“AN award for ordinary people who have given in extraordinary ways,” is how the Rt Revd Dr Chris Goldsmith, Bishop of St Germans, described those nominated for the St Piran’s Cross Award — including three ladies from the Post area.

Every year, each parish across the Diocese of Truro is asked to nominate those who give generously but quietly, without fanfare but people without whom wheels would fall off, events would falter, and expectations that are taken for granted would not be met.

This year, 18 names have been put forward — all serving, all heroes but all unknowingly so. The awards will honour, among others, a tireless supporter who has brought the Fairtrade values and ethos to her parish, a couple who help their neighbours by volunteering on the local frontline for the Red Cross, one nominee who has helped countless people be released from fear and debt, and another who blesses with flowers the memories of those who have died.

Each award-winner is unique and they are all extraordinary in their willingness to serve their communities and love their neighbours — whether that is next door or across the world.

They include Helen Warren, of Launceston, Janet Ward, of Holsworthy and Christine Irons, of Tintagel.

Helen is a gentle, joyous soul now in her 90s and loving every extra day that God brings.

“Faith is so important,” she says, attributing her faith to her granny, who always prayed for her. God became a very real presence in Helen’s life when she was dangerously ill with diphtheria as a child and felt Him draw close in a way that couldn’t be ignored.

It was an experience that caused the young Helen, whose parents didn’t go to church, to pursue her faith in church, as soon as she was old enough.

Today, Helen is a little frustrated that recent health issues have slowed her down and limited her mobility, but is so grateful for all the blessings that free healthcare brings. And for the fact that she was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with a great party filled with family, friends and fun.

Fun is something that Helen wishes we all shared a bit more readily. She takes so much delight in her relationship with God: “I think Communion should be a lovely meal with everyone sat around chatting. I like to smile at people when I walk back to my seat, but everyone looks so serious! I think if you’ve just spent time with the Lord you should be happy!”

Helen, whose parents were florists, has spent a lifetime bringing colour to people’s lives with her flower arranging. Her favourite task is putting together flowers to remember people. “I love it, thinking about the person, what they were like and what flowers, colours and scents they might like.”

Helen also answered a call to fundraise for the church, St Mary’s in Launceston where she has worshipped for the past 25 years, by setting up a hugely successful farmer’s market in the village hall.

“It was wonderful, seeing all the produce, people and opportunities to work together, it was hard work but so much fun.”

Helen has loved her life, her husband Jim was a wonderful man and she is so grateful for her beloved daughter Christine, her grandchildren and imminent great grandchildren. But she says: “If I could give my family all the treasures of this world, I’d rather give them a true faith.”

When Helen was told about this award, although she felt honoured, she was conflicted as she says the Bible is very clear on not doing things for praise. As it turns out, the ceremony will be on the same day as her dear granny’s birthday, surely God’s way of letting Helen know that thanking people is as important in life as giving.

“This award isn’t really for me,” says Janet Ward. “It’s for our church, St Marwenne in Marhamchurch. It’s a wonderful reflection of the prominent place this little church has in our large community.”

It’s a church that, when Janet walked over the threshold seven years ago, made her feel as if she had come home. And that was after losing her first husband, spending seven years in France, on her own, and starting again in the South West.

Janet was confirmed in her fifties, in France. Although she had always considered herself to be a Christian it was doing an Alpha course at the English church in Cognac that made her faith come alive.

“I became so hungry!” says Janet. “There were four English churches spread across that part of France, with only one service a month at each. I would drive 200 miles there and back just so I could worship and hear God’s word.”

Being part of St Marwenne has enriched her faith, without all the driving! “I’ve learnt many things through my experiences,” says Janet, “probably the most significant has been learning to love, even when it’s a challenge! It’s easy to love the people we like, loving all the rest is where God comes in. I’ve also learnt a lot about forgiveness, especially the way that if I don’t forgive, the person that gets hurt the most is me.”

Janet stepped up to become a Local Worship Leader, and, working with a team of three others, it is a calling that she relishes.

“I love thinking and praying about what to put in each service, it’s always on my mind, in a good way. It’s a mighty responsibility, but great fun, especially working with the other Leaders.”

Janet also gets involved with Messy Church. This has not only strengthened the relationship between the church and the local school, but with other churches as well as Janet has developed relationships with them so that they work together on the project. Open the Box is the next adventure, an activity for pre-school children, when Janet will gently share Bible stories with the young children, with the help of figures taken from the box.

Described as having ‘a gentleness in serving that draws others alongside her’, it was obvious after talking with Janet, that humility, kindness and a genuine desire to make sure others are happy are God-given characteristics that also define her.

Christine Irons has never known a time in her life when she didn’t feel God wasn’t with her. “He’s always there, showing me the way,” she said.

That way has been hard of late. Christine and her husband Ivan are living with Ivan’s dementia. “But whenever I get low, God always answers,” says Christine. “He finds ways to lift my spirits, with help from my daughters, a phone call, something that encourages me and lets me know I’m not on my own — like a letter about this award!”

Apart from all the things that Christine has done for her community in and around Tintagel, from Guides and Brownies to tea parties for the senior and more isolated members of the community, Christine has been nominated for her, “Quiet Christian witness.”

It’s a witness that has served her community for many years, gently coming alongside people and drawing people together, whatever their age, with activities and events that connect and include.

Christine helped to revitalise the local Brownies when the family moved to Tintagel from Bude, but it’s Guiding that has been a big part of Christine’s life. It started when her girls were young and came home to tell her they’d volunteered her services in the swimming pool, “Because the captain doesn’t want to go in the water!” She helped out for nine years then went into uniform and has been there ever since.

When Guides get older, they can become part of the Trefoil Guild and Christine chairs the Guild in Bude. “Most of our members are in their latter years, and it’s great fun — lots of activities and events to raise funds, mostly around food!”

Bringing people together is important to Christine, who knows how hard it can be to feel isolated, whether that’s as a young mum, a carer looking after a relative or because mobility issues make connecting more of a challenge.

She has helped to organise ‘Stay and Play’ for pre-schoolers, afternoon tea-parties, morning coffee drop-ins and (friendly!) whist-drives for the older community.

Christine also serves on the PCC and contributes to the church services as much as she can. Her faith is a lifeline.

“I get a bit fed up, even get a bit cross with God sometimes — but He never lets go. He comes into your life in special ways.” Christine and her family have endured some very tough times, but Christine has remained faithful and relied in her quiet way on the promise that God has made to always be by her side.

Bishop Chris said of the nominees: “They all share the truth that they, like Jesus, are salt and light in the world. Salt because they preserve all that’s good so it’s available for others. And light because they help us to find the right way and keep us safe.”

Bishop Chris presented the St Piran’s Cross Awards at two thanksgiving services in the afternoon of Sunday at St Piran’s Church, Perranzabuloe.