High Sheriff of Cornwall visits Bude to recognise community contributions
The High Sheriff of Cornwall, Geraint Richards OBE, visited Bude on Friday 13 March to meet local organisations supporting the community and to present awards recognising outstanding service.
The visit was hosted by Fiona Hargreaves and Ian Saltern, Deputy Town Clerk at Bude-Stratton Town Council.
The day began at The Pearl Exchange, an award-winning charity supporting people aged 18 to 35 with their mental health and future choices. The organisation celebrated its fifth anniversary in November 2025.
The High Sheriff then visited Bude Library, where he learned more about the wide range of activities available to the community. These include Rhymetime sessions for young children and Coffee and Friends, a regular community coffee morning. During the visit, he spoke with staff and volunteers about their work.
At Parish Church of St Swithin, the High Sheriff attended a Lent Lunch and presented awards to local residents in recognition of their contributions.
Maggie Cooper and Jan Hunt were recognised for their dedication to the church and wider community in Launcells. Martin ‘Mini’ Fry received an award for his lifetime of life-saving service along the north Cornish coast. Chris Jewell, Chairman of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society, was also recognised for his work promoting the history and significance of the Bude Canal.
The visit concluded at the lower wharf of the canal, where Peter Daniel, Secretary of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society, shared further insight into its history and importance to the area.
Geraint Richards, High Sheriff of Cornwall, said:
“I was absolutely delighted to be able to make another visit to Bude before my year as High Sheriff came to an end. This was my third visit to the area and whilst I have become very fond of the place, my abiding memories will be of the amazing people who work tirelessly, many as volunteers, to support the community and preserve the heritage and culture. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and I assure you that I will be returning because I’ve made many friends that I want to keep in touch with!”
