Local heroes honoured with Red Kite Awards

Four local residents from the Newtown area have received prestigious Silver Kite awards for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Chair of Powys County Council, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson, presented the awards to recognise exceptional performances and significant community impact. 

Lin and John Edwards from Newtown were recognised for their services to fostering children, particularly their commitment to fostering babies in need of a safe and secure home.

Also from Newtown, 93-year-old Eric Edwards received an award for his environmental efforts to help make Powys cleaner and greener. Eric is often seen walking through Newtown, using his shopping trolley as an improvised street cleansing cart for picking up litter. 

In the last year alone, it is estimated Eric spent at least 400 voluntary hours litter picking, covering over 500 miles on foot, and collecting almost 1,000 bags of litter. Eric also regularly volunteers with local charity Cultivate, passing on his gardening knowledge to younger generations and helping inspire others to be healthier and greener.

From Dolfor, Ivor Jones was honoured for playing an instrumental part in the planning and building of the new Community Hall in Dolfor in 2006. His commitment to the Young Farmers Club has been significant, especially in creating opportunities for young people in rural communities. 

As a member, he held all roles within the club before becoming a Club Leader for over 30 years and then President of Montgomeryshire YFC. Ifor has been a member of the William Buckley Pugh Committee, holding positions on the Show and Sports Committee for 50 years, and remains active on the Community Fund Committee. Today he serves as pulpit secretary for Dolfor Free Church and was involved in the re-build of the Chapel in 1981.

Graham Buckley from Tregynon was recognised as a key member of the community who works hard behind the scenes without expecting thanks. Described as kind-hearted and always ready to help people in need, Graham has previously created a tractor-mounted snow blower to help clear roads in his area.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson said: "I would like to say thank you to those who took the time to submit these nominations. It's a great honour and privilege to present these members of the Powys community with their awards.

"All winners were deserving for a variety of different reasons, but all just as worthy as each other, and I hope this award shows some recognition for the work, achievement, and difference, they make to our communities.

"Each one of them have shown an exceptional performance, or have made a real impact in their communities, and are truly deserving of their award. Congratulations to them all."

Silver Kite awards are civic awards presented to people who live in Powys who have gone above and beyond in their community or achieved something exceptional in their field. Nominations are made to the Chair of Council throughout the year by Councillors and awarded at the discretion of the Chair.