Welshpool’s ‘Banksy’ remains anonymous despite award

Welshpool’s marvellous post box ‘toppers’ have managed to keep their anonymity despite winning a Community Award this week.

The town has fallen in love with the creations that adorn the town’s town centre post box, changing theme with each event that the town is hosting.

They started appearing overnight several years ago and the wonderful creations have become a welcome addition.

But, like the famous street artist ‘Banksy’, the Welshpool post box toppers have remained out of the limelight and it was hoped that they might appear at the town’s Community Awards presented in the Town Hall as part of the Mayor’s Sunday celebrations.

But, alas, there was a silence as we waited with baited breath to see if anyone would rise from those gathered.

The awards, who are nominated by the public, recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to our community through their dedication, leadership, and service.

This year’s five winners have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and are:

• Ann Watt & Sonia Wyatt – Meals on Wheels volunteers for over 60 years delivering meals to the community in all weathers. 

• Dr Tony Harvey and Dr Revd Roger Brown (right) - for their longstanding service to the Town of Welshpool.

• Welshpool Postbox Topper Creators (Anonymous) - for cheering up many people in the community with their wonderful and colourful creations.

• Community Transport Scheme (pictured, top) - during 2024-2025, the dedicated volunteers have given 1,220 hours of their own time, completing 453 journeys that covered 16,042 miles. The drivers are incredibly kind, compassionate, attentive and always prioritise the safety and comfort of their passengers.

• Highly Commended Certificate - Ponthafren Powis Castle Garden Group - made up of five volunteers who manage a garden space, hidden away in the grounds of Powis Castle. The group meet weekly and work hard to look after the garden, grow food an support each other.

The winners accepted their awards from Welshpool Mayor, Cllr Phil Owen, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Bill Rowell, at the ceremony.

Cllr Owen said: “The Welshpool Community Awards highlight the incredible generosity, creativity, and resilience that make our town so special.

“Each of this year’s recipients has made a lasting difference to the lives of others, often quietly and without expectation of recognition.

“On behalf of the Town, I offer our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to them all.”