New Dot's advice on things to watch during the lockdown

Llangollen's New Dot Cinema, itself closed for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown, has come up with these suggestions for what to watch while you are staying at home.   

As we settle down to the new normal - staying at home, washing our hands, keeping a social distance and other actions that will help protect the NHS, our families and ourselves, we thought it might be a good time to offer up some cinematic suggestions to entertain while the Town Hall doors remain shut.

One fantastic offer we've come across is free access for 90 days of free films from MUBI. If you haven't come across MUBI, it's a little different from Netflix or Amazon in that their film nerds choose a film a day so there is a constant library of around 30 films available at any one time. Current films include the wonderful Mustang, which we showed a couple of years ago, along with new and old classics of international cinema. Sign up here.

If you're missing watching films with others, and you already have a Netflix subscription, you can download Netflix Party, an extension for Google Chrome browsers, that allows you to watch a Netflix film with other people (as long as they too have Netflix subscriptions). This handy guide tells you how to launch your Netflix Party and you can download the extension here.

We're all probably watching a lot more films and television than normal but the sheer volume of content available on the many platforms can feel overwhelming. So we asked some of our team to give their recommendations on what to watch at the moment. This is what we've come up with so far:

Danny recommends Contagion (Amazon Prime - to rent). He clearly can't get enough of pandemic stories! He says it's 'insanely prescient' and very scary.

Scary films seem quite popular with the team. Louise suggests Midsommar (Amazon Prime), the Swedish horror film that became a huge cult hit last year, and is, she says, "absolutely fantastic".

If you're in the mood for something altogether lighter, Yvonne recommends the glorious French series, Call My Agent (Netflix). Set in a talent agency in Paris, it's funny, sometimes farcical, dramatic and features many current French film stars sending themselves up. It's a joy. There are three seasons currently available with the fourth series promised soon.
 

And Jen decided to take comfort in animated classics by signing up for the new Disney+ streaming service, but found the real gem to be 'The World According to Jeff Goldblum'. His calm presence and childlike wonder are a real balm in these confusing times. Disney is offering a free 7-day trial, so even if you only take the freebie you'll be able to pass a week of lockdown with an Aladdin's cave of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.

If you have any recommendations to share, just let us know on our Facebook or Instagram pages. Also, if there's anything we can do to help anyone in our audience who is isolated, please don't hesitate to get in touch at hello@newdotcinema.org

And last, but definitely not least, many handclaps and congratulations to Cat Meade and everyone at the Covid-19 volunteer support group. They are doing a fantastic job in supporting those in our community who currently need some extra help. The group is fundraising at the moment so if you have some spare change, please go to their Gofundme fundraising page to make a donation and support their brilliant efforts.

In the meantime, please stay home, stay safe and stay well.

See you soon!...from the New Dot volunteer team.

Local coronavirus update - Thursday

* Father Lee Taylor was host and linkman for the online music hall show from the vicarage.

Scores of people from across town and beyond tuned in yesterday evening to see the Llangollen Players screen their old time music hall show on Facebook.

The group was unable to perform its latest production, scheduled for May 1, to an audience at St Collen’s Community Centre due to lockdown rules, so instead it decided to go online to help cheer people up during the coronavirus crisis.  

The production featured a full cast of performers, including Esme Sallnow, Mike Connolly, Jim Broderick, Shea Ferron, Cass Meurig and Phil Robinson, who presented everything from traditional music hall songs to a moving rendition of Danny Boy to mark the abandoned St Patrick Day celebrations.

* Esme Sallnow performs I Want to Be Lover By You, made famous by Marlyn Monro, during the online show.

Compering the show as usual, performing his own jokes and playing piano for the sing-along in which the audience at home was invited to take part was Llangollen vicar and music hall enthusiast Father Lee Taylor, founder of the Players.

As the show, put together technically by Shea Ferron, was taking place, a number  of people, including a couple from Manchester with local connections, messaged the Players’ page to say how much they were enjoying it.

* Shea Ferron was both performer and technical wizard on the show.

