UK Government unveils £59m boost for Welsh arts sector

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has given details of a major funding post-coronavirus boost for the struggling Welsh arts sector from the UK Government.

He said last night: "Great news from the UK Government tonight with the announcement of £59 million extra for the arts sector in Wales as part of an overall £1.57 billion UK wide support package for the arts."

And he quoted the Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart MP who said in making the announcement: “The Welsh Government has said that it doesn’t have the firepower to support the arts in Wales, so the UK Government is providing £59 million so that they can do just that.

“Many arts, culture and heritage organisations across the UK are facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and those in Wales are no exception.

“We have no time to lose in getting this money to the front line and I’ll be pushing the Welsh Government to ensure that happens.”

The official press release from UK Government says: "Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

"The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic. It will help them stay afloat while their doors are closed. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

"Many of Britain’s cultural and heritage institutions have already received unprecedented financial assistance to see them through the pandemic including loans, business rate holidays and participation in the coronavirus job retention scheme. More than 350,000 people in the recreation and leisure sector have been furloughed since the pandemic began.

"This new package will be available across the country and ensure the future of these multi billion-pound industries are secured."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "From iconic theatre and musicals, mesmerising exhibitions at our world-class galleries to gigs performed in local basement venues, the UK’s cultural industry is the beating heart of this country.

"This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations, ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down."

Government provides funding for pandemic-hit bus industry

Wales’s bus industry will be funded through a new Bus Emergency Scheme, providing financial support for revenue lost during the coronavirus pandemic in return for greater public control over buses.

The Welsh Government has announced the scheme as its previous short-term support scheme – the Bus Hardship Fund – comes to an end.

Revenue is expected to remain low for the foreseeable future and this emergency funding provides an operating subsidy in lieu of lost revenue, maintained at historic levels for an initial period of three months, says the government. 

The aim is to deliver an integrated and flexible network to match supply to demand, flex services, and allocate any additional funding.

Additional expectations will be added to the requirements for funding that were put in place under the Bus Hardship Fund scheme. These include:

• Working with local authorities and Transport for Wales to flex routes and capacity to match evolving supply and demand
• Using reasonable endeavours to comply with Welsh Government guidance on the safe use of public transport
• Seeking financial support through all other grants available to them
• Not increasing commercial bus fares
• Providing information to help improve services for passengers

Operators must work with local authorities and Transport for Wales to determine service levels. 

To do this it will be necessary to consider how best to serve key workers and support economic growth, while considering capacity issues and potential staff shortages.  

This is the first stage of a wider plan which will see the public sector funders of the bus industry begin to regain control of buses for the first time since de-regulation in the 1980s.

Lee Waters, Deputy Transport Minister, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has led to passenger numbers falling by around 90%. It has therefore been necessary to take action and provide funding to secure the industry’s future.

“This has meant buses have been able to help key workers get to work during the pandemic, and will mean the industry can continue to be an essential part of our transport network as we are hopefully in a position to ease restrictions and restart the economy.

“As well as providing short-term funding with conditions that secure public value, I want the Bus Emergency Scheme to be the start of a pathway to a greater say for   public sector funders and users reshaping our bus network in the interests of passengers across Wales.”

Woman speaks of how her life was ripped apart by crash

* Caroline Franks with son Ollie.

A woman has spoken movingly about how her life was ripped apart by a fatal road crash which left her with life-changing injuries.

According to former care worker Caroline Franks, 60, from Glyn Ceiriog, she was struggling to come to terms with what happened until she received support from Brake, a road safety charity that receives funding from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

The head on collision happened in September 2018 when she was returning from enjoying a family  with her son, her former partner and his mother.

A white van came around a corner on the wrong side of the road and into the path of their car which was being driven by her partner.

She said “We had been for a family meal and were driving home through Chirk at around 8.30pm.

“I was in the passenger seat, my son, Ollie, who was in university at the time, was sat behind the driver’s seat alongside my former partner’s mum who was directly behind me.

“We were near the garden centre in Chirk when I saw a white van. He was going too fast and although it was only a split second it seemed to go in slow motion. I knew he was going to hit us. My then partner had no chance of avoiding him.

