THERE were celebrations at St Piran’s Church in Perranzabuloe on March 8 as number of recipients from across the diocese were recognised for their work in churches, communities and schools in Cornwall.

The annual Cross of St Piran Awards took place over two services with Bishop Hugh Nelson presiding and presenting recipients with their crosses. The Cross of St Piran is an annual award which is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their service.

They were largely nominated by their peers and can be recognised for everything from length of service to specific projects.

Fourteen crosses were handed out to those across the diocese including Rob Tremain from Trigg Major Deanery, Robert Corney from Stratton Deanery and Ellen McConnell of the Trigg Minor and Bodmin Deanery.

Rob Tremain has been an active member of St Mary Magdalene Parish Church in Launceston 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.

Robert is a valued and respected member of both church and community, who 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).

Ellen McConnell has faithfully served the community of Lanlivery for almost 50 years.

She has held several significant posts within the community, including the Parish Council, the village’s Publications Committee, and in the local parish church. Ellen has developed significant links between the new special needs school and the church, as well as taking up responsibilities at Deanery Synod.

Other people collecting the Cross of St Piran award include Judith Ayers (East Wivelshire), Annette Buchanan (Kerrier Deanery), Ruth Berreta and Philip Gilbert (Carnmarth North Deanery), Jacqui Bennett (Carnmarth South Deanery), Tony Cruddas (Powder Deanery), Viv Farmer (Pydar Deanery), Ian Gordon (West Wivelshire Deanery) and Stephen Rivers and Edwina Sleeman (St Austell Deanery).

There were also six awards given out to people in church schools, including Brenda Wright from St Issey School.

In August 2010, Brenda became a much-respected Worship Leader at St Issey Church and was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2016 at a crucial turning point in the school’s history.

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.

Others collecting the award to people in church schools include 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).