Credit Unions of Wales Celebrate Success With an Awards Night

Friday 26 January 2024

Credit Unions of Wales hosted its annual awards ceremony on Thursday 19 November to recognise the success of credit unions in Wales and appreciate the hard work of staff and volunteers. ABCUL sponsored a handful of the event’s awards including the ‘Member Making a Difference’, ‘Lifetime Achievement’ and ‘Outstanding Member of Staff’ awards.

Jan Morgan is a member of Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union who won highly commended in the ‘Member Making a Difference’ category. Jan leads the Good Friendship Group which has been offering friendship and activities to local residents no matter their age or ability since 2017. The Good Friendship Group has 25 members who meet twice weekly and the group does a range of physical activities, community gardening, day trips and birthday parties.

 “We’re proud to have a member like Jan and the Good Friendship Group who’s making a real difference to the lives of the group.” Said Delyth Shearing, Manager of Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union. Delyth said: “[the Group] is in regular contact with [members’] families who have seen a positive change in the health and wellbeing of their relatives since attending”.

Betty Bishop, Vice-Chair of Dragonsavers Credit Union won the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award, and Ross Edwards also from Dragonsavers Credit Union won the award for ‘Outstanding Member of Staff’.

“It was a real surprise to be nominated for the Staff Member Making a Difference category and I found out while I was undertaking the Development Educator course this year in Edinburgh” said Ross. He added: “to be chosen is a great honour. I really appreciate the opportunities and experience working in the credit union movement has given me and look forward to continuing to develop member relationships and helping build on Dragonsavers’ success.”

Betty said: “It was wonderful to be given this award. Thank you to the board of Directors and staff at Dragonsavers for nominating me and to all involved for a very enjoyable evening”.