St. Austell Recognition - STAR - Awards

24/02/2026

We'll be back later this year but in the mean time, if you have someone amazing you want to recognise, the BBC Make A Difference awards are open till March 31st.

The eight categories for the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026 are:

The Volunteer Award

The Young Hero Award

The Great Neighbour Award

The Active Award

The Animal Award

The Environmental Award

The Fundraiser Award

The Community Group Award

https://www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference/awards
Make A Difference Awards

The Make a Difference Awards are your chance to say thank you and recognise those who improve lives where we live.

24/12/2025

Thank you to St Austell Voice for helping us celebrate our amazing stars!

22/12/2025

15/12/2025

My wife and I decided a long time ago that under the banner of my Cornwall Dining Club we wanted to do something at Christmas for the community of St Austell Town. No one should wake up hungry on Christmas Day, and no one should worry about being alone over the Christmas period. I'm very fortunate here in St Austell Market House to be able to maybe help a little bit, both with space and a little bit of resources.

So, on Christmas Eve at 5pm, we are holding a "Jingle and Mingle" event. Hot soup and warm, buttery bread will be provided to anyone and everyone, as well as squash or cups of tea, completely free of charge. Allergies and food preferences will be catered as long as possible before options run out. I will also be giving away any remaining treats I have left in the cafe before closing for a few days over the festive break (and if I run out early, I'll be making some specially). There'll be some festive music playing and my children have decided they are making some presents for everyone, although who knows what on earth that will be haha...

Whether you are in NEED and the food is essential, or you just want to come and spend an hour or two in the company of others, absolutely everyone is welcome, no questions asked. Families are more than welcome, we'd love to have you, as well as individuals.

Please help us spread the word about this because those people with the most need may not exactly be avid social media users. If you know someone, old or young, who might benefit from this, please help us reach them.

04/12/2025

I need a new uniform 😅 I would just like to take a minute to say thank you for me being nominated and winning the st Austell business of the year award 🥰❤️ I am not really one for bigging myself up at all so instead I’m here to thank all my paying clients who’s money then helps fund all my free treatments I do for those who have suffered the same loss I have. I set up Daisy’s in memory of my daughter who passed in 2019 and I’ve been trying to do something honourable in her memory since. I now proudly help give back women’s bodies and confidence free of charge and give them a safe space to talk about their grief and memories. I also spread the money to help cover people who aren’t fortunate to have a lot of money and have had an extremely tough time lately, these are heavily discounted sessions that are available dependant on if I can afford to treat them. So thank you for all of you who have paid for your services, supported me (which in turn supports others) and spread the word about me. It helps me make a difference in the community (I hope lol).

01/12/2025

29/11/2025

And the winners are...

Community Champion Award - Teresa Nicholas
Team Spirit Award - Carlyon Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Local Business Of The Year - Daisy’s - Skin, Body & Laser
Sporting Star Award - Saffron Knowles
Young Star Award - Albany Hope Haley
Cultural & Creativity Award - St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature
Caring Star Award - Julianna Nicholson-Hardwick
Unsung Hero Award - Emma Pearce
Lifetime Achievement Award - Sandra Heyward

A few important thank yous:
• To the St Austell Town BID, for backing this project from day one and helping me turn a small idea into something real and meaningful.
• To LexPrint, who printed our awards, posters, and signage so beautifully — honestly, none of this would look half as professional without their support.
• To the many local businesses who shared, promoted, encouraged, and nominated. Your engagement is what makes things like this grow.
• And finally To every single person who took the time to nominate somebody.
The kindness in your words, and the pride you have in the people you put forward have been truly moving.

🌟 Before we finish…
I want to say a huge congratulations to all the nominees.
Being recognised by your friends, families, colleagues, customers, students, and neighbours is a powerful thing — and you should all be incredibly proud.
📣 Nominations for the 2026 awards open right now.
We are reopening the nominations as of today.
If you see something wonderful this week, next month, or in the middle of the year — nominate while it’s fresh.
Let’s make next year even bigger.
💛 Final message
St Austell is full of brilliant, kind, hardworking people.
When we work together, when we lift each other up, when we celebrate the positives — this town becomes everything we know it can be.

29/11/2025

🌟 Celebrating Our “Secret Nominees” 🌟

Recognised exclusively during today’s awards ceremony!

Now that the main announcements have been made, we want to shine a light on a very special group of people — our “secret nominees.”
These incredible individuals were fully judged alongside all other entrants, but their nominations were kept under wraps so they could be celebrated directly during the awards speech.

Their stories, kindness, courage and impact on St Austell absolutely deserve to be shared more widely, so here they are:

⭐ Caring STAR Award — Brian Osborne

Brian has made a huge difference in the lives of many young cadets through his dedication, hard work and genuine belief in their potential. He constantly goes above and beyond, organising opportunities that help them grow, progress and thrive. A true role model.

⭐ Unsung Hero Award — Charlie George Wilton

Charlie, who has Down Syndrome, volunteers every Monday at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, brightening everyone’s day with his colourful shirts, warm smile and incredible kindness. He also supports Cornwall Hospice at events and contributes to Mencap’s “Our Active Community.” Charlie brings joy wherever he goes.

These nominees may not have been announced ahead of time, but their contributions to our community are extraordinary — and we are so proud to celebrate them.

✨ Show them some love — like, share and leave a comment to recognise these amazing local stars! 🌟

29/11/2025

Less than 1 hour to go till our inaugural 2025 St. Austell Recognition - STAR - Awards are announced in St Austell Town Square by TKMaxx!

