Llanrwst’s Steve Watts is celebrating after his fundraising efforts have led to him raising over £50,000 during the past 12 years as Chairman of Flintshire Vintage & Classic Tractor Society – with all the money going to local charities.
Steve, age 57 who has lived in the Holywell area most of his life and now resides on a farm in Llanrwst, first got involved in fundraising for local causes with the Flint and Holywell Rotary Club during the 1980’s and enjoyed his role as President in 2000. Through his farming he is heavily involved in the agriculture industry and has gone on to establish the Flintshire Vintage & Classic Tractor Society and, as Chairman, has steered the organisation from strength to strength seeking to raise money through regular events each year.
Steve, who works for Wales & West Utilities as the Area Business Manager for North & Mid Wales, explains his drive:
“I get a great deal of enjoyment from all aspects of my life – work, farming and fundraising. So if I get the opportunity to combine them and do some good for local causes, it’s even better.”
Through his work with the Flintshire Vintage & Classic Tractor Society, Steve helps put on regular tractor runs, involving more than 50 tractors which take in a 20 mile route to raise money for local charities. His employer, Wales & West Utilities, is very supportive of his efforts and provides match-funding to boost his fundraising.
He continued:
“I think it’s really important for people across the area to understand the importance agriculture has played in defining the area we live in. The events are great as they allow us to visit areas and watch families enjoy the event, whilst raising much needed funds for local charities close to our hearts.
“It certainly gives me a huge sense of satisfaction and I am delighted that my employer is supportive of my volunteer work and has helped make the money raised go even further.”
Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, said:
“We are proud of the work Steve does – for the business but also within the local community. Seeing the difference his volunteering has made, and continues to make, to people’s lives is fantastic and we are proud to have someone with his ethics on our team.
“We are committed to supporting the fundraising efforts of our colleagues. Our match-funding programme seeks to make the money raised by colleagues go further.”
Steve’s work has involved him raising money for Ty Gobaith and Flint & Holywell Rotary Club amongst many others.
Wales & West Utilities has a team of more than 1000 trained and experienced engineers to help serve the 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales that rely on its gas emergency and pipeline services. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
Our team is also working on a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.