Pembrokeshire volunteers were celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at Letterston Hall.

The event on November 17 was organised by PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) 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.

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, November 20 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 on www.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 protected] or phone PAVS on 01437 769722.