In case you haven’t heard the news a song of support for the NHS has been recorded by a council staff choir and friends and has some big support.
The recording of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ features Canu Conwy, the staff choir of Conwy County Borough Council, joined by NHS workers and professional singers from the area in a message of hope and of thanks to the staff at Ysbyty Enfys, the temporary field hospital at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
Caernarfon-based musicians Manon Llwyd and John Williams volunteered to lead the project as Artistic Directors and Producers. They brought the NHS workers and professional singers on board, with all of the performers recording their lines at home on mobile phones, laptops and tablets.
Everyone gave their time for free as a way of thanking the NHS during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The video also features messages of support to the NHS from musician Jools Holland, a regular on the Venue Cymru stage, actors Matthew Rhys, Rhys Ifans and actor-writer Celyn Jones.
Manon said: “I was thrilled to be invited by Venue Cymru to brainstorm ideas regarding this project and to be able to use my ability and contacts as a professional musician to realise our vision.
“As musicians, both myself and my husband John, feel we cannot save lives but hope we can bring a little bit of joy into people’s lives during these trying times.
“We would like to thank all of the performers for sharing their talents and to Venue Cymru for great teamwork and for trusting us in our work and to Paul Simon for his beautiful song and his support.”
Iwan Davies, Chief Executive of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “Venue Cymru is precious to Conwy and will, in the fullness of time, return to being the key arts and events centre of the region; for now though I hope the people of North Wales are comforted by the fact that it is on stand-by to be used to save lives if needed.”
Cllr Sam Rowlands, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said: “This video is a great tribute to all those who have transformed this facility over recent weeks to be able to support our community through this pandemic.
“My greatest wish is that this site is never needed, but our residents should know that we have worked hard with the Health Board to make sure we are prepared even for the worst.”
Sarah Ecob, General Manager of Venue Cymru, said: “The Venue Cymru team have been proud to work with colleagues across the county and in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to transform our theatre and conference centre into a temporary field hospital.
“We can’t wait to get back to shows and events but in the meantime we will continue to support the amazing health and support staff working at Ysbyty Enfys.”
The video notched up more than 80,000 views since Simon reposted it on his own Facebook page on Wednesday.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
