A group of pupils from Cwmbran High School gave a helping hand at a Christmas dinner event for the community.
The fifteen pupils took on a variety of roles at Thornhill Community Centre. Three pupils supported the kitchen staff by preparing and serving dinners. Nine pupils from the choir performed for the guests and sang a variety of hits from West End musicals. And three pupils handed out brownies as gifts.
The lunch club is every Tuesday and Friday throughout the year where the local community are invited to enjoy a hot meal and chat.
Kelly Pointer is a chef at the event and tries to cook meals that can be replicated using ingredients given out by the centre’s food bank.
‘It’s our time to give something back’
She said: “My husband Andrew and I were in a position a few years ago where we needed the support of the food bank and financial advice services. Fortunately, we have been able to turn our situation around and it’s our time to give something back. I am a qualified chef so it seemed only fitting that I can use my experience to cook for the community. The community dinner was by invitation, and it gave us the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has helped us deliver this important service.”
Kathryn Ayling, the school’s family liaison officer, said: “The Thornhill Community Hub is an invaluable asset in our community. Kelly and her team are always so warm and welcoming, and Kelly will take anyone under her wing if she can help them. I often borrow a space to meet with pupils and parents who cannot attend the school site for a variety of reasons as I know that I can refer them for a wealth of support within that safe space.”
‘Exemplary’
Community Cllr Leanne Lloyd-Tolman, Upper Cwmbran and Thornhill Ward, said: “The Cwmbran High students were exemplary at the event, setting up, serving, entertaining and even staying to help clean up. They were an absolute credit to their school, families and the community. Such a positive event.”
Matthew Sims, Headteacher of Cwmbran High School, added: “I am immensely proud of our pupils showing such eagerness to give back to the community, especially at this time of year. Everyone deserves a hot meal and a community that they can call home, and thanks to Kelly at Thornhill the residents are able to have that. I am very grateful to be part of such an excellent initiative to keep people happy and healthy in the community.”
The centre’s food bank is open every Friday from 11am to 2.45pm
