Brecon residents came together to celebrate some of the best volunteers in the community.

Hosted by Brecon Town Council, the Best of Brecon Awards recognised seven people or groups from the town who are invaluable to those around them.

There were seven categories at the awards on Friday, May 27, at the Adelina Patti Theatre in The Guild Hall.

It was clear during the celebration that all of the nominations could have easily won their categories.

The evening was presented by the newly elected mayor and chairman, David Meredith, along with fellow town councillors John Powell, newly elected deputy-mayor Michaela Davies, Trish Fretten, Liz Rijnenberg, Marie Matthews, and Matthew Dorrance.

Cllr Meredith, who opened the event which replaced the council’s old volunteers’ evening, attributed the awards to the inspiration of Cllr Dorrance.

He said: “I am very proud and privileged to be hosting the 2022 Best of Brecon Awards. These awards are to recognise the contribution of those who have made a difference for the benefit of people within the Brecon community.

“I am extremely grateful to all those who took the effort to complete a nomination form in respect of an individual or group for one of the seven categories.

“The success of this relatively new initiative does depend on everyone participating in order for the Town Council to ensure it is reaching those who have made a valuable contribution for the benefit of others.”

He added: “We have very worthy nominees and winners in all the categories.”

Chris Bambridge, a volunteer with the Army Cadets, was announced as the winner of the Volunteer of the Year award.

A member of Brecon Detachment of Gwent and Powys AFC who live within the community, Chris teaches the cadets a range of subjects and skills.

When he was put forward, the person behind the nomination said: “As this gentleman has been with the ACF for a number of years, he has dealt with and taught a number of the local youngsters. One example of this that certainly sticks in my mind is when a young man came to the detachment requiring additional needs. He was not comfortable within social circumstances and Christopher welcomed him and ensured he was included with the others and informed him of the structure of the evening. At this point, he spoke very little to others and his lack of confidence showed.

“Having been with the detachment a little while, I saw such a huge difference in this individual, he spoke to some of the other cadets and when I was present. I do not believe that he would have had the confidence to do this if he had not been welcomed the way he was.”

Chris was unfortunately not able to attend the event to accept his award, however, it was collected on his behalf by Lieutenant Tim Barnes.

He said: Chris says apologies to everyone for not being able to attend this evening. I want to share my gratitude for this nomination, I can’t deny this was very unexpected.”

The Voluntary Group or Team award was handed to Brecon Repair Cafe.

Brecon Repair Cafe have gained popularity in recent years as they have helped people in the community to give damaged items a second chance rather than binning them.

Their nominator said: “the enthusiastic group of ‘Fixers’ have prevented the fixable things ending up in landfill, many other items are stripped for their parts.”

The group of volunteers were forced to slow down during the pandemic, however, they are once again busier than ever in the Vaults on one Saturday of the month.

At a time when the message to recycle and reuse old items is prevalent, the Fixers repair a range of items - from record players to toasters - and explain the fundamentals of how they work too.

Their nominator said that it has become an “important source of community togetherness” and that it helps to ease the feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Talking to the Brecon & Radnor Express, the group - made up of Ben, Francesca and Rob - said: “Brecon Repair Cafe has been running since 2017, it’s not just us but other volunteers - in particular, we would like to mention Adrian who couldn’t be here tonight and other people all working hard to repair and reduce the impact on the environment of goods.

“Other nominations were brilliant as well so, everyone’s a winner really.

“We do it free, everyone’s a volunteer and we would just ask that if you would like to leave a donation, then please do.”

The incredible Alastair Luffman was crowned the Young Volunteer at the awards ceremony for his assistance to elderly residents as well as his community work.

Alastair was nominated more than once during the awards - in more than one category and by more than one person.

One of those who nominated him was Joyce Enoch - a 90-year-old woman who was often helped by the young star.

From bringing her newspapers and shopping, to gatherings items from upstairs in her home and helping with the bins, Alastair helped Joyce with whatever she needed.

In her nomination, she said: “Alastair is very reliably and thenusiastic and always brings his little dog Reggi to visit who is charming. I brought him a fluorescent lead.

“I feel so fortunate to have Alastair’s help and concern. I am 90 years old and have no children or family, and I realise how hard life can be”.

Joyce sadly passed away before the awards ceremony where everyone took a minute to remember her.

Alastair was also nominated by Mary Richards who also said Alastair is always happy to assist with whatever she needs, describing him as “utterly reliable and always very ready to assist. Alastair has a pleasing personality and is good company.”

A student with NPTC and a keen skateboarder, Alastair was a lifeline for people in the town during the pandemic.

The horticulturist also keenly raises issues which he feels are important and joins campaigns.

Cllr Liz Rijnenberg said: “Alastair is a special young man and his friendship and support make a big difference to the lives of

Mary Richards and Joyce Enoch”.

