The Revd Roger Hewett, Vicar of Blaina and Area Dean of Blaina Gwent, has won the category ‘Leadership Success through Partnership, to develop skills in the work place or the community’ sponsored by the Department of Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills. The other short listed candidates in this category were Andrew Cooksley MD of  ACT Training, Austin Matthews MBE, Director of Engineering Education Scheme Wales and Dr Paul Thomas, Founder of DNA Wales. 

Roger learned of his success when he and his wife, Molly, attended the presentation lunch at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff, on 21 February. Molly said: ‘It was a wonderful experience – like being at the Oscars – and  I am so proud of him and pleased for Blaina and the team he heads.’

The Leading Wales Awards recognise great leadership at all levels across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales, celebrating individuals whose excellent leadership skills have made a strong impact and resulted in positive change within their organisations.

Roger was nominated for his work in the communities of Blaina and Nantyglo. He is dedicated to looking after not only his parish, but the community as a whole. He is chairman of Blaina Community First, a member of the Chartist Regeneration Committee, and active in projects involving young children and the elderly. He has been the person behind most of the development which has taken place in the community in the areas he takes responsibility for.

When he first learned of his nomination, Roger was somewhat embarrassed at being singled out. He said: ‘I am one of a team, and even the most recent members of that team are as important as I am. The work I do is part of the church’s programme of involvement with the community. Through such projects as our Kids’ Clubs, our Care and Share lunch club for the elderly, our work with the Hospice of the Valleys, we are working to build the confidence and the capacity of the community to look after itself.’

Following the presentation, he said: ‘I didn’t expect to win; the quality of the other people in my section was outstanding. But I am thrilled—this award is good for the community because it shows we can do it, it is good for the parish because they are part of the team, it is good for the Communites First Board who have worked so hard to make things happen in Blaina, and good for the Chartist Regeneration Group which is well-supported by the Council of Churches and the Town Council.’

  The Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS, says: ‘‘I am overjoyed that one of our priests was chosen from among some extraordinary people to receive this award.  Roger is a remarkable parish priest who is ministering in one of the poorest valley parishes.  He has reached out in loving service to the people he serves and has given them self confidence and a new sense of community.’

END 22 February 2008

Notes to editor For more information, visit www.leadingwalesawards.com