Pirates at the Mennaye

02/04/2026

Garages for Rent – Secure and Convenient Storage

Garages are now available to rent in a good location, suitable for vehicle storage, tools, or general use.

Price: £80 per calendar month
Location: Penzance & Newlyn RFC, Alexandra Rd, TR18 4LY


Please message or call 07977 998356 for more information or to arrange a viewing.

16/08/2025

Graham Michell, RIP

News received this week has confirmed the passing, at the age of 78, of former Penzance & Newlyn RFC player Graham Michell.

Born at Kemyell Farm, Paul, where he lived and worked for nearly all his life, Graham was educated at and captained St. Erbyn’s School at rugby, before later playing for the Penzance & Newlyn RFC. As a physically strong scrum half he was a very able player, who also had an accurate service.
Graham made his senior debut in 1965 and by the end of his last 1977-78 season had made nearly 400 appearances for the club. He was proudly a member of the Pirates team that won the Cornwall KO Cup for the first time, when beating Redruth in 1976, and he was also a gifted cricketer and a committee man at Paul CC for many years.
Condolences are expressed to Graham’s wife Margaret and family, and his funeral will take place in Paul Church at 1.30pm on Thursday 28th August. Also, following the service, people are invited to attend the Pirates Rugby Club.

08/08/2025

Facebook post by Phil Westren
8/8/25

Launch of the Ripple

Now, the attached photos have local and Pirates interest, but can it really be nearly 18 years ago? Yes, it can – and is!

It was back on the 5th October 2007 when the then world's only working Cornish fishing lugger, called the ‘Ripple’, was launched at Newlyn, four years after arriving for a major restoration.

I remember organising our Pirates’ rugby players to help pull the historic boat along Newlyn's Strand and into the harbour for the rising tide to float the 44-foot tarred vessel to the place where she last landed fish 74 years previously.

The launch was to mark the start of her new career with the West Cornwall Lugger Industry Trust Ltd offering enthusiasts the experience of sailing and fishing aboard her. It was also expected that she would make
a significant contribution to preserving and bringing to life Cornish and national fishing heritage in a real working environment.

Reports advised that the Ripple SS.19 (St Ives) was the oldest fishing boat on the UK Fishing Vessel Register carrying her original name and fishing registry number from 1896.

For nearly four decades she had fished the waters of the south-west, earning a reputation as one of the most successful boats in Newlyn.
But in December 1933, shortly before she was due to depart from St Ives Harbour for the herring fishery at Plymouth, a disastrous fire broke out on board which damaged her so badly it ended her fishing career.
After repair and conversion at Looe in 1936, to a gentleman's motor yacht, she next spent many years moored at Port Navas near Falmouth.

The launch at Newlyn in 2007 followed the completion of the main part of the Ripple's restoration. Owner John Lambourn said at the time:

"The Ripple symbolises regeneration in Newlyn and is a tangible example of getting the past to work for the future, inspiring the next generation to find ways of benefiting from the richness of Newlyn's fishing heritage and learning how the past can help shape a vision for a sustainable fishing industry.

"Those who have been following the Ripple's restoration are keen to see what happens next, so the challenge is to get her to earn her keep and justify the potential of these sailing fishing luggers to contribute towards the economic, environmental, social and leisure aspects of regeneration in Newlyn."

It is pleasing to advise the Ripple is still in Newlyn, presently undergoing repairs on the North quay.

As for my captured images displayed, they are as follows:

1) The ‘Ripple’ back in the water at Newlyn again.
2) The Pirates mascot ‘Captain Benbow’ is pictured with the late Martin Scrase. A retired Lieutenant-Colonel, Martin was the first Pirates CEO, who did a great job. Also a Madron boy, as per other members of the Scrase family, he enthused character.
3) The players start the ‘pull’.
4) Pirates who helped on the day.

01/08/2025

Lions Aim to Complete a Whitewash Series
WATCH FOR FREE AT ‘WESTHOLME’
By Phil Westren – 1/8/25

Following their 29-26 win in last week’s second Test against Australia, the British Lions will look to complete a whitewash series by winning tomorrow’s third and final Test being played at the Accor Stadium, Sydney.

