Tag Archives: denbighshire

News

Campaign appeals for public and businesses to support thousands of young carers in Wales

A CAMPAIGN is calling for recognition and support for the thousands of inspiring young carers in north and mid-Wales.

Credu has appealed for businesses, schools, colleges, universities, and communities across the region to help shine a light on the dedication and commitment of more than 2,400 young carers in Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire, Powys, and Ceredigion.

Ahead of Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday March 13 – organised by Carers Trust – they are pushing for more organisations to recognise bilingual resources including an identity card offering discounts, fast-track and incentives to young people with unpaid caring responsibility for a family member or loved one, often for up to 50 hours a week on top of their work or studies.

This latest appeal, entitled Fair Futures for Young Carers, also wants education settings to demonstrate more empathy and understanding of the challenges they face and come up with solutions to alleviate pressure and create a positive learning environment.

Young Carers Coordinator Sally Duckers said Bangor University is a role model for other institutions, having invited young adult carers to attend a residential taster while recognising the barriers they face in accessing higher education, given they are traditionally likely to be living in areas of high deprivation, compared to their peers.

“Young carers are consistently telling us they wish their schools would understand them better, which is disheartening,” said Sally.

“Credu has been working on a programme of resources to address that, which includes free bilingual lesson plans aimed at key stages two and three that follow the Welsh curriculum and new promotion of the Young Carers ID card, which invites support from our communities.

“Some businesses and attractions are already on board, but we would like it to be more noticed and prevalent in the communities we work in. We hope others will offer that support to the young carers given the economic and social obstacles they often face.”

She added: “To have the support of Bangor University and other educators is vital, as it gives them something to strive for, a pathway to their future careers.

“Statistics from UCAS revealed young carers tend to apply to universities within 30 minutes of their home, so having FE and HE providers in North Wales showing so much support and understanding is key – we are really thankful for that.”

Lowrian Williams, Widening Participation Officer for UK Recruitment and Admissions at Bangor University, said the institution is “dedicated” to supporting young carers in Wales and pleased to support the campaign.

“A highlight for us is our annual Young Carers Residential, happening every Easter,” said Lowrian.

“With support from our partners at Reaching Wider North and Mid Wales Partnership, we invite young carers from all over Wales, and during their stay on campus, they experience a taste of university life, connect with our friendly staff and students, and take part in workshops and academic talks.

“It’s not just a break from caring; it’s a chance for them to focus on their own goals and aspirations and we look forward to welcoming them again this Easter.”

She added: “Young carers bring a unique and enriching perspective to our university student community. Their resilience, compassion, and diverse life experiences contribute greatly to the academic community and beyond.”

Eve Lambrick, a Raising Awareness Coordinator with Credu, hopes to see more people become ‘Champions’ for young carers to ensure they do not miss out on activities, adventures, or job opportunities because of a lack of transport, lack of finances or lack of social connections.

“We hear many inspiring stories where some positive support in a timely way has led to young carers being able to flourish and develop skills after being given a platform to succeed,” she added.

“We would love to see businesses especially identify opportunities for young carers, to give them a voice and opportunities they might never have thought were possible.

“That’s the community we are looking to build so they have all the transferable skills, maturity and resilience needed to thrive – that will give them a fair future.”

To access the Credu resources pack, visit www.padlet.com/creducarers/credu-young-carers-resources-u0pc4j2tuz8vzovv.

For more information, email carers@credu.cymru or sally@credu.cymru or visit https://rb.gy/n1xur7. Alternatively, email  admin@credu.cymru.

Use the hashtag #YoungCarersActionDay to support the campaign.

News

£1.2m grant programme opens in North Wales to help future-proof community groups

A £1.2MILLION grant programme will help future-proof community organisations in Denbighshire.

The new Denbighshire Key Fund will provide revenue and capital support to third sector groups in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and other economic challenges including the national cost-of-living and energy crises.

