Looking to find its soul Out of the shadows of the past

CUT in two by a busy road, the small Yorkshire village of Burn lacked a focal point for its community of 190

“With just a Methodist chapel and a pub, getting to know your neighbours wasn’t easy,”

says local resident

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In 2009 she

“It means we pull together and connect,” says Sonia. “Even when it’s wet, we’ll string some gazebos together and have a great time.

Ynysowen (Merthyr Vale), comprising several small communities in South Wales, has a sometimes troubled history. The village of Aberfan was the scene of the 1966 disaster when a coal waste tip collapsed, engulfing a school and surrounding homes. And the closure of mines in South Wales during the 1980s has left a legacy of deprivation.

But, insists the trustee of a local charity, Brendan D’Cruz, the area is home to a proud and vibrant community. Last year he helped organise a Big Lunch here: with Covid restrictions still in place, guests were given afternoon tea boxes containing cakes and sandwiches.

On June 5 this year Yny s ow en’s annual carnival is back for the first time since 2018, and will feature a Big Jubilee Lunch. But Brendan also home from school wave at pensioners in their garden. It’s wonderful.”

June 5 will see a Big Jubilee Lunch held in a marquee by the pub, with a barbecue, games and a local singer performing hits from every decade of the Queen’s reign.

Sonia says, “People don’t for those unable to attend.

“The Big Jubilee Lunch is about coming out and meeting people,” he explains. “For some people it still isn’t easy, but there’s been a great response for volunteers to distribute afternoon tea boxes to 70 local homes. That’s good community spirit at work.”

DON’T MISS The National Lottery’s Big Jubilee

Street Party on ITV at 5pm on

June 4. Hosted by Jason Manford

and Fleur East, the show features musical guests Ella Henderson, Steps and Kaiser Chiefs

(among others), plus plenty of surprises.