This year’s annual Cross of St Piran awards will take place on Saturday, March 8 at St Piran’s Church, Perranzabuloe.

During two services, 20 people will receive the Cross of St Piran from Bishop Hugh Nelson in recognition of their work in their churches and communities. This year for the first time, schools have been invited to take part.

The Bishop’s Award will this year be presented to Sheila Waring for her work with the Mothers’ Union (MU). Sheila, who is also a Local Worship Leader in Stratton Deanery, has been Diocesan President of the MU for the last seven years. Read her citation below.

The Deanery Awards will this year go to 14 people in 11 deaneries (see citations below):

  • Judith Ayers from East Wivelshire,
  • Annette Buchanan from Kerrier Deanery,
  • Ruth Berreta and Philip Gilbert from Carnmarth North Deanery,
  • Jacqui Bennett from Carnmarth South Deanery,
  • Robert Corney from Stratton Deanery,
  • Tony Cruddas from Powder Deanery,
  • Viv Farmer from Pydar Deanery,
  • Ian Gordon from West Wivelshire Deanery,
  • Ellen McConnell from Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery,
  • Stephen Rivers and Edwina Sleeman from St Austell Deanery and
  • Rob Tremain from Trigg Major Deanery.

There are also six awards to people in church schools (see citations below):

  • Fiona Harvey, Antony School,
  • Abigail Jessop, The Bishops’ Church of England Learning Academy,
  • Hayley Pitman,
  • Sarah Wilkins, Headteacher of St Meriadoc School,
  • Jon-Joe Wilson, St Dominic Church of England Primary School,
  • Brenda Wright, St Issey School.

Citations

Sheila Waring (Mothers’ Union & Stratton Deanery)

Sheila has been an outstanding president and has quickly developed a strong and united team. She has led by example and organised and led inspirational diocese-wide Members’ Days and has worked tirelessly to support branches and communities.

Her leadership has given support to local charities such as S.P.A.C.E. (Social Play and Creative Events) which support children and young people with disabilities that works in partnership with Action for Children, the Mother’s Union Self Esteem Project for young carers working in partnership with Barnados Young Carers,  and the various refuges across Cornwall, along with various projects including Teddy Vean, the RISEUP! and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaigns.

She has led with her gifts of enthusiasm, positivity and compassion, and steered the MU through uncertain and difficult times during Covid. Sheila is a deeply spiritual and devout person; a leader who will be greatly missed.

Judith Ayers (East Wivelshire)

Judith’s love for the church, for which she labours tirelessly and unselfishly, emboldens faith in Christ and the faith of all those she inspires. Her kindness to all is only matched by her ceaseless energy and everyday actions to encourage us all to Christ.

Judith finds the most unexpected ways to bring people closer to Christ. She finds and shares God’s hand in almost everything; in the living churchyard project, the bats in the church, the changing of the seasons, music and the fabric and history of the church building itself. Judith was a big part of the inspiration which launched the St Sampson’s unlocked project, which has always been a mission project, and she has continued to be a driving force as it progresses. She has discovered new talents as her faith has guided her on this journey.  Fundraising, grant writing, project management, architecture, ad history are talents that she can now count as her own.

Judith’s hand has now touched 75 successful grant applications.  Fundraising from all sources including grants, donations and local fundraising, has raised around £350,000, including £27,000 from local fundraising; an amazing result for a small rural church like St Sampson’s.

Judith has been responsible for worship at St Sampson’s (under the oversight of the various Rectors of the Callington Cluster) for many years, leading the worship team since 2018 and ensuring that weekly Sunday worship has continued.

All of the above, plus the warmth of welcome and tangible sense of community when people visit any of the events at St Sampsons, are a tribute to Judith’s passion, faith, leadership and hard work.

This award recognises Judith for the Christian life that she lives and for all her many contributions to the Church and our parish community.

Jacqui Bennett (Carnmarth South Deanery)

As the vicar’s wife, Jacqui Bennett has faithfully served St Budock Parish for more than 25 years, hosting and actively contributing to regular discipleship sessions, preparing audio visual presentations for services and operating the equipment, leading the catering for numerous church events, running Junior Church and much more.

More recently she has combined these activities with being the first Manager of the Carnmarth South Deanery Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre (CAP), overcoming delays to her training and the onset of the Covid era to launch the Debt Centre early in 2021. She successfully recruited, trained and encouraged a large team of volunteers to support the work. She actively promoted the debt service through the local churches and referral agencies and spoke at events. Crucially, she has sat down with clients in their own homes, explaining the CAP debt service, leading them through the process, praying with them and generally showing them something of the love of God.