The last time a whitewash series was achieved by the Lions was way back in 1927, in Argentina, and there is surely every hope (indeed, expectation!) that they can achieve the same again.

As per last week the match will be shown live at the Pirates ‘Westholme’ clubhouse. Admission is free, breakfasts etcetera will be served from 9am, and the kick-off is at 11am.

Big screens in both bars have drawn large numbers, who have enjoyed the experience of watching the games in the clubhouse. Some of those who have attended are pictured, as is an image of full- back Hugo Keenan who scored last week’s all-important late try.

25/07/2025

Watch the Lions at Westholme!
By Phil Westren – 25/7/25

Following their 27-19 win in the opening Test last weekend, the British and Irish Lions will be looking for a more convincing result this Saturday. The ‘Wallabies’, however, appear a likely stronger side for tomorrow, so it should, as ever, once again be an interesting encounter.
As per last week the match will be shown live at the Pirates ‘Westholme’ clubhouse. Admission is free, breakfasts etcetera will be served from 9am, and the kick-off is at 11am.
Big screens in both bars drew large watching numbers last weekend, and the gathering clearly enjoyed the game. One image displayed was taken in the build-up, whilst expressions in another reveal than example of it also being a little tense on occasions!

23/07/2025

Granite’s Funeral – A True Celebration
By Phil Westren – 23/7/25

Yesterday’s funeral for former St. Just and Penzance & Newlyn RFC player Graham ‘Granite’ Waters was always likely to be a little extra special, and so it proved.
St. Just Church was full, and the service well planned. On entering, ‘Cornwall My Home’ by the Cape Cornwall Singers was played, and after a general welcome and opening prayer Graham’s daughter Katrina spoke wonderfully to the large gathering in tribute to her ‘Dad. A screen display of photographs proved captivating to a song sung by the late ‘Jethro’, culminating then in quality video footage of the occasion in 1988 when Graham completed his memorable charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
Of no surprise, after the service a large gathering of family and friends gathered at St. Just Rugby Club where so many fond memories were recalled, and the spontaneous, but I guess inevitable singing, was also superb.
A display of applicable memorabilia also attracted attention, with one in particular - the action image displayed – drawing close attention. The quality is not the best, but that mattered not, the occasion being a Pirates (Penzance & Newlyn) versus Redruth game in 1978, when the Pirates won 15-6. But who are the players? Well, that became a talking point, with former Redruth, St. Day, and Cornwall player Mike Downing, who played at full-back for ‘The Reds’, initially thinking it was him trying to tackle Pirates’ flanker Terry Allen. Stalwart Cornish rugby character Mike, however, soon accepted it perhaps wasn’t him pictured because the tackler is wearing a number 9 shirt. So, who was it – or could it for some reason have been Mike? Various names were put forward, but without anyone suggesting P. Tann (I think it is perhaps Peter Tann?), who was listed at 9 in the programme. Besides Terry, other Pirates left to right are me, Graham, Ivor Heale, and Paul Hocking. The three visible Redruth players (besides number 9) are, I believe, M. Trevena (because he is the ho**er listed in the programme), John Kitto, and Austin Chapman. If any different, somebody will surely confirm!
Anyway, as funerals go, yesterday was a special occasion remembering someone who was hugely respected and liked. Oh, and what was the recessional music at the end of the service? Reflecting Graham’s strong character, and a certain dry sense of humour, it was Elvis Presley’s ‘Return to Sender’.

20/07/2025

Graham ‘Granite’ Waters
Funeral Update Etcetera
by Phil Westren - 20/7/25

Ahead of his funeral, due to take place this coming Tuesday 22nd July, commencing 2pm at St. Just Church, it has been confirmed that the final journey for former St. Just and Penzance & Newlyn rugby player Graham ‘Granite’ Waters will see a pause on route at the Pirates Rugby Club for 1.30pm, and then at St. Just Rugby club for 1.45pm. This will enable certain individuals to pay their respects along the way.
Donations will be in support of Cornwall Air Ambulance and the Young Lives vs Cancer charity (CLIC), whilst post the funeral there will be a gathering at St. Just Rugby Club, where ‘One & All’ will no doubt recall memories and reminisce when having the opportunity to view memorabilia to be displayed.
Graham, aged 76, was hugely respected and liked by all in the rugby fraternity who were fortunate to have met him. Straight talking, honest, always committed and strong – the acquired nickname ‘Granite’ fitted him perfectly. He was also a gentleman, whose family have greatly appreciated the numerous sincere and kind messages received following his passing.

