Honorary Freedom of the Town of Pontyclun Award

The Freedom of Pontyclun Award is proposed as a prestigious honour to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to Pontyclun at any time in its history

This initiative celebrates those who have demonstrated outstanding service, commitment, and impact within the community. The award will be conferred on those who have improved the lives of others, enhanced the town’s reputation, or contributed to its cultural, social, or economic development.

To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Pontyclun’s establishment in 2025 and our new status as a town, the Council will offer five Honorary Freedoms of the Town of Pontyclun.

These will be awarded to individuals, as nominated by residents, who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, kindness, and positive impact on our town. From 2026 onwards, the award will become an annual tradition, recognising one deserving individual each year. Nominations for 2025 will be accepted until March 28^th March 2025.

Criteria for Nomination

To ensure fairness and prestige, the award will have a clear and structured nomination and selection process.

Individuals who have significantly contributed to Pontyclun’s development can be nominated. Areas of contribution include community service, charity, business, culture, sport, public service, or any other field that has had a transformative impact on the town.

No self-nominations are allowed.

The award cannot be given to serving town councillors and council employees (nor their immediate families) to prevent conflicts of interest.

Nominees should: –

Have a strong connection with the Pontyclun Town Council area through work, residency or birth. This includes Talygarn, Brynsadler, Pontyclun, Miskin, Mwyndy and Groesfaen.

And meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Significant Change – Have they led substantial and lasting change in the town?
• Reputation Enhancement – Have they brought distinction to Pontyclun through their work, cultural or sporting impact?
• Support for the Vulnerable – Have they improved the lives of those in need within the community?
• Sustained Service – Have they provided selfless voluntary service over an extended period?
• Innovation – Have they introduced creative or innovative approaches that led to long-term benefits?

Nomination Process

A nomination form will be available on the Town Council website and in print at the council office.

Nomination form

Each nomination must include:

1. Nominee details
2. Nominator details (name, contact, and relationship to the nominee (if any)).
3. Summary of contributions (maximum 500 words explaining why they deserve the award).
4. Examples of impact (data, testimonials, or supporting documents where applicable).
5. Letters of support (preferably from individuals with first-hand experience of the nominee’s work).

Selection Process

The Council’s Promoting Pontyclun working group will oversee the nomination review and selection process to ensure fairness and objectivity. Subject to the above criteria, they will produce a shortlist for consideration by the full council.

Award Presentation

A Presentation to the winners will be made at the Big Birthday Bash on 14^th June 2025 which will commemorate Pontyclun’s 175^th anniversary and be promoted on social media.

Those chosen to receive the award will receive a certificate and will be added to a Roll of Honour in the town.