The Fari Lwyd raising money for Africa

It has been a shaky start to the New Year to say the least.

With the rising conflict in Gaza to more unemployment, people across the world have had a tough time over the last few weeks.

I was therefore pleased to hear some good news that the local youth group had managed to raise over a £1,500 for WaterAid.

They had taken part in a sponsored trek up the Pen y Fan mountain, situated in the Brecon Beacons; the third highest summit in Wales.

The local church had arranged a meal in aid of WaterAid which was a great way of getting members of the community together and raising money for a good cause.

The third way in which the community raised the money was by taking part in the old Welsh tradition of the Fari Lwyd.

Families will go from door to door singing traditional rhymes and will wish them a happy new year, and the old tradition was to carry a horses' skull with you.

The tradition has disappeared in many parts of Wales although our locals take part in this tradition most years.

It was good to see that the Fari Lwyd had been successful in raising money for families on the other side of the world, whilst at the same time keeping up with the tradition.

It was also a reminder that people are willing to help eachother out, at a time when hatred is becoming out of hand.