(Photographs displayed are of Graham at the time of him completing a John O’Groats to Land’s End charity walk in support of the Pirates and CLIC in 1988, and of him pictured in the first Pirates team that won the Cornwall KO Cup in 1976 – he is the happy player at the back)

14/07/2025

Pirates Look to Restructure
Following separate Annual General Meetings held by the Cornish Pirates, the Pirates Amateurs, and Penzance & Newlyn RFC, an important official demerger is anticipated to hopefully soon be confirmed.
This demerger would see Penzance & Newlyn RFC separating from Cornish Pirates and merging with the Pirates Amateurs. The ‘Ams’ would take on the name of Penzance & Newlyn RFC and become its 1st XV, due to play this coming season in Regional 2 South West.
Cornish Pirates would become an independent voting member club of the RFU, and a new member of Cornwall RFU, while retaining their Championship status – now rebranded ‘The Champ’.
Application has been made to the Rugby Football Union for the demerger to take place, with the process thus far to help expedite the above also having seen close consultation with representatives of both the Cornwall RFU and the Rugby Football Union, whose support has been appreciated.
AGM Reports
After the AGM held by the Cornish Pirates, which took place nearing the end of what was another well documented and commendable season, the AGMs for the Pirates Amateurs and Penzance & Newlyn RFC next took place more recently at the Pirates ‘Westholme’ clubhouse in Alexandra Road, Penzance.
Jack Nicholas, as Chairman, opened the AGM held by the Pirates Amateurs, after which he spoke briefly about the team’s very successful 2024/25 season that ended with them gaining promotion as Champions of Counties 1 Tribute Western West. He also thanked all who have been involved with the ‘Ams’ over the years, and with added poignancy, because this was their last expected meeting, with everyone present at the end supporting the proposal for the outlined demerger. Importantly, Jack and many other members of the ‘Ams’ committee will take up roles within the Penzance and Newlyn Committee to ensure continuity.
The AGM for Penzance & Newlyn RFC followed next, with the Chairman, former youth section player Peter Whyte, who had commendably filled the role following Scott Dugdale having vacated the position during the year, welcoming everyone and again outlining reasons for the meeting and progress made to date. Peter said the demerger will allow the club to confirm its amateur status, and enable eligibility for RFU funding, infrastructure improvements, and other benefits. Resolution for the demerger was passed without objection. Peter also expressed very best wishes to both clubs going forward.
Annual reports followed, when in the apologised absence of the Treasurer, Lewis Adams, Martin Murrish suitably summarised. Sales continue to grow, costs have remained stable, and the club has yet again invested in the pitch and has undergone clubhouse repairs which for the present will continue. A close budget is maintained, and benefit is derived via the significant revenues from numerous societies and clubs that give support and use the available facilities, and continuing to remain out of overdraft the year ended with sufficient cash reserves to complete required works without detriment.
The Treasurer’s report was adopted, as was the next report given by Euan McNeill on behalf of the Youth Section. Enjoying another fine season, Euan confirmed numbers were up and there were full teams in all age groups, including the Colts who performed well both in league and cup games. Financially the section is in very good shape, and although volunteer numbers were generally good, extra personnel are sought to fill various roles, including Treasurer, which is obviously a key post. To end his report, Euan thanked the club and section for their support, and he also thanked Scott Dugdale too for his unwavering help over many years.
The approval of appointments to the Management Committee included that of Phil Westren as President. A former player and a long serving Life Member of the club, Phil expressed his sincere appreciation to those present and added his thanks to everyone who had contributed in various ways. Other confirmed appointments were as follows:
Chairman – Peter Whyte, Treasurer – Lewis Adams, Vice Chair & Assistant Treasurer – Martin Murrish, Vice Chair Mini-Juniors – Euan McNeill, Vice Chairman Facilities – Rhodri McAtee, Vice Chairman Rugby – Jack Nicholas, Vice Chair Club – Joff Collins, and Committee members – Kelda Snell, Andrew Snell, David Faull, Des O’Connell, Adrian Bick, Lee Williams, Emma Simons, Ben Martin, Neal Turner, Mark Davey, Simon Murley.

