A history enthusiast from Cury has been elected as deputy president of the Federation of the 46 Old Cornwall Societies.

Priscilla Oates, who was born and bred in the parish she still lives within, is president of Mullion Old Cornwall Society and The Homecomers – a group for Cornish people that have ‘come home’ after years away.’ Following her election she said: “I am looking forward to supporting the new president, Duncan Matthews of Liskeard, in his leadership of one of Cornwall's most important cultural organisations.”

Miss Oates credits two teachers for her love of the history of Cornwall, adding: “It was at Helston County Grammar School that I was introduced to the wonderful Old Cornwall movement by two members of staff, Richard Jenkin and Richard Gendall.”

After qualifying as a teacher herself, of science, she spent her working life in Hertfordshire.

This took her away from her beloved Cornwall, but she remained faithful to her homeland through the London Cornish Association, of which she became chairman. Also joining the Thames Valley Cornish Association, she served it as a committee member, and remains a member of both.

On returning home upon retirement, Miss Oates takes an active part in the Mullion community and is an area representative for the Cornwall Archaeological Society, district commissioner for The Lizard District Girl Guides, a churchwarden at Cury and a parish councillor.