Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club has been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Members gathered to celebrate the achievement with a special visit from the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Sir Edward Bolitho. As the King’s representative in the county, Sir Edward presented the prestigious award to the club, recognising it as the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive - the equivalent of an MBE.
Club chairman and secretary Steve and Becca Peck had previously attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May to mark the honour, but this local celebration gave all members the chance to share in the recognition.
Sir Edward noted that this is only the second time a surf life saving club has received the award - making it a particularly rare distinction. The club was selected for the significant impact it has on young people and the wider community, with members volunteering over 8,000 hours annually and around 10 percent of local residents involved in some capacity.
The visit also included the official reopening of the club’s recently renovated headquarters, with Sir Edward cutting a ribbon to mark the occasion.
Club chairman Steve Peck said: "Over the spring, an essential new roof has been fitted to the club house along with other improvements including solar panels and better storage for kit and life saving equipment.
"This was made possible by generous donations of both time and money from club members and supporters in the area. The club house will now be water-tight for many years to come. Huge thanks to everyone who has helped along the way."
With the summer season approaching, the club is now preparing for beach competitions and continuing its fundraising efforts – especially important following the costs of the recent refurbishments.
You can donate to the club here.
PRESS PLAY to hear our interview with Steve Peck, Chairman of the club...
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