Prior to the pandemic, Clos Myddlyn in Beddau was a nice, normal-looking street like any other in the area. However, after a thoughtful gesture during lockdown from one neighbour, the cul-de-sac has transformed into "the best street in Wales".
The prestigious title has been self-awarded by a resident of the street, Alison Jones, who says co-workers often say how they wish they had similar neighbours after hearing her stories. Starting in lockdown, Alison received a letter through the door with a bingo ticket, stating a game of bingo would take place on the coming Saturday at 4pm.
"We always acknowledged each other, but got closer over lockdown," 52-year-old Alison explained. From the first game of bingo, a 'committee' Facebook group was set up to organise activities to boost morale.
As well as bingo, Clos Myddlyn residents came together to host quizzes, a V day party complete with red, white and blue dress, random fancy dress days, birthdays and a 10th wedding anniversary celebration. Alison added: "The last two Christmases we've done secret Santa and we all got together then Christmas Eve, sung carols and gave and received secret Santa gifts."
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Despite lockdown lifting and Wales no longer having any restrictions, Clos Myddlyn has continued to host social events together, with the most recent instalment taking place over the jubilee weekend.
"It was brilliant," Alison explained, "We started planning it back in January." Roles were assigned, bunting was hung, cakes were made and roles were assigned to get everyone involved. Street members dressed up as royal guards, Prince Charles and Camilla, past monarchs and, of course, the Queen who gave a speech from her balcony to mark the occasion.
"The Queen went and did a little speech. That was great, she said how we’ve gone from neighbours to friends, to a street family now and we all look out for each other and help each other out.
"It was great, the laughter was amazing," said Alison, who has lived on the street for around 20 years. Working as a nurse at the Princess of Wales Hospital during the pandemic, Alison treasures the support from her neighbours. Now, she says her neighbours are always there as a shoulder to cry on, and the first people they want to share good news with.
Now the Jubilee is over, the festivities are also set to continue, with the next event 'A Night at the Movies', scheduled to take place in August. "Everyone will be dressed as a film character, actors, actresses etc." In the meantime, Alison said there's talk of a glamping long weekend, and trips to the pub together. "We have such fun," she remarked. "I live in the best street in Wales."
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