Posted on: Friday 12 December 2025
Local community heroes were thanked at a special event at Greenmeadow Community Farm this week.
On Thursday, the farm in Cwmbran joined Westminster Abbey and 14 other local communities across the UK to host a Together at Christmas community carol service.
The event - the only one in Wales - was organised by the Prince and Princess of Wales' Royal Foundation and included around 300 invited guests, school children and community representatives.
The Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE read out a special message from HRH Princess of Wales.
The letter said: "At its heart, Christmas speaks of love, taking form in the simplest most human ways. Not in sentimental or grand gestures but gentle ones. A moment of listening, a word of comfort, a friendly conversation, a helping hand, presents. These simple acts of care may seem small but they contribute to the beautiful tapestry of life to which we all belong.
“This carol service offers a moment of collective togetherness. A chance to celebrate the spirit of community and service and to honour the visible and invisible bonds that unite us all."
Guests enjoyed readings and performances by the Federation of Blenheim Road Community and Coed Eva Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran choirs and Newport Brass Band.
They also had the opportunity to enjoy some refreshments and meet some of the farm animals. Everyone who attended was given a free family ticket.
Among those at the event was Emma Rees, whose daughter Lia sang with the Federation of Blenheim Road Community and Coed Eva.
It was particularly poignant for Emma who performed at the farm’s very first nativity event as a child.
Emma said: “I have fond memories of being in the nativity at the farm when I was in primary school and always remember my photo being up on the wall there many years after. It’s lovely that my daughter gets to experience a similar thing now in the new farm. “
Council Leader Anthony Hunt said: "It was a wonderful evening celebrating some of our incredible community volunteers. I would like to say thank you to everyone who helps out in our local communities and wish them a very Merry Christmas."
The Together at Christmas carol concerts will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX on Christmas Day.
Greenmeadow Community Farm reopened in September following a multi-million pound refurbishment.
For details of activities and opening times over the festive period, or to book tickets, click below.
The council is consulting on a plan to work more closely with communities. To take part in the conversation about a new Torfaen Deal, visit Get Involved Torfaen.
Greenmeadow Community Farm