“The impact left me with life-changing injuries, my partner’s mum was flown to Stoke with massive injuries from which she died of two weeks later.

“My son had abdominal bruising but escaped serious injury while my partner escaped relatively unhurt.”

She added: “Following the crash I had internal abdominal bleeding and had a lump the size of a rugby ball in my abdomen. I was operated on at Wrexham. The worst injury as it turns out was to my left foot which was totally smashed.

“I can now walk but have a permanent limp and was due to go back to Wrexham to discuss with the consultant whether I should have a further operation to fuse my ankle into a set position but the pandemic means that’s on hold.

“That might help with the constant pain and my inability to stand for long periods. My foot is already held together by screws and pins and I’m not really sure whether I can face another operation.

“Ollie has recovered physically but mentally it’s more difficult. He is still very nervous about getting in a car and will avoid doing so if he can.”

Caroline says after the crash she was left in a wheelchair and split with her partner but was then left not knowing what was happening over the crash.

She said: “I was hearing nothing and was diagnosed by my GP as suffering from depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My GP arranged for me to have counselling but it’s after I contacted Brake and I got most help over the crash.

“I called them and they got the police to talk to me. The police were speaking to my former partner as he was the driver but he wasn’t telling me what was going on.

“I needed to know what was happening to the driver, who I knew had been charged with drink driving, causing the death of my then partner’s mother and causing serious injury to me. Brake kept in touch and helped me.

“The offending driver was eventually sentenced to six years imprisonment which I thought was fair. But then it turns out he got four years for causing death and two years for causing my serious injury but that was to run concurrently. So in truth, he will be out after serving about half of the four years.

“It’s pointless being angry though, you just have to let it go. I’m now unable to do the carer work I was doing as I can’t stand for long periods and I’m working for a friend just doing 10 hours a week clerical work for her business.

“I’ve always been a cautious driver but even more so now. I hate driving and being in a car but living in a rural area I’ve little choice. It was an awful experience and I’m still suffering physically now but things are easier.

“And a lot of that is down to the help and support I received from Brake. I can’t praise them enough.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, a former police inspector, said: “I’m pleased to be able to support Brake in their work with the victims of fatal and serious injury crashes here in North Wales.

“The charity is able to step in and support people at a time when they need help and advice. I know from my own police service the devastating impact a serious road traffic collision can have on families and individuals.

“Anything that can be done to help these victims get the information and help they need should be done.

“I know the charity is putting the funding my office supplies to good use in helping all those affected by serious injury and fatal road crashes across North Wales.”

He added: “Of course I’m bound to say that we could all help to reduce the number of times that the services of Brake are required by thinking about the way we use the road and driving motor vehicles in a responsible manner.

“If we can reduce speeding, drink and drug driving then we can all play a role in saving lives.”

It was a message echoed by Brake’s Partnership Development Manager, Jennifer MacDuff, who thanked Mr Jones for the funding he provided.

She said: “In the past 12 months Brake’s helpline here in North Wales led to three families left devastated after losing loved ones in fatal crashes getting the support they needed.

“In addition we supported seven other people involved in serious injury crashes, sent out 50 of our bereavement packs and 10 children’s information books.

“Following every fatal or serious injury crash police officer s leave a copy of Brake’s bereavement pack with the family.

“The Information and Advice for Bereaved Families and Friends Following Death on the Road pack is updated regularly in consultation with experts.

“It contains information on what happens after a crash, practical issues, how investigations are carried out and information on criminal charges, court cases, claiming compensation and useful organisations.

“A bereaved family member can then call the Brake helpline. Referrals also come in from professionals such as police family liaison officers, medical professionals, schools and other voluntary and charitable organisations.

“The Brake helpline is a quality accredited free phone and online service available across the UK. The service helps callers feel able to cope in the aftermath of a road crash, providing confidential, needs-led support planning for victims, safeguarding those who are high risk and vulnerable.

She added: “Fatal car crashes are akin to a homicide to most bereaved families. They need support and help with issues such as court cases and practical and emotional support.

“It’s a holistic service that works well, not just here in North Wales but across the whole country.

“But without the support of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and the funds he provides we simply couldn’t be as effective nor help as many victims as we do in the region.”

