It was wonderful to attend two events.
The first was to present a High Sheriff Award to the volunteers at Llantrisant Guildhall. During the ‘Beating of the Bounds’ event at the ancient town, I was amazed at the work of this band of dedicated volunteers keeping the history of Llantrisant alive. It was a busy day then, but I was eager to return and learn so much more about the historical hall.
From its foundation in the fourteenth century, when it received the town's charter in 1346, Llantrisant's Guild Hall was a centre of power for some seven hundred years.
It has been home for many other activities including a magistrates court and a school over the centuries.
Over the centuries people have cherished, cared and maintained the building. Today, the well-informed and welcoming band of stalwarts, all volunteers, maintain a fantastic museum, visitor centre and coffee shop.
Llantrisant has an absorbing history and the 'Hall' is well worth a visit, if only to learn about Dr. William Price, a man involved in many things, but who made his name as a cremationist.
Later in the day, I was the guest of Tonyrefail Community Council to assist with presenting their community awards to thoroughly deserving recipients.
An amazing and varied selection of groups were honoured by Tonyrefail Community Council, where Mike Antoniw AS and I were given the special honour of presenting the awards. Well done to the Community Council for recognising all the work of the community groups within their area and granted them funding. These groups included:
Taf Ely Ladies Choir, who entertained the crowd, with a number of well-executed pieces. In particular a young lady Emily, whose two pieces were executed with perfection. A real youthful talent indeed.
Wannabe Warriors Walking Football Club.
Tonyrefail Mini and Juniors RFC
Tonyrefail and Gilfach Goch Community First Responders
Refail Runners a group for runners of all ages.
Friends of St. John's, a group who wish to turn the church grounds into a community space.
Coedely Sweeney F.C.
The Gentlemen Songsters
Tylchawen Allotment Association
Friends of Ty'n y Bryn Park
Allotment Awards went to.:
Robert Edwards [overall winner], Mark Sweeting, Sergei Kosvintsev and Olga Kosvintsev
Chairperson's
Business Award - David Hughes
Community Award - Paul Carpenter
Citizen of the Year : Martin Barron
Runners up : Corey Edwards, David Rowlands, Sam Skym, Ceirion Skym
Young Achievers of the Year: Annalise Dawkins, Libby Kerslake and Darcey Davies
Both events were incredibly moving occasions. Each highlighted the amazing generosity of so many people. Their pure hearts give their time, experience, care, compassion and commitment to support and enhance their communities in so many ways. Many thanks to everyone at both venues; you made the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan so proud of what is being achieved in the county. Llongyfarchiadau pawb!