Community heroes recognised

The work of community heroes from across North East Wales has been recognised at the High Sheriff of Clwyd Awards.

Individual volunteers, community groups, public sector bodies and businesses that have shown outstanding dedication to their communities, were honoured at the prestigious event at Wrexham’s Catrin Finch Centre.

High Sheriff of Clwyd Celia Jenkins said: “I have been incredibly humbled by the examples of good citizenship I have seen over my year as High Sheriff. These awards are in recognition of the tremendous work going on across the region, often by people who receive too little praise.”

A highlight in Denbighshire included recognition of the 52 years of dedication Lesley Bordoli has shown to the Cub Scout movement. Mrs Bordoli, who started volunteering with the Cub Scouts in 1962 was due to retire in May, but has been persuaded to stay on a little longer.

Meanwhile an unusual scheme that sees dogs used as therapy for patients and reading buddies to pupils was also singled out for praise. Anne Jones of Pets As Therapy and Read2Dogs has persuaded Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to allow the cats and dogs in the scheme access to all their hospitals in North Wales.

In Wrexham the pupils of Ysgol Bryn Alyn were celebrating after their school was named Crimebeat award winner, for its work on an anti-bullying project. Pupils at the school devised, wrote and delivered a DVD and toolkit, educating children about the causes and consequences of bullying. While Audrey Roberts, also from Wrexham, was recognised for her work as a carer and volunteer supporting young people, helping children learn to read and campaigning for dementia sufferers.

In Flintshire 85-year-old former Shotton Steel worker Ken Monti was recognised for his tireless work in the community over the last 20 years. That work has ranged from visiting lonely elderly people to teaching table tennis to young people in Flintshire.

The work of the Flint Lifeboat Station Volunteer Crew was also singled out for praise. The team of volunteers provide 24/7 cover every day of the year cover on the River Dee between the weir at Chester and Talacre. In Conwy, Llandudno’s Neighbourhood Watch Drop-In Centre was recognised in particular for its work with the homeless and other vulnerable people.

Individually, Ted Evans, of Abergele received an award for being an outstanding role model and making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable older people his community. The awards took place on March 25 and were presented on behalf of partner organisations including Crimebeat, the Community Foundation in Wales, Business Supporting Communities (B2C) and the County Voluntary Councils.

Mrs Jenkins added: “It has been a real eye-opener for me to see how many different people are working hard for our communities. I hope that the stories we have heard today of the businesses, organisations and individuals will inspire others as much as they have me.”