Malgwyn Davies OBE CStJ, the High Sheriff of Gwent visited Monmouth last Tuesday (22nd March) to present an award for service to the community to Revd. Catherine Haynes, Team Priest at St Thomas’ Church, Overmonnow.

The event was introduced by Cllr. Catherine Fookes who had put Revd Catherine forward for the award. She spoke about Revd Catherine’s role in developing the wide range of community activities at Ty Price Community Hall including the ReachOut peer support group, support in the town for those in housing need, and the support arrangements for refugees from Ukraine.

Cllr Fookes said ‘Revd Catherine has touched the lives of many in Monmouth – she has done so much good for so many people - as a school governor, working to support homeless people and helping set up many community support activities with the great team at Ty Price. She always does this work quietly and without fuss and I felt she should be recognised for the contribution she has made.’

The High Sheriff said that from the information he received, Revd. Catherine, was definitely worthy of the award and most certainly practices what she preaches. He described the roles of a High Sheriff in former times including collecting taxes, catching, trying, and sentencing wrongdoers. The modern role is to support community life and do what he can to commend those, such as Revd. Catherine, in their work.

In accepting the award, Revd Catherine said:” “I am really humbled and honoured to accept this award and I do so on behalf of all of the fantastic volunteers at Ty Price, including Steve Martin, David and Sally Price and the Ty Price Team, with PCSO Joe Facchiano, Fran Kenny of the Reachout Group and many others”.

She was warmly applauded by those attending including many from the groups and activities Catherine has helped develop.