Wrexham Volunteers honoured at High Sheriff Community Awards

Volunteers and community groups across Wrexham have been recognised for their work at High Sheriff of Clywd’s annual community awards.

The event was held on Saturday 9 March at Brynkinalt, Chirk – home of the current High Sheriff Kate Hill-Trevor.

Those invited to attend were nominated by others in the community in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the voluntary sector and their local communities.

Nominations for the Community Awards are sought each year, with 2 individuals and one group winner being chosen from each of the four areas (Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham) that make up the now ceremonial preserved county of Clwyd.

Awards were presented in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant, Henry Fetherstonhaugh OBE FRAgS, Superintendent Jon Bowcott and Special Constabulary Chief Officer of North Wales Police Mark Owen MBE, Ashley Rogers – Chair of PACT (Police and Community Trust) and Clwyd’s Under Sheriff – Mrs Sarah Noton of Swayne Johnson Solicitors, past High Sheriffs, the Chief Officers and representatives of the four Voluntary Councils of the area and selected guests.

Kate Hill-Trevor said: “Being High Sheriff is a tremendous privilege which has given me the opportunity to learn more about the uplifting projects that are happening here in North Wales and to meet some incredible people.

“Volunteers are active at the heart of every UK community, and it is very clear that the millions of people who give their time and skills to charities and community projects are quite simply an essential part of the world today.

“However, this work often goes unseen and unsung. These awards give me an opportunity to recognise a small number of the volunteers and organisations who work tirelessly within Clwyd to make a difference to those around them”.

The winners for Wrexham include:-

• Caroline Richards: In recognition of her work transforming the lives of young people through music.
• Hywel Williams: In recognition of over 15 years volunteering to support the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
• Marford and Gresford Luncheon and Caffi Group: In recognition of their dedicated work to support older members of their communities.

High Sheriff Special Awards were also given to:-

• Anna Buckley: In recognition of her tireless work to support refugees and victims of the war in Ukraine.
• Sion Edwards and Nicholas James: In recognition of their inspirational work with young people at The Venture Youth Inclusion Project.
• AVOW Young Influencers: In recognition of their work to support the young people of Wrexham.

The evening also saw several organisations, charities and volunteers receive a High Sheriff’s Personal Awards. These included:-

• Volunteer Police Cadets – Brooke Blake-Hains & Steffan Lea: In recognition of their enthusiasm and commitment as The High Sheriff’s Cadets and as a valued members of the Clwyd Crimebeat Committee.
• We Mind the Gap: In recognition of their work developing programmes to empower, inspire and support young local people.
• The DPJ Foundation: In recognition of their work regarding Mental Health in rural communities, supporting those with problems, raising awareness and providing training within the agricultural sector.
• Theatr Clwyd: In recognition of their work with the Justice in a Day crime education programme and multiple projects benefiting the local Community.
• Chirk Hospital’s Circle of Friends: In recognition of their continued fund raising and improvements in equipment and services for Chirk’s community hospital and nurses.
• Wrexham AFC Community Trust: In recognition of the Club’s Community projects and social cohesion work.
• North Wales Police’s Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders: In recognition of the voluntary time given to support and inspire Volunteer Police Cadets.
• National Garden Scheme North East Wales County Team of Volunteers: In recognition of their work supporting the numerous NGS garden openings across the area each year, raising substantial sums for multiple charities
• Wrexham Litter Pickers: In recognition of their commitment to keeping local areas free from litter and building a stronger community spirit.

Following the awards, guests enjoyed afternoon tea and the chance to share stories of their volunteering journeys in the historic setting of Brynkinalt.

Mrs Hill-Trevor’s tenure as High Sheriff of Clwyd commenced in April 2023 and will shortly finish as the post is for a single year.

Mrs Hill-Trevor said: “Clwyd really is very lucky to have such a strong and vibrant Voluntary sector.

“I certainly have been humbled and uplifted by everyone I have met during my year in office.

“I hope that these awards will also encourage more people to give volunteering a go – there really is a volunteering opportunity out there for everyone and together we can make a difference.”

Pictured: L-R: The High Sheriff of Clwyd, Mrs Kate Hill-Trevor, with all the award winners and dignitaries of this year’s High Sheriffs Community Awards Ceremony at Brynkinalt, Chirk. Photography by Helen Baly.