Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre, a group of volunteers based in Pontardawe have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2026. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE
Based in The Old Stables close to the Swansea Canal, they document the history of Pontardawe by displaying exhibits and bi-lingual information of the heritage and culture of the area including work of local musicians, artists and crafters. They provide a multi-functional space acting as a hub for the diverse local community organisations. They are a central ‘Visitor Information’ point for tourism, promoting local heritage walks and local amenities.
Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre is one of 250 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2026 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, the award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as Reuben’s Retreat, a group supporting families after the loss of a child and families of children with shorter life expectancy in Greater Manchester; a group providing palliative care in Dyfed, Wales; and a group improving wellbeing in a rural community through plant and bake sales in Perth and Kinross.
Representatives of Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre will receive the award crystal and certificate from Mrs Louise Fleet CStJ JP, Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan in the coming months. In addition, two volunteers from Pontardawe Heritage & Visitor Centre will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award. John Jones Chairperson said: “I am delighted that our group’s work has been recognised.
A small group of dedicated volunteers running a unique multi functioning venue in the Area. This award reflects the hard work and commitment they have put in for the last 9 years.”