Community

Elderly isolated at Christmas amid fears of the reintroduction of further covid restrictions

Published

5 years ago

December 15, 2021

Because no one should have no one. Credit - AgeCymru

THE FEAR of the reintroduction of tighter Covid restrictions will hit the elderly the worst this Christmas a Welsh Charity warns.

Christmas plans could be ruined for the second year in a row due to concerns over the new Covid-19 variant – Omicron, and the reintroduction of tougher guidelines.

The Welsh Government are now reviewing the pandemic rules weekly instead of every three weeks, with an update planned for Friday, December 17.

They have urged people to take lateral flow tests before attending Christmas parties, visiting others, or going shopping.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has said he does not expect to implement a full lockdown like last year, however he has not ruled out the possibility of tougher restrictions being put in place before the big day.

Last year, only two households were allowed to meet on Christmas Day after the plans to relax Covid rules over the Christmas period were cancelled with only a few hours notice.

While there is no official guidance telling people to cancel party plans, health officials at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have asked people not to attend parties, after huge demand at A&E departments.

The elderly will be amongst those affected the most by tougher restrictions, a Welsh charity has said.

An estimated 87,000 older people will be spending their Christmas alone this year, according to research undertaken by Age Cymru.

With Christmas being a festive and jolly time, it is unfortunate that thousands of people are not looking forward to Christmas due to feeling lonely.

29% of people who took part in the research stated that they had lost a loved one over the last 18 months.

Half of the respondents agreed that the best present they could get this year would be a call from a loved one, with more than a third agreeing that somebody calling for a chat or popping round for a visit would make their Christmas brighter.

When publishing their findings, Age Cymru commented: “Of course, we’re all approaching this Christmas with a sense of uncertainty about how the Omicron variant will affect our plans and activities which will lead to many of us becoming extra cautious.

“However, we have to ensure that our more cautious approach does not cause older people to become even more isolated and lonely. We can still phone our older relatives, friends, and neighbours for a chat, and post Christmas cards through the letter box.”

Age Cymru have set up a “Friendship Service” which pairs a lonely older person with a volunteer for a weekly phone call.

Speaking to one of the volunteers, Margaret Davies, from Cardiff said: “I’m not looking forward to Christmas, I want it to come and go quickly. I have been invited to lunch by my daughter, but I am worried about going because of the latest variant of Covid 19. I cannot wait for January to come, where some normality will hopefully return. Sorry if I sound like a humbug, but that is how I feel.”

Barbara Williams, from Swansea, said: “I will spend Christmas day with my partner James and our little dog, as I don’t have many family left and one of Jim’s sons passed away this year so we won’t be seeing much of the family.”

The issue of loneliness has been discussed for many years, especially during the holiday periods. However the pandemic has intensified the need to ensure those without family are not isolated even further.

Throughout Wales, communities have support groups, events and schemes in place to offer those who feel isolated involved in the community, especially at Christmas.

Since 2012, Councillor Guy Woodham of Milford Haven, has hosted an annual Christmas Day lunch, ‘Christmas Together’. This gives the opportunity for roughly 100 people who would otherwise be alone for Christmas to get together and have dinner and spend time with others.

Christmas Together 2019. Credit – Christmas Together

Last year he was forced to cancel the event for the first time, due to the pandemic. This year, the event will go ahead. However, the number of attendees has been limited to 30.

There are also special requirements for those hoping to attend. Everyone must be double-vaccinated, wear masks when not seated, and they must social distance where possible.

Cllr Guy Woodham said: “We are delighted that having undertaken a detailed Covid-19 risk assessment we have identified measures that we can put in place to hold Christmas Together this year in as safe an environment as possible for all those who attend.

While the event will inevitably be different to previous years, we still hope to bring some festive cheer and companionship to those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day, for some, the loneliest day of the year – something many more have experienced as a result of the on-going Covid pandemic.”

He added that he had been convinced to go ahead with the event by those who hoped to attend.

“They would actually get in touch or, if I was out and about, would speak to me and say ‘please go ahead with it’ and tell me their individual stories – that was the real driver.

“It was realising from having those personal conversations that for some people, it was really important to try to do it.”

He said some who had attended in previous years had decided “despite being lonely they actually would feel safer just staying at home for Christmas”.

He is hoping new restrictions will not be introduced that force him to cancel: “It would be devastating if there was an announcement that we couldn’t gather on Christmas Day, but we would have to respect that.

“It would be devastating for me, for those involved, and especially those people who made it clear that they don’t want to be alone on Christmas Day for very valid personal reasons.

“It’s not going to be the same as it has been previously, but hopefully what we do provide will give people some enjoyment on the day, rather than fear and unhappiness of being lonely.”

Now in its ninth year, Christmas Together continues to be fully supported by volunteers and donations. It is a great example of local people, organisations and businesses working together for the benefit of the community.

It will be held at Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven, the day provides a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, along with a three-course festive lunch and Christmas entertainment.

The event is provided free of charge for all attendees which includes free transport for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

If you would like additional information about Christmas Together, including requesting an application form to attend as a guest or volunteer please contact, Cllr Guy Woodham, by emailing [email protected] telephoning 07411 287 533 (please leave a voicemail message) or writing to him at 4, Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 2NZ

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

8 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)