The arrival and aftermath of the recent ‘Storm Goretti’ proved a truly testing time. Severely vicious in strength, hundreds of trees were uprooted, numerous properties damaged, and even water supplies were affected. All in all, it made a miserable few days for everyone in our area, but having said that, it at the same time brought the best out of people who were commendably willing and keen to help those who were worse off.

As many will be aware, damage caused by the elements, which saw 100mph winds, had a devastating effect on the main grandstand at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, home of Penzance & Newlyn RFC and Cornish Pirates.

To their considerable credit both clubs were quick to respond, ‘best can’, with several people working conscientiously hard to initially implement needs to help stabilise the situation. We were particularly thankful to DSW Demolition, Environmental & Skip Hire who were prompt in securing the grandstand area and clearing the site of damaged asbestos sheeting and associated debris.

Along with committee man Mark Davey, the Chairman of Penzance & Newlyn RFC, Peter Whyte, & Paul Kempson met a structural engineer last Thursday who inspected the covered grandstand and assessed the condition of the purlins, the frame supporting the roof, and the roof and remaining roof structure.

His assessment was clear. The roof frame has been damaged significantly. The view is that when the wind removed the roof panels it also twisted and compromised the supporting structure, leaving the frame in an unstable condition. His recommendation is that the roof and associated supporting frame should be removed, as the structure cannot currently be considered safe.

As such the insurance company have given us the green light to remove the stand roof and the concrete frame, with work started during the weekend.

In what has been a truly challenging time, Cornwall County Council has importantly been made aware of assessments to date and of the developing position regarding safety and the expected removal works.

The Grandstand – A Brief History

As some readers will be aware, following the amalgamation of the previously separate Newlyn and Penzance clubs, the Pirates of Penzance & Newlyn RFC played their first game on the 22nd September 1945. Opponents at the new Mennaye Field rugby ground in Penzance were Guy’s Hospital, who won 15-3.

There was no covered stand for supporters initially. However, it was reported back in 1948-49 that permission had been given in principle by the Council for the club to build a modern grandstand and on completion to hand it over to the Council for a 14-year lease on the ground.

The plans for the stand were finally agreed in March 1952, and a Extraordinary General Meeting then took place at the Guildhall, Penzance, to consider the different methods to be adopted to raise money for the proposed new stand. A ‘Stand Appeal’ was organised and many donations were received, including £200 from the Supporters Club and £50 in a special appeal during ‘Penzance Shopping Week’ thanks to committee man Harry Dugdale (grandfather to Scott Dugdale).

To considerable acclaim, the new ‘Queen Elizabeth Stand’ was officially opened by our England international John Kendall-Carpenter on the 27th April 1953, when Gloucester were visitors for the last game of the season.

Now, over the years occasional necessary maintenance has taken place, including in 1965 when certain steel supports were cut down. A ‘Stand

Modification Fund’ was set up and planning consent granted which enabled a concrete support structure to be installed.

In general, the old stand served the club admirably, though immediate attention was sadly drawn to it on the 11th May 1985. It was the day of the Bradford City FC fire disaster, when 56 people were killed and at least 265 were injured, and it was late that afternoon when the Fire Brigade phoned me, as then Secretary, to incredibly advise that someone had attempted to catch fire to our stand.

Ultimately, there was no immediate major concern, but it did draw attention to focus on safety needs about our ground, and particularly the grandstand.

In 1992-93 the culmination of protracted negotiations with Penwith District Council at last resulted in major structural work being carried out, and the old wood seating and their supporting steel framework were replaced by a concrete design, which also incorporated useful room spaces below the seating. The Council was responsible for the refurbishment.

All such things always test the resolve of various people involved in a club. However, over the years we have always been fortunate to have personnel who have met the challenge. Yes, damage created by ‘Storm Goretti’ has been major, and we could have done without it, but in true Pirates fashion we will recover!

Club volunteers helping to construct the stand in 1952.

The new 'Queen Elizabeth Stand' is pictured on completion.

Our England international John Kendall-Carpenter opens the 'Queen Elizabeth Stand' in 1953.

The new 'Queen Elizabeth Stand' is pictured on completion.