Kind-hearted tenants of an Old Colwyn sheltered housing complex have been spreading plenty of early Christmas cheer while raising much-needed funds for a good cause.
The residents of Kennedy Court, operated by housing association Cartrefi Conwy, organised a Christmas Fayre.
The proceeds are going to Dawn Elizabeth House, a six-bedroomed house in the ground of Glan Clwyd Hospital, in Bodelwyddan, which provides overnight accommodation for the parents, carers and families of sick babies and children.
Other Cartrefi Conwy tenants from The Fron, Parciau Close and Pentre Newydd were invited to the event where they were able to enjoy tombola, raffles and stalls selling Christmas goods and bric-a-brac.
And children of Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn, under the leadership of teacher Eleri Tristram, delighted everyone who attended by performing a number of Christmas carols and contemporary songs.
Sylvia Duxbury, a former resident of Kennedy Court was the driving force behind the event and says she is hoping to raise a record amount of cash for Dawn Elizabeth House.
She said: “Last year we raised £260 for Macmillan Nurses. This year we have decided to support Dawn Elizabeth House which is used as part of the Trust for Sick Children in Wales.
“Families of very sick children can use the facilities of the house, which is named in honour of Dawn Elizabeth Williams who lost her life aged just 25 following a road accident, while visiting or staying close to their poorly children.”
“We have had a great Christmas Fayre and everyone has had a really good time. The residents themselves supplied the buffet along with loads of mince pies and home-made trifles.
“We have had raffle prizes donated by Cartrefi Conwy as well as some from individual residents while Tal-Goed Nurseries gave us some lovely plants.”
Cartrefi Conwy Community Involvement Co-ordinator Michelle Jones, said: “It’s great to see residents getting together to organise a social event such as the Christmas Fayre.
“It’s about building communities and it’s also nice to see tenants raising funds for local good causes too.”
Fron resident Brenda Lloyd-Hughes was only too pleased to help put the buffet together for the event and says there is a real sense of community among all the Cartrefi Conwy sheltered and supported housing complexes.
She said: “It really is a lovely place to live. I have to say Cartefi Conwy have been wonderful.
“They get on with repairs and improvement work and have things looking good in no time and that is what is needed. You feel that someone cares which is important.”
Kennedy Court resident Edna Parker, 69, has lived at Kennedy Court for five years and loves the community spirit among tenants.
She said: “I love events like the Christmas Fayre as we all get together and have a good time. You don’t have to attend of course but I always join in and always have a good time.
“I’ve enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit nice and early and hearing the children sing was wonderful.”
Cartrefi Conwy’s Kennedy Court warden, Chris Bradley, enjoys the fact that residents socialise and look out for each other.
She said: “It’s great to see so many residents enjoying something like the Christmas Fayre and it’s also wonderful that they are raising funds for such a good cause.
“There really is a good community spirit among the Kennedy Court residents and those from other Cartrefi Conwy complexes in Old Colwyn.
“The fact tenants organise events such as this themselves speaks volumes for the sense of community that exists here at Kennedy Court.”
