On Friday 21st April 2023, guests were warmly welcomed to Tregenna Castle by C4L Founder, Charlotte Caldwell & C4L Director and event MC, Richard Williams. The room was wonderfully decorated in brightly coloured flowers and insects made from recycled materials; an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional table decorations. The programme participants made the decorations themselves with the support of the talented Delia Webb of Funny Faces Cornwall.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the twelve outstanding young mentees from the 2022-23 programme took it in turns to take to the stage to confidently present their C4L journeys to over 140 guests with the support of their mentors. The graduate mentees looked and felt amazing thanks to the generous sponsors from all over Cornwall, who offered donations to purchase the outfits for the young people.
Guests were captivated by the presence of C4L Patron, Terry Waite CBE. He spoke passionately about his experience of captivity and forgiveness, about confidence and overcoming nerves, and the challenges that face young people in modern society. Terry has been an active part of this project since it’s conception and described the 2023 Gala as ‘C4L’s best ever event!’
The occasion was further enhanced with an outstanding musical performance from singer Rebecca Louse Dale & supporting pianist Anthony Seddon. A huge thanks to our industrious AV team G K Electronics who ensured everyone who stepped on stage was seen and heard with crystal clarity.
Over the course of the evening, guests kindly donated over £1000 towards Citizenship For Life activities and many guests came forward to volunteer their time, venues and activities for the project.
Special thanks were given to everyone involved in the programme, from the transport providers, caterers, venues, hosts, funders and sponsors. Not forgetting of course; the incredible volunteers we have involved in this project.
The evening closed with a very fond farewell and good luck to all the mentees and mentors who will be leaving us this month to move onto further exciting adventures. Certificates, glass trophies and beautiful donated photo books were gifted to mark each of the mentee’s graduations.
Our sights now turn to the beginnings of the 2023-2024 programme which is set to commence next month. We welcome 15 new mentees from Redruth, Mullion and Helston Schools. We can’t wait to start them on this most inspiring and life changing journey.
Photo credit: C4L Volunteer- Bridget Betts
