A group that 11 years ago started a unique free Christmas party for pensioners, combining turkey dinners and all the trimmings with crime prevention advice, has staged its biggest ever event in the Welsh capital.
 
Held for the first time at Spiros in St Peter's Hall, Cardiff, a record 130 guests enjoyed the party and three-course Christmas lunch.
 
As well as local dignitaries, the event featured a special presentation by PC Vince Donovan, community engagement officer with South Wales Police - who also spoke on the Policing Pledge and partnership working in the community.
 
This year entirely sponsored by local businesses and Cardiff Council, the annual event has been steadily built up by founder Tony Verderame, who ran the inaugural party on his own, into a group effort with local members of Penylan and Cardiff Age Concern Group. 
 
As large as this year's event has been, the aim now is to make it even larger next year by holding parties in the heart of other communities across Cardiff.
 
Mr Verderame who has won awards for his community action to help protect the elderly from bogus callers and door step crime said: "Being able to move up to a large venue like St Peter's Hall is a wonderful milestone and I thank all the organisations who have funded us.  Next year we aim to go bigger and hold parties in the heart of even more communities including Ely and Riverside.

Spiro Borg of St Peter’s Hall said: “Our venue has been part of the local community since the 1950s and I am sure many of today’s guests will have fond memories of events they have attended here.  It is great to be part of something which brightens up people’s lives at a time of year when many can be lonely. We hope it grows and grows throughout Cardiff.”

“I honestly believe it is a unique event for the elderly and that there is a real need for businesses and the public sector to work together in partnership in the spirit of helping pensioners to come together and celebrate at a time of year when their needs can easily be overlooked." added Mr Verderame.

One of the party goers, Albert Stevens, 60 from Cardiff, said “This is a great opportunity for people of my age to come together and really enjoy themselves.  It would be great for this event to be held in other communities around Cardiff, so other elderly people can also enjoy this wonderful free annual Christmas lunch instead of being alone.”

Sheila Evelyn, age 77 from Cardiff said:  “It is a real treat to be here to enjoy a lovely dinner with so many friendly people.”

Alice Abele, 65 from Cardiff, said “I really want to say a big thank you to the generous people who organised this lunch”

Another party goer, Anne Fry aged 65, from Cardiff who also volunteers to look after the elderly said “I am just so glad to be amongst friends on this special lunch”