Eleven new Newlyn Harbour Commssioners take on revised constitution.

Arguably the most significant event in Newlyn's long history, and sure to help map out a more certain future for the port, the signing of the Harbour Revision Order (HRO) by the new Secretary of State heralds the winds of change.

Years in the making, the HRO will see major changes to the constitution and the affairs of those who make a living within and from the harbour. Drawn up and accepted by the current commissioners, the new HRO adopts the principles of good governance as suggested by 'Modernising Trust Ports - A Guide to Good Governance' - first published by the Department for Transport in 2000 and subsequently amended in 2006.

Eleven permanent and three co-opted commissioners will take up office as of May 31st 2010 and will be keen to be seen operating within the spirit of the guidance, namely, "The core principles of openness, accountability and fitness for purpose form a common thread running through these standards and should feature in the direction and management of all ports in the trust sector."

They newly appoinred commissioners are: Gilbert McCabe, Edward Bolitho, Andrew Munson, David Stevens, Kevin Bennetts, Mike Collier, David Munday, Juliet Taylor, John Lambourn, Nick Howell, Elizabeth Stevenson, Andrew Bell, Ray Tovey and Glenn Caplin. More information on the backgrounds of the new faces to the port will be made available soon.

No doubt, top of the agenda at the first meeting on June the 9th for the new team, will be to discuss the current planned development of the fish market and auction to ensure that Newlyn continues to maximise its return from being in the heart of the best mixed fishing grounds around the UK.