men’s roster in 2024 including a number of track world champions It is currently uncertain how many of the riders have secured contracts for 2025 “There is a bright future for UK cycling,” the team statement read “But that exciting future will happen without Saint Piran Pro Cycling “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in our growth and success over our eight years It could not have been possible without you.” Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill, and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. His best result is 28th in a hill-climb competition, albeit out of 40 entrants. China on October 28-29 and we look at the 12 participating teams BEIJING (FIBA 3x3 World Tour) - The FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final 2017 will be staged in Beijing We continue our preview with Piran (SLO).PIRAN (SLO) Seed: #5Qualified: Winning the Chengdu MastersWorld Tour 2017 Appearances: 3 (3rd in Utsunomiya 1st in Chengdu & 4th in Mexico)World Tour 2017 Record: 11W-3LPrevious World Tour Final appearances: 4 (4th in 2012 4th in 2015 & 7th in 2016)Top Scorer:  Simon Finzgar: 85 points (10th overall)Roster#4 Simon Finzgar (SLO): 37 years old; 1.96m; World Rank: 14#5 Anze Srebovt (SLO): 25 years old; 1.97m; World Rank: 15#6 Gasper Ovnik (SLO): 35 years old; 1.90m; World Rank: 19#7 Adin Kavgic (SLO): 30 years old 1.96m; World Rank: 16Notes- Won the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup in 2016 representing Slovenia- Finzgar is a former number one 3x3 player in the World and was named MVP of the Chengdu Masters this season.- Simon Finzgar and Adin Kavgic are part of an exclusive group of 3 players who have played in all 6 editions of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour (Kranj star Mensud Julevic is the third one) Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. The mastermind of an armed robbery that ended in a police officer being shot dead has died in jail becoming the final member of the gang responsible for the armed raid which ended in Pc Sharon Beshenivsky’s murder to be convicted having spent nearly 15 years on the run A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed his death on Friday, saying: “HMP Wakefield prisoner Piran Ditta Khan died on Friday February 21 the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.” Pc Beshenivsky was murdered on her daughter’s fourth birthday while interrupting a robbery at family-run Universal Express travel agents in Bradford, West Yorkshire Khan had fled to Pakistan after the killing at the age of 57, and evaded justice until he was caught in 2020. Pc Beshenivsky and her colleague Pc Teresa Milburn, who were both unarmed, were shot at point-blank range by one of the three men who had just carried out the raid as he emerged from the door of the business. In April 2024, Khan became the last of seven men involved in the robbery to be convicted. The 76-year-old was found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of murdering Pc Beshenivsky, as well as two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. Last May, Mr Justice Hilliard jailed Khan for life with a minimum term of 40 years. During his trial, jurors heard Khan was the only one of the group who was familiar with Universal Express and had used the firm in the past to send money to family in Pakistan. He flew to Pakistan two months after Pc Beshenivsky’s death and remained at liberty there until he was arrested by Pakistani authorities in January 2020 and then extradited to the UK in 2023. Sentencing him last year, Mr Justice Hilliard told Khan: “You will inevitably spend the remainder of your life in custody, but that is a consequence of sentencing a man of your age for a crime of this particular gravity.” In a statement to the court, Paul Beshenivsky, who had been married to Pc Beshenivsky for four years when she died, said: “The way we lost Sharon was in the most brutal, callous and futile way. “She never came home due to the actions and organisation of one person – Piran Ditta Khan.” Turbulent media coverage hits sponsorship opportunities for next year for the Saint Piran Pro Cycling team so the UCI Continental Team and Saint Piran WRT Elite Development Team will not take to the startline in 2025 we have looked closely at how we can move forward and continue to grow the senior team at Saint Piran has undertaken a strategic review analysing how we can increase the opportunities for some of the UK’s brightest talents and inspire more to get on bikes to take up our incredible sport To achieve both we have to move to the next level It is no longer possible for any professional sports team to stand still But that exciting future will happen without Saint Piran Pro Cycling it has been decided that Saint Piran Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team and Saint Piran WRT Elite Development Team will not take to the startline in 2025 This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision The Saint Piran cycling brand will continue to develop and grow in the cycling sector and beyond The brand goes from strength to strength year on year providing a high-quality cycling-based experience Sadly the UK cycle industry is not strong enough as yet and the business is still in its infancy to be in a position to underpin the demands of UCI Continental racing as it stands today Before some in our sport celebrate and no doubt sensationalise the closure of the team it is important to understand how much has been invested in getting this small team to a place at the UCI table Our decision has a much wider impact that deserves more discussion than just sensationalised headlines We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in our growth and success over our eight years It could not have been possible without you Best wishes to all the riders and staff in the team for 2025 who’s opportunities have been ruined by the media showing no mercy to anyone during these tough times Send your results as well as club, team & event news here Tags: Powered by WordPress. Designed by A handful of team personnel only learned on social media that they would not have jobs in 2025 after Saint Piran's demise Riders and staff on the British Continental team Saint Piran were shocked by the team's closure with some telling Cycling Weekly that they only found out about the decision on social media Saint Piran announced on Tuesday evening that they would cease to exist ahead of the 2025 season after a "tough" year in which the "stars did not align" for the Cornwall-based squad It is understood that only a select few personnel were given advanced warning of the decision from the team’s senior management Others only learned that they would not be employed for the upcoming season when reading the statement which was put out on social media "I found out when everyone else found out online," one team source