Cornwall 500 Timeline: Key Milestones & What’s Next
What’s Next?
The Cornwall 500 is just beginning! We are excited to continue expanding the network, developing the website and app, and inviting everyone to join us in discovering the heart of Cornwall, plaque by plaque. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to embark on your own Cornwall 500 adventure!
March 2025: Gala Evening & Charity Auction
- A black-tie Gala Evening and Charity Auction is planned for March 2025 to celebrate the official website launch and the growing network of plaque locations.
- A highlight of the evening will be the auction of the replica Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter, towed by Steven Webb during his 500-mile journey, with proceeds benefiting CAAT.
2025: Expanding the Plaque Network
- Throughout 2025, the Cornwall 500 will continue to grow, with new plaques being added across Cornwall.
- The goal is to reach a total of 100 plaque locations by the end of 2025, further enriching the network of Cornish stories and experiences.
Late 2024 – Early 2025: Website Development & Expansion
- Work is currently underway on the website backend to enable key functionalities, including:
- Interactive features for users to “collect” plaques virtually and track their Cornwall 500 journeys.
- Tools for plaque location owners to update and manage information associated with their plaques.
- The alpha version of the website is anticipated to launch in February 2025.
September 28, 2024: Journey’s End & Fundraising Milestone
- Steven Webb completed his incredible journey, arriving back in Truro after travelling just under 500 miles around Cornwall.
- The inaugural challenge successfully raised over £13,000 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT), highlighting community support for both the Cornwall 500 and CAAT’s vital work.
September 2024: Social Media Success & Community Engagement
- The official Cornwall 500 social media channels were launched, quickly gaining traction and community interest.
- Within the first month, social media reach exceeded 20% of the population of Cornwall, demonstrating significant early engagement.
September 1, 2024: Steven Webb’s 500-Mile Inaugural Journey Begins
- Steven Webb, Cornwall 500 Director, set off from The Alverton Hotel in Truro to undertake a remarkable 500-mile journey around the perimeter of Cornwall.
- Steven travelled in his electric wheelchair, symbolically towing a replica helicopter of the Cornwall Air Ambulance to raise awareness and funds.
- During his journey, Steven personally delivered and installed the first 70 Cornwall 500 plaques at locations across the county.
July 2024: Cornwall 500 Officially Launched
- The Cornwall 500 initiative was officially launched at a special event held at The Alverton Hotel in Truro.
- Key figures in attendance and showing their support included:
- Tim Bunting, CEO of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust (CAAT)
- The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, President of CAAT
- Malcolm Bell, CEO of Visit Cornwall