Living Cornwall Editor
The man credited with having changed the educational landscape of Cornwall forever was yesterday presented with the prestigious Trelawny Plate at a ceremony in the village of Pelynt.
Professor Alan Livingston received Cornwall's "award of awards" for his work in creating the Combined Universities of Cornwall and Falmouth University.
Speaking to a packed audience in the village church, Professor Livingston said: "I feel very lucky, very privileged and very humbled to be given this award, which is so much bigger than me because it represents a game-changing idea.
"I really feel like I am accepting it on behalf of so many people who have together made an incredible difference to Cornwall."
Professor Livingston transformed University College Falmouth into one of the UK's most respected institutes for art, design, media and performance. In 2006 he was awarded the CBE for his services to higher education.
The Trelawny Plate is bestowed every two years on the person judged by an anonymous panel to have contributed most to the "spirit" of Cornwall. The previous recipients were former Bishop of Truro, Bill Ind, Shelterbox founder Tom Henderson, and former Lord Lieutenant, Lady Mary Holborow.
It was set up by the late Sir John Trelawny, 13th Baronet Trelawny of Trelawne, with the aim of providing a direct link between his illustrious forebear, Bishop Jonathan Trelawny, and those who defend Cornwall's integrity today.
Bishop Trelawny was sent to the Tower of London by James II in 1688. Legend has it that before he was freed, 20,000 Cornish men were prepared to march on the capital in protest.
Mr Livingston was presented with a replica of Bishop Trelawny's pewter plate by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, in the presence of Pelynt parish priest Marilyn Elliott, Vice-Lord Lieutenant Michael Galsworthy, the Right Reverend Christopher Goldsmith, Bishop of St Germans, Grand Bard Maureen Fuller, Pelynt Male Voice Choir and civic dignitaries.
Praising Professor Livingston's work for education and the arts in Cornwall, the current Sir John Trelawny explained that it had been his father's wish for the Trelawny Plate to be awarded to individuals who embody the "spirit of Cornwall".
In his acceptance speech, Professor Livingston said: "I would like to ask you to reflect on the following question: what exactly is the spirit of Cornwall – and where can it be found?"
Then, turning to the choir from Pelynt Primary School, who sang a beautiful version of I The Lord Of Sea And Sky, he said: "These children are the future of Cornwall – they are the spirit of Cornwall."
For a full report and pictures, see Living Cornwall in the WMN on Tuesday
