Successful 60 over 60 nominees were brought together this week to celebrate their achievement of being selected to become part of Cornwall’s inspiring 60 over 60.

Launched in April by Cornwall Council, the campaign was started to find 60 people over the age of 60 in Cornwall who inspire others in a range of ways and the event held on Monday 28 October was an opportunity for all of those successful nominees to come together to acknowledge their contributions.

The event was held in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Truro. The winners were presented with their certificate by the three judges, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Cllr Rob Rotchell, Helen Tite from iCareiMove and Nigel Clark from Age UK.

Once all nominees had received their certificates they all enjoyed a cream tea with an opportunity to meet each other and hear each other’s stories.

One nominee from the Post area was Lucille Opie of Bude. She received an award for the voluntary work she has done in her community.

Local resident Lynda Savory nominated Lucille for an award several months ago as she is such an integral part of the town, is involved in and has worked for many societies and clubs, such as being a trustee of the League of Friends of Stratton Hosptal, a trustee of the Bude Canal and Harbour Society and a part of the committee of the Old Cornwall Society, among others.

Also nominated was Cym Downing of Launceston. In 2007, Cym started the first memory café for people suffering from dementia, ensuring that they are well cared for and that their carers are supported.

There is now a network of 58 other such cafes throughout the county and Cym works outside of opening hours to support those in need.

Those in attendance also included Vice Chairman of Cornwall Council Cllr Mary May, Chief Executive Kate Kennally and Strategic Director for Adult Care and Support, Helen Charlesworth May. They all wanted to attend to extend their congratulations to the winners who have all contributed in some way to their community.

Cllr Rotchell said: “This was a great event that was the culmination of a campaign that’s aim was to find and recognise people who have gone out of their way to prove that age is no barrier to living well.

“The success of this campaign demonstrates the contribution people over 60 make every day, volunteering, leading their community, and inspiring others through their athletic achievements. It’s so important that we celebrate the accomplishments of older people rather than focusing on the negative aspects of ageing, and now we know that there are lots of people out there doing great things we will run this campaign again next year.”

Being more active has a number of benefits, for example, reducing the risk of falls – a leading cause of injury and confidence issues in people over 65. Research also suggests that having close social connections and taking part in social activities can enhance physical and emotional wellbeing in later life. The campaign aims to inspire others to make their own positive plans to age well.

One of the judges, Helen Tite said: “Events like this are so important in helping us to recognise the fantastic achievements and the valuable contributions that our older residents make down here in Cornwall. By honouring these sixty individuals, we hope not only to inspire others to think about the small steps that they can take to live and age well, but also to challenge some of the negative stereotypes faced by those over 60 and create a more balanced view of ageing.”

Nominee Patricia Orridge of Launceston said: “It was a pleasure to be involved with the event but to be honest, I was totally surprised to be nominated, let alone be recognised as one of the finalists in Cornwall’s 60 over 60. I really don’t feel I do anything out of the ordinary with my volunteer roles.

“I just see them as part of a busy active life that enables me to meet many new people and take on challenges that give me opportunities to learn new skills.”

Patricia is a volunteering tour-de-force and is involved in a number of projects and initiatives, ranging from mentoring young people as part of ‘Mind Your Way’ to organising an annual dog show and running village walks. She is also a local area coordinator for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, covering North Cornwall.