Welcome to Porthleven
Porthleven today, is a vibrant, thriving community. In the summer it is a hub for tourism with many thousands flocking to see the un-spoilt fishing harbour. In the winter it is quieter, though often stormy. The image of huge waves crashing over the Bickford Smith Institute have been seen around the world. The town is a wonderful mixture of old and new, in terms of property, businesses and residents. Porthleven offers something for everyone.
Porthleven Town Council is made up of nine elected Councillors. They play a vital role in representing the interests of the community to improve quality of life and the local environment. To achieve this, among other things, they are responsible for the majority of the open spaces in Porthleven, providing a mixture of play equipment, including a bespoke skate park, to cater for all ages.
The Town Council are also currently working on a Neighbourhood Plan, in conjunction with local volunteers, to ensure that development within the town enhances Porthleven and benefits local residents.
Cllr. Mike Toy (Mayor)
“My name is Michael Toy and I was born and raised in Porthleven. I worked in the shipyard until its closure and then moved to London for a while before returning to Porthleven and starting up my own carpentry business. These days, I can mostly be found over on my allotment at Stopgate.
I joined the Council in 2017 after being invited onto the Bickford Smith Institute Working Party. I became Deputy Mayor in 2019 and Mayor in 2021. I will endeavour to do the best I can for Porthleven, for the present and its future.”
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Naomi Osmond (Deputy Mayor)
Councillor Osmond joined the council in 2017 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2021.
“I am lucky enough to have been born in Porthleven and to have been part of a large family network, Porthleven is a home that I am extremely proud of and I am passionate about helping to shape the future of the town and its assets for the benefit of generations to come.
I have been a youth and community worker in various roles for 18 years now and in 2012 I graduated from the University of Greenwich with a BA Honours degree in youth and community studies. I am very passionate about working with young people to help them find ways to overcome a variety of life challenges with a view to helping them to achieve their potential and build on their strengths. Young people are our future and I strongly believe we need to support them in any way we can to help ensure a sustainable future for all.
One of my skills is to see things from all angles and consider how different approaches and ideas can be used to achieve the best possible outcomes. Please feel free to talk to me and share your ideas.”
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Rob Munday
“I was born in Porthleven in 1976 and have been lucky enough to live in and around the town all my life. A keen, though not very skilful, surfer I have always had a passion for the water and this led me to being involved with a fledgling Porthleven Surf Club in 2002, where I am now its chairman. Through this platform I am proud that we have performed harbour and beach cleans, fund raising for local amenities such as the Skate Park as well as raising awareness to the community of surfing issues which will affect them, all whilst trying to maintain a healthy and respectful surfing community. I can also be found bowling the odd ball at the cricket club trying to live up to past glories.
The work I have done with the surf club and other community events in the past, has led me to apply for a position on the Town Council and I am very excited to tackle the unique challenges the role will bring”
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Emma Short
“Born in Cornwall and having lived in St Ives, Camborne, Illogan and Helston, I’ve been lucky enough to have lived in, and raised my son, in Porthleven for more than 7 years now. I’m passionate about the heritage and culture of Cornwall and the creation and maintenance of supportive services to our communities. I’ve served on the Porthleven Lights Committee since mid-2018 and taken part in local fundraising events. Having worked in various local industries from retail and hospitality, to employment support and learning & development, I now run my own business supporting small to large companies to develop training for their staff. I’m honoured to be part of the Town Council and hope to be able to support and champion local needs and services.”
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Bev Plunkett
Cllr Bev Plunkett has been a councillor since 2013 as she wanted to offer help and expertise to the community in tourism, business and events. Bev has lived in Porthleven since 2008 and was elected as Mayor in 2019 a role she held until May 2021. She represents the council on the Public Hall committee and Porthleven business Forum. She has worked as a property manager and a hotel/bed-and-breakfast inspector. Bev enjoys walking her dog to relax after a busy meeting.
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Gary Shainberg
Gary was elected onto Porthleven Town Council in May 2021.
Following prestigious careers with the Royal Navy and BT, Gary now runs his own technology consultancy firm specialising Networks and infrastructure, he also runs a successful live-streaming company.
Gary can often be found assisting local businesses and community initiatives in the advisory and practical management of their technology.
He is often seen around the village with one of his owls talking about birds of prey and conservation.
Gary and his wife, Jane, are the proud parents of four adult children and five grandsons.
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Caitlin Port
Caitlin was elected onto Porthleven Town Council in May 2021 and we believe she is the youngest Member in the history of the Town Council in Porthleven. Having grown up in Porthleven, Caitlin is passionate about Porthleven and hopes that in her role as Town Councillor she can help Porthleven continue to thrive and grow.
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Mark Berryman
As an experienced Councillor, Mark re-joined Porthleven Town Council in June 2021. Mark runs a successful Accountancy firm and is a big sports fan who can often been seen running the score board at the Pirates matches.
Mark is the proud father of Toby, who is currently studying for his ‘A’Levels, and devoted husband to Julia.
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Zoe Davies
Councillor Davies was co-opted to the Council in July 2021
‘I have lived in Porthleven for 17 years and have two children who attended Porthleven school. Porthleven is both my home and my community and I am passionate about helping shape the future of the town, and for it to continue to develop as a clean, safe, healthy space, where history and heritage are remembered and where residents have opportunities to thrive.
My interest in place shaping, economic growth and social landscaping is reflected in choosing to study for a BA(Hons) Geography Degree at the University of Birmingham in 1994 and then a MSc in Urbanisation which focussed on the social aspects of communities, the built environment and the economy.
I now work in an independent advisory role at Cornwall Council providing audit, control and risk assurance services, which aim to ensure that public and community services are successfully delivered within budget, that resources are used effectively and value for money is obtained for the residents of Cornwall. I also work with partner agencies of the Council and with Multi – Academy Trusts.
I have actively participated in events; beach cleans and fund-raising activities in the town and at the school. I was the Treasurer for the Porthleven Skatepark project, writing the bid to Sports England that secured £75K of funding for this capital scheme. I continue as a member of this group and am always looking out for funding opportunities to enhance and develop the skatepark and open spaces – which have saved the sanity of many during recent months!
I am excited to be part of the Town Council and hope that my skills and enthusiasm can support them and the residents of Porthleven.’
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