Alastair was not able to attend the awards ceremony, however, it was collected by a family member to be passed on.

The Personal Achievement Award went to Rachel Williams for her outstanding support to the Credit Union and Brecon Volunteer Bureau.

Rachel is another volunteer who was nominated more than once in different categories.

A “very committed” volunteer to the Brecon Credit Union and the Brecon Volunteer Bureau, Rachel works part-time at Mind doing admin work as well as singing in a local choir.

Passionate Rachel was put forward so that her “display of moral values, humanitarianism, and relentless contribution to the community” could be recognised.

Rachel has been key during the pandemic to help ensure people could access loans and alleviate money worries with the credit union.

Known for her support to others and openness around mental health, Rachel has been seen as a lifeline by many.

One of her nominators, Marie Matthews of Brecon Volunteer Bureau, wrote: “Rachel is a very private person and certainly keeps herself to herself, but she has proved to be a lifeline for many people, a fact that she is probably not even aware of.

“At the start of lockdown, The Credit Union staff were designated as key workers and Rachel diversified in her role to take in loan applications. As mentioned, her honest nature and calm manner prooves to have a settling effect on people.

“I feel that Rachel would benefit from being recognised as one of Brecon’s unsung heroes.”

Her other nominator - Brecon and District Credit Union - said: “Though vulnerable herself, Rachel has been a core member of our small team of volunteers which was depleted by Covid shielding and self-isolating. She has provided crucial services during the pandemic when others in similar circumstances have been unavailable. This is a reflection of the significant positivity and commitment Rachel brings to all she does.”

Rachel was unfortunately not able to attend the awards ceremony, however, the trophy was collected by a family member to be passed on.

Michelle Mallalieu and Dean Roberts were recognised for their amazing support to the Credit Union with the Trustee Award.

Michelle and Dean became volunteers for the Credit Union in 2010 and joined the Board of Trustees in 2017.

They also give their time generously volunteering in and around Ystradgynlais.

Although they live in Abercraf, Michelle and Dean make 45-mile round trip to Brecon once a week to open the office.

The duo have kept the office open during the pandemic, offering vital cash services to their users.

Dean uses his IT expertise to help keep our systems running, maintains our Facebook presence and produces posters/advertising leaflets.

In addition to their work in Brecon Office, Michelle and Dean run two of the union’s collection points in the region - one in Ystradgynlais library and one for primary school children in Ysgol y Cribarth, Abercraf.

Alongside the savings collection in Ystradgynlais Library, they run a ‘Gadget Club’. This is a drop-in session which provides help/explanations on problems with phones, tablets, laptops, etc. These are often attended by elderly residents of a local supported living complex.

Therefore, their volunteering is improving the numeracy of primary school children and IT awareness of elderly residents.

Their nominator, the chair of Brecon and District Credit Union Ltd, said: During lockdown, board meetings became virtual. As Chair, I found conducting meetings using unfamiliar technology very challenging. For the first few meetings, Dean and Michelle came to my home to set up the meetings and ensure I understood the technology.”

She added another example of their technology help: “one lady was loaned a tablet by the library when her elderly husband was admitted to a care home with dementia.

“Because Covid rules prevented her from visiting him she came to the Gadget club for help. Michelle and Dean patiently showed her how to use the tablet to meet with her husband virtually with the help of one of the home’s staff. Thus, they significantly helped reduce the upset experienced by a very nervous lady with no knowledge of how to use the technology.”

Talking to the Brecon & Radnor Express, Michelle and Dean said: “To actually get the award, as we said, we try our best to help with the credit union as much as possible.

“We’re very glad and very grateful to Jackie to nominating us. We’re sad Rachel couldn’t be here today as she’s one of our volunteers, we’re just very grateful and even more happy to her than anything that she got the personal achievement awards.

“It was very nice to be nominated and we’ll just continue keeping up the good work with volunteering with the credit union and everything.”

Brecon’s shop Dixie’s Corner was given the Community Business Award in recognition of their impeccable appeal to gather support for Ukrainian refugees.

Run by Paul and Cath Slade, the shop organised an appeal for donations with the home of filling “just one van” after watching the plight of Ukraine nationals on the news.

They advertised the fact they would be a collection point for anyone wishing to donate certain items - such as clothing, blankets, dried milk, nappies etc - to those fleeing from the country.

They were inundated with items and paid for multiple vans to take the items to Manchester so it could be transported to the border.

Their nominator said: “Despite being adversely affected for the past two years with Covid, the business couple were till prepared for their business to be curtailed during the collection period.”

They added: “I believe we need more people to rise and do something positive as opposed to the negativity which arises all too often.”

Speaking to The Brecon & Radnor Express, Paul and Cath said: “We didn’t think we were going to win - we were honoured to be nominated.

“There are so many fantastic people in Brecon aren’t there. When we did it, it just went crazy.

