Tribute to Falmouth macebearer Terry Pond: funeral details

Terry Pond made his first official appearance in the role back in 1973, and over the following half a century he went on to serve 15 different town mayors.

They included Geoffrey Evans for 11 of those years and, more recently, Steve Eva for four. His last official engagement as macebearer was the mayor-making ceremony for Kirstie Edwards in May.

Terry carrying out his last official duties in May this year (Image: Supplied)

Last year, at the Remembrance Sunday service in Kimberley Park, Terry was made a Freeman of Falmouth, in recognition of his unwavering service to the town.

Despite Terry’s health deteriorating over the last few years, he continued to attend as many civic events as possible, supported by his wife Margaret, son Sean, daughters Sarah and Sharon and his eight grandchildren.

In 2021 he spent five months in hospital after falling very ill with Covid, but in September that year he was able to return to civic duties for the Sea Sunday parade.

Terry was macebearer for Steve Eva over four years (Image: Supplied)

It was a proud moment when his son Sean also became a town macebearer, continuing the family tradition.

Following the news of his passing on Thursday last week, September 28, Falmouth Town Council has now paid tribute.

Speaking on behalf of everyone at the council, mayor Kirstie Edwards: “Everyone at Falmouth Town Council is deeply saddened to learn of Terry’s passing.

Terry was a macebearer for Falmouth for 50 years (Image: Supplied)

“As official macebearer to the mayor’s office for over five decades, Terry was the embodiment of civic duty.

“Falmouth born and bred, he was proud of his town and took pride in its traditions. His reputation for insisting that all his mayors, and other robed dignitaries, were properly attired before a civic event could get underway, served him, and us, very well.

“To be honest it’s hard to imagine a civic ceremony in Falmouth without Terry, although he was undoubtedly proud that his son Sean has chosen to carry on the family tradition of macebearing.

Terry seeing Geoffrey Evans sworn in as mayor for an 11th time, in 2013 (Image: Supplied)

“Terry’s last official engagement was my mayor making at the Princess Pavilion back in May and it was an honour to have him there.

“On behalf of Falmouth Town Council and all the mayors that Terry served before me, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the service Terry has given to our town, the mayor’s office and Falmouth’s civic traditions over the last 50 years. He will be greatly missed. “Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Terry with his family after being made a Freeman of Falmouth (Image: Supplied)

Terry’s funeral will be held at The Falmouth Salvation Army Church next Wednesday, October 11 at 10am, followed by a private, family internment at Falmouth Cemetery.

The family has requested family flowers only at the funeral, but donations can be made in lieu, if desired, for Action for Pulmanory Fibroisis. These can be made via the retiring collection at the funeral, or sent care of Kingsley Tresidder Funeral Service, Mill Stream Funeral Home, Mill Yard, Ponsanooth, TR3 7EF.