Glansevin Mansion opens the doors to first Christmas Fair

Glansevin Mansion’s first Christmas fair was a huge success, which brought together the local community for a day of festive cheer and charitable giving.

Glansevin Mansion, based in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire raised nearly £640 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

The event featured a diverse array of stalls showcasing local artisans and businesses, offering everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to seasonal cards and baked goods.

This variety ensured that visitors could find something special while contributing to a worthy cause.

Visitors enjoyed activities such as a raffle with an impressive 66 prizes, a “weigh the cake” competition, and refreshment sales.

The owner of Glansevin Mansion – Plas Glansefin, Camilla von Massenbach said: “The fair’s success was evident in the steady stream of visitors and the enthusiastic participation of local businesses and artisans, who not only displayed their wares but also generously contributed to the fundraising efforts.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.  

This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident. 

As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

The lifesaving Charity was chosen as beneficiary of the event’s proceeds due to ‘its critical importance in serving rural areas of Wales’.  

Camilla said: “We are so aware that the air ambulance services are often lifelines for remote communities, providing rapid emergency medical response in areas where ground transportation may be challenging or time-consuming. By supporting this service, Glansevin Mansion and everyone involved in the Fair demonstrated their commitment to the well-being of their community with recognition of the vital role played by the Wales Air Ambulance in saving lives across the region.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every ensure to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

“The amount raised is a commendable sum for a first-time event, especially considering it was achieved through various small-scale activities such as a raffle, competition, and refreshment sales. “This figure represents the collective generosity of the community and the effectiveness of the event’s organisation. While the sum may not be enormous in absolute terms, it is a significant contribution that can make a real difference to the Wales Air Ambulance service.”

The success of the event lays a strong foundation for future fundraising efforts, potentially growing into an annual tradition that could raise even more substantial amounts for charity in the future.

Mike May, the Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manager for West Wales said: “It was wonderful to hear that Glansevin Mansion’s first Christmas Fair was a huge success. It sounded like a fun-filled Christmas event that the community really enjoyed.

“We are so grateful to everyone who helped make the Christmas Fair a success. The Charity relies on donations, like this one, to be able to continue to provide our lifesaving service for the people of Wales. Without the public’s support the Wales Air Ambulance wouldn’t be able to be on standby 24/7 throughout Wales. Thank you.”