Tributes paid to former Grand Bard and Newquay community figure

Tributes are being paid to former Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow and prominent Newquay community figure Elizabeth Carne, who has died aged 75.

A funeral notice published by Andrew Richards Funeral Services said she died peacefully at home on 4 June.

The notice described her as the "beloved wife of Ian" and a "dearly loved mother of Richard", adding that she would be "sadly missed by all of her family and many friends".

Known to many as Liz, she played a leading role in a number of organisations and events in Newquay over many decades.

She was a former Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, a cultural organisation which promotes Cornwall's Celtic heritage and the Cornish language. She was also heavily involved in Newquay's annual St Piran's Day celebrations and was a passionate advocate for keeping the Cornish language alive, teaching it locally and helping introduce listeners to the language through a series of broadcasts on Radio Newquay.

Liz was also involved with a number of community groups, including Newquay Band, Newquay Old Cornwall Society and the RNLI.

The charity says she joined Newquay RNLI's fundraising crew almost 20 years ago after becoming a member of the Ladies' Lifeboat Guild in 2007.

A spokesperson for Newquay RNLI said: "Liz's commitment and passion for the charity was well known among Newquay RNLI's crew and it's numerous supporters. Liz was seen at almost every event, Lifeboat Day and a regular shop volunteer.

"The station will miss Liz's huge input into the fundraising side of Newquay RNLI but the biggest loss is that of a beautiful friend to all of the personnel who volunteer here."

Paying tribute, Newquay Band said: "The members of Newquay Band are greatly saddened today as one of our long-standing players Elizabeth Carne, known to us as Liz, passed away, peacefully at home, after a period of ill health.

"Liz was a keen musician, very proud Cornishwoman and will be missed immensely. RIP Liz."

Newquay arts organisation Blystra Arts said it was "so sad to hear of the passing of local woman, Liz Carne who was such a supporter of our work".

The group added: "She had such a huge and positive impact on the Newquay community."

Her funeral service will be held at St Michael's Church in Newquay on 18 June at 2pm, followed by a committal at Penmount Crematorium in Truro.

Family flowers only have been requested, with donations in lieu of flowers to Brain Tumour Research.