Full News Report
6th March 2025
Tributes paid to long-serving former councillor
DEPUTISING for Morval Parish Council Chairman, Cllr Andy Jackson, who was indisposed, the Vice-chairman, Cllr John Collings, opened the March monthly meeting by wishing everyone a happy St Piran’s Day and extending birthday greetings to the Clerk, Laura Storey.
Cllr Collings then paid tribute to former parish councillor Peter Harding who died on Thursday, February 13.
Expressing sympathy to his family and friends for their loss, Mr Harding, he said, had been a stalwart parish councillor for more than 30 years and was a loyal supporter of all parish events, especially the Morval and Great Trethew Vintage Rally.
Peter and his family also provided the land on which the new Morval Parish Play Park at Widegates has been created.
Councillors and members of the public then stood for two minutes’ silence in memory of Mr Harding, who lived at Trebrownbridge.
A memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life takes place at St Lalluwy Church, Menheniot, at 12 noon next Friday (March 14) and the family have asked that people should wear or carry something red as it was his favourite colour.
There are family flowers only, but donations if desired are in aid of Diabetes UK and St Wenna’s Parish Church, Morval, and these can be made on-line at https://www.ugaldeandson.co.uk/; by retiring collection, or cheques, made payable to the charities, can be sent to Ugalde and Son, Funeral Directors, Trelawney House, Heathlands Road, Liskeard PL14 4DH.
The Council meeting was also the last before the retirement, after 20-plus years’ service, of Cornwall councillor Armand Toms, who took the opportunity to express his gratitude to everyone for their support.
“I would like to thank the clerks of the parish council for their work over the last four years; both (past clerk) Sam Pengelly and (present clerk) Laura Storey, have been great to work with and for,” he said, adding: “I know that whoever takes on the roll of (County) councillor for this area will have a safe pair of hands to help them with this parish.”
Cllr Toms continued: “Can I also thank the chairmen of the parish council over the past four years as meetings have been managed in a very professional way.
“To the current councillors, my thanks for being the eyes and ears on the ground, keeping me informed, and I can say that it has been a pleasure to work with and for you.
“To Councillor Collings, my thanks for the excellent work on social media and the well-informed posts for the community.
“During this time decisions have been made in a clear and open way and there is a good method of allowing residents to come and speak to the council and make their feelings known.
“My wish is that you all consider staying on the council (at May’s elections) as experience counts.”
Cllr Toms also expressed the hope that a newly-elected Cornwall Council would keep the popular scheme of Highways local improvements. “These have brought changes welcomed by residents,” he said.
And, while he acknowledged that housing was still a major concern, he said: “I know that the County Council has allowed a good number of social houses in the area in past years.”
But, he added: “The largest legacy of this Parish Council will be the new play park at Widegates as it displays the commitment to the community and especially the youth of the parish.”
And an emotional Cllr Toms concluded by saying: “For me, it is retirement and the opportunity of working for my family and having time with my grandchildren.
“But I promise I will always be available to help with working for the community with litter-picking, grass-cutting and community events.
“Can I lastly thank the community for the kindness shown to me over these four years, I will miss my work and the people I have served.”
Council vice-chairman Cllr Collings thanked Mr Toms for his service and dedication. “When Armand first stood as our ward member (under a local government review) I can remember two people knocking on my door and saying ‘but he’s from Looe, he won’t be any good for Morval’
“I said, trust me, he will do an excellent job – and those people have not been back to complain…
“Cllr Toms’ service has been exemplary and if Buckingham Palace’s honours system were worthy of anything… well, you all know what I’m saying.”
The Parish Council meeting also received an update on the Play Park from Richard Liddle and decided on Friday, April 4 (3.30 pm) for the official opening.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be performed by Mrs Velven Harding (representing the land owners), retiring County councillor Armand Toms and Mr Liddle, who has acted as the Council’s de facto works manager and without whose enthusiasm and passion in recent years the project might well still be pipedream.