Huer´s Hut gets a custodian

By Sharon Sullivan 25th November 2020

A community stalwart has officially been named the honorary custodian of Newquay’s most historic landmark.

Newquay Town Council has awarded Jon Goodman a certificate to confirm his role helping to protect the Huer’s Hut, which was used as a lookout point for the seasonal arrival of pilchards in the bay.

Councillors agreed to give Jon the accolade because of the hard work he has put in over the years helping to preserve the iconic Grade II* listed building.

Jon stepped up to raise money to restore the Huer’s Hut to its former glory after the structure fell into disrepair.

His effort was backed by Newquay celebrity Phillip Schofield. He also worked with the town council to protect the building and has helped teach local schoolchildren about its history.

Mayor Louis Gardner surprised Mr Goodman with the award after the wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday.

The Mayor presented the certificate outside the Huer’s Hut. Jon said: “It is an enormous honour to be the custodian of the most important building in our amazing town. Since the project to restore it began it has been important to keep it looking good for future  generations and with the town council taking on the long lease, a custodian and the huge continual help from the community, it will never go back to what it looked like when we began this.

“The huge honour finalises the future of the Hut. “I would like to say a huge thanks to all within the community that helped and continue to support the Hut, especially Karl Fice-Thomson, as we continue to teach the next generations of the importance and relevance of this amazing building.”

Cllr Gardner said: “Jon has put an amazing amount of work into the Huer’s Hut through his personal care of the building and his fund-raising efforts for its restoration.

It was only right and fitting that the town council honoured him as its custodian. “Newquay Town Council has now taken over ownership from Cornwall Council and we have a robust financial and maintenance plan for its future.

“Newquay Town Council, working in partnership with the new honorary custodian of the Huer’s Hut, will protect the building for future generations."