said "It’s unprofessional and I’m pissed off We deserved the common courtesy of being told before." I felt like with all the effort I've put in for them I shouldn't have to read a press release to find this out." Riders and staff were told that BC said a ten-day extension to apply was possible provided riders formed their own team read: "As part the application process for UCI Continental Team status for the 2025 season British Cycling must confirm each team’s compliance with UCI regulations and requirements "We were aware of a UCI investigation into allegations relating to Saint Piran team staff from 2022 and any active UCI investigation is considered in relation to a team’s application." Both the Saint Piran men’s and women’s teams were affected by the decision to close "This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right," the statement from the team read "Saint Piran has proved that you can successfully run an independent UCI Continental Team in the UK and take on some of the biggest challenges and teams in the world poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision." It is understood that some have already secured their future at other UK-based teams rider interviews and features appear both online and in the magazine he has reported from some of professional cycling's biggest races and events including the Tour de France and the World Championships in Glasgow He has also covered major races elsewhere across the world Tom writes race reports from the men's and women's WorldTour and focuses on coverage of UK domestic cycling People can celebrate St Piran’s Day with traditional Cornish food dancing and music at a special free event at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus academics and storytellers will help those attending to bring the traditional Festivities will open with an interactive workshop on the importance of storytelling in Cornish culture exploring how the story of St Piran can be adapted to contemporary Cornish needs. This will culminate in a co-produced story of St Piran for all to enjoy Pasties and sweet treats will be available and there will be stalls hosted by community organisations who are focused on Cornish heritage and culture There will be live music and dancing to Cornish tunes at a Nos Lowen led by the TANEK dance band TANEK means ‘fiery’ in the Kernewek language and the all-female band is comprised of some of Cornwall’s finest female folk musicians who have years of experience and a deep knowledge of Cornish traditional music The St Piran’s day celebrations will be held on Friday March 7th at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-pirans-celebration-tickets-1151282830939?aff=oddtdtcreator View full archives the Italian-speaking population was dominant so it is not surprising that all the elite figures of public life supported this honor." Benito Mussolini He still holds the title of honorary citizen of the city of Piran who emphasizes that after a search for information “no document was found that proves how this title was revoked.” “This means that the fascist leader is officially still an honorary citizen of Piran,” Muzenic then argued who emphasized that the historical context in which the award was made must be taken into account so it is not surprising that all the elite figures in public life supported this honor,” the expert explained the Gorizia City Council rejected a motion by the opposition to revoke the honorary citizenship awarded to Benito Mussolini in 1924 The decision sparked widespread indignation and concern in Slovenia Read also other news on Nova News Click here and receive updates on WhatsApp Follow us on the social channels of Nova News on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Telegram 2000 - 2025 Nova Agency. All rights reserved The team has had a number of high profile cyclists including Chris Opie and Charlie Tanfield but has had a "tough season." the club said: "More recently turbulent media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities for next year" had led to the decision not to compete in 2025 In October it was confirmed a formal investigation was being launched by cycling governing body the UCI into the alleged use of non-compliant Chinese bikes by the team during the 2022 season The announcement that Saint Piran would no longer be competing came in a detailed statement from the Bissoe based team which said it had been an "incredibly difficult decision" to close The Saint Piran Men’s UCI Continental Cycling Team was established in 2020 after five years of development Saint Piran also has a Women’s Elite Race Team and Women’s Elite Mountain Bike Team as well as two feeder teams The Saint Piran full statement can be read here: "The UK Elite Cycling scene remains a crown jewel in the landscape of international sport and a golden opportunity for investment "More riders in the World Tour Peloton than ever before World and Olympic medalists and the development of cycling infrastructure across the UK are incredible achievements Saint Piran Pro Cycling has contributed in all three of these "There is a bright future for UK cycling.At Saint Piran Pro Cycling "To achieve both we have to move to the next level Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News "But that exciting future will happen without Saint Piran Pro Cycling "This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right "Saint Piran has proved that you can successfully run an independent UCI Continental Team in the UK and take on some of the biggest challenges and teams in the World "The Saint Piran cycling brand will continue to develop and grow in the cycling sector and beyond "Sadly the UK cycle industry is not strong enough as yet and the business is still in its infancy to be in a position to underpin the demands of UCI Continental racing as it stands today "Before some in our sport celebrate and no doubt sensationalise the closure of the team "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in our growth and success over our eight years It could not have been possible without you.'' The annual procession took place the Sunday before St Piran’s Day [email protected]SPREAD THE NEWS + 7 (View All) Sovay Berriman leads the 2025 St Piran Play procession across Penhale Dunes Comments [email protected]Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 Subscribe to our newsletter and get exclusive fact checking news everyweek Thank you You are now subscribed to our newsletter A video of Uttarakhand’s former Chief Minister Harish Rawat at a Dargah is going viral on social media Some users are falsely claiming that he has converted to Islam and recently visited the dargah Vishvas News’ investigation found this claim to be misleading The video dates back to 2021 when Harish Rawat visited Piran Kaliyar and offered a ‘Chadar’ at Sabir Pak Dargah This old video is being shared with a false