Local coronavirus update - Saturday

* The tent, in the centre of the picture, said to have been set up near the castle. 

The Denbighshire Free Press reported yesterday that a couple set up a tent on the grounds of Castell Dinas Bran during the lockdown.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/18387139.couple-warned-setting-tent-castell-dinas-bran-llangollen/?fbclid=IwAR3U55jm2I2NUhfUSmY1mVZv1yQc0BdWAyJRBvEiI50uW8s4SXeBmJ3ZSjI

The Daily Post had a story yesterday saying that police were investigating after reports that a group of kids were seen coughing on the gates outside elderly residents' homes.

The incident is said to have happened in the Minffordd area of Llangollen.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/group-children-caught-coughing-gates-18103220?fbclid=IwAR3TfnxOuUWKlTNgAjQUblHMTQtgTr2uJTW7xe23ydD3Afr9ll_PPXW2U5c

* Old Vicarage staff members in their new masks. 

There was another mention on Facebook for the Old Vicarage care home and donations of PPE by the local community.

It said: A BIG thank you to Mary (Gary Rogers) for your generosity in making us these headbands, it's much more comfortable to wear our masks... and we actually look good in them.”

* Llangollen Pharmacy.

Sadye Chesworth posted a note on Facebook from the team at Llangollen Pharmacy yesterday.

It said: “Thank you to all our customers at Llangollen Pharmacy during this time. Just a quick reminder that your prescriptions are waiting for collection as normal we have a large backlog of uncollected items. If you are isolating or struggling to attend the pharmacy there is an amazing community group that can help, please call mon-fri 01978 861366 or out of hours 07375374914 

Jades Hair & Beauty posted the notice below to its customers on Facebook yesterday.

* The note on Facebook from Jades Hair & Beauty.

* Plas Newydd's writing competition. 

Plas Newydd took to Facebook to launch a competition for youngsters to beat the lockdown boredom.

It said: “While we are closed, Plas Newydd would like to offer a creative way to help pass some time whilst at home. We are inviting all ages to write a story of up to 500 words on ‘The day the Ladies invited me to tea’. ✏️

“There will be five age categories: 4 - 6, 7 - 11, 12 - 14, 15 - 18 and adult.

“When you have finished your story you can email it to: plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk.

“Please include your age category, name and contact details with your entry.

“The winners of each category will be given a voucher for two people for a house tour and tea and cake in the Tea Room! Our favourite entries will be displayed in the Tea Rooms when we re-open. Good luck and enjoy the writing experience!”

Betsi Cadwaladr health board posted with some useful information about a new scheme to help visitors unable to see their relatives in hospital, which said: “We understand that it must be difficult if you have a loved one in hospital and you are unable to visit them.

“Whilst visiting times are restricted, you can now keep in-touch with friends or relatives by using our new Letter to Loved Ones service.

“For more information: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/contact-us/letter-to-loved-ones/

County boss calls on banks to support businesses during coronavirus

The leader of Denbighshire County Council has asked banks to be sympathetic to businesses struggling to get through the coronovirus crisis. 

Cllr Hugh Evans, who is also the council's lead member for the economy, said: “I welcome the support that has been provided to businesses by the public sector during this time. 

"The UK Government, Welsh Government and local authorities are helping businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.

“This action is protecting livelihoods and saving jobs in our communities.

“As leader of the council, I appreciate some businesses have fallen through the gap and are not eligible for support based on national criteria, these include the self-employed, microbusinesses, those not VAT registered and those who pay business rates through rent.

“I would like to reassure these businesses that we are working hard and lobbying ministers to ensure they are catered for as well.

“In light of the recent reduction in interest rates to an historic low, I would request banks be sympathetic and to work constructively with these businesses to provide reassurance and sustainability at this desperate time.

“I would call on them to do all they can to accommodate businesses and pass on the reduction in interest rates.

“By supporting our businesses now we can help reduce the impact of coronavirus on our economy and ensure we are protecting jobs in our community.”

MP praises county council's well-being move

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has praised an ‘excellent’ initiative by Denbighshire County Council whereby vulnerable residents are contacted to check on their well-being and offer community support during the coronavirus outbreak.

Everybody receiving shielding letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales and living in the Denbighshire County Council area will also be called by a council officer to arrange community support or food box deliveries if required.

