Councillor Alan Jewell re-elected as Mayor of Falmouth
Community awards, fundraising successes and civic recognitions celebrated at Falmouth Town Council’s annual Mayor Making ceremony.
Councillor Alan Jewell has been unanimously elected to serve a second consecutive term as Mayor following Monday evening’s civic ceremony at the Princess Pavilion.
The evening commenced with a formal welcome from Town Crier Bobby Inman before councillors and guests gathered for the annual meeting. Among the invited guests were Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Kim Conchie, the Mayors of Penryn, Launceston, Bodmin, Saltash, St Austell and Helston, alongside representatives from local organisations and community groups, as well as friends and family of the Mayor.
Mayor re-elected for second term
Cllr David Saunby, proposing Mayor Jewell for a second term, said: “Alan has been an excellent Mayor for Falmouth over the past year. He has thrown himself into community events, charity fundraising and civic duties with real enthusiasm and commitment.”
Speaking following his re-election, Mayor Jewell thanked councillors for their continued support.
He said: “I was honoured to be Mayor last year and I’m humbled to be given another year representing Falmouth. I hope my first year has had some impact on getting Falmouth noticed, not just for myself, but for what we as a council have done over the last year.”
Reflecting on the past year, Mayor Jewell highlighted a number of community achievements and initiatives supported across the town, including the community-led purchase of green space between Goldenbank and Swanvale to protect it for future generations.
“We have been very fortunate in Falmouth over the last year. Residents came together to help protect important open spaces for the town, and we’ve also established a Youth Council, giving young people a voice in the future of Falmouth.”
He also reflected on the importance of community events and civic engagement during his time in office.
“I hope I’ve brought a bit of myself to the role. We’ve tried to bring people together through community events, fundraising and supporting local traditions, and I’m proud of what has been achieved over the past year.”
£10,000 raised for Pendennis Leisure CIC
During the evening, Mayor Jewell formally presented a cheque for £10,000 to Matthew Thomson of Pendennis Leisure CIC, representing the total amount raised for the Mayor’s chosen charity over the course of the past civic year through a series of community fundraising events held in support of the campaign to restore a public swimming pool to the town. Mayor Jewell also confirmed that Pendennis Leisure would remain his chosen charity for the forthcoming civic year.
Fundraising activities organised and supported by the Mayor included a Tide Race at Maenporth, a personal challenge to swim the equivalent length of the English Channel at Carn Brea Leisure Centre, a Christmas Variety Show at the Princess Pavilion and the Mayor’s Ball.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of Pendennis Leisure CIC, Matthew Thomson thanked the Mayor and the community for their continued support and outlined the organisation’s ongoing work to deliver a new swimming pool for the town. He said the group was continuing to progress planning, funding and consultation work in support of the project.
Speaking about the importance of the campaign, Mayor Jewell said: “There are still children in our town who cannot swim despite living beside the sea. That is why continuing the campaign for a new swimming pool remains so important for the future of Falmouth.”
Deputy Mayor re-elected
Cllr Tom Pearce was also re-elected as Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming municipal year.
Accepting the appointment, Cllr Pearce said: “It’s been an honour and a privilege. The amount of events the Mayor’s Office gets invited to each year is incredible and we try to get to as many events as we can.”
Paying tribute to Mayor Jewell’s leadership over the past year, he added: “Mayor Alan has been fantastic over the past year and I think everyone has seen the amount of effort he has put into the role.”
Cllr Pearce also praised the work of the wider council and staff team, saying: “I think this council, with its variety of representatives from parties, independents and groups, really does show that when we come together, we can get a lot done.”
He concluded by saying he was “really looking forward to the next year”.
Civic recognitions and awards
During the ceremony, the Mayor also presented a commemorative Falmouth plaque to outgoing Mayor’s Cadet Jameson Barnes in recognition of her dedication and service over the past two years. Jameson has supported the Mayor at numerous civic events during her time in the role. The Mayor also welcomed Connor Galvin-Andrews as the incoming Mayor’s Cadet, succeeding Jameson.
Two civic awards were also presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community.
The Mayor’s Spirit of Falmouth Award is presented annually by Falmouth Town Council to individuals or volunteer groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
This year’s award was presented to the Fix and Flourish Project CIC, led by Cllr Gavin Andrewartha and supported by volunteers Nicola Kirkham, Kevin Rogers, Remi Long and Dave Wills, in recognition of their work improving public spaces across Falmouth through graffiti removal, environmental improvements and repairs to community facilities.
The Andy Hocking Award for Community Service was presented to Falmouth School in recognition of the school’s support for the Mayor’s fundraising efforts throughout the civic year. Head Teacher Jo Guest accepted the award on behalf of the school, whose pupils also joined Mayor Jewell at Carn Brea Leisure Centre to support him during the final lengths of his English Channel swim challenge.
Thanks and acknowledgements
Mayor Jewell also paid tribute to those who had supported him throughout his civic year, including his chaplain, Rev’d Canon Geoff Davis, council staff and his wife Vanessa, the Mayoress. Describing Vanessa as his “number one team player”, he thanked her for supporting him at civic engagements across Cornwall and beyond during his time in office, while also helping to keep their businesses running. He also confirmed that Rev’d Davis will continue in the role as the Mayor’s Chaplain for the coming year.
Closing the evening, Mayor Jewell said: “I never imagined I would serve two years as Mayor, and it remains a huge honour to represent Falmouth.”
He then ended with an acrostic tribute to the town, describing Falmouth as “fantastic, awesome, lovable, maritime, open to all, understanding, terrific and happy.”
Assembled guests enjoyed a buffet reception in the Garden Room following the meeting, where they were entertained by a lively selection of music from Pendennis Brass, including a rendition of Trelawny. Special thanks were also extended to Pendennis Brass for providing musical entertainment during the buffet reception in the Garden Room.