The trustees of Pendennis Leisure were the latest recipients of the Andy Hocking Award for Community Service.
The presentation was made to the trustees at last week’s meeting of Falmouth Town Council by mayor Kirstie Edwards.
The award has been given every year to the most deserving recipients in memory of legendary community policeman PC Andy Hocking who died unexpectedly aged 52 in 2014.
Gemma Adams, Trustee of Pendennis Leisure Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which runs the Pendennis Community Centre, told the Packet: 'We were so very happy and humbled to be presented with the Andy Hocking award for community service by Mayor Edwards at the recent full Council Meeting.
“Since Pendennis Leisure came together in late October 2021, there have been so many people involved who have helped us to get where we are, and it really is a full team effort.”
The company currently lease the old Ships and Castles site from Falmouth Town Council, who took over the ownership of Pendennis Headland last year from Cornwall Council, for the nominal fee of £1.
Gemma said the group’s first main aim was to protect the Headland from development, and they had worked hand in hand with Falmouth Town Council to be able to take over the site last year.
The site has been open as Pendennis Community Centre Centre since September 2023 , a charity run centre, offering fitness and well-being classes, a volunteer run community café and community library. In addition they host lots of other community activities.
The company’s second main aim is still to keep working towards getting a functioning 25m swimming pool and teaching pool at the site.
“The more support from the wonderful local community that the community centre receives, the more likely the goal of getting a brilliant and purpose-built swimming pool for Falmouth becomes a reality, but we have still got a long way to go” said Gemma.
Falmouth Mayor, Councillor Kirstie Edwards, said she was delighted to make the award, commenting that as a group they: "saw a huge challenge for Falmouth and faced it with positivity, gusto and with absolute commitment in the face of extreme challenge.
“They have personally given endless hours, days, weeks and months, simply to do the right thing. They are continuing to work as we speak and I think it is only fitting that we as a town acknowledge their collective efforts, celebrate it and give our sincere thanks to Pendennis Leisure.
“Our town is very proud and grateful for everything you have done for our community and I sincerely mean that."
If anybody would like to hear more about what Pendennis Leisure is up to, there is a community meeting on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Pendennis Community Centre.
For more information or to get involved go to: website- pcc.pendennisleisure.org
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