A gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Queens Hall Narberth celebrated Pembrokeshire volunteers.

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 from the Queen’s Hall supported by PAVS staff. Approximately 100 volunteers and their guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Block and Barrel, then entertained by the very talented, Serendipity Community Choir, who gave a wonderful performance.

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, said:

“Congratulations to PAVS and all of those nominated – what a wonderful evening!. These Awards celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers across our County and at South Hook, we are pleased to be continuing our support of 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 can be listened to on their ‘catch up’ page on the website. 

For more information about volunteering in Pembrokeshire, contact [email protected], phone PAVS on 01437 769722 or visit the website.

Finalists were as follows:

Winner: Molly Evans - Megan’s Starr Foundation

Highly Commended: Finley Turner - Milford Youth Matters

Commended: Henry (Tashi) Dorji - Plant Dewi

Presented by: Cllr Delme Harries 

Winners: Megan's Starr Foundation Young Volunteers

Highly Commended: Newport Library Young Volunteers (Emily and Neve)

Commended: Paul Sartori Oral History Project Young Volunteers

Presented by: Gwen Beckett

Winners:  SwimNarberth Trustees - Chris Walters (Chairman) and Martin James (Deputy Chairman)

Highly Commended:  Cathy Davies - SPAN Arts

Commended: South Ridgeway Community Association Trustees

Presented by: Jayne Tucker Trustee of PAVS

Winner: Elizabeth Rogers  - The Queens Hall Narberth

Commended: Bob Elliott - Hywel Dda University Health Board; Debbie Watson - Hywel Dda University Health Board; Kay Macken - Age Cymru Dyfed; Margaret Povey - Age Cymru Dyfed

Presented by: Sue Leonard – Chief Officer PAVS

Winner: Christopher McEwen - Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Boxing Club

Highly Commended:  Bill Towler - The Mount Community Centre

Commended: Brenda Saunders - Volunteering Matters

Presented by: Mathew Rickard, Pure West Radio 

Winner: Ieuan Matthews - Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity

Highly Commended:  Bill Towler - The Mount Community Centre; Brenda Saunders - Volunteering Matters

Commended – James Puttock - Pembrokeshire FRAME; Nicola Harteveld - Megan’s Starr Foundation

Presented by: Meurig Raymond (High Sheriff of Dyfed)

Winner: Dinas Cross Wellbeing HUB

Highly Commended: ASD Family Help - Pembrokeshire Volunteers; Bill Towler, Natty Towler, Camilla Louise Hardy and Caroline Jenkins - The Mount Community Centre Volunteers

Presented by: Mariam Dalziel, and Abi Clarkson South Hook LNG