Clarence Coombe Award
Congratulations to Tom French who was awarded the Clarence Coombe Award 2025 for his exemplary long service to our Community, Tom served with distinction for Queen and Country in the Parachute Brigade and on retirement took office within the Parachute Regimental Association for Cornwall. Over the years Tom has acted as Parade Marshall for our Remembrance Day Parade and Service. Always immaculately smart in his Parachute Regimental Association blazer, beret and pace stick, he exudes the calm but con?dent exterior that allows him to control and lead those 'on parade'. In private, when involved in the planning and organisation of Commemoration and Memorial events, Tom listens, advises and guides event organisers. His expertise and wisdom help to ensure the appropriate level of respect for the occasion. At Carn Brea's War Memorial Tom gives his words of command to Royal Naval and RAF personnel, cadets, veterans from the three services, Police Officers, Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion, Brownies and Rainbows. Each year in September, Tom takes charge of the Battle of Britain Memorial Service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site in lllogan Church Yard. Immediately afterwards Tom will carry out the same duties at RAF Portreath, commemorating RAF and Parachute Regiment men of the Glider Brigade.
A special thanks to Mrs. Coombe for presenting the award along with the Chairman of the Council, Cllr. Bob Drew.