Five local residents have been honoured for their contributions to the county by the High Sheriff of Powys, Mrs Ann Tudor.
The High Sheriff Community Award recognises the outstanding contributions made by individuals to their local community and to the county.
Twins Tom and John Ellis from Llanfyllin, Maldwyn Evans from Adfa, Doreen Jones from Llanfair Caereinion and Geraint Peate from Llanfair Caereinion were presented with their Community Award by Mrs Ann Tudor, High Sheriff of Powys, at a ceremony that was held at Gregynog Hall earlier this month (Wednesday 1 March).
Community Award recipient details
Tom and John Ellis are twins who were born in Llanfyllin. They attended Llanfyllin High School and both trained to become teachers at Trinity College, Carmarthen and Cheltenham Training College. Both twins taught in Powys at Llanfair Caereinion High School and Llanfyllin High School where they delivered diligent pastoral care work, well above the call of duty which often continued long after the pupils had left the school. They saw only the good in their pupils and their fellow men, always ready to give a helping hand, offering selfless support, guidance and advice. Tom and John have been officially acknowledged lay preachers since 1963, and frequently officiate at marriages, baptisms and funeral services over an extensive area. They also make pastoral visits to people in hospital, at home, the elderly and bereaved. They are members of the Gideons Society, distributing bibles widely. John is Chairman of the local Christian Aid Group.
Maldwyn Evans is a true Adfa gentleman who has faithfully served his community most of his life. Maldwyn lives with his sister Ivy and brother Ifor. He is a keen gardener and worked at Gregynog for nearly forty years ending up as Head Gardener. Maldwyn gives up much of his spare time to keep Adfa Cemetery spick and span, providing grass cutting, edging, pots, shrubs and seating, helping to create a place of peace and solace. Maldwyn is often seen tending gardens belonging to the more elderly residents of Adfa. He is a Deacon of the Chapel and has led the singing there for over fifty years. Maldwyn is no stranger to awards. His commitment has been recognised over the years. He has won the National Small Cemetery Category Competition three times and is the recipient of The British Empire Medal for his dedicated work.
Doreen Jones from Llanfair Caereinion is highly respected by young and old. She has been a Lollipop Lady for over forty years, braving all weathers, caring for the children and ushering them safely across the road to School. If a child became upset, Doreen would show them kindness and comfort them. Due to her daughter in laws ill health, Doreen has helped to bring up her four grandchildren as if they were her own, and is much admired for her commitment. Doreen also helps to look after her two great grandchildren. She is a Warden at Hafan Deg, taking care of the elderly residents. Doreen is a member of Adfa Gardening Club and a keen gardener.
Geraint Peate a Llanfair Caereinion boy, born and bred, began his career rearing, buying and selling stock for his farming enterprise. In the early 1970s, Geraint’s father started a new Undertaking business, and Geraint drove the hearse. Following his father’s death Geraint opened a new business in Welshpool in 2002, diligently helped by his wife Ann and daughter Beth. He is renowned for his compassionate and caring manner when dealing with bereaved families. He often takes part in funeral services, reading, singing and paying heartfelt tributes. Geraint was a member of the Fire Service in Llanfair for four years and served as a Special Constable for eighteen years. He is a Church Warden at St Marys and a Town Councillor. Geraint is Secretary and has been a Standard Bearer for The Royal British Legion for the last twenty four years. How many hats does this good man wear? Top hat, his British Legion Beret or his farmers’ hat? He frequently compares concerts, sings and entertains and has a good repertoire of jokes.
