Talbot Green Shopping Park

Community centre hosts lavish lunch for locals

Posted on December 18, 2015

Over 100 south Wales pensioners enjoyed a lavish three-course meal yesterday (17 December), as Talbot Green Shopping Park once again spread some Christmas cheer by supporting Talbot Green Community Centre’s annual community lunch.

The pensioners, who came from towns around the shopping park and from nearby Parc Newydd Care Home, were treated to a fine festive feast with all the trimmings, hosted by Talbot Green Community Centre.

The merry meal was made possible thanks to the Llantrisant shopping park, which donated £2,000 towards the annual event to show their gratitude to the community for its ongoing support.

In memory of local residents Stuart and Fraser Bates — the father and son who were tragically killed crossing the A4119 in early December — tickets to the event raised money for 2 Wish Upon a Star, the Welsh bereavement charity that Stuart Bates had supported for many years. Prizes for the event’s traditional raffle were donated by generous businesses and individuals from the area.

Alongside the lively lunch, Talbot Green Shopping Park also brought some seasonal sparkle to the entrance of the town’s shopping village by spending £1,200 on a 30-foot Christmas tree.

Rionne Williams, spokesperson for the shopping park, said: “The support of the Valleys’ vibrant communities has helped to make Talbot Green Shopping Park a perennial success, so we’re always keen to give something back — especially at this time of year.

“It’s a genuine pleasure to support Talbot Green Community Centre in bringing local pensioners together for a festive celebration — an annual chance for them to meet up with friends and enjoy all of the classic Christmas dishes, from turkey to mince pies.

“It’s our way of sharing a bit of Christmas spirit with the people who make this such a warm and friendly part of Wales.”

Jacky Evans, who attended the annual Talbot Green Community Centre Christmas gathering, said: “The lovely lunch that the community centre lays on is a present in itself. The food is first-rate — and nothing gets you in the mood for Christmas like a traditional turkey with all of the trimmings!

“I’ve had a fabulous afternoon catching up with friends from the area, and making a few news ones too. I know everyone here would like to thank the shopping park for supporting the community centre and making it possible.”

Councillor Arlene Moss, Chair of Talbot Green Community Centre, said: “This wonderful event is now very much part of our countdown to Christmas.

“No matter how many years go by, it’s always a delight to see local pensioners celebrating the festive season with friends and fine food.

“We would like to thank the park’s management team for their support and donation. Their generosity means that we can once again provide a bit of Christmas cheer for the elderly members of our community.”