When asked about what inspired them, they said: “Watching the news, there was that scene of the little girl being killed who was not much older than my daughter and it just drove me to tears. The type of businesses that we’ve got, I cannot do nothing. Surely we know somebody, have some contact.

“So, I made a few phone calls and got a few things in place. On the Monday I went to Aldi’s, bought loads of bits and thought ‘if we get a van full, we’ve got more than enough’. And it just went crazy, people from all over the UK were ringing us - not just from Brecon, but from the British Red Cross from the surrounding areas. It went absolutely crazy.

“We started at 9am on Monday and we had to turn people away on the Tuesday because we just couldn’t take any more. We had huge vans but we just couldn’t take anymore, it was a lot of hard work and we were naive in how much stuff would come and maybe naive by how generous people are, but it was just incredible. It came from Cornwall, everywhere.

“Like I’ve said before, people of Brecon were just outstanding, we live in a town of really good people.

When asked about their reaction to the response to their appeal, they said: “It was shocking - oh my God, you know, we can’t take anymore.

“Our shop is in the original theatre so we have an upstairs and a back. We filled upstairs, then we will around the sides - we had to literally stop customers coming in because we didn’t have space for customers. We had to close the shop - it was incredible. The people of Brecon are incredible.”

The final award of the evening was the Mayor’s Award for Oustanding Contribution which gained a standing ovation as it was given to John McFall, John Coulthard and Clive Price for their incredible work with the Brecon Branch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The three men have organised the poppy collection in Brecon and its surrounding areas for many years on behalf of the Brecon Branch.

In 2021, despite the challenges presented by Covid, they raised over £13,000. In the last five years they have raised in the region of £55,000, over the last 10 years £140,000 and since John McFall has been involved in the work over £250,000 has been raised.

The Royal British Legion works tirelessly to support the most vulnerable serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families, including in Brecon.

It might be older veterans that are cared for, those who suffer from social isolation, or those who are simply overwhelmed by the challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. The nominees’ efforts have made a direct and significant contribution to enabling these vital community services to continue.

As well as collecting donations and selling poppies in all weathers, they also assist with organisation of the wreaths on the Cenotaph during the Remembrance period while ensuring they are kept tidy during the remainder of the year.

Their nominator said: “The Nominees have made a direct significant contribution to the British Legion Poppy Appeal over a long period of time. The support offered by the Royal British Legion is a lifeline for many people and their families and without such efforts there would be no funds available to the Charity.”

John McFall - described by the boss as his two counterparts - passed on his apologies as he couldn’t attend the event on account of an accident days before the ceremony.

Speaking to the audience, John Coulthard thanked every member of the Royal British Legion who helps, as well as the pubs and shops who take collection tins and the banks who help to count the money.

He also thanked the generosity of Brecon residents who help to raise such an incredible amount of money.

Speaking to The Brecon & Radnor Express, John said that the club is currently being refurbished and they will possibly display the trophy on a shelf in there.

Talking about the award, he said: “It was one of those things yeah, like every other volunteer in the room. You do it and then a night like this comes along and they’ve got to give you a prize for it. I didn’t do it to get a prize, I’m just doing what has to be done.

“With the Legion, it’s a little bit different with poppies is certainly an international thing. We’re all ex-servicemen - John was in the Royal Engineers, I was in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Clive was in the RAF so we’re ex-servicemen, we know sometimes some of the boys struggle, and a lot of them can’t tell people about it.

“But if they bump into an ex-squaddy who’s done the same things they’ve done and been through the same things they’ve been through, then they can say ‘oh, I can talk to you, you know where my head is’ so they come to us.

“We’re only a small branch in Brecon but we have a connection to the whole British Legion. There is a use for us - the problem is, we’re all getting quite old and we can’t get youngsters in, and serving soldiers seem to think the Legion is only for retired soldiers which isn’t the case.

“Serving soldiers sneed help, we’re there and if he wants to come and join and come to the meetings, we’d love to see them. In a town where we know everybody, the people like the first responders, that’s amazing.

“To get a trophy and an award out of it is amazing. It’s a beautiful trophy as well. It’s just a shame John couldn’t be there - he’s our driving force, but he had this injury the other day. We say him today and he can’t move.”

This is the second year that the town has hosted the Best of Brecon Awards to celebrate its amazing volunteers.

The beautiful glass trophies were invidivudally hand made by the Gate Gallery & Glassworks at the Watergate - near Llanfaes Bridge.

At the awards, the trophies were described as a “beautiful and an excellent example of Brecon’s talent and creativity”.

Entertainment was provided by David Jenkins on his ukelele, who provided a tropical theme, Dylan Matthews with his incredible version of Consider Yourself from the musical Oliver, and then a poem also written by Dylan which was read out by his mum, Cllr Marie Matthews.

Town councillors have encouraged more people to step forward and make them aware of other brilliant volunteers for next year’s awards.