Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Citizen Award Winners 2024
The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Citizen Awards 2024 recognised and rewarded individuals and community groups who make a real difference to neighbourhoods and communities here in Neath Port Talbot. The award ceremony took place at The Orangery at Margam Country Park on April 24th. Hosted by Sean Holley, it was a very emotional evening supported by the local business community and special guests.
The Mayor, Councillor Chris Williams would like to thank title sponsors Tata Steel UK and Trade Centre Wales and all award category sponsors. Without their support the event would not have been possible. Thanks to the generosity of all who attended, our raffle draw also raised funds for the Mayor’s two nominated local charities: Tŷ Olwen Hospice and Harry’s Fund.
A big thank you also to the amazing Valley Rock Voices choir who sang at the start of the evening under Choir Director, Cerys Llewellyn-Bevan. Cerys was also surprised to later be awarded the Performing Arts Award at the end of the evening!
To see pictures from this inspirational evening please visit our social media channels.
Our award winners are...
Environment and Heritage Award - with Zoar’s Ark: Terry Griffiths
Contribution to Charity Award - with Celtic Leisure: Cian Evans
Outstanding Bravery Award - with Runtech: Bethan Davies
Supporting Education Award - with Swansea Uni: Nicola Thomas
Child of Courage Award - with Trade Centre Wales: Ellie May Jeffreys
Good Neighbour Award - with Associated British Ports: Luke Lavercombe
Sport Star of the Year - with Pump Supplies: Sara Davies
Health & Wellbeing Award - with Centregreat: Helen Davies
Community Champion - with Aberafan Shopping: Taibach Community Group
Volunteer of the Year - with Tata Steel UK: David Jones
Performing Arts Award - with Buffoon Media: Cerys Llewellyn-Bevan
Environment and Heritage Award with Zoar’s Ark.
Winner: TERRY GRIFFITHS from Bryncoch Environment Group
The nomination was submitted on behalf of all at Bryncoch Environment Group as a way of recognizing Terry’s hard work and commitment over many years.
Contribution to Charity Award with Celtic Leisure.
Winner: CIAN EVANS
When he was just two years old Cian was involved in a terrible car accident and airlifted by the Wales Air Ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales. Cian raised over £1,200 last year for the Air Ambulance as a way of thanking them for saving his life.
Outstanding Bravery Award with Runtech.
Winner: BETHAN DAVIES
Nominated by her mother, Bethan was diagnosed at the age of 16 with a chronic illness which turned her life upside down. Despite what she’s been through, she has managed to pass her A ‘Levels and start a degree course at Swansea University. Bethan is also now a volunteer advocate for a UN programme and advocates at the Senedd for children and young people who struggle to access mainstream education.
Supporting Education Award with Swansea University.
Winner: NICOLA THOMAS
Nicola is the Community Funding Manager at Ysgol Cwm Brombil in Margam.
She runs a range of activities at the school including food bank, annual Christmas Appeal, community coffee mornings, family cooking club and uniform bank. All these initiatives help pupils, their families and the wider community.
Child of Courage Award with Trade Centre Wales.
Winner: Ellie May
There are children among us that face hardships right from the start of their young lives. Ellie May in now 6 years old and has been through a lot. Since the age of 3 she has had operations on her tongue and ongoing speech therapy. Instead of getting frustrated she’s taken everything in her stride and is a bright little girl with a bright future.
Good Neighbour Award with Associated British Ports.
Winner: LUKE LAVERCOMBE
Luke is a student at Neath College and just last year decided to get involved in Forward4Fairyland
- a group formed with the purpose of strengthening the community of Fairyland in Neath and the wellbeing of residents. After just ten months, he agreed to become group secretary and has brought new energy to the association with many new ideas and initiatives.
Sport Star of the Year with Pump Supplies Limited.
Winner: SARA DAVIES
Sara is a member of ‘Ferry Flatliners’ and was nominated by her coach who says she’s a great role model to all members. In her 4th triathlon last September (at the age of 51), she qualified to represent Team GB in the European Sprint Triathlon in Vichy in France. She’s also qualified to represent Team GB in the European Multi sport Championship in Portugal this summer.
Health & Wellbeing Award with Centregreat Limited.
Winner: HELEN DAVIES FROM THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE, NEATH
This award was open to local groups or individuals whose work, actions or engagement helps to promote health and wellbeing. Helen is the founder of an organisation called The Sunflower Lounge, which is based in Charles Street, Neath. The Sunflower Lounge is service for care leavers and young people who have experienced emotional social and physical disruption in their lives. It provides a welcoming and safe environment where young people can access education training as well as health and well-being support.
Community Champion with the Aberafan Shopping Centre.
Winners: TAIBACH COMMUNITY GROUP
In her nomination for the group, local resident, Margaret said this: “They’ve taken Taibach by storm! They are wonderful people who want the best for everyone. We now have had wonderful summer fayres, events for children and also event for us older residents! This all adds up to making the People of Taibach proud of where they live, I wouldn't live anywhere else. We are suddenly a proper community!”
Volunteer of the Year with Tata Steel UK.
Winner: DAVID JONES
David has been a huge part of the RNLI in Port Talbot for 27 years. During this time, he has saved many lives at sea. His volunteering roles at the station have varied from station mechanic to Senior Helmsman. David was nominated by his wife who told us how the whole family is very proud of him and his achievements. We know for sure that the whole community feels the same way.
Performing Arts Award with Buffoon Media.
Winner: CERYS LLEWELLYN-BEVAN
Over the past few years Cerys has not only founded one of the most vibrant local choirs, but her charity fundraising efforts are just as phenomenal!
Her choir, ’Valley Rock Voices’, has now blossomed into a 200-plus ensemble of women from all different backgrounds. As well as the choir itself, ‘spin-off’ walking and swimming groups have formed, social and fundraising activities are on-going and firm friendships have been forged.
Over many years Cerys has also personally raised tens of thousands of pounds for a range of charities. She’s taken part in triathlons, walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, ticked off the Inca Trail in Peru, climbed to Everest base camp and recently completed her 10th marathon!
Mayor’s Special Recognition Awards
Awarded to Kathleen ‘Kay’ Clement, Archie Thomas, Gwenfron Picken and Kath Morris. These four very special people from Port Talbot made remarkable contributions to our country during the darkest days of World War Two. And, all four recently celebrated their 100th birthdays!
- Kathleen Clement, also known as ‘Kay’, joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Loughborough and was a maintenance engineer working on Spitfires.
- Archie Thomas joined the Royal Navy in 1942 and saw active service as a Royal Navy Beach Commando.
- Finally, it was an honour to present awards to two ladies who worked as codebreakers during World War Two at the top secret facility at Bletchley Park. Gwenfron Picken and Kath Morris, were born a week apart in 1924. The amazing thing is, despite both being from Port Talbot - and both serving at Bletchley Park - they only met for the first time at a joint celebration for their 100th birthdays!