Raglan has every right to be proud of its war memorial this Remembrance week.

It has just won a gold award from the Gwent Association of Volunteer Organisations (GAVO). The ’Be Proud of Your Community’ Gwent Awards recognise the volunteers - the third sector - that work tirelessly to make a positive contribution to the local community.

The awards are new and have six categories, covering a wide range of different elements in community life and wellbeing.

Raglan took two certificates in two categories at the ceremony at Llanhilleth Miners Institute last Wednesday, 6th November. The gold award was for ’Remembering them’: which was not just for the memorial, but for the information researched into the background of those who served, highlighting the historical events of the communities.

The bronze award was for the village’s community benefit towards residents through interaction with each other, including support for those most in need and to newcomers - ’Taking Care of Community’.

In each community, GAVO looked at the scale of involvement and participation in schemes available and how the community drew together and sustained each other.

Trevor Phillips said they were very pleased to win the memorials award. "We were up against the bigger towns, but it’s all due to the work done by Doctor Brinley Morgan, the QR codes and the research he’s done," he said.

Another GAVO awards evening on Wednesday 30th October saw some of the county’s outstanding volunteers recognised at the Volunteer Achievement Awards at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel.

The awards generated a wealth of nominations and judges had a tough decision picking the winners. GAVO was pleased to hand out awards to those who had shown outstanding dedication, commitment and passion for helping others.

In the Group award, a highly commended went to Food Sense in Monmouth who work with local supermarkets to ensure that food doesn’t go to waste, providing free food collection points for those who need it and healthy meals for children and young people taking part in summer play schemes.

Kelsey Goodwin, a volunteer at Monnow Vale Hospital was awarded a highly commended in the Young Volunteer category. Kelsey provides support for individuals with dementia, their family and staff members.

Monmouthshire County Council Chairman’s Award went to Serena Morgan for the significant contribution she had made through her volunteering work at Bridges Charity Shop.