ONE of the most enjoyable parts of my role as an Assembly Member is having the opportunity to visit community groups across my electoral region.

Earlier this month, I undertook one such visit when I popped into Sight Cymru for their weekly meeting at St Joseph’s Presbytery.

Sight Cymru is a fantastic organisation that helps people who have lost or are losing their sight, and the weekly session provides a range of activities and gives people the chance to sit down, relax and have a chat.

The session in Penarth is led by Rebecca Harris and seeing the community spirit and enthusiasm of those attending was really refreshing to see. People who have sight issues do occasionally need extra support and it is important we give them all they need.

I would certainly recommend more people get involved with the group – whether that is as someone with sight issues who would like the extra support, or if you are someone who would like to give something back to the community by volunteering at the session.

Remembrance Sunday took place this month and it was really good to see so many people taking the time to reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Penarth was no different to the rest of the country, as many people went to the Garden of Remembrance and All Saints Church to pay their respects.

Similarly, on Armistice Day, more than 150 people attended an open air service in Penarth Town Centre, and this too was an appropriate way to commemorate the fallen.

The poppy represents everyone affected by conflict, and is a symbol of remembrance and hope.

We must never forget the sacrifices made by the fallen and while the aim must always be for a world of peace and free from war we should also thank those who have put their own lives on the line to keep us safe.

With December just around the corner, it is clear that Christmas is fast approaching and that was brought home by the fact that the trio of Christmas trees have been installed on the Clock Roundabout.

That of course means that we are all now thinking about our Christmas shopping, as we plan ahead for our Christmas meals – as well as look to buy presents for all of our friends and relatives.

Saturday, December 3, is the busiest shopping day of the year and is Small Business Saturday, and I hope you will join me in supporting Penarth’s small businesses.

Small businesses are key to maintaining a vibrant high street and it is very much a case of use it or lose it.

Penarth is a town with great character and a lot of this is provided by the independent shops, cafes and other ventures here.

We need to help them survive and thrive, and the way to do this is to give them our custom. Not only do we benefit from the fantastic produce they sell but we help the local economy too.