So far, more than 2,000 residents have been contacted and support provided has included referrals to community groups or local charities for help with, for example, advice about finances, grocery shopping or dog walking.

Simon Baynes said: “We’re all worried about our vulnerable relatives and neighbours at this difficult and uncertain time. So I’m glad Denbighshire County Council has taken the initiative to contact those who may be feeling isolated and could do with some extra help getting shopping or prescriptions delivered.

“I’d urge anyone concerned about a friend, relative or neighbour to get in touch with the Council so they can arrange a call-back as soon as possible. As ever, if someone has an issue or concern, or if there’s anything I can do to help you, please get in touch with me on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk.”

If you believe you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people and you have not received a letter from the Welsh Government, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

If anyone is worried about themselves or a friend, relative or neighbour they can call the council on 01824 706000 and a call-back can be arranged as soon as possible.

Aldi starts selling lockdown food parcels from today

Aldi UK is selling food parcels on its website for the first time from today (Friday) to help vulnerable people and those self-isolating.
 
The parcels will be for home delivery and contain 22 products including tinned soup, rice and pasta. Each parcel will also include antibacterial handwash and a four-pack of toilet roll.
 
The parcels are only available online at https://www.aldi.co.uk/food-parcels and will retail at £24.99 inclusive of delivery and will be limited to one per customer. The move marks the first time Aldi UK has sold groceries online.
 
This follows a number of initiatives from the supermarket aimed at helping the elderly and vulnerable. Aldi donated £250,000 to Age UK in March and has introduced reserved opening times (30 minutes before normal opening hours Monday to Saturday) for vulnerable shoppers.
 
Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director for Corporate Responsibility at Aldi said: “We are committed to providing quick, safe and affordable access to food for all our customers and understand that, for some, visiting one of our stores is not an option at the moment.
 
“We’re constantly looking for new and better ways to support our customers in these uncertain times and I’m hopeful that these food parcels will make life a little easier for some of the country’s most at-risk people.”
 
Aldi’s food parcels contain 22 products as standard:

• Antibacterial Handwash
• Aloe Vera Toilet Tissue 4pk
• Choceur Milk Chocolate Bar
• UHT Green Semi Skimmed Milk
• Rice Pudding
• Salted Peanuts
• Biscuit Barrel Assortment
• Gold Label Tea
• Instant Coffee
• Premium Baked Beans
• Premium Plum Tomatoes
• Bolognese Pasta Sauce
• Tuna Chunks In Brine 4pack
• Bramwells Carrot & Coriander Soup
• Tomato Soup
• Minestrone Soup
• Chilli Con Carne
• Basmati Rice 1kg
• Fusilli
• Part Baked Brown Roll
• Sliced Carrots
• 4 Pack Sweetcorn

Local cornavirus update - Friday

* Despite self-isolating town crier Chem was outside his home ringing
his famous bell to announce his message.   

Llangollen’s town crier, Austin “Chem” Cheminais, boomed out the second of his weekly messages of support for NHS and other key workers across the town at 8pm last night.

He did it courtesy of a bank of loudspeakers set up on the eisteddfod field up by the team from Llangollen-based Orb Sound and Lighting.

The message, which was recorded by Chem earlier as he is self-isolating due to a heart condition, started off with a couple of his trademark oyezs and said: “Llangollen thanks the NHS carers and all the other people supporting us through these difficult times. It ended with three cheers for the carers and “take care and stay safe Llangollen!” 

* In Bishops Walk theatre assistant Andy Treble was remembered. 

At the same time groups of neighbours across the town were taking part in the now-weekly Clap for Carers.

In Bishops Walk the emphasis was on remembering the contribution made to the coronavirus fight by 57-year-old Andy Treble, the much-respected theatre assistant at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, has passed away the previous day in the Critical Care Unit after testing positive for COVID-19.

* NHS staff and emergency services teams clap outside Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

As could be seen on a Facebook post, outside the Maelor itself last night there was an enormous gathering of NHS staff, emergency services workers and others who came joined forces to clap for everyone on the frontline battling Covid-19.

The post read: “Tonight everyone came together from all over the hospital to support each other and to pay respects to one of our own, so emotional for so many people ❤ we will beat this together ❤”

* Minffordd residents come out to clap and cheer.

