Very sad reflection of difficult times

WITH Christmas just around the corner, the thoughts of many will turn to family. I, along with many other people, will be fortunate in spending quality time with my loved ones.

For many though, Christmas can be a lonely and stressful time, and I will be sparing a thought for them too.

I do hope that in some small way we have been able to help many families who would otherwise have struggled to give their children the same magic that some of us take for granted.

Our Toybox Appeal has seen unprecedented demand this year, and that in itself is a very sad reflection of the difficult times many people in our community are going through.

I was grateful to visit the depot where all your donations have been sorted by volunteers, and I have thanked them – as I thank everyone who has donated – for helping to put a smile on the faces of some Carmarthenshire children that may otherwise failed to receive a visit from Father Christmas.

Of course, after all the festivities of the big day, and in an annual tradition, hundreds of you will join other brave and hardy souls at the 33rd Walrus Dip at Cefn Sidan.

I wish luck to everyone taking part, and of course to our council chairman councillor Mansel Charles, who is taking part for the first time.

Nadolig Llawen, Merry Christmas everyone.

Comedian Phil Evans from Ammanford is known as the man who puts the “cwtsh” into comedy