Freedom of the Town, has been formally returned to Penzance

Photo: From left to right: ETWE Callum Ward, Lt Owen Leo Moore, Lieutenant Commander Trevor Brookes, Commodore Jamie Miller CBE DL, Cllr Simon Reed (Mace Bearer), Cllr Stephen Reynolds (Mayor of Penzance), Talan Richards (Mace Bearer), James Hardy (Town Clerk), Cllr Joan Beveridge, Cllr Nadine Tonner, Cllr Nicole Broadhurst, Cllr Penny Osborne – Credit: Penzance Council

Ceremony marks the return of Freedom of the Town and ship’s artefacts

HMS Penzance has formally returned the Freedom of the Town to Penzance, following its decommissioning earlier this year after 27 years of service. The symbolic handover took place during a small ceremony at St John’s Hall on the morning of 12 September 2024.

Historic Links Honoured

Lieutenant Commander Trevor Brookes, Resident Naval Officer, alongside former crew members ET(WE) Wall and Lieutenant Owen Leo Moore RN, presented the Freedom of the Town back to Penzance’s Mayor, Stephen Reynolds. Along with the formal return, they also handed over the ship’s bell, honours board, and name plates as significant artefacts from the decommissioned Sandown Class minehunter.

In exchange, Stephen Reynolds presented a framed photograph of Penzance Harbour at sunrise, featuring St Michael’s Mount, as a gesture to mark the long-standing bond between the ship and the town.

Distinguished Guests and Attendees

The ceremony, held in the heart of the town, was attended by prominent local and national figures. These included the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, Commodore Jamie Miller CBE DL, representatives from the RNLI Penlee Lifeboat, and members of the Mousehole and Madron & Heamoor Royal British Legions. In addition, the event saw the attendance of the Penzance Old Cornwall Society, as well as current councillors, former mayors, and Honorary Freemen of the Parish.

📷HMS Penzance handing back the Freedom of the Town ceremony in front of St John's Hall, Penzance, on Thursday 12 September 2024. Lt Cdr Trevor Brookes is joined by Commodore Miller, Lt Owen Leo Moore and ETWE Callum Ward to hand back the Freedom of the Town to Mayor of Penzance, Councillor Stephen Reynolds in a short ceremony following the de-commission of HMS Penzance earlier this year.

Photo: Group photograph inside St John’s Hall of all the attendees and representatives from local community organisations – Photo Credit: Penzance Council

27 Years of Service

HMS Penzance, launched by Princess Michael of Kent in March 1997, was known for its role in numerous deployments, particularly in the Gulf. The ship played a vital role in global maritime security and multinational exercises. After a distinguished 27-year career, it was decommissioned in January 2024, bringing an end to an era for the Royal Navy and the town that shared its name.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, reflected on the town’s deep connection to the sea, saying: “Penzance throughout its history has looked to the sea, for food, for trade and even to watch out against foreign raiders. So, it has been marvellous to have a ship of the Royal Navy named after us for so long.”

Looking Forward

While the people of Penzance say goodbye to HMS Penzance, the hope remains that a fifth vessel will eventually carry the name of the town. Stephen Reynolds expressed gratitude for the town’s association with the ship, remarking: “I am honoured to have received, on behalf of the people of Penzance, these physical reminders of the close association between the town and the vessel that bore its name.”

The ship’s bell, name plates, and honours board will be carefully stored with the intention of making them available for public display in the near future.