The Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Dr Richard Lewis, presented members of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team with 2023 King Charles III Coronation Medals at their new HQ in Brecon on Wednesday, 26 June.

Medals are issued to mark the occasion of a new monarch’s accession to the throne and are awarded to everyone involved with the Coronation ceremony; but also to serving members of the Armed Forces, and Frontline Emergency Services staff, including Mountain Rescue, who have completed at least five years of service. The tradition dates back to 1603 and the Coronation of King James I.

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team Chair of Trustees, Ashley Stamford-Plows said: “We were honoured to receive our Coronation Medals from the Chief Constable. We work very closely with colleagues from Dyfed-Powys Police, and so it was very fitting that he was the one to present these special medals.” 

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team is an emergency service staffed by 60 volunteers and funded entirely by donations. Mountain rescue services are free to those in need because the teams are staffed by volunteers.

However, equipment, vehicles and maintaining a headquarters all cost money, and the team volunteers must raise sufficient funds to maintain the service. It costs approximately £55,000 each year to keep Brecon Mountain Rescue Team operational.