From Clive Polkinghorne, Mayor of Hayle.
At this time last year I was looking forward to Christmas celebrations and handing the mayorship to another in May, little did I realise what 2020 was going to throw at me. At the beginning of 2020 I became aware of Coronavirus now known as Covid 19, it was something from another country. It very quickly became an important part of everyone’s life, people were scared, every day I looked at the rising figures of people with the illness and sadly the deaths including a friend of mine. Many employees had to learn to work from home. Shops, sports clubs, social events were either closed or cancelled, we were restricted in all gatherings. Very quickly we adjusted to Virtual meetings through a host of providers, many of my friends and I had to learn new skills. Our town became very resilient with the Rugby Club together with Cornwall Volunteers hosting meals twice a week to many of our vulnerable community, it was an outstanding effort. Many relied on home deliveries as going out was not an option. Unbelievably most Essential Services continued with many operatives providing outstanding service, this includes the NHS of which I am very grateful to as having suffered a heart attack in August I was treated by the ambulance service, had an operation and 3 nights at Treliske, thank you.
In March I was informed that I had to complete a 3rd. Year as mayor as there would be no Annual Council Meeting.
Everything was new and very challenging but I am delighted to say that we all coped, our Town Council continued to serve you, as we all know Development continued in all areas of Hayle. During the following months shops and cafes opened, we saw the return of more visitors than ever before, plus the increasing traffic.
The health graphs appeared to show that we were getting over the pandemic but sadly in October, it appeared to show a second spike, who knows what we face over the coming months.
Sue and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hoping for a Happy New Year and a much better 2021.
Clive