Back in Llangollen, in Minffordd a group of residents were out enthusiastically waving light-sticks and cheering for the carers.

There was a similar response across town in Regent Street where there were applause, saucepans banged and a vuvuzela sounded at 8pm.

Meanwhile, Llangollen Health Centre posted during yesterday: “If you are a type 1 or type 2 diabetic and want guidance on how to manage your diabetes during the Coronavirus outbreak, please click on the link to our website below.

https://www.llangollenhealth.com/…/65-advice-for-diabetics-2

Soon after it was announced that the lockdown would continue for at least another three weeks, one local business announced on Facebook it would go on following government guidelines.

 

Finley's Newsagents, Sandwich Bar and General Store posted: “After today's announcement Finley’s will continue to follow government's guidelines and hopefully will be able to re open our door soon. We cannot wait to see you all!

Stay safe and well. Love,Rebekah.”.

* The famous boat horses enjoying their time in lockdown.

Another local business gave an update on how some famous local residents are faring under lockdown.

Together with a picture of their famous horses, Llangollen Wharf posted: “The boys may not be working at the moment but as you can see they are still eating well! Once we can start operating again we might have to work off a bit of their weight. That’s probably true of all of us.”

Vulnerable residents to get phone call from county council

Denbighshire County Council is contacting vulnerable residents to check on their wellbeing and offer community support during the coronavirus outbreak.

Everybody receiving shielding letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales will also be called by a Council officer to arrange community support or food box deliveries if required. 

If you believe you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people and you have not received a letter from the Welsh Government, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

So far more than 2,000 residents have been contacted and support provided has included referrals to community groups or local charities for help with, for example, advice about finances, grocery shopping or dog walking.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We are working to ensure all residents in the county who have had a shielding letter, will also be contacted by the Council by phone as soon as possible, and we will keep in touch with them throughout the lockdown period.

“We are supporting our residents by making them aware of the support available in their own community, as well has offering advice on how to stay safe from scammers. Any residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of these calls can hang up and call the Council back direct on 01824 706000.

“People have been telling us they are really appreciative of the calls and we want to reassure residents we are undertaking this work as quickly as possible.”

One resident who had received a call said: “I would like to applaud what Denbighshire County Council is doing and I’d like to thank the Council for the call. We really appreciate it and we really appreciate all those still going to work and everything that has been done for us. Well done.”

Cllr Feeley added: “As a Council we understand it is not only those in receipt of a shielding letter that need support. If anyone is worried about themselves or a friend, relative or neighbour they can call the Council on 01824 706000 and a call-back will be arranged as soon as possible.”

Maelor theatre assistant loses his life to Covid-19

* Andy Treble pictured with his daughter Emily.

Betsi Cadwaldr health board has issued the fuollowing statement about the death of one of its staff from Covid-19:

"It is with profound sadness that we can confirm that Andy Treble, a Theatre Assistant at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, has passed away.

Andy sadly died on the Critical Care Unit on Wednesday, 15 April after testing positive for COVID-19.

Andy, 57, had worked at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for almost 40 years and was well-loved by his colleagues.

His sister, Maria Molloy, described her brother as a ‘kind man’ who dedicated his life to his profession, and ‘always had a smile on his face’.

She said: “Andy absolutely loved working at the Maelor, his colleagues were his other family.

“He had a very kind nature and always put everyone else before himself. He was always laughing and smiling, he was such a good man.

“We are devastated by his loss but would like to thank the Critical Care team who did their very best for Andy and above all were there for him at the very end. We will be forever grateful to them.”

Andy’s 17-year-old daughter, Emily Treble, has also expressed her sadness and said her father would be deeply missed.

She said: “He was such a lovely man, I’m proud to call him my father.

“He’s helped me through so much and he has always been there for me.

“He always cheered me up by watching Laurel and Hardy together. He was so kind, so loving and he will be missed forever.”

Andy also leaves behind his three other sisters, Caroline, Pauline and Linda.

David Bevan, Theatre Manager at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “The theatre team wish to send sincere condolences to Andy’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

“Andy was a well-loved colleague and friend to us all. His loss has left a hole in his theatre family and he will be sadly missed by everyone. Andy was a hardworking, caring and compassionate member of our team with a wonderful sense of humour that touched us all.