Led by Ruthin-based Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the scheme is financed via the UK Government’s Levelling-Up Fund.

DVSC Chief Officer Tom Barham says that grants are focused on sustainability, resilience, and long-term planning.

“The money is there to strengthen organisations going forward, support delivery, staffing and infrastructure,” he added.

“Community organisations are vital to this region – volunteering levels in Denbighshire are the third highest in Wales – and it is crucial they continue meeting the needs of people who utilise their services every day.

“We want to make the sector more resilient to unforeseen changes and threats like Covid.  It is a unique fund in that sense, and we hope to see applications that target these areas.”

Examples include rural groups holding events and activities for their local community, or financial support for equipment, furniture, rent, repairs, security, energy bills, refurbishing facilities or other key costs that would have a benefit now and in the future.

Organisations can apply for a revenue or capital grant of between £2,000 and £50,000, and the maximum total amount any applicant can receive is £50,000.

Charities, social enterprises, and community groups based in Denbighshire, or who have a significant number of beneficiaries living in the county, are eligible to apply.  Large, national organisations are unlikely to be successful.

“We will award grants to those who genuinely know how to improve services in communities within the area,” said Tom.

“And it’s important for smaller groups to get in touch; we know the impact you have at a local level and that often grant funding seems out of your reach – that is certainly not the case here and we really want to hear from you.”

The first round of applications is now open and closes on Saturday September 30, before reopening in March 2024.

For more information, email keyfund@dvsc.co.uk or visit the website: www.dvsc.co.uk.

News

Devastating impact of cost-of-living crisis on young carers in Wales

A CAMPAIGN to support the health and wellbeing of young carers is growing in momentum following a “significant increase” in the number supporting a family member for more than 50 hours a week and the devastating impact of the cost-of living-crisis.

Ahead of Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday (March 15), Credu is calling on schools, colleges, health bodies and communities to show more awareness and create opportunities for the thousands of carers across the country looking after a loved one.

Organised by Carers Trust, the Action Day wants people to ‘Make Time for Young Carers’, including the 1,400+ identified in Wrexham, Conwy, and Denbighshire and more than 1,000 in Powys and Ceredigion.

They want to see extended understanding in schools and workplaces, and more access to breaks and financial and mental health support.

Young people have been writing to MPs and Members of the Senedd, asking them to sign up to a five-point pledge committing them to supporting children and young people in a caring role.

And Credu has developed resources with guidance and advice, including a Young Carer’s Identity Card that can be worn on a lanyard, so teachers, staff and members of the public understand their situation.

Young Carers Coordinator Sally Duckers said: “Our focus is on awareness and asking schools, colleges, and people in society to take time to listen to young carers and find out what might help them to not just survive but thrive.

“The ID card is available across the whole of Wales and makes it easier for young carers to show they care in health settings, educational settings, or employment, where having a caring role may impact them.

“Given the effect of the cost-of-living crisis on families across the country, we are encouraging local businesses to pledge their support by offering a discount on entrance costs or goods that could support young carers – all of this could make a huge difference.”

The National Census of 2021 highlighted how young carers and young adult carers in England and Wales were more likely to be living in areas of high deprivation, compared to their peers without caring responsibilities.

There has been a marked rise in the number of young carers and young adult carers who care for at least 20 hours a week and there are still tens of thousands of young people caring for more than 50 hours. This is despite it being nearly 10 years since the introduction of new legal rights for young carers.

In a new Carers Trust Survey around 56% of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis is always or usually hitting them and their family, with a third admitting they always or usually face additional costs because they are a carer.

Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: “These shocking survey results show young people caring for their loved ones are being hit by a perfect storm of increasing intensity in their caring responsibilities and the spiralling cost of living.

“It cannot be right that children and young adult carers are having to take on the burden of dealing with stretched household finances and caring for ever longer hours, to the detriment of their education and wellbeing.