claim and it has no connection with the current scenario Facebook user Kamlesh Rai shared the video with the caption “All the countrymen are informed that the senior Congress leader who is Hindu and has also served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand state political leaders change their religion like chameleons Some people may keep flattering such leaders just for their benefit die in a handful of water; the buffalo has gone into the water.” The archive link of the viral post can be seen here To verify the authenticity of the viral video, we conducted a Google search using relevant keywords. We found a piece of related news on ETV Bharat’s website former Chief Minister Harish Rawat visited Piran Kaliyar where he offered a chadar at Sabir Pak Dargah and prayed for the state’s prosperity he also prayed for victory in the 2022 assembly elections During our investigation, we found a report related to the viral video on the official Facebook page of News18 Uttarakhand “Former CM Harish Rawat offered a chadar at the shrine of Sabir Pak in Piran Kaliyar and prayed for peace he said that Congress would win the assembly elections by a huge margin we reached out to Congress leader Rajpal Bisht we reviewed the profile of the user who shared the video The user has over 1000 Facebook followers and identifies as a resident of Jaunpur If you feel any information is doubtful and it can impact the society or nation send it to us by any of the sources mentioned below which holds mirror to power while being free from the ropes of corporate and politics You might have left one of the fields blank Please wait a while before posting your next comment This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time dancer Piran Scott moved from Australia to Europe where he had a dream decade as a soloist with Germany’s Leipzig Ballet and Switzerland’s Ballet Theater Basel he was named tanz magazine’s Dancer of the Year While he loved the beaches in Greece and Italy he still longed for the Australian coastline of his youth Piran Scott with some of the Breath dancers.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer but they didn’t have the same energy that being immersed in waves in Australia has – where we think about sharks and stingers and take our life in our own hands,” he says Now Scott has come home to join Sydney Dance Company (SDC) Brazilian dancer and fellow SDC artist Naiara de Matos And this month SDC will feature Scott’s choreography in New Breed its annual program featuring up-and-coming choreographers his work celebrates homecoming and Australian coastal life Named after Tim Winton’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel it is performed to music by Australian guitarist John Butler “We’d go to the beach in the afternoon,” he says “Walking for miles and savouring the beauty And then playing sports on the beach or having barbecues Scott was 22 when the international dance scene came calling “And then I met my wife dancing in Germany.” But simultaneously he began seeking Winton’s novels and Butler’s music “It was hard to reset … and build a life in Europe The books and music “were a way to bring me back to that identity of being Australian being someone who grew up so close to the beach.” Breath features movement reflecting the shapes of cresting waves tidal landscapes and the rhythms of Winton’s words that surge of energy when you go into the water knowing the danger.” “He says the beach is our veranda … that we’re always looking out – that there’s a sense of being able to breathe that surge of energy when you go into the water knowing the danger You submit yourself to something so visibly visceral and living around you.” Scott began creating Breath while SDC toured Western Australia “Down south where it’s so rugged … seeing the power of the ocean smash into our coastline It transports you to that sense of being so small but at the same time just grateful for what we experience around us.” Scott says much has changed in Australian dance during his 10 years away Breath is inspired by the Tim Winton novel of the same name.Credit: Violeta J Brosig it’s really interesting to see how dancing is shifting as well,” he says “It’s got a lot of opportunities and possibilities still to be awoken [Australia] doesn’t have the history of Europe in terms of dance in general Or how dance is really pushing the boundaries now in Europe – dancers are becoming very versatile They not only have those skills of incredible technique through the body even to use different props and set design to create imagery.” Scott enthuses “it’s still a fresh sort of dynamic Which is also exciting because new things can pop up.” Scott says it’s been a long career trajectory from Mackay both passionate English and drama teachers I also was studying drama from my parents,” he says “And they made all of my siblings and I go to piano lessons and sports – they really wanted us to be well-rounded Scott’s father was his main support through dance training “He took me to this class when I was a toddler a Tiny Tot’s dance class called ‘Mummy and Me’ Then he said to the dance teacher: ‘You can’t call it ‘Mummy and Me’ Scott’s father found the dance school scene “a nightmare with the dance mums at the local eisteddfod” “He would help me do my stage make-up because he had a drama background But the looks we got … these two guys amid the whole hairspray dynamic “Now it’s like a beautiful moment that I get to share: not only being a dancer in Australia and coming back where he had a dream decade as a soloist with Germany\\u2019s Leipzig Ballet and Switzerland\\u2019s Ballet Theater Basel he was named tanz magazine\\u2019s Dancer of the Year \\u201C[They are] beautiful places to travel to but they didn\\u2019t have the same energy that being immersed in waves in Australia has \\u2013 where we think about sharks and stingers and take our life in our own hands,\\u201D he says And this month SDC will feature Scott\\u2019s choreography in New Breed Named after Tim Winton\\u2019s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Scott\\u2019s childhood memories are of long \\u201CWe\\u2019d go to the beach in the afternoon,\\u201D he says \\u201CWalking for miles and savouring the beauty met friends I\\u2019ll have forever,\\u201D he says \\u201CAnd then I met my wife dancing in Germany.\\u201D But simultaneously he began seeking Winton\\u2019s novels and Butler\\u2019s music \\u201CIt was hard to reset \\u2026 and build a life in Europe The books and music \\u201Cwere a way to bring me back to that identity of being Australian being someone who grew up so close to the beach.\\u201D tidal landscapes and the rhythms of Winton\\u2019s words \\u201CHe says the beach is our veranda \\u2026 that we\\u2019re always looking out \\u2013 that there\\u2019s a sense of being able to breathe You submit yourself to something so visibly visceral and living around you.