By the time she retired from the role in July 2024 she had worked with numerous clients, a significant proportion of whom have become totally debt free, freeing them from the effects on their physical, mental and emotional health that living with unsupportable levels of debt so often bring and giving them hope.

We as a Deanery are so grateful for Jacqui’s work but, above all, it is the clients who have benefited from her professionalism and care, compassion and faithfulness to what she felt called to do as CAP Debt Centre Manager.

Ruth Berretta (Carnmarth North Deanery)

Since becoming Churchwarden in 2021, Ruth Beretta has brought tireless energy to the role by developing the social calendar and making best use of the new kitchen. She has developed a small committee around her and now there are regular cream teas, monthly film nights and folk music evenings. These started out as fundraising events, but they have become so much more in building the invaluable sense of community. For a church that may see 12-18 people in the pews they can now say they see 60-80 different faces regularly at these events.

In addition to being Churchwarden and creatively developing the social calendar for this small and rather hidden village church, she has also taken on the role of Parish Safeguarding Officer. She has a gentle manner which has helped to develop people’s understanding of the purpose of safeguarding. When not wearing one of these hats Ruth is also Treasurer and church organist, and on occasion, even the Christmas donkey!

Annette Buchanan (Kerrier Deanery)

Annette and her husband, Sam have been part of St Keverne Church for over 40 years. When their children were growing up Annette worked with the youth groups and has spoken of the times when they had special activities and camping weekends.

Annette has been part of The Lizard Helpline since its inception over 35 years ago.  She has used her time and talents to give respite to families while sitting with elderly relatives. She is an active member of The Lizard Helpline Committee and has been a leading light in their support to bereaved and lonely people from across the area. They meet and enjoy a group lunch outing for companionship once a month. This project has been running for at least 30 years and Annette plays a large part in ensuring all the arrangements are made.

Annette always helps in church if she can and is frequently seen in the kitchen providing hospitality. She is also part of the welcoming team, reads the Bible lessons and leads intercessions. She has been part of the Tuesday Fellowship and in recent times has led this group. Much goes unnoticed as she is someone who does not draw attention to herself. She is not someone who is in the headlines all the time but is in the background, quietly treading a Christian path.

Robert Corney (Stratton Deanery)

Rob Corney is a valued and respected member of both church and community and has taken responsibility for leadership in many aspects of church and community life. He served for many years as Churchwarden at Marhamchurch and remains a member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). He is a devoted, enthusiastic and supportive bell ringer and currently Ringing Master of the Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers (Northern District).

In his role as a Local Worship Leader, he maintains the rota for readers and intercessions, takes services in two parishes and is always on hand to take part in services and celebrations across the Benefice. He has been a Deanery Synod representative and has faithfully represented his parish whilst contributing to the Deanery Plan and subsequent ‘On the Way’ developments. He has also represented his parish during several Interregna and Transitions.

Rob was chair of the Governors of Marhamchurch Church of England School for more than 20 years. He has been a Trustee of the Bray Institute Community Hall in Marhamchurch where he was involved in the post-Covid ‘Cheer up the Village’ Panto and has also been a Trustee of the Marhamchurch Revel field and is still involved in the Revel Committee.

Rob’s hard work, quiet, gentle, friendly demeanour and devotion to his faith are an example to us all and Stratton Deanery gives thanks for his life and work in the parish, benefice and deanery.

Tony Cruddas (Powder Deanery)

All Saints Church committed to delivering the ambitious Life House project, a new facility for the church and community costing approximately £1.7m. It has been a struggle to put it lightly. Without Tony Cruddas at the forefront with his perseverance, project management and general positive approach to all challenges we faced we would not be where we are today. He has got us over the line, kept funders onboard, managed the contractors and the budgets, project Gantt charts and funders’ returns. The old, dilapidated hall has now been demolished, and the foundations have been laid for a new Community Hub that we are delighted to be watching take shape.

In recognising Tony in this way, we also recognise the wider team who have worked on the project over the years.

Viv Farmer (Pydar Deanery)

Viv Farmer is synonymous with St Mawgan village and Mawgan Porth. Viv supports all local initiatives, including the Mawgan Porth Village Hall, Cabaret Club, local Harvest auctions, pub quizzes, the local shop, celebration events on the playing field, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and all church events. These include being the creative person behind our ecofriendly flower festivals and Christmas wreath making. Viv is also a massive supporter of many charities, both locally and internationally; Church Roof Project, Shelter Box, Air Ambulance and Tearfund to name a few.