“A national strategy for unpaid carers must finally be developed after years of delay, while an overhaul of Carer’s Allowance is long overdue. Young people also tell us they urgently need support with mental health and access to breaks. It’s high time we gave them the help they so sorely need.”

For more information, email carers@credu.cymru or sally@credu.cymru or visit https://rb.gy/n1xur7.

Use the hashtag #YoungCarersActionDay to support the campaign.

News

New campaign to champion thousands of young carers in Wales

A NEW campaign will shine a light on the inspiring bravery and resilience of hundreds of young carers in North Wales.

There are up to 1,400 young carers identified in Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire alone, so ahead of Carers Rights Day (Thursday November 24) – and in celebration of the strength of the many young people across the country looking after a loved one – WCD (Wrexham, Conwy Denbighshire) Young Carers has launched an appeal encouraging schools, colleges, and communities to provide more support and understanding to the challenges they face every day.

Making Young Carers Count hopes to ignite change in society and raise awareness to the issues affecting families in the region, encouraging more positive action to help them lead happy, healthy lives with an equal opportunity to pursue and thrive in their chosen careers.

Funded by Carers Trust and led by coordinator Sally Duckers, the concept came from the carers themselves and is focused on uniting community organisations, educators and health bodies to explore better ways to ensure support is available.

“I’ve been working with young carers for many years now and over time have seen for myself the pattern of challenges they face,” said Sally.

“That’s where the idea from the project came from, because so many people out there are unaware of these challenges, even in their schools and communities.

“And when they do the child’s situation is met with sympathy, when in fact these are some of the most talented, resilient, and strongest characters you could ever meet.

“Because they are carers there are sometimes obstacles to them having the same chances as others their age, which is why more needs to be done to stop that happening in the future.”

WCD Young Carers offers direct support to more than 850 children through clubs, trips, and one-to-one support, and with the potential of one in five secondary school pupils under the 18 of age helping to care for a family member who has an illness, a disability, or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse – according to a BBC survey – the campaign is more vital than ever before.

Recognition and support for young carers is vital as figures revealed by Carers Trust have shown significantly lower educational attainment at GCSE level, 42% are ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feeling stressed, and more than half ‘not very often’ or ‘never’ get help from school or college to balance their studies and home life.

With the Social Services and Wellbeing Act of 2014, the Welsh Government Charter for Unpaid Carers 2022 and Estyn’s Thematic report of Young Carers provision in schools all reinforcing its messages, Sally says there is an opportunity for stakeholders to find positive solutions for this and future generations.

“Schools often do want to help but there are other demands on their time day to day,” she added.

“The project would like to co-produce a set of resources that can be used to confidently raise awareness, as well as encouraging teachers, staff, parents. and pupils themselves to become Young Carers Champions, mentors and ambassadors.

“The Welsh Government’s Young Carers ID card launched during lockdown has helped with identifying young carers but there is still more work to do, which is why we need those who can make a difference to join our campaign.”

For more information, visit the website www.wcd.cymru or email sally@credu.cymru. Follow WCD Young Carers on social media @wcdyoung.

News

New Splash Pad and Mini Golf part of £500k vision to transform landmark

A £500,000 vision to transform facilities at a much-loved park has received a boost from a scheme driving post-pandemic economic recovery in Denbighshire.

The Enhance Llangollen Riverside Project is one of 14 initiatives to secure funding from Community Innovation Denbighshire via the UK Community Renewal Fund, matched by Clocaenog Forest Windfarm Fund and led by Cadwyn Clwyd.

Chair of Llangollen Parks Community Group Jessica Evans says the money will be used to commission a feasibility study centred on proposals including a new ‘splash pad’, landscaping, mini golf, renovations to the bandstand, interpretation boards and E-bike charging points.

She thanked Cadwyn Clwyd for their support and said the grant will go a long way to helping them realise their vision.

“As a group of parents and members of the community we became frustrated with the condition of the park and its facilities, some of which are tired and dated,” said Jessica.

