Tenby Observer awards night celebrates kindness in the community

INTRODUCING the 2026 Tenby Observer Community Kindness Awards, organiser Carolyn Cox said: “Tonight, Tenby Town Council will be presenting the very first Trevor Hallett award in memory of a very great man who is still very much missed in the community.

“And I will be honest with you,” she continued, “it has also become a very thinly disguised retirement party…” The hall erupted with cheers and applause. Carolyn then introduced editor Mick O’Reilly to say a few words.

Mick said the Tenby Observer, which has recently been acquired by Iliffe, was one of the first papers bought by Sir Ray Tindle.

“But the news business has changed, just as Tenby itself has changed.” Mick recalled his first taste of Tenby, some 50 years ago.

He talked about the paper’s new owners’ digital subscription model that is bringing hope to the newspaper industry in a world where “we all consume news on the four inches in our pockets.”

Mick continued: “It’s nice to see so many friends and supporters of the Tenby Observer. The fact that you commit yourself each year to this, with the support of the town council, is fantastic to see, and long may it continue.”

The editor then celebrated Carolyn’s 24 years with the ’paper, which started when she lent her expertise to the 150-year anniversary edition. “She will be sorely missed.”

Next to the stage was Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall. She thanked Mick for his words and the continued support of the Tenby Observer in hosting this community celebration of kindness.

She continued: “We come together to celebrate on one day of the year, yet acts of kindness that strengthen our sense of community are with us every day and we don’t always notice them.”

Sam then introduced the first award of the evening.

The young hero award goes to someone who accepts all challenges with courage and enthusiasm.

Sponsored by Pepsi Max, the award this year goes to Charis Hadley.

A much-loved member of Tenby Sea Cadets, Charis has overcome many anxious moments. From never having sailed in her life before, she has reached Stage 4 sailing seamanship.

The Community Business award is sponsored by Bevan Buckland.

Introducing the award, Sam said: “This year the award goes to a business that is not only community minded, but also owned by members of the community.”

Apart from being an excellent social club, Tenby Sailing has an exceptional youth training programme as a recognised RYA training centre; its members and volunteers work hard to run regattas and national events.

Accepting the award, Blake Shaw said: “I feel the club is going from strength to strength and is in good hands, both young and old. Thanks very much.”

The Good Neighbour award, sponsored by Bethel Chapel, Pembroke Dock, was awarded to Ellen Powling.

“Someone once said ‘a good neighbour is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence but doesn’t climb over it,’” said Laurence Blackhall. “But sometimes, we do need a neighbour who pops through the gate and offers help.”

Ellen, who is the leader of St Mary’s Mothers’ Union, visits housebound ex-members regularly, bringing joy to lonely lives.

She runs a Keep well, Keep warm initiative in Church House, organises cemetery maintenance and much more besides.

“Quietly and without fuss, she ensures that people in need are supported, and she manages the deacons fund in St Mary’s Church.

“She buys food for PATCH every week and she tells me she won’t buy the bargain brands: everyone deserves good food.”

Next, the audience heard from Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, one of the two organisations benefiting from sales of raffle tickets on the night.

Mike said it was a “real privilege to attend the Community Kindness Awards… recognising the incredible individuals, groups and organisations who make our community stronger, more caring and more connected.”

“It is usually the small things that make the biggest difference,” he said. “At Wales Air Ambulance, we see the impact of kindness every day.

“As a charity, we rely entirely on the generosity of the communities we serve. Every coffee morning, sponsored walk, raffle, charity concert and donation helps us bring hospital-standard treatment directly to critically ill and injured people across Wales.”

Mike gave a personal example of how his nephew, Rory, was attended to by the Air Ambulance when he was two and seriously ill, “and he is very much now a six-year-old, happy, budding Welsh golf champion.”

After Mike’s talk, Laurence welcomed to the stage Lauren and three members of a “less well-known organisation, working in Tenby and doing some fabulous work with people who are too easily excluded and too often forgotten:” The Tenby Project.

During the ensuing talk, where each person had a turn at the microphone, Richard mentioned the Project’s many events and outings and paid tribute to Anne Draper, Tenby’s Community Engagement Officer, who heads up the Project. “She’s a wonderful person and we’re proud of her,” he said.

Christian added: “I just want to thank everyone for coming and supporting this cause. It’s a great cause. I hope everyone can see it the way we see it.”

A delicious buffet created by Janet Matthias and her daughter Katie at Bakeaway, Cresselly, was enjoyed by all, with thanks to Andrew Rees Butchers of Narberth and Four Seasons New Hedges for their contributions.

After an interval, spent at tables adorned with cyclamens courtesy of Maureen Webb from Sandyhill Nurseries, the awards continued.

The Community Volunteer award, sponsored by Tenby Town Council, went to Maureen Worcester, of Stepaside Coachworks.

Maureen, whose son has Type 1 Diabetes, is passionate about improving the lives of the 182,000 people with diabetes in her local community and across Wales.

She has organised a bucket collection at her local store and worked hard to promote healthy lifestyle messages.

The Eco Warrior award, sponsored by Statkraft, was awarded to Ann Elms.

Ann volunteers at the Salvation Army in Tenby. Thanks to her hard work which includes watering and deadheading the plants throughout the hot summer, she has helped the Salvation Army win a Silver in Tenby in Bloom 2026.

She is very much loved by all who know her and in her spare time is learning to play the tambourine!

Two further awards were given on the night: One, chosen by Carolyn, went to Alison Coast, of Slimming World who, when Carolyn’s mother was in hospital, ’phoned regularly to make sure she was okay.

The Trevor Hallett Award, in memory of the former mayor of Tenby, was the final award and was presented by Tom Sloan to honour the relentless service - above and beyond - of the town’s current mayor, Dai Morgan.

“When I went for my first term as mayor,” remembered Dai, “Trevor said, ‘you’ve got my vote. Some younger ones need to have a go now.’

“Whenever I needed advice, I went to see Trevor,” he added.

To conclude the evening, Heather Wood came to the stage to say “Madbird, thank you for 24 years of dedication, kindness and brilliant memories!” She was then joined by editor Mick in presenting Carolyn with a special parting gift from the ’paper.

The Observer thanks the event sponsors: Bevan Buckland, Scaffold 2000, St Govans Centre, AN Morgans, Tenby House Hotel, Torch Theatre, Pembrokeshire Hearing, Tenby Health, True Potential, Signspeed, Clarence House Hotel, Bordessa Travel and Darwin Bowie, as well as all the local businesses and organisations that contributed to the raffle, which raised £6,000 for Wales Air Ambulance and The Tenby Project.