High Sheriff of Clwyd, Karen Farrell-Thornley, finished her year in style with a celebration of volunteers across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy at a gala Community Awards event held at Rydall School, Colwyn Bay at the end of April.
In partnership with Crimebeat and Community Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) over 150 invited guests saw many volunteers and community groups recognised for their invaluable community work including the Crimebeat Project of the Year for Clwyd – Friends of Cae Derw Park.
The High Sheriff had witnessed for herself the work that Friends of Cae Derw Park do to support young people and the community in general and was delighted when she had the opportunity to recognise their work.
The event was opened by Elgan Owen, Chief Officer at CVSC who said: “These awards shine a light on the inspiring work being done across Clwyd, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted nominations ,and congratulations to all those nominated, and of course to all the winners here today.”
Guest speakers, Stephanie Catherall, former High Sheriff of Clwyd and Volunteer Police Cadet Charlie Jones-Capper, also addressed the audience highlighting the value of volunteering.
The High Sheriff Clwyd concluded her year in office by telling all the winners and guests:
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the four voluntary councils – AVOW, CVSC, FLVC, and DVSC – for their invaluable guidance and support during my time in office. Their work in advising and assisting voluntary and community groups is truly inspirational, and I deeply appreciate their commitment.
Serving as High Sheriff has been an extraordinary privilege, offering me a unique insight into the uplifting projects taking place across North Wales and allowing me to meet so many inspiring individuals who are making a real difference in the lives of others. Time and again, I have been humbled by their stories, their generosity, and their unwavering dedication to helping those around them. I feel truly honoured to have met & shared a small part of the good within our communities.
It is also a great pleasure to present the Crimebeat North Wales Project of the Year Award for Clwyd. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting several projects which have been supported through Crimebeat funding. These initiatives provide young people with the opportunity to bring their ideas to life, helping to create safer, stronger, and more connected communities.
I thank you all for joining me in the celebration of these awards today.”
Award Winners 2025:
Clwyd Crimebeat Project of the Year
Friends of Cae Derw Park
In recognition of their work to bring the community together, planning, preparing and delivering inclusive events and activities to support everyone in the community.
High Sheriff’s Community Service Awards
CONWY
Claire Mack
In recognition of her work with Victim Support helping victims of crime for over twelve years.
Joyce Bates
In recognition of her incredible loyalty and unwavering commitment to the St Kentigern Hospice charity shop in Colwyn Bay.
Clwb yr Efail
In recognition of the dedicated team members who provide a warm and safe space for elderly residents in Conwy.
DENBIGHSHIRE
Pauline Owen
In recognition of her work with Vale of Clwyd MIND, organising a large range of activities, providing a ‘place to just be’ as well as actively fundraising for VOCM.
Alys Winstanley
In recognition of her contribution to setting up the Dementia Friendly Ruthin Community Choir.
Tremeirchion 2000
In recognition of their engagement with neighbours and the community organising community events for the past 25 years.
FLINTSHIRE
Chris Allen
In recognition of his work with the Motor Neurone Disease Association in Flintshire.
Koki Kinouche
In recognition of his work with Mold Community Clubhouse & Gardens.
North East Wales MIND
In recognition of their Youth Leadership Advisory Board where young people can bring their voices and their opinions on mental health and feel valued and supported.
WREXHAM
Louise Brereton
In recognition of her work with WeMindTheGap in Wrexham.
Paul Bowen
In recognition of his work with Stori Brymbo for over 10 years.
Wrexham and District Citizens Advice Volunteers
In recognition of their community engagement, visiting localoutreach hubs and partner agencies.
High Sheriff Special Award in partnership with CVSC
Gwyneth Mary Trinder
In recognition of her work with CVSC. Mary has been instrumental in shaping its strategic direction for nearly three decades.
High Sheriff Long Service Awards
Gareth Rowlands
In recognition of his work as a Rhuddlan Town Councillor for over 44 years.
Elaine Jones
In recognition of her loyalty, dedication and commitment to St Kentigern Hospice for 39 years.
Ann Jones
In recognition of her work with GirlGuiding in North Wales for over 40 years.
High Sheriff’s Personal Awards
The Hummingbird Project
In recognition of their work along the North Wales coast helping those in need.
Letitia Spencer
In recognition of her work with Walk and Talk, Mental Health Mates North Wales.
Karen Hodgkinson
In recognition of her community work in the Daniel Owen Centre, Mold.
Blood Bikes Wales
In recognition of the volunteers who use their skills, time and enthusiasm to support the Health Service in Wales.
Christine Foulkes
In recognition of her community work at Christmas time.
High Sheriff Volunteer Police Cadets
VPC Charlie Jones-Capper – VPC Ruby Price – VPC Lucy Lander – VPC Seren Davies
In recognition of their enthusiasm and commitment as my High Sheriff Cadets and as valued members of the Clwyd Crimebeat Committee. 