“The feasibility study will allow us to look at different options, primarily new play equipment and what options are available, such as the costs and benefits of a splash pad.

“We no longer have any water play or a swimming pool in the area so that will form a big part of our proposals, which will be inclusive and environmentally friendly.”

She added: “The park has a high level of footfall and is a pivotal attraction in dire need of some TLC.

“The splash pad could cost up to £300,000 and the rest of the improvements more than £200,000 so this is a huge project, but very much needed.

“Our ultimate goal is to achieve funding so we can develop the park for the many people who come here every day, and to make it more worthy of its beautiful location.

“A huge thank you to Active Travel, Llangollen Town Council and the group members for their help throughout.”

Cadwyn Clwyd Manager Lowri Owain is delighted they’ve been able to help Llangollen Parks Community Group.

“This is a project that will future-proof the park and its facilities, attracting visitors and providing families with a sustainable, welcoming environment,” she said.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s Natural Resource Officer Sarah Jones added: “We have been able to support some brilliant community organisations and businesses with their ideas, and this is definitely one of them.

“I’m sure the study will support their fantastic plans and have a positive impact for years to come – we wish them every success.”

Community groups and social enterprises can also apply for funding support up to £20,000 for feasibility studies and pilot projects which could form the basis of bids needing further support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund when it launches later this year.

These can be centred around sustainability, green growth and innovations that help the local economy bounce back from the challenges of the Coronavirus.

Community Innovation Denbighshire also provides grants of up to £5,000 to enable businesses to innovate and trial new products, processes, and service delivery. 

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

Follow the hashtag #UKCOMMUNITYRENEWALFUND on social media.

News

Innovators and entrepreneurs urged to go for grants supporting post-Covid recovery

INNOVATORS and entrepreneurs with sustainable project ideas are being urged to apply for grants that will drive post-Covid economic recovery in Denbighshire.

Led by Cadwyn Clwyd and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the £600,000 Community Innovation Denbighshire project will focus on encouraging micro firms, community groups and social enterprises in rural and urban areas to put forward proposals that will deliver regional and environmental benefits.

Supported by Denbighshire County Council and part-funded by the UK Government through the £220m UK Community Renewal Fund, support is available for 25 organisations or individuals who can apply for a £5,000 grant they will match-fund to trial new products, systems, and services.

Business Wales will also be on hand with guidance and advice throughout the process.

Cadwyn Clwyd Manager Lowri Owain said this is a “fantastic opportunity” to capitalise on financial aid that will develop skills and systems while laying the foundation for prosperity and jobs.

“Our primary aim is to work in partnership with Denbighshire entrepreneurs and community groups to test the viability of their business concepts in a supportive, managed environment while evaluating the positive impact they could have on the local economy,” said Lowri.

“Ultimately, given the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic there is a need for this kind of support, but also for a platform to demonstrate and showcase the incredible innovations which have taken place in lockdown, ideas which could lead to sustainable, high-quality products and services.

“We are not limited to a particularly industry or sector, we want to hear from people across the county and help them make a difference for years to come, whether that be through tourism, food and drink, retail, leisure or a whole host of other arenas.”

Community groups and social enterprises can also apply for funding support up to £20,000 for feasibility studies and pilot projects which could form the basis of bids needing further support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund when it launches later this year.

These can be centred around sustainability, green growth and innovations that help the local economy bounce back from the challenges of the Coronavirus.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s Business Partnerships Officer Donna Hughes said they would like to see new technologies come to the fore which will provide wider environmental and community benefits.

“We hope to hear from organisations in coastal areas as well as rural locations as the scheme is targeting all areas of Denbighshire,” said Donna.

“As well as having an impact locally the funding and guidance available will add value for the selected organisations and community groups as they look to the future – it is a huge opportunity for them.”

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies backed the initiative and said: “It’s important that micro and small businesses in the region are given support and a platform to demonstrate and showcase their innovation.

