THE Community of Torpoint gathered at the former St John Ambulance Hall for the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated to the late Roger Cook.

The plaque was installed to recognise Roger’s incredible 67 years of dedicated service to St John Ambulance following his passing in August 2024.

The event was attended by the town mayor, representatives of Torpoint Town Council, St John Ambulance volunteers, friends and members of the local community, all coming together to pay tribute to someone who gave so much of his life to helping others.

Torpoint plaque
The plaque recognises Roger’s dedicated service to St John Ambulance

Roger, who joined St John Ambulance in Torpoint in 1957, at just 11 years old, held various positions within the organisation through the years, but his true passion was always with cadets.

Despite having opportunities to progress into more senior roles, Roger chose to help young people develop their confidence, skills and aspirations. During his service, he supported over 120 cadets in achieving their Grand Prior Award, the highest award available to a St John Ambulance cadet.

Many young cadets went on to become paramedics, nurses, doctors, surgeons and other healthcare professionals, whilst others carried the skills and values Roger taught them in other walks of life.

For Roger, the former Torpoint St John Ambulance headquarters, which was demolished in 2023, was his second home.

Roger Cook
An exceptional award was presented to Roger Cook in 2024, recognising an individual whose unwavering commitment and dedication left a mark on the community. (Picture: Andy Campfield)

It was somewhere he dedicated countless hours of his life, somewhere he took enormous pride in, and somewhere generations of young people walked through the doors to be welcomed, encouraged and inspired by him.

Matt Gilchrist had the honour of delivering a speech on behalf of St John Ambulance which paid tribute to Roger’s dedication to the St John Ambulance cadets and the community of Torpoint.

He said: “A huge thank you to Torpoint Town Council and everyone involved in making this memorial possible.

“The plaque has now been proudly installed on the side of the new building, on the site where the old St John Ambulance Hall once stood. A building that meant so much to Roger, was practically his second home, and held countless memories for so many of us.

“It’s wonderful to know that Roger’s dedication and legacy will now have a permanent place in Torpoint, ensuring his contribution to St John Ambulance and his dedication to the local community are remembered for generations to come.”