One very important office, that of Secretary, is still vacant. Anyone interested to fulfil this role is pleased asked to contact Peter Whyte, email: [email protected]

11/07/2025

British Lions & England – at The Pirates!
By Phil Westren 11/7/25

Tomorrow will see both the British & Irish Lions and England again in action – and both games can be seen ‘live’ at the Pirates Rugby Club.
Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s youth section product Luke Cowan-Dickie is selected to start at ho**er for the Lions against the strong AUNZ Invitational side (ko 11am), whilst for England’s evening match against Argentina (ko 8.40pm) replacement wing Cadan Murley – a try-scorer last week – is expected to feature.
By chance, one of Cadan’s happy grandads, Mickey Murley, called by to see me this morning, asking if we are showing the games at the club tomorrow. My answer, of course, was a definitive ‘yes’!
Cadan has Penzance blood running fully through his veins from his parents and both sets of grandparents, and we wish him well. As for Mickey, who I just had to photograph, he grew up in New Street and was initially a butcher before working at Holman’s Dry Dock for many years.
Mickey’s other son, Simon, has a close association with the Pirates too, as both a former player and now a committee member. He also runs Microcomms, the club’s leading IT consultancy partner.

09/07/2025

Graham ‘Granite’ Waters
Funeral Details Confirmed
by Phil Westren

The funeral details for former St. Just and Penzance & Newlyn rugby player Graham ‘Granite’ Waters have been confirmed.

The funeral will take place at St. Just Church on Tuesday 22nd July, commencing 2pm, followed afterwards with a gathering at St. Just rugby club.

Graham, aged 76, was hugely respected and liked by all in the rugby fraternity who were fortunate to have met him. Straight talking, honest, always committed and strong – the acquired nickname ‘Granite’ fitted him perfectly. He was also a gentleman.

After education at Cape Cornwall School, where he came under the tutelage of Derek Small, Graham’s early rugby was played at St. Just. Then, at the start of the 1974/75 season, following encouragement from Colin Dymond, he ventured into the Mennaye Field to play for Penzance & Newlyn RFC. Although only 6' 1", which is short for a lock forward, at 15 and a half stones Graham was still a formidable figure who quickly became a 1st XV regular. He made 41 appearances in that first season and would overall wear the Pirates colours on 296 occasions, after which he returned to St. Just where he also became a committee member.

A highlight during his years at the Pirates was when, in 1976, the team won the then prestigious Cornwall KO Cup competition for the first time. The final, played at Camborne, was a crunching, nerve tingling affair, with second-row forward Graham playing his part in a memorable 4-3 win against favourites Redruth.

Many about will also remember that back in 1988, and after he had retired from playing, Graham completed his epic 900 miles walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End to help raise monies for both the Pirates and for the Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood Trust (CLIC). Graham was accompanied on the walk by Richard Brighton and Adam Dorey, who took turns to drive a back-up van, besides also walking.

A retired builder, in the latter part of his life Graham lived in Heamoor, where in recent years health issues became increasingly debilitating, and after a recent short spell at Benoni Nursing Home at St. Just, he died at Treliske Hospital.

Following Graham’s passing numerous sincere and kind messages of condolence have been expressed to his family – all fully deserved, and each one greatly appreciated.

02/07/2025

01/07/2025

BRITISH LIONS & ENGLAND at the Pirates Club - Update!

Please note the Pirates Club in Alexandra Road will on Saturday be showing the Lions against NSW WARATAHS game live in the clubhouse lounge (open 10.30am for the 11am kick-off).
There was a good ‘crowd’ present for last Saturday’s match and admission is again FREE!
Food & Refreshments will also be available, as is likely for all other SATURDAY games (Wednesday fixtures are not being screened) up to and including the final test to be played on the 2nd. August.
Besides the Lions fixture, the Argentina versus England game can also be viewed on Saturday evening when the kick-off will be at
20:40 BST.
(Our own Luke Cowan-Dickie, a product from the Pirates mini-junior section, will likely appear off the bench against Queensland Reds tomorrow, and might well feature again on Saturday)