A gang of kind-hearted volunteers made sure residents who may have spent Christmas Day alone had a tasty dinner, entertainment and company today.
Cwmbran Community Centre opened up thanks to the support of volunteers and donations from many residents and businesses. I went along from 10.15am to 11.30am as tea and bacon sandwiches were being served up to the early arrivals. Later in the day the team were putting on karaoke and expected a visit from Father Christmas.
“The community have been amazing. We have been overrun with donations. We are just manic.” Jenna Read, one of the organisers
There was a buzz as final preparations were being made in the kitchen and guests were getting seated and chatting to each other. The kitchen had a huge pile of mince pies, presents and selection boxes that had been donated in the previous days. It meant that everyone would leave with a pile of goodies. Jen Read, one of the organisers, insisted I took home some chocolate and mince pies as they had been overwhelmed with support from the community and businesses. My house is full so I’ll donate them to a raffle.
Two staff members from Monmouthshire Council volunteered their time and their employer let them borrow a minibus so the pair could go around the area picking people up who needed a lift.
A kind gesture by the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel
As I left the hall I overheard one of the volunteers telling the volunteers that the manager of the Cwrt Bleddyn hotel had invited all of them for a spa day, champagne and buffet as a treat.