A host of local organisations have benefitted from Mylor Yacht Harbour's 200th anniversary celebrations held back in the summer.

The groups have been presented with their cash windfall by the harbour's Roger Graffy, who had been determined that local people should reap the rewards of the highly successful birthday party.

Every resident in Mylor and Flushing had been invited to the party, which had been organised to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of dockyard activity at the harbour.

More than 5,000 took up the invitation and the offer of free transport and enjoyed a day of music, entertainment and demonstrations.

The replica of HMS Pickle, the schooner that brought the news of Nelson's death and victory at the Battle of Trafalgar to Falmouth, was a star attraction and the night culminated with a firework display.

Collections made on the night and donations from suppliers and customers of the harbour company resulted in more than £7,000 being raised.

"Our target was to raise more than £5,000 for local youth groups and charities" said Mr Graffy. "In the end we exceeded our highest expectations and I would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed to the whole event."

The organisations to have received a share of the money raised are: Flushing School, Mylor School, Tremayne Hall in Mylor, Blind at Sea (BATS), Mylor Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts, Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadets, Mylor Playing Field Committee, Pencalenick School, Restronguet Sailing Club and Flushing playing field committee.

"I feel very proud of how our business works in the local community and this event - and the money - I hope will help improve facilities for all these hugely worthwhile organisations" said Mr Graffy.

Dockyard activity at Mylor dates back to 1806 when the first phase of construction on the site was completed. The yard then serviced HM ships up to the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1886 many of the original buildings were taken over as part of the shore base for HMS Ganges. Following her departure in 1899, the Admiralty retained control and the site went into decline. It was used by the French Resistance during the Second World War and later evolved into a commercial yachting and leisure facility.

The Tremayne Hall management committee receive their cheque from Mr Graffy to help with the transformation of the building.

(West Briton, 21 December 2006)