\\u201D \\u201CDown south where it\\u2019s so rugged \\u2026 seeing the power of the ocean smash into our coastline It transports you to that sense of being so small but at the same time just grateful for what we experience around us.\\u201D it\\u2019s really interesting to see how dancing is shifting as well,\\u201D he says \\u201CIt\\u2019s got a lot of opportunities and possibilities still to be awoken [Australia] doesn\\u2019t have the history of Europe in terms of dance in general Or how dance is really pushing the boundaries now in Europe \\u2013 dancers are becoming very versatile even to use different props and set design to create imagery.\\u201D Scott enthuses \\u201Cit\\u2019s still a fresh sort of dynamic Which is also exciting because new things can pop up.\\u201D Scott says it\\u2019s been a long career trajectory from Mackay \\u201CAlongside doing dance at a young age I also was studying drama from my parents,\\u201D he says \\u201CAnd they made all of my siblings and I go to piano lessons and sports \\u2013 they really wanted us to be well-rounded Scott\\u2019s father was his main support through dance training \\u201CHe took me to this class when I was a toddler a Tiny Tot\\u2019s dance class called \\u2018Mummy and Me\\u2019 Then he said to the dance teacher: \\u2018You can\\u2019t call it \\u2018Mummy and Me\\u2019 Scott\\u2019s father found the dance school scene \\u201Ca nightmare with the dance mums at the local eisteddfod\\u201D \\u201CHe would help me do my stage make-up because he had a drama background But the looks we got \\u2026 these two guys amid the whole hairspray dynamic \\u201CNow it\\u2019s like a beautiful moment that I get to share: not only being a dancer in Australia and coming back that surge of energy when you go into the water knowing the danger.\\u201D .prefix__st0{fill:#333}AccessAccount The spark was immediate for “larrikin Aussie” Scott. Brazillian de Matos now can’t imagine life, or work, without him. Mackay-born Scott was newly arrived in Europe from Queensland Ballet where he’d danced since 2010; while Brazilian-born de Matos was still learning English after leaving the Young Company of Bolshoi Ballet Brazil she’d come into the room and light up the studio,” he tells Broadsheet But de Matos was sceptical of this “larrikin Aussie” who she felt was playing the field so I never took him seriously and thought he was a bit of a player,” de Matos says Nevertheless the pair became close friends thrown together in the multicultural melting pot of dancers In the close-knit environment where the workday finished at 9.30pm After accepting a soloist role with Ballet Theater Basel in Switzerland in 2016 “I went up to Naiara and told her I was leaving and it would be silly if we didn’t explore this spark we’d always had.” That spark finally caught fire in the small amount of time they had left together in Leipzig they continued their relationship from afar as they pursued their own dance careers in separate international dance companies It was Scott’s invitation for de Matos to travel to Australia in 2017 to meet his extended family that cemented the relationship which I really wanted to do because you do crazy things when you’re in love but it meant I couldn’t go to Brazil to see my family I’ll come but I need to know this is officially serious’ I fell in love with Australia straight away.” they were once again working for the same dance company Covid would prove a special time – not only could they live together for the first time but they were also among the few dancers who choreographers could easily work with as a pair given the strict Covid-era no-touching regulations and the couple was married in Brisbane in December 2023 Sydney Dance Company had been on both their bucket lists When the company took ab [intra] to Paris in 2022 they both auditioned and the next time they were both in Sydney they auditioned for artistic director Rafael Bonachela When he offered them contracts they leapt at the chance landing in Sydney on a Saturday and beginning work on Monday Scott says de Matos has been an important ally for him re-entering the local dance scene after a decade away the whole culture of Australian dance companies and fitting in again to the Australian culture – I’m so glad we had each other to navigate that new experience and settle in.” In August they moved into a converted textiles factory in Surry Hills they enjoy the chance to debrief about a particular choreographic routine but are equally conscious of the need to give each other space “Piran likes to take his bike out on a ride or play golf; I like to be by myself and cook something Brazilian or play Brazilian music connect with my culture and language and be invested in that as well Their apartment is filled with beautiful reminders of their life together so far including a series of watercolours of Palm Cove Scott’s father painted for de Matos after they holidayed there There’s also a framed photograph of them in a duet choreographed by colleague and friend Alba Castillo in Switzerland a quirky heart-shaped clay carafe Scott managed to convince a waiter to give him following a memorable date in Bogota The couple is now expanding into new territory, professionally at least; Scott is trying out his choreographic muscle for New Breed at Carriageworks the work is inspired by the Tim Winton novel of the same name it features six Sydney Dance Company dancers “I don’t have the desire to choreograph on my own but I thrive on helping make a work look better And Piran gets the opportunity to come home and ask me about the work to be able to speak to your partner about something they absolutely understand,” says de Matos They will both perform in Melbourne choreographer Amber McCartney’s new work too but for me I still have such good fun with Piran I can’t imagine being in the company without him or travelling for seven weeks without him New Breed is on at Carriageworks from December 4–14 Read more in our Creative Couples series. More From This SeriesCreative Couples: Michelle Brasier and Tim Lancaster Creative Couples: Cushla Whiting and Nicholas Hawker Creative Couples: Winemaker Uffe Deichmann and Potter Nicole Deichmann British riders have until 6 December to form new squad after collapse of Saint Piran and Trinity Racing are both closing their road squads in 2025 The Tanfields were given a ten-day window to present paperwork to British Cycling there's optimism around the team becoming a reality Positive talks with interested sponsors have taken place and more than 30 riders have said they would be interested in getting involved "We've been speaking with some big companies already and the support has been really amazing I'm really overwhelmed with all the messages and all the people trying to help out," Harry Tanfield "This wasn't the plan to start a team at this time