Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for charitable services to Bannau Brycheiniog.

Upon receiving the news, Cllr Ratcliffe said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed to have received this award. I feel a bit of a fraud, to be honest, but I’m truly humbled.”

A community figure in the area, he joined Dyfed-Powys Police as a special constable in Hay in 1999 at the age of 18/19, and then Brecon. In 2001, he decided to explore community council roles and joined Hay Town Council.

He became Mayor of Hay at 23. During that time, Hay was twinned with Timbuktu.

In 2008, he stood for County Council and was elected to represent the residents of Hay. He described this as a “whirlwind experience” and he became a board member under the old local government system.

Cllr Ratcliffe also joined the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA), where he served for many years, albeit with a one-year gap due to political changes.

He spoke on his journey, saying: “I’ve held several roles over the years, including Chair of Powys County Council, Cabinet Member, and a representative on the Fire Authority and BBNPa National, at the BBNPA I served on various committees, became Deputy Chair around 2015/16, and eventually served as Chair.

“I navigated the authority through significant challenges, including COVID-19, the loss of a Chief Executive, and a cyberattack that wiped out key documents. Post-COVID, I supported strategic decisions to address critical issues with the help of the Welsh Auditor Office and Welsh Government guidance.

“Locally in Hay, it has been my honor and privilege to serve. I’m currently Chair of Hay St Mary’s Football Club, though I’ll be stepping down in the new year after supporting them through a transitional period. I also chair Hay Youth Club, which was established three years ago in response to community demand. The club now supports up to 60 children every Tuesday, offering a safe and engaging environment.

“I’m a trustee of Hay Swimming Pool, which was saved from closure in 2012 thanks to community efforts. The pool now operates with volunteers, providing invaluable swimming opportunities for children. I also enjoy getting involved in community clean-up efforts and spend at least one Sunday a month weeding and tidying while engaging with residents.”

The councillor has been a governor at Gwernyfed High School and previously at Hay Primary School.

He is a trustee of the Royal British Legion Hub in Hay and has the honour of carrying the Legion Standard at remembrance events to honour our fallen soldiers.

Speaking on what is next for him, Cllr Ratcliffe said: “I’m not entirely sure. I hope to attend the palace with my partner and children, but we’ll see if the little ones are up for it.

“Receiving this award was a complete surprise - I shed a tear when I opened the letter. It’s been an incredible honour and privilege, and I’m truly grateful for everyone’s support."