Nominations open for the Mayor’s Citizenship Awards 2026/27

Residents are being invited to nominate the people, groups and organisations making a difference across Bridgend County Borough for the Mayor’s Citizenship Awards 2026/27.

The awards recognise the outstanding contribution of local people and community groups who give their time, energy and talents to help others, strengthen their communities and make Bridgend County Borough a better place to live.

From volunteers and fundraisers to community champions, sports leaders, environmental groups, businesses, young people and those who quietly support others behind the scenes, the Mayor’s Citizenship Awards celebrate the many different ways people make a positive difference.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 20 November 2026. More information about how to make a nomination is available on the council’s website: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/council/council-and-democracy/mayor-of-bridgend-county-borough/mayors-citizenship-awards/

The awards will be presented by Cllr Heidi Bennett, Mayor of Bridgend County Borough 2026/27.

For inspiration, take a look back at the 2025/26 winners:

Y Cefn Gwyrdd Historical Society
For more than 40 years, Y Cefn Gwyrdd has worked to preserve the Bedford Ironworks and Cefn Junction Signal Box, supporting archaeological, conservation and educational work. Its work to improve access and bilingual interpretation is helping more people discover the area’s industrial heritage.

Aspen Wolf Jones
Aspen has shown outstanding commitment to fundraising for causes including the Royal British Legion Industries, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support. He also volunteers at beach clean-ups, demonstrating his commitment to both community and the environment.

RNLI Porthcawl
The volunteer crew at Porthcawl Lifeboat Station provide round-the-clock emergency search and rescue coverage along a challenging stretch of the Bristol Channel. Their award recognises their dedication and willingness to help people in danger at sea and along the coast.

Caerau Market Garden – Christopher Cook, Leslie Furnell and Jean Furnell
Christopher, Leslie and Jean have dedicated their time and resources to maintaining a welcoming community garden. Their teamwork has created a space that brings people together, supports wellbeing and has achieved Green Flag recognition for more than a decade.

Venetia Steele Boutique – Nicola Venetia Steele
Nicola was recognised for supporting charities, championing local businesses and creating community events, including significant fundraising for Hope Rescue. Through her business and wider community work, she consistently seeks to encourage and support others.

Bridgend County Vintage Club
The club brings people across Bridgend County together through its annual Christmas tractor and 4x4 run, spreading joy while raising thousands of pounds for local charities. Members volunteer their time and cover vehicle decoration costs themselves.

Llynfi River Care and Environmental Group
This dedicated volunteer group works year-round to protect the Llynfi Valley, rivers and wildlife by tackling litter, plastics and microplastics. Around 30 volunteers, aged 14 to 96, regularly give their time to protect the environment for future generations.

Linda Webb
Linda has volunteered with Litchard Brownies for more than 30 years, giving her time every week despite family commitments. She supports activities, trips and weekends away, helping ensure the unit continues to provide opportunities for its members.

Robert Doyle
Rob has made a wide-ranging contribution to the Llynfi Valley through music, fundraising, local history, heritage and community projects, including Maesteg 200 and plans for a heritage centre. He also supports the Royal British Legion, local schools and charitable causes.

Michael Flanagan
Michael has devoted years to helping others through St John Ambulance, fundraising, school governance and community volunteering. A retired fire officer, he continues to give his time generously and is recognised for consistently putting others first.

The Welsh Honey Company – Dafydd Pett
Dafydd took on his family’s beekeeping business at a young age and developed it into a thriving modern enterprise. He promotes beekeeping among younger generations, supports aspiring beekeepers and contributes to the local ecosystem through his work.

Mr and Mrs Masson
For many years, Mr and Mrs Masson have supported local charities and community initiatives, offering time, compassion and practical help to those in need. Their latest project provides a welcoming warm space where people can meet, talk and enjoy refreshments, helping combat isolation.

Viv John
Viv has been part of Garw Valley Tennis Club for almost 70 years and has volunteered in coaching and running the club for around 40 years. Her work has helped generations of local people access tennis, build confidence and friendships, and enjoy a valued community facility.