The relationship between the church and the local community would not be as strong as it is without Viv, and St Mawgan church would not be at the centre of its community without Viv.

She is a strong and supportive person, and this award recognises and thanks her for her many years of valued help and support.

Philip Gilbert (Carnmarth North Deanery)

Philip Gilbert has been a faithful Churchwarden of this small church for many years, cherishing the style of worship and unique decorative interior for the benefit of many. He has ensured the church can be open in the week, with Memories of Penponds, Fish ‘n’ Chip Thursdays and Open Church on Tuesdays.

However, he is being particularly nominated for his hands-on support of Transforming Mission (TM) initiatives through the Camborne Cluster of Churches. He has encouraged Penponds Church to embrace this project with both hands and actively engaged with new initiatives himself. This is apparent most clearly in the way he champions the work with children and young people. He actively volunteers at Secret Church, the mid-week after-school club, he encourages youngsters to participate in worship, when possible, in his role as Server and he wholeheartedly supports the Children and Families Leader and Youth Worker.

He is a great ambassador for multi-generational church, celebrating this from the front and in his excellent parish magazine. This has a very wide readership drawing in many people; it was a lifeline during the pandemic. For a church that may see 12-18 people in the pews they can now say they see 60-80 faces at events and services promoted by Philip.

He acknowledges he is only able to achieve all of this with the help of friends and colleagues he works alongside

Ian Gordon (West Wivelshire)

When one thinks of the future of the parish church in Cornwall, thoughts turn to All Saints Church in Herodsfoot. Perched on the hill above a valley, the church is the last remaining public building in the parish and is a focus for the community’s celebration and lament.

Synonymous with the building is Ian – he has dedicated decades to looking after it, and more importantly, ensuring that the community is brought together. There are solemn occasions, such as Remembrance, which is particularly poignant as Herodsfoot is a Thankful Village, and also the fun times – the annual Duck Race and Lamb Roast and Bowls in the church. At one stage, All Saints was being talked about as needing to close. Thankfully Ian’s work has changed that narrative and the attendance has doubled as has the income, mostly down to Ian’s hope for a better future.

Ian has embraced change – now having a monthly Celtic evening Prayer Service, and a shining highlight of the Christmas Eve brass band Carol Service – 2023 saw standing room only. All of this reflects Ian’s patient faith and longing for the church to be the central place in his community.

Ellen McConnell (Trigg Minor and Bodmin)

Ellen has faithfully served the community of Lanlivery for almost 50 years. In that time, she has held several significant posts within the community, including the Parish Council, the village’s Publications Committee, and in the local parish church. More recently Ellen has developed significant links between the new special needs school and the church, as well as taking up responsibilities at Deanery Synod. She also maintains good relationships with the local county primary school. She was a member of the first “Open the Book” team established by her incumbent over eight years ago and continues to support the group in whichever school they visit.

Over her 50 years as a resident in Lanlivery, Ellen has been responsible for spearheading some of the most radial and progressive reorganisational work in the church’s history. The Millenium Project 2000 saw the parish church reorganised and updated so that it has become the centre of the community, hosting many of the major events that were previously held in the Village Hall. This has resulted in hundreds of people from the community and surrounding area engaging with the church in new ways.

Ellen has also served her local Parochial Church Council (PCC) for the last 47 years, the last 25 spent tirelessly as a Churchwarden. Prior to this she was PCC secretary for 22 years. In all that time she has done so without seeking acclaim or reward. She also regularly takes services and is a licenced Lay Worship Leader. Most recently she has become the deanery representative in support of her incumbent because she felt greater links were required between the parish and deanery.

It is fitting for her to be recognised with the Cross of St Piran Award.

Stephen Rivers (St Austell Deanery)

Stephen Rivers is a much-loved member of St Paul’s Charlestown congregation and a valued member of its Parochial Church Council (PCC).

As such, he has become known as ‘Master of the Fabric’. He looks after the general maintenance of St Paul’s Church, its hall, Old Church Hall and other properties. In recent years he has overseen two major projects; re-roofing of both the north and south sides of the roof, in addition to many other smaller projects. He contacts and meets with all manner of craftspeople, stained glass glaziers, heating engineers, BT, plumbers, electricians, the alarm company etc. The list is endless; however, we know that all is in good hands. One could say he is almost working full time for the Church of England! Without his expertise we would be poor, and all is carried out with a smile.