Berwyn Street roadworks start tomorrow

Latest roadworks update from one.network is:

Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

06 July — 10 July

Delays likely - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Works location: OPPOSITE MEETING POINT...

Works description: Excavate to replace 2-way link box in flag footway...

Responsibility for works: MANWEB

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: GY0302100649385

Message from prince will open next week's online eisteddfod

* Prince Charles dances at the 2015 eisteddfod.

A special message from its royal patron the Prince of Wales will open a week of online activities in place of this year's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

Last month it launched Llangollen Online #connectingtheworld, a digital offering to bring together its global community following the postponement. 

And next week, in what would have been Eisteddfod Week, there is a programme of online activity to give a flavour of the festival to the many participants and visitors who usually descend on the town each July.

On Tuesday, to open the week, there will be a recorded message from patron Prince Charles.  

This continues a long relationship between The Prince of Wales and the eisteddfod, which he has visited three times. 

During the most recent visit in 2015, he was famously coaxed into dancing with members of a Punjabi bhangra group from Nottingham, the Sheerer Punjabi dancers, as he waved off the traditional Parade of Nations.

On Thursday 9 July, as part of the festival’s traditional Peace Day, online audiences will be treated to the premiere of a Global Peace Message. 

The main feature will be a relayed spoken word performance of a specially commissioned poem, Harmoni a Heddwch, written by Mererid Hopwood. 

Those taking part in the message include eisteddfod president Terry Waite plus children from Ysgol Rhostyllen, St Giles School Wrexham and Ysgol Dinas Bran. 

The online premiere will also present the first performance of a new piece of music sung by Wrexham soprano Elan Catrin Parry with words by Hopwood and music by Edward-Rhys Harry.

Eisteddfod artistic director Edward-Rhys Harry said: "We are delighted to open the week with a message from the Prince of Wales.  

"With Tuesday traditionally being our Children’s Day we will also have the online premiere of our Children’s Day Message of Peace, elements of which will be included in our Global Peace Message on Thursday. 

"This is the first time we have ever done anything like this and we are all so excited to be able to share it online with our international community." 

Mererid Hopwood is a Welsh poet who in 2001 became the first woman ever to win the bardic Chair at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the Crown in 2003 and the Prose Medal in 2008. 

Over the past four weeks people have been voting via Llangollen.TV for their favourite performances and moments from the last 25 years, from footage showcasing performers from 57 different countries and well over 10,000 competitors. 

Tens of thousands of people have voted in five categories and the winners will be announced live on S4C’s daily show Prynhawn Da! as well as on Llangollen TV every day during what would have been Llangollen 2020 from July 7-11.

The week will also include the Young Peacemakers Awards, in association with the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA), an online premiere of the Children’s Day Message by Chris Dukes with local school children from Ysgol Bryn Collen and St Joseph's Catholic & Anglican High School, Wrexham, plus competitor messages from across the globe.

Eisteddfod Week will culminate in a 90-minute documentary on S4C on Sunday July 12 at 7.30pm, featuring some of the most memorable moments from the past 25 years.

To precede the week, audiences can relive Llangollen 2019 with a special broadcast of last year’s highlights programme to be shown on BBC 2 Wales on Sunday 5 July at 7pm.

* Visit www.llangollen.net for full details of Llangollen Online.

Gallery exhibition celebrates the eisteddfod

* People hold an open air party to celebrate the eisteddfod last year. 

Oak Street Gallery will be hosting a photographic exhibition on the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod during July.

Due to coronavirus, there will be a silent stage with flagless posts and empty streets on the eisteddfod field this year. 

But Karl Young, who runs the gallery, said: "The exhibition is intended to show the colour and joy the eisteddfod brings to Llangollen and what Llangollen and its people give to the eisteddfod. For without our picturesque and beautiful town, without its people who participate, endure and enjoy, this festival could never be.

"I am grateful to Kim Price Evans, Allan Potts, John Evans and Lowri Page whose beautiful photography has captured the eisteddfod spirit. 

"Although the Oak Street Gallery will be closed throughout the exhibition I have set up the show so that the photographs and eisteddfod memorabilia can be seen safely from the street. 

"The exhibition will be up for the month of July. The Gallery lights will be on till 11pm so please walk by at any time and stand for a minute to admire the photographs and the event we are all a part of.

