Each year since 1998, Pembroke Town Council looks for Pembroke's most deserving citizens and organisations to receive the town's highest accolade.

Presented annually to the most deserving citizens, the Civic Awards are given to those who have been singled out by their peers and judged to be worthy.

The awards are made for a variety of reasons, including service to the community, bravery and courage, arts, sport, education and life time achievement.

At a recent ceremony at Pembroke Town Hall, framed certificates were presented to individuals and organisations by Clr. Aden Brinn, the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke for 2011-12.

During the presentation evening, town clerk Hugh Colley commented that this was probably the most diverse range of recipients he had seen and ranged from an extremely talented young clarinettist to a group of leather clad motorcyclists who devote so much time helping ill and disadvantaged children.

Following the presentation of the awards, Clr. Brinn paid tribute to those that supported him during his year of office, including Ms. Halyna Davies (Mayoress), and Pembroke town councillors and staff. He thanked representatives from various organisations that had attended numerous events during the year and helped to raise the magnificent sum of £3,678 for his nominated charities.

Clr. Brinn presented cheques to Captain Darren Pridmore for the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and to Mrs. Dilys Hanmer MBE for MacMillan Cancer Support.

To conclude the formal part of the evening, Colonel Richard Howard-Gash who is in overall charge of Defence Training Estates throughout Wales and West Midlands, presented Clr. Brinn with a plaque as a gesture of his appreciation for the help and assistance he has given to the armed forces over the years.

Certificates of Commendation

Certificates of Commendation were presented to the following:

Mrs. Marion Reynolds for her service to the community for many years, in particular her service to the WRVS and Pembroke Darby and Joan Club. She gives her help willingly and has worked tirelessly to keep the Darby and Joan Club going, arranging meetings, speakers and coach trips. Mrs. Reynolds is 92 years of age and her activities helping local people and the community keep her fully occupied.

Mrs. Judy Stimson for her tireless charity work for many years - in particular making goods for sale in the Tenovus shop raising hundreds of pounds for a charity whose aims are simple: to help prevent, treat and find a cure for cancer. Mrs. Stimson uses donated goods to make items such as peg bags, coloured blankets and dusters which are then sold in the shop.

Mrs. Val Randall for her work with St. Mary's Handbell Ringers. Records show that the St. Mary's Handbell Ringers performed at St. Mary's Church as long ago as 1868 and have been going ever since. Val has been involved with the group for the past 28 years and is the current leader - training the ringers in the art of bellringing. Every summer, they perform outside Pembroke Town Hall raising money for their nominated charity.

Mrs. Linda Asman for her work with Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society. The society was founded in October 2009 with the aim of researching and recording the history of Pembroke and Monkton. The inspiration in forming the group has been Linda who, in addition to organising events also writes a weekly article in the local newspaper and has created a history society website.

Musician Lee Mottram. At the age of 14, Lee was given a clarinet and taught himself to play. Three years later he had his first lessons when he was invited to Yorkshire for a week's tuition. Soon afterwards, Lee won the Young Musician of Dyfed Competition and gave his first recital at the St. David's Cathedral Festival, and in 2006, Lee won the Rotary Young Musician of Wales Competition. In 2011, Lee graduated with a first class honours degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. At the end of Lee's first year in Cardiff, he won the coveted Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod of Wales; his performance was broadcast live on National Television. Whilst Lee has played in festivals as far afield as Romania and Italy, he always makes time for local and national engagements such as invitations to perform at the Fishguard Music Festival and local schools. Lee is grateful for all the help and encouragement of many individuals and groups, and would like to express his gratitude to all of them.

Awards of Merit

Awards of Merit were presented to the following:

Mr. David Lloyd and Mrs. Dorothy Lloyd for their voluntary work with various organisations in Monkton for over 20 years. Dorothy is treasurer of Monkton Sports and Community Association, Monkton Voice Tenants and Residents Association, Monkton Mothers Union. She is also People's Warden fro Monkton Priory Church and collects weekly for the Haven Credit Union. David is actively involved with Monkton Priory Church and has been involved with Monkton Voice. He is regarded as a person that contributes a great deal to the community by being a 'good neighbour' being always ready to help others. Through their hard-work, David and Dorothy have helped to build a strong community spirit in Monkton and helped to make it a place where people are proud to live.

Three Amigos Motor Cycle Charity Group who for the past 10 years have organised a Christmas Toy Run with motorcyclists delivering toys and cash donations to two extremely deserving causes. In 2011, 500 bikes from as far away as Bath, set off from Pembroke to deliver five one-ton bags of toys as well as a £3,000 cheque for Withybush Children's ward and Action for Children. In addition, every Easter they organise an egg run for which people donate an Easter egg or cash which are then presented to the Parents Action Group and the eggs are given out to families, that they work with, who have a child or children with disabilities.The Three Amigos also hold a Summer Bike Show to raise money for charity.

Rev. Canon Roger Jones. In June 2001, Rev. Canon Jones was inducted as Vicar of Pembroke, St. Twynnells, St Petrox, Stackpole and Bosherston, previously having been Vicar for 11 years of Wiston, Walton East and Clarbeston. Appointed as Team Vicar with responsibility for St. Mary and St. Michael Pembroke and Stackpole following the formation of Monkton Rectorial Benefice in 2004 and was installed as Canon of St. David's Cathedral in 2009. He has been a Governor at Stackpole Church in Wales VC School since 2001 and was recently appointed a governor at Lamphey School and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tanyard Youth Project since 2001. He has served on a number of occasions as chaplain to the Mayor of Pembroke and is the current Mayors' Chaplain.

Hamish Whyte Award

The prestigious Hamish Whyte Award, donated by Mrs. Jenny Whyte in memory of her late husband who was a highly regarded member of Pembroke Town Council until his passing in 2007, was presented to Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir. Mrs. Whyte explained to the large audience that the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir would receive the 2012 award in recognition of celebrating their 60th anniversary. During their 60 years, the choir had raised many thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes and charities without ever charging an appearance fee. A delighted Mr Frank Harries (chairman) collected the prestigious trophy on behalf of the choir who were unable to attend due to an engagement at St. Twynnells Church the same evening.