Cornwall’s next generation of superstars

From science to boxing, engineering to gymnastics, and ballet to pool, Cornwall’s emerging talent across a wide range of skillsets has been recognised and supported with a £37,795 uplift and mentoring support from Cornwall’s most dynamic businesses, thanks to Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund.

24 young hopefuls aged from 14 to 23, have become the second cohort of the year to benefit from grants in the All-Talent and Spirit of Trevithick (STEM) elements of the initiative. They will each receive up to £2,000 which can be used to help them hone their outstanding talents and go on to achieve their potential.

The grant scheme is headed up by Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall who presented some of the budding young stars with an award certificate at Rodda’s Creamery, one of the fund’s generous business sponsors.

Among those celebrated were 15-year-old Lucy Cathery from Gulval who represents the South West in gymnastics and 17-year-old Sawyer Wragg, a top 100 UK sprinter from Lanivet. Jazz guitarist, Jacob Jewell (age 17 from Helston) was also recognised along with Cornwall’s number one tennis player, 16-year-old Sofiia Hrytsekno from Newquay. Grade 8 soprano singer and Truro Cathedral chorister, Natalie Philips (age 17 from Truro) is also a recipient and gave attendees at the award evening a taste of her talents with a live performance.

Six aspiring talents in the area of science, technology, engineering and maths made up the Spirit of Trevithick cohort, including Florence Castleden (age 16 from St Cleer) who recently came second in Café Scientifique’s ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ competition.

Budding astrophysicist, Oak Cowles (age 16 from St Teath and St Breward) is also a beneficiary alongside Olivia Bennett (age 20 from Chacewater), a geology and mining heritage enthusiast. As well as a grant award, they will each be paired with a specialist mentor in their field for a year of invaluable advice.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho said: “The breadth of exceptional talent in such a wide variety of fields demonstrates what a hotbed for talent Cornwall is; from sports to performing arts and STEM, our young people are thriving in every aspect. They deserve to be given the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of any challenges they face – and that’s where Young & Talented Cornwall can help. It is such a pleasure to be able to support these talented young Cornish people and help them make their mark.”

Nicholas Rodda, Managing Director at Rodda’s added: “Young & Talented Cornwall is a wonderful initiative, encouraging and empowering young people in Cornwall to realise their full potential. We are proud to support the programme and to be contributing to the development of the next generation of inspirational Cornish talent.”