"I would also like to thank Corwen Graphics for their quality printing."

* For more details, go to: https://www.facebook.com/12OakStreetGallery/

Llangollen and Dee Valley businesses thank residents for shopping local during lockdown

At times during lockdown, some Llangollen businesses were doing a week’s worth of business in a day with no or few extra staff and little notice to stock up. 

An exhausting, but welcome, change following years of our independent retailers losing sales to supermarkets and national chains. Some had to change their business models overnight shifting from shopfronts to delivery, and some from wholesale to selling direct to customers.

Through the member group Llangollen & Dee Valley Food & Drink (formerly the Good Grub Club) local businesses have released a thank you to everyone who has shopped locally during lockdown, and to explain why it is so important to keep doing so as lockdown eases.

It launches today linked to the Welsh Government’s #CaruCymruCaruBlas / LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign in partnership with Taste North East Wales under the hashtag #KeepLocalAlive / #CadwchLleolynFuw

Robyn Lovelock, from the group’s committee, explained: “When supermarkets couldn’t deliver back in March, our local food and drink shops stepped up. They recruitedextra staff and volunteers to ensure everyone was able to access essentials and more, and worked so many overtime hours. Many local businesses worked together for the first time and generally moved mountains to deliver up and down the valley.”

Tracey Hughes, from Porters Delicatessen in Llangollen, said: “Expanding our home delivery service has been crucial in supplying our regular customers and has helped us find new ones too. And working with other local shops, particularly Dee Valley Produce, has also helped us reach more customers than we would have been able to on our own.”

Rachel Burns, from Rachels Vegan Cakes in Bwlchgwyn, has been overwhelmed with the demand and said: “I never expected to be so busy! People wanted to surprise or cheer up friends, people with birthdays and all sorts. I've loved writing little notes to people from their loved ones. I feel so grateful that people have trusted me to make their friend or relatives day.” 

This experience in Llangollen and the Dee Valley are in line with national trends which,according to research from Barclaycard, has found that food and drink specialist stores – off-licences, greengrocers, independent convenience stores, butchers and bakeries – saw 38%increase in consumer spending while overall spending fell by 37%.

But as we head out of lockdown, the local business group wants to emphasise how much local businesses will be reliant on their new-found support. 

Jo Edwards, from Aballu Artisan Chocolates in Rossett, describes the ways she has adapted and investments she has made in new systems “We’ve offered free local deliveries, invested in a payment system that enables our customers to pay using contactless or paying over-the-phone, and have worked long hours to compensate for furloughed staff. It’s been a steep learning curve for us, but I appreciate the support that people have given Aballu by choosing to buy from us rather than a big online company, and hope they will continue to do so."

Robyn says “We have to appreciate that spending our money with these local businesses, perhaps buying less but buying locally, means we are investing in our own community. These businesses have proven through lockdown they are here for us, - for essentials, for treats, for gifts.

"Our #KeepLocalAlive message thanks them for what they’ve done, as well as emphasises all the other benefits that shopping locally can providesuch aspersonalisedcare and attention, ability to order from a distance, quality of products, convenience of delivery, and more.”

June Lister, a Dee Valley Produce customer from Llandrillo, said: “Being in the vulnerable category and living in a remote village, I was worried how I would access regular supplies. Dee Valley Produce delivered to my door without fail throughout lockdown, with payments over the phone, and have kept me healthy throughout. It’s the personal attention that makes the difference, they know who I am and care about my order. Supermarkets failed to provide that service when I needed them most, and certainly cannot provide that level of customer service”

The research from Barclaycard suggests that over half of shoppers want to increase their support of non-essential local businesses, and the group is hoping this is the case.

As people start to return to shops and high streets, Robyn Lovelock says the message from the group is: “Customers have seen they can trust local businesses to deliver what they want, safely and reliably, even in a crisis.

"Let’s thank them for their support during lockdown by continuing to shop with them as the new normal emerges."

* For more information on the #KeepLocalAlive and the #CaruCymruCaruBlas campaigns and local food and drink businesses, please follow Llangollen & Dee Valley Food & Drink on social media @TasteDeeValley