At the ceremony, Clr. Jones said: "It is a great honour for me, on behalf of Pembroke Town Council, to publicly recognise people from all walks of life who contribute so much to their community."
A Certificate of Commendation was presented to Mrs. Maria Evans who has been running the Tinkers Hill Bird of Prey and Swan Rescue Centre at Amroth for 20 years, devoting all her time collecting and rescuing swans and birds of prey. She cares for the birds at the rescue centre and whenever possible releases the birds back into the wild once they have recovered. Her work has been recognised by various bodies, including the RSPCA, RSPB and Pembrokeshire County Council. In 2008, 220 birds of prey, 126 seabirds and 305 swans were treated at Tinkers Hill and subsequently released back into their natural habitat.
Also receiving a Certificate of Commendation were Ronald and Barbara Gwyther, a husband and wife team who worked extremely hard farming in Castlemartin, until their retirement when they moved to Hundleton. Mr. Gwyther takes an active interest in the annual Pembroke Show and is a very popular lay preacher, officiating at Castlemartin and St. David's Church, Hundleton. Mrs. Gwyther has been the organist at Castlemartin and Flimston Church for many years and still serves at the weekly WI Country Market every Thursday. Despite being well into their 80s, they both organise fund-raising events and are a credit to the community.
Pembroke WRVS Darby and Joan Club also received a Certificate of Commendation.
The club was formed over 50 years ago with the object of looking after elderly people in Pembroke by arranging weekly meetings where members can meet and take part in various activities. The club currently has 45 members, the oldest being 93, and it meets every Thursday afternoon at Pembroke Town Hall.
Pembrokeshire County Council's area maintenance team were also recipients of a Certificate of Commendation. The team covers the area from Angle to Lydstep, including Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, and is responsible for highway maintenance, toilet cleaning, grass cutting, litter picking, street cleaning, the removal of abandoned vehicles and planting of flowers in public places. The team works closely with town and community councils maintaining the area and improving the environment.
An Award of Merit was presented to the Inner Wheel Club of Pembroke.
Since its formation in 1959, the Inner Wheel Club of Pembroke has raised thousands of pounds for charity. They also provide practical help to third world countries by knitting blankets and filling shoeboxes with useful items for use by families in any country that is in need. Members are kept busy within the local community by assisting other organisations, including Darby and Joan, church activities and members are actively involved with numerous charities.
Mrs. Gwen Griffiths also received an Award of Merit.
Gwen works tirelessly on behalf of Pembroke and the Pembroke 21C Community Association. Every year, she organises the banner-making sessions, making the colourful banners that enhance the town centre during the Pembroke Festival. A keen photographer, Gwen makes a photographic record of events that are held throughout the year within Pembroke. She is regarded as a lady that never seeks credit for hard work.
Firefighter Paul Dyson was another member of the community to pick up an Award of Merit.
Paul has been the driving force behind the formation in 2005 and the success of the Young Firefighters Scheme. The scheme, which is open to young people between 13 and 17 years of age, gives young people the opportunity to become valued members of their community. Whilst the scheme does not guarantee jobs for young people, Carl Morgan, of Pembroke, has become the first Young Firefighter to be appointed as a retained firefighter. The huge success of the scheme has been due to Paul's enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment.
Paul also received the prestigious Hamish Whyte Award donated by Mrs. Jenny Whyte in memory of her late husband who was a valued member of Pembroke Town Council until his passing in 2007. Mrs. Whyte explained to the large audience, which included Young Firefighters, that due to his tremendous work with young people that Paul should be the first recipient of the award.
Jonathan Thomas, who was born in Hundleton and plays at flanker for The Ospreys and Wales, was also honoured with an Award of Merit.
He started out playing for Pembroke RFC Juniors before his talent was spotted and he progressed to play for Swansea RFC and played for Wales at Under 16, Under 19 and Under 21 level before making his full international debut against Australia in 2003.
To date, he has played 47 times for Wales and has scored seven tries. He was part of the Welsh side that won the Grand Slam in 2005 and 2008.
A modest unassuming man, he has not forgotten his roots and is extremely proud of his connection with Pembroke.
He is always willing to support local events and offer encouragement to younger players. Jonathan is a credit to his sport.
Unfortunately, Jonathan was unable to attend the awards evening, but received his certificate a few days previously when he stated that it will take pride of place in his new Swansea home.
There was An Award of Merit also for Clr Keith Nicholas.
Keith joined Pembroke Town Council in 1997 and was elected Mayor of Pembroke in 2002. He gives 100 per cent to promoting the community providing 'hands on' help enhancing the town during the summer helping with the floral displays and arranging the Christmas activities that were enjoyed by so many last Christmas.
In addition to his work as a councillor, Keith is chairman of Pembroke Chamber of Trade and social secretary to Pembroke RFC, again devoting a lot of his time organising the annual carnival and other fund raising events.
Keith is a very modest member of the community, who works extremely hard without reward making Pembroke a better place to live and work.
The civic awards are presented annually and the town council is always pleased to receive nominations for the various categories.
Added Hugh Colley, town clerk: "Last week's ceremony was a very enjoyable event and it was a great to acknowledge the good work the people of our community do."