A group of big-hearted masterchefs cooked up an early festive treat for 25 older residents in Kinmel Bay.<\/p>\n
The volunteers at Chester Avenue Community House put on a four course Christmas lunch, with all the trimmings, for tenants of housing association Cartrefi Conwy and other local residents.<\/p>\n
Their culinary efforts were coordinated by Vicky Welsman, the manager of Cartrefi Conwy’s Community House on the estate.<\/p>\n
Vicky said: \u201cCartrefi Conwy has 95 properties on the estate made up of a mixture of sheltered and general needs housing. The lunch has been funded by the Community House and I am delighted so many residents have come along to enjoy it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe volunteers work so hard and have been slaving over hot stoves all morning! And the Craft Group, which is based at Community House, have knitted a blanket for everyone who attends so no one will go away without a gift.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also having plenty of games such as bingo and a raffle to end the day and one resident, Moyra Othen, has knitted a beautiful clown soft toy which will be the main prize.\u201d<\/p>\n
Volunteer Jo O\u2019Keefe helped cook the dinner and says she has a great deal to thank residents of the Chester Avenue estate.<\/p>\n
She explained: \u201cI am not a Cartrefi Conwy tenant but live in privately owned house having moved here from Liverpool a few years ago. But I have volunteered at Chester Avenue Community House since I moved here.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year my mum, who lived with me, sadly passed away and I was, obviously distraught. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d have ever got over it to be honest but for the support of the tenants of the Chester Avenue Estate and the friends I have made here at Community House.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a wonderful community spirit here and I\u2019m delighted to be able to work here on\u00a0voluntary basis. I have a debt to repay for the support that was shown to me and my family by these wonderful people.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cI\u2019m so pleased we have been able to welcome so many for a great Christmas lunch and I know they are all going to have a great time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow volunteer Elaine Fox has been a Cartrefi Conwy tenant on the Chester Avenue Estate for 15 years and says there is a brilliant community spirit.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful place to live and everyone is so friendly. I\u2019m a Trustee of Chester Avenue Community House and am delighted we are able to put on this Christmas lunch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere really is a wonderful community spirit and atmosphere and everyone supports each other. No problem is too big or too small and someone will always offer a helping hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another volunteer, Sharon Sadler, had the honour of officially opening Chester Avenue Community House six years ago.<\/p>\n
Sharon said: \u201cThe Christmas lunch is an event many tenants have been really looking forward to.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe volunteers have put so much work into cooking, what is, a delicious lunch and I\u2019m sure everyone is going to have a great time. It\u2019s nice to see everyone together and enjoying each other\u2019s company.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moyra Othen moved to Kimnel Bay from Shrewsbury on retirement, becoming a resident there four years ago.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt\u2019s a lovely place to live and everyone is so friendly. The chance to come along for a Christmas lunch among so many friends is wonderful and I know we are in for a lovely day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a great atmosphere and wonderful community spirit about the Chester Avenue estate and I am delighted I made the move to come and live here.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on activities taking place or to find out ways to be involved in volunteering at Chester Avenue Community House please contact Vicky Welsman, Cartrefi Conwy Community House Manager, on 01745 331825 or email vicky.welsman@cartreficonwy.org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n