Coronavirus updates from the town and nationally

In her latest update on Facebook yesterday (Wednesday) Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group said:

"Good News, We have had a £1000 Sponsor donate to the #keyworkers washes Blue Bay Launderette,Llangollen so please ALL KEY WORKERS including local shop workers, please make use of this to HELP you and SUPPORT our local Laundrette 🌈 we have some lovely residents also making wash bags 👏👏

The Llangollen Raffles was kindly donated Prizes yesterday from all those local businesses it has helped over the past weeks, with all proceeds being donated to Zero Food Waste and Food Share Llangollen WE RAISED £500 🎉👏🎉👏

The Foodshare are supporting up to 50 families weekly, along with care packages for the vulnerable & elderly too ❤🌈

The Raffles is supporting local business by raffeling vouchers or items and then paying the business for said items, the community is also really enjoying their WINS 🎉👏🎉👏👍

Volunteers are working daily to continue to help with shopping and erands 👏👏👏 Stans can take orders via email, pay on phone and a volunteer will collect and deliver.

Spar are offering home delivery and Dee Valley Produce continue to offer a FREE home delivery service for fresh fruit & veg, simply call to place your order.

Newsagents Castle Street are delivering Newspapers daily all over Llangollen 👏👏👍 They also have a few Light Sabres left for Tomorrow's #NHSCLAP #LIGHTUPLLAN

#llangollenfamily T-shirts are selling well, if you would like one please order soon to avoid missing out, donations from sales go to the support group 👏👏👍

Our whole Community has been overwhelmingly supportive during these past 4 weeks, every single person has helped in each way they can, what a FANTASTIC place WE CALL HOME 🌈❤

PLEASE continue to support all local business and the support group, we are all still working hard behind the scenes to keep this support going to those that need it."

The latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government issued yesterday are: 

• Wales has become the first country in the UK to guarantee ongoing funding for children to continue to receive free school meals throughout the summer holidays in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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• Education Minister Kirsty Williams has confirmed each eligible child will receive the equivalent of £19.50 a week. With the support of the Welsh Local Government Association, the Welsh Government will make £33m available to help local authorities continue to provide free school meals.
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• https://gov.wales/wales-has-become-first-country-uk-guarantee-ongoing-funding-children-continue-receive-free-school

• Local Government Minister Julie James has published the Local Authorities (Coronavirus) (Meetings) (Wales) Regulations 2020, which make temporary provision in relation to local authority meetings and for public and press access during the coronavirus pandemic. 
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• They provide flexibility to enable local authorities to operate safely, effectively and lawfully, while retaining the principles of openness and accountability to the public. This includes meetings to be conducted on the basis of full or partial remote attendance and by making provision about the electronic publishing of certain documents.
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• They apply to principal councils and their executives, community councils, Swansea Bay Port Health Authority, National Park Authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities across Wales.
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• The regulations are available at: https://www.cynulliad.cymru/laid%20documents/sub-ld13142/sub-ld13142-e.pdf and the Minister’s statement is available at: https://gov.wales/written-statement-local-authorities-coronavirus-meetings-wales-regulations-2020
• Economy Minister Ken Skates has thanked staff working in contact centres across Wales https://gov.wales/contact-centres-providing-crucial-service-during-coronavirus-crisis
• The Public Health Wales figures show there were a further 274 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total to 8,124 – the actual number is likely to be much higher.
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• Very sadly, there were a further 15 deaths reported, making a total of 624 in Wales to date.
• NHS Wales chief executive Dr Andrew Goodall has told health boards to continue providing urgent and emergency cancer treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Guidance to help health boards plan and deliver cancer services is available at: https://gov.wales/cancer-services-wales-during-covid-19
• Advice about ensuring people get sufficient vitamin D while the stay-at-home rules are in place is attached to this email.
• Transport and travel advice is available at: https://gov.wales/travel-and-transport-advice

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.
• If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started.
• If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for seven days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.
• If you have coronavirus symptoms:
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home
• Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home
• Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household.
• Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
• If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after seven days, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call 111. In a medical emergency dial 999.
• For more advice visit https://gov.wales/stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus

Where to find the latest information

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Queries about support for businesses, including about eligibility for the Economic Resilience Fund? Visit the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• The Welsh Government holds a daily media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and routinely supported by a BSL translator. They will be held at 12.30pm every week day. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.
• Economy Minister Ken Skates held today’s press conference. You can watch it again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1252923120735752192

Applications invited for government's £500 coronavirus fund

Applications can now be made for support from the second phase of the Welsh Government’s £500m Economic Resilience Fund.

Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates released detailed information last week about this tranche of the fund, worth £200m, including eligibility criteria for businesses and charities to enable them to prepare to apply. The fund offers further financial support in dealing with coronavirus crisis and will be vital in helping organisations manage cash flow pressures. It has been designed to address gaps not currently met by schemes already announced by the UK Government, Welsh Government and Development Bank of Wales. This is a unique additional funding stream for Wales. The first stage saw the £100m Development Bank of Wales’ loan scheme fully subscribed in little more than a week with applications currently being processed. This phase is targeted at micro businesses, SMEs and large businesses of critical social or economic importance to Wales. Applications can be made through the Business Wales website. More than 120 Welsh Government and Business Wales contract staff have been diverted onto processing the many applications that are expected to ensure that money reaches businesses as quickly as possible. Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “Funding from the second phase of our Economic Resilience Fund is going to be absolutely essential for businesses, charities and social enterprises in seeing them through this incredibly tough period. “Last week, I announced the eligibility criteria for the fund, and businesses have used this time to study whether they qualify for financial support. Those who feel they do can apply through the Business Wales website from today. “We will be processing applications as fast as possible and we have moved staff into roles for exactly this purpose - to get money out quickly to businesses who need it. “We are going to support as many firms as possible through this £200m tranche of funding, but I have been clear that it will not reach everyone. “We are doing all that we can as a Welsh Government and although we fully understand how difficult times are, we need the UK Government to go further and provide the money needed for Welsh firms, of all sizes, to survive and recover.” To be eligible for this second stage of support from the Economic Resilience Fund, businesses, charities and social enterprises, must meet criteria including: Micro businesses, including start-ups, employing up to nine employees could be eligible for up to £10k support. This includes sole traders employing staff. Businesses in this bracket could qualify for support from the fund if they: > Have experienced in excess of a 40% reduction in turnover since 1 March 2020 > Can demonstrate that efforts have been made to sustain business activity > Are not pursuing other forms of Welsh Government non-repayable grant funding support > Are not be entitled to business rate relief grant Small and medium sized firms with between 10 and 249 employees could be eligible for grants of up to £100,000 if they: > Have experienced in excess of a 60% reduction in turnover since the first day of March > Are not be eligible for business rate relief grants, or if they are, that amount would be deducted from their allocation from this fund > Have a sustainable business plan to trade beyond the Covid-19 pandemic > Confirm no future compulsory redundancies will be made as long as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is in place > Are not be pursuing any other form of Welsh Government non-repayable grant funding support Funding will also be available to support large businesses with more than 249 employees. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis to consider where funding can be deployed most effectively to compliment other sources of support. The application process for businesses qualifying for financial support from the Economic Resilience Fund can be found at: https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales

Councillor notifies of changes to T3 bus timings

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms has sent over the following information about timetable changes next week to the T3 bus service, run by Lloyds Coaches, which runs through town:

Report illegal fly-tippers to us urges county council

Don’t waste our time with waste crime – that’s the message from Denbighshire County Council as it responds to a national increase in fly-tipping across the country.

Some local authorities across the UK have seen examples of fly-tipping during the current coronavirus outbreak and resources that are already stretched to the limit are having to take action to clear areas from the rubbish being dumped by a minority of people.

There are also concerns nationally about some companies using coronavirus as a reason to provide illegal waste removal services and targeting households with offers to dispose of rubbish.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment,  said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on the county’s landscape when it happens and it’s an issue that has been raised by our residents as one of the main issues they would like us to address.

“We are so fortunate to live in such beautiful surroundings and the vast majority of Denbighshire residents act responsibly and do not dump waste in areas such as fields, roadsides and open countryside.

“However, the council has dealt with incidents of fly-tipping in the past, caused  by a minority of individuals who think it’s acceptable to dump waste wherever they want. It’s against the law and will not be tolerated in Denbighshire.

“We are also concerned about some individuals who offer to remove waste illegally and use the situation with coronavirus as a reason for making money. 

"Residents who are arranging such services should ask the companies to show their waste carriers licence, to obtain a receipt and to find out where the waste is heading.  

