Christmas Cheer in Carmarthenshire; almost £1 million invested in community facilities

With the long winter nights drawing in, it is more important than ever to bring people together and spread some Christmas cheer. The UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund Sustainable Communities programme has awarded funding to several projects to develop their local community facilities, in readiness for holding their events this Christmas.

The fund is investing in facilities ranging from community centres to market halls. Hendy has a brand-new Community Centre and Llanboidy Market Hall has received major refurbishments making the venue fully accessible. Smaller projects have been provided with new equipment to enable them to host Christmas events.

Llanedi Community Council has been working hard over the past few years to create an amazing new community facility, Canolfan Gwili which will serve the people of Tycroes, Llanedi, Hendy and Fforest. The new community centre boasts a new café, and a spacious activity hall, fully equipped with lighting and an advanced audio system, making it ideal for a diverse range of events, from Christmas fayres to concerts.

To find out more: www.llanedi-cc.gov.wales

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented:

It is great to see that the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund is enabling communities to refurbish facilities across the County in time for Christmas. It is important that our locality takes part in social activities throughout the festive period so individuals feel as though they are part of a wider community.

 There are numerous Christmas events and craft markets across Carmarthenshire to visit in December, to find out what’s on near you Christmas, please visit Discover Carmarthenshire.

 To spread the joy this year and join in with your local community events, why not explore some of the other projects supported by the fund below:

1. Llandovery Youth and Community Centre has had a refresh, new equipment and general upgrades mean it is ready to welcome more visitors, why not pop in and see what they have to offer this winter. facebook.com/groups/LlandoveryyouthandCommunityCentre
2. The Pontyates Miners Welfare Hall has been transformed into a clean and welcoming space, and with new equipment, events at the hall will be easier to hold and more accessible to all. Find out what’s on at: pontyates.org.uk/whats-on
3. The Market Hall in Llanboidy is an historically important community space, it has had major refurbishments ensuring their facility is accessible to all, with their first major event being their annual Christmas Fayre. Find out more: llanboidymarkethall.co.uk
4. The New Bethlehem Chapel in Pwll-Trap has been upgraded with new furniture, new kitchen and appliances creating a warm and hospitable environment for holding Christmas services and events. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080455985108
5. Canolfan Carwyn in the Gwendraeth Valley has revitalised the old school sports hall and in addition to the various sporting sessions available, they are holding events a Children’s Christmas party. Find out more here: canolfancarwyn.co.uk
6. Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust will be holding a festive market showcasing a range of local crafts and gifts and a Christmas Fayre open to all to come and join in the festivities.
   Find out more: llanellirailwaygoodsshedtrust.org
7. Llanelli & Mynyddmawr Railway has had improvements to their café and train carriages, making their visit Santa experience a must-see this festive season.
   Find out more and book tickets at: llanellirailway.co.uk
8. The Gwili Railway experience has been enhanced by a new platform at Abergwili, meaning that access to the trains is now easier than ever. Over the festive period they will be running regular trips with Santa! To find out more, gwili-railway.co.uk/train-rides/santa-special