On Friday July 6, the Gwobrau Cyntaf Aber First Awards took place in the Old College, Aberystwyth, King Street. There were around 100 guests in attendance, from local businesses and members of the community alongside this year’s category sponsors and the overall sponsors, the EGO and Aberystwyth University.
There were ten award categories, each category reviewed by an independent panel of judges who gave us our three highly commended finalists. Each finalist was invited to attend the ceremony and the judges chose one as the overall category winner, for each category and the coveted Overall Winner Prize.
The night was a great success with everybody celebrating the Menter Aberystwyth area towns and community in style. We hope that all of the shortlisted finalists and winners had as good a night as Menter Aberystwyth did, and we hope we will see you all next year!
Our Winners and Highly Commended finalists for the 2018 Aber First Awards are:
Overall Winner
Aberystwyth Cycle Fest
Attracting Aberystwyth
Sponsored by Tynrhelyg Holiday Cottages
Finalists:
- Aberystwyth Cycle Fest
- Vale of Rheidol Railway
- Arad Goch
Winner: Aberystwyth Cycle Fest
Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by No 21 Flowers
Finalists:
- John & Lynda Williams, of Coastal Vintage
- Bethan Trevett, of Wonder Bar
- Haka Entertainment
Winner: Haka Entertainment
Promoting the Arts Award
Sponsored by the Rock Project
Finalists:
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- Arad Goch
- Bay Gallery
Winner: Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Customer Excellence Award
Sponsored by Aberystwyth Farmers’ Market
Finalists:
- Care Society: Aberystwyth Mobility Scheme
- Mandy Pilcher
- Sophie Bach Cafe
Winner: Mandy Pilcher
Environmental Awareness
Sponsored by Driftwood Designs
Finalists:
- Bwyd Dros Ben Aber Food Surplus
- Carwyn Lloyd-Jones
- Aberystwyth Beach Buddies
Winner: Bwyd Dros Ben Aber Food Surplus
Young Employee of the Year
Sponsored by Coleg Ceredigion College
Finalists:
- Alwenna Jenkins
- Haf Burrill
- Phil Nixon
Winner: Haf Burrill
Community Contribution Award
Sponsored by St Michael’s Church
Finalists:
- Aberystwyth Parkrun & Junior Parkrun
- Penparcau Community Forum
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Penparcau Community Together (APT)
Winner: Aberystwyth Parkrun & Junior Parkrun
Best Use of Online Media
Sponsored by Hughes Architects
Finalists:
- Alexanders
- Conrad’s Cabs
- Tynrhyd Retreat
Winner: Tynrhyd Retreat
Wedding Bells Award
Sponsored by Gwesty’r Marine Hotel
Finalists:
- Chez Louise Bridal
- Calon Wedding Planning
- No 21 Flowers
Winner: Calon Wedding Planning
Welsh Language Award
Sponsored by Gwe Cambrian Web
Finalists:
- Arad Goch
- Coffee #1
- Siop y Pethe
Winner: Arad Goch
Menter Aberystwyth is extremely pleased to be able to organise the Aber First Awards each year. If you believe that there is a person or business in Aberystwyth and the surrounding area that deserves recognition for everything they do remember to nominate them for the 2019 Gwobrau Cyntaf Aber First Awards.