Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local veterans and organisations recognised at the 2025 Welsh Veterans Awards, held on July 2 at the prestigious 4-star Vale Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The Welsh Veterans Awards honour the remarkable achievements of veterans, reservists, and organisations that support them. This year, Rhondda Cynon Taf was once again well represented with multiple winners and finalists from across the County Borough.
A huge congratulations to all local winners, including:
- Gordon ‘Pops’ White of Taf Ely Veterans – Gold Winner: Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Hugh James, this achievement recognises people for their entire military career and achievements in civilian life. A D-Day and World War II veteran, as well as a local hero, Pops was honoured for his lifelong service and continued dedication to supporting fellow veterans.
- Valley Veterans – Gold Winner: Veterans Group of the Year (5+ years) Award
Sponsored by the Army Benevolent Fund, this award celebrates a veteran’s group that has gone above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community, raising awareness of veteran’s needs, and promoting social change.
- Paul Bromwell MBE, Founder of Valley Veterans – Gold Winner: Inspiration of the Year
Sponsored by Porters Estate Agents, this award recognises a dynamic individual who has inspired others through their passion, leadership, and dedication to the military and veteran community.
- Paul Bromwell MBE, Founder of Valley Veterans – Gold Winner: Welsh Veterans Overall Champion
Sponsored by Vindico, this prestigious title recognises the overall champion of the 2025 Welsh Veterans Awards – a truly incredible achievement. As the founder and driving force behind Valley Veterans, Paul’s leadership and dedication were recognised across three Gold Awards, making him the most celebrated individual of the evening.
Sean Molino BCA, Founder of the Veterans Awards and Welsh Guards Veteran, said: “We are so thankful to all our supporters, volunteers and sponsors who helped put this amazing night together.
“Some of the highlights of the night saw Gordon ‘Pop’ White, a World War 2 D-day Veteran, receive the Lifetime Achievement Award to a standing ovation, and also Paul Bromwell MBE becoming our Inspiration of the Year winner and our Welsh Veterans Awards Champion.
“We want to Inspire our future service leavers that great things can happen. It’s you who will act as role models and in some cases mentors. Remember: positivity breeds positivity.”
The Council also extends its congratulations to three local finalists:
- Nigel Locke, Secretary of Valley Veterans – Silver Winner: Military Charity Fundraiser of the Year
- John Hooper of Taf Ely Veterans – Silver Winner: Volunteer of the Year
- David King of Taf Ely Veterans – Bronze Winner: Volunteer of the Year
The evening was attended by Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, and was filled with emotion, pride, and celebration. Highlights of the evening include a standing ovation for Pops as he received his Lifetime Achievement Award, and Paul Bromwell MBE being named both Inspiration of the Year and Overall Champion.
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “At Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, we are proud to support our Armed Forces community, past and present, and to champion initiatives that support their health, well-being, and continued successes.”
“I am so pleased to announce that we had multiple winners from across Rhondda Cynon Taf at this year’s Welsh Veterans Awards – including four gold awards, two finalists, and several more nominees.
“A special congratulations goes to Paul Bromwell MBE and his charity Valley Veterans, which he founded over 20 years ago to support local veterans with living with PTSD and adjusting to civilian life. To receive three awards in one evening is a remarkable achievement.
“I also want to congratulate Gordon White, who we all know as Pop, for his well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. At 102 years old, Pop continues to be an inspiration to us all.
“These awards are a testament to the strength, resilience, and community spirit of our local veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf – and we are incredibly proud to see their dedication recognised on a national stage. Well done to everyone.”
Sponsored by their lead sponsor Vindico and Thales Group, who support all awards across the UK, the Welsh Veterans Awards were set up in 2018 to promote, reward, and celebrate the contributions of veterans, reservists, and current Armed Forces personnel.
Other categories for awards included:
- Role Model of the Year
- The Community Award
- The Health and Well-being Award
- Leader of the Year Award
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Employer of the Year Award
- Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award
- Reservist of the Year Award
- Veterans Group of the Year (1-5 years old)
Find out more: Welsh Veterans Awards - The Veterans Awards
The Council’s Veteran Advice Service offers free, impartial, and dedicated support and assistance for veterans and family their members. To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, call 07747 485 619 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or email: VeteranService@rctcbc.gov.uk
If you would like to learn more about the Council’s larger commitment to the Armed Forces and veteran community, please visit: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 08/07/2025