DECEMBER

CARDIGAN Foodbank was preparing for a huge surge in demand in the run-up to Christmas. They had seen a huge rise in the number of people accessing the service during the year in comparison to the previous 12 months.

NATWEST announced it was to shut its branch on the High Street in Cardigan as part of a string of closures across the country. The decision was met with anger and dismay by leading politicians, councillors and local community groups. NatWest cited a move to internet banking and a fall in customers using its branch as the main reasons for the closure. A public meeting will be held in Cardigan on January 18 to discuss the issue.

CHRISTMAS cheer was on the cards for some this year, thanks to kind seasonal sentiments of a Glanrhyd family who decided to donate turkey crowns to those in need in the area. Beautician Sarah Clive, partner Richard Roche and daughters Erin and Brooke dished out turkey crowns through a Facebook post called ‘Who Needs a Christmas Turkey?’

FOR two years Carys Nicholas found it difficult to leave the house. Born with spina bifida, her anxiety levels prevented her from socialising. But one day she decided things had to change - and Cardigan-born and bred Carys started a new hobby, Wheelie Scrumptious. She now makes up to three cakes a day, delivers them as far as her wheelchair will allow her and has a website of her home-made cakes to tantalize tastebuds.

A WARM welcome burst of multi-culturalism lit up the town as Cardigan’s Christmas lights were switched on. Mayor Cllr Richard Jones and his team of helpers from Cardigan Carnival Committee produced an amazing display of lights that spelled the word ‘Welcome’ in 22 languages.

THE future of three schools hangs in the balance in a far-reaching review of primary education in the Cardigan area. Ceredigion County Council is considering the future of the federation of Ysgol Beulah, Ysgol Trewen and Ysgol Cenarth. Proposals will be put out to consultation with a decision expected within the next 12 months.

QUESTION marks were raised over the future of Cardigan annual fair. The traditional event at the start of November has seen the number of market stalls and quality of what’s on offer steadily decline in recent years.

PLANS to build the £23.8 integrated healthcare centre at Bathhouse Road in Cardigan were given the green light by the Welsh Government despite opposition to the scheme within the town. Cllr John Adams-Lewis said ‘you would not build a chicken shed there’.

ABERPORTH set its sights on becoming the first plastic-free village in Wales. A committee has been set up in the village and local shops, businesses and the school are all backing the plan.

CARDIGAN’S second annual winter lantern parade proved a huge success, with hundreds of people taking part and thousands lining the streets. The impressive parade stretched from the castle, along the High Street and back into Pendre. A spectacular fireworks display rounded off a fantastic evening.

NEWCASTLE Emlyn rolled back the years for its annual Victorian Evening as hardy shoppers braved the driving rain and wind to make it another successful night.

TEIFI Valley farrier Chris Harris was hailed a hero after his wife Angharad went into labour early at home. With advice over the phone from the Welsh Ambulance service, he successfully delivered baby daughter Leah.

AGE Cymru Ceredigion delivered dozens of festive hampers put together by a volunteer to local people as part of the ‘No-one should have no-one at Christmas’ campaign.

PCSO Jeff Kedward had his hands full as he rounded up runaway pig Thumbelina in Drefach Felindre.

FORMER Cardigan Bay fisherman ‘Bertie’ Wynn , who made the headlines when the royal yacht Britannia stopped and the Queen bought his lobsters, died at his Poppit Sands home aged 80.

CARDIGAN Skatepark was awarded a National Lottery grant to help refurbish its facilities.