You can still enjoy the production as a series of videos at the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/collenplayers/ 

Yesterday came news that the incredible efforts by Llangollen Coronavirus Support Group to help local people through the lockdown had been rewarded by a big cash boost.

The Town Council has been awarded £5,000 by the Clocaenog Community Fund Covid-19 grant scheme to underpin the work of the group in supporting the elderly and vulnerable with food, the delivery of medication and general assistance. 

In her latest Facebook update yesterday Cat Meade, the group co-ordinator, said: “Good news to start the post, Llangollen Town Council have secured £5,000 funding to assist Zero Food Waste and Food Share Llangollen, elderly care packages, admin costs and our Support Group. Thank you to Gareth (Town Clerk) for making the application and securing funds.

“VOLUNTEERS - All PPE has been ordered for Volunteers, we also have a fund now to assist with petrol costs, all Volunteers will have an e-mail this evening with an update on information. Thank you all for your continued support.

“PRESCRIPTIONS - We have had a lot of requests from surrounding areas, I have today contacted local Community Agents who are covering such areas. For Llangollen the support number is the same for prescription delivery 01978 861366
Rotary are now collecting at 5pm each day, all prescriptions need to be called in by 3.30pm for same day delivery. For Fron/Garth/Trevor call 07956 292546, David

for Acrefair/Cefn call 07925 048711, Marie.

“We have helped where we can, however Llangollen itself is a big area to cover, please relay to family & friends in other areas. Pharmacy now has all the above info to relay.

“The county council have today announced all car parks within Denbighshire will be free, this is a great idea and welcomed by our Volunteers.

“Bin day tomorrow (today Thursday) Please attach your "Thank yous" to your bin for our lovely collectors.

“I speak to many residents in 1 day, all very thankful for this group, today I had a PM with a picture of Thanks, this lady was diagnosed with COVID 19 on Sunday, an ambulance to her house, the children scared they would take her away, she and they were scared, she has been very poorly and none of them including their beloved dog could leave the house. We made contact, got food to them all, dog walkers daily and keep in regular contact, this one picture makes everything we are all volunteering for so worthy.”

* A reminder from the Zero Waste and Food Share team.

Llangollen Railway was back on Facebook yesterday with a reminder of the emergency online appeal it has set to head a potential loss of £600,000 as a result of having to close due to coronavirus.

Donations to the appeal, which currently stands at £4,704, can be made by following the link provided at: https://www.facebook.com/565414286884098/posts/3010333172392185/

Llangollen Health Centre yesterday posted advice for asthma sufferers on Facebook.

It said: “There is excellent advice for asthma sufferers on how to keep themselves safe on the Asthma UK website.

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/

County removes parking charges to help key workers

Car parks operated by Denbighshire County Council will be free to use until further notice.

The decision to suspend parking charges has been taken to assist key workers and volunteers collecting shopping and other essentials for those unable to go out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free parking applies to anyone using the car parks, but we would like to remind residents of the UK Government advice to stay at home and to only go out for essential purposes and to minimise such trips.

Further advice can be found on the UK Government website www.gov.uk

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s lead member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Key workers, including those working in the NHS, and volunteers helping their community are providing essential services under difficult circumstances.

“As a Council we would like to play a small part in helping by removing the charges for all Council-run car parks during this time.

“Over the coming days, signs will be placed near to car park pay and display machines to make users aware the charges have been suspended.”

* A full list of Council-operated car parks can be found on the Denbighshire website www.denbighshire.gov.uk  Some of our car parks are currently closed and full details are available at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Please note free parking does not apply to the privately-operated Morfa Hall car park in Rhyl or St Asaph Cathedral car park.

Public Health Wales update - Wednesday

Public Health Wales statement on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This statement will be updated daily at 2pm

Updated: 2:00pm Wednesday 1 April

Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, said:

“274 new cases have tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,837, although the true number of cases is likely to be higher. 

“29 further deaths have been reported to us of people who had tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of deaths in Wales to 98.

“Today’s increase reflects a combination of a true increase in numbers, along with additional cases reported from the previous reporting period.

