THE Rotary Club of Camelford held their annual Christmas dinner and Citizens of the Year award 2016 celebration at Bowood Park Golf Club, Camelford, on Tuesday, December 20.

The club also welcomed back three previous citizens of the year; sisters Madge Walkey and Sally Moore (2015), Tricia Hicks (2014) and Val Cohen (2013).

This year’s recipients were Lorraine and David Jasper, of St Teath.

Prior to retirement they were the popular proprietors of the ‘Bruallen’ flower business. They have been active members of the local community since before they were married, many years ago.

As their children attended school, they became involved with school life. David was a school governor and Lorraine went into school to listen to reading and was a committee member of the ‘parent teachers association’, which raised funds for the school.

They have devoted much of their free time to many good causes including their local school, the churches at St Kew and St Teath and the various local village shows including St Kew, Tintagel, Delabole and St Teath.

For the past 25 years David has been chairman of the St Teath village show. Historically, David has competed with cut flowers — in particular dahlias and chrysanthemums — vegetables, fruit and wine, whilst Lorraine competed with floral art, cooking and handicraft.

Between them they have won many prizes and trophies over the years.

David is also chairman and director of the village pantomime and drama group.

Lorraine is a long-standing member of the local WI and has cooked and served village lunches for various events.

Lorraine and David’s son, Andrew, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and he took the decision to use his time to fundraise. Initially he supported several deserving charities, but later concentrated his efforts fundraising for the ‘Merlin Project’ — now known as the ‘Merlin MS Centre’.

David and Lorraine actively supported Andrew’s fundraising efforts and after his passing continued their dedication to raise money for the project.

With their support and that of many others, including Camelford Rotary Club, the project has established its ‘MS Therapy Centre’ located at Hewas Water.

The funds they are continuing to raise help to keep the centre running for the benefit of people living with MS and also provide respite support for their families and carers.

The ‘Citizens of the Year 2016’ presentation evening was a well-attended celebration and a testament to Lorraine and David’s popularity and charitable contributions.