Falmouth joined the awards season on Monday (27th) with a gala dinner at the Harbour Lights to recognise and reward Falmouth's Community Heroes.

An evening of warmth, celebration, congratulations and top-notch fish and chips were the order of the evening during the evening. The restaurant was closed for the night to host the three shortlisted heroes with their friends, family and colleagues. With bubbly, fish and chips, cash prizes and a beautiful bronze award the event felt like a real celebration.

Falmouth Town Mayor, Steve Eva, said:

"I attended last night's local heroes awards which were hosted by Pete Fraser the owner of Harbour Lights fish and chip bar.

"There were 3 finalists who all winners in my eyes who each have gone above and behind in helping the community of Falmouth and surrounding areas.

"Dave Nichol has over the last 20 years worked tirelessly to raise money for the lifeboat association.

"The Coastguard rescue team who had responded to 110 call outs last year alone as it was these 2 ended up the runners up and the winners Young Generation who are the organisation behind Mr and Mrs Spear whom I have known for many years and I am personally delighted that the years and years of dedicated service to help children fitful their ambition of acting on stage

"We in Falmouth are so lucky to have people like Peter Fraser and his whole family who give up their time and money to reward those who stand out in the community.

"The night was very well run, and the staff of Harbour Lights fish shop should be very proud of their efforts."

Pete Fraser said:

"At the Harbour Lights, we feel very much part of the town and thrive on meeting interesting, loyal and amazing inspirational people every day over the universal love of fish and chips.

He added:

"We can't think of a better way of recognising how Falmouth is very much part of the unique offering we have at the Harbour Lights than recognising the hero's we have amongst us."

Just before Christmas Harbour Lights launched their third search for the heroes hidden in plain sight throughout our local community. Sue Fraser, owner at Harbour Lights said:

"January can be such a tricky month to stay positive, but this campaign is all about doing positive things, effecting change and making a difference. It was wonderful to see the local community get behind this idea. Reading the nominations was truly inspirational."

Falmouth Town Manager Richard Gates commented:

"We are delighted with the top three shortlisted heroes and they are all worthy winners. Veronica and John Spear winner of the top prize of £500, fish and chips for a year and the first-place award are true heroes to the children they support through the Young Generation theatre group. They have been volunteering with the group for over 30 years, which has seen them help over 800 young people and Veronica has made over 1000 outfits."

Veronica said: 

"We were gobsmacked and amazed we had been nominated and to win was quite overwhelming. To know the children had been part of our application was extremely touching. It means the world to us. £500 will be a real boost to the group. The fish and chips for a year is such a treat!"

The joint runners up Dave Nicoll and the Falmouth Coastguard Search and Rescue Team also attended the dinner along with friends, family and colleagues.

Dave Nicoll was nominated for his work with the RNLI who demonstrated real dedication, loyalty and was hugely respected and admired for his continued support. Dave has been with the RNLI for the past 40 years – starting when he was just 17 years old. He's a deputy second coxswain, navigator and a retired inshore lifeboat helm.

Dave added:

"I was so surprised when I heard I had been shortlisted; I had no idea I have even been nominated. I am very touched to have first been put forward and secondly, it's an honour to have been recognised. None of this would have been possible without the rest of our crew and everyone who supports the RNLI."

Falmouth Coastguard Search and Rescue Team were recognised for the incredible work they have done around Falmouth and the surrounding area. 2019 was the highest ever year with 111 shouts attended by a dedicated voluntary team.

The Coastguard team said:

"Being nominated for this award is amazing and we as a team are touched. The teamwork so hard throughout the year so to be publicly recognised for this is great."

Pete Fraser said:

"What a wonderful evening shared with some amazing people. It's impossible not to be inspired and have huge respect for all the people within our community doing more than their bit and seeing the difference we can make."