Newquay residents honoured in Cornwall’s 60 Over 60 awards

Newquay residents are among those aged over 60 who have been honoured at a special ceremony held at County Hall in Truro.

The 60 Over 60 campaign, launched in January by Cornwall Council, aims to shine a light on people across the Duchy who are embracing healthy, active ageing and inspiring others.

Among those recognised is Paul Wright - Head Coach at Newquay Roadrunners in the Sports Inspiration category. The club says the award is "well-deserved recognition for someone who gives so much energy, passion and encouragement to sport and to everyone around him."

Beth Mitchell, who runs the Soul Food Kitchen in Newquay, a project supporting people who cannot afford or access a hot meal. Her work supporting young people has been highlighted along with her role in the Newquay Bluetits womens swimming group.

Also honoured was Suzanne Featherstone, a candidate in the upcoming Newquay Porth and Tretherras by-election.

She said: “I am honoured to have been selected by Cornwall’s 60 over 60 awards as a Neighbourhood Supporter. It’s thanks to everyone in the Nansledan community who united to support our road safety campaign.”

More than 220 nominations were received across 12 categories, including Lifetime Community Champion, Volunteer of the Year, Mentor, Creative Contributor and Environmental Hero.

Finalists were recognised for a wide range of contributions, from helping people stay active through activities such as yoga, cycling and sea swimming, to bringing communities together through music and social events.

Nominees ranged in age from 60 to 103, highlighting what organisers say is the positive impact of staying active and connected later in life.

Annette Baskerville-Smith, who was highly commended in the Creative Contributor category, said: “At first, I was really shocked. You do these things just for the passion of doing them.

“When you get to a certain age group it is quite easy to be forgotten and one of the good things that has come about from this is you can actually encourage other people to get out and say to them; don’t sit at home, get out there and champion who you are, as it gives you a great sense of well-being.”

The initiative forms part of Cornwall’s work towards becoming an age-friendly community, a programme set out by the World Health Organisation.

Councillor Jim McKenna, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health partnerships, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone from their community.

“It was very difficult to narrow it down to just sixty people, as everyone nominated went above and beyond in their daily lives to stay active, healthy and support others.” See the full list here.