of year British Cycling aren't going to make a Conti team The Tanfields have been told they have until 6 December to send some agreements in principle to British Cycling for a UCI licence application "It's kind of just commitments of good faith which will help us meet the British Cycling deadline for the UCI application We have a really positive plan for the team and just want to get to a decent level." The 30-year-old explained that the budget he has calculated for the project is around the £300,000 mark "It's very hard because we don't know with bike sponsors yet potentially that could cost us up to £30,000-40,000 which would obviously be a big part of the budget," he said "Some brands can offer us really good prices so that we then have those bikes – they become ours because we buy them but we still buy them so it takes budget." The focus now is on turning the goodwill he has felt from the wider UK cycling community into meaningful sponsorship deals "It's a nice opportunity for people that are passionate about the sport and passionate about UK cycling," he said "We would effectively be the only UK men's team It's a really great opportunity for someone to come forward and help us make a name for ourselves in the sport." you will then be prompted to enter your display name The award was presented to 20 individuals at a service in Perranzabuloe THERE were celebrations at St Piran’s Church in Perranzabuloe on March 8 as number of recipients from across the diocese were recognised for their work in churches The annual Cross of St Piran Awards took place over two services with Bishop Hugh Nelson presiding and presenting recipients with their crosses. The Cross of St Piran is an annual award which is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service. They were largely nominated by their peers and can be recognised for everything from length of service to specific projects. Fourteen crosses were handed out to those across the diocese including Rob Tremain from Trigg Major Deanery, Robert Corney from Stratton Deanery and Ellen McConnell of the Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery. Rob Tremain has been an active member of St Mary Magdalene Parish Church in Launceston since childhood, when he sang in the choir. He has been a Server for over 60 years and was enrolled into the GSS in 1963 and is still an Altar Server and Sacristan at the Church. He has served on both Deanery and Diocesan Synods and is now a Local Worship Leader within the benefice. Robert is a valued and respected member of both church and community, who has taken responsibility for leadership in many aspects of church and community life. He served for many years as Churchwarden at Marhamchurch and remains a member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). He is a devoted, enthusiastic and supportive bell ringer and currently Ringing Master of the Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers (Northern District). Ellen McConnell has faithfully served the community of Lanlivery for almost 50 years. She has held several significant posts within the community, including the Parish Council, the village’s Publications Committee, and in the local parish church. Ellen has developed significant links between the new special needs school and the church, as well as taking up responsibilities at Deanery Synod. Other people collecting the Cross of St Piran award include Judith Ayers (East Wivelshire), Annette Buchanan (Kerrier Deanery), Ruth Berreta and Philip Gilbert (Carnmarth North Deanery), Jacqui Bennett (Carnmarth South Deanery), Tony Cruddas (Powder Deanery), Viv Farmer (Pydar Deanery), Ian Gordon (West Wivelshire Deanery) and Stephen Rivers and Edwina Sleeman (St Austell Deanery). There were also six awards given out to people in church schools, including Brenda Wright from St Issey School. In August 2010, Brenda became a much-respected Worship Leader at St Issey Church and was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2016 at a crucial turning point in the school’s history. Brenda had the vision to work with dedication to foster a strong link between the church, school and village communities, not least through her role as member, and more recently, Chair of St Issey in Bloom. Others collecting the award to people in church schools include Fiona Harvey (Antony School), Abigail Jessop (The Bishops’ Church of England Learning Academy), Hayley Pitman, Sarah Wilkins (Headteacher of St Meriadoc School), Jon-Joe Wilson (St Dominic Church of England Primary School). Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Further Links A number of local recipients will be presented with the award at a service in Perranzabuloe THIS weekend sees the return of the annual Cross of St Piran awards on Saturday A number of local recipients from across the Duchy will be presented with the award at a service in Perranzabuloe at St Piran’s Church During two services, 20 people will receive the Cross of St Piran from Bishop Hugh Nelson in recognition for their work in their churches and communities. For the first time, schools have also been invited to take part. The Cross of St Piran is an annual award which is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service. They are largely nominated by their peers and can be recognised for everything from length of service to specific projects. Fourteen crosses were handed out to those who came from across the diocese including Judith Ayers from East Wivelshire and Ian Gordon of West Wivelshire Deanery. Judith was a big part of the inspiration which launched the St Sampson’s unlocked project, which has always been a mission project, and she has continued to be a driving force as it progresses. Fundraising, grant writing, project management, architecture, ad history are talents that she can now count as her own. Her hand has now touched 75 successful grant applications. Fundraising from all sources including grants, donations and local fundraising, has raised around £350,000, including £27,000 from local fundraising; an amazing result for a small rural church like St Sampson’s. Judith has been responsible for worship at St Sampson’s for many years, leading the worship team since 2018 and ensuring that weekly Sunday worship has continued. This award recognises Judith for the Christian life that she lives and for all her many contributions to the Church and the parish community. Meanwhile, Ian Gordon is synonymous with the All Saints Church in Herodsfoot. He has dedicated decades to looking after it, and more importantly, ensuring that the community is brought together. At one stage when the All Saints was being talked about as needing to close, Ian’s work changed that narrative and the attendance has doubled as has its income, which is mostly down to Ian. Ian has embraced change by now having a monthly Celtic evening Prayer Service, and a shining