Mayor’s Citizenship Awards Celebrate Local Heroes
Outstanding volunteers, charity champions and other individuals and groups that are making a positive impact in local communities have been honoured at Borough Council’s annual Mayor’s Citizenship Awards.
Mayor of Bridgend County Borough, Councillor Richard Young, who presented the awards, said: “Each year, the residents of Bridgend County Borough are asked to nominate those who go the extra mile and make a real difference in their communities. The awards give us a chance to say thanks and give them the appreciation that they deserve. Congratulations to each and every winner.”
The winners were…
Penny Alford: Everybody needs good neighbours, and Penny is just that. She lives in a Pyle retirement housing complex with her husband, and has for many years helped the other older residents with their cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing and shopping. She is a lifeline to so many and even helps to drum up community spirit by running a weekly coffee morning and volunteering with the local gardening club.
Mickey Banks: Mickey has been involved with the Caerau Bowls Club for 30 years, spending the last two decades as their secretary. Over that time, he has introduced hundreds of children to the sport of bowls, helping to produce three junior Welsh champions and one British indoor champion.
Patricia and John Bevan & Clive and Gillian Finch: These are four of the longest serving foster carers in the county borough who deserve recognition for the way they have made a difference to dozens of children’s lives by providing stable and loving homes for them.
Debbie Bryn: Debbie has re-opened and revitalised the Wildmill Youth Club, helping young people to try new activities, improve their job prospects and grow into responsible and caring adults.
Elle Edwards: Described as a ‘truly remarkable young lady’, this Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen student acts as the voice of her peers through her involvement in a number of school groups. She also volunteers at a local community sports club for young children, helps elderly neighbours with their shopping and gardening tasks, and is a committed charity fundraiser.
Jean Humphreys: After losing her husband four years ago, Jean set up a fundraising group for Marie Curie in Porthcawl which has so far raised over £57,000, which equates to paying for 2951 hours of nursing care for people living with a terminal illness. Jean has also highlighted the needs of carers across the country through her work with Carers UK.
Andrew James: The driving force behind Caerau Growers, a voluntary group that organises regular events to promote healthy eating in the local community, and the benefits of growing your own fruit and vegetables.
Lee Jukes: Local radio DJ who always goes above and beyond the call of duty, showing selflessness and compassion to help raise thousands for local charities. His enthusiasm to support others is relentless.
Helen Llewelyn: An outstanding ambassador for Bettws, Helen is being honoured for her extensive volunteering at Bettws Primary School. Helen is an ever-present at the school, always on hand to support pupils and staff. She is someone who will always go that extra mile.
Patria Moore: When she first became involved with Blaengarw Rugby Club it was in a very dilapidated condition with no heating or water. Out of her own money, ‘Tria’ paid the water bill and repaired the heating, and from there she has been the bedrock for helping the club to thrive and be used by all ages in the local community.
Marjorie Nash: For more than 20 years, Heronsbridge School in Bridgend has been a large part of Marjorie’s life. Her involvement has helped the school to establish itself as one of the most outstanding special needs schools in the UK.
Zoe Piper: Around three years ago, Zoe set up a support group for local families who are affected by ADHD. She works extremely hard to raise awareness and understanding of ADHD, providing activities so that children with ADHD can get together, feel comfortable, and not be judged.
Mark Rees: Maesteg’s very own Mr Motivator, Mark has been a fitness instructor at Maesteg Sports centre for 23 years. He has boundless enthusiasm and teaches classes every day of the week. He is being rewarded with a Mayor’s Citizenship Award for the way he has inspired and helped all ages to keep fit and healthy over such a long period of time.
Ann Shillaker: Ann has devoted herself to sustained and selfless voluntary service in Porthcawl for over 20 years, and has been at the forefront of two of the county borough’s leading carers charities which provide respite services.
Steve Tallis: Steve does a remarkable job at the Military Preparation College in Bridgend by helping young people on the path to a career in the Armed Forces. He goes well above the call of duty and his efforts are much appreciated by the local community.
Carl Tidball: As the voluntary leader of a Caerau based street dance group, Carl is inspiring over 100 young people to bust out their finest dance moves each week! The UDC dance group members enjoy regular success in competitions and this is down in no small part to Carl’s efforts.
Brian Walters: Brian shows tremendous commitment to the Pumas Sports Club that provides multi-sports for people with a variety of learning difficulties. Brian’s enthusiasm helps to get the best out of the club’s members who compete in competitions including the Rotary Games.
Felicity Watkins: Felicity is picking up her award in honour of her excellent citizenship which includes being involved in the Solid Rock Youth Centre in Bridgend, running a junior reading group, and raising money for the Tynycoed Surgery in Sarn.
Ryan Wood: Ryan has been described as the life and soul of the music community in Maesteg – quite some feat when you consider the musical talent that is in abundance in the Llynfi Valley. He founded the ‘Noteworthy’ mixed voice choir that is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and he has played an integral role in a vast number of local events.
Maesteg Children’s Choir: The choir recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and during that time it has given nearly 400 young people aged from eight to 18 the chance to harness the power of music and song. With each performance the choir makes an outstanding contribution to the local community, and means so much to so many people.
Noddfa Kids Club: A group of volunteers who run a club for children aged from five to 11 in Caerau. Around 40 youngsters attend each week and are able to enjoy a range of activities that help with their personal, social and educational development.
Ogmore Valley PRIIDE: From digging community gardens to weekly litter picking and cooking Christmas dinners for the elderly, this small group of volunteers work tirelessly and are wonderful ambassadors for the Ogmore Valley.
Tenovus Cancer Care ‘Sing with us’ Bridgend choir: Now into its third year, the choir is making a huge impact locally, not just by being prolific fundraisers to help continue the vital Tenovus services, but by providing a fun supportive environment for cancer patients and their families to get together and sing each week.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
