Salvation Army

CHRISTMAS is a busy time for everybody, but the people of Aberystwyth and the surrounding communities have found time to give generously to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal 2015.Lieutenant Claire Durrant, one of the minis-ters at the building in Alexandra Road, said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response of the public to our Christmas appeal and thank the Cambrian News for supporting us in getting the appeal publicised. “We’ve received toys for children of every age, gifts for the elderly, items for our homeless community and food that has been distributed to those who need it the most at this time of year.“Our work as a Christian church and charity is made all the easier by working together with the community and we are so very grateful to everyone for assisting us in making this Christmas a happy one for those families and individuals who would normally struggle.“To everyone who has donated we say a massive thank you. This is community working together at it’s best. We pray that you will all have a very happy and peaceful 2016.”

Stroke club

THE ANNUAL Christmas lunch was held in the Llanina Arms, Llanarth, on 15 December when 40 members travelled by coach and car on a warm, but damp day. The chairman, John Lewis Jones, welcomed all and trusted that they would have a grand time on the last gathering of the year. Gwen Hughes, the president, was unable to attend but sent her warm wishes to us all. We then settled down to eat a really scrumptious meal, a first-class spread and well looked after by all the helpful staff. After the puddings, coffee and mince pies were served, two raffles took place and many went home with some spectacular Christmas prizes. The social secretary did a collection for the end-of-year whist drive that. All that remained was to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas, a healthy new year and a safe journey home.

Dyfed Chess League

THE TWO leading teams in the Dyfed Chess League, Cardigan and Aberystwyth, met in Aberystwyth in a recent match.In spite of spirited resistance, the title holders, Cardigan, emerged on top, winning two of the four games and drawing the others.On top board for Cardigan, Howard Williams got the better of current Dyfed champion, Rudy van Kemenade, in a tense struggle.Meanwhile, Tony Haigh was victorious against Julie van Kemenade on Board Three.Cardigan’s Awne Osinga held Matthew Francis to a draw on Board Four and in the last game to finish, Aberystwyth’s new recruit, Adam Watkin-Jones, stood firm against Iolo Jones, the Cardigan captain.Aberystwyth will be out for revenge when they come to Cardigan for the return match in the new year.Both Aberystwyth and Cardigan hold weekly club nights and new members of all standards are always welcome.Aberystwyth meet in the St David’s Club in East Street, from 7.30pm.Call 01974 272507 for further information.Cardigan meet in the Bowls Club in Gwbert Road on Thursdays, also from 7,30pm. More information is available on 01239 654324.