The High Sheriff of Cornwall visited Bude on March 6, to celebrate the town’s remarkable community spirit and recognise the contributions of local volunteers and organisations.
Joined by Fiona Hargreaves, deputy lieutenant of Cornwall and Ms Shannon Lenton from the Cornwall Community Foundation, High Sheriff, Sam Galsworthy, began the day at Stratton Primary School, where they were welcomed by headteacher Mrs Frances Glasby and Jess Creasey, farm manager for Cornwall Grows.
The High Sheriff then visited Berries Community Café, engaging with members of around a dozen local groups, including Bude Area Toy Library, Recycling for Charity Bude Collection and Bude Community Larder. The visit highlighted the strength of Bude’s community network and the vital support these groups provide.
This was followed by a walk with members of Bude Walk and Talk to Age Concern, where the High Sheriff met with trustees to discuss the charity’s impact on the local elderly community.
At the Parkhouse Centre, the High Sheriff presented prizes for a science-based Lego competition organised by Cognition in collaboration with GCHQ, encouraging young people’s interest in STEM subjects.
A highlight of the visit was a dip in the Bude Sea Pool, where the High Sheriff braved the nine-degree waters alongside members of the Friends of Bude Sea Pool, recognising the volunteers’ efforts in maintaining this cherished local asset. The visit continued at Bude Surf Life Saving Club, the oldest life-saving club in England, where the High Sheriff met with members to learn more about their life-saving work.
The day concluded with the Spirit of Bude Awards at The Castle, celebrating individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the local community:
- Bude RNLI – Mr and Mrs Robin and Michaela Bale; They have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the RNLI over nearly 20 years, including organising the popular Bude Lifeboat Weekend during the August Bank Holiday, which attracts thousands of visitors.
- Talan's Trust – Mrs Sarah Penny; Following the loss of her son Talan to rhabdomyosarcoma, Mrs Penny established Talan’s Trust, which has since raised more than £140,000 for cancer research, raising awareness of childhood cancers and supporting vital research.
- Bude and Stratton Branch, Royal British Legion – Mr Dave Worth; Under the leadership of chairman Mr Worth, the branch raised a record £20,221 during the 2024 Poppy Appeal, supporting veterans and their families.
- Bude Methodist Church – Deacon Debbie Marsh Deacon Debbie leads numerous community initiatives, including a warm space, parent and toddler group, friendship group, and the Bude Beach Pastors. She also hosts a free Christmas dinner at the church and established the ‘Bread Shed’ to provide surplus bakery goods to those in need.
Reflecting on the day, the High Sheriff said: "It’s been truly inspiring to see first-hand the incredible work happening in Bude. The dedication and generosity of the people I met are a reminder of how strong and united this community is. Bude’s spirit of collaboration and care for one another is something very special.”