Taking the chill out of winter (From Barry And District News)

Taking the chill out of winter

A BARRY home will soon be a warmer and cosier place, thanks to the Barry and District News/Round Table Fix It campaign.

Pensioners Marj Gill and Harry Day have been given £200 to buy a new fire.

The couple have lived together in Herbert Street since Harry had a bad stroke four years ago.

And while the friends appreciate the cold weather grant from the government, they still find it hard to heat their living room.

Marj said: "The fire we have doesn't give out much heat. We've already spent the cold weather payment on our fuel bills because we keep the heating on constantly. I saw the campaign in the Barry and District News, and thought it might help us.

"I wrote to the paper, then forgot about it, really. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a phone call saying we were lucky enough to have been given a grant of £200 to buy a new and more efficient fire."

Harry, 78, a retired steelworks foreman, uses walking sticks. Marj said: "Harry and I used to be dancing partners, and we have always been very good friends. When he had the first stroke, he moved in with me, so I could look after him until he got better.

"Unfortunately, he had more strokes and he hasn't regained his health as we hoped."

Chairman of Barry Round Table Paul Lawson said: "We're very pleased to help Mrs Gill and Mr Day. They needed a fire to make their lives more comfortable, and the Round Table were happy to come to the rescue."

There is still time to send applications into the Barry and District News for a share of the Fix It campaign fund. Write a letter explaining your cause to Sue Vincent-Jones, at 156 Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4TY, or e-mail it to barrynews@gwent-wales.co.uk with your full name, address and contact number.