Good support for Civic Parade

ORGANISATIONS and individuals are being thanked for supporting the annual Torpoint Civic Parade and Service in large numbers.

A long procession made its way from the Council Chambers in York Road to Cornerstone Church in Fore Street on Sunday morning.

The parade, down Antony Road and Harvey Street, was headed by musicians from Torpoint Silver Band and Liskeard Silver Band who were followed by a contingent from HMS Raleigh.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Stan and Christine Martin, in their second successive year in office, walked behind the contingent and they were followed by town councillors, civic dignitaries, others guests including the Commodore of HMS Raleigh, Commodore Laurie Brokenshire, and representatives from various organisations in the town.

"There was very good support from all the organisations, especially those for young people," said Mrs Martin.

"The bands worked together and it was brilliant, really lovely. I would like to thank, on behalf of Stan and myself, all the people in the town for their support and for making the day such a memorable occasion.

"The church was packed for the lively service which was led by the mayor's chaplain, Viv Martyn. Brownies were sitting on the floor at the front."

During the service, two special award presentations were made.

The annual Torpoint Citizen of the Year Award went to George Crago who works for the ambulance service in the town.

The award was in recognition of George's work for FLEET (Frontline Emergency Equipment Trust) which provides various pieces of equipment for ambulances throughout Cornwall.

George has been raising money for the charity for several years, supported by his wife Janet, his mother-in-law Ethel Crago, and others.

"George devotes a lot of his spare time to the charity and has helped to raise well over £30,000. He has done a fantastic job," said Mrs Martin.

George was unable to attend the service to receive the award, an engraved silver tray. However, Mrs Ethel Crago was presented with the award on his behalf by the mayor.

The town's People of Courage Award was presented to Nicola Rowe by Mrs Martin, who said: "Since an early age Nicola, who lives in Torpoint, has been a patient of the kidney unit at Derriford Hospital.

"Her reaction to painful and crippling kidney disease has been to get involved in fundraising to purchase equipment and other items not normally provided by the NHS for the unit.

"Nicola is the appeals secretary of the Friends of Derriford Hospital Kidney Unit and has raised thousands of pounds."

Mrs Martin congratulated Nicola on her award and thanked her for all the worthwhile work she does.

Another part of the service saw the mayor and mayoress receiving a special card signed by all those involved in the Pilots Company for children at the church. This was presented by a young boy, Daniel Brown.

Following the service, there was a parade back to the Council Chambers where a reception was held.

Lions' Fair

ONE of the most popular events in the Torpoint summer calendar takes place tomorrow (Saturday, July 21).

The Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Lions Club's Antony House Fair will run in the grounds of the National Trust property on the outskirts of the town from 1pm to 5pm.

The Lions are promising entertainment for all the family. This will include displays by Torpoint Fire Brigade and Hi-Kicks, music from the Rame Jazz Group, a sheepdog demonstration by David Seamark, and Cornish dance and music from the band, Ros Keltek. There will also be arts and crafts, a draw, charity and tabletop stalls, a bouncy castle, children's rides, and refreshments.

Admission to the fair is by programme only, with children being admitted free. During the fair, there will be a special entry price to Antony House itself of £1 per person.

People are being asked not to take any pet animals to the fair.

In concert

TORPOINT Lady Singers will be in concert with the St Germans Singers tomorrow evening (Saturday, July 21). The concert takes place in All Saints Church, Millbrook, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3 on the door.

Cream teas

CREAM teas will be served between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday, July 24, at Cornerstone Church in Fore Street, Torpoint. The teas cost 75 pence and include a scone, jam, cream and a cup of tea. The event is being run by the Monday and Tuesday Ladies Groups.

Extra day's holiday

PUPILS at Torpoint Infants School are to have an extra day off at the start of their summer holidays. Because of health and safety requirements it will be necessary for the school in Albion Road to be closed on Wednesday, July 25, for alterations. So the last day of term will be on Tuesday.

New fire engine

A NEW fire engine will be operating in Torpoint and the surrounding area in the future. Town councillors heard that a new appliance has been scheduled for Torpoint by the county council.

Insignia for Samuel

SAMUEL James Mitchell, of Torpoint, has been invested as a member of the Order of St John at a ceremony held in the Grand Priory church, Clerkenwell, London last Friday.

Mr Mitchell has been a volunteer for St John Ambulance for l9 years and was admitted as Serving Brother and presented with the Insignia by the prior of the Order of St John, Lord Slynn of Hadley.

Each award has been approved by the Queen, Sovereign Head of the Order.