Celebrating Cornwall in the capital: An ode to St Piran’s Day

Last night (Thursday 5 March), Cornwall Community Foundation held a celebratory event at the Cavalry and Guards Club in London to mark St Piran’s Day. The evening brought together supporters and donors who share a deep connection with Cornwall, celebrating the county while reflecting on the challenges many of its communities continue to face.

The event was generously sponsored by CCLA Investment Management, long-term supporters of Cornwall Community Foundation. Stuart Freeman, Director of CCLA, said:

“It was inspiring to see such strong support for the Foundation. Although I left Cornwall more than forty years ago, it is striking how many long-standing challenges, limited transport links, persistent pockets of poverty, inadequate communications infrastructure, and pressure on local schools, still remain. It is therefore encouraging to witness the Cornwall Community Foundation actively tackling these issues, directing donations to the areas of greatest need and steadily building its endowmentMoney that is invested for the long-term. to ensure meaningful, sustainable long-term impact.”

During the evening, guests heard from a panelA group of people who review grant applications and decide which will receive funding. featuring Kim Conchie DL FRSA, Chair of Trustees at CCF, Jo Ashby, Managing Partner at JB Estates, Tom Van Oss, Trustee at CCF, and Tamas Haydu, CEO of CCF. The discussion explored many of the issues currently facing Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including child poverty, education and housing – all highlighted in our Vital Signs Report.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of CCF, said:

“The difficulties in Cornwall surrounding these issues are consistent and debilitating for many people and communities in deprived and rural areas of the duchy. There is a stark difference between the beauty of Cornwall and deprivation that is always so important to highlight. We thank everyone who chooses to support Cornwall Community Foundation, your generous giving, means we are able to direct funds to the people who need it most. Together we are bringing hope, purpose and security to people’s lives.”

The evening also included a short film featuring three organisations supported by Cornwall Community Foundation – KBSK, Lanivet Parish Community Centre and Newquay Orchard – who shared their thanks with CCF supporters and reflected on the importance of giving through a community foundation.

Adie Dove, Founder of KBSK, said:

“The support from CCF has meant everything, in the voluntary sector, it’s really hard, all the work that goes on behind the scenes and the heaviness that we carry, and I think I can speak for the whole voluntary sector, to have supporters that are there that actively listen to what the communities need is everything. That support element for me is so much more, yes the funding is obviously incredible but it’s the whole wraparound of your support and belief in what we’re doing.”

To finish the evening, guests enjoyed a Cornish pasty and raised a glass of Camel Valley fizz, celebrating St Piran’s Day and the shared commitment to working together to make Cornwall a better place for all.

Gool Perran Lowen.