BB40 – The event of the year!

Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary in style at the Memo Arts Centre, Barry on Saturday 4th December.

Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS) felt privileged to be invited along with over 200 other guests. Barry Beavers certainly know how to organise an event which was Christmassy, celebratory, welcoming, highly entertaining and above all inspired by their service users and volunteers. 

The event began with Barry Beavers’ young people completing a fantastic dance routine whilst signing. There were superb awards for outstanding volunteers, given by Alun Cairns MP and Jane Hutt MS to Pat Finch, Eunice Lamb who unfortunately couldn’t attend the event and an award was accepted on behalf of Angela Price, who had sadly passed away. There was a superb Santa and Grotto which even the adults enjoyed and the children were awe-struck.  

A short heartwarming video of Barry Beavers’ service users swimming and benefitting from support from volunteers, was played at various intervals – the children were loving being in the swimming pool with all the benefits that brings.  

A major highlight of the 40th Anniversary celebration was to have Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE on the night, one of Britain's greatest Paralympic athletes, who amassed a remarkable medal haul over 16 years and five Paralympic Games of 11 gold, 4 silver and a bronze. Tanni gave an inspiring talk about her life. She spoke about her highs and lows and to hear her say she lost more races than she won was surprising and spoke volumes about “never to give up” and “always aim for the stars!” 

Côr Meibion Taf Choir sang throughout and concluded the live entertainment with some heartwarming Christmas songs whilst Bro Radio’s Nathan Spackman ended the night with a disco following his compering duties!

Barry Beavers certainly know how to make a night truly special and it epitomised their huge commitment and unrelinquishing support to their service users and the community that they serve.

Here’s to another 40 years, thank you!