Honorary Burgess & Honorary Bailie

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2025

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Honorary Bailie

Ms Anna Bitowski

In 2014, as the centenary of the First World War was being marked, Ms Anna Bitowski visited her grandfather Richard Owen’s grave. Richard had served in the Army and been invalided out after being gassed. To her dismay, Anna found the cemetery overgrown and inaccessible, with war graves hidden beneath dense brambles.

She decided to act. Placing a call for help in the local paper, she gathered volunteers and formed the Friends Group, which continues to meet every Thursday. Thanks to their dedication, the cemetery has been completely transformed. The grounds are now clear, the pathways restored, new seating and facilities installed, and the graves carefully renewed.

The site has also become a place of learning and nature. Over 200 species of plants and wildlife have been recorded, wildflower areas created, and schoolchildren now visit to explore and learn. Local history groups have also discovered fascinating stories through the graves.

On the centenary of the end of the First World War in 2018, a service of remembrance was held there, wreaths were laid, and the fallen were honoured with dignity.

Because of Anna’s vision and leadership, this once neglected cemetery has become a tranquil and valued space for remembrance, education and community. Her tireless commitment ensures it will remain an asset to Conwy for generations to come.

Honorary Bailie

Rosina Hearn

A resident of Deganwy since she was 9 years old, serves her community and country in many ways. 

Whilst working full time throughout the past 3 decades, she has been a Royal Navy reservist for 23 years and still serves today, alongside this role she was also a volunteer member of the coastguard rescue team for 17 years and has recently retired. 

Finding time to help and lead others has been a focus of hers. Rosina volunteers at the sailing club, and has been commodore in the past, encouraging young people from all walks of life to experience and learn about being at sea. Alongside this role, she was also a trustee of the charity All afloat, bringing life on the water to disadvantaged groups from across North Wales. She also supports the Sea cadets in the background and has done so for many years.

As you will all know, Rosina proudly leads Conwy Town Council through all Civic events, as Mace bearer, and has done this since (.) 

Another proud affiliation with Conwy Town Council, is the Orchestra, that we are lucky to have, here in Conwy. 

Rosina has played many key roles with the Orchestra since its inception, managing and conducting the orchestra, and planning and organizing the programmes for their many concerts across the calendar year. 

She is a reliable volunteer at our events and manages the music stage for us at the Christmas eve event every year, which is unquestionably our biggest and most popular event of the year.

For all these reasons, and more, we are very pleased to put her forward to be an honorary bailie of Conwy.  

2024

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Honorary Bailie

Mr Aled Williams

This year the RNLI has marked 200 years of lifesaving. Once, its volunteers launched wooden lifeboats with oars and sails and now they are saving lives on motor-powered all-weather lifeboats with state-of-the-art technology and communications. In every single one of those lifeboats, the crew have been the same: unwilling to stand by and do nothing when people are in trouble.

Conwy Lifeboat Station dates back to 1966 and is a vital part of our community – they have responded to 25 shouts this year so far, saved 3 lives.

This brings me to Aled Wynn Williams, who Emma nominated for the position of Honorary Bailie. Emma unfortunately can’t be here tonight, but Aled, it seems she has written some pretty nice things about you.

Aled has a long record of service to his community through his volunteering for the RNLI here in Conwy. He began as a crew member in 1999. Being a member of crew is unpredictable and means being called away from family or work at any time, not knowing what situation you are about to encounter – it could be a rescue that requires immediate intervention such as a craft having lost power in the bay, it could be a potentially traumatic incident such as body recovery, it could equally be providing assistance or advice or even false alarm. 

Aled was two years in the helm position and for all you non boaty people that means the volunteer in charge of the inshore lifeboat when launching, when being recovered and being made ready for the next rescue. The helm is responsible for the safety of the crew onboard and for everything that happens during a rescue. From 2001 to 2015 Aled was the station mechanic responsible for maintaining the lifeboat’s engines and all the machinery. For Conwy that means working on the inshore lifeboat making it ready for service through correct operation, maintenance and repair.

Aled’s role changed in 2015 to the role of lifeboat operations manager making him responsible for managing all operational activities (including authorising launches) and day-to-day station management which includes training for volunteers and crew welfare. This is a role he still fulfils.

