A member of the council who has been behind some of Helston's biggest regeneration projects has bid farewell as she prepares to take on a new role in Redruth.
Helston Town Council’s project officer Charlotte Caldwell, 56 will embark on a new adventure as she takes on the role of town clerk for Redruth Town Council – a position which Charlotte has been interested in pursuing for a while.
“I am really excited about my new job, and looking forward to getting stuck in," said Charlotte.
However, she will still be heavily involved in the project she set up, The Furry Youth Café.
Charlotte joined the council in May 2022 following an 18-year career in local government working in regeneration, community, and economic development.
In that time, Charlotte has been behind some of the biggest redevelopment projects and events in the town, including leading the King George V playing area refurbishment, and the reimagining of Helston Guildhall.
She has also been behind the organisation of volunteering gardening sessions across the town.
Before she joined the town council, Charlotte was involved in community activities such as the 100th year of Coronation Park and Boating Lake and running through Helston with the Olympic torch in 2012.
Charlotte was one of the 8,000 people who carried the torch through towns and villages across the UK to celebrate the Olympics being held in London.
It was a special moment for Charlotte who was still grieving following the death of her mum just weeks before the run.
Charlotte running through Meneage Street in 2012 with the Olympic torch. Credit: YouTube
In a slight twist of fate, Charlotte sat her first council meeting on May 19 – ten years to the day she ran with the torch – something which she said was ‘quite emotional.’
Although she has now left the council, Charlotte said that she continues to be ‘committed’ to the Furry Youth Café a project set up in the old Warren’s Bakery on Meneage Street. The youth café is a place for young people aged between 11 and 18 to go where they can take part in educational activities and access health and well-being support.
Charlotte has now bid farewell to fellow councillors and the community. She said: “I will miss working with the councillors and local community.
“I will still be involved with the Youth Café in a voluntary capacity, and I appreciate the support of my fellow volunteers.
"I will reveal when the grand re-opening will be following the grand expansion.”
Helston mayor, Miles Kenchington thanked Charlotte her her contribution to the town's regeneration projects.
Cllr Kenchington said: "During Ms Caldwell's time with Helston Town Council in the role of project officer, she has been heavily involved in a variety of projects and activities.
"This includes the procurement and upgrading of the play area within the King George V gardens, to enable more inclusive and sade use by children and young people, the initiation of a project to provide a community cafe and new scout hut to the first stage of the reimaging of the Guildhall, and a whole variety of other projects, all helping the Council to move forward with its community-based provision."
"I would like to give my personal thanks for her hard work and commitment whilst in the role and wish her well in the new role with Redruth Town Council."
At Helston Town Council's latest full meeting, an interim projects officer was introduced by Cllr Kenchington and the deputy town clerk.
Richard James has stepped into the role and will be based in Helston until September.
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