So kind (From Barry And District News)

So kind

7:40am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Letters

I WOULD like to take this opportunity on behalf of Friends and Neighbours to thank all those that have supported the group. I never thought that this group would have proved so popular.

Many lonely and isolated people have joined this friendly group and have made new friends – and joined up with old ones – which is what this group is all about.

Those that are not able to get there, we try our best to help out.

We have had a wonderful 2012. With the sponsorship from Castleland Commun-ities First, we took two minibuses to Symonds Yat, where all had a fantastic day out, which included lunch and a trip down the river.

With the aid of sponsorship from Aberthaw Power Station, Barry Rotary Club and Western Power, there was an amazing Christmas party at Beryl Road Pioneer Hall, where more than 50 members enjoyed a four-course Christmas lunch. And there were gifts and entertainment provided by local group Budding Superstars and Superstars Theatre, who sang songs from musicals and the shows.

We were also very lucky in obtaining local grants from Barry Town Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and a Kick Start Grant which will enable Friends and Neighbours to extend our programme.

With the aid of IT equipment we will be able to have speakers, having the use of visual aids etc, and we are very grateful to them for providing this. It will also mean we can increase our membership.

We ended 2012 by being nominated as one of the local Waitrose Community Matt-ers’ charities for November.

Alun Cairns MP, who joined Friends and Neighbours at their Christmas party, also delighted the group by informing them they would be one of his chosen charities – along with Age Concern Senior Health Shop in Barry – when he runs the London Marathon in April 2013.

I would also like to thank Jane Hutt AM for her long and outstanding support and for all her help; and also the Barry and District News for their support in publishing our news etc.

Finally, I would like to thank Marlene, Gary, Andrea, Chris, Jen, Joyce and Gail for all their support as volunteers – without them, the group could not function.

To all the members I wish you a happy and healthy New Year and hope we have a wonderful 2013.

Gay Fifield Secretary Friends and Neighbours Senior Citizen Group