The 2025 Tenby Observer Community Kindness Awards were held at the De Valence Pavilion, Tenby on Friday evening (October 3).

After introductions from Carolyn Cox (Tenby Observer) and Chris Fox (Tindle Newspapers), Councillors Laurence Blackhall and Sam Skyrme Blackhall presented the first three awards.

Young Hero Award - sponsored by Britvic - was awarded to Leah Lewis, a busy mother and a member of the Youth Worker team at Ysgol Greenhill. Leah has run many projects and encouraged the young people to take part in Long Course Wales, raising over £3,000 to date for men’s mental health and domestic abuse charities.

The Tenby Town Council sponsored Community Business Award went, deservedly, to Tenby Post Office and Stores. Nothing is too much trouble for Fiona, Vince, family and staff.

Kind and selfless, making Tenby a better place, Rebecca Rees earned the Good Neighbour Award - sponsored by Bethel Chapel, Pembroke Dock.

Rebecca’s husband, Ian, gave a short talk about The Old Chapel, Tenby and their good work in the community.

Following an interval, during which a buffet was served, Laurence and Sam resumed their duties, awarding the Millbay Homes Community Volunteer Award to Blake Shaw and Terry Evans (Tenby Sailing Club) and the Statkraft sponsored Eco Warrior Award to Jan Hill, for making Augustus Hall so attractive with flower pots and useful herbs and vegetables.

Blue Light Award - sponsored by Bevan Buckland - went to RNLI crew members Rob James and Chris ‘Yobbler’ Thomas, distinguished for their brave and timely life-saving interventions.

Tenby RNLI was the second charity of the evening to share about their inspiring work.

A Special Award, sponsored by the Tenby Observer, was created for ‘lifeline’ cab company owner, Parade Marshall and Royal British Legion County Training Officer Shane Roberts, following nominations in nearly every category.

When Carolyn took to the stage again for a word of thanks, it seemed like the show was over… but there was one more important event: a raffle, MC’d by Tenby Mayor Dai Morgan, the proceeds of which go to the two featured charities.

The Tenby Observer is most grateful to the event sponsors, without whom it would not have been possible to recognise such kindness in the community: St Govan’s Centre, Pembroke Dock; Upton Farm; Scaffold 2000; Tenby House Hotel; A N Morgans; G D Harries; Gerald Blain Associated; Rossiter & Sons; Bevan Buckland Accountants; Giltar Hotel; Heywood Spa; Tenby Chiropractic and Clarence House Hotel.