A COMMUNITY FUNDAY in memory of a Wrexham woman is returning for the first time since Covid.
The Johnstown Community Carnival is taking place on Sunday, August 28 on Heol Kenyon playing fields between midday and 9pm.
The event first took place in 2019, in memory of local woman, Denise Caldecott - who died suddenly, aged 55.
Her niece, Charlotte Bellis, explained: "The carnival was previously called The Big Sunday funday back in 2019 when we held our first event which was supposed to be a one off, really.
"We are a small team of volunteers mostly family and we call ourselves Denise’s Army, and arranged the first event in memory of my auntie, Denise.
"Myself and Marc (one of Denise’s sons) wanted to do something in her memory as she was always so helpful in the community and would always help someone out if she could. She also enjoyed a good get together so we thought what better way to remember her."
They raised just short of £4,000 at the first event and purchased two defibrillators. One of which was fitted Heol Kenyon - dedicated to another prominent local lady, Susan Bickerton. The other was placed in Penycae where Denise was born and raised. There are plaques on both to commemorate them.
READ MORE: Thousands turn out for annual Wauns Carnival in Wrexham
Charlotte said: "Following the success of the first event we were being asked constantly by the community if we were going to arrange this annually as they had enjoyed the first one so much.
"We had a meeting and decided we would do just that and make it an annual event for the community, however Covid-19 sadly put a stop to our plans for two years and we were even a bit dubious about this year. But we decided to plough ahead and give the community a great day which is so badly needed after the very tough times we have been through and continue to experience what with the cost of living crisis."
Charlotte's wife, Kelly, has also started a youth club in Johnstown and is hoping that some of the money raised this year will go towards the running costs.
Charlotte added: "We will also be holding a meeting following the event to decide what other local charities and organisations we can donate to.
"That really is the whole point of Johnstown Community Carnival and what Denise’s Army set out to achieve, to give people in our and surrounding communities a great day bring everyone together and raise money that will directly improve our community.
"We are extremely grateful for all the support we have been given by local companies and Rhos Community Council which has donated money ans goods to enable us to put this event together."
On the day, there will be a traditional funfair, food and desert vans, an array of different stalls, a bar and live music throughout the day.
There will be no available parking on the day.
Charlotte explained: "We must be respectful of the fact that people live here and must be able to gain access to their homes.
"We are really hoping to have an amazing day making memories and all being together as we have missed so much time due to the pandemic."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here