Local heroes celebrated at civic service and parade in Torpoint

IT WAS a day to remember in Torpoint on Sunday, September 20 as the community came together for the annual civic service and parade.

Hundreds were out in force to celebrate the local people and organisations who have made a real difference to the town.

The parade was led by mayor Cllr Julie Martin and consort Andy Martin, who were joined by deputy mayor Cllr Chris Goodman and mayor cadet Bartek Cichopec.

Local dignitaries and guests attending the event included HMS Raleigh’s deputy lieutenant general Ivan Hooper CB, colonel Chris Hall, as well as deputy lord mayor of Plymouth Cllr Angela Penrose, accompanied by Mark Bowden.

Visiting mayors from Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard, Saltash, Callington and St Austell also attended, as did the chairman of Cornwall Council Rob Nolan, honorary freeman of Torpoint Mike Pearn MBE, honorary burgess John Crago, and Cornwall Councillor Kate Ewert.

Reverend Steve Guffick led the service at St. James Church, with stirring performances from Torpoint Sea Cadets Corps of Drums, Torpoint Nursery and Infant School, Carbeile Junior School and Coppola School of Performing Arts.

The Civic Awards 2025-2026 were chosen by the town mayor who presented all of the following awards:

Before presenting Patrick with his award, Cllr Martin said: “Having met this young person recently at the Torpoint Players show, I learnt about how he made some wonderful friendships and overcome adversity.

“He is a lovely young person who is to be admired for recognising a situation that was making them sad and having the courage and the confidence to join a group of strangers and pursue a hobby that he has grown to love.”

Mandy, who has lived with a long term and debilitating condition which can impede the use of her hands and general mobility, was honoured for demonstrating strength, courage and resilience.

After surviving three bouts of cancer, she became very poorly and was rushed into Derriford Hospital, where she spent four weeks receiving treatment over the summer.

Mandy sees her salon business in Fore Street and the community as the reason for getting up each morning. She is admired for having the biggest heart in supporting causes within the Torpoint community.

Born in Torpoint and has lived in the town ever since, Colin is a former chairman and the current president of the Torpoint Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Around 15 years ago, Colin, who has volunteered for many years as a parade marshal, was instrumental in founding the Torpoint Branch of the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club.

Since its foundation and under Colin’s chairmanship, attendance has grown from a mere handful to over 70 veterans, helping it to become one of the largest clubs of its kind in the South West.

CHAT is a long-standing part of the community who are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.

Founded in 1991, the organisation was the idea of three prominent members of the community, all known for their medical expertise and care. Early projects included an exercise group for the over 60’s and the establishment of the Diabetic Circle, later becoming The Diabetic Support Group.

More recently, a Memory in Mind Group has been started for people with dementia and their carers, while bingo nights on the Rame Peninsula have also been organised. The award is in recognition of the significant impact the organisation has had over the last 35 years and continues to have.