The presentation of St Just Town Council’s Annual Awards was very different this year, because of the COVID restrictions. Instead of the normal Feast Reception and Presentations, the Mayor, Marna Blundy, visited each of the recipients in St Just, Botallack and Pendeen, just before the latest lockdown, to give them their awards.
Citizen of the Year – Mo O’Brien
Mo rowed across the Atlantic in a team of three women, entering the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest female trio to row the Atlantic, slashing the world record from 60 to 49 days. Perhaps most significantly, Mo is the first person with profound hearing difficulties to row the Atlantic. This achievement also raised just under £68,000 for three charities, including Cornwall Blood Bikes. Mo works as a dispenser in the pharmacy at Cape Cornwall Surgery, and she received her award at work, with her colleagues applauding her.
Junior Citizen of the Year – Riley Rivett
Riley decided that he wanted to help people in Pendeen during lockdown in the Spring, and he delivered essential food supplies like bread and milk to people who were self-isolating. He also made a poster and put in the local shop advertising his services. He’s still on hand for this second lockdown, and continuing his delivery service with the help of his mum Nicole. He received his award outside his home, with schoolfriends and neighbours on hand to give him a cheer.
Sportsperson of the Year – Archie Prout
Archie, who is in Year 11 at Cape Cornwall School, represents the school in all sports and plays cricket for St Just. His hard work, dedication and skill in rugby has seen him selected to represent Cornwall in addition to regularly turning out for the Pirates. He is seen as a leader by others and sets a fantastic example both on and off the pitch. He received his award at his school.
Community Group of the Year – The Daisy Chain
Initiated by Daisy Gibbs who worked with Jo Warburton to set it up, this community warden scheme covers the entire parish with almost ninety volunteers who offer help to their neighbours. This has included shopping, collecting prescriptions, and dog walking, amongst other things. It started when vulnerable people were advised to shield at home, continued through the first lockdown and the summer, and it is continuing through the current lockdown. It means that everyone in the parish has a local neighbour/warden to turn to if they need help, and we’ve proud that our parish has this scheme in place. The award is for every one of those volunteers, each of whom has received a certificate.