Cornwall has a heritage of 'standards' or special flags for ceremonial use. These come out and are displayed at the main County events, and to see them processing at major formal events is rather wonderful!
The County Standard is only displayed when the County Commissioner is present, and similarly for the Division ones. They were lovingly made using correct heraldic principles, and each part has a meaning. The descriptions of these meanings are given below, beside a depiction of the flag itself. The Division standards each have the same two parts nearest the pole: the trefoil representing 'Girlguiding' and the shield with 15 bezants representing 'Cornwall', followed by a depiction of the local area.
At the hoist is our Guiding Trefoil, followed by the Black Shield with 15 Gold Bezants surmounted by a Coronet showing Cornwall to be part of a Royal Duchy.
Next comes the Guide Motto “Be Prepared” and the County Motto “One and All”. Between these is shown the top of a Celtic Cross.
The sword Excalibur is at the fly surrounded by five Choughs, birds associated with the County.
The Standard was made at the Convent of the Epiphany and dedicated in Truro Cathedral on 11th June 1956.