You won't believe this, Llywydd, but I always wanted to be on the stage and never had the opportunity, which is why I was delighted to attend the fifteenth annual suppers show of the Bedwas Theatre Group last weekend. Bedwas Theatre Group has been in existence since 1982, and they are a community-run organisation that provides entertainment, pantomimes, fundraising events for the community. They welcome people of all ages, regardless of ability, and they've got around 30 members, with people across all ages.

If anyone wants to work in a theatrical environment, whether it's on stage, acting, singing, dancing or comedy, they have a chance with the Bedwas Theatre Group. If anyone is more inclined to the production side, then the group has the theatrical equipment and technical equipment and knowledge to show them and give them a start to what will be a very entertaining career. Bedwas Theatre Group believes there is a star in everyone, and that everyone can do something. The group has members who join who are very shy, and some who are restless and hyperactive, and all have gone on to succeed in doing something that they wanted.

Much of what Bedwas Theatre Group does could not be done without the hard work of Caroline Hampson. Caroline is the group's chair and president, and has been a member since 1987, and the group's director and producer since 2001. During her time with the group, Caroline has been an inspiration. She has taken on the role of seamstress, make-up artist, as well as being a member of its management committee.

In the Queen's birthday honours this year, Caroline was delighted to receive a British empire medal award for her voluntary work with the Bedwas Theatre Group. To people who know her, however, it was not a surprise—an award that was richly deserved. It's thanks to Caroline that the theatre group plays such a pivotal role in the heart of the community, and, whatever your age, the group says that it must be the magic of the stage that helps you succeed.