The ninth annual Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards took place on the 6 th June 2019, at the Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells. The celebration of volunteering was attended by volunteers and guests from around the county and was organised by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO).

Guests were entertained by community singing group Sing Your Heart Out and PAVO staff Gwern ap Gwyn and Alison Thomas.

The celebration event took place in National Volunteers Week, and goes some way to demonstrating the value placed on the work undertaken by volunteers. It encourages them to continue to inspire others to take up a cause in a society where volunteers are playing an ever increasing and ever more necessary role. 
A buffet reception was followed by the awards ceremony.  

The awards recognising individual and group contributions to volunteering were presented by The Hon. Dame Shan Legge-Bourke DCVO.
Arts & Culture
Individual: Rory Evans
Group: Mid Powys Youth Theatre Walkers

Community:
Individual: Phil Stallard
Group: South Powys Veterans

Health & Wellbeing:
Individual: Paula Randell
Group: Helping Our Homeless Wales

Local Hero:
Individual: Giles Matthew George
Group: Hay Junior Football Club Committee

The Legge-Bourke Outstanding Volunteering Award 2019: Gloria Jones Powell

Mid & West Wales Fire Rescue Service Fire Cadets Volunteers:
Fire Cadet Instructor of the Year: Elaine Pinder
Fire Cadet Team of the Year: Abercrave Fire Cadets

Carl Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations said:
“Every day of every year an army of volunteers tirelessly serves the people and communities of Powys. Their work affects every aspect of our lives and all dimensions of public service imaginable. Without this volunteer-force, civil society in our county would, at best, be impoverished and, at worst, collapse. These unsung heroes do not seek reward or recognition. Their work is given generously and graciously, which is why their examples are so humbling and inspiring. PAVO's annual volunteers of the year awards provide an opportunity to shine a little light on the impressive work of the few finalists, who represent the 60,000 others who volunteer in Powys each year. It is our privilege and pleasure to pay tribute to these selfless individuals and to express our deepest appreciation.”

Do you know an incredible volunteer?
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards! Click here for more information

Photo credit to: Joe Purches of Ayton West Studio