A fun day in Kinmel Bay was a big hit – with bouncy castles, a fancy dress competition and Bollywood dancing among the activities on offer.
Housing association Cartrefi Conwy teamed up with Conwy Communities First and Chester Avenue Community Action Group to organise the free event in Kinmel Bay.
According to Cartrefi Conwy’s Chester Avenue Community House manager, Vicky Welsman, the fun day was so successful it’s hoped to make it an annual event.
She said: “The community has really supported what we have tried to achieve and everyone has really enjoyed it.
“As well as bouncy castles we have had a rodeo bull game, a barbeque, Bollywood dancers, sumo suits, craft sessions, a bake sale, face painting, and lots of community information.
“The police attended to chat to tenants and answer questions on current issues and, The Dog’s Trust came along and offered free micro-chipping for pet dogs.
“This is particularly important as from Easter next year all dogs in Wales must be micro-chipped or owners can face a big fine. Normally micro-chipping can cost as much as £30 so to offer the service for free is a big saving for our tenants.”
She added: “I’m delighted we were able to work with our partners, Communities First and the Chester Avenue Community Action Group, to put the day together. And we have also been supported by Conwy Youth Service who ran a youth tennis tournament and RGC rugby who ran a skills session for youngsters too.
“There is no doubt an event such as this brings the community together and also gives us an opportunity to talk to tenants and find out what the current issues affecting them are.”
Libby Evans, Conwy Communities First Cluster Manager, explained the event also helped promote the Welsh Government’s flagship anti poverty programme.
She said: “The fun day has given us a chance to engage with the Kinmel Bay community and to find out more about what the issues effecting the community are.
“We can also see what courses tenants and residents would like to participate in whether its cooking, budgeting, CV writing, basic skills or something else. By engaging with the community we can find the best way to help improve the lives of all tenants and residents.”
Towyn and Kinmel Bay Mayor, Cllr Jacqueline Richmond was on hand to judge the children’s animal-themed fancy dress competition.
She said: “It really has been a wonderful community event that has been very well attended. I really hope this will become an annual event as it brings the community together and allows us to show off and highlight all the local services that are available.
“I’m also really pleased the Dog’s Trust came along and reached their target of micro-chipping 50 dogs. That’s a brilliant effort and could save tenants a great deal of money in the long-term.
“It really has been nice to see the community supporting events such as this and working together.”
Louise Card, of the Dogs Trust says they exceeded their target of micro chipping 50 dogs at the event.
She said: “We were pleased to offer a free service at the fun day. It meant we could try and get as many dogs chipped as possible. With a new law coming in early next year its vital owners get their pets chipped now.
“We also offered advice on neutering and the importance of cleaning up after pets. We are delighted with the response from tenants and pleased at the number of dogs that will now be easy to identify thanks to their microchips.”
Tenant Daniel Roberts, 29, took along his two Staffordshire bull terriers to be micro-chipped as well as an English bull terrier which belongs to his girlfriend.
He said: “It’s a great idea offering micro-chips for free. It saved me about £60 which is brilliant. The whole fun day has been brilliant to be honest. It’s been good to see all the kids having a good time and there’s been loads going on.”
Former tenant Kerry Mills proudly showed off her Slimming World Slimmer of the Year sash at the fun day after losing more than four stone since January.
She said: “I have now moved down the road to Towyn. I’ve came to the fun day as I love the area and the people. It’s just a brilliant community and there really is a good spirit among tenants.”
