Elderly residents in Roath yesterday enjoyed a good old fashioned Christmas extravaganza, as a number of community partners came together to hold the party of the year at the Mackintosh Sports & Social Club.
On the agenda was a brilliant carol service by pupils from Albany Road Primary School, and their guitar playing star music teacher Mr Barrett. The pupils entertained the part goers with classic’s like ‘little donkey’ and ‘12 days of Christmas’, and some were even brave enough to do solo pieces.
Mary Ronald, who attends at the Dolton Street Day Centre, described the pupils performance as ‘brilliant and very enjoyable’. She continued “They have done a wonderful job of bringing festive cheer to our community, and we could have listed to them perform all day.”
Pupil Nadine Gaber (aged 9) said “We all really enjoyed singing, and our school is so happy to help and take part in such a fun event.”
Caroline Hardy, the Communities First Coordinator for Roath, arranged a buffet and refreshments, with hot tea & coffee, being followed by sandwiches, pork pies, sausages, and some jammed packed traditional cake stands.
She said “The south side of Roath has many elderly residents, and our consultation highlighted that the community wanted a range of engagement events and activities. This event was delivered by strong partnership working, and show’s how working together makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
Next up for the residents was some dancing, and they were joined by their local neighbourhood officers, with moves that Strictly Come Dancing Head Judge Len Goodman would have been proud of. Youngsters from Cardiff Princes Trust Team 105 also attended, serving refreshments, making sure people had a good time, and of course hitting the dance floor.
PC Leanne Sanders, Princes Trust Team Leader said “The youngsters had a great time helping out, and showcased their team working and communication skills. It was great to see them interacting with senior community members with such confidence.”
And to top off an action packed afternoon, the residents each received a Christmas present, which I’m reliably told was extremely well wrapped.
Local PCSO Kirsty Winkle said “The tea dance has been well received by the residents, and has brought the entire community together. It’s so encouraging to see everybody working together and making a difference. As a neighbourhood team we are working hard on engaging our community, and this type of event makes us accessible.”
Best Dancing Award goes to Cliff Williams, for some first class festive dancing.
Photograph of the Day goes to Florence Allen who borrowed PC Merb Hussain’s hat. In fact his hat was also borrowed by Jean Moxon, Mary Ronald, Vera Hedley, and Glenys.
And Jean has a police story, her late husband Terrance had a father called George Moxham who was a Police Inspector based at Roath Station on Clfton Street, in the early 20th century.
Big thanks go to Communities First, Mackintosh Sports & Social Club, the Princes Trust, and local businesses.
