Volunteers, businesses and local organisations recognised at annual celebration
COMMUNITY champions from across the Vale of Glamorgan were recognised for their outstanding contributions at Bro Radio’s sixth annual Community Awards.
Held at Barry’s Memo Arts Centre on Friday evening, the awards ceremony brought together residents, volunteers, businesses and organisations to celebrate the people making a difference in their communities.
The event marked a return to the Memo after two years at Penarth Pier Pavilion and saw a full house gather to honour 39 finalists nominated by members of the public.
Finalists represented a broad range of sectors, including business, sport, charity work and community life.
One of the evening’s most notable moments was the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to Anthea Clements in honour of three decades of service to the community.
Ms Clements was recognised for her work transforming and expanding YMCA Barry, as well as supporting the development of a number of organisations, including Bro Radio, Major Music and Motion Control Dance. Her contribution to the wider YMCA movement in Wales, the UK and internationally was also acknowledged.
The ceremony was hosted by Bro Radio Evening Show presenter Patrick Downes, who returned for his sixth year as host, alongside Monday Lunchtime presenter Charley Greatrix, who first joined the station through the Bro Radio Academy in November 2025.
This year’s awards were sponsored by Victoria Park Mazda, with support from 12 category sponsors and a pre-awards networking reception sponsored by United World Logistics.
Among the winners were Jac Thomas, who was named Young Person of the Year, and Konnar Haynes of Palmerston Primary School, who received the Teacher of the Year award.
Barry Athletic Football Club was named Sports Club of the Year, while Health Hwb collected the Business of the Year title.
Other winners included Joshua Jones, Volunteer of the Year; Katie Gooderham of Cadog’s Corner, Community Champion; and Vale of Glamorgan Project Linus, which was named Community Group of the Year.
Speaking after the event, awards host Patrick Downes praised the dedication shown by those nominated.
“Every year I’m blown away by the passion, dedication and heart shown by people across the Vale,” he said.
“These awards remind us just how special our communities are, and it’s a privilege to help shine a light on those who give so much of themselves for others.”
2026 Community Awards winners
- Young Person of the Year – Jac Thomas
- Teacher of the Year – Konnar Haynes, Palmerston Primary
- The Bryan Foley Award – Neil Murray, 11th Barry Scout Group
- Heritage, Arts and Culture – Penarth Pier Pavilion
- Community Champion – Katie Gooderham, Cadog’s Corner
- Volunteer of the Year – Joshua Jones
- Community Group of the Year – Vale of Glamorgan Project Linus
- Sports Club of the Year – Barry Athletic Football Club
- The Charity Award – East Vale Community Transport
- Community Event of the Year – Romilly Summer Festival, Rotary Club of Barry and District
- Business of the Year – Health Hwb
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Stacey Long, Hubbub Penarth
- Triumph Over Adversity – Ed Grant, Cancer Help in Local Lives
For more information about the awards and this year’s winners, visit Bro Radio’s website.
