Pembrokeshire volunteers were celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held on November 28 at The Queen’s Hall in Narberth. The event was organised by PAVS and kindly supported by South Hook LNG.

The venue was beautifully laid out and decorated by a team from the Queen’s Hall supported by PAVS staff. Approximately 80 volunteers and their guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Block and Barrel, then entertained by the excellent, Preseli Voices Community choir/ Lleisiau Preseli Côr Cymunedol, who gave a wonderful performance.

There were seven categories of awards, and the standard of nominations was very high again this year – making it very hard for the judges. Jessica Bickerton, Chief Officer of PAVS, spoke about each of the finalists and the extraordinary contribution their volunteering makes to local communities.

Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG’s PR Manager, commented “Congratulations to all nominees. To be a part of these Awards is to be a part of something incredibly special, celebrating the tremendous effort of volunteers across our County. At South Hook, we are proud to be continuing our support for these Awards, working with PAVS in highlighting the positive impact volunteering brings to our community.”

Each award was presented by a special guest presenter and following the presentation of each award, the winners were interviewed by Toby Ellis of Pure West Radio and told him their volunteering stories.

The finalists were as follows:

Winner: Zoe Jones - POINT Youth Centre

Highly Commended: Charlie Evans – Milford Youth Matters

Presented by: Anna Mullarkey Stakeholder Engagement & Communications Manager Port of Milford Haven

Winners: POINT Youth Forum

Highly Commended: Youth Ambassador Team - Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity

Presented by: Gwen Beckett

Winners: Andrea Farmer and Isobel Hall - Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity

Highly Commended: Julie Fulton - Pembrokeshire People First

Presented by: Claire Incledon, Chair of Trustee at PAVS

Winner: Paul Guisbourne-Hilton - Various charities

Highly Commended: Julie Fulton - Pembrokeshire People First

Commended: Kathleen Llewellyn - Paul Sartori Foundation

Presented by: Cllr Marc Tierney

Winner: Sue Canham - Royal Voluntary Service

Highly Commended: Nadine Farmer - Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity; Neil Houghton - Redberth Croft CIC

Commended: Cerian Goodbourn - Sea Trust Wales; Valerie Harrold - Paul Sartori Foundation

Presented by: Neil Wooding (Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board and WCVA)

Winner: David Bundock - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

Highly Commended: Paul Guisbourne-Hilton - Various charities

Presented by: Tom Dyer Pure West Radio

Winner: ‘Found it @ Frame’ Volunteers

Highly Commended: Esteam Volunteers

Commended: West Wales Walking for Wellbeing

Presented by: Mariam Dalziel South Hook LNG

For more information about volunteering in Pembrokeshire contact [email protected] or phone PAVS on 01437 769722 https://www.pavs.org.uk/help-for-people/volunteering/