Bangor City Council has celebrated two local winners of the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025.
The ceremony recognised the achievements of Maes-G ShowZone, winners of the Community Group Award, and Sion Telor, Bangor University’s therapy dog, who received the Animal Award for his work supporting wellbeing through the arts and healthcare.
Hosted at Bangor Cathedral, the event brought together community leaders, families and supporters to acknowledge Wales’ community champions whose compassion and creativity have made a lasting difference across Bangor and beyond.
Maes-G ShowZone: Creative Lifeline for Local Children
Founded in June 2020 by Steffie Williams Roberts, Cllr Eirian Williams Roberts, and Naomi Crane, Maes-G ShowZone was set up in direct response to the first COVID-19 lockdown. With schools and youth services closed, children in Maesgeirchen were left isolated from friends and normal routines.
Determined to help, the founders created a safe, inclusive and affordable performing arts group, offering young people a place to build confidence, learn new skills and reconnect through creativity.
Five years later, Maes-G ShowZone now supports more than 75 children and young people each week. Through dance, singing and drama, members gain not only performance skills but also teamwork, discipline and self-belief.
Entirely volunteer-run, the group survives through small grants and local fundraising, relying on the founders’ dedication and a handful of loyal volunteers. Their commitment has turned ShowZone into a cornerstone of community life in Maesgeirchen and an inspiration for youth arts across Wales.
In recognition of this impact, the group was named BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Community Group of the Year 2025, followed by Bangor City Council’s Civic Award for Outstanding Contribution to the City and the Community of Maesgeirchen.
Cllr Eirian Williams Roberts said:
“It’s fantastic to see all the hard work recognised in this way. Every week, our young performers come in full of energy and curiosity, and seeing them grow in confidence, learn new skills, and support each other makes every challenge worthwhile. Maes-G ShowZone isn’t just about performing, it’s about building a community and giving the children a place where they can reach their full potential.”
Sion Telor: Bangor’s “Diva Dog” Bringing Comfort and Connection
Joining the celebrations was Bangor University’s own Sion Telor, affectionately known as the city’s “Diva Dog”. Alongside his owner Mared Huws, Engagement Coordinator at Pontio, Sion received the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Animal Award 2025 for his exceptional role in supporting community wellbeing.
Sion is a familiar face at Pontio’s BLAS creative engagement project, where he participates in weekly Dance for Parkinson’s sessions, visits Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Dewi Ward and the Heulwen Children’s Unit, and brings smiles to children, parents and hospital staff alike.
His gentle, intuitive presence helps calm anxiety and lift spirits. Sion’s story began when he comforted a young Ukrainian refugee who had been unable to speak about his trauma. That moment revealed Sion’s remarkable empathy and led to his ongoing work in therapy and community arts.
From hospital wards to theatre stages, Sion’s warmth and wagging tail have made him one of Bangor’s most loved figures, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Mared commented:
“Sion reminds us that compassion isn’t just for humans. Every visit he makes, whether at Pontio, the hospital wards, or our community sessions, shows how animals can connect with people in ways words sometimes can’t. He has a gentle intuition, sensing when someone is anxious, lonely, or simply in need of a smile, and he brings comfort without needing to be told.
“Watching him interact with children, patients, and older adults is truly inspiring. His presence creates moments of joy and calm, opening hearts and fostering connection across our city. Sion proves that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outwards, making a real difference in people’s lives. We’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our community.”
Speaking after the event, the Mayor of Bangor, Cllr Medwyn Hughes, praised both winners:
“These awards recognise the heart of our city, people and projects that bring care, creativity and courage to others. Maes-G ShowZone and Sion Telor are outstanding examples of what Bangor’s community can achieve.
“With Maes-G ShowZone continuing to grow and Sion’s work expanding across North Wales, both winners show how Bangor’s community spirit remains as strong as ever.”
