Volunteers look back at royal visit with pride

The Prince and Princess of Wales met dozens of volunteers from across Powys during a visit to Newtown last week, as part of celebrations ahead of St David’s Day.

Forty two volunteers representing 15 community groups gathered at Hafan yr Afon, where they were introduced to Their Royal Highnesses by Clair Swales, Chief Executive of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, and Stuart Owen, Chief Executive of Open Newtown.

The royal couple spent time speaking with volunteers about their work and the difference they make in communities across the county.

Young volunteers from the Game Change Project in Llwydcoed, near Newtown, spoke with Prince William about the initiative, which supports young people who struggle to access full time education through skills based outdoor learning programmes.

Reflecting on the conversation, they said: “He seemed so down to earth and genuinely interested in helping young people. He really appreciated the value of practical skills and understood that traditional schooling isn’t everything.”

Pam Lyons, a volunteer with Newtown Food Surplus, which collects, sorts and redistributes surplus food from local shops through twice weekly food shares, met the Princess of Wales.

“Kate was lovely,” she said. “She told me their family motto is the Bob the Builder mantra: ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.’ I had an amazing day.”

Laura Hares, a volunteer with Welshpool Community Haven, a community hub offering wellbeing opportunities and a supportive space for local people, spoke with both the Prince and Princess.

“They were both lovely and really understood the difficulties communities are facing,” she said.

“Prince William wanted to know all about what we do and talked about projects he hopes to start.

“As a volunteer, today means so much.”

Caroline Atwood, a volunteer with PAVO Powys Befriending Service, which supports people over 50 experiencing loneliness and social isolation, also met the royal couple.

“We chatted about connection and community and how we are losing the ability to communicate,” she said. “They were both very charming.

“Volunteering is rewarding anyway and I get a lot out of it, but I was very flattered to be asked to come along today.”

Bethanie Powell, from Mid and North Powys Mind’s Mums Matter service, attended with her two year old son, Winston. She has volunteered for seven years supporting women experiencing mental health challenges.

“I chatted with Kate about the Mums Matter service,” she said.

“I could see how passionate she is about women’s mental health.

“Both Winston and I felt genuinely supported and valued throughout the day. It is an experience we will never forget.”

Paul Hitchcox of Mid Wales Model Engineering Society, which promotes and encourages engineering in all its forms, made sure the Prince of Wales left with a copy of the group’s pamphlet.

“I was a little nervous about meeting the Prince,” he said, “but he was lovely and very interested in what we do.”

There are around 4,080 community and voluntary groups active in the county, with about 42.1 per cent of residents engaged in volunteering, significantly higher than the Welsh average of 32 per cent. Volunteer time is estimated to contribute £129 million to the local economy each year.

Clair Swales, Chief Executive of PAVO, said: “We are incredibly proud to support volunteering across Powys and to celebrate the remarkable contribution volunteers make to our communities.

“For everyone here today, the opportunity to speak with the Prince and Princess about their work and the causes they care so deeply about was truly meaningful and will be remembered for years to come.”

Stuart Owen, Chief Executive of Open Newtown, added: “It was wonderful to see hundreds of local children, families and residents come together in our parks to offer such a warm Mid Wales welcome.

“Moments like this shine a light on the kindness, pride and community spirit that define our area. Powys is a place where people look out for one another, and today’s visit reflected that beautifully.”

Photo by Philip Blagg Photography