People Features

The Trelawny Plate originally belonged to Bishop Trelawny. He was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1688.

Some of the aid delivered by Shelterbox.

It has been donated by the Bishop's descendent Sir John Trelawny and, a replica of the three hundred year old plate will be presented to Tom Henderson at Pelynt Church in July.

The first recipient of the Trelawny Plate was the former Bishop of Truro, Bill Ind in 2007. Every two years a panel decides to award the plate to the person who has contributed most to the spirit of Cornwall.

Sir John Trelawny says: "The news the panel had unanimously selected Tom Henderson was no surprise and I was delighted. Shelter Box was always an inspired idea, bringing timely and practical help to people in extreme need without political or financial strings attached.

Shelterboxes ready for delivery.

"Tom’' great achievement has been to bring that idea into an internationally recognised reality which can, and does, react to the essential needs of civilians caught up in disasters anywhere in the world. 

"The announcement that Tom Henderson and ShelterBox have been recognised by the Award of the Trelawny Plate will encourage pride in Cornwall and wherever Cornish Associations gather throughout the world”.

Since being set up in 2000, Shelterbox has helped 700,000 people affected by disaster in more than 50 countries. It also has eight overseas affiliates. Local Rotarians in disaster-affected countries often assist Shelterbox Response Teams, enabling them to get assistance to those in need often faster than other aid agencies.

The Shelterbox warehouse at Helston.

Each green Shelterbox contains a 10-person tent and other essential equipment to help a family survive for six months.

The plate will be presented to Tom Henderson at a special Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration at Pelynt Church on Wednesday 8 July 2009. 

As part of the celebration the Pelynt Male Voice Choir, known as 'Trelawny's Men', will lead the congregation in Robert Stephen Hawker's 'The Song of the Western Men' - Cornwall's unofficial national anthem and more fondly referred to simply as 'Trelawny'.