Denbighshire and Conwy light landmarks in yellow as Covid victims remembered

On March 23, a year since prime minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation, Glan Clwyd Hospital was illuminated as well as Rhyl promenade, Rhyl’s Sky Tower, 1891 Restaurant, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre and beach shelters.

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre is lit up yellow. Picture: Barry Johnson / Rhyl Journal Camera Club Facebook

Gwrych Castle near Abergele shone out yellow as well as St Asaph Cathedral, Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Conwy Castle, Caernarfon castle and other local and national landmarks.

Rhyl Journal Camera Club member shares this stunning photograph of Rhyl prom lit up and the Sky Tower

The lighting up was carried out in support of the Covid-19 Families Wales group, part of Covid-19 Families UK, and to recognise all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

The date also coincided with Marie Curie’s Day of Reflection. A minute’s silence was held at 12pm and 8pm.

Gwrych Castle near Abergele is lit in yellow. Picture: Illuminated Events of Menai Bridge

Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd - who were behind the lighting up on the promenade in Rhyl, said: “So many families have been devastated by the loss of loved ones as a result of the pandemic.

“By lighting up our attractions on this difficult anniversary, we are sending out a message of condolence and of support to everyone across the whole of Wales, but particularly in Denbighshire, who has been affected by Covid 19.”

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of the Denbighshire County Council, said on March 23: “It has been a very difficult 12 months since the first UK national lockdown was introduced and in the last year all areas of our society have been impacted.

“Many people have been affected by coronavirus and our thoughts and condolences go to those families who have lost loved ones.

“Denbighshire residents are to be commended for their huge effort to stop the spread of the virus by following regulations and guidelines. Your sacrifices have helped reduce the impact in our communities and has helped save lives.

Rhuddlan Castle. Picture: Karlheinz Balz / Rhyl Journal Camera Club

“I would also like to thank frontline workers who have been protecting and supporting residents, those involved in administering the vaccine, our public service partners who have been working closely with us to keep people safe, as well everyone who has worked throughout the pandemic providing essential services in Denbighshire.

“There have been a large number of volunteers who have come together in our communities during the pandemic to help our most vulnerable residents, with things such as shopping and prescription collection and they also deserve our thanks for their hard work.

“Throughout this period the council has continued to work for our residents, providing services under difficult circumstances and this has included new ways of working and adapting.

“It has been a difficult time for children as well as parents, carers and staff at our schools. As pupils return to face-to-face learning it is important we continue to do all we can to ensure schools stay open. This includes following the regulations, which include not mixing outside of school or at the school gates when picking up or dropping off children.

“Lockdown has had a huge impact on businesses in Denbighshire and we have been working with the Welsh Government to ensure the available support reaches those that need it as quickly as possible. We will continue to ensure we are doing all we can to support businesses in Denbighshire as they start to re-open.

“The vaccine rollout has been a real success and is reducing transmission of the virus and we hope over the coming weeks and months we can see further lifting of restrictions. But in the meantime it’s vital we all continue to follow regulations to make sure transmission of the virus remains low to allow life to start returning to normal.”

Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies, chair of Denbighshire County Council, also said on March 23: "On behalf of the Council and elected members we wish to pass on our thoughts to those affected by coronavirus and to families who have suffered the loss of loved ones.

"On the day we will be remembering those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

"It has been an extremely difficult year for all of us and despite the challenges we have faced it has been heartening to see the community spirit that has been evident throughout Denbighshire.

"We have seen our residents pull together to help others, be it friends, family or neighbours, and the important contributions from those working as part of frontline services.

"All who have provided help in any way to others deserve our heartfelt thanks.

"Moving forward we hope we will be able to meet up again with our friends, family and neighbours to remember those who are sadly no longer with us."