The Covid spring of 2020

2020 has been a very challenging year for the community of Pontyclun. Coronvirus has threatened us all and some families have lost loved ones. Many of us have been isolated in our homes. So much of what makes Pontyclun lively and exciting has been put in limbo. All our local groups, our sporting clubs, many of our businesses, our churches and chapels have suspended their activities.

But we are not defeated. Quietly, behind the scenes, the people of Pontyclun have worked hard to keep in touch with each other, support each other. Businesses have changed their plans and despite their difficulties they are returning, providing work and vitality to our town.

Local volunteers and local councillors have been working together to provide support – conversation, shopping, medicines – to our most vulnerable neighbours.

Our local workers in social care and the health service have put themselves at risk daily to provide care to those most in need. We thank them

Our volunteer community councillors have continued to meet regularly on our tablets and computers. At the peak of the virus we needed to close down so much – Café 50 with its daily meals and daily activities, Pontyclun Park, the public toilets. We cancelled our annual ‘Picnic in the Park’.

But our staff, despite the restrictions on working together, have kept open our public footpaths and Ivor Woods and this has been so important as we have taken our daily exercise. They continued to collect litter and empty the bins. They have given us our usual floral displays in Pontyclun Miskin and Groes Faen. We thank them.

For the moment the virus has abated. Our businesses are re-opening.  We have the best of cafes, pubs and restaurants, shops and galleries – they deserve our support. We have re-opened the Park. Our sporting clubs are resuming some of their activities – they deserve our support. Our schools will re-open fully in September –our teachers have done a fantastic job in caring for the most needy children and providing lessons over home computers. We are all working within the suitably cautious guidance of the Welsh Government.

The virus has not disappeared. We must take care to stay safe. But the people of Pontyclun are truly remarkable. Working together, supporting each other we are re-making our marvellous community. Well done everyone.

Paul Griffiths

Chair, Pontyclun Community Council