New Newlyn Harbour commissioner Rob Salvidge gives his view of the harbour's future

HAVING spent a lifetime in communications, Newlyn Harbour commissioner Rob Salvidge admits that's one thing the port authority does not do so well. But sat on his replica sail ship, the Matthew, the former broadcast journalist, who played a key role in the regeneration of Bristol's harbour, said it's something he and the commission are determined to change. 


 One of a new raft of members to join the authority after a turbulent year, which saw it oust three of its commissioners and become the subject of BBC investigative programme Inside Out, the Bristolian is hoping to use his experience to engender change. ​ Replica of Cabot's 15th-century sailing ship the Matthew revisits Fowey on its way to London for the Queen's jubilee celebrations. 

The Matthew leaving Newlyn for the IOS World Gig Championships.

He already has a string of ideas on how to improve links with the community, which at times has said it feels disenfranchised from the running of the commission, but concedes it may not happen overnight. "The question is, how do we bring everyone together with mutual understanding?" said Mr Salvidge. "We need to understand the problems of the past. It's really old fashioned talking to people. It's really important we should never be too busy to do so. "We have got to listen to people, we need to make it possible for them to understand the day-to-day issues." 


 But Mr Salvidge's ambitions for the commission aren't just limited to establishing better links to the community. Improved signage, a better infrastructure and the development of the port's ability to cater for the tourist sector are all part of his wish list. And he aims to use his experience of promoting the historical aspect of his home city's harbour to aid him. 


 He said: "I really think it (improved signage) sends out the right message. It's something that needs to be done quickly." Mr Salvidge added that improving the ice plant, doing something about the buildings on North Quay and sorting out decommissioned trawlers were next on the agenda for the harbour trust.  


Aside from his work for the port authority, he spends most of his days onboard the Matthew, which his father, Bill, was involved in building in 1997. The replica sail ship mimics the vessel belonging to intrepid explorer John Cabot, who, contrary to popular opinion, discovered North America when he landed in Newfoundland in 1497. The ship, often found moored in Falmouth, visits ports up and down the country providing an educational and historical interest for communities, as well as a challenge for sailing enthusiasts. It also took part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the River Thames. 


But readers from Penzance may be familiar with the Matthew for the role it played in landing the Pirate World Record last June. Mr Salvidge explained that it was through his work with the Matthew that he became familiar with Newlyn, and ultimately appointed to the commission. 


 He said: "I have always been aware of how important Newyln is as a harbour. "I got chatting to the Newlyn Harbour Master, Andrew Munson, and few other people I know and just seemed like an obvious mix. "I've been involved in the regeneration of Bristol harbour. No one can just stand still. Newlyn is a valuable fishing port but there's lots of other things a good harbour needs to be with different people working together. "Newlyn is the most strategic harbour between Falmouth, North France, the Isles of Scilly and the Bristol Channel for serious pleasure boats, it's important to make plans." 


Story courtesy of the Cornishman.


 Mr Salvidge said it was vital that progress was made on all fronts when it came to the future of the commission. "I would hate to be here in six months and nothing's been done," he added.