THE Camelford Rotary Club ‘Citizen of the Year Award’, which recognises exceptional people who devote their time and energy to the benefit of their community, was presented during the Rotary’s Christmas dinner at Bowood Golf Club on December 10.

At the annual dinner and award ceremony the award was presented to Mrs Patricia Molloy who was born in Delabole and has lived in the village community together with her extended family all her life.

Back in the 1960s when Delabole had three churches, and it was time to find ways to bring them together, a joint enterprise with the Church Youth Group organising a village pantomime was started and who should be asked to sell the tickets and make sure that everybody, however demanding, got the right seats on the right night? 

Well, that was Tricia Molloy. She did the thankless job for innumerable years and was also a dab hand at sewing the costumes. An offshoot of the pantomime was the formation of a singing group that raised money for various charity organisations in the area.  

Tricia has held countless offices within the Methodist Church — both official and those that crop up and just need to be done. In the 90s she stepped up to be senior steward, which means making sure that everything happens when it should, not to mention checking that the property’s fit for purpose, repairs are carried out — she’s really good at getting the tradesmen in the right place at the right time — and ensuring the toilets are unblocked. 

On top of this, there’s the added bonus and delight of the Quinquennial inspection and Health and Safety inspection besides the church paperwork — the joys are endless.

Added to that there’s always a celebration lunch or refreshments to be organised and where else would one expect to find such a community leader? At the sink washing up of course.

Tricia was also chair of the parish council for 16 years, having served as a councillor for eight years before, and chair of governors at Delabole Primary School with all the challenges and difficulties that such positions bring. Her governorship started in 1983 when she became a local authority governor. At the time governors were responsible for Delabole, St Teath and Port Isaac Schools.

Over the 35 years, as a governor, she has worked with ten head teachers and given hours of unpaid time to attend meetings, events, interviewing staff, writing numerous reports or minutes and has been an inspiration to many other governors over the years.

Tricia’s been in the start of many village schemes to promote and help the community, she’s undertaken the role of trustee, secretary and treasurer, and still continues to do so for many organisations. For many years she was involved with the Age Concern pop in centre, where anyone be welcomed with a cup of coffee and good company. Tricia also delivered hot meals to some in the local community as part of the ‘Meals on Wheels’ scheme. She has always been keen to be involved in village events such as the jubilee celebrations and commemorations. One leadership role that continues to this day entails year round work, that role is of chair of the Delabole Slate — the monthly magazine which has involved her collecting advertising revenue, coordinating the printing and taking the news sheets to the deliverers.

Charity fundraising has always been dear to Tricia’s heart and she’s been meticulous, since its inception, in organising events for Mount Edgecumbe Hospice including the annual flower festival plus cake sales etcetera in the early days, and Little Harbour Children’s Hospice such as selling goods and Christmas cards. 

At the annual music day various Cornish charities are supported such as the Merlin Project, and Tricia’s regular opening session for the day is a memorable rendition on the piano of ‘Lord of the Dance’ accompanying her friend Barbara on recorder — book early to avoid the disappointment of missing next year’s October performance. Back in the 70s she was one of many who would collect donations for the National Children’s Home, by the late 80s Tricia was supporting the air ambulance, and appeared in The Women and Home magazine, winning £1,000 for the air ambulance, travelling to London to collect the prize.

Another of Tricia’s interests is the Royal British Legion where she is secretary of the Delabole branch.

Tricia is always keen to encourage others with their involvement in the village and willingly supports events that are being held by them. People may see her having a cream tea at the carnival marquee, a breakfast supporting Macmillan or buying raffle tickets at the fire station to name but a few. She is very passionate to see the village she loves thrive for the next generation.

Camelford Rotary club president Bill Dixon said: “Rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self’ exemplifies the humanitarian spirit of our organisation and club members. Tricia has demonstrated how she shares our values and she is a credit to her family and her community. She is a very worthy recipient of our Citizen of the Year 2019 award.”