In the wider community Stephen is always available for anyone in need, willing to go out to both those from the church and the wider community. He is ready to provide transport for those needing it for medical reasons or travel. His quiet and unassuming way is noticed and appreciated.

Stephen carried on even when his wife, Jan, was seriously ill. Both St Paul’s and the wider community are richer for the love and commitment of this man.

Edwina Sleeman (St Austell Deanery)

Edwina is one of those inspiring people who has made a big difference in our community.  Five years ago, she started in a voluntary role as a Debt Centre Manager and Counsellor to set up the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre for the St Austell Area.

Three years later, the need for CAP had grown massively. Consequently, Edwina found another debt counsellor to work alongside her. Her work requires endless patience, compassion, love and perseverance as well as a deep understanding of the practical steps needed to help someone become debt-free.

Edwina has also been invited to speak at churches and organisations to extend the profile of CAP. She has taken part in monthly Community Hubs in St Austell, St Dennis and other areas, building relationships with many other “helping” agencies and foodbanks.

Edwina’s ongoing care for her clients has also extended to their families, so that many gifts and care packages have been sourced and given to their partners and children, especially at Christmas. She includes lonely and socially isolated people at social events and sensitively shares her faith when asked. This has led to some becoming Christians and having their lives totally transformed.

Since Edwina began the CAP role, she has helped a total of 36 families become debt free.  Edwina’s all-round commitment and care for her clients is exceptional and she far exceeds any expected input. Her commitment and care envelopes her clients, team of local supporters and other CAP debt centre workers.

Rob Tremain (Trigg Major Deanery)

Rob Tremain has been an active member of St Mary Magdalene Parish Church since childhood, when he sang in the choir.  He has been a Server for over 60 years and was enrolled into the GSS in 1963 and is still an Altar Server and Sacristan at the Church. He has served on both Deanery and Diocesan Synods and is now a Local Worship Leader within the benefice.

Rob organised the first St Piran’s Day Ceremony at Launceston Castle in 1999 and was involved in getting permissions for the St Piran Flag (which he presented to English Heritage) to fly from the castle. St Piran’s Day continues to be celebrated by the town and local primary school children each year.

Rob was made a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh 1998 and took the Bardic name Cryor an Dre Lanstefan. As president, he is a leading light of the Launceston branch of the Old Cornwall Society.

In 1995 along with his father, he organised the re-introduction of the ‘Silence’ on November 11th in Launceston and is proud that the ceremony grows year by year.

Rob has been Launceston’s Town Crier for 48 years and was elected to the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in 1982.

Rob is also a town councillor and joined Launceston Town Council in 1988 serving as Mayor in 2011-12 and 2012-13. He currently represents the council within Friends of Launceston Priory, the Charles Causley Festival and Launceston Municipal Charities.  In 2019, Rob was made an Honoured Burgess of the Town of Launceston in recognition of his considerable contribution to the town.

We are pleased that his life’s service can be recognised with the St Piran’s Cross Award.

Fiona Harvey (Schools’ Award)

Fiona is nominated for all the years of service she has put into Antony School. A volunteer linked to Sheviock Church; she has given her time to Antony school for more than 10 years.

Initially Fiona came to support some children in a pastoral capacity, however over the years she has become invaluable, not only supporting pastorally, but also supporting children’s learning.

Fiona is an absolute godsend and is much loved. She is a kind and gentle soul, and the school would be lost without her. We recognise her as a person and her service, through this award.

Abigail (Abi) Jessop (Schools’ Award) 

Abi Jessop is a second year Early Careers Teacher at The Bishops’ Church of England Learning Academy in Newquay. She joined as a new teacher in September of 2023 after successfully completing her teacher training.

However, Abi’s journey didn’t start then. She started working with Kernow Learning in 2016 as an Administration Assistant Apprentice at Trenance Learning Academy but soon realised that her real desire was to support children, volunteering as a Teaching Assistant in addition to her job. This experience fuelled her desire to train as a teacher and in September 2022 she began her teaching journey.

Since joining the Bishops’ Learning Academy, Abigail has been instrumental in not only providing the children with academic learning opportunities but also has been hugely proactive in the wider enrichment activities that are offered. She is a member of the Bishops’ Friends and organises numerous enjoyable fundraising activities. One of these events, The Easter Bonnet competition, showed her ability to bring the whole school community together.

Recently, Abi has taken on and embraced the role of Religious Education Lead demonstrating her understanding of the importance this role plays within a church school. She reviewed current practice and was not afraid to adapt activities to ensure the children continued to flourish academically, emotionally and spiritually.

