Pembrokeshire volunteers were celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held on 17th November at Letterston Hall. The event was organised by PAVS and kindly supported by South Hook LNG as part of their ongoing commitment to local community projects.
The venue was beautifully laid out and decorated by a team of PAVS staff – supported by some keen helpers from Fishguard & District Round Table. Approximately 100 volunteers and guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Fairfield Caterers, then entertained by the very talented, Paul Sartori Community Choir, who gave a wonderful performance and even got the audience participating!
There were seven categories of awards, and the standard of nominations was very high again this year – making it very hard for the judges. Sue Leonard, Chief Officer of PAVS, spoke about each of the finalists and the extraordinary contribution their volunteering makes to local communities. Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG’s PR Manager, commented “Congratulations to PAVS and all of those nominated. These Awards celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers across our County and South Hook is pleased to have been able to support such a positive event.”
Each award was presented by a special guest presenter and following the presentation of each award, the winners were interviewed by Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio and told him their volunteering stories. These uplifting, touching stories were broadcast on the Pure West Radio ‘Look Back’ show on Sunday 20th November and are available on Podcast. Pure West Radio also broadcast the Awards live for those who couldn’t make it to Letterston, the Ceremony is still available to watch again here https://connectpembrokeshire.org.uk/pavs-volunteer-awards-2022 .
The finalists were as follows:
Mike Beckett Award (youth group aged under 25)
Winners - Milford Youth Matters - Youth Volunteer Group
Presented by: Gwen Beckett
Young volunteer (under 25)
Winner: Ethan Roberts – Milford Youth Matters
Highly Commended:
Elly Neville – Ward 10 Flag
Enfys Skipper – Pembrokeshire Care Share & Give, St Johns Ambulance & Tenby Lions
Presented by: Toby Ellis Pure West Radio
Trustee/ Board Award
Winners: Trustees of Eglwyswrw Community Association
Highly Commended: Elsa Davies – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust
Commended:
Josh Beynon - The VC Gallery
Ray Burgess - The Welsh Spitfire Museum
Presented by: Charles Carter Chair of Trustees PAVS
Long Service Award
Winner: Gill Jones - Pembrokeshire Care Share and Give (and other groups)
Highly Commended: Rhian Howells – 1st Letterston Brownies
Commended: Jean Ratcliffe - Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire
Liz Mills - Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire
Presented by: Sue James-Davies – longest serving member of PAVS staff
Mary Sigley Award
Winner: Andy Bunston- The VC Gallery
Highly Commended:
Jeffrey Turner – Paul Sartori Foundation
Roy Honey – Pembrokeshire Foodbank
Presented by: Cllr Neil Prior
Individual Over 25
Winner: – John Walker-Smith: Tenby Memory Café (and other groups)
Highly Commended: Sonya Bridges - Pembrokeshire Baby Bank
Commended:
Joan Brenton - Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire
Mike Howells - Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire
Presented by: Cllr Michelle Bateman
Group Over 25
Winner: Bereavement Support Group volunteers – Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity
Highly Commended: Photo-ID volunteers/ Sea Trust Wales
Commended:
The VC Gallery Dig For Victory Volunteers
Presented by: Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG
For more information about volunteering in Pembrokeshire contact email volunteering@pavs.org.uk or phone PAVS on 01437 769722
Photo captions:
- Category winner 'Bereavement Support Group volunteers – Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity' with South Hook's Mariam Dalziel and Chris Harries
- Nominees and category winners with PAVS and South Hook
For more information about Volunteering for Pembrokeshire and this event please contact:
Louise Wilkinson
36-38 High Street, Haverfordwest, SA61 2DA
01437 769422 / 07790 809768
PAVS is the County Voluntary Council for Pembrokeshire supporting voluntary action within the county.