highlight of the Christmas Eve brass band Carol Service. Other people collecting the Cross of St Piran award include Annette Buchanan (Kerrier Deanery), Ruth Berreta and Philip Gilbert (Carnmarth North Deanery), Jacqui Bennett (Carnmarth South Deanery), Tony Cruddas (Powder Deanery), Viv Farmer (Pydar Deanery), Stephen Rivers and Edwina Sleeman (St Austell Deanery), Rob Tremain (Trigg Major Deanery), Ellen McConnell (Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery) and Robert Corney (Stratton Deanery). There are also six awards to be given out to people in church schools, including Fiona Harvey from Antony School in Torpoint and Jon-Joe Wilson of St Dominic Church of England Primary School, Saltash. Fiona is nominated for all the years of service she has put into Antony School. A volunteer linked to Sheviock Church; she has given her time to Antony school for more than 10 years. Initially Fiona came to support some children in a pastoral capacity, however over the years she has become invaluable, not only supporting pastorally, but also supporting children’s learning. Jon-Joe, over the past four years, has committed his life to uplifting those around him, particularly in the realm of primary education and self-development. His effort in leading St Dominic Church of England Primary School has transformed the lives of countless young people, some of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work has helped them realise their full potential, instilling values of perseverance, kindness, and faith. Jon-Joe’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, through consistently leading community service initiatives aimed at addressing local needs, from raising food to supporting local food banks, or running menopause support groups. His leadership has had a significant effect on his teaching staff in leading them to receive an outstanding grade in Ofsted. In addition, Jon-Joe’s has been a pillar of support for local churches and has organised many services. Others collecting the award to people in church schools include Abigail Jessop (The Bishops’ Church of England Learning Academy), Hayley Pitman, Sarah Wilkins (Headteacher of St Meriadoc School) and Brenda Wright (St Issey School). Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us Further Links British continental cycling squad Saint Piran - which has fielded several Manx riders now and previously in recent years - won't race in 2025 Confirming the news in a recent statement the team says this comes following a 'tough season' and 'turbulent media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities for next year.' The decision to withdraw will apply to both Saint Piran's Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team and WRT Elite Development Team Isle of Man professional rider Tyler Hannay has been part of the squad this year and claimed his first UCI stage victory with them at the Tour of Poyang Lake in China in September Among the other Manx competitors to have been part of the Cornwall-based setup in recent times are Max Walker poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision.' You can see Saint Piran's full statement below: the senior team at Saint Piran has undertaken a strategic review analysing how we can increase the opportunities for some of the UK’s brightest talents and inspire more to get on bikes to take up our incredible sport It could not have been possible without you." News | Politics Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has said the Government is committed to national minority status for Cornwall during a St Piran’s Day Prime Minister’s Questions St Piran’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Piran A number of MPs wore daffodil pins The Cornish people were first recognised as a national minority group in 2014 It means they are classified under the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities the same as the UK’s other Celtic people – the Scots Mr Moon told MPs: “Happy St Piran’s Day to the hundreds of thousands of people in Cornwall and around the world who are today celebrating St Piran’s Day Sir Keir Starmer replied: “Let me wish him his constituents and everyone in Cornwall a very happy St Piran’s Day “We do recognise Cornish national minority status and I know that he and Cornish colleagues will continue to be powerful voices for Cornwall.” Neither St Piran’s Day nor St David’s Day on March 1 are bank holidays But people in Northern Ireland and Scotland receive bank holidays to mark patron saints’ feast days – St Patrick’s Day on March 17 and St Andrew’s Day on November 30 VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash in London 'shut down' by council over noise complaints David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash 'shut down' over noise complaints Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason We’ve put together a guide to help you get prepared for the St Piran celebrations taking place across the Duchy. THE day our Cornish patron saint, St Piran, is celebrated is rapidly approaching and towns and villages across the county have confirmed there will be plenty for all to do as part of the day’s celebrations: St Piran celebrations will take place on Wednesday, March 5, starting at The Old Library at 11.00am. Hundreds of children from local primary schools will parade down Fore Street with adults lining the route. When the procession arrives at Mount Folly there will be speeches from dignitaries followed by the traditional children’s dances. The local community are invited to join in the St Piran’s Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 5 (2pm) at the Elizabeth Mast on Summerleaze Downs. The event will feature the raising of a large St Piran’s flag, alongside local school children. The occasion will include rousing renditions of classic Cornish songs, creating a fantastic atmosphere, and there will be a short speech in Cornish. There’s a number of activities for all the family as part of celebrations for St Piran’s Day on Wednesday, March 5. At Camelford Library and Bookstart Bear, there will be a gardening club, a Cornish language session and a ‘bring a project’ session. Meanwhile, at the Camelford Conservative Club, an evening of events begins at 6pm with a Cornish bingo, replete with Cornish themed prizes on offer for the winners. This will be followed by music from Callum Flew and a Trelawny Shout. The Falmouth St Piran’s Day Parade is an event specifically aimed at local primary school children, many of whom are coming to dance and take part on Wednesday, March 5. The day starts with Cornish music on The Moor at 9.30am. 10am the dance sets off The Moor along Webber Street, on to Prince of Wales Pier and then Market Street before walking along to King Charles Church. At around 10.40am on arrival people will go straight into the church where they will be directed down the 1st