Tenby Town Council has revived a tradition of holding a ‘Quarterly’ to say a big thank you to people who have made a special contribution to the life of Tenby in recent times. This event has been on hold since the start of the Covid pandemic. Mayor of Tenby, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall chose a theme of thanking those who often don’t get the recognition that they deserve. They received a scroll from the Mayor, expressing the thanks of the council.

Awards fell into the twin themes of rewarding those people that make a contribution that too often goes unnoticed or unrecognised and people providing help to others in the cost of living crisis. Speaking at the event, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “We are so fortunate to live in a town where people both in work and volunteering do so much to improve our town. Our gardens, beaches and town is all the better for what they do.”

Special recognition went to Mr Nicky Young, of Pembrokeshire County Council and his colleagues on the area maintenance team. The team is responsible for everything from garden management, street waste collection, cleaning and undertaking a wide variety of maintenance jobs. Although very limited with resources, they do a superb job looking after Tenby and always go the extra mile to make a difference. The team works closely with town clerk Andrew Davies and the Tenby Town Council team to identify problems and solve them. Nicky and his team are currently helping on the Enhancing Pembrokeshire project - Tenby People, Places and Spaces. The Mayor presented a scroll to Nicky and his team. She also presented a scroll and thanked Mrs Moira McIntyre who has been working as a street cleaner in Tenby for over 40 years.

The Mayor talked at the reception about the value of Tenby’s gardens and beaches and how important they are to the community, as places where people meet, relax and recharge. Handing out scrolls recognising their achievement, the Mayor made presentations to Mr Bob James for his work maintaining the grounds at St. Mary’s Church; to Michelle Watkins who has for many years done a daily beach clean on South Beach; to Barbara Sheppard and Gillian Skyrme for keeping the Battery Gardens on Queens Parade and to Tim Caddy for a range of volunteering but with special mention of the refurbishment of the War Memorial.

Tenby Town Council’s People, Places and Spaces for a Vibrant Tenby programme is supporting greater community engagement and involvement and the Mayor handed a scroll to Anne Draper, noting her work in a range of community voluntary projects but with special mention of the Community Fridge and Edible Garden. After being selected to receive this recognition, Anne has joined the council to work as the community engagement officer, supporting a range of new initiatives across the town.

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many people in Tenby and the council has been keen to recognise and support projects that get real help to people. A warm spaces programme has been developed and there will be a venue each day offering a warm welcome with food, drinks and a range of activities. One such place that already does provide a range of support services is the Old Chapel in Lower Frog Street. After receiving his scroll of recognition, Mr Ian Rees of the Old Chapel told guests about the range of services they provide. This includes hosting PATCH food and resources bank, Community Fridge, offering cooking lessons and offering a warm space with lovely food and cakes. There is no specific charge for meals, sandwiches and drinks and people are invited to make a contribution is they wish or they can.

Those being recognised mixed with other guests, councillors and council staff at the reception which was held in the Mayors’ Parlour in the DeValence Pavilion. Thanking people for attending, Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall said: “Tenby is a better place for the things that you all do. Our community is important and supporting our community is my priority. I thank you for all that you do for your community”