CHILL – Cancer Help In Local Lives
Founded by Julie Grabham and Mark Newbold, CHILL supports people affected by cancer through connection, understanding, care packs and practical help. Despite profound personal challenges, Julie and the wider community have continued to grow the group into an emotional lifeline for people across the area.

Rosie Morgan
Rosie was recognised for her work as a Kidney Wales volunteer ambassador, including donating a kidney to her best friend and sharing her experience to raise awareness of kidney health. In the previous year, she took part in 22 volunteering opportunities and reached around 800 people across Wales.

Ed Wilkins – Bridgend Tennis, Squash & Bowls Club
Ed led the transformation of Bridgend Tennis, Squash & Bowls Club from a struggling organisation into a thriving community facility. His work with members, volunteers and partners strengthened the club, improved facilities and helped it win the Tennis Wales Club of the Year Award in 2022.

Staff and Parents – Trelales Primary School
School staff and parents responded swiftly when a contractor collapsed at Trelales Primary School, administering CPR and using a defibrillator before paramedics arrived. Their calm response inspired further defibrillator provision and training across the county borough.

Carl Rawes
Carl has raised substantial sums for charity through demanding walking and hiking challenges while bringing people together through organised group hikes. In 2025 alone, he raised £21,000 for a range of charities, combining fundraising with a commitment to community and wellbeing.

Kathryn and Mark Blight – Da Capo and Crescendo Youth Choirs
Kathryn and Mark have made a long-standing contribution to youth music, nurturing young singers through Da Capo and Crescendo Youth Choirs. Their voluntary work develops confidence, resilience and musical skills while raising Bridgend’s cultural profile and creating opportunities across Wales and beyond.

Gianni Taylor and Sharron Fisher – Pen-y-fai Scouts
Gianni and Sharron volunteer alongside full-time jobs and family commitments, supporting weekly activities, camps, hikes and events that give young people valuable life skills. They organised Pen-y-fai Scouts’ first international camp in Austria and helped raise funds to make it possible.

Steve Tallis – RAW Performance
Steve established RAW Performance as a Community Interest Company providing free, inclusive fitness sessions in public spaces. He helps people improve physical and mental wellbeing regardless of income, age or fitness level, while volunteering to secure funding, mentor others and develop the organisation.

Morgan Pritchard – Family Breakfast Pyle
Morgan, one of the youngest volunteers at Family Breakfast Pyle, has shown initiative through helping the community pantry and tackling food poverty. He collects, packs and delivers food to families, manages stock and helps the project run effectively.

Ceri Joseph
Ceri’s extensive volunteering has helped make Porthcawl Museum a vibrant and accessible community hub, preserving and sharing local history. She also supports community events, produces newsletters, organises guest speakers and has written a book celebrating the town’s 200-year-old charter.

Steve Lovell and Lee Farmer
Veterans Steve and Lee established a breakfast club during the Covid pandemic to provide friendship and support for veterans. It has grown to almost 200 members and organises events and trips, supports military charities and provides practical help and comradeship to the Armed Forces community.

Justin Hostettler-Davies
Justin has brought the community together through fundraising and awareness campaigns for motor neurone disease in memory of a friend. His challenges include climbing Kilimanjaro, walking the length of the UK and cycling from Paris to Bridgend, alongside community activities with Bridgend Sports RFC.

Bridgend and Porthcawl Marie Curie Fundraising Group
This dedicated team organises collections, community events and fundraising activities supporting Marie Curie’s local services. Its annual Afternoon Tea has raised more than £1,000 each year for five years, while total fundraising is approaching £250,000.

Phillip Richards
Phillip has volunteered with the Bridgend branch of Samaritans for almost 50 years, offering callers a calm, caring and attentive ear during difficult moments. His extraordinary longevity, reliability and dedication have made him one of the branch’s longest-serving volunteers.