Aled also plays a role at Llandudno Lifeboat station where he has been the assistant mechanic since 2010 – particularly for their Shannon class all weather offshore boat, but also their D class inshore boat. Earlier this year Aled represented Conwy Lifeboat Station at a service of Thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey to mark the 200th year of lifesaving.

In Aled’s own words the most challenging aspect of his role is “to make sure the boat is ready to launch in an emergency… ensuring vehicles and crew are ready… and doing this within 6 minutes of the pager going off”. 

For a town a rich history of river based activities, our RNLI volunteers make the difference every single day.

2023

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Honorary Bailie

Mr Adrian Hughes 

Adrian Hughes is an individual deeply devoted to preserving and sharing the local military history of Conwy and Llandudno. Through his Own Home Front Museum, he passionately narrates the compelling stories of the men who valiantly fought and perished during the First and Second World Wars. Mr. Hughes has meticulously chronicled this history in four insightful military books, three focusing on Conwy and one on Llandudno.

In addition to his academic contributions, Mr. Hughes actively engages with the community in various capacities. As the Secretary and Poppy Appeal Organiser of the Royal British Legion in Llandudno, Treasurer of the Royal Naval Association, and Vice-Chair of the Llandudno Historical Society, he demonstrates a profound commitment to upholding the legacy of our military heroes. Furthermore, as a dedicated committee member of the Deganwy History Group, he contributes to a comprehensive understanding of local history.

Mr. Hughes extends his dedication beyond the pages of books and community organizations. His involvement with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as a volunteer caring for war graves across Conwy and Gwynedd showcases his deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Through engaging talks and walks on behalf of the Commission, he educates the public about the invaluable work and the commemoration efforts.

Moreover, Mr. Hughes' involvement in community-driven initiatives like Friends of Mostyn Street and Conwy Valley footpath repair teams displays his commitment to the betterment of society and the preservation of local heritage. His innovative projects, such as Poppies on Doors and Faces of the Fallen, humanize the narratives of service personnel and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

In summary, Mr. Adrian Hughes stands as an exemplary figure dedicated to preserving and promoting local military history, honouring fallen heroes, and enriching the community through his extensive contributions and selfless actions.

Honorary Bailie

Mrs Sharon Buckley 

In recognition of exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment, Conwy Town Council award the title Honorary Bailie upon Mrs Sharon Buckley, for her remarkable service to the community.

Sharon embarked on her noble journey as a healthcare professional, dedicating an impressive 33 years to the role of a Community Midwife.  With an outstanding 39 years as a nurse, her longevity in this role attests to her deep-seated passion for serving others—a pure vocation that has touched countless lives.  Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (NHS Wales) recognised and acknowledged Sharon’s dedication and great work to going above and beyond presenting Sharon with the prestigious Midwife of the Year Award.

With a heart devoted to the wellbeing of both mothers and infants, Sharon has facilitated delivery of thousands of babies through the decades, fostering generations of new life within the community. Notably, she played a pivotal role in providing comfort to families experiencing loss, contributing to the creation of Joshua Memory Boxes for miscarried babies.  Sharon is loved and highly respected by so many people whose lives she has touched shown by the hundreds of thank you letters and cards she has received throughout her career.

Sharon’s altruism extends beyond the healthcare realm.  She demonstrated her community spirit by organising and actively participating in numerous charity events, supporting esteemed organisations such as Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospice, St David’s Hospice, and Club Yr Efail to name a few.  

In her role as a volunteer, Sharon devoted time to swimming clubs, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the younger generation. As the daughter of a Conwy Jackdaw, she embraced her heritage, spearheading initiatives such as Jackdaws fundraisers organising charity events that fostered unity and philanthropy within the community.  Sharon’s fundraising enabled a plaque in Conwy town centre to be erected as a constant reminder of the Jackdaw Society and the Jackdaw’s born at home within the historic town walls. 

Remarkably, Sharon tirelessly advocated for the growth and prosperity of various community groups, including Cubs, Scouts, and Ysgol Aberconwy. As a School Governor at Ysgol Aberconwy for over a decade and Ysgol Pencae, she has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape.  Her dedication to St Agnes and St Mary’s fundraising further underscores her boundless generosity and dedication to enhancing the lives of others.

The title of Honorary Bailie is a testament to Sharon’s outstanding contributions, her unwavering commitment to the community, and her indomitable spirit of compassion and giving.  She stands as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the essence of service and selflessness.

2022

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