Eastern Area Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Alan Ward came to the rescue when Meals on Wheels came close to being cancelled last week. He said, “We are trained to work in all weather conditions throughout the year and despite the heavy snow we were determined to see Meals on Wheels get through to some of our most isolated residents in Brecon, Sennybridge and Defynnog.
“The elderly are particularly vulnerable during the winter and many are unable to prepare meals for themselves and or even able to leave their homes during periods of good weather. It was great to see the surprised looks on their faces when we delivered hot meals to them on such a cold day, especially when all other traffic was left grounded.”
Esther Griffiths, Acting Manager for Arosfa Day Centre in Brecon said: “In Powys we have approximately 35 residents who rely on us for their daily delivery of meals of wheels – with many of them located in isolated and rural areas. It’s been a fantastic relief to have the support and commitment of the National Park Wardens, John Richards, Mark Lamb – the Meals on Wheels drivers – and all our staff and volunteers from the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) to continue this service especially when a lot of the roads have become virtually impassable.
“The National Park Wardens have been on call for the whole week not only delivering meals to our usual residents but also checking on our more vulnerable people in the community who’ve been left extremely isolated by the adverse weather conditions.”
BBNPA Wardens have also been on standby throughout the week to assist Dyfed Powys Police officers travelling into Brecon and also helping them gain access to some of the more remote and rural areas within the National Park. Alan Ward went on to say: “We are still urging drivers to take extra precautions for their own welfare and to think carefully before undertaking major journeys should conditions like this persist. If you do have to drive through heavy snowfall, try and be prepared by having your mobile phone fully charged, pack extra rugs and blankets in the car, a shovel, and a hot thermos in case the worst should happen.”
Pictured: National Park Wardens making Meals on Wheels deliveries last week.