New Bards from Truro and West Cornwall were among 24 to wear their blue robes for the first time at the Cornish Gorsedh in Callington.

Among those recognised for their outstanding work in serving Cornwall was Kim Conchie, who recently retired as chief executive officer of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. He took the bardic name Kannas Kann/Bright Messenger for his extensive contribution to cultural life in Kernow.

“As I’m not an actor, musician or maker myself, I wanted something that reflected the work I’ve done as an advocate in the cultural and creative communities,” he said, pointing to his membership of committees including Creative Kernow, Feast, Golden Tree and Kneehigh as well as representing small creative businesses through his position on the chamber.

Kim, whose mother hailed from Cury on The Lizard, added: “I was so surprised, and unbelievably honoured, to be asked. I had known about it since March, and it was a long time to keep something so thrilling a secret from everyone except close family. 

“My citation referenced my extensive contribution to cultural life, so I feel duty-bound to continue this, especially now I have more time in retirement.” 

Emma Jenkin from Truro was barded for her work promoting Cornish identity and culture through Kernewek - the Cornish language.

Emma has been learning and speaking Kernewek for 20 years, and has been working for the past eight years with Cornish language charity Kowethas an Yeth and is about to take up an additional role with An Rosweyth, a network of voluntary Cornish language organisations.

 “I have a job I love and get paid to do, and this is a bonus on top – confirmation that I’m doing my job well,” said Emma, whose bardic name is Spyrys an Mor/Spirit of the Sea.

Artist Kurt Jackson of St Just in Penwith was made a bard for promoting Cornish identity and culture through visual art and poetry. He dedicated this honour to wife Caroline “as an essential part of my life and creativity”. 

“I was delighted to have been invited by the Cornish Gorsedh to become a Bard,” said Kurt. “It feels like a real honour, a real recognition of my career in Cornwall, and as part of the wider Cornish community.

“The ceremony was extraordinary. It felt very special and welcoming, and quite humbling. There’s also something quite bizarre within that rich tapestry of Cornish life.” 

Barbara Tremewan of Perranporth was nominated for her work in the community of Perranzabuloe. Not only was she instrumental in launching and running the museum that represents the seaside town and its surrounding hamlets and villages, but she has also helped to organise the St Piran Play in spring and played an active role in the annual Lowender festival in autumn. 

“These are all things you do without knowing you are doing them,” said Barbara, who has lived in Cornwall since 1976, and has Celtic ancestry through connections with Wales and the Isle of Man. 

“I did them because they were important to me, and will carry on doing so in the knowledge that someone else thinks they are important, which is a nice affirmation. 

“The Gorsedh is a force of nature, and it’s a privilege to be part of that. I thought there were people who did so much more than me, but then you realise that what you do is part of a whole, and that’s a good feeling.” 

Artist and actor Sue Hill, from Redruth, is best known for her giant sculptures with brother Pete - including the Mud Maid at the Lost Gardens of Heligan - and her appearances with Wildworks Theatre. 

Taking Gwriores a Gewri/Maker of Giants as her bardic name, she was nominated for promoting Cornish identity and culture through community arts and celebration. Like many, she mentioned the typical Cornish weather, “which frowned and mizzled but didn’t soak”.

Guy Watson of Helston, artistic director of Cousin Jack’s Theatre and a driving force behind Trevow Helston - a Community Interest Company (CIC) curating arts events in Helston’s disused cemetery chapel - took the Bardic Name Kunteller a Bobel/Gatherer of People and described the event as “a truly special day”.  

Julia Twomlow, chief executive of PK Porthcurno (Museum of Global Communications) and former director at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, was barded for leading awareness of Cornwall’s historical contributions in the museum sector, both nationally and internationally.

Three bards hailed from Penzance: Tamsin Daniel, Peter Joseph and Alex Taylor were rewarded for promoting Cornish identity and culture through reclaiming and restoring buildings of Cornish national identity, the mining and industrial history of Kernow, and the medium of Cornish Dance respectively.

Jenefer Lowe was named Grand Bard, taking over from Pol Hodge, with Loveday Jenkin as her deputy.