Pembrokeshire Crossroads held a 10th anniversary celebration lunch at the Withybush Conference Centre last Friday. It was attended by well over 100 carers, guests, civic dignitaries, staff, committee past and present, and many friends.

The event was held to say thanks to the many people who have over the years supported Pembrokeshire Crossroads since it was first launched at a public meeting in Haverfordwest on June 3, 1991. The lunch was also a celebration of the growth of the scheme over the 10 years, as well as to recognise the many carers and their families who are supported day and night, seven days a week by Crossroads care attendants. The event, held almost 10 years to the day the scheme was launched, was also one of a whole series of carer focussed events held in Pembrokeshire as part of National Carers Week.

Among the many guests present were Lord Gordon Parry, of Neyland, who ceremonially cut the anniversary birthday cake, Mr. Nick Ainger MP, Dr. Richard Edwards AM, the vice-chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council and the Mayor of Haverfordwest.

Also present were senior officers from Pembrokeshire Social Services and the Health Authority as well as many guests from the voluntary sector, including Mrs. Shirley Bowen - director of Crossroads Wales.

After lunch had been served, Henry Johnston, chairman of Pembrokeshire Crossroads, spoke briefly of the history of the scheme, and how the steering group formed in the late 1980s had worked so hard to achieve its first funding via the Welsh Office and Dyfed Social Services. In its first years, Pembrokeshire Crossroads provided around 9,500 care hours annually, and now in its 10th year the scheme is on course to deliver in excess of 21,000 care hours annually through the services provided by 33 trained care attendants led by co-ordinator, Mrs. Ann Williams.

He paid tribute to the many funders which continue to support the scheme with substantial funds, including Pembrokeshire Social Services, the Health Authority, the National Lottery, and a whole range of grant-making trusts. In addition, Crossroads regularly receives generous donations from local people and the voluntary sector as well as through town and community councils. The scheme also actively fund-raises locally to generate additional funds to provide extra care hours.

In conclusion, the chairman thanked all funders, staff members, the committee and the many friends associated with Crossroads. He reminded those present that the lunch had been entirely funded through generous donations and sponsorship from local businesses.

Looking forward, Mr. Johnston concluded on an upbeat note by saying that he was certain Pembrokeshire Crossroads will continue to go from strength to strength, and he looked forward to continued growth and development over the years ahead, recognising always that carers are and always will be the scheme's first priority.