“We offer our condolences to families and friends affected, and we ask those reporting on the situation to respect patient confidentiality.

“Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now circulating in every part of Wales.  The single most important action we can all take in fighting Coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS, and save lives.

“We know that staying at home can be hard, and we want to thank each and every person across Wales for doing their bit to help slow the spread of the virus.”

“Members of the public must adhere to social distancing rules about staying at home, and away from others, introduced by the UK and Welsh Government.  These rules are available on the Public Health Wales website.

“People no longer need to contact NHS 111 if they think they may have contracted Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Information about the symptoms to look out for is available on the Public Health Wales website, or members of the public can use the NHS Wales symptom checker.

“Anyone with a suspected coronavirus illness should not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  They should only contact NHS 111 if they feel they cannot cope with their symptoms at home, their condition gets worse, or their symptoms do not get better after seven days.

“Only call 999 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not call 999 just because you are on hold to 111.  We appreciate that 111 lines are busy, but you will get through after a wait.

“The public play a very important role in slowing the spread of infection. By strictly following the latest measures, you will protect yourself, protect the most vulnerable and help to reduce the pressure on NHS Wales and minimise the impact of the virus.”

Numbers of confirmed cases by local health board

Health Board	New cases	Cumulative cases
Aneurin Bevan	91	681
Betsi Cadwaladr	5	91
Cardiff and Vale	85	460
Cwm Taf	21	210
Hywel Dda	12	107
Powys	7	29
Swansea Bay	46	213
Resident outside Wales	1	14
To be confirmed	6	32
Wales Total	273	1823
Total	274	1837

Town Council secures funds for Llangollen Help Group

The Town Council has been awarded £5,000.00 against a total project cost of £5,760.00, from the Clocaenog Community Fund Covid-19 grant scheme, to underpin the work of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group in supporting the elderly and vulnerable with food, the delivery of medication and general assistance. 

The funds are aimed at assisting the group through the peak of the current coronavirus crisis.

The Town Council says it will continue to support the coordination between the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, Llangollen Foodshare and the Friends of Pengwern and will release funds for further care packs, personal protective equipment and other general expenses.

The funds will be held in Llangollen Town Council Town Mayors Charity account and will be supplemented by 760 of the Town Councils own funds for dispersal to the partners in the group in order to:

• Expand the recently established Llangollen Good Neighbourhood Scheme

• Provide help and support to isolated individuals / families in the Llangollen area

• Support the Foodbank / Foodshare programme

• Provide generic delivery services for isolated individuals.

• Work with and support the volunteer members of the project.

Gareth Thomas, the Town Clerk, commenting on the award said: ‘The Town Council is delighted that it has been able to secure these funds for the benefit of the community in these difficult times. If any individual or local businesses, feel that they can further support this fund then donations to the Llangollen Town Council Town Mayors Charity Fund would be gratefully received. 

"The Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group need financial support to continue to provide care packages and PPE to protect the volunteers who are at the forefront of this local community action."

* If you feel you can help financially, or in any other way by donating food or personal protective equipment please email the Town Clerk, townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

County's advice on how to prepare waste for collection

Denbighshire County Council is advising households on the best way to prepare waste for collection during the coronavirus outbreak.

Food, blue and black bins are continuing to be collected as normal, but residents are being asked to help protect council staff.

Members of the public can assist by keeping their distance from waste collection crews to keep them safe and to keep waste containers as clean as possible, cleaning bin handles and lids before and after collection.

Research suggests the virus can stay alive on some waste items, like plastic, for up to 72 hours.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s lead member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Our waste collection staff are continuing to provide this vital service to residents. To ensure their safety, and to help keep the service running, we are asking residents to help by preparing their waste for collection in the safest way possible.

“If anyone in your household has any symptoms, please store your waste for at least three days before your collection day. Only waste that is three days or older is safe to put out for collection if members of your household have symptoms.

“If you do have symptoms, waste such as tissues and personal hygiene waste should be placed in a bag and tied and then placed in a second bag and tied. Again this type of waste is only safe to be only put out if you have stored it for at least three days prior to collection.

