Swansea community café and Llangennech rugby club secure funding thanks to housebuilder

A community café in a Swansea park and juniors at Llangennech RFC are both celebrating after bagging donations from a leading housebuilder.

The Friends of Ravenhill Park have received £899 for new kitchen units and worktops, while Llangennech RFC Juniors Section has scored £1,000 to develop its own kitchen area for a new tuck shop.

The donations come from Persimmon Homes West Wales in Penllergaer, which hands out two grants of up to £1,000 to groups in its operating area every month.

Marianne Guppy, of The Friends of Ravenhill Park, said: “This money is a huge boost to us at a difficult time.

“We usually organise events and activities for all ages and abilities but due to Covid-19 we have mainly been supporting the more vulnerable and isolated members of our communities.

“Since July we have been opening up our small community coffee room in the park and erecting canopies and gazebos for use by our less able and vulnerable community members as safe spaces where they can meet others outside.

“Unfortunately, after over 30 years of cleaning and general wear and tear parts of our small galley kitchen has become unusable.

“To comply with health regulations and to enable us to continue to give our community a place they can meet and socialise, we must replace our units and worktops.

“We can now move forward with that project. Thank you, Persimmon.”

Clark Hartnell, of Llangennech RFC Juniors Section, said: “We have over 180 children training and playing with us from ages six to 16.

“Before Covid-19 we secured the lease on a playing field for our team to train and play at and started to build facilities, including storage and toilets.

“Due to the pandemic we have been unable to do any fundraising and as such are behind our schedule. Specifically, we wish to develop a tuck shop on site to provide refreshments for visiting teams with teas, coffees and bacon rolls for parents and water, and hot dogs for the children at the end of the game.

“This will enable us to raise funds on game days to ensure that we can continue to develop and provide a fantastic place for local children to develop their sporting and social skills.”

Sharon Bouhali, sales director at Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “The Covid-19 crisis has left many community groups and charities in desperate need of funding.

“We’re proud to be able to support good causes within the areas in which we operate.

“All 32 regional businesses within Persimmon donate up to £2,000 each month. That’s up to £64,000 a month – and £768,000 a year.”

Visit persimmonhomes.com/charity to apply for Community Champions funding.

Persimmon is currently selling stunning new-build homes in Llanelli at The Bridles development and in Johnstown at Parc Yr Onnen.

(Lead image: Llangennech RFC Juniors – Llangennech RFC / Facebook)