NOMINEES and winners of Pembrokeshire Volunteering Awards in 2020 and 2021 were invited to celebrate in style with mocktails, cakes, bingo, live music and dancing.

Every year PAVS organise the Pembrokeshire Volunteering Awards, which for many years have been supported by South Hook LNG, as part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to the local community. The purpose of this award scheme is to recognise and celebrate the real difference volunteers make to communities in Pembrokeshire and to themselves.

Throughout lockdown volunteers continued to support people in their communities, were ‘redeployed’ or took on other roles if they were unable to continue in their ‘normal’ roles. Some were completely new to Volunteering but decided they wanted to help , some are still volunteering two years later. Many who had to take a break from their volunteering have returned to their ‘normal’ role/s with enthusiasm.

In 2020 and 2021 the award ceremonies had to be online, with a promise made to the volunteers (nominees and winners) there would have a face-to-face event to celebrate their achievements.

The event, which took place on July 5, was shared with unpaid Carers and those they Care for (who are supported by the Dementia Supportive Communities Development Officer), some of whom have not been able to attend an event like this for over two years as many services, clubs and activities had to pause due to lockdowns. 

Wolfscastle Country Hotel was an excellent hosting venue and guests were able to enjoy a mocktail while walking around the garden before the event began. Music was performed by the effervescent Billy Cole, who managed a few jokes in between songs, and even got people up dancing.

Some wonderful prizes were won during the Bingo (expertly hosted by Delme Harries and PAVS’s own Nia George).  Including a hamper by Morrisons, vouchers from Vaughans, Vincent Davies, St Brides Hotel, Tesco and tickets from Heatherton, Folly Farm, Blue Lagoon, and Manor Wildlife Park.

Louise Wilkinson, Volunteering Development Officer at PAVS, said:

“It is great to finally be able to have this celebration event. It felt very special to be able to get together in this way. We couldn’t have done it without the support of South Hook LNG, and help from Wolfscastle Hotel.”

The nominations are open for the 2022 Awards, find out more here https://padlet.com/volforpembs/celebrate