aisle and along the front up the 3rd aisle to collect refreshments. At 11am is The Story of St Piran, followed by Poetry prize giving and winners of each class reading their poem. 11.40am will see the Singing of Trelawny. The town of Helston is set to come alive in celebration of Cornwall’s patron saint with their St Piran’s Day Lantern Parade on Saturday, March 8. This family friendly event promises an evening of light, music, and community spirit at Helston Boating Lake and Coronation Park. The festivities will begin at 5pm with live music. At 6.30pm, the Lantern Parade will illuminate the night, as participants of all ages showcase their handcrafted lanterns and see the impressive lanterns created by City of Lights in a stunning procession, Local schools, community groups, and individuals have been working hard to create beautiful lanterns that will brighten the streets of Helston, making for a magical and memorable evening. Visit the Helston Town Council or Truro City of Lights Facebook page for more information or to join a lantern workshop. This event was created and supported by South Kerrier Alliance CIC, Museum of Cornish Life, Helston CIC and Trevow CIC. With St Piran’s Day fast approaching, school children in the area have begun to practise their songs and Cornish dances in order to participate in this year’s Launceston Children’s Parade. 2019 saw the first Launceston Children’s Parade and the event has grown year on year. This year, 400 pupils from 14 local schools, will be joined by residents from Bowden Derra, who are noted for cleverly being able to sign the words of the songs. The mayor of Launceston, councillors and invited dignitaries will follow standard bearer Isabelle Gribble who leads the parade. Spectators in the town square will be alerted of the parade’s approach by piper Keith Sutherland who is now a regular feature of the event. This year’s parade takes place on Wednesday, March 5 at 10am; starting from the castle entrance, the throng parades up to the town square. Promoted and organised by Launceston Town Council, all visitors and residents are encouraged to come along to the town square to watch, but also to join in the singing. The dances include Mr Martin’s Reel as well as the Lanson Dance which was first performed in 2022 for Prince Charles and Camila, now King Charles and Queen Camilla. The parade is the culmination of the Town Council working closely with local schools and organisations to ensure, not only providing a fun day to remember, but also promoting the sense and importance of Cornish heritage. Celebrate the start of Sterts’ 2025 season in their brand-new Barn Theatre with The Art of Troyl on St. Piran’s Day on Wednesday, March 5 at 7pm. Join Jackson’s Claret, the new champions of Cornish music, for an unforgettable night of tunes, stories, and dancing. From called dances led by the legendary Tros an Treys dancers to the joy of Nos Lowen, experience Cornish tradition reimagined for the 21st century. Lostwithiel Concert Series, Lowender and Endelienta Arts present a St. Piran’s Special Concert on Thursday, March 6. This is the debut concert of a new Cornish Language vocal harmony group, Hireth, which brings together vocalist Millie Young, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Woodfield, composer Matthew Thomason and songwriter Anna Anise. Join in a night of Kernewek songs from contemporary folk and acoustic acts, including Hireth, with support from the ethereal sounds of Elizabeth Freeborn and a special acoustic set by Martha Woods. NEWQUAY is staging its annual festivities for St Piran’s Day to show its Cornish pride. The St Piran’s Day parade, the centrepiece of the festival, will depart Beachfield Avenue on Wednesday, March 5 at 4pm. A children’s Ceilidh supported by Oll an Gwella and U3A Dancers will be held at St Micheal’s Church at 4.30pm. A Cornish quiz will be staged at the Central Inn at 7pm and the Trelawney Shout will be held at the venue at 9pm, which will be led by Oll an Gwella. A Trelawney Shout will also be held at 9pm at Newquay Rowing Club, which will be led by the Newquay Rowing Club Singers. Newquay Rowing Club Singers will perform at The Cornishman in Crantock on Saturday, March 8 at 8pm. People can celebrate St Piran’s Day with traditional Cornish food, dancing and music at Falmouth University’s Penryn campus on Friday, March 7 (4.30pm to 7pm). Musicians, academics and storytellers will help those attending to bring the traditional, yet evolving story of St Piran, followed by a Nos Lowen and refreshments. Festivities will open with an interactive workshop on the importance of storytelling in Cornish culture, exploring how the story of St Piran can be adapted to contemporary Cornish needs. This will culminate in a co-produced story of St Piran for all to enjoy. Pasties and sweet treats will be available and there will be stalls hosted by community organisations who are focused on Cornish heritage and culture. This year marks the 20th anniversary of St Piran in Penwith organising Penzance’s St Piran's celebrations, with the help of £3,000 funding from Penzance Council. On St Piran’s Day, 500 schoolchildren from 16 schools will gather at the top of Causewayhead, setting off at 10.15am to dance the St Piran Furry through Queen Square and Parade Street to Morrab Gardens. Following a rousing rendition of ‘Trelawny’, the procession will continue in the company of the mayor and the town crier, wending its way up Morrab Road to St John’s Hall where the schoolchildren will all be given a well-earned saffron bun. Road closures will be in place from 10am until noon. At the Yacht Inn, there is a St Piran’s Day dance and shout with Pensans Morris from 7pm. The Cornwall-wide Trelawny Shout will be heard, a mass singing of the national anthem takes place at 9pm which will be followed by more tunes and merriment. The community can come and celebrate St. Piran’s Day at The Plume of Feathers, Portscatho on Tuesday, March 5. Du Hag Owr will be performing shanties starting at 7:30pm, and we invite everyone to join in for the traditional Trelawny shout at 9pm. Indulge in Cornish pasties and enjoy some delicious Cornish ales throughout the evening. Truro Old Cornwall Society and Truro City Council are counting down the days to the annual St Piran’s Parade on Wednesday, March 5. Participants will muster at Lemon Quay from 12.30pm with the parade starting at 1pm, making its way through the city centre to arrive at High Cross for speeches and a rousing rendition of Trelawny. The event will end at 2pm. A shop window dressing competition will be judged on the morning of March 5 by deputy mayor Cllr Sam Rabey and town crier Lionel Knight. The winners will be announced at High Cross at 1.30pm and given a trophy to display for the year. The City of Truro Steam Roller, which rolled many of the city’s thoroughfares, will be available to view all day on Lemon Quay. Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Fourteen crosses are to be handed out to those across the diocese including Robert Corney from Stratton Deanery, Ellen McConnell of the Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery, Rob Tremain from Trigg Major Deanery. A valued and respected member of both church and community, Rob has taken responsibility for leadership in many aspects of church and community life. In his role as a Local Worship Leader, he maintains the rota for readers and intercessions, takes services in two parishes and is always on hand to take part in services and celebrations across the Benefice. He has been a Deanery Synod representative and has faithfully represented his parish whilst contributing to the Deanery Plan and subsequent ‘On the Way’ developments. Rob was chair of the Governors of Marhamchurch Church of England School for more than 20 years. He has been a Trustee of the Bray Institute Community Hall in Marhamchurch and has also been a Trustee of the Marhamchurch Revel field and is still involved in the Revel Committee. Ellen has faithfully served the community of Lanlivery for almost 50 years. In that time, she has held several significant posts within the community, including the Parish Council, the village’s Publications Committee, and in the local parish church. More recently Ellen has developed significant links between the new special needs school and the church, as well as taking up responsibilities at Deanery Synod. She also maintains good relationships with the local county primary school. She was a member of the first “Open the Book” team established by her incumbent over eight years ago and continues to support the group in whichever school they visit. Over her 50 years as a resident in Lanlivery, Ellen has been responsible for spearheading some of the most radial and progressive reorganisational work in the church’s history. The Millenium Project 2000 saw the parish church reorganised and updated so that it has become the centre of the community, hosting many of the major events that were previously held in the Village Hall. This has resulted in hundreds of people from the community and surrounding area engaging with the church in new ways. Ellen has also served her local Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the last 47 years, the last 25 spent tirelessly as a Churchwarden. Prior to this she was PCC secretary for 22 years. She also regularly takes services and is a licenced Lay Worship Leader. Most recently she has become the deanery representative in support of her incumbent because she felt greater links were required between the parish and deanery. Rob has been an active member of St Mary Magdalene Parish Church since childhood, when he sang in the choir. Rob organised the first St Piran’s Day Ceremony at Launceston Castle in 1999 and was involved in getting permissions for the St Piran Flag to fly from the castle. He was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh 1998 and took the Bardic name Cryor an Dre Lanstefan. As president, he is a leading light of the Launceston branch of the Old Cornwall Society. In 1995 along with his father, he organised the re-introduction of the ‘Silence’ on November 11 in Launceston. Rob has been Launceston’s Town Crier for 48 years and was elected to the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in 1982. Rob is also a town councillor and joined Launceston Town Council in 1988 serving as Mayor in 2011-12 and 2012-13. He currently represents the council within Friends of Launceston Priory, the Charles Causley Festival and Launceston Municipal Charities. In 2019, Rob was made an Honoured Burgess of the Town of Launceston in recognition of his considerable contribution to the town. There are also six awards to be given out to people in church schools including Brenda Wright from St Issey School. In August 2010, Brenda was confirmed and became a much-respected Worship Leader at St Issey Church. Brenda was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2016 at a crucial turning point in the school’s history. It had been on the cusp of closure, but, thankfully, with new leadership and governance, it was turned around to be the thriving school it is today. Brenda had the vision to work with dedication to foster a strong link between the church, school and village communities, not least through her role as member, and more recently, Chair of St Issey in Bloom. This group was formed in 2010 in a bid to restore the village’s identity, following the recent closure of the local store and Post Office. Brenda leads a flourishing School Gardening Club, with the full support of the head teacher. She works to ensure that her love of nature and the nurture of the environment are passed on to the children through a variety of horticultural projects. Through the beauty and bounty created in the garden, the children gain a sense of ownership and pride. They love Brenda and call her ‘Mrs Bloom’. Tel: 01566 778213[email protected]Follow us Ioannou and de Beaufort make superb score of 42 points ST MELLION GOLF CLUB SENIORS ‘THE FOSSILS’ THE dry weather of late continued on Thursday without any frost effects to allow the first trophy event of the year to get underway with a full entry and no temporary greens. The foursomes competition is a celebration of Cornwall’s patron St Piran in which all competitors receive a pasty even if their scores do not affect the leaderboard. The course had dried out to permit the ball to run well and the greens had truly speeded up even though they still showed signs of recent maintenance. Even as the greens had been ‘ironed’, the shallow dimples that had not fully recovered did cause some ‘interesting’ deflections on otherwise well-struck putts. The leaderboard demonstrated a number of teams did manage to master the conditions well, but not many of the 25 teams taking part. Five recorded Stableford scores at or above 36, but these are the Fossils! It came as no big surprise that there would be at least one bolter who would be streets ahead of the field when captain Rob Parsonage announced the winners. In-fact there were two, Alec Brannan and John Clements scored an outstanding 42 but Chris de Beaufort and Sophocles Ioannou took the top spot with an incredible 43 points. To emphasise just how well the leaders scored, the average score for the competition from the teams submitting their cards was 32.5. Results: 1 Sophocles Ioannou/Chris de Beaufort – 43pts; 2 Alec Brannan/John Clements – 42; 3 Alan Melvern/Paul Osborne – 36; 4 Malcolm Smith/Dave Morton – 36; 5 Mike R Newton/Norman Wreford – 36. With the first trophy of the year completed successfully after so many blank weeks, thoughts are now turning towards the oncoming match season with the first fixture scheduled being an away trip to Trevose. Tel: 01579 342174[email protected]Follow us