Virtual Advent Calendar a hit

The online Advent Calendar developed by Montgomery teenager Catrin McDougal has been an outstanding success.

A different short film was produced for each day with hundreds of views from the area and across the world.

The content included readings, dances, festive music, short dramas, bell ringing, crafts and an explanation of Hanukkah; as well as contributions from the school in English and Welsh, and Montgomery’s youngest contributors at pre-school, who danced and sang enthusiastically to Jingle Bells.

The calendar finished with a message from Father Christmas himself behind door number 23, and Rev Alexis Smith gave a short version of the crib service behind door 24 for Christmas Eve.

Catrin said: “The advent calendar has been received really well by locals and people further away.

“My aim was always to bring the community together and – with the help of Adam Cusack, Claire Weston and everyone else who contributed – I think we have.

“This Christmas is going to be difficult for all of us but being able to watch these videos hopefully will have brought a bit of joy to people’s lives.”

Anwen, living in Malta, said on the website, “I missed visiting this year, so it’s great to be able to share in a little bit of Monty cheer.”

Elva Barros commented from Spain: “I love it. It is beautiful. How good that although we are going through difficult times we find time to do these beautiful things.”

With many people congratulating Catrin on her efforts on social media, Montgomery resident Doreen Eaton added: “I look forward to opening them every day, it really cheers me up. Well done all – roll on tomorrow.”

Montgomery neighbour Rob Harper added: “This is a great idea and just what we all needed to get into the Christmas spirit. Thank goodness for our lovely community here in Montgomery, we are all extremely lucky to live in such an outstanding place.”

The videos are available to view here.

Brewery online broadcasts rack up viewers

Monty’s Brewery have recorded two live Facebook broadcasts as part of the ‘Welsh Drinks Christmas’ promotions www.welshdrinkschristmas.co.uk

The Welsh drinks industry producers of beers, ciders, wines and soft drinks have got together to promote the fantastic range of Welsh drinks available with the Montgomeryshire based brewers keen to promote their tipples.

In this difficult time it has been even more important than normal to support these local businesses.

On December 1, Pam from Monty’s talked to the live online audience about their four gluten-free beers, and the visitor centre in Montgomery.

The livestream on December 4 took the form of a mini tour of the main brewery in Hendomen.

Russ talked about their Christmas beers and a couple of the others including Desert Rats, for which the brewery donates 4p a bottle to SSAFA every year; and Best Offa, where the brewery donates 2p a bottle to the upkeep of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

There was a great response from the public with over 7500 views and many positive comments.

The broadcasts are available at www.montysbrewery.co.uk

New Year plans hit by lockdown

Montgomery residents will not be able to gather in Broad Street to celebrate the New Year as usual.

However, residents are being encouraged to link up at midnight in socially-distanced safety from their own doorsteps, much in the way the ‘Clap for Carers’ worked earlier in the year.

The plan is that residents will stand on their doorsteps, or inside at a window, and shine a light, for example from a torch, at midnight.

Neighbours will be able to see each others’ lights and feel part of the community at the beginning of the New Year.

Mayor Haydn Andrew said: “We wanted to start the New Year on a positive note, and lights have been used for centuries to signal and link across communities and between people.

“This will be something that everyone can do, even if they are isolating, and we hope that seeing the lights spread across town will lift people’s spirits.

“We also felt parents of small children might not appreciate singing or applauding on doorsteps at midnight, so we feel this will meet the needs of all the community.”

In addition, those with internet access can watch a small film in the lead up to midnight, including a recorded countdown led by Town Crier, Sue Blower and a few words from the mayor which will also be available in January.