Simon Holland Roberts Named as Runner Up of the Aber Falls Local Hero Competition
Simon Holland Roberts, 45, from Mochdre, has been awarded as the runner up in the Aber Falls Local Hero Competition for his commendable contribution to the local community during the pandemic, by setting up the Mochdre Community Action Group to help the vulnerable people in his community.
Simon is an Actor, Chair of the Community Council for Mochdre and Vice Chair for the governors for both schools in the community. Simon was chosen out of hundreds of nominations as a runner up, predominantly for his work bringing 50 volunteers together and forming the first Mochdre Community Action Group. Throughout the pandemic, the group, led by Simon, would collect shopping, deliver medication, fit smoke alarms and help and support elderly and vulnerable people.
Aber Falls Distillery launched the Local Hero Competition to mark the opening of its new Farmers Market in Abergwyngregyn on November 19th, whereby Simon and his family were all invited to attend and collect his prize. At the Aber Falls Farmers Market launch event, Simon was presented with an Aber Falls Deluxe Christmas Hamper, filled with popular food and drink from North Wales as well as a bevy of spirits from Aber Falls, including its latest Single Malt Welsh Whisky.
James Wright, Managing Director at Aber Falls Whisky Distillery, said: “We wanted to mark our special occasion by celebrating our local heroes and Simon is an extremely deserving runner up in the competition. Simon’s work for his local community during lockdown was an essential lifeline for the vulnerable at a time when they really needed it, and we want to thank Simon for his support of the local community and for joining us at the Aber Falls Farmers Market official opening.”
Simon has always given back to the community and has been involved with community groups and community outreach through his work with his theatre company, Pigtown Theatre CIC and ShakesVR, for over 30 years.
Simon said: “I am delighted to be a runner up in the Aber Falls Local Hero Competition and it was delightful to attend the opening with my family. Being involved with, and helping to support my community, is really important to me. I have lived in Mochdre all my life, and growing up here, I was inspired by the work my mother did as local Councillor for the Conwy County Council for 25 years. It was my dream to follow in her footsteps. During lockdown, I also saw the difficulties my community was having, so to be able to help with deliveries and provide support during this time was just something I needed to do.”
Close friend, Vickie Plum Fleming nominated Simon for the Aber Falls Local Hero Award and commented: “Simon is an inspiration. During lockdown he wanted to help our community, so he set up the Mochdre Community Action Group to help vulnerable people. By recruiting 50 volunteers to help with essential deliveries and support, the action group really did provide a crucial lifeline to the people in our village.
“Simon also organised for easter eggs to be delivered to every child in our village for an Easter giveaway. I wanted to nominate Simon as I could see how important his work was, and the difference he made to our community.”
To find out more about the Mochdre Community Action Group visit: www.facebook.com/MochdreCommunityCouncil/ or www.facebook.com/conwyvol to volunteer in Conwy.
The Aber Falls weekly Farmer Market provides local producers with the opportunity to sell their products to the public, from permanent, authentic market stalls. You can find out more about Aber Falls and the Farmers Market by visiting www.aberfallsdistillery.com.
