Every couple of weeks I have been selecting an Unsung Hero of Delyn. An individual or a business who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to so something good for their community.
The people and businesses listed below have been nominated and selected by me for the outstanding work they have done in their community. Each of these people have received a personal letter of thanks form me including a Certificate of Achievement and they will receive an invite to a special event later in the year as a token of my appreciation.
The selected nominees are:
St Peters Church, Holywell
St Peter's is being recognised for their outstanding work supporting families in need throughout COVID-19. COVID-19 has been difficult for most people, but for some it has meant an additional strain on household finances meaning that essentials may have been unaffordable. Not only have they run their usual foodbank service, but they set up a £2 food club. Families could pay £2 and take up to 10 essential items. They have helped over 50 families and gave out of £1,000 worth of goods.
The Crown Inn, Lixwm
I received several nominations for The Crown in Lixwm. The community has been quick to recognise the efforts made by Landlord Tony and his team to support the village and local community. The team at the Crown quickly changed their venue into a local grocery shop, meaning that people didn’t need to travel into neighbouring towns for things – it was on their doorstep, but by doing this they were also supporting other local businesses and producers. As well as running a shop, they ran competitions for the young ones, and offered and amazing and affordable source of take away food and drink.
The Top Monkey, Northop Hall
The Top Monkey in Northop Hall has been, and continues to be, the heart of the village. Deeanne and the team have organised local donations to install flower beds in the village – helping keep peoples spirits up, whilst also organising fund raising events for NHS and other worthy charities. To top it all they have set up a mobile post office in their car park, which offers a vital lifeline for local villagers who can’t access the service elsewhere.
The Students of Flint High School, Flint
When schools were closed due to COVID-19 the students were all sent home. Upon following media reports of shortages of PPE the staff and students were concerned and they realised there was something they could do. Mr Russ Davies, Head of D&T at Flint High co-ordinated a project to design and print protective visors for local key workers.
Once the parts had been printed in 3D he packed them up and delivered them to students homes where they would assemble them ready for Mr Davies to collect them and deliver to local organisations.
Councillor Tim Maunders
During normal times and during this pandemic, Councillor Tin Maunders, former Mayor of Mold, has played a vital role in helping the local community and kept the community spirit alive. During and after his tenure he has - delivered food parcels to those in need, visited elderly residents to check they are ok and to fetch them shopping and prescriptions, and has undertaken handymen jobs for local residents and businesses. Tim has also championed local businesses in Mold – which is vital as local businesses are struggling due to the Covid restrictions.
The Olive Tree Deli, Mold
With the lockdown affecting people's ability to go out and access food and essential items, the Olive Tree Deli soon recognised the need to make sure essential items could be accessed easily and safely. By adapting their business, the Olive Tree Deli was able to ensure local residents still had access to essential items safely, without having to travel long distances.
Our local high street businesses are the lifeblood of our towns and villages, so it is brilliant to see them supporting their communities, just as we will support them when they can reopen.
Mold Community Shop
Councillors Karen Hodgekinson and Garath Williams have been nominated for their brilliant work in the first weeks of lockdown through setting up a Community Shop in Mold to help and support the most vulnerable in the local community, Through their hard work and commitment, the Community Shop has flourished and grown into a well-loved and well-used community service.
While the lockdown has been very challenging for many of us, it has helped our community come together and support each other, and the Mold Community Shop is a prime example of this community spirit and work.
The Year 9 & 10 Students of Ysgol Treffynnon
The Year 9 & 10 students at Ysgol Treffynnon, studying for their Level 2 Agored Cymru Work Related Education qualification, have been recognised for their hard work in leading a project to give a Christmas treat to less fortunate children overseas.
Despite the difficulties posed by Covid and the Firebreak, the students set up and ran the Christmas Box project and created 25 boxes full of donations such as toys, pens and toiletries, ready to be sent to children who need it around the world.
The Clwydian Range Gin Distillery
Throughout this pandemic, hand hygiene has been critical in preventing the spread of Coronavirus and keeping everyone safe. Fiona and the team have therefore been nominated for playing their role in this in the local community, by adapting their business to make hand sanitiser.
This undoubtedly made a huge difference in the fight against Coronavirus locally, and is another example of how our local businesses continue to serve our communities.
Councillor Lynda Carter (Mayor of Holywell) & Councillor Teresa Carberry (Mayor of Mold)
Councillors Lynda Carter and Teresa Carberry have been recognised for their vital work on their 'Share a School Uniform' project. The annual back to school time of year is already a stressful and worrying time, especially for low income families, as uniform and supplies are very expensive. This situation sadly has been worsened by the impacts of the pandemic. Both of their work on this project will have been a welcome relief for many local families and provided much needed school supplies such as uniform and rucksacks.
The Druid Inn, Gorsedd
The Druid Inn in Gorsedd has remained a key part of the local community during this pandemic and has supported individuals and families across the area, despite facing their own Covid- related difficulties as a business.
Knowing that many people would be finding lockdown hard, the Druid Inn not only adapted their business to make sure people still had access to food, but also offered a vital shopping and prescription delivery service to local residents.
Cilcain Community Shop
Throughout this pandemic, it has been crucial that the most vulnerable in our communities have felt supported as they are most at risk. Cilcain Community Shop has been recognised for doing just that, and has served the local community with essential items in a Covid secure way, via orders and deliveries to elderly and vulnerable households. The Shop also uses local produce, ensuring small local businesses are also supported during these difficult times.