Buckley Gymnastics Club

Diane Buckley and Milly Bailey have been shortlisted for national awards for their commitment to Buckley Girls Gymnastics Club.

They are attending the Welsh Gymnastics membership awards at the Vale Resort, Hensol, on Saturday evening. Here’s some information about them and why they have been nominated.

Volunteer of the Year: Diane Buckley

Diane’s involvement began in the ’70s with husband Stan, our coaching director.

“It all started in 1979 when, like many people having a child involved in a sport, you
inevitably find yourself supporting your child’s club one way or another,” she recalls.

Diane started to help with memberships, organising trips, dealing with enquiries and now, 40 years later, she says admin issues are still the same but on a “larger scale” with over 200 members.

Diane is also our treasurer, so she deals with all aspects of finance from fees to the annual accounts.

Young Leader of the year: Milly Bailey

Milly Bailey is 14 and trained at the club before starting to volunteer.

She is a young leader and commits at least 12 hours per week to coaching gym tots, preschool, through to the recreational classes.

She was recognised in 2017 as Young Helper of the Year and has continued to dedicate her time to the club.

She is described by coaches as “giving an outstanding contribution throughout the whole of the club and for that she should be recognised as a Buckley girls’ club hero”.

Another tells us: “Milly makes Buckley Girls’ Gymnastics Club a happier place to do gymnastics in”.

As well as coaching she is always on hand to help at fundraising events, baking cakes, staffing the stalls and taking photographs.

Good luck to Diane and Milly tonight.

UPDATE: Well done to Milly who won her category!