Volunteers from across Caerphilly County Borough have been recognised at the annual Voluntary Sector Achievement Awards, held at Blackwood Miners’ Institute earlier this month.
Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO), the awards honour and recognise volunteers who undertake work from all sections in the local community.
During the evening, winners were congratulated and presented with awards in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE DL, The High Sheriff Kevin Thomas Esq JP and the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough, Cllr John Bevan.
The full list of winners and runners up this year are:
• Adult Volunteer – May Davies; runner up – Alyson Power.
• Young Volunteer – Jessica Dallas; runner up – Katie Barker.
• Group Volunteers – Oakdale Partnership; runner up – Marie Curie Fundraising Group.
• Trustee Volunteer – Andrea Soulsby; runner up – Lesley Brunton.
• Environmental Volunteer – Lynda Lee; runner up – Billy Hughes
• Personal Journey – Mike Smith; runner up – Kelly Zachert
• Parent Volunteer of the Year – Wendy Howls; runners up – Claire Kulisa and Samantha Lewis.
• Inspirational Volunteer – Clive Harrison; runner up – Steve Horrell
Mayor’s Civic Award – Grassroots Hero – Tracey Wallbank.
Cllr Barbara Jones, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: The awards are a celebration of the endless spirit, enthusiasm and dedication of our thriving voluntary sector and I am delighted and honoured to be a part of it.
“Volunteers are an inspiration to us all as they play such a vital role in our society. Award ceremonies like this allow us to do our little bit to recognise the positive contribution they make to so many people’s lives.”
Musical entertainment at the event was provided by pupils from Lewis School Pengam.
Nice to see volunteers efforts rewarded.
These people freely give up their time to help and inspire others.