Local Heroes – Seat Nomination Winners Julyan Drew

So many wonderful, deserving men and women of Cornwall received nominations to be recognised as our Name a Seat Local Heroes. We are very proud to be able to honour some of them in our new auditorium and it wasn't an easy feat to decide on our ten! Our county is packed with acheivements, philanthropy and lasting legacies. Today we introduce you to our fifth local hero, not just a hero but one of only 1000 Cornish Bard's. Introducing.... drumroll please... REVEREND JULYAN DREW

The late Reverend Julyan Drew was a proud Cornishman and a much loved an respected member of the local community in the West of Cornwall. He was married to Liz and had three children Talwyn, Trevelyan and Tremaen who all live in Newlyn. His children gave him six grandchildren Kaydy, Logan, Eden, Bronnen, Tate and Jacob who he adored.

Julyan was an active member of Mebyon Kernow and was chairman from 1983 to 1985. His employment included Social Services in a childrens home, teaching assistant, builder & social work assistant at West Cornwall Hospital, to name a few. Julyan became a lay preacher in the Methodist Church in 1990s and was ordained as a methodist minister for 22 years in the West Cornwall circuit. Julyan took a very active role in the local community, being Chaplain for Penzance Town Council, the RNLI Penlee lifeboat and the Cornwall fire brigade supporting stations in Penzance, St Just and St Ives.

Julyan was an enthusiastic singer and was a member of Newlyn Male Voice Choir and Govenek Choir. He was president of Mousehole male voice choir, a role which he undertook with his usual good humour and enthusiasm.

Julyan was honoured to be invited to be made a Cornish Bard (Seeker of the light - his Bard name was Hwilor an Golow) and arrangements were made to have the ceremony at his home in Newlyn due to his failing health. Julyan was a campainer for social justice and was honoured to be the first Grenfell Community Hero in recognition of the support he gave the bereaved families who lived in the Grenfell Tower.

Julyan passed away at St Julia's hospice on the 25th July 2019 as a result of Bowel Cancer. He is greatly missed by the local community particularly Newlyn and Mousehole area and by his family.