Carol Service

As part of the Resident's Panel's support to the wider community, it was decided to provide events during the Christmas season a traditional family time. In our first year we held an open air Carol singing service in the old centre square. We secured a visit from Father Christmas and hot soup and rolls were available at the local Castleland community centre to warm everybody up afterwards.

As with many of our community activities the event proved to be extremely popular and this has now also formed part of our yearly calendar. Popularity of the event has attracted support from a wide range of local partners and VIP visitors who join with Residents to raise the roof Thompson street style!

Over the years we have expanded the event and we provide gifts for the children at Santa's Grotto and special performances from guest singers and children in the area.

Senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner

This popular event provides a traditional Christmas meal for Senior Citizens in the community and includes entertainment, raffle and an opportunity for people to meet in a social situation and have some Christmas fun.

Our first dinner was held in 1999 in support of several older Residents who were without family at this traditional holiday season. Since then the event now provides a Christmas dinner for over thirty people and attendance is steadily increasing.

The event is partially funded from Resident Panel funds and a contribution from Newydd Housing Association, allowing us to keep the cost of the event low.

Community Christmas Party

In 2009 the Drop In Centre held it's first ever Christmas party for the community! The Resident Panel, together with colleagues from CYPIC, Castleland Community Association and Community Volunteers planned the event which took place at Friday Club to ensure that children could take part. There was lots of fun, games, disco, prizes and buffet for everyone to enjoy.

We hope to be able to provide the Community Christmas Party every year and we are busy looking for ideas for New Year activities.