A well-known community figure and co-founder of Plympton’s Foodbank is among 16 people in Devon this year to have been awarded the prestigious Companion of St Boniface award.
Phil Smith co-founded the Plympton Foodbank, run by the Plympton Team Ministry, at the start of the first lockdown, securing grant funding and building a team of volunteers.
Parishioner and former Stannator of Plympton Pat Ridgway said:
“It has gone from strength to strength and Phil has reached out to many lonely and desperate people.”
St Mary’s Infants and Old Priory Junior Academy headteacher Suzie Ottewell who played a key part in Phil’s nomination for the award added:
“His work has inspired many people, including children, to give up their time to this charitable cause.”
Phil has also built the church’s online presence, facilitating church services and meetings on Zoom, something so many members of the congregation would be lost without.
Phil is also churchwarden at St Mary’s where he has overseen the creation of a new church hall community garden and is known for his cheerfulness.
The Rev’d Prebendary Robert Harris commented:
“Phil is a real example of someone who serves the people of Devon with joy. He has undertaken all that he has done in the past year with passion, enthusiasm and commitment. He has spent many hours each week carrying out these tasks as he lives out his faith and mission.”
This year’s 16 winners were nominated from across Devon and were admitted into the Company of St Boniface by the Bishop of Exeter in a special service held at Exeter Cathedral on June 19.
The annual awards, to recognise people from the Church of England who have gone above and beyond to serve their churches, church schools and communities, are named after the patron saint of Devon.
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, was one of the awards judges. She said:
“St Boniface is an inspiration, not least for his courage and perseverance in sharing the love of Christ with all, wanting the best for those he served.
“Receiving the award is a recognition of the courage and perseverance shown today, by people who demonstrate that same love of Jesus in their words and actions.
“All those receiving the award are an inspiration in their service of God and neighbour.”
Phil himself was typically keen to play down his award and recognise the contribution of others at the Plympton Foodbank.
He said:
“I must point out that we were only able to do so much as Rika from Saltash Foodbank, and their chair of trustees, allowed us to act as a distribution centre under their administration for six months. We have been blessed by Rika, who is a Plympton resident, and all the volunteers and donors including especially John Govier (previously of the Brook Inn) for massive generosity! I accepted the award on behalf of all!”
(Story courtesy of The Plympton Podcast)
