The Council of Gorsedh Kernow has announced the winners of their annual Awards, presented to people who have given outstanding service to Cornwall.
Nominations for Awards are sent in each year by bards of Gorsedh Kernow and members of Cornish organisations, groups and associations for consideration and agreement by the Gorsedh Council Awards Committee.
Winners are invited to receive their certificate at the annual gathering of several hundred bards of Gorsedh Kernow, special guests from the Welsh and Breton Gorseddau, the Mayor and local dignitaries of the host town, banner bearers and members of Old Cornwall Societies and members of the general public who are warmly welcomed to all Gorsedh Kernow ceremonies.
“It’s a great honour to present the Gorsedh Kernow Awards to this very special group of people who have worked so hard for Cornwall,” said Grand Bard of Cornwall Maureen Fuller, “and they will beinvited into the circle of robed Cornish bards to receive their certificates at our annual Gorsedh ceremony, taking place this year in Torpoint on Saturday, 6th September.”
Recipients for the 2014 Awards range from 15 year old Callington schoolboy Jonathan Burnard, who has raised thousands of pounds for local charities, to Peter Bawden from Plympton, an active member of many well loved Cornish choirs for over 70 years.
The Mayor and townspeople of Torpoint are looking forward to welcoming Gorsedh Kernow to their town and are busy pulling together the final arrangements for the celebrations.
“We are very proud to be hosting the Gorsedh of the Bards of Cornwall,” said Cllr Mike Pearn MBE, Mayor of Torpoint and leader of the local organising committee, “and we look forward to welcoming one and all, locals and visitors, to the Esedhvos Festival and Bardic ceremony.”
The Awards winners are:
London Cornish Association Shield – for outstanding services to Cornwall and Cornish people.
Kathleen May Slatter – High Wycombe
A long standing committee member of the Thames Valley London Cornish Association devoted to welcoming Cornish people within the Diaspora.
The Paul Smales Medallion – for services to Cornwall by someone living outside Cornwall.
Keith Syed – Gwyk Los – Cheltenham
An invaluable member of the Bishop’s Ecumenical Group, awarded for his meticulous work on the Cornish Bible Project, important for the growth and development of the Cornish language, Kernewek.
The Ambassador’s Trophy – for the promotion of Cornwall beyond Cornwall.
Ian Saltern – Bude
Cornish archival research for St Pirans Oratory and other significant projects and key role initiatives involving the Government, Cornwall Council and the Council of Europe.
Cornwall Enterprise – for outstanding achievement in Cornwall by someone showing initiative and attaining success.
Matthew Clarke – Camborne
For eighteen years a professional Cornish broadcaster and media trainer and since 2008 the weekly producer of Radyo an Gernewegva, shortlisted for the 2014 International Celtic Media Festival Awards.
Exceptional Endeavour for an outstanding Cornish achievement meriting international recognition.
Jonathan Burnard – aged 15 – Callington
From the age of 11 he has raised thousands of pounds for children’s charities, and now that he has completed his G.C.S.E. final examinations a year early and before sixth form and University, Jonathan’s final objective is to raise funds for “Walking with Pride” in aid of Children’s Hospice: Little Harbour in St. Austell.
Music Shield for outstanding services to music in Cornwall.
Peter James Bawden – Plympton
From the age of 6 a member of his church choir, also the Loveny, County Male Voice and Canoryon Lowen choirs at various times during the past 70 years.
Bournemouth Cornish Association Cup for the Best Music Group
Proper Job Singing Group – St Agnes. Secretary, David Oates, (Kerdher Gonyow)
Formed in 2006 to encourage people to sing the traditional songs of Cornwall and the dialect stories.
Brass Band Trophy
St. Keverne Silver Band – Gareth Churcher, Musical Director
A talented composer who inspires the main Band and the Youth and Junior Bands which were placed highest in the Cornish Brass Band Association Championships, including the best euphonium player – a total in excess of 85 players.
Gorsedh Kernow exists to maintain the national Celtic Spirit of Cornwall and to give expression to such spirit, to encourage the study of Cornish history and literature, the Cornish language, to foster Cornish art, music, dance and sport and to link with other Celtic countries.
The procession of Bards for the annual Bardic ceremony on Saturday 6th September will be lead by Grand Bard of Cornwall Maureen Fuller, Steren Mor, accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Torpoint, Cllr and Mrs Mike Pearn, and local girl Rosie Hortop as “Lady of the Flowers.”
Gorsedh Kernow ceremonies, including the main Bardic ceremony which will be held on Saturday 6th September in Torpoint’s Thanckes Park as part of the Esedhvos Festival week, are conducted in the Cornish language but can be easily followed with the English translation. All are welcome and there is no charge for this event. For more information about all the Gorsedh Kernow Esedhvos Festival events visit the website www.esedhvos.co.uk
For more information about Gorsedh Kernow please contact Delia Brotherton, Myrghwyn Melynor, Communications Officer, Gorsedh Kernow,
email tirhatavas@hotmail.co.uk, tel 01736 799305
or visit the Gorsedh Kernow website www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk
29 August, 2014
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