The last few months of 2005, like other years, was a busy time for the residents and staff of Sunnybank Residential Home. In October, a Pink coffee morning and raffle was held raising money for Breast Cancer Research. A grand total of £200 was handed over to Yvonne McLavy, community fund-raiser for Cancer Research UK, who said: "We are extremely grateful to the staff, residents and friends of Sunnybank for this wonderful donation. The money will be used to fund research into the causes, treatment and prevention of breast cancer." In November, £117.50 was raised for Children in Need. Some of the residents, under the guidance of carer, Margaret Evans, entered items in the Narberth Annual Craft Show in November and once again brought prizes back to Sunnybank, including a second prize in a literary competition. Margaret also organised the staff to fill shoe-boxes with Christmas gifts to send to children abroad via the Samaritan Purse Scheme. The Christmas festivities got off to a 'sweet' start with a Chocoholics Party in the Home on December 1. The following day, the Kings Fellowship came to sing carols. In the afternoon of December 8, the Salvation Army came to sing carols and in the evening it was the turn of Whitland Male Voice Choir. On December 9, Bongo Clive entertained with a mixture of seasonal songs and old favourites, always a popular visitor to Sunnybank and three days later it was the turn of the Dabhands Christmas show. Robbie Lee entertained on the evening of the 13th and on the 15th it was the turn of Narberth and Whitland Rotary. The Rotary members distributed presents to the residents which had been kindly donated by the pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf. On Friday, December 16, the residents, accompanied by staff, enjoyed a beautiful Christmas lunch at the Nantyffin Restaurant, Llandissilio. On Monday, December 19, the families and friends of the residents joined them at Sunnybank for an evening of Christmas entertainment with mince pies and wine. Mrs. Cynthia Beeken accompanied the singing on her keyboard and the Begelly Bell Ringers delighted the audience with their seasonal music, Georgina Bury, granddaughter of resident, Mrs. Jenny Bury, also played her violin. The following morning, the pupils from Narberth CP School entertained the residents with items from their Christmas programme, always a popular addition to Sunnybank's Christmas Calendar. That evening, the residents, accompanied by staff, went out to see the Christmas lights in Kilgetty and surrounding area. The Christmas activities ended with a carol service with Rev. Lewis on Christmas Eve and then off to bed to await the big day! The Mayor, Clr. David Norcross, visited the Home and then it was the turn of Father Christmas, who distributed presents to all the residents. The Home manager, Mrs. Coaker, called in to wish the residents and staff a happy Christmas and Mr. Coaker carved the turkey, which was served as part of a beautiful Christmas lunch provided by Gloria and the kitchen staff. Once again it was a very busy but enjoyable Christmas at Sunnybank. Mrs. Coaker and her staff would like to thank everyone who supports Sunnybank, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year and to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2006.