“Rest in peace Andy – our colleague and friend”.

Imran Devji, Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s Managing Director, added: “On behalf of the staff at the hospital, and across the wider Health Board, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Andy’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“Andy was a valued member of the team and was very well-liked amongst his colleagues.

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of a much loved member of staff. He will be truly missed by us all.”

In a joint statement, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Chief Executive Simon Dean and Chairman Mark Polin, said: “We offer our deepest condolences to Andy’s family, friends and colleagues at this terribly sad time. Every death from COVID-19 is devastating for loved ones, but when it is a colleague, it is all the more poignant.

“Andy was proud to work for the Health Service and dedicated his career to caring for others. He had worked at the Maelor for almost 40 years and was well-loved by his colleagues, who describe him as hardworking, caring and compassionate.”

County firm makes scrubs for NHS frontline staff

Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters has revealed that crucial work to produce much-needed medical scrubs for the NHS is under way in Denbighshire. Workplace Worksafe in Ruthin has 13 machinists back from furlough working on assembling scrubs and is one of three sites in Wales involved in the project.

When the Welsh Government was notified that the Far East and sub-continent would be partially closing down production at the end of March as a result of coronavirus, it took immediate action to secure a large amount of fabric from within the UK market so that it could be used to produce up to 2,500 scrubs per week in Wales. The Welsh Government passed the fabric it has purchased straight to Alexandra, a UK based company that supplies the NHS with scrubs but is heavily reliant on overseas markets for both material and production. As Alexandra were low on supplies, they were more than happy to take this material on. The Welsh Government then linked Alexandra with Welsh business and social enterprises that could assist with the sewing of garments and production is now underway at three sites across Wales. Apart from the one in Ruthin, these are Elite Clothing Solutions in Ebbw Vale and Bridwaith on Anglesey. All their employees are now back to receiving full pay. Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters, who has responsibility for the Valleys Taskforce, said: “Ensuring our healthcare heroes have the equipment they need to do their jobs at this unprecedented time is of paramount importance. “We are working hard to supply the NHS as it provides high-quality care for people with coronavirus, and we will continue to do so. “We have also been able to foster an opportunity to secure supply of much needed material and join together three Welsh enterprises to join us in fighting this national health crisis. “Together, we will continue to protect frontline staff and in turn help them save lives.”

Llan music teacher plays in virtual orchestra performance

* The virtual orchestra in action.

A music teacher from Llangollen joined around of her counterparts from the UK and around the world for a unique online performance of a song aimed at lifting people’s spirits during lockdown.

Elan Mair Roberts, who runs two Flintshire youth choirs and has been musical director of countless smash-hit amateur productions around north Wales, joined in the virtual orchestral session playing her violin on Elbow’s One Day Like This.

It went out on Facebook at Easter and was repeated on ITV news a few days later.

* Elan Mair Roberts played her part.

* Music teacher Joe Austin whose idea the virtual orchestra was.  

She explained: “The man who organised it, Joe Austin, is a music teacher at The Priory School in Shrewsbury and is originally from Ellesmere in Shropshire.

“We first met when we worked together on a show three or four years ago.

“The way it worked is that he pre-recorded himself playing the drums and then we all in turn sent in our video and audio recordings from which he put it all together.

“People from as far away as Hong Kong joined in on it.”

Elen has been a peripatetic music teacher for just over 28 years, specialising in strings, piano and vocal training.

She runs both the Flintshire County Junior Choir and County Youth Choir and recently toured Tuscany with them.

Elen also formed a partnership to run a memory choir as part of the NHS mental health campaign and was recently nominated for a Betsi Cadwalader award for services to patient wellbeing through song.

On the local amateur stage scene she has been at various times musical director for Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section the Young ‘Uns and also for the main society with their award-winning productions of Sister Act, The Producers and 9 to 5, which was nominated for an amateur stage “Oscar”. 

Apart from this Elen has been musical director for the Moreton Hall School productions of Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, School of Rock, The Addams Family and Chicago.

On top of this she formed Llangollen Youth Choir, and was also in charge of music for Llangollen's show choir Stage2Stage.