“The UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund is enabling them to do that through Community Innovation Denbighshire. Some SMEs will have started in the extreme pressures of Covid, and it is particularly good to see them being given an opportunity to flourish.

“I would encourage all such businesses with the potential to improve their existing services or develop new sustainable products that can have an impact on the local community and economy, to apply for a grant.”

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

Follow the hashtag #UKCOMMUNITYRENEWALFUND on social media.

NOTES TO EDITORS: The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus

News

Pop-up pilot attracting independent producers to showcase products in seaside town

INDEPENDENT producers can showcase their goods and garner support and advice at an innovative business hub.

Running for eight weeks from Tuesday November 9, Love Live Local @ Rhyl will be based in the town’s White Rose Centre.

Supported by Denbighshire County Council, Antur Cymru and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Coastal Communities Fund, the project aims to attract new and existing food and drink firms or those looking to launch or develop their own venture to take up space, display local produce and utilise the expert guidance and mentoring on offer.

Open Tuesday to Sunday until the new year, the initiative will be based in a 3,000 sq ft unit and is inviting anyone in the county and surrounding towns and villages who does not already have a commercial premises to take up retail space.

Project Manager Lowri Roberts said this is an incredible opportunity for those interested in expanding or starting an artisan business in the seaside resort to explore the possibility ahead of the opening of the nearby Queen’s Market redevelopment, set to begin in 2022.

“We want to hear from food and drink producers, crafters and makers who want to expand into a retail premises, or those who have just started out or are planning to do so,” said Lowri.

“There will be space to display your products, access to advice on a number of topics – from finance and strategy to branding, marketing and much more – and a platform to develop your business model in a real, commercial environment.

“We are specifically targeting Denbighshire and areas on the county border, but also traders who might be interested in operating out of Rhyl in the future.

“Whether you make cheese, preserves, honey, environmentally friendly items or something completely different and need a place to demonstrate whether it’s a viable, profitable venture – this is the chance to do so.”

She added: “At present we are also seeking two candidates to run the shop day to day during this initial eight-week term, so please get in touch if you are interested.”

Kevin Harrington, Antur Cymru’s Business Development Manager, reinforced those words, and said: “We are delighted to be delivering this pop-up shop initiative having provided entrepreneurship and industry support for more than 40 years, including the Welsh Government’s flagship Business Wales programme.

“We encourage people in Denbighshire and the surrounding area to capitalise on what is a terrific opportunity to take your business, or business idea, to the next level in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment.”

Cllr Hugh Evans, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “We are excited to be able to provide on the ground support for Denbighshire businesses within Rhyl town centre’s biggest shopping centre.

“As well as acting as a support hub for businesses, by adding to the town centre retail offering it will attract visitors and provide a temporary use for a vacant retail unit. Local businesses need all of our support this winter – together let’s support our towns by shopping local and using the hashtag #LoveLiveLocal to encourage others.”

All participants will receive fully-funded access to Business Wales advisors and mentors on-site, marketing materials and advice on how to tender on Sell2Wales and other relevant websites.

For more information, email lroberts@anturcymru.org.uk or call 01745 585025/07779 457367.

Follow the hashtag #LoveLiveLocal and visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx for more on the Love Live Local campaign.

Networks, North Wales

Historic Welsh market to be revamped as part of new creative community launch

INDEPENDENT artisans, traders and creative businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products virtually thanks to the vision of a leading community organisation.

With markets, small firms and shops across North Wales forced to close due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) is about to launch a new venture – Change Makers Markets.

With the aim of creating innovative ways of supporting the local economy – made possible by the Welsh Government’s Foundational Economy Challenge Fund – Change Makers blends the virtual and digital worlds, incorporating a dedicated commercial training academy, one-to-one mentoring, funding advice and business planning guidance.

This will be coupled with a digital and broadcast shop front and the Change Makers Club, giving artisans, market traders and newly-emerging organisations a voice and promotional platform.

