Minutes:
a. Contribution to the Community;
The Chairman informed those present of the nominee who has volunteered with Saltash Environmental Action (SEA) for 19 years, served as a litter ranger, supported orchard planting, and regularly assisted at community events such as the Regatta and May Fair. The nominee is recognised as an inspiring teacher who leads by example and consistently contributes to making Saltash greener.
The Chair also highlighted the nominees work with the Cecily Baker Charity, volunteering on the customer hotline and helping coordinate the collection and delivery of disability aids to residents.
It was RESOLVED to award the Civic Award for Contribution to the Community to Sue Chalkey.
b. Youth Achievement;
As no nominations were received, the award was not presented.
The Chair encouraged those present to consider nominating a young person deserving of recognition at the 2027 Civic Awards.
c. Lifetime Achievement;
The Chair informed those present of the nominee and their lifelong contribution to Saltash Heritage. As the organisation’s only remaining founding member, the nominee has devoted over 40 years to preserving the history of Saltash, continually developing new exhibition ideas and supporting the growth of Saltash Heritage since its establishment in 1986.
It was RESOLVED to award the Civic Award for Lifetime Contribution to Lizzy Asprey.
d. Youth Group Leader
The Chair informed those present of the nominee’s voluntary work with Livewire over the past two years, during which she has provided vocal lessons to young people. The nominee’s commitment and dedication are demonstrated through her weekly attendance and the generous giving of her time to support and encourage those she teaches.
As a positive role model, she is consistently kind and caring, and the young people she works with flourish under her patience and natural teaching ability.
It was RESOLVED to award the Civic Award for Youth Group Leader to Caitlin Barnes.
e. Sporting Achievement
As no nominations were received, the award was not presented.
The Chair encouraged those present to consider nominating a sports person deserving of recognition at the 2027 Civic Awards.
f. Cultural Contribution
The Chair informed those present of the nominee’s volunteer work with Saltash Heritage. The nominee stepped into the role of Archivist without prior experience and has since flourished, undertaking training and subsequently delivering this training to other team members. They have also developed a structured training programme for newly recruited volunteers. The nominee is regarded as a friendly and dependable presence at Saltash Heritage, known for leading on new ideas and improving processes, and is highly valued by fellow volunteers.
It was RESOLVED to award the Civic Award for Cultural Contribution to Gary Richardson.
The Chair went on to inform members of two further awards that may be presented at the Mayor’s discretion.
The Chair informed those present of the outstanding singing performances delivered by the Memory Box, recognising the hard work of all involved and the joy their gift of music brings to people living with dementia. The Chair commented that it is truly magical to see them perform.
The Chair awarded their discretionary Best Performance – Peter Stephens Cup to the group that had provided the most memorable entertainment during the Civic Year, the Memory Box.
The Chair went on to inform members of the work undertaken by the CEPL12 Community Fridge and Larder. This valuable service prevents tonnes of food from going to landfill by redistributing surplus items to anyone in need. The Chair wished to recognise the volunteers for their significant commitment and the extensive work that takes place behind the scenes from early?morning collections to maintaining the service throughout the day and into the evening. Their passion for serving the community and reducing food waste is evident in the outstanding support they continue to provide free of charge.
The Chair awarded the discretionary Mayor’s Award – Essa Cup to the Community Fridge and Larder in recognition of their exceptional contribution within their field.