AROUND 200 people came together in Haverfordwest last week for festive fair organised by voluntary organisations from across the county.

Held at the Picton Centre, the Christmas fair was the first to be organised by Pembrokeshire’s Valued Occupation Group - which includes mental health charity Mind, the COAST Project, Hywel Dda Health Board, FRAME, and the county council’s health and social care team.

Guests enjoyed seasonal tunes from Hafal, mince pies and Welsh cakes courtesy of the Anchorage, non-alcoholic mulled wine from the community mental health team, a selection of cakes baked by thoughtful locals and festive finger food from Mind Pembrokeshire.

Stalls selling handcrafted items were in abundance with sparkling jewellery from a number of sellers, plus rustic homeware, garlands, decorations and Christmas gifts.

Handturned wood items were on offer from Norman Industries, there was quirky upcycled vintage furniture and funky gifts from FRAME, guests enjoyed relaxing manicures from HB training and took the weight of their feet with a massage from Natural Life.

Local businesses also generously donated prizes for the raffle and bingo, including the Bristol Trader, Just Nice, Andrew Rees Butchers, W. Roch James Butchers and Angela’s Cake Creations – with all the prizes going down a storm.

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire Mind said the day was great success, and thanked all its supporters.

Anyone on their own on Christmas Day can pop in to Mind Pembrokeshire, Quay Street, Haverfordwest (by The Bristol Trader) between 10am and 2.30pm for some companionship and a tasty Christmas Dinner free of charge.

If you can’t make it in but would like to hear a friendly voice, anyone can call the Pembrokeshire Mind team on 01437 763626 between those times for a chat.