Alison Carter, Enterprise and Investment Manager for DVSC, says people can sign up for free training and future events via the Change Makers website and social media platforms.

“We are encouraging start-up businesses, makers and anyone who would normally sell from a market stall or pop-up venues to sign up as soon as possible,” she said.

“We are also in the process of refurbishing the Grade 2 listed Market Hall in Ruthin, which will launch as a safe, multi purpose space for trading and events later in the year.

“This will provide a significant town centre resource, to support economic regeneration and reinvigorate the independent business sector devastated by Covid-19.”

She added: “Change Makers is a really interesting, experimental concept, and DVSC is thrilled to also be partnering with Hwb Menter to assist with business advice, guidance and training.”

Change Makers are looking for local food and drink producers, designers, artisans, crafts companies, health and beauty, and sustainable/vintage fashion retailers to get involved.

Sara Lois Roberts, Enterprise Hub Co-ordinator for Hwb Menter, stressed the importance of the training and guidance element of the project.

“Collectively, we have a lot of expertise at our disposal and will be holding regular webinars and advice sessions,” she said.

“Members of the Change Makers community can contact us anytime, we will always be here with help and guidance, particularly during this challenging time for all industries.”

DVSC sees Change Makers as a catalyst for ideas and a new breed of social enterprise, embracing the promotion of contemporary artisan markets, traders, makers and crafters, whilst providing emerging entrepreneurs and ‘startisans’ with training and support to turn a hobby or passion into a new career in 2021.

“This is an opportunity to be entrepreneurial and innovative at a time when businesses really need some uplift, so we are hoping for a positive response,” added Alison.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.changemakersenterprises.com

Alternatively, join the Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/changemakersmarket

Food & Drink

Tapas star brings Spanish sunshine into the lives of North Wales food lovers

A POPULAR Spanish sauce company has been bringing sunshine to the lives – and plates – of customers throughout the year.

Despite the challenges brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, Beatriz Albo and the team at Wrexham-based Sabor de Amor worked hard to support local producers and communities by supplying a steady stream of their award-winning sauces and salsas.

Winner of the BBC’s Top of the Shops programme two years ago, Beatriz launched the business in 2015 using family recipes to create incredible flavours, including the much-loved Paella in a Bottle.

Having arrived in North Wales as a biology student in 1993, and later working as a teacher, she decided to go it alone after achieving success at farmers’ markets and food and drink festivals.

With the support of Taste Wales, she grew in confidence and was set to sign a major deal with a leading wholesaler in the Spring before Covid-19 took hold and thwarted those plans.

However, Beatriz – who has now been joined in the company by her son Albert, a Business Management graduate – has been busy forging new relationships and plans to unveil them in the months ahead.

“Going into the first lockdown we were just about to launch a new food service, it was a really exciting time, and everyone loved it,” said Beatriz, who hails from Salamanca.

“Then March came and suddenly the whole food sector was thrown into disarray, it was impossible to continue at that time.”

She added: “Like many businesses we had to pivot and try to be innovative to push on, and we learnt that when dealing with buyers – whatever the situation – that you have to be persistent.

“We worked hard behind the scenes, and Albert joining me has been a big boost, to try and take things to the next level, and in May managed to secured a contract with a leading online supermarket to sell the paella and salsa brava sauces.

“That was fantastic for us, and we are looking forward to announcing another new relationship with a major supplier next year.”

Beatriz has big plans for the future but insists nothing is more important than supporting local businesses, using the best local produce and “giving back” to her community.

She is also going to begin hosting regular Continental cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions online after the success of the event held with Marina Midolo from Marina’s Italian Cookery in Cyffylliog, near Ruthin, as part of this year’s Taste North East Wales virtual programme.

Making people happy is top priority for Sabor de Amor.

“In the summer we had a lot of feedback from people who had to cancelled holidays to Spain and the Mediterranean, so they bought some of our products to make their own dishes at home,” said Beatriz.

