GAVO Caerphilly Volunteer Awards

The GAVO Caerphilly Annual Volunteer Awards evening, held at Blackwood Rugby Club on Tuesday, 7th October, was a resounding success, warmly received by all who attended.

This inspiring event celebrated the extraordinary commitment of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to enriching communities across Caerphilly County Borough. While the award winners represent just a small portion of the hundreds of individuals making a difference every day, their stories highlight the power of community spirit and service.

This year’s celebration was made possible thanks to the generous support of Weston FM Group, Caerphilly County Borough Council, the Caerphilly Observer, Blackwood Town Council, Bute Energy, and United Welsh Housing Association. Special thanks also go to Blackwood Rugby Club for hosting the event and providing exceptional service throughout the evening. Thank you must also go to The Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and all those who presented the Awards during the evening.

Congratulations to all the well-deserving award recipients! Your dedication continues to inspire us all.

---

Categories:  

 Most Innovative Social Enterprise

Winner- Sirhowy Valley Hub 

Jamie Arr & Mel Parker 

Highly Commended-Create Caerphilly 

Sally Morgan & Claire Donelly 

Presented by Edward Watts MBE DL, Chair of GAVO 

Trustee and Director 

Winners - Dai Thomas & Gwyneth Davies

Menter Iaith Sir Caerffili

Highly Commended - James Morgan

The Toy Box Project

Presented by Robert Dutt, GAVO Trustee

Food Sustainability

Winner - Connect Life Church

Highly Commended - Nathan Rees

The Parish Trust

Presented by Ed Edmunds, CEO Caerphilly CBC

Sport & Leisure 

Winners- Paul Rogers & Jade Mayor

The Wallball Association

Highly Commended- Kaci-Leigh George

Treowen Girls Football

Presented by Joanna Burgess, Caerphilly Observer

Health and Wellbeing

Winner – YYFM Hospital Radio

Highly Commended – Caffi'r Fynnon, Argoed Chapel

Presented by Nicola Prygodzciz, CEO, ABUHB

The High Sheriff’s Award – Toby Jones, The Parish Trust

Presented by Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin, High Sheriff of Gwent

Community Advocate

Winner – Brian Campbell, SMART Group (GDAS-Barod)

Highly Commended- Caerphilly People First

Presented by Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent

Environmental

Winner- Sown & Grown, Caerphilly Youth Offenders Team

Highly Commended - Perfect Fit, Michelle Mackerson                      

 Pathways/Platfform

Highly Commended - Morgan Jones Allotments

Presented by James Green, Bute Energy

Inspirational Young Person (14-25)

Winner- Melis Ahmet, Newbridge Memo

Highly Commended, Abi Bowring- Caerphilly Miners Centre

Highly Commended – Riley Messer, Van Community Centre

Presented by Stephen Tiley, CEO GAVO

Family Champion

Winner- Tracey Lintern-Davies, Van Community Allotments

Highly Commended - Danielle Cull, Neuroguard

Presented by Paul Hartshorn, Weston FM Group

Inspirational Journey

Winner - Janie Hughes, Rhymney Valley Food Bank

Highly Commended- Elise Brydon, Glowyr Bach,

Caerphilly Miners Centre

Presented by Justin Ball, United Welsh Housing

 Culture and Heritage

Winner- Ann Lewis, Glowyr Bach, Caerphilly Miners Centre

Highly Commended- Barry Alder, Newbridge Memo

Presented by Vicki Townsend, Assistant Chief Constable

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Award 2025- Tracey Lintern-Davies

Presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE

A sincere thank you also goes to Blackwood Rugby Club for hosting the event and providing outstanding service throughout the evening