Pensioners’ joy as stolen CDs replaced (From Free Press Series)

Pensioners’ joy as stolen CDs replaced

11:10am Thursday 22nd June 2006

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PONTYPOOL pensioners, distraught after a burglar stole their treasured possessions, have been inundated with gifts from members of the public.

Pontypool Round Table, Pontypool Methodist Church and kindhearted individuals have all come to the aid of the elderly residents living at Penybryn sheltered housing complex after it was broken into last month.

The Free Press reported how pensioners at Penybryn, situated off St David's Close in Penygarn, were shocked to discover their DVD player and large collection of CDs and DVDs had been stolen when their communal living- room was broken into.

Since then residents at the centre have received numerous gifts of music discs from members of the public, and financial donations to help them rebuild their valued collection.

Margaret Crowley, sheltered housing officer for the complex, said everyone is delighted.

"We have had people bringing CDs to the centre, giving them to the residents, we even had an elderly lady turn up in a taxi to donate a big bag full of discs," she said.

"The generosity of people in Pontypool has been amazing. It gives you back your faith in people."

The chairman of Pontypool Round Table, Colin Guest, said he and members were appalled by the burglary and wanted to do something to help the pensioners. They donated a cheque for £200 to the Penybryn residents' club.

Mr Guest said: "We are happy to be able to help the residents achieve a positive outcome.

"The Round Table is known for assisting people in the community and the money we raise comes from people in Pontypool who support the firework display, our main fundraising event, and the carnival.

"If it wasn't for the support and generosity of the people in Pontypool we would not be able to help the people of Penybryn."

Donald Taylor, aged 84 and treasurer of the Penybryn residents' club said: "We are very pleased and grateful."

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