A PONTARDAWE pensioner has taken part in Wales' first craft festival, which celebrates creativity in older people.

Robi Thomas from Pontardawe, Swansea taught the art of rag rugging at GrandFest Cymru, a festival celebrating the heritage skills of talented older people and proudly presented by charity, Royal Voluntary Service, which took place last weekend.

The one day, family-friendly festival took place at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff with a series of free Masterclasses – from quilting, rag rugging and embroidery to bread making and international dance – hosted by the GrandMakers, all of whom are over 70.

The Masterclasses were held at different times throughout the day and inspired younger generations to discover and learn new skills.

The Cowbridge Male Voice Choir also performed.

South Wales Guardian:

Royal Voluntary Service has been hosting GrandFest for three years, as a way to celebrate the many skills possessed by older people and to highlight the importance of continuing to enjoy and share these skills in later life.

GrandFest has traditionally only been held in London’s famous Spitalfields area, but Royal Voluntary Service has added this Welsh date to ensure people from all over the country get to enjoy what has fast become a popular fun family day out.

70-year-old Robi has volunteered all her life and been involved in many textile groups (including Itchy Fingers Textile Group) to help people expand their creative knowledge and share their skills.

She has previously taught rag rugging at the University of Glamorgan Summer School and is also a fan of embroidery, which she began during her childhood.

Robi continues to teach textiles every Monday at Dragon Arts and Learning in Pontardawe.

South Wales Guardian:

David McCullough, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We know how much value older people place on their hobbies, but these pastimes are so much more than just fun.

"They play a really important role in the lives of older people, from staving off fragility and dementia, to helping them keep physically active and bringing friends together.

"Many of our 36,000 volunteers are over 65 years old and they, and the older people we support, have a wealth of experiences and skills worth sharing which is why GrandFest was conceived.”

Royal Voluntary Service is one of the biggest volunteer organisations in the UK, which supports thousands of older people in Wales a month.

The charity runs services such as Community Champions, Lunch and Dining Clubs, Exercise and Dance Classes and Books-on-Wheels, that help older people in Wales remain independent and connected with their local community.

Royal Voluntary Service also provides practical support for older people who have been in hospital through its On Ward support and Home from Hospital services and via its network of retail shops and cafes.