Feeling chuffed with their recent achievements, and ready to toast their new sponsorship partnership with The Beat, it was certainly time for a good celebration for the Lanivet Pandas. More than 60 members and supporters attended the presentation evening, with owner of The Beat, Robin Askwith on hand to help present the awards.

Robin said: “I’m excited to build a strong partnership with the Pandas who like ourselves are a progressive community led group. It’s been fantastic meeting the members. I instantly felt the great atmosphere and support shown for each other. It’s an exciting future for us both.”

Pandas chairman Tiff Sweet gave thanks to her committee, umpires, coaches and the hard working volunteers, before announcing the annual awards. It was a night to remember for the club’s vice-chairman Karen Scott of Lanivet, who received the prestigious Panda of the Year accolade presented by last year’s winner Julie Emery alongside the chairman.

Julie said: "Karen works tirelessly for the club and all our members. She’s ensured that our steady pace sessions continue to grow. This is a unique group compared to other netball bodies in Cornwall. It’s highly valued by those not ready for walking netball but in need of a slower pace, proving incredibly positive for physical and mental wellbeing.”

It was a poignant moment when committee member Vicki Luck of Bodmin stepped forward to present the inaugural Jim Luck award for ‘Fair Play’, in memory of her brother. Jim was an avid netball fan, supporting Vicki on her netball journey including representing the Pandas and training to become an umpire.

Vicki said: “Jim loved the ethos of the Pandas and his award for ‘Fair Play’ fits in so well with our club. The ‘Fair Play’ award will ensure my brother’s memory is preserved and celebrated in his spirit for years to come. He was my greatest supporter and made me feel like anything is possible, to keep trying but to always play fair.“This award is specifically for ‘Fair Play’ and the first recipient is someone who consistently plays in a fair and friendly manner. She follows the rules, is an amazing player, plays so elegantly, is a wonderful person inside and out includes everybody even if they are less experienced with patience and a whole lot of love. She is a credit to the Lanivet Pandas as a whole.”

It was Hannah Steadman who received this year's 'Fair Play' award, who was described as promoting 'the spirit of fair play, upholding it with dignity regardless of the outcome of the game'.

Lanivet Pandas Netball is dedicated to promoting sport, fun, inclusion and competition for all ages and abilities alongside a popular social calendar. This community club welcomes a wide membership aged from 16 to 70 plus participating in walking, steady pace, social pay and play and league netball.The club are grateful to The Beat and to longstanding partners Tregullan Holidays, Williams Construction; Cornish Lime, Jason Bellenger Tree Surveys and The Lanivet Inn.

For more information about the Lanivet Pandas, go to https://www.facebook.com/lanivetpandas/