Generous gesture by winnerad (From Barry And District News)

Generous gesture by winnerad

THE Barry Citizen of the year has been chosen.

There were 18 nominees put forward for the awards.

The top three were Charles Hamilton, Phil Rees and Victor Finn.

The competition was run by the Barry and District news, Barry Industrial Complex and Barry Town Council, in association with Dan Evans and Morrisons.

Charles Hamilton, of Highlight Park Estate, won the first prize of 1,500 cash.

The money was for the winner's own use - but Mr Hamilton chose to donate the cash to charity.

He will give 750 to Ty Hafan the children's hospice charity, and 750 to The University of Wales Hospital Children's Pilgrimage to Lourdes Group.

Mr Hamilton was nominated for his work with Mencap, his kindness to others, those less fortunate, helping with GCSE coursework and helping with the Lourdes Group.

He said: "I have been involved with many different groups over the years, but I did not expect it at all."

Phil Rees, who lives in Porth, in the Rhondda, but works at Barry College, won second prize of a luxury weekend break and spa treatments for two at the Vale Hotel Golf and Spa, near Cardiff.

Mr Rees was nominated for his tireless work with the Rhondda Lifeguard Club, at the Cold Knap. He has been involved for more than 30 years.

He said: "I have to say a thank you to everyone who supported me. This award is not just for me, but for everyone who volunteers at the Cold Knap as a lifeguard."

Victor Finn, of Harvey Street, won third prize - an LCD television, courtesy of Dan Evans.

Mr Finn was nominated for his work in the Cadoxton community, in particular his hard work to get the Millennium Playground project up and running. He also set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and is a volunteer for St Helen's Church.

He said: "There are more deserving people who could get this reward. It has made me feel very humble to think that people think of me in that way."

Anne Price and John Viney, both of Harvey Street, were also nominated for their work with Mr Finn on the Millennium Playground. Anne Price was also nominated for her work in the NHS and being a first aid helper.

Trevor Martin, of Gladstone Road, was nominated by a friend because he will help anyone in college - in or outside of his working hours.

Six members of the Royal British Legion were nominated for their fundraising with the Poppy Appeal.

Maureen Robinson, of Robins Lane, has collected money for six years. She is also a member of Victim Support and she visits elderly or disabled ex-service personnel or their dependants.

Stan Smith, of Regent Street, has collected money for the Poppy Appeal for 10 years, in all weathers.

Thomas Williams, of College Fields Close, has been collecting for three years and has raised more than 3,000 for the charity.

Jack Walker, of Jewel Street, has been a collector for 11 years and delivers appeal boxes all over the area.

Husband and wife team Barbara and Graham Davies, of Palmerston Road, were nominated separately.

They have been collecting for a number of years and have both collected more than 2,600 for the Poppy Appeal.

Steve Thomas of ValePlus was nominated for his work with young people with learning disabilities. He helped to set up the charity a number of years ago and it is now well known in the area.

Gaynor Chapplyn was nominated for her work with the elderly. She is a warden at Gwenog Court.

Norma Robertson, of Hanover Court, was nominated for her unerring support for the elderly and disabled tenants she looks after.

Christine Rich, of Pontypridd Road, was nominated for looking after her mother 24 hours a day. Her mother has Alzheimer's and needs constant care.