It may not have been a vintage season for Talgarth Town FC so far – but the name of Talgarth Town FC Juniors was up in lights last Thursday night, when they bagged not one, but two accolades in the prestigious Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards, jointly hosted by PAVO and the High Sheriff of Powys, Tom Jones OBE at Newtown’s Elephant and Castle Hotel.
Approximately 120 nominations were received covering six categories of volunteering the length and breadth of the county, both individual and group awards, as well as a special award, presented by the High Sheriff.
Talgarth Town FC Juniors are celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, and now include a highly successful girls’ section.
The club was honoured to receive the Group Volunteer of the Year Award 2023, and the citation referred to their ‘excellence in developing a safe and inclusive approach to football across the age range.’
The award was received by Robbie Hardy of Bronllys, co-leader of the Juniors along with Talgarth Town FC stalwart, Scott Powell.
And in a further boost to the Juniors in their anniversary year, Amy Hardy, daughter of Robbie and Claire Hardy, also received a certificate of merit for her outstanding contribution as a youth coach.
And there were further honours for the Black Mountains area at the awards, with a nomination for Excellence in Governance for Three Cocks Matters, the Gwernyfed based community regeneration group, led by Cllr Nick Pritchard and a team of activists.
In little over a year, the group has grown in activity and profile and, as their citation said: ‘From the initial Easter Egg Hunt in 2022, Three Cocks Matters has gone on to do much more.
They have opened up access to a disused public footpath, so people can get outside to enjoy their surroundings. A new defibrillator has also been installed, close to the vulnerable population of the village.
Commenting on the Three Cocks Matters’ success, Gwernyfed County Councillor Will Lloyd, an active supporter of the group, who nominated them in the competition, said:
"It was great to see my nominations shortlisted for the Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards. What an achievement after celebrating only 12 months together as Three Cocks Matters, working hard to give our community a voice.
"The group has shown how local people can change the area they live in. They have worked hard to provide evidence of what they need to realise their vision of what Three Cocks could look like in years to come."
Talgarth County Councillor, William Powell, also congratulated the group, and went on to express delight at the double accolade for the Talgarth Town FC Juniors.
"It was a huge honour to see Robbie and Amy stepping up to receive their awards this evening.
"It also reflects the many hundreds of hours of dedicated volunteering, from coaches past and present, over the last ten years.
"They have all played their part in establishing the success story of Talgarth Town FC Juniors, especially in the last two years, with the advent of the Talgarth Town FC Girls.
"I understand that a message has also been received from the office of FAW Chief Executive, Noel Mooney, sending his congratulations, with a possible visit to Talgarth in the offing.
"They really have come a long way in the past decade – and I salute their achievements."