The owner of Woosnam and Davies in Llanidloes has used part of a £5,000 award from National Lottery operator Allwyn to support VE Day events and other community initiatives.

The funding came from Allwyn’s dedicated Social Value Fund, a £1m annual commitment to operating The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

Trudy Davies received the funding as one of Allwyn’s Local Retail Champions and used it to help organise a VE Day-themed picnic with the Royal British Legion. The event took place on 5 May at the Millennium Community Garden, complete with bunting, music and decorations.

Davies also commissioned VE Day 80th anniversary pin brooches using the prize money. These are being sold to raise funds for local veterans and Royal British Legion Industries’ Tommy’s Club.

Prior to the VE Day activities, Davies used part of the award to install a ‘friendship bench’ in the town, aimed at encouraging community togetherness in Llanidloes.

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She was one of 16 regional winners in Allwyn’s 2024 Local Retail Champions awards, nominated by customers for her community-focused initiatives. These include regular charity donations, enlisting locals to knit clothing for the homeless and newborn babies and supporting local producers by stocking locally sourced honey and eggs.

Commenting on the VE Day celebrations, Davies said: “The prize money from Allwyn has been such a big help in putting on this event for the community and making our VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations extra special, as they should be!

“We’re supporting great causes along the way and there’s been a wonderful atmosphere in our small town because of it.”

Alison Acquaye-Acford, Allwyn’s director of commercial partnership and retail, added: “We’re delighted to see that Trudy is continuing her excellent work in the community by spending her Local Retail Champions prize money on community initiatives.

“We know she really prioritises her community and this is clear to see from all her work.”

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