Pictured from left: Eric Reynolds, Peter Jones and Mike West
Three former Swansea University students have been honoured with honorary master’s degrees in recognition of a volunteering initiative they launched more than 60 years ago that continues to make a lasting difference across Swansea.
Peter Jones, Eric Reynolds and Mike West first met as students in 1964. Together, they founded Discovery Student Volunteering Swansea (SVS), the University’s student volunteering service.
What began as a simple idea has grown into an organisation that has connected generations of students with local communities and supported thousands of people across the city.
The trio received their honorary awards during Swansea University’s summer graduation ceremonies at Swansea Arena on Tuesday 21 July.
The idea for Discovery SVS came about following an unexpected stay in hospital. During his first year, Peter was admitted to Swansea General Hospital with appendicitis. While talking to other patients, he was struck by how warmly local people viewed the University, despite knowing very little about the students themselves.
Not long afterwards, Mike found himself in the same hospital with a knee injury and experienced the same curiosity from local residents. The conversations sparked an idea.
Recognising the close relationship between the city and its university, Peter, Mike and Eric decided students should play a bigger role in supporting the local community. As they explained: “We decided we wanted to put back something into the local community.”
The trio enlisted the University Chaplain, Graham Chadwick, affectionately known as Father Chad, to help secure funding and work with local authorities.
Their first project saw student volunteers painting and decorating the home of a Swansea resident, Gina Wilson, who became a lifelong friend of the founders.
The idea quickly gathered momentum. By 1966, Discovery SVS had grown to 20 active volunteer teams carrying out gardening, decorating and community projects across Swansea. When the founders graduated, other students continued their work, ensuring the charity would thrive for generations to come.
The three founders went on to successful international careers in politics, education and business, while remaining committed to charitable work throughout their lives.
Today, Discovery SVS is an independent charity delivering projects that promote wellbeing, inclusion, youth engagement and environmental action. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, the charity has also secured a £14,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support Discovery60, a year-long programme marking its diamond anniversary.
Eleanor Norton, Director of Discovery SVS said: “The honorary fellowships awarded to Peter, Mike and Eric are a fitting tribute to the vision, dedication and extraordinary legacy they have created over the past six decades. What started with small acts of volunteering – painting, gardening and visiting local people – has grown into Discovery SVS, an organisation that has transformed lives across Swansea for 60 years.
“Today, hundreds of Swansea University students volunteer their time each year, supporting schools, disabled adults, older adults, community organisations, families and individuals throughout the city. Through their efforts, Discovery continues to strengthen the bond between the University and the community it proudly serves.
“Peter, Mike and Eric’s impact can be seen in every volunteer, every community partnership and every act of kindness fostered through Discovery. Their work demonstrates what is possible when a university and its community come together with generosity, commitment and a shared belief that small actions can create lasting change. As we celebrate their well-deserved recognition, we look to the future with confidence, knowing that the principles they established continue to inspire new generations and will remain at the heart of all we do for many years to come.”