Staff Celebrated in Cornish Awards Ceremony

Falmouth prides itself on being at the heart of creative Cornwall and is delighted to announce that three staff members have been awarded the prestigious Awen (Inspiration) medal and the top award for outstanding achievement.

The Gorsedh Kernow Awards were established in 1995. They recognise individuals for promoting the Celtic spirit of Cornwall through creative or community work.

Film lecturer Mark Jenkin, received the Grand Bard Award for outstanding achievement in honour of his critically acclaimed, BAFTA award-winning film, Bait.

Dr Sherezade Garcia Rangel, Lecturer in English and Creative Writing from the School of Communication won the Awenekter / Creativity Award for her podcast series, ‘On the Hill’, which brings stories of Cornish cemeteries and those buried there.

Commenting on her win she tells us:

I am very happy to have been awarded the Awenekter / Creativity Award. This is an amazing recognition and an honour for On The Hill. It inspires me to continue the work of discovering the history of Cornwall through its cemeteries and our creative work. Thank you!

Finally, Denzil Monk, Lecturer in film in the School of Film and Television received the Studhyansow Kernewek / Cornish Studies award for the Cornwall Public Service Media initiative.

Denzil Monk, Project Lead for Cornwall Public Service Media said:

Pur lowen o degemeres an pewas Awen ma rag owth ober a-dro Media Gonis Poblek Kernewek. I was very happy to receive this Awen award for my work about Cornish Public Service Media. For this work to be recognised by Gorsedh Kernow demonstrates the significant cultural value of the research project and marks another step on the inexorable path to such a service being established.

The Grand Bard, Elizabeth Carne said

We are delighted that this year has seen a record number of nominations and submissions, representing the dynamism and diversity of Cornish creativity, culture and community work. Honouring those who have made outstanding contributions is a proud part of Gorsedh Kernow’s commitment to our community.

The award winners will be presented with a prestigious Awen medal, made in Cornwall by St Justin Jewellery. This unique medal depicts the Gorsedh Kernow ‘Awen’ (Inspiration) symbol, a three-rayed Celtic design signifying Furneth (Wisdom), Gwir (Truth) and Kerensa (Love). 

In usual circumstances the awards would be presented at a special awards evening at the Gorsedh Kernow Esedhvos festival of culture, that takes place each September. Due to current social distancing restrictions, Gorsedh Kernow are celebrating the 2020 awards online on the Gorsedh Kernow website.