"All waste must to be taken to a licensed site. If the company cannot provide these details then residents should get in touch with the council.

“We fully recognise that law-abiding residents will be frustrated that our waste and recycling parks are closed and the recent good weather has promoted people to have a clear out at home.  We are asking people to be patient. 

"We are in unprecedented times and we are all needing to live with changes which can be frustrating, but essential if we are to play our part in protecting our communities from spread of coronavirus."

If anyone knows of individuals or incidents of fly-tipping, they should contact the council on 01824 706000, or report it online: www.denbighshire.gov.uk

Latest Citizens Advice column

Q: My income has dropped due to coronavirus and I’m struggling to keep up with all of my bills. I rent my house from a private landlord and pay all the usual bills - electricity, water, and Council Tax. How best can I juggle them, and is there any help I can get from the government?

A: If your income is reduced because of coronavirus, you should check whether you’re entitled to sick pay or to claim benefits. You can check your eligibility for both sick pay and benefits on the Citizens Advice website.  If you’re already on existing benefits, these might also increase.

If you’re struggling to pay rent, talk to your landlord straight away. You should explain the situation and could ask for more time to pay, a temporary reduction in rent, or ask to catch up any missed payments by instalments. If you contact your nearest Citizens Advice an adviser can help you explain things to your landlord. If you can’t come to an agreement with your landlord, it’s a good idea to pay what you can afford and keep a record of what you offered.

The government passed an emergency law which means landlords have to give you three months notice to end certain tenancy types from 26 March. The court service has suspended all possession action for 90 days from 27 March. This means that even if you have been served a notice for eviction it’s unlikely it can be enforced during this time. You can find out more about what to do if you’re being evicted for rent arrears on the Citizens Advice website.

If you already claim Housing Benefit, you should tell the council your income has reduced. If you don’t claim it already, you might be entitled to help with housing costs from the government.

When it comes to your utilities, you should contact the provider as soon as possible. Depending on the type of bill, they may be able to arrange a payment plan, or have schemes in place for people in financial hardship. You should also talk to your local council, as your income has changed you might be entitled to a council tax reduction.

If you’re struggling to pay multiple bills, it’s important to sort out what’s known as ‘priority bills’ like energy bills or council tax over credit card bills. This is because the immediate consequences of not paying these things are much more serious. Citizens Advice website can help you with this.

Businesses urged to take advantage of government funding

Denbighshire businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of a Welsh Government funding scheme.

The Economic Resilience Fund has been created to address gaps not currently met by schemes previously announced by the UK Government, Welsh Government and the Development Bank of Wales, and is a unique additional funding stream for Wales.

The current phase of the fund, worth £300 million, is targeted at micro businesses, SMEs and large businesses of critical social or economic importance to Wales.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “I would encourage Denbighshire businesses to take advantage of this fund as soon as possible.

“This is additional support on offer from the Welsh Government and covers some of those businesses not previously eligible. The funding is limited, so it is vital Denbighshire businesses make their applications as soon as they can.

“We have been working with the Welsh Government to ensure the county’s businesses are being heard at this time and that the right support is being made available.”

More than 6,000 grant applications were received by the Welsh Government within the first 24 hours of this phase of the fund, which offers grants of up to 10,000 for micro-enterprises and up to 100,000 for SMEs and is designed to get money to businesses with the minimum of delay.

* To apply visit https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/

Consider use of accommodation sites before calling police

North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council are reminding residents that some caravan sites, hotels and guest houses in the region may be accommodating key workers or vulnerable people during the current coronavirus outbreak.

They say reports have been received that some of these locations are still being used in but point out that councils have the ability to agree exemptions to allow certain groups of people to live in these locations on a temporary basis.

Councillor Mark Young, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Safer Communities, said: “We applaud the fact that people are being vigilant and want to do the right thing for the health and well-being of local residents and communities.  

"The majority of these locations should be closed, but in some cases, it has been agreed for them to provide temporary accommodation."

Sgt Beth Jones said: “We understand that people are concerned in the current situation, as a result we are working with our partners to ensure the public have an easy to follow reporting method.  

"By reporting these concerns directly to the council they will be dealt with by the right authority quickly and will reduce the demand on the police control room for non-policing matters. We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during these unprecedented times.”