Her recognition through this award is well earned.

Hayley Pitman (Schools’ Award) 

Hayley has been integral this year in developing and supporting our Christian Values in school.

She has led the junior worship team and guided them to create amazing acts of worship that are anticipated with much enthusiasm. She has supported children with the National Young Leaders Pilot, a part of the Archbishop’s Young Leaders Award which helps inspire and empower pupils for positive change in their schools, communities and churches. Hayley has supported the children with their leadership skills and spiritually. This impacted our local community with the children attending a community lunch with all ages and bringing together multiple generations.

This award acknowledges her hard work across this year and in previous years.

Sarah Wilkins (Schools’ Award)

Sarah Wilkins, head teacher at St Meriadoc School, has exemplified outstanding leadership and resilience in maintaining the school’s operations after a severe storm caused the loss of its roof. Despite extensive damage and the extraordinary challenge of the school being covered by a large protective tent for the past six weeks, Sarah ensured that educational activities continued with minimal disruption. Her effective and transparent communication with staff, parents, and the broader community was instrumental in preserving morale and a sense of stability. By collaborating closely with contractors and local authorities, she safeguarded the site while implementing creative solutions, such as establishing makeshift classrooms and utilising outdoor spaces, demonstrating adaptability and resolve in the face of adversity.

During this difficult period, Sarah embodied the school’s vision, “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16), by inspiring those around her to persevere and find hope amid challenging circumstances. Her leadership has served as a beacon of resilience and positivity, motivating both staff and children to stay engaged and focused. Sarah’s unwavering commitment to child welfare, coupled with her innovative problem-solving strategies, has been crucial in sustaining school operations. Moreover, her empathetic leadership ensured that staff well-being was prioritised, providing support and reassurance throughout uncertain times. Her exceptional crisis management skills and her ability to cultivate a supportive school community have been fundamental in enabling St Meriadoc School to continue, indeed thrive, despite these significant challenges.

Sarah is a worthy recipient of the Cross of St Piran Award, and we thank her.

Jon-Joe Wilson (Schools’ Award)

Jon-Joe Wilson exemplifies the qualities that embody the spirit of St Piran through his tireless dedication to community, education, and service. Over the past four years, Mr Wilson has committed his life to uplifting those around him, particularly in the realm of primary education and self-development. His effort in leading St Dominic Church of England Primary School has transformed the lives of countless young people, some of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work has helped them realise their full potential, instilling values of perseverance, kindness, and faith.

Mr Wilson’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, through consistently leading community service initiatives aimed at addressing local needs, from raising food to supporting local food banks, or running menopause support groups. His vision for inclusivity and compassion has created a more united community, fostering a spirit of co-operation that mirrors St Piran’s dedication to service.

In addition, Mr Wilson has been a pillar of support for our local churches, organising services that bring spiritual guidance and practical help to the most vulnerable members of society. His work is not only a reflection of his deep faith but also of his unwavering commitment to the mission and ministry of the church.

Mr Wilson’s leadership has had a significant effect on his teaching staff in leading them to receive an outstanding grade in Ofsted.

For his selfless service and enduring impact, Mr Jon-Joe Wilson embodies the values that the Cross of St Piran represents. Awarding him this honour will celebrate his inspirational mission and further encourage others to follow in St Piran’s footsteps.

Brenda Wright (Schools’ Award) 

In August 2010, Brenda was confirmed and became a much-respected Worship Leader at St Issey Church.

Brenda is passionate about St Issey School and was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2016 at a crucial turning point in the school’s history. It had been on the cusp of closure, but, thankfully, with new leadership and governance, it was turned around to be the thriving school it is today.

Brenda had the vision to work with dedication to foster a strong link between the church, school and village communities, not least through her role as member, and more recently, Chair of St Issey in Bloom. This group was formed in 2010 in a bid to restore the village’s identity, following the recent closure of the local store and Post Office.

Brenda leads a flourishing School Gardening Club, with the full support of the head teacher. She puts in hours of her own ‘homework’ to ensure that her love of nature and the nurture of the environment are passed on to the children through a variety of horticultural projects, including the planting and harvesting of vegetables for the school and village communities. She does not allow the physical challenge of severe arthritis to deter her from her unique ministry which is both spiritual and practical. Through the beauty and bounty created in the garden, the children gain a sense of ownership and pride. They love Brenda and call her ‘Mrs Bloom’!