After my sojourn on the seas and regaining my ‘land legs,’ I made my way to what has become my second home of late – Merthyr Tydfil.
The exact location was Morlais Golf Club, for a glittering and rousing night of Volunteer Recognition Awards. Robbie Williams once sang: “The stars are coming out tonight – for you.” The event organised by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) was a perfect salute to those incredible volunteers among us, who do indeed come out – for you, me and our communities and work perpetually for the love of place and people, to make our communities the precious places they are.
VAMT aims to support the long-term development and growth of the voluntary sector in Merthyr and its outer areas. They focus on: volunteering - good governance - sustainable funding - engagement and influencing.
Diolch yn fawr iawn. Llongyfarchiadau bawb.
Wales is fortunate to have so many high-quality, professional figures who blend-in to any occasion with the right level of composure, commitment and compassion to make these nights extra special. Tonight the wonderfully convivial, down-to-earth Andrea Byrne of ITV was the most perfect guest host. In the seemingly seamless implementation of her craft, Mrs Byrne managed the proceedings beautifully.
Congratulations must be afforded to VAMT CO Sharon Richards and her amazing team of staff, for putting together such a fine programme for a truly valued, truly valuable event. I met up with all of them during the evening - see the gallery photos - in particular the VAMT Volunteering Lead Fran who coordinated the event, a well experienced, veteran of the organisation for over 25 years. Well done all!
From culture to health, age groups to community groups, every individual volunteer and the organisation they represent were quite rightly lauded.
Most impressive were the number of businesses, individuals and groups who sponsored the award categories. It is so pleasing to see the number of businesses who recognise the importance of volunteers in making our communities better on a daily basis.
Category
Group of the Year
Category Recipient Merthyr Malayali Cultural Association Category Sponsor @Comtec
Category Volunteer of the Year
Category Recipient Nathan Jon Pitman, MTIB (Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind)
Category Sponsor Merthyr Tydfil CBC
Category Young Volunteer of the Yer
Category Recipient Katy Richards, MTBWF
Category Sponsor Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Category Trustee of the Year
Category Recipient Anne Marie Howe, Gellideg Foundation Group
Category Sponsor Eight One Digital Ltd
Category Outstanding Contribution to Volunteering
Category Recipient Shaun Llewellyn, Gellideg Foundation Group
Category Sponsor Melrose IT Solutions
Category Sport Volunteer of the Year
Category Recipient Cadence Lowe, Treharris Boys & Girls Club
Category Sponsor Active Merthyr Tydfil
It was great to catch up with: Merthyr Tydfil Leader Cllr Geraint Thomas; Mayor Cllr John Thomas; the Deputy Leader of Bridgend CBC Cllr Jane Gebbie and Inspector Richard Gardiner South Wales Police. Please keep up your hard work to make sure our communities remain fine, caring and compassionate.
Cared pob un ein gynheitref. Ymlaen Merthyr Tudful.