* Anyone who is concerned that businesses are operating without prior agreement of the councils, they should contact Denbighshire County Council on 01824 706000 or 0300 123 30 68 outside normal office hours.

If you think that a shop or a business is open to the public in contravention of government guidelines or is not operating safe distancing regulations then again you are asked to contact the county council.

If you see a gathering of people who are not from members of the same family or currently living together either in a public place or at a private venue then notify North Wales Police immediately on 101.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme goes live today

The UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live today, with businesses able to claim up to £2,500 a month towards staff wages.

Employers can apply for direct cash grants through HMRC’s new online portal - with the money expected to land in their bank accounts within six working days.

The job retention scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of a package of support to protect jobs and businesses, allows employers to claim for a cash grant of up to 80% of a furloughed employees wages, capped at £2,500 a month.

Millions of people across the UK are expected to benefit from the scheme, with businesses including Pret a Manger, Brewdog and Timpsons using it to ensure staff keep their jobs and are paid whilst many high street businesses are closed.

HMRC’s easy to use portal has a step by step application process and up to 5,000 staff will be manning phone lines and webchat services to ensure any questions can be answered.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

Our unprecedented job retention scheme will protect millions of jobs across the country and is now up and running.

It’s vital that our economy gets up and running again as soon as it’s safe – and this scheme will allow that to happen.

Last week the Chancellor announced the scheme will be extended for a further month until the end of June, to reflect continuing Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Commenting on news that applications are now open for the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:

The opening of the Job Retention scheme is an important milestone for businesses, who can now begin to access the cash they need to pay their staff and protect livelihoods.

The government deserves credit for the speed, scale and flexibility of its response to the challenges facing our business communities. The focus should now be on delivering this support to firms on the ground.

Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce. With April’s payday approaching, it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible. Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses.

Jonathan Geldart, IoD Director General, said:

These are immensely challenging times for the economy, and the Government is rightly responding with exceptional measures. This scheme is crucial to protecting jobs and ensuring the recovery, when it comes, can take off as quickly as possible.

We applaud the efforts of the scheme’s staff who will be working with businesses in desperate need of support, and we will continue to work with ministers to ensure that support reaches all who need it.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said:

The Chancellor has already shown a willingness to do whatever it takes and act at speed during unprecedented times.

Rolling out the job retention scheme will make a huge difference to tens of thousands of firms and millions of people, protecting jobs and living standards throughout the UK.

Ensuring support gets to where it’s needed most – fast – is of the utmost importance.

We’ll continue working closely across government departments as thoughts turn to restarting and reviving our economy.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:

As a sector employing one million people, we greatly welcome the extension of the Job Retention Scheme into the summer. It will help pubs that are struggling through this crisis who are key employers in regions and communities across the whole of the UK. Rest assured the action taken by Government has prevented job losses.

To hear that the COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme portal is now live for employers to use is a welcome step too for our sector.

The Job Retention Scheme is part of an package of measures announced by the Chancellor to support the country through the coronavirus pandemic. He has already supported employers with a £30bn injection of cash by deferring VAT payments for the next quarter, has launched a scheme for the self-employed, loans for businesses and a rise in Universal Credit.

Roadworks alert for Llangollen

Latest roadwork alert from one.network is:

A5 Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 22 April — 23 April Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals) Works location: FOOTWAY OUTSIDE 45 Works description: Traffic ctrl (2 way signals)-3rd Party Boundary Box Clear to Boundary - Locate Leak on Customers Su... Responsibility for works: Dee Valley Water Current status: Planned work about to start Works reference: ZU0028102/000060325019B

Appeal goes on to help Llangollen Railway survive lockdown

* A Llangollen Railway steam train carves its way through the 

Dee Valley in better days.

Around £12,000 has so far been raised by an appeal to help Llangollen Railway survive the enforced coronavirus lockdown.

Railway bosses have warned that the loss of revenue since the heritage line was closed on March 23 in line with government guidance could mean it might be unable to survive.

Since then hundreds of supporters have rallied to its aid and have so far donated about £12,000.

Of this almost £11,000 has come from an online appeal.

Normally the railway would just have had a bumper Easter weekend with two trains operating an hourly service between Llangollen and Carrog.

And last weekend should have been the Thomas the Tank event, which is another large earner.

Instead, all is quiet along the line of the only standard gauge heritage railway in North Wales.

