Charlestown Harbour has always been shaped by its people – from the shipwrights, sailors and entrepreneurs who built it, to the local people who continue to keep it alive today. As we look ahead to the next chapter in the Harbour’s story, we are excited to introduce Porthmuer CIC, our new community and heritage partner working alongside us to help deliver projects that celebrate heritage, skills, creativity and local maritime culture. 

Porthmuer CIC is a Community Interest Company – a not-for-profit organisation created to support the Harbour with community-focused activity, workshops, learning opportunities and cultural projects. Their mission aligns closely with ours: keeping Charlestown’s harbour alive with heritage, skills and community. 

Together, we are beginning to develop new events, creative programmes and volunteering opportunities that invite more people to get involved with the Harbour in meaningful ways. 

Santa’s Grotto Appeal – Supporting Local Families 

This December, Porthmuer CIC is helping us bring a little extra magic to the village with a free Santa’s Grotto Day for families who may not otherwise be able to attend festive experiences this year. 

We are working with local schools, charities and community groups to offer 63 free places, each including a wrapped gift and a visit with Father Christmas in our beautifully decorated Harbour grotto. 

If you’d like to support the appeal, you can donate here: 
  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/porthmuer-cic 

Wood & Waves – Free Creative Workshops at the Charlestown Christmas Market 

Porthmuer CIC is also delivering free drop-in creative workshops at the Charlestown Christmas Market: 

Sat 20th Dec, 11am-1pm Cancelled due to weather

Sun 21st Dec, 11am-1pm 

Led by local artists and model-makers Len & Didge Hatcher, these sessions offer a chance to make mini harbour houses, painted fish and simple wooden boats using timber reclaimed from the tall ship Kajsamoor, currently being recycled in the Harbour. 

Perfect for families, makers, and anyone who loves Charlestown – completely free thanks to FEAST Cornwall and partnership with Fish Factory Arts CIC. Just drop in at the Inner Harbour during the workshop times; no booking required. 

Have Your Say – Community Survey 

As we plan activities and heritage projects for 2025, we are inviting residents, visitors and friends of Charlestown to share their thoughts through our short Community Survey. 

Your feedback will help shape the types of workshops, events and learning opportunities Porthmuer CIC develops over the next year. 

Have your say here – https://forms.gle/megjSR6V2pxP8soR6  

Join Our Growing Volunteer Crew 

From creative workshops to heritage events, skills sessions, school visits and community days, Porthmuer CIC will be offering a range of chances to get involved throughout 2026. 

If you’re passionate about maritime heritage, making, crafting, storytelling or simply helping out behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. 
Contact porthmuercic@gmail.com 

Looking Ahead 

This partnership marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Harbour. 
  With Porthmuer CIC helping us expand our community, cultural and heritage activities, we are laying foundations for: 

  • hands-on craft and boatbuilding workshops 
  • learning and skills programmes 
  • local history and maritime storytelling projects 
  • creative collaborations with artists and makers 
  • family-friendly harbour events 
  • and new opportunities for volunteers of all ages 

We’ll be sharing updates as these projects develop – and we hope you’ll be part of the journey. 

Stay Connected 

To follow Porthmuer CIC’s work and hear about upcoming opportunities: 
  @porthmuercic on Facebook & Instagram 
  Email: porthmuercic@gmail.com  
www.porthmuercic.org  

Thank you for supporting the Harbour and the community that keeps it thriving.