Councillors, special guests, and local community groups gathered at St John’s Hall in Penzance last week to elect a new mayor and deputy mayor and celebrate the achievements of local residents. 

Cllr Stephen Reynolds and Cllr Will Elliott were elected as mayor and deputy mayor respectively. Mr Reynolds said: “It’s a great honour to have been chosen by my fellow councillors to serve as mayor for the coming year. 

“In my two years as councillor, I have been struck by the awesome levels of goodwill, enterprise, commitment and local knowledge shown by the people of the Penzance parish. I’m really looking forward to working with all our local community groups, and to ensuring that local people have a strong voice – not just within our Council, but further afield as well.”

Philip Northcott continues as town crier. The ceremonial swearing-in of the mace bearers also took place, with Simon Reed and Andrew Chellew solemnly taking the oath. Talan Richards was sworn in to serve as deputy sergeant at mace.

A number of community awards were announced at the ceremony. The Brian Spiegelhalter Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year Awards were launched in 2004 by the family of the late former mayor Brian Spiegelhalter to celebrate the work of local people and their important contributions to our Parish community.

Following a public vote last month, the 2023 winners were announced by outgoing mayor Cllr Jonathan How and presented with engraved pewter plates. 

Terry Sampson was named Citizen of the Year for his years of volunteering for the Golowan Festival and the creation of the Golowan Festival Archive, while Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Isla Grace Walker for her bravery in the face of huge personal challenges.

This year’s Sir Humphry Davy Prize, for proficiency in chemistry and physics, was awarded to Joe Symonds from Humphry Davy School for outstanding academic achievement. 

The Sea, Air and Police Cadet Crops are asked to nominate a cadet to serve as the mayor’s cadet for the civic year. 

Sea Cadet 1st class Sonny Marsden, Air Cadet corporal Harry Jenkins and Police Cadet Edward Willetts all received official badges of office to wear on their uniforms when attending civic functions. 

Retiring cadets, Sea Cadet 1st class Seb Dash and Air Cadet corporal Oliver Hall, were awarded certificates for their service.

Jack Dixon and Mario Fonk were made Honorary Freeman of Penzance for decades of eminent service to the town and its community. Both were presented with hand-painted scrolls and invited to sign the Roll of Honorary Freemen in the presence of the town mayor and clerk.

The ceremony was followed by a buffet reception at The Union Hotel for all the award winners and special guests.