PENZANCE AFC held their end of season awards night at the Magpies clubhouse on Saturday which was well attended by an excellent turnout of players, supporters and officials.
The highlight of the evening was when president Peter George, on behalf of the Football Association and the Cornwall County FA, presented the club's retiring secretary John Mead with the FA's Long Service Medal and Certificate, together with a plaque and framed certificate from the CCFA in recognition of his 50 years' service to football.
John said: "The presentation came as a complete, but very pleasant surprise. Obviously, it's an honour for one's efforts over the years to be recognised in such a way, but it's really all about the enjoyment gained from being part of the family of football.
"I've gained countless friends through my involvement with Penzance AFC and the wider football community. However, 50 seasons is long enough and the time has come to wind down and leave the day-to-day running of the football club in the capable hands of others, while I sit back and become a spectator."
It was recounted that John's association with Penzance started when he played for the 'A' team in the old West Penwith League in the 1962/63 season at the tender age of 14.
He subsequently played for the club's Cornwall Combination League side and the Magpies' highly successful South Western League side.
In a distinguished playing career he gained South Western League championship honours and also Cornwall Senior Cup winners in 1973, a match in which he played a significant part after taking over the goalkeeping duties from the injured Peter Collins.
After his playing days he soon made his mark on the administrative side of the club, as a committee member, clubhouse committee chairman, chairman of the football club and then his long and eminent term as football secretary. He is also a life-member of the club.
A former teacher at Penzance's Humphry Davy School, he has also been secretary of the former West Cornwall Boys' League, chairman of the West Penwith Football League and a member of the Jolly's Cornwall Combination League's Management Committee, being made a life member only last year.
A current board member of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League, representing the League on the Council of the Cornwall County Football Association.
John was also presented gifts on behalf of the club and committee by long serving member and close friend Jimmy Dann.
Pauline Mead and Jenny Williams also received bouquets of flowers for their endeavours in the tea hut, as did Vanessa Robinson for her helping to run the clubhouse all season.
Other awards: First Team Manager's Player, joint winners – Paul Williams and Liam Andrew; Reserves Manager's Player – Dan Baber; Reserves Player – Andy Richards; Reserves Players' Player – Jordan Anderson; Young Player and Sportsman – Callum George; First Team Players' Player – Ryan Andrew; Supporters' Player, First Team – Paul Williams; Reserves – Will Southcott; Clubman of the Year – Andy England.
