Caerphilly County Borough Council has honoured a host of community workers and volunteers as part of its annual Civic Awards.
The prestigious event took place in the chamber at Penallta House council offices last week where the Mayor handed out special awards to people from all sections of the community.
The annual Civic Awards are given in recognition of significant personal achievement, exceptional community service or bravery.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Keith and Enid Miles of Crumlin
For over 30 years they have kept a register of people who have fallen whilst fighting for their country and whose names are recorded on the Crumlin war memorial.
Sadly the memorial was recently vandalised and the plaques stolen. Mr and Mrs Miles worked tirelessly to replace the memorial in time for the Remembrance Service.
Lauren Howells of Pontllanfraith
Over the last three years Lauren has given her time freely to assist with swimming classes for disabled people in Newbridge Leisure Centre.
Her love of swimming inspires her to use her skills to encourage and support other swimmers. She is also a young leader with the Rainbows.
Jonathan and Andrea Powell of Blackwood
They founded the Blackwood Boys and Girls Football Club in 2010 and in a very short time it has grown from eight members to six teams. The club offers boys and girls the chance to be part of a team as well as keeping them fit and healthy.
Lynette Evans of Deri
Lynette is a former member and Chair of the Deri Regeneration Committee.
She was instrumental in helping to secure funds of over £500,000 to build a new community centre in Deri.
She is an active committee member who helps to manage the community centre, taking a very hands-on approach and ensuring all local groups benefit from the new community centre.
Lauren Prosser (Cefn Fforest), Nia Rolls and Ashley May Williams of Phillipstown
These three young people took up the challenge to help prevent the underage selling of alcohol and other age-related products.
Last year the Youth Forum set a priority ‘to challenge peer pressure to say no to drugs and alcohol’. These young people volunteered to become involved in carrying out test purchasing with the Councils’ Trading Standards team.
David Thomas of Crumlin
David took on the challenge to save Kendon Hall in Crumlin. The building was in a state of disrepair, needing significant investment to ensure its future.
He raised over £25,000 through a combination of organising various fund raising activities and obtaining a range of grants.
Mark Hutcherson of Caerphilly
Mark was a founder member of the Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Band. He started playing the Euphonium in 1981, establishing himself as one of the finest exponents of the instrument.
He has continued to achieve significant success over the years and is key figure in the regional music scene.
Denzil Connick of Crumlin
Denzil represents a group of ex-servicemen called ‘The Patriots’ who have been raising funds for over ten years for a number of good causes.
They have managed to raise over £20,000 by holding regular band nights. They also plan and organise a twice yearly ‘Party in the Park’ to raise funds.
Nathan Flanagan of Abertysswg
Nathan is a young person who has taken a leading role in the Youth Forum for over 5 years.
He has held a number of positions on the Youth Forum Cabinet including Chair and Ambassador. He has represented Caerphilly Youth Service on Funky Dragon – the Young Persons National Assembly for Wales.
Richard Francis-Williams of Deri
Richard is a committed fundraiser for MacMillan Cancer Support. He started the ‘Glaston – deri’ music festival by securing sponsorship from the Deri and Fochriw Partnership, local companies and individuals.
He has shown tremendous energy to ensure the success of the festival. This has resulted in a staggering £7,000 being raised last year alone – giving a grand total of £12,000 to date.
Lyndon Lloyd of Trinant
Lyndon is a long-term supporter, player and committee member of Trinant Rugby Club.
For more than 50 years he has carried out a wide range of roles from fixture secretary, club secretary and Chair. He worked with the youth team established in 1976 and eventually became chair of the North Mon Youth.
Aurelia Jones of Hendredenny
Aurelia has been the accompanist of Aber Valley Male Voice Choir for 30 years.
During the past 20 years she has helped students sitting their singing or instrumental exams by providing the piano accompaniment. For several years she also accompanied the Caerphilly Childrens Choir.
Pat Harris and Betty Bown of New Tredegar
For over 40 years they have offered their support and assistance to a club that helps disabled, elderly and vulnerable persons.
They have organised lunches, entertainment, arranged shopping trips and visits to many attractions.
Julie Prosser of Caerphilly
Julie has dedicated her time to giving young people positive social activities.
About two years ago she realised there was a need for a youth club in Caerphilly town. She completed all the necessary paperwork, applied to GAVO for a grant to buy equipment, liaised with the local police and found a suitable venue.
Tudor and Joy Thomas of Gilfach
The couple have a long record of playing an active role in improving their community.
They are members of the Bargoed Chamber of Trade and the Bargoed Town Centre Management Group. For more than 20 years they have helped to organise the Bargoed Christmas parade, local carnival and many other community events.
Daniel Arnold of Hengoed
Daniel is a young man who has shown responsibility and commitment to his community.
He has been a member of the Youth Hub Project for over four years. He is a very mature young man and takes every opportunity to help out in his community.
David Cushen of Bargoed
David has a long association with bowling in the Rhymney Valley.
Over the years he has also helped and supported many young members, encouraging them to take up the sport.
Mark Gibbings of Deri
Mark is devoted to training dogs, dog handlers and search managers.
For more than 20 years he has spent his spare time training those who search for missing persons, drugs, weapons and explosives. He works closely with the Fire Service, Mountain Rescue and Military, passing on his expertise.