“I’d like to thank residents for co-operating during this time.”

Residents are reminded, whether they have symptoms or not, not to put tissues and paper based wipes in your recycling, they must be bagged put your black bin/pink disposal sacks. Tissues are not accepted as part of the Council’s recycling programme.

Coronavirus - Wednesday update

* The letter from Prince Charles. 

Volunteers with the Llangollen Eisteddfod have received a message of support from the Prince of Wales, who is their patron, after the 2020 festival had to be postponed for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Writing from Clarence House soon after he himself with diagnosed with Covid-19, he tells them in a brief letter which starts in his own handwriting: “I am thinking of everyone involved in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as you struggle to deal with the huge challenges that have arisen in your lives, your livelihoods and the continuation of your organisation.”

And he adds that he has the “greatest sympathy for the predicament you face.”

Meanwhile, co-ordinator Cat Meade yesterday gave her latest update on how the Llangollen Coronavirus Support Group is coping with  the crisis.

She posted on Facebook: “Lots going on today, NWP are constantly checking the streets ensuring people are safe, please only leave your home for essentials or a SMALL daily walk, please DO NOT get in your car to travel for a walk. Thank you.

“A HUGE thank you to Jade Jones, she runs Llangollen Avon and has had her customers sponsor a hand cream to donate to local key workers, our Fantastic Volunteer Melvyn distributed these today to Fechan, Headlands, Health centre, Pharmacy, Dee valley produce, Police station, Fire station , Friends of pengwern/food share and some for our Volunteers. You can order online from Avon by Jade at www.avon.uk.com/store/Shop-with-jade-jones

“PET WALKERS - Pip our volunteer has a great amount of volunteers happy to take your beloved pal for a walk if you can’t, we also have a supply of Felix cat food should you need, please call on 07718 907988.

“EDWARDS DAIRY - I have had a few calls to say those not on internet are unable to order. We have spoke to Edwards who have agreed for those NOT on internet to call the number and press 1, they will still take your order.

“NEWSPAPERS - Newsagents Castle Street have been working hard to get your orders out, we have 4 volunteers per day delivering to your door. They are now able to take new orders, please contact Verity Maybury to order, deliveries on new orders will commence on Monday.

“BIN DAY - Please show your support this Thursday for our refuse collectors, get the kids (or adults) to draw/write a letter to the guys doing us this service, pop on your bin Thursday.

“HELP - We are in need of carrier bags for volunteers to shop with, any going spare please get in touch. Also hand sanitisers if anyone can hold of.

“ CO-OP - There is a drop off box at co-op for books games, jigsaws etc to go to elderly or families in need to occupy the kids, please only drop if you are going there, DO NOT make a special journey, if you have a lot of items to offer we can collect.

“Another busy day for volunteers, please say thank you and give them a wave for helping.

“A lot of lovely comments, e-mails, texts of support and thanks. We are doing this for you, our community, together we will overcome this beast.”

The Fechan itself posted: “All of our staff in our Llangollen Fechan Care Home would like to say a massive Thank You to their local Avon rep, Jade and the wider Llangollen community who kindly donated some lovely hand cream to them today. You have put a huge smile on their faces, so Thank You!!"

North Wales’s top cop, Carl Foulkes, was out on patrol in the town yesterday and the force later posted on the Conwy and Denbigh Rural Facebook page: “Thank you for sticking to the government advice. We are out and about trying to ensure everyone is doing their bit. The Chief Constable helped this morning in Llangollen."

* The Chief Constable on patrol in Riverside Park yesterday.

According to a story in the Daily Post yesterday, Llandudno's Venue Cymru will be the first location to become a temporary hospital in North Wales.

* Venue Cymru in Llandudno. 

Llandudno's Venue Cymru will be the first location to become a temporary hospital in North Wales, the Daily Post reported yesterday.

The theatre, conference centre and arena will provide an additional 350 beds to support Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s response to COVID-19.

For the full story, see:  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/first-location-north-wales-field-18017239