“I’m an emotional person so it meant so much to me hearing how someone’s birthday or celebration with family had been special because of us, and that we had made a difference.

“Bringing some sunshine into their lives and onto their plates, especially at such a sad and difficult time for everyone, was so important to us.”

And in the coming weeks Beatriz and the team will be going the extra mile to help those who need it most.

“We are going to be cooking meals to give to homeless shelters in the area and just want to give back to people after a very hard year,” she added.

“And it was great to also do that through Taste North East Wales; we loved being part of it, the films and virtual events that gave people a chance to have fun and celebrate local produce.”

Taste North East Wales is organised by Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire.

This project receives funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

For more on Taste North East Wales, follow them on social media @taste_blasu or email taste.blas@gmail.com.  Alternatively, visit the website: www.tastenortheastwales.org.

Visit www.sabordeamor.com for the latest news and recipes from Sabor de Amor.

Food & Drink, Foodie News, North Wales

‘Stay loyal’ plea from Llangollen food store in support of rural businesses

THE way in which people shop for food and drink has changed forever following the events of 2020.

And Wayne Siddall, owner of Dee Valley Produce in Llangollen, hopes more customers will stay loyal to the local businesses that stepped up to support their communities during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Supported by Taste North East Wales – taking place online this autumn due to Covid-19 – consumers are being encouraged to keep buying from artisan and independent producers across the region rather than rushing back to the supermarkets.

Wayne is disappointed to have seen a drop-off in home deliveries after an initial surge in March but is thankful to those who stuck with the Denbighshire firm, which opened in 2007.

“We have been here in Llangollen for 13 years but never experienced anything like this before,” said Wayne, who runs the wholesale and retail firm with partner Samantha.

“We use as many local producers as we can and like them saw a big rise in the number of home deliveries during the first lockdown, while the pubs and hospitality side of the business completely shut down.

“At one point we were working from 7am until 9pm and had 60 orders a day, and as we were packing whatever people requested rather than set boxes it was very time consuming.”

He added: “But things are not like they were, on some days now we have less than 10 boxes out for delivery, which is disappointing.

“I would definitely encourage people to keep buying from local firms because we really need it, especially in the run up to Christmas and into 2021.

“Some of the house orders we were doing in the first lockdown have stayed with us but not many new ones have come back on, so business has been down by around 50%, especially during the ‘firebreak’ period here in Wales.

“A lot of people changed the way they approached food and drink and their weekly shop and have stuck with it, while others raced back to the big supermarkets.

“For those who have stayed with us we appreciate it and thank you – we will all get through this together and hope more customers will look to buy locally at what is a vital time for all industries.”

The second annual Taste North East Wales is taking place online this year after organisers Clwydian Range Food and Drink and Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink, with the support of Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire, decided to host a virtual celebration to ensure the health and safety of participants.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Coordinators Robyn Lovelock and Jane Clough said shopping local and supporting local businesses is so important for many reasons.

“Firstly, we are keeping our towns and communities vibrant,” said Robyn.

“Small independent shops make for a great shopping experience and keep our communities alive. In better times it is a chance to meet friends and neighbours and develop a relationship with the people we are buying our food from.”

Jane added: “Successful shop keepers and producers will buy services from local tradespeople and money circulates in a sustainable way.

“Locally produced food and drink is great for environmental sustainability and food security. Reducing food miles plays a big part in reducing our carbon footprint and Covid-19 has shown how potentially fragile food chains can be when food is travelling long distances.

“When we buy locally directly from the producer we know how and where it is produced and that instils great confidence. Producing and consuming locally has so many positive benefits.”

For more on Taste North East Wales, follow them on social media @taste_blasu or email taste.blas@gmail.com.  Alternatively, visit the website: www.tastenortheastwales.org.

Visit www.facebook.com/deevalleyproduceltd or email deevalleyproduce@gmail.com for more on Dee Valley Produce.