All stations are closed and trains are in the depots, the full time staff laid-off, with volunteers staying at home along with the visitors.

A direct appeal for financial help was recently made on Facebook by railway general manager Liz McGuinness in which she said: “Forty-five years of endeavour in rebuilding the railway as a tourist attraction is under threat.

“Yes, the railway is closed and may never reopen its doors if we don’t receive enough donations or grant funding. We are extremely grateful for the donations we have received so far and they are helping to keep us alive for now.

“As a major attraction in the Dee Valley, Llangollen Railway puts approximately £8.5 million in to the local economy every year and to lose that would be a massive negative to all the town's businesses and the surrounding area which benefits from visitors to the local stations and access to the Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

“In appealing for help from our many supporters I say we cannot let this beautiful heritage railway die.

“We support too many businesses and jobs in the area to let that happen but help is needed if we are to see the way through this difficult period."

Llangollen Railway’s Facebook page has many comments in support of the railway and concern for its future as well as some criticism as to why a volunteer operation needs cash when UK government support is available.

Railway operations manager Paul Reynolds said: “Unfortunately there is a severe gulf between what Mr Sunak in London and Mr Drakeford in Cardiff announce and its processing out in ‘the wild’.

“Approximately 300,000 applications have been made for business support and only about 10,000 have been processed.

“Sitting in the pending tray of a bank or government department still does not pay the bills when your major source of income, namely train ticket sales, has been cut off and is likely to remain so for at least the next three weeks - or more. 

"Goods and services purchased over the last couple of months are now being invoiced – usually 30 days and possibly 60 days depending on your credit standing with your supplier – and payment is expected.

“Unless our railway can find an independent source of income, such as donations,  to cover the lost revenue it is unlikely to survive, at least in its current form.

“It brings no comfort to know that the greater portion of the heritage rail Industry is facing the same problems.

“All the narrow gauge lines in north-west and mid-Wales face a similar plight of course with varying degrees of support for their individual situations. Loss of any or all of these attractions would be a major disaster for Wales tourism.”

* To donate to the Llangollen Railway appeal, go to: https://llangollenrailway.charitycheckout.co.uk/cf/covid-19-appeal?fbclid=IwAR0jb9iNLjGRQZzEivGaXX90HVmPD-QvSU-x1AIOd95yDbl0lG83HgLHn-c

Local coronavirus update - Sunday

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group posted earlier today to say: “We have teamed up with Blue Bay Launderette,Llangollen to bring a FREE WASH for all local KEY WORKERS.

“Please Sponsor if you would like to HELP, please contact Jayne at Blue Bay, open Mon, Weds, Fri, on 01978 869227.

“A WASH is £7.50.Paypal Friends & Family Jlevyd@aol.com

“KEY WORKERS
Carers
NHS
Teachers
Police
Fire
Shop Workers
Postal Services
Bin Men

“KEY WORKERS, please contact Jayne direct to arrange your wash and thank you from all of Llangollen

https://www.facebook.com/Bluebaylaunderette/

Llangollen Health Centre posted advice for parents during Coronavirus:

They said: “Some good advice from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on what to do if your child is unwell during this period.

www.rcpch.ac.uk

The Besti Cadwaladr health board shared a post from Awyr Las - The North Wales NHS Charity which said: “Crafters, we need you!

“We’re appealing for volunteers to help sew laundry bags for our NHS staff. The bags will enable staff to take their uniform home and put them straight into their washing machine, helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The bags need to be made from a piece of material 24” x 48” that can be washed in excess of 60 degrees celsius.

“You can find the design here: https://awyrlas.org.uk/…/down…/Uniform-Bag-for-Staff-002.pdf

“If you sew and would like to get involved, please let us know you’re making them by registering as a ‘maker’ here: https://awyrlas.org.uk/covid19offersofsupport

“We can then let you know where the drop off points are or arrange for volunteers to pick them up, perhaps help you out with some materials and definitely make sure you get the thank you that you deserve for helping out your local NHS staff at this challenging time.”

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South, shared a post from the Leader about an interesting new scheme.

It said: “Retailers! Your Community Needs You! The Wrexham Leader Live are teaming up with local retailers to help provide older people with a free home delivery service for essential items such as bread, milk and newspapers.

“In these challenging times it's so important for the community to pull together. This is a great campaign by the Leader and I know that residents will really appreciate local retailers offering this support to our most vulnerable neighbours.

