Two community stalwarts have been honoured at the first ever Calstock Citizen of the Year Awards.

First responder and former butcher Michael Kinger won Citizen of the Year and Darren Tait of Darren’s Cars taxi company in St Ann’s Chapel was honoured with a special award of recognition for his astounding efforts in helping the Ukraine appeal in the last few months. He has made multiple trips to Poland to deliver aid and supplies to refugees. Darren’s award also serves as recogniton for his efforts in helping the Calstock parish community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing transportation and assistance to many vulnerable people struggling with the impact of lockdowns and restrictions.

The award presentations took place at the most recent Calstock Parish Council meeting, which was presided over by parish council chair Cllr Jim Wakem.

Before presenting Michael with his Citizen of the Year Award, Jim said: ‘I’ve known you for several years. Over the last 20 years you’ve been a first responder. You’ve even helped members of my family, I know several others you’ve assisted.

‘You ran your own business for many years. You’ve always been out through the night helping other people. It’s fantastic what you’ve done.

‘Not only have you been involved with that for the last 25 years you’ve been secretary of Gunnislake Football Club and that isn’t an easy job but luckily we’ve had a promotion to Piran’s League this year. It’s a privilege to pass this to you.’

When passed his award, Michael said: ‘This is an honour. I’m flattered and humbled. It’s certainly nice to be recognised but this isn’t the reason why we do what we do. I didn’t even know this was going to happen, we just got told to come to the meeting on an invite, so thank you!’

Michael has been involved in many community activities for a number of years; in addition to his football role he has also set up a local table tennis club. Michael has a been a first responder for the Calstock parish and surrounding area for many years.

Many people have been helped by Michael at all hours of the day and night. Long-time owners of the butcher’s on Fore Street in Gunnislake up until Michael’s retirement in 2020, both he and his wife Hazel would always go out of their way to serve their customers, making deliveries and holding a Christmas fund. He has also been a school governor at Gunnislake and supported charitable events with raffle donations for the Gunnislake community.

Cllr Wakem said before presenting Darren with a special award of recognition: ‘These two people have put in great effort over several years. Darren’s Ukraine effort with trips to Poland in the last two months has been tremendous whilst being a busy businessman running your business taxi fleet.

‘To dedicate the time to this appeal and get a team around you is absolutely fantastic. I know you’ve been overwhelmed by the support people in the parish have given you too with donations and supplies. Furthermore, you were a great asset to the community during the pandemic too, running a volunteer scheme helping vulnerable people get to medical appointments and picking up prescriptions and food parcels.

‘Everything was so difficult with tiers and restrictions and whenever people couldn’t get hold of anyone else for transport you were always the man at the end of the phone that helped out. Thank you for everything you’ve done over the last two years.’

Darren was joined by his wife Polly in collecting his award. Jim added: ‘As they say, behind every man is an even better woman.’

Upon receiving his special award, Darren said: ‘It’s really lovely to be recognised. Our group has grown considerably since we first started and there’s a lot of people I’ll be thanking and passing on thanks to.

‘It’s an honour to receive this.’

Darren will be making his third journey to the Poland on May 31 going into June 1 with a fleet of 15 vehicles as part of his ‘Sending Love to Ukraine’ initiative. Setting off from a unit in Kelly Bray at 5am, they will be met with other drivers in Exeter at Hertfordshire along the way to the cross-channel ferry at Dover. From there, they will continue their 2,500 mile journey across six countries.

Darren said: ‘We plan to board the ferry on the first, drop off our supplies in Warsaw on the third and head back on the fourth.

‘We’ll have 15 vans this time, all we need to do in the meantime is fill them. Hopefully we can bring more refugees back with us this time in search of a safe home.’