Five people awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours attended a special ceremony at Mount Edgcumbe House where Colonel Edward Bolitho, The Lord Lieutenant and Her Majesty’s representative in Cornwall, thanked each of them for their service to their communities.

During the ceremony hosted by the chairman of Cornwall Council, Councillor Mary May, Colonel Edward Bolitho presented the medals in front of recipients’ family and friends. 

The ceremony was the first to be held in East Cornwall.

The recipients were:

Mrs Ruby Ditcher BEM, of Callington, for services to the community in Tavistock, Devon and Callington.

Ruby ran the hugely successful Tavistock Church Annual Christmas Bazaar for 24 years.  She raised over £100,000 and made a huge contribution to the refurbishment of the Grade 1 listed building.

Mr Peter Lavers BEM, of Torpoint, for services to the community in the Rame Peninsula.

Peter has been a committed volunteer and fund-raiser for the Rame Peninsula branch of the RNLI and has been credited with much of its success. 

He has been a local parish councillor including a term as vice chairman and now volunteers for Mount Edgcumbe. 

Mr Alan Skews BEM, of Callington, for services to the community in Callington.

Alan is a long-serving postman for Callington and a retained fireman since 1990. 

Alongside his post round he is always willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needs help. 

Mrs Gill Smith BEM, of Penzance, for services to children and families. Gill founded Gooseberry Bush Nursery in Camborne in 1991. 

Mr John Tivnan BEM, of Torpoint, for services to local government and the community.

John has dedicated himself to the community of Torpoint for many years.  He set up the Torpoint Community Events Company to support the Christmas lights, and the organisation has supported many other events. 

He has raised an incredible amount for the Poppy Appeal, one year over £22,000. 

Every year he arranges a presentation evening to recognise individuals and businesses which have helped the appeal.

The Lord Lieutenant said: ‘Again Cornwall has shown that there are those in the heart of its communities who give selflessly of their time to others and achieve magnificent things. 

‘I am extremely proud to present these medals on behalf of The Queen to these much deserving people.’