“If you're a retailer and you're interested in taking part, you can phone to register on: 0800 6120888.”

Later, Mr Baynes shared the Leader’s list of participating retailers, which was headed by SG Newsagents in Castle Street, Llangollen.

Help to make town's virtual VE-Day celebration special

* Have you any pictures of VE-Day celebrations in Llangollen?

Your town needs you – or at least your memories and pictures of a landmark event in our nation’s history.

That’s the message from the steering group working on arrangements for a “stay at home” celebration of the 75^th anniversary of VE-Day on May 8^th.

The town council-led group organises the annual Remembrance Sunday event but earlier this year began to plan a memorable local celebration of the day in May 1945 when the Second World War in Europe finally ended after six long years.

This was to have featured a parade led by the local Royal British Legion, a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial and a wartime-themed tea dance in the Town Hall.

All was looking good until the coronavirus crisis struck and the group, headed by the town’s deputy mayor Cllr Issy Richards, had to cancel the planned celebration.

But since then its members have been looking at a new way of making sure the anniversary is marked in style without any risk of infection.

Now they’ve come up with it – a stay at home VE-Day celebration – and need the Llangollen public’s help to make it special.

Cllr Richards explained: “At this stage we can’t really reveal exactly what form it’s going to take but what I can say is that it’s a very exciting plan, so watch this space for further details.

“We do know there will be an online photographic display, so we are asking local people to let us borrow any pictures they might have of celebrations for VE-Day in 1945 or, indeed, any depicting our town during the Second World War, or of anyone who served the country in any way, including in the armed services, organisations like the Land Army or in munitions factories.

“We’re also looking to record any memories people have of that magical end-of-war period.

“All I’d ask is that you let us know if you can help as soon as possible as we don’t have too much time to prepare.”

She added: “The 75th anniversary of VE-Day is an opportunity to give thanks, to remember the enormous effort and sacrifice made at home and abroad, and to joyously celebrate as people did on that day.”

* If you have any old pictures of the VE-Day period, or would like to share your memories of that special time, please contact llanblogger by emailing: llanblogger@gmail.com  

Old Vicarage gets lit up to salute carers and frontline workers

* The Old Vicarage care home lit up in rainbow colours.

The Old Vicarage care home chose some enlightening ways to show its appreciation to its own team and key workers across the UK for putting their lives at risk to support vulnerable people. 

The home, which is currently under lockdown, was lit up in rainbow colours to echo the national theme of support for the NHS and care sector.

On the same night a group of its carers and volunteers dressed up and danced in rainbow lights and also made a video to try and cheer everyone up,

* The light dancers in front of the home.

And one of the oldest residents, 96-year-old Joan Fell penned a special message of hope to the world. 

Old Vicarage owner Bethan Mascarenhas said: "All this was a saluet from us to our own wonderful care team and all key workers - those who are putting their own lives at risk daily in order to support the country and those who are vulnerable. 

"We are incredibly proud of all that they are doing at this time and we wanted to show that by flooding the Vicarage in rainbow lights, as a symbol of hope. 

"All who live with us are so grateful to those working to keep them safe.

"Our resident Joan Fell wrote in her special message: "Our rainbow is a message of hope, love and determination. We’ll beat this virus yet by working together and supporting each other. So clap for the NHS, for the volunteers and all who care - we are with you, every step of the way’"

* Joan Fell, 96, and her message of hope (below).

Bethan added: "We cannot thank our team enough for all the dedication and commitment they are showing us at this time, they truly are our heroes. 

"Despite the huge amount of weight on their shoulders and consistent worry that the virus may cause devastating effects for all of us, they carry on with absolute professionalism and a smile on their faces - it’s just incredible, we are in awe of how they are handling this crisis.

"Our residents have also shown great strength and resilience, they have been so supportive of the team and of each other offering support where they can,  as have family members and the local community who run to our aid with face masks, wash bags, visors and even cakes for the staff.

"It's been a real boost for all of us to know that people are looking out for us and supporting us at this time. We will never forget the kindness shown by so many, this is a time we will always remember. 

"A group of our carers and volunteers danced in rainbow lights and made a video to try and cheer everyone up, to give a message of hope at this time - because as we know, after the storm comes a rainbow.

"We'd like to say a big thank you also to Orb Sound & Lighting for setting up the light display for us."