Hundreds of over-80s have Covid-19 jabs at Llan Health Centre

* People turn up for their Covid-19 jabs at the health centre.

* Traffic management is taken care of by Llangollen Tidy Town Team.

As part of the Welsh Government's policy of spreading the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine to GP practices, Llangollen Health Centre held a busy vaccination session today.

The centre was aiming to give the inoculation to around 350 people in the over-80 age group from 10am this morning until 2pm this afternoon.

Despite the wintry weather, which came complete with flurries of snow, a steady stream of people turned up for their jabs by prior appointment.

Once again traffic management on the centre's two car parks was taken care of by the volunteers of Llangollen Tidy Town Team under the direction of David Davies.

Cat's heartwarming story of Llan community spirit

Llangollen Coronavirus Support group founder Cat Meade has told a heart-warming story which shows the town's strong sense of community spirit.

Yesterday evening she posted on the group's Facebook page: "I went to Aldi to get some bits for those we are helping, bulking up on cup of soups, pot noodles, snack and drinks. 

"While going through the checkout the lady asked why I was buying such foods, I explained for those we are supporting with maybe only a kettle for various reasons, she asked what she could do to help.

"So I explained we have a collection point on Abbey Road, Recollections Ltd, should anyone be able to help. As I pulled out my card to pay she swiped the machine with a card from her phone, oh I thought 'staff discount' thanks! No!! she said, 'I want to pay for this shop to help.'

"This resulted in both of us in tears.

"What a wonderful person. She was touched by our conversation and wanted to help! Amazing kind hearted gesture Tracy Griffin.

"Always happy when you see her in Aldi, a credit to the shop, one of our own, once again helping.

"I am overwhelmed daily by the community care and spirit we have here in Llangollen. This past week YOU have provided all housing needs to 2 families, supported others with clothes and helped donate to this very important need of food and drinks.

"What a fantastic bunch you all are, my heart-warming thanks to each and every one of you.

"A BIG shout of THANKS to Kelly's Chippy, Dee Pizza, Adyan's Tandoori Restaurant and Llangollen  Pizza & Kebab who have all donated hot food this week."

New Llangollen Covid testing centre open this morning

* Staff prepare to open the new centre on Market Street car park this morning.

The new Covid-19 testing centre on Llangollen's Market Street car park is due to open this morning (Friday).

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said on its social media yesterday it was opening the walk-in and drive-in centre to make it easier for people in the area to get tested closer to home.

It will open from 9.30am until 3.30pm, seven days a week.

No appointment is needed - anybody needing a test is invited to attend.

The testing unit located in Denbigh is now closed.

Father Lee's Pimm's and Hymns shows hit BBC headlines

* A screenshot of the BBC story on Father Lee.

St Collen's vicar Father Lee Taylor has hit the national headlines with his regular Pimm's and Hymns online singalongs.

A story about how his Sunday evening streamed shows have picked up audiences from as far away as Brazil is featured on the BBC Wales News website.

For the full story, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55738385

* Father Lee at the keyboard in the vicarage.

MP praises emergency teams for way they coped with floods

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has spoken out in sympathy for the families affected by Storm Christoph and praised the frontline emergency service workers and council staff involved in tackling incidents of flooding locally. 

He also thanked the Plas Madoc Leisure Centre for accommodating residents from Bangor-on-Dee who were evacuated from their homes and the many residents who have helped their friends and neighbours affected by the flooding.

Mr Baynes said: “I want to thank all the staff at Wrexham and Denbighshire councils and emergency service personnel who have done such a fantastic job in helping people across Clwyd South during the terrible flooding that we are experiencing. 

"I have received and read many reports and first-hand accounts of the way in which they have gone above and beyond to help people. And this excellent service and kindness is on top of the exceptional demands created by the Coronavirus crisis.

“My constituency team has been very busy providing help to people affected by flooding and please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of help by emailing simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk or phoning 01978 810319.”

 

Covid testing centre is returning to Llangollen

* The previous testing centre on Market Street car park.

A new walk-in and drive-in Covid testing centre will open in Llangollen on Friday January 22 to make it easier for people in the area to get tested for COVID-19 closer to home.

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board says the testing centre is located on Llangollen Market Street Car Park, opening from 9.30am until 3.30pm, seven days a week.

No appointment is needed - anybody needing a test is invited to attend.

The testing unit located in Denbigh is now closed

Carers Support Fund boosted by £250,000

A further £250k has been announced to help unpaid carers in Wales cope with the financial pressures of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Carers Support Fund, which launched in October last year originally saw £1m allocated, today (Thursday 21st January) the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan has announced an additional quarter of a million pounds to the scheme.

Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 being made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services.

There are around 55,300 people in Wales who receive a carer’s allowance and recent research suggests that almost 40% of carers are worried about their financial situation.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “The pandemic has added more challenges to unpaid carers across the country and I want to thank them for everything they are doing. I’m pleased to announce a further quarter of a million pounds to the fund to help more unpaid carers and their families.

“Working with Carers Trust Wales, who play such a pivotal role in delivering advice and support, the Carers Support Fund will be continued to be delivered via them.”

* The Carers Support Fund will be available up to 31 March 2021 and further information is available here carers.org/wales