Lunch, bingo, face painting and armchair aerobics were all on offer at a Llandudno community event which raised money for a local hospice.
Housing association Cartrefi Conwy and the town’s Halifax bank teamed up for the Big Lunch.
It was part of a national event started in 2009 by the Eden Project, which sees neighbours come together on the first Sunday in June for a simple act of community, friendship and fun.
Nerys Veldhuizen, Cartrefi Conwy’s Older People Engagement Officer, worked with Halifax staff to put on the event at Trinity Avenue Community Centre which was well attended by people of all ages.
She said: “The aim of the Big Lunch is to get as many people as possible across the UK to come together for a few hours to enjoy lunch, make friends and have some fun.
“Halifax is one of the national sponsors of the event so it made sense for Cartrefi Conwy and the local Halifax , to work together in organising the event here in Llandudno.
“It’s been a fabulous day and we have seen lots of Llandudno people, some of whom are Cartrefi Conwy tenants, come together and enjoy a lovely time with plenty of activities to enjoy as well as a buffet lunch.”
She added: “We also decided, as part of the event, to hold a raffle and a few other fundraising ideas to raise some much-needed cash for the town’s St David’s Hospice. The hospice is a nominated charity of both Cartrefi Conwy and the Halifax.
“It’s been fabulous to see people who otherwise would be sat at home, perhaps on their own, enjoying some fun and making new friends.”
Joanne Barlow, Branch manager for Halifax, in Llandudno, was delighted to work with Cartrefi Conwy to organise what has been a brilliant community event.
She said: “It came about by chance really. Halifax are one of the national sponsors of The Big Lunch and staff volunteer their time to help organise the event.
“However, by working with Cartrefi Conwy we have been able to pool resources and ideas and that has resulted in the organisation of what has been a fantastic event which has been enjoyed by people and neighbours of all ages.
“And we are delighted to be able to support St David’s Hospice through a raffle, donations for cakes and a few other fundraising ideas. The hospice is one of ournominated charities and I know Cartrefi Conwy also raise a great deal of money for the charity too.”
She added: “It has been particularly nice to see children and older people mixing together and enjoying each other’s company. The face painting has proved very popular as have the homemade cakes!”
Grandmother Jay Williams, of St Seiriol’s Gardens, Llandudno, went along to the Big Lunch with her granddaughter, Rowena Davies, 10, and says the event was a great way to bring the community together.
Jay, who joined her granddaughter in having her face painted in a tiger design, said: “Events like this are great and it’s brilliant to see children joining older people for a fun event.
“I have met a few neighbours here that I haven’t seen, for one reason or another, for quite some time and that’s been brilliant.”
Dianne Salisbury, of Monks Walk, Llandudno, attended the event in her motorised wheelchair and says it as lovely seeing the community come together.
She said: “It’s been really nice and a great deal of fun. I came down as I read about the event in the local newspaper and I’m glad I did.
“Staff of both Cartrefi Conwy and the Halifax have worked really hard putting together what has been a brilliant afternoon which lots going on for everyone, whatever their age or mobility, to enjoy.”
Buddug Cotton, 60, of St Seiriol’s Garden’s, also praised the event adding: “It’s been brilliant and lovely to see children and older people having fun together and enjoying a good time.
Hefina Jones, 85, of Taverner’s Court, Llandudno, says the event was a great way to bring communities together.
She said: “Cartrefi Conwy and the Halifax have put a lot of effort into making sure the event has had something for everyone.
“I’m not a Cartrefi Conwy tenant but do attend their Passion for Life events organised by Nerys Veldhuizen which are wonderful. Today has been a fabulous event and is a great way to bring communities together.”
Beryl Lewis, 85, and also of Taverner’s Court, agreed adding: “I also attend the Passion for Life events and like today’s Big Lunch they are a great way to meet new friends.
“Anything that gets people out of their homes, talking to friends and neighbours and enjoying some fun activities has to be a good thing.”
Kathryn Morgan-Jones, a corporate fundraiser for Llandudno’s St David’s Hospice, says she is delighted that Cartrefi Conwy and Halifax staff decided to raise funds for the charity through the Big Lunch event.
She said: “As a charity we are so pleased we are raising funds here today. The aim of the Big Lunch is to bring communities together and if we raise some money at the same time that will help the hospice continue its work then that has to be the cherry on the cake.
“The hospice has 14 beds as well as a day care centre. It costs, annually, £1.9 million to keep the hospice going and 75% of that has to come from donations and events such as this.”
She added: “It really has been a lovely afternoon and a great way to bring communities together.”