Hope you can join us down there to celebrate our amazing nominees at 1pm ⭐️

29/11/2025

For the final announcement of nominees we are combining together the inspiring young people shaping our town’s future and the extraordinary adults whose lifelong dedication has shaped its past and present. Presenting the nominees for Young STAR Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

In case you haven't seen any of these posts before, you're getting a small summarised verrsion of the nominations that the judges recieved, and some nominations are still being kept a secret till after the announcements by request of their nominees.

⭐ Young STAR Award Nominees

Celebrating the kindness, bravery, compassion, and community spirit of St Austell’s young people.

🌟 Albany Hope Haley

A remarkable young girl who has already made a tremendous impact through fundraising, charity collections, beach cleans, litter picking, shoebox appeals, and her unwavering kindness. Albany supports friends, helps those in need, and brings sunshine to her family—especially during her grandmother’s cancer treatment. She is described as an “earth angel”, a thoughtful soul, and a girl with a heart of gold who lights up every room.

🌟 Alfie Tyler

Alfie has faced significant challenges after being diagnosed with Tourette’s, but his courage and passion for music have helped him thrive. Self-taught on the guitar, he has performed publicly—including at Jake’s Bakes—despite difficult tics. He continues to grow, inspire, and shine through sheer resilience.

🌟 Daniel Andrew Kevin Uren

Danny dreams of helping the homeless when he grows up—and he’s not waiting until adulthood to start. This Christmas he is creating and donating around 30 boxes through ShelterBox to support those without a home. Danny is a sweet, big-hearted boy determined to make sure everyone has a good Christmas.

🌟 Phoebe Studley

Phoebe has grown up in a fostering family and has shown extraordinary maturity, empathy, and kindness. She has welcomed every child into her home as equal members of the family, making them feel safe, loved, and included. Her compassion goes far beyond her years.

🏅 Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists

Honouring decades of service, creativity, leadership, and dedication to St Austell.

✨ Sandra Heyward

A steadfast champion of St Austell’s heritage, wellbeing, and regeneration. Sandra has served as town Mayor and councillor, helps run the Market House, Townscape Heritage Scheme, and Town Museum, and continues her work through the Gover Community Larder CIC and St Austell BID. Her leadership and warmth have made her a pillar of the community.

✨ Sheila Vanloo

A tireless advocate for Cornish arts and culture for 25 years. Sheila has reviewed, promoted, and supported artists across the county, managed Radio St Austell Bay, chaired the Torchlight Carnival, volunteered for Kneehigh Theatre, supported numerous festivals, and served on multiple arts boards. Her contribution to local culture is immense.

✨ Simon Pollard

Former Headteacher of Carclaze Primary School and a founder of the St Austell Festival of Children’s Literature, Simon has ignited thousands of children’s love for reading. Determined to ensure access for all, he keeps festival tickets at just £1, attracts national authors, and has earned national recognition for his literacy work. His impact on young readers and young people in St Austell is extraordinary and ongoing.

💛 Show them some love — like, share, comment, and celebrate our Outstanding Local Heroes! 👏✨

28/11/2025

Ahead of our awards announcements tomorrow, it's time for our three final categories of nominees. Starting with Unsung Heroes

Just as a reminder, there are some secret nominees, who's nominators have asked us to keep them hidden till results are announced. You're only seeing a small summary of each nomination and you'll be able to see just how tough a job our judging panel had it!

🌟 UNSUNG HERO AWARD – NOMINEE SPOTLIGHT! 🌟
This award celebrates the people who quietly make St Austell brighter — the helpers, the doers, the behind-the-scenes stars who never ask for praise but absolutely deserve it. Here are the incredible nominees:

⭐ Emma Pearce
A compassionate supporter of women navigating pregnancy loss, Emma balances family life with tireless volunteering for CRADLE. She fills Comfort Bags, creates hundreds of Tissue Packs for hospitals nationwide, organises remembrance events, fundraises, and offers comfort to those experiencing the hardest moments of their lives. Her empathy, strength and dedication shine through everything she does.

⭐ Katy Wilson – Tesco Holmbush
A friendly face who makes even the grumpiest Friday shop brighter! Katy’s smile, warmth and genuine interest in people have turned everyday checkouts into moments of connection. Her positivity changes people’s days — the world really does need more Katys.

⭐ Laura Studley
Described as “the most selfless person I’ve ever met,” Laura has fostered multiple children, cared for elderly neighbours, and spent years helping others despite having so little time for herself. From giving children a loving home to supporting her community in countless small ways, Laura embodies what an unsung hero truly is.

⭐ Mark Coad
The man responsible for keeping our streets clean — and people only notice how good a job he does because there’s nothing to complain about! Mark brings positivity, pride and consistency to a role that is often overlooked but hugely appreciated by the community.

⭐ Paul Williams
A gifted photographer whose quiet generosity has captured the heart and history of St Austell. Paul shares his work freely with charities, community groups and local projects — preserving memories, promoting fundraisers, and nurturing young photographers. He volunteers constantly, asks for nothing, and gives so much.

⭐ Sandra Heyward
A hardworking, kind-hearted woman who provides affordable food for local people and always greets everyone with warmth, even in the toughest of times. Sandra looks out for families, children, school clubs and anyone who may be struggling. She is a steady, gentle hero for many.

⭐ Tommy Martyn
A dedicated worker who stepped up when White River needed support, taking on manager-level responsibilities without hesitation. Even after the loss of his mum, he returned to keep things running because he didn’t want to let the team or the town down. He works tirelessly to keep the area spotless — a true credit to St Austell.

⭐ Will Burt
A long-standing supporter of local events, schools and community groups through his work at White River Cinema. Will has provided prizes, promoted causes, supported fundraisers, and constantly looks for ways to encourage people to enjoy and value their local cinema. Always helpful, always community-minded.

💛 These nominees remind us that kindness, service and community spirit are the heart of St Austell.
Show them some love — like, share, comment, and celebrate our Unsung Heroes! 👏✨