Penzance Community Gathers to Honour Melville Durrant at Memorial Day Event

Published On: 7 July 2025Last Updated: 7 July 2025By CornishStuff

A Day of Fun and Reflection at Princess May Recreation Ground

Hundreds gathered at Princess May Recreation Ground in Penzance on Sunday 6th July to celebrate the life and legacy of community champion Melville Durrant, whose tireless work helped shape the much-loved site.

The Melville Durrant Memorial and Community Day brought together people of all ages with attractions including an inflatable theme park, dog show, skate jam and a variety of stalls. The event was organised by Princess May Recreation CIC with support from Penzance Council.

Remembering Melville

Melville, who tragically died last year in a collision involving two vehicles on the A30, played a key role in the development of the Rec over the years. He was instrumental in its transfer from Cornwall Council to Penzance Council, which was finalised earlier in 2024.

Opening the event, Penzance Council Town Clerk James Hardy said:

“We all miss Melville. I was lucky enough to call him a good friend.
I worked with Melville back in 2001 when we did the first consultation and pulled the funding together to add all of this play equipment, build the skate park, build the office and all the facilities here.
We also got the opportunity – just before his tragic passing – to celebrate the transfer of the ownership and management of the Rec back to the town council.
Melville always had plans for this place, and today is the start of a conversation about what you want to see next in the Rec. Today is about celebrating the work that Melville did, but it’s also about continuing that work.”

What’s Next for the Rec?

As well as celebrating Melville’s legacy, the event was also a chance to look ahead. The Princess May Recreation CIC, working closely with the council, invited feedback from residents about what they would like to see at the site in the future.

Nicky Mendham from the CIC said:

“It has been a real privilege to be at the centre of bringing a community together. To me, the Princess May Recreation Ground reflects the diverse nature of Penzance, where people from all walks of life get to meet and enjoy time together.
Thousands of volunteer hours have gone into making today happen but it’s thanks to the involvement of a community that made it so special.
With the ongoing support of Penzance Council, the directors and volunteers of the Princess May Recreation CIC aim to make events such as this a regular occurrence, and the feedback we’ve received will help to carve out that future.
The Rec is at the heart of our community – when it’s nurtured, all of Penzance grows. The Community Day marks an important date in the calendar for taking positive steps, large and small, to spark new connections, shared learning and mutual support across generations.
I want to say a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, directors, traders, and generous sponsors, and every smiling face who showed up to support, help, and enjoy the day – you made it happen!”

📷The Melville Durrant Memorial and Community Day held at Princess May Recreation Ground on Sunday 6 July. Photo by Penzance Council

A Site Full of Life

Throughout the day, the skate bowl took centre stage with a lively Skate Jam and BMX demo, while younger visitors enjoyed bouncing around the inflatable theme park.

While the mood was upbeat, Melville remained firmly in people’s thoughts.

Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, said:

“Melville was inimitable, he was a one off. He was probably the most genuine person that I have met in my time as a councillor, in terms of how he felt, how he spoke, and how he gave so generously. Together I hope and trust that we will build a legacy that will be worthy of the man we are commemorating here today.”

Penzance Town Crier Phil Northcott opened the day with his usual flair, declaring:

“As we all enjoy the fun events and spend time in this place with loved ones and friends, remember the power of one person with a passion and a dream. Not a dream for personal wealth or glory, but a dream to benefit our community.”

The Princess May Recreation Ground is now fully managed by Penzance Council, with input from the Princess May Recreation CIC, and remains a key open space for the town, offering green areas, a skate park, multi-use sports courts and a children’s play area.

Sunday’s event proved how one person’s vision can bring people together, and how that spirit lives on in a community determined to carry it forward.