On Friday 4th November 2016, I took the afternoon off the drive-time radio show. Instead, I was honoured to host the annual Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) Volunteer Awards. The ceremony was held at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend and the aim was to highlight and thank the good work of volunteers around the County Borough of Bridgend.

Often, volunteers do so much for various local charities and organisations but sometimes their hard work goes unrecognised and sometimes even unnoticed. Organisations within Bridgend County Borough were given the opportunity to nominate volunteers for an award.

It was an afternoon of some lovely stories and inspirational people which highlighted the hard work of lots of individuals who give up their own personal time to make a huge difference within their local area. Entertainment was provided by the Tenovus Cancer Care ‘Sing with us Bridgend’ choir. Photo’s were taken by Lee Ralph of Image IQ.

Winners:-

Befriending & Mentoring Volunteer:- Sarah Boswell- Jones – Scope Community Companions

Volunteer of the Year under 25:- Megan Curling – AYPD

Volunteer of the Year over 25:- Lara French – Y Bont

Trustee of the Year:- John Noble – Emmaus South Wales

Charity Shop Volunteer of the Year:- Elliot Davies – Ty Hafan

Sports Volunteer of the Year:- Card Tidball – Ultimate Dance Crew

Volunteer Project of the Year – Community Furniture Aid

Outstanding Volunteer Contribution – Jill Grange – Bridgend National Autistic Society

Highly Commended Certificates:-

Joe Allen, Kenneth Bufton, Alyssa Davies, Amanda Jaine Evans, Ann Harrison-Power, Teresa Jones, Vince Kelly, Sue Maclaren, Angharad Stokes, Alex Williams and Pamela Williams

Voluntary Projects:-

Llynfi Valley Credit Union – School Volunteer Team

Llangynwyd Rangers Boys & Girls Clubs of Wales Football Club

WCVA Highly Commended Certificates:-

Jolie Davies, Hannah Hiddlestone and Margaret Lewis

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering within Bridgend County Borough, visit BAVO online by Clicking here.

Lee Jukes – Compere.

The award winners.

Tenovus Sing with us Bridgend!