WORKERS at a Wrexham factory which will close its doors for ever in December are to record a song to mark the occasion.
Air Products is moving out after more than 50 years at its current location in Acrefair, with the last members of a 200-strong workforce leaving on December 18.
John Edwards, who has worked at the site for 33 years, came up with the idea to record a song, and set about penning lyrics to commemorate the history of the plant in Wrexham and the impact of the closure on local people.
Up to 30 employees will record the chorus of the song, based on Welsh songwriter Dafydd Iwan’s Yma O Hyd.
All proceeds will go to five different charities, which are in the process of being chosen.
Mr Edwards said: “To let the closure pass without a memento would have been a shame. The company has had a presence on this site since 1951 and has owned it completely since 1957.
“Dafydd Iwan has given us permission to use the song without taking any royalties from it, which is very kind.”
The original song, which translates as Here Forever, has been adapted from its original subject of protecting the Welsh language.
The new lyrics, by first-time songwriter Mr Edwards, tackle the subject of the closure, and the importance of remembering the history of the site in years to come.
Mr Edwards said: “Obviously, we are not going to be here physically, but I think in people’s minds we are here to stay.
“It means these places will never be forgotten and it also makes the point that its a damn shame the place is going.”
Four students from Glyndwr University’s sound recording and performance technology course – Steve Jones, Alex Panizzoli, Hugo Rossi and Przemyslaw Hatlas – agreed to help produce the song, which will be distributed in the form of a DVD, as part of their degrees.
The backing track has already been recorded by the New Foos, a band fronted by Air Products worker Carl Blain. Recording of vocals will begin next Wednesday.
Any former employees who would like to take part should contact John Edwards on 01978 823298 during working hours.
The finished DVD, which will feature a photographic slideshow of Air Products and its workforce as a visual accompaniment to the song, will be available to buy from December 11, precisely one week before the factory is set to shut.
Shops in Wrexham that are able to stock the DVD are also asked to contact Mr Edwards on the number above.
Air products general manager Laurence O’Donnell said: “I think from the company’s point of view they were looking to put a marker in place.
"A plaque was mentioned, but then came the idea for a song, which the company thought was a bit bizarre at first but they came round to the idea.”