Pendennis Leisure Receives Prestigious Andy Hocking Award for Community Service

In a recent full Council Meeting, Pendennis Leisure was honoured with the Andy Hocking award for its significant contributions to community service.

The accolade was presented by Mayor Kirstie Edwards, recognising the organisation’s efforts since its formation in late October 2021.

Pendennis Leisure, now operating the Pendennis Community Centre since September 2023, has been a beacon of community spirit and teamwork. Its primary mission was to safeguard the Headland from development, a goal achieved through close collaboration with Falmouth Town Council, leading to the takeover of the site last year.

The Centre, run by a charity, offers a plethora of services aimed at enhancing fitness, well-being, and social interaction among community members. It hosts fitness and well-being classes, operates a volunteer-run community café, a community library, and serves as a venue for numerous other community activities.

Despite these achievements, Pendennis Leisure is actively pursuing another significant goal: the establishment of a functioning 25m swimming pool and teaching pool on the site. The realisation of this project depends heavily on the continued support from the local community. The need for such a facility became even more apparent upon learning about the limited swimming opportunities currently available to local school children, particularly concerning given Falmouth’s coastal location and its status as Cornwall’s largest settlement.

The organisation is keen on addressing this gap, emphasising the critical need for a community swimming pool to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents, especially considering the town’s proximity to the sea and the Fal River.

Pendennis Leisure invites all interested individuals to learn more about their ongoing projects and how they can contribute to these community-enhancing efforts. A community meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, the 16th of April, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Pendennis Community Centre. For those looking to donate, volunteer, or inquire further, Pendennis Leisure encourages reaching out through their website at pcc.pendennisleisure.org.

This award not only celebrates the dedication and hard work of everyone involved with Pendennis Leisure but also serves as a call to action for the wider community to join in their efforts to make Falmouth a better place for all its residents.