THE chair of Cornwall Council visited Pelynt recently to present Jan Cook with her Civic Award for service to the community.

Before he presented the award, Cllr Rob Nolan said: “One of our great strengths in Cornwall is our communities. But it takes people to bind these communities together, from our on call firefighters and lifeboat men and women who leave their jobs to turn out in times of danger, to the youngsters who do a litter pick after school, we are lucky to have so many community minded people in Cornwall.

“That’s why we’ve brought back Cornwall Council Civic Awards, to honour the people who work so hard for their communities, whether they want honouring or no, and often they’d prefer to just quietly get on with it, but I feel they should be thanked, so I am proud to come along here today to honour and thank Jan Cook for her tireless work over many years for Pelynt.”

Jan was recommended for the award by Jim Candy, Cornwall councillor for Pelynt, who stated in his citation: “Jan has recently retired as parish clerk after 21 years. During this time she managed the council efficiently and well, with respect from all chairs and parish councillors who served in that time.

“She volunteers as clerk to the parish hall, helping organise many events for the community in those premises. She is a stalwart of all community events, including all those organised by the RBL, Trelawney Fayre, and numerous other teams in the village.

“Jan has always been a source of information about events in the area, and looks out for others wellbeing. Despite her mobility issues, she has carried out regular inspections of the parish, and always has a smile on her face.”

Cllr Candy added: “I will miss Jan at parish council meetings, but I am glad she can now find time to potter in her garden and enjoy retirement. However I know she will never stop being an active part of the Pelynt community.”