Two Caerphilly County Borough attractions have been commended for the services they offer.
New Tredegar’s Winding House museum and Newbridge Memo have both been recognised for their work.
Newbridge Memo was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Memo was recognised for entertainment, heritage and the education it provides.
Its volunteers have been instrumental in saving and securing the future of one of Wales’s most iconic historic buildings as well as assisting in the running of the Newbridge Memo.
Ken and Mary Newell received the award from The Queen at Buckingham Palace on May 28.
The chair of the Memo trustees, Howard Stone, said: “This award marks the culmination of 12 years of dedicated effort. It is a fitting recognition of all the hard work of a passionate group of volunteers of all ages and a fantastic legacy to the town and Caerphilly area.”
Meanwhile, the Winding House museum, run by Caerphilly County Borough Council, became the first Dementia Friendly reminiscence centre in Wales.
All of the staff are now ‘Dementia Friends’ and they are working with the Alzheimer’s Society and Caerphilly 50+ Positive Action to tailor their exhibitions and create new displays that encourage reminiscence, so that carers, relatives and those living with dementia are also able to enjoy the museum.
The council’s champion for older people, Cllr Christine Forehead, said: “It is great to see the Winding House leading the way in creating a dementia supportive environment.
“It means that people living with dementia like anyone else can pop in, have a cup of tea and cake and enjoy this lovely museum.”