OAP’s from Llanrwst and Old Colwyn together for Christmas

Dec 23 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

ELDERLY people from Llanrwst and Old Colwyn got together for a magical Christmas knees-up thanks to housing association Cartrefi Conwy.

The special Christmas party was held at Y Fron sheltered accommodation’s community centre and as well as putting on the event Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Chest scheme made sure residents of Llanrwst’s Scotland Street and Tan y Graig housing schemes didn’t miss out.

The party was a hit with the pensioners who enjoyed a buffet, a bingo session and a sing-a-long.

Y Fron sheltered housing scheme warden Nerys Veldhuizen said the £2,000 grant from Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Chest proved a lifeline for residents. She said: “At Y Fron we are fortunate to have a community centre which gives us somewhere to meet but the residents of the two Llanrwst schemes are not so lucky and have nowhere to get together.

“But our grant has allowed us to take them all out on a summer trip to Harlech, which they thoroughly enjoyed, as well as providing funds to put on a monthly get-together and social event at Y Fron.

“The grant pays for transport for the Llanrwst residents and they enjoy coming down and meeting Y Fron residents over a cuppa.”

Margaret Rawlinson, 69, is one of the Llanrwst Scotland Street residents who enjoys the trip to the Y Fron club. She said: “I really enjoyed the Christmas social. The atmosphere was magical and we all enjoyed getting together for a buffet and a game of bingo.”

Chair of the Y Fron Coffee Club Sylvia Myatt, 77, said: “It’s a fabulous club and we enjoy getting together for social events.

“I’m not in sheltered accommodation but have lived on Y Fron for more than 20 years. Our little club strengthens our community, especially as we have our friends from Llanrwst along.”