The East Williamston Community and Hall Association has held its 22nd Annual General Meeting and can now boast Dementia Friendly status.

The Association covers an area equal to the Council ward of East Williamston, with over 800 households and many thousand people, both residents and visitors.

The Association runs the Community Hall in East Williamston village, provides 22 allotments and also helps with the upkeep of the East Williamston Jubilee Community Park.

Doug McIntosh, the Chair, welcomed everyone to the meeting but was disappointed that so few of the wider public from the area had come along, although usually the facilities and events are well attended.

In the year two new trustees had joined the hard working group aiming to support the community with events such as a regular quiz night, bingo sessions in the summer, and a summer party. The Hall is the venue for the very successful East Williamston Short Mat Bowls team who practice and compete regularly. Many other local groups also meet in the hall.

To ensure the best service is provided to the community, the Hall was redecorated, inside and out, during the past year. The flooring was resurfaced and much of the kitchen and bar equipment renewed or replaced. Full details about the hall, facilities and events can be found at www.ewcommunity.org.

The Association has benefited from grants under the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Scheme. Financially, the Association remains strong and looks to further successful years of serving the community.

Jubilee Park and Nature Trail is leased to East Williamston Community Council, which maintains the central play area and new equipment that was installed in 2022. The Friends of Jubilee Park extend the maintenance by clearing blackthorn and other invasive weeds and for the wider enjoyment of all have created 'Green Welly Walks' through the mature woodland.

The park has regularly achieved the Green Flag award. Those interested are welcome to join one of the volunteer parties by messaging the Association through Facebook.

A highlight of the evening was a visit from Cherry Evans, of PAVS, to present the certificate confirming that the Association is working to become Dementia Friendly; giving a friendly welcome to anyone affected at the various events, such as quiz night and bingo.