A man who helped grow the play service in Torfaen to one that has “touched thousands of lives” was awarded the British Empire Medal this week.
In a lovely touch, yesterday’s (Wednesday 18 February 2026 service was held in Blenheim Road Community Primary School, just a few hundred metres from Fairwater Shops, where Julian Davenne started as a youth volunteer in the mid-1990s. Children taking part in a half-term play session in the school were invited in as special guests and filled the first two rows in the hall.
The Lord‑Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, the King’s Representative in Gwent, presented him with the BEM medal.
Julian, the play service manager at Torfaen Council, was also thanked for his role in expanding the service to an “inclusive model” that runs sessions for children with additional needs. The service holds play sessions for children held in evenings and weekends throughout the year, and during school holidays.
Abisha Jayan, from 2353 Ystrad Mynach Air Cadets, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, read a citation on why he was nominated.
She said: “It’s far more than a job, it’s his vocation. He regularly goes above and beyond in his role.”
‘Enthusiasm’
Brigadier Aitken said: “We cannot fail to be touched by his enthusiasm, by his passion, by his love in everything that he brings to bear in all his work. I’m so delighted that the King has seen to reward you in this way.”
Paul Keane, the headteacher of the Federation of Blenheim Road Community & Coed Eva Primary Schools, thanked Julian for the “impact” the service has had on “thousands of lives” in Torfaen.
Cllr Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen Council, said: “Give him a problem and he comes up with a solution. That’s the essence of the man. He’s a can-do person, someone who cares about making a difference.”