PAVS Volunteering Awards 2022 – A Night to Remember for Pembrokeshire Volunteers!

Pembrokeshire volunteers were celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held on 17^th November at Letterston Hall.  The event was organised by PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) and kindly supported by South Hook LNG as part of their ongoing commitment to local community projects

The venue was beautifully laid out and decorated by a team of PAVS staff – supported by some keen helpers from Fishguard & District Round Table. Approximately 100 volunteers and guests were treated to a delicious meal cooked by Fairfield Caterers, then entertained by the very talented, Paul Sartori Community Choir – who gave a wonderful performance and even got the audience participating!

There were seven categories of awards, and the standard of nominations was very high again this year – making it very hard for the judges. Sue Leonard, 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 PAVS and all of those nominated. These Awards celebrate the tremendous efforts of volunteers across our County and South Hook is pleased to have been able to support such a positive event.”

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.  These uplifting, touching stories were broadcast on the Pure West Radio ‘Look Back’ show on Sunday 20^th November and are available on Podcast. Pure West Radio also broadcast the Awards live for those who couldn’t make it to Letterston, the Ceremony is still available to watch again here https://connectpembrokeshire.org.uk/pavs-volunteer-awards-2022 . 

The finalists were as follows:

Mike Beckett Award (youth group aged under 25)

Winners – Milford Youth Matters – Youth Volunteer Group

Presented by: Gwen Beckett

Young volunteer (under 25)

Winner: Ethan Roberts – Milford Youth Matters

Highly Commended: 

Elly Neville – Ward 10 Flag

Enfys Skipper – Pembrokeshire Care Share & Give, St Johns Ambulance & Tenby Lions

Presented by: Toby Ellis Pure West Radio

Trustee/ Board Award

Winners:  Trustees of Eglwyswrw Community Association

Highly Commended:  Elsa Davies – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Trust

Commended:

Josh Beynon – The VC Gallery

Ray Burgess – The Welsh Spitfire Museum

Presented by: Charles Carter Chair of Trustees PAVS

Long Service Award

Winner: Gill Jones – Pembrokeshire Care Share and Give (and other groups)

Highly Commended:  Rhian Howells – 1st Letterston Brownies

Commended: Jean Ratcliffe – Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire

Liz Mills – Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire

Presented by: Sue James-Davies – longest serving member of PAVS staff

Mary Sigley Award

Winner: Andy Bunston- The VC Gallery

Highly Commended: 

Jeffrey Turner – Paul Sartori Foundation

Roy Honey – Pembrokeshire Foodbank

Presented by: Cllr Neil Prior

Individual Over 25

Winner: – John Walker-Smith: Tenby Memory Café (and other groups)

Highly Commended:  Sonya Bridges – Pembrokeshire Baby Bank

Commended – 

Joan Brenton – Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire

Mike Howells – Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire

Presented by: Cllr Michelle Bateman

Group Over 25

Winner: Bereavement Support Group volunteers – Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity

Highly Commended:  Photo-ID volunteers/ Sea Trust Wales

Commended: The VC Gallery Dig For Victory Volunteers

Presented by: Mariam Dalziel, South Hook LNG

For more information about Volunteering in Pembrokeshire contact volunteering@pavs.org.uk or phone PAVS on 01437 769722