The contribution of volunteers from across the county was celebrated on Thursday, 6 June at the twelfth annual Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The ceremony, arranged by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), was held at Dering Lines in Brecon. The event was attended by 125 volunteers and guests, including His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Tia Jones, and High Sheriff of Powys, Lady Kathryn Silk JP.
The awards celebrate individual and group contributions of volunteers in eight categories. In March, Powys residents were invited to nominate volunteers in their communities who go above and beyond expectation. Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by panels of experts who, after careful consideration, selected finalists and the eventual winners.
An overall winner was awarded the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award. Nominees for the award were chosen by panel members.
The evening was hosted by Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, and Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees. Master of Ceremonies was Sergeant Major Daniel Freeman. Guests were entertained by local musician Sam Powell who was on one of the judging panels and volunteered his time to perform.
Clair Swales, PAVO CEO, said: “Everyone who was put forward for an award should be very proud.
“We had a large number of nominations and our panels had a difficult time selecting our finalists and eventual winners. It is always a humbling process.
“Congratulations to all our winners and a huge thank you to all our Powys volunteers.
“And we are very grateful to all our event sponsors Castel Howell, EvaBuild, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, and main sponsor Warma UK for their generous support.”
Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees, said: “This is my third Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards as PAVO Chair of Trustees and it is always emotional to see the human impact of volunteering. Thank you to all the volunteers across the county for everything you do.
“An incredible amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make the night happen so thank you to everyone involved. And thank you to PAVO staff for all your hard work year round.”
The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team (SMWCRT) took home the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award on the night.
SMWCRT volunteer Dan Thorne said: “We’re shocked and delighted to receive the PAVO Outstanding Contribution Award. There are so many deserving people in the room tonight.
“It is really lovely to be recognised. We normally work in the dark underground so it is nice to be seen.”
Full list of winners:
Inspiring Local Group / Club – Individual - Meiriona Davies.
Meiriona supports unpaid young and adult carers in Ystradgynlais, leading a weekly group for carers. She is a voice for unpaid carers on Powys Regional Partnership Board and the Age Well Board.
Her nominator said: ‘She has care running through her like a stick of rock. She is a legend.’
Award presented by Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards sponsor Warma UK.
Inspiring Local Group / Club – Group - The Big Friendly Group (BFG)
The Big Friendly Group is an addiction recovery, mental health and veterans group that provides a seven-day-a-week drop-in centre working in partnership with Llanfaes Church. They also maintain the church and churchyard and organise workshops.
Their nominator said: “The community spirit within the group is spilling out into the rest of the community.”
Award presented by Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards sponsor Warma UK.
Enriching Lives through Arts and Culture - Individual - Stella Gratix
Stella conducts three choirs, organises an annual arts & crafts fair in Llanidloes, as well as supporting her local twinning association, gardening club, history club and Lluest Horse & Pony Club. Stella says ‘My greatest joy is helping others’.
Her nominator said: “She makes a huge difference to the local community.”
Award presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Tia Jones.
Enriching Lives through Arts and Culture - Group - The Quilt Association
The Quilt Association volunteers based at the Minerva Arts Centre in Llanidloes are responsible for the day to day running of the charity and building, along with organising exhibits of quilt work from around the world.
Their nominator said ‘ They are an exceptional group of women.’
Award presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Tia Jones.
Excellent Committee member / trustee - Cerian Martin
Cerian has been a Trustee for Brecon Volunteer Bureau since 2015 and is currently Treasurer, bringing her organisational skills and common sense approach to the role.
Her nominator stated: “Without her the organisation would not have survived the last few years.”
Award presented by PAVO CEO Clair Swales.
Exceptional Young Person / People - Lowri Bayliss
Year 12 A-level student Lowri is a volunteer rugby coach for Builth Wells RFC and has inspired many girls to be active in the sport. She wants to encourage sport for all, no matter their size, age, gender or physical ability.
Her nominator said: “She shows me what the future of sport, health and physical activity can look like for Powys and Wales.”
Award presented by Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees.
Excellence in Health and Wellbeing – Individual - Angharad Davies
Angharad is a volunteer breastfeeding peer mentor and lead facilitator of the weekly Llandrindod Bibs Groups which supports new parents with their breastfeeding journey.
Her nominator said: “Angharad is a constant silent support. I don’t think she really understands how valued her work is.”
Award presented by Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees.
Excellence in Health and Wellbeing – Group - The Arches Community Transport Drivers
Based at The Arches Community Support Support in Rhayader, the community transport drivers provide community transport via Dial a Ride and the community car scheme. Including early morning pickups for regular dialysis runs to hospitals.
Their nominator said: “They are the best. They keep the community on the move.”
Award presented by Jamie Burt, PAVO Chair of Trustees.
Outstanding Contribution and recipient of the High Sheriff certificate of recognition - South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team
The South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team work tirelessly throughout the year helping people - and animals - trapped underground. The group - currently comprising 145 volunteers - have been saving lives for over 70 years.
Their nominator said: “They are a humble group, not seeking attention, not shouting about what they do, yet when called to action they react with the utmost dedication and commitment to help others in need.”
Award presented by the High Sheriff of Powys, Lady Kathryn Silk.