A ceremony will be held at Boscawen Park on Monday (December 23) to remember former town clerk Russell Holden, who passed away last year following a short illness and will be honoured by a new park bench dedicated in his name.

Mr Holden, who passed away on March 1, 2023, at the age of 73, was responsible for numerous projects in Truro. As parks and amenities manager, he elevated Truro’s green spaces to national standards and entered the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition on many occasions.

As town clerk, he established the first Business Improvement District (BID) scheme in Cornwall, and upon his retirement became chairman of Totally Truro – the combined forces of Truro and Newham BIDs.

Passionate about sports and particularly tennis, he renovated the courts at Boscawen Park and worked towards the refurbishment of the pavilion and facilities that opened last year.

Truro city councillor Stuart Roden said: “From his arrival in the 1980s when he joined the parks department, Russell transformed Truro. The way it looks now – really nice – is largely down to him and the work he did.”

Mr Roden added that before the establishment of Truro BID, which draws a levy from its members to contribute to efforts like the Christmas lights, “we had to go round with a begging bowl. Now they are all done professionally – that started with Russell.”

Alun Jones, manager of Truro BID, added: “Russell was dedicated to the improvement of the city for the benefit of its people. When he joined Totally Truro, he was an absolute asset with his vast experience. He was a thoughtful and positive man whose passion for the city was absolutely fantastic.”

A short ceremony will take place at 10.30am near the café and tennis courts in Boscawen Park. All are welcome to attend.