Last week our activity coordinators pulled out all the stops for Cartrefi Fest: an activity packed celebration of our Cartrefi community, highlighting the power of the #EverydayRemarkable.
From parties and BBQs to sports days and bake offs, even meeting some furry (and scaly!) friends, there was a huge range of activities to get stuck into, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s a recap of how the week went:
Monday
Our Bridgend activities group started the week with a swimming session at Cardiff International Pool. Everyone had a great time, enjoying a relaxing swim and the wellbeing benefits that came with it.
Meanwhile in Swansea, despite the rain cancelling plans for a sports day, moods were not dampened, getting together for a delicious meal to celebrate the start of the week.
Tuesday
In Haverfordwest, the crew were cooking up a storm, learning how to make Welsh classics – cawl and Welsh cakes, joined by Geraint, our CEO. Washed down with mocktails, this was a lunch time not to be forgotten!
Over in the Vale, a sports day took place, with everyone getting active and working as a team to win a medal. Well done to all who took part.
Our Swansea group were getting crafty in the Social Bean, creating some beautiful and unique autumnal wreaths to mark the change in the seasons.
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Making Welsh cakes in Haverfordwest and wreath making in Swansea
Wednesday
More arts and crafts were underway in Bangor. Flexing their creativity, the group designed and decorated mugs, making a lovely souvenir of the week.
In Carmarthen, it was time for some quality R&R in the form of a pamper day, complete with facemasks and fruit platters. Why go to the spa when the spa can come to you?
Back in Swansea, it was time to get up close and personal with some cuddly (and not so cuddly) critters! Animal Cwtch paid the Social Bean a visit, bringing with them lizards, snakes, prairie dogs, an owl, a parrot and even a hedgehog.
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Enjoying a pamper day in Carmarthen and mug decorating in Bangor.
Thursday
On Thursday, in Pontypool, there was a break from the fun and games as some members of our community got their heads down and completed their safeguarding training. This involved learning about human rights, and ways to make sure your voice is heard, to live safely and independently. Congratulations to everyone who gained their certificate!
Our Penrhyn crew took a trip to the historic Penrhyn Castle and Gardens, engaging with the local history of the area and taking in the beautiful sights and scenery.
Over in Haverfordwest it was time to take a trip to the bowling alley, for an afternoon or scoring strikes and spending quality time together.
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A trip to Penrhyn Castle and safeguarding training in Pontypool.
Friday
As the week was winding down, our Cartrefi Fest celebrations weren’t quite over yet…
Our Haverfordwest group joined in with the YHA Festival of Walking on a wellbeing walk at Broadhaven Beach.
Friday also saw parties taking place all over Wales to mark the end of the week, and what would Cartrefi Fest be without a spot of karaoke?
Bingo was played, food was shared, and memories were made, the perfect way to end the week.
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A wellbeing walk along Broadhaven Beach.
We would like to say a massive thank you to our brilliant activities coordinators whose hard work ensured Cartrefi Fest 2025 was such a success. We would also like to thank everyone who attended the activities and showed what a strong and welcoming community we have here at Cartrefi.