Myself with other C.O.B.R.A (Community Organisation Bringing Regeneration to All) members, organised the first event of its kind in Bonymaen. A celebration of people in our community who furnish our area with incalculable self esteem, confidence and courage. Local, national or international their prodigies have done us proud.

Just 15 minutes before the doors opened I was standing on a chair re-pinning our stage decorations of 100 feet of suitable material, which tried to escape while we were decorating the tables. Rallied raffle prizes tempted pennies from purses. Engraved trophies stood guard over those precious gold envelopes. We were determined next year the Oscars organisers would turn to us for inspiration. Well a little day dreaming goes a long way, look where it got us.

Catering, always a worry. How many do we cater for? We hoped for 150 guests. We made mental notes to expect to take 'doggie bags' home with us. The hairs still stand up on the back of my neck when our initial exceptions of an attendance of approximately 30 exceeded over a 100, we'd "cracked it".

Deputy Lord Mayor, our local Councillor, Mair Gibbs officially opened the event. Ceri 'Diggion' Davies a contestant from Owens Money 'Just up your street' compared the evening. Thing now seems a blur. But highlights are vivid.

Local children, from the Tora Shan Karate Club, had adults on chairs to watch their demonstration. Alison Soloman and a duo 'Times Two' sang and got us, and me in paticular, onto the dance floor.

The smiles on the faces of the resiprients were, worth every tear and tantrum the organising of this event took out of us. I don't like self praise but that night watching all those smiling faces of the winners, their families and the audience was a moment I will tresure for eternity. It is a legacy I am delighted to be a part of. Enough, here are the catagories and richly deserved winners.

Mrs Thomas - Outstanding Teacher
For her dedication and enthusiaum in this much loved school.

Kirsty Day - Neighbour of the Year
A terrific teenager who helps anyone she can in her own unselfish way.

Adam Bendle and Daniel Bendle - Joint winners of Children of Courage
Not because they are brothers but both have shown determination to overcome their disabilities to swim, representing Swansea at national and international level.

Haydyn Davies and Allen Jones - Outstanding Contribution to Sport
Have given our community, between them, over 40 years of coaching in Football and Tora Shin Karate.

Mrs Barbara Doyle
An all weather performer. Mrs Doyle has seen our chhildren safely across Bonymaen roads for 30 years in her roll of 'Lolly pop Lady'. We are indebted to her.

The final category Outstanding Contribution to the Community had 20 nominees. The were all winners. All received framed certificates in recognition of their commitment.

Thirty two Bonymaen mantelpieces are cradling much cherished awards. The ripple of this event already making it's way around the globe. The effect from these heroes and heroines has been truly immeasurable.

A big thank you too to the audience, without them the event would have been meaningless. Thank you to you all, from all of us in the ward of Bonymaen, Swansea.

Irene James