Hundreds of children and their families packed out the grounds of Coed Eva Primary School yesterday afternoon for an “amazing” Fedfest and the opening of a new community hub that serves hot drinks two mornings a week.
Blenheim Road and Coed Eva Community Primary Schools are a single Federation school with the same vision, values and board of governors.
Fedfest saw the PTAs at the two schools join forces to organise the huge event. During my visit, there was a dance display, school choir, teachers in the stocks being soaked and slimed, dozens of stalls with fun and games, a bouncy castle, Gwent Police, search and rescue and much more that I missed.
The entertainment went from the 3G pitch through the car park area and across the outdoor play park and over land next to the infants’ part of the site.
Alison Burnett, family engagement officer, said: “Fedfest is a joint collaboration with PTAs for Blenheim and Coed Eva primary schools. We hosted it on a Friday because we thought we’d have great footfall, which we have.
“It’s an amazing turnout. We did the official opening of the Coed Eva Community HWB (helping wellbeing).
“My vision was to open this cafe to support the community to encourage the local community to come in. I’m hoping to put on things like a knit and natter. Anybody can come in for a cuppa. We’ve now got a wonderful coffee machine.
“It’s open on Tuesday and Thursday morning for anyone to come in.”
They want the space to be used by the community and other agencies.
She added: “[The atmosphere has been] absolutely incredible. The people have supported it and it’s been incredible.”
Michelle Robins, acting chair of the Coed Eva PTA, said: “It’s gone amazing. It’s lovely to have all the school community and the surrounding community involved.
“We wanted to give our children something back, so it wasn’t just about making money off the families, it’s giving the families something special to remember when they leave the school.”
Gallery of photos from FedFest
Visit the Cwmbran Life Facebook page for a gallery of FedFest photos