* You can watch the video at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158407563183408&id=572688407

Furlough scheme cut-off date extended to March 19

Thousands more employees will able to receive support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to March 19, 2020, the UK Government announced yesterday.

Under the scheme announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to a cap of £2,500 a month.

To qualify and to protect against fraudulent claims, individuals originally had to be employed on February 28, 2020.

But the government says that following a review of the delivery system and to ensure the scheme helps as many people as possible, new guidance published yesterday has confirmed the eligibility date has been extended to March 19 2020 – the day before the scheme was announced.

Employers can claim for furloughed employees that were employed and on their PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020.

This means that the employee must have been notified to HMRC through an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before March 19, 2020.

A government statement said: “This change makes the scheme more generous while keeping the substantial fraud risks under control and is expected to benefit over 200,000 employees.

“HMRC have been working at pace to delivering the scheme, which is due to be fully operational next week.

“The CJRS is part of an unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor to protect individuals and businesses.

“This includes significant support for the self employed and immediate steps to give businesses access to cash to pay its rent, salaries or suppliers.

If any employer now thinks they are eligible for support, they can find out more here.

Local coronavirus update - Thursday

* Old Vicarage care home staff with their masks.

The Old Vicarage care home posted a thank you to the person who made them some protective masks.

 

It said: “ANOTHER thank you to Charlie for making us washable bags for our uniforms! What a star.

 

“It means so much at this time to know that people are thinking of us and helping us to keep people as safe as we possibly can - both the team and the people who live at our home!”

 

Carie Mason‎, who works at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, posted yesterday evening: “Tomorrow I am taking 60 scrub bags and 20+ headbands to Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 12 bags made by Anne Taylor, 8 made by Sue Harris and 40 by me. Also Mary Roberts made the headbands. Thank you ladies. My colleagues will really appreciate the ti.e that has been made to make all these things. Keep safe everyone.”

 

Sean Anderson‎ took to Facebook yesterday to thank a local store for how its staff were handling the lockdown.

 

He posted: “I don’t usually do these things but I was astounded by the fantastic customer service I received the other day in Llangollen Spar. All the staff were being extremely professional following all the guide lines whilst also being very friendly and polite still. I’ve gone into other stores where it feels slightly intimidating at the moment but which is completely understandable but in the Spar they were fantastic. 

"I left the shop and one of my bags ripped because I stupidly filled it to much. My milk and eggs fell out and smashed on the floor. One of the staff members came immediately out the shop asked if I was okay and replaced my items and the bag with no charge. Even though during this time they could have easily avoided any form of close contact (even though none of us came in contact) but they didn’t turn away. Thank you very much!”

 

‎

 

Plas Newydd posted about things to do in lockdown, and it said: “While Plas Newydd is closed, here are a few activities to keep you busy in your home, inspired by the ladies favourites. We would love to see what you create so share them or tag #plasnewydd to be included on our page. Stay home and stay safe!”

 

Chirk town councillor Gareth Baines has launched an initiative to help frontline NHS staff which will be of interest to Llangollen people.

 

He posted on Facebook yesterday: “Weʼre raising money to pay for the staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Chirk Hospital to have a celebration once the COVID19 pandemic is over. Please give if you can, or share. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gareth-baines…

 

The Denbighshire Free Press carried a story yesterday about a clinic run by a mother-of-two from Llangollen which is offering free support to people suffering with skin damage during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Sara Cheeney (pictured above), owner of Pure Perfection Clinic in Rossett, near Wrexham, is helping to combat the problem by posting regular video tutorials and information on social media.

For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/18381350.sara-cheeney-llangollen-fought-cancer-whilst-building-pure-perfection-business-now-offering-free-skin-care-support-customers-home/?fbclid=IwAR2LBuW1q43H-19h9lehHvMI7O12ZGHaW1fRVoGp_p-SCVLqnuhpksIHvbE

No plans to open schools before end of summer term

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this afternoon that there are no plans to reopen schools in Wales before the end of the summer term, the country's education minister has said.

Kirsty Williams said, though no timetable to resume statutory education had been drawn up, continuing social distancing measures meant it would "not be business as usual" for pupils and staff when they eventually do return.

For the full story see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/18381603.no-plans-reopen-schools-wales-end-summer-term/