Clem Talbot, founder of the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic, was today honoured for the outstanding support he has provided to the community through this annual golf tournament and the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Foundation.He was given the latest Bermuda CableVision Community Service Award at a ceremony held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute this morning.Mr Talbot said: “I am surprised, but honoured, to receive this award. Besides the financial support that the tournament has been able to extend to local causes, I am most proud of the added value that it has provided. The competition brings together people from across the Island, from all backgrounds and walks of life, facilitating the forging of new friendships and promoting mutual respect among those who attend.”Terry Roberson, General Manager of Bermuda CableVision, said: “CableVision is proud to have supported the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic for a number of years and, as a result, I have had the pleasure of working with Clem on a number of occasions.“He is a true local hero and an inspiration to others a perfect candidate for this award. Through founding this event and the Foundation, his voluntary work has touched every corner of this community and fulfilled a variety of needs. He has also laid strong foundations for the future by supporting the academic educations, and golf, musical and performing arts talents of over 50 young Bermudians.”The first golf tournament organised by Clem in honour of his father, Ross “Blackie” Talbot of The Talbot Brothers, took place in 1993. Clem decided to mark his father’s 75th birthday by bringing together friends, colleagues and family for a social golf game at Castle Harbour.In addition to paying their green fees, celebrants decided to donate funds to charity to mark the occasion. The success of the event led to it being held the following year, this time with the express purpose of raising money for local charities, and then annually ever since under Clem’s direction.In its nearly 20-year history, the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic, has gone on to become one of the Island’s largest and most successful fundraising events. It has raised more than $3 million for more than 75 Bermuda charities.In addition, the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Charity Classic and the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Foundation combined have provided more than $500,000 in education, musical and performing arts scholarship awards. The event also supported 1,000 individual families in the wake of Hurricane Fabian through the provision of deeply discounted gas generators.In honour of Clem Talbot’s achievements, Bermuda CableVision made a $1,000 donation to the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Foundation.