Sam Groom awarded BEM

Sam Groom is presented with a British Empire Medal

On behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Colonel Edward Bolitho has presented Samantha Groom with a British Empire Medal, for services to Tourism in Falmouth and Cornwall.

The medal for local heroes acknowledges the dedication and hard work many provide to their community across many sectors of society. Amongst family, friends and work colleagues, Sam received the award in recognition of her recent management of some of Cornwall’s highest profile events.

With her personal leadership, moral authority, clear vision, focus and exemplary organisational skills, Sam ensured that the Falmouth to Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta 2014 was delivered to an outstandingly high standard. The event attracted nearly 200,000 visitors and was widely acknowledged as one of the most successful ever seen on British waters. Through her personal encouragement, the Regatta captured the commitment and ingenuity of every part of the community and achieved unparalleled economic and social benefits for the people of Cornwall and Falmouth in particular.

She has also played a key role in the successful delivery of many other major events such as Day One of the Olympic Torch Relay, which attracted one billion global viewers and generated over £17 million in PR coverage for the county.

Sam said “This has been a very special day for me, I am absolutely thrilled to receive a British Empire Medal but I wanted to acknowledge that I couldn’t have achieved the results without the support of many others, all of whom helped to deliver their success. Today has been about celebrating our collective contribution to Falmouth and Cornwall”.

Over 100 people gathered at The Greenbank Hotel to celebrate with Sam and the afternoon’s festivities were topped off with a loud and jovial finale from Falmouth Marine Band, dressed in fitting Cornish Tartan.