Belated Christmas celebrations attract hundreds

27 Feb 2008

Christmas arrived a little late for communities in the Upper Afan Valley – but almost 400 people still enjoyed the festivities to the full.

Heavy rain last December prevented Upper Afan Forum and South Wales Miners’ Museum from staging a long-planned Christmas ice rink and crafts fair at Theatre Tymaen, Afan Forest Park.

But rather than cancel the eagerly-anticipated event, the Forum decided instead to hold it when the weather was more clement – and that date turned out to be last Sunday (February 24).

The organisers were delighted with the response, as people of all ages descended on the ice rink – which was set up outside Cymmer Sports Hall – to take advantage of the free skating sessions and skates.

The festive atmosphere was added to by a range of stalls selling locally-produced embroidery, handmade greetings cards and other crafts.

Costs of staging the event were offset by a £1,000 community award from Corus, which also supports the Upper Afan Forum’s annual summer river festival.

“We were as disappointed as the Forum when the original plans had to be shelved,” said Keith Farron, Corus community spokesman. “But the idea to hold it in February still proved a resounding success, bringing together hundreds of people from across the Afan Valley and surrounding areas.”

The Communities First-designated Upper Afan Forum works across the communities of Croeserw, Abercregan, Duffryn and Cynonville, Cymmer - Glyncorrwg and Gwynfi.

Ria Jones, Communities First Outreach Worker, said: “The event was organised as a way of bringing together the wider community and offer them the chance to take part in activities that they may otherwise not have the opportunity to experience.

”We’re extremely grateful to have Corus’s ongoing support, and thrilled with the popularity of the project. An excellent day out was had by all!”