Powys volunteers meet The Prince and Princess of Wales during Newtown visit
Forty-two volunteers from across Powys, representing 15 local community groups, met The Prince and Princess of Wales at Hafan yr Afon in Newtown on 26 February. The visit formed part of a celebration of community ahead of St David’s Day.
During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to volunteer groups and community champions by event organisers Clair Swales, Chief Executive of PAVO, and Stuart Owen, Chief Executive of Open Newtown.
The Prince and Princess spent time speaking with volunteers about their roles and the positive difference they make within their communities.
Young volunteers from the Game Change Project in Llwydcoed, near Newtown, spoke with Prince William about the initiative, which supports young people who struggle to access full-time education with skills-based outdoor learning programmes.
Reflecting on the conversation, they said: “He seemed so down to earth and genuinely interested in helping young people. He really appreciated the value of practical skills and understood that traditional schooling isn’t everything.”
Pam Lyons, a volunteer with Newtown Food Surplus – an initiative that collects, sorts and redistributes surplus food from local shops through twice-weekly food shares – met the Princess of Wales.
“Kate was lovely,” she said. “She told me their family motto is the Bob the Builder mantra: ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.’ I had an amazing day.”
Laura Hares, a volunteer with Welshpool Community Haven – a community hub offering wellbeing opportunities and a supportive space for local people – spoke with both Their Royal Highnesses.
“They were both lovely and really understood the difficulties communities are facing,” she said.
“Prince William wanted to know all about what we do and talked about projects he hopes to start.
“As a volunteer, today means so much.”
Caroline Atwood, a volunteer with PAVO Powys Befriending Service, which supports people over 50 experiencing loneliness and social isolation, also met the royal couple.
“We chatted about connection and community and how we are losing the ability to communicate,” she said. “They were both very charming.
“Volunteering is rewarding anyway and I get a lot out of it, but I was very flattered to be asked to come along today.”
Bethanie Powell, from Mid and North Powys Mind’s Mums Matter service, attended the event with her two-year-old son, Winston. She has volunteered for seven years supporting women experiencing mental health challenges.
“I chatted with Kate about the Mums Matter service,” she said. The service supports new mothers who may be feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed.
“I could see how passionate she is about women’s mental health.
“Both Winston and I felt genuinely supported and valued throughout the day. It is an experience we will never forget,” she added.
Paul Hitchcox of Mid Wales Model Engineering Society, which promotes and encourages engineering in all its forms, ensured the Prince of Wales left with a copy of the group’s pamphlet.
“I was a little nervous about meeting the Prince,” he said, “but he was lovely and very interested in what we do.”
The visit highlighted the vital contribution of the third sector across Powys. There are approximately 4,080 community and voluntary groups active in the county, with around 42.1% of residents engaged in volunteering – significantly higher than the Welsh national average of 32%. Volunteer time alone contributes an estimated £129 million to the local economy each year.
Clair Swales, Chief Executive of PAVO, said: “We are incredibly proud to support volunteering across Powys and to celebrate the remarkable contribution volunteers make to our communities.
“For everyone here today, the opportunity to speak with the Prince and Princess about their work and the causes they care so deeply about was truly meaningful and will be remembered for years to come.”
Stuart Owen, Chief Executive of Open Newtown, added: “It was wonderful to see hundreds of local children, families and residents come together in our parks to offer such a warm Mid Wales welcome.
“Moments like this shine a light on the kindness, pride and community spirit that define our area. Powys is a place where people look out for one another, and today’s visit reflected that beautifully.”
Clair and Stuart also extended their sincere thanks to the Royal Household, the Lord-Lieutenant Tia Jones, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the visit possible. Their dedication and careful planning ensured a truly special and memorable occasion for all involved.
If you’d like to know more about volunteering opportunities in Powys, please contact: volunteering@pavo.org.uk