Hearty congratulations are due to Graham Hall from Falmouth who has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service in the field of seafarers’ welfare.

The Merchant Navy Medal provides an opportunity for the industry to recognise in a worthy and public manner, meritorious service by British merchant seafarers.

Graham, himself a seafarer for 37 years, was presented with the award by Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC ADC, patron of the medal award, in a ceremony at Trinity House, London.

One of only 19 recipients in 2014, Graham was cited for his voluntary work for seafarers at The Mission to Seafarers’ Flying Angel Centre in Falmouth, with special mention of the comprehensive gardens he has created for seafarers to enjoy. 

Graham, along with Penny Phillips, runs the Falmouth centre where he volunteers several evenings a week as well as maintaining the six buildings which make up The Flying Angel Centre.

He also received special mention at the Britain in Bloom Awards at Trowbridge scooping the Bruford Cup for winner of the non-horticultural garden category. He continued his winning streak when The Mission received the top level award “Outstanding” in four categories and was group winner of the floral display category at the Cornwall in Bloom Awards in Truro with a prize of £250, which will be reinvested in the garden.

Graham said: “I am thrilled and delighted to have been recognised for my work in Falmouth. 

“Being a seafarer myself, I know the importance of being able to come ashore and relax away from the ship. I wanted to give visiting seafarers a garden where they could enjoy the colours and fragrances of a variety of plants and to enjoy the wildlife that comes as a result. 

“There is no doubt that seafarers gain a sense of well-being by spending time in the garden, and many ask me questions about plants. I make a point of adding different features each year to make the garden interesting. We have a tin mine, waterfall, bug hotel, telephone box greenhouse and a life-sized World War II seafarer as our tribute to merchant seafarers.

“For next year I have something new up my sleeve – but am keeping this a closely guarded secret for now.”