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 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.
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, a role I still hold today in 2025. I will endeavour to do the best I can for Porthleven, for the present and its future.”
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Rob Munday (Deputy Mayor)
“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”
Cllr. Munday was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor in May 2025
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. 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. 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. Adrian Naylor
Cllr Adrian (Nipper) Naylor was co-opted onto the Town Council in May 2023
‘Like many people, I first came to Southwest Cornwall on annual holidays with my parents. My link to the area became permanent when I joined RNAS Culdrose for, what was to be, a twenty-two-year career in the Royal Navy. Subsequently, my parents retired and saw their days out in Troon, whilst my brother, (also at Culdrose) married a Cornish girl, and has lived at Illogan for over fifty years.
At the end of my naval career, I moved ‘up country’ to get married and join the Police, although the pull of Porthleven was ever strong, which meant frequent visits with my family when work permitted.
I returned on a permanent basis in 2018, to once again make my home in the village, I currently work in a government role, although my working hours are gradually being reduced as I head towards retirement.
I enjoy daily walks in the beautiful local area with my black lab, and always look forward to the visits of my daughters, who also have Porthleven in their blood.
I feel privileged to live in such a wonderful place and am honoured to play a part in the decision making that supports and protects the local community. ‘
Committees / Town Council Representative:
Cllr. Cath Horne
Hi I’m Cath and I’m really excited to be part of the Porthleven Town Council (elected onto the Town Council in June 2023).
I love the village and want to see it continue to thrive as well as to grow in the areas it needs to.
I’m committed to making a difference and being a support, help and visionary whilst I am a Councillor.
Do get in touch if you have any questions or would value a chat.
Committees / Town Council Representative:
