On 16th October, employees, volunteers, supporters and past clients gathered at the stunning Boconnoc Estate to mark our 20th anniversary. We came together to acknowledge the people, partnerships and support that have made us into the charity you see today. There were tears and laughter around the room as everyone re-united and reminisced.
Cornish initiative
It was only fitting to celebrate in Cornwall. This all started as a Cornish initiative when the first hub opened in Bodmin in 2005, soon spreading into Devon with Plymouth (2006), and then Truro (2012), Newton Abbot (2018) and Exeter (2023). Much of this success is down to the 446 volunteers, recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017.
Goodbye to our Chair of the Board, Tim
Retiring Chair, Tim Auburn, has been with us on the journey the whole way. He shared his early memories of Debbie and a couple of volunteers in our tiny office in Bodmin, emphasising that a great oak has now grown from a tiny acorn. Everyone expressed their heartfelt thanks to Tim for all his support, dedication and hard work. We welcomed Louise Clements, our new Chair.
Big round of applause for Carole Edwards
A big round of applause went to Carole Edwards, previous CEO and current Bid Writer, for her 20 years of dedicated service. Over the years, she has raised around £2.5 million, enabling this charity to be here for people in crisis in court. Carole will be retiring at the end of November. We are so grateful for all her pioneering work to enable us to grow into an established charity.
Highlight of the day
The highlight of the day was when volunteer Kelly Peake spoke movingly about her years separated from her children and in and out of prison – inspiration that it’s never too late to change:
I’m living proof that life does not need to be over if you end up in court. CASS+ has shown me that I’m a valuable person. My past does not define my future.
Humanity is at the heart of our values
Steve Parker, CEO, thanked everyone for all their support:
Humanity is the heart of our values. This is all about supporting people. Thank you to our brilliant team. This is what happens when people believe in the possibility of change.
Huge thanks to all our supporters for making this happen
Thankfully, anonymous gifts made this special event possible. Also, big thanks to Geraint Richards, High Sheriff of Cornwall. In his words:
It’s a great comfort to know that people going through the justice system can get this advice and compassion. They will not walk alone because CASS+ is here. This is a remarkable achievement.
Furthermore, we are indebted to Colonel Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, for making this happen. In his own words:
The court system is not easy, but CASS+ is here to ease the process and, ultimately, to save lives.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge Sam Goldsworthy, previous High Sheriff of Cornwall, who suggested that we mark our 20th anniversary in this way. Film and photography were made possible by Arts University Plymouth, enabling us to work with two brilliant volunteer students, Erin Li (film), and Ruby Crook (photography). This photo was taken by Ruby. Last but by no means least, a big thank you to Asda in Bodmin for kindly donating our non-alcoholic drinks. Out of respect for the people who come through our door, the event remained alcohol free.
Stunning location
None of this would have been possible without the Fortescue family and the Boconnoc Estate. To enjoy such a stunning location in the autumn sunshine was a real treat for our team of staff and volunteers who face the harsh realities of our courts on a daily basis.
We are so thankful for everyone’s kindness and generosity.
Photo credit: Ruby Crook