Community fridge, street theatre and ‘the internet of things’ winning awards

Some of Ceredigion’s inspiring projects and volunteers have received praise at an awards ceremony in Lampeter recently.

On Wednesday, 14 June 2023, the Arts Hall of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David was full for an event to celebrate the success of projects that received support from the Cynnal y Cardi scheme. The Cynnal y Cardi LEADER scheme has been funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union.

Aberporth Community Fridge came out on top in the main prize of the night, as they won the people’s opinion category for the most inspiring project. Other winners included the Arad Goch theatre company, the Vale community pub, Llanddewi Brefi Community Council and Cardigan Town Council.

This was a joint celebration between Ceredigion County Council and CAVO, which recognized the hard work and dedication of the county’s volunteers.

More than one of the Ceredigion Volunteering Awards also went to the Aberporth area, with the Community Fridge task force copying the volunteer team’s award, and Beryl Green being recognized for her tireless work and energy as a trustee.

It was an inspiring evening, and an opportunity to hear the story of enterprises and associations that have had a positive impact on the community, the economy or the environment.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regeneration, said: “At the ceremony, we had a chance to thank these organizations and to congratulate those who came out on top with their projects and the individuals who deserved recognition for their voluntary work. There was also representation from all parts of Ceredigion – people from different organizations reflecting the reach of the Cynnal y Cardi program over the years. Organizations and also individuals who have added to their communities, to help keep the roots and fabric of their communities in place. Congratulations to everyone who received an award and thank you to all the organizations that took full advantage of the Cynnal y Cardi programme, and thank you to the Cynnal y Cardi staff of Ceredigion County Council and CAVO staff for the work.”

These are the projects that came out on top in the Cynnal y Cardi awards:

• ‘Firm Foundations’ Award: Cynnal Llanddewi Brefi – Llanddewi Brefi Community Council
• ‘Empowering the Community’ Award: Aberporth Community Fridge
• ‘Thinking Outside the Box’ Award: Cardigan Internet of Things (IoT) Technology
• ‘Lasting Legacy’ Award: Tafarn y Dyffryn
• ‘Moving with the Times’ Award: Clera – Arad Goch
• Cynnal y Cardi Inspiration Award: the people’s choice: Aberporth Community Fridge

Here’s a list of the Ceredigion Volunteers Awards winners:

• Exceptional Achievement: Carol Bainbridge from Borth
• Volunteer Coordinator: Gwyneth Davies, National Library of Wales
• Team of Volunteers: Aberporth Community Fridge Taskforce
• Young Person: Scarlett Walker, RAY Actif
• Trustee: Beryl Green from Aberporth