CLWYD South MP, Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to Rhos Rugby Club to meet with club officers and volunteers.

He was there to learn more about how the organisation has supported Rhos residents and the wider community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Club coach Chris Williams, along with club members including Alun Richards, Phil Bennett, Maxine Jones, Carol Jones, Karen Williams, Sue and Alan Tye and Mark Price, took on a proactive role during the lockdown while club training sessions were put on hold. Volunteers from Rhos Rugby Club and The Sun Inn in Rhos, collected and delivered grocery shopping and prescriptions to vulnerable residents locally.

On the visit, Mr Baynes met volunteers to thank them for their outstanding work in the community. He was also joined by local county councillor Paul Pemberton.

Chris said: “We would like to thank Simon and his team for their recent visit to our rugby club. We appreciate their time to thank us and acknowledge our volunteer group. In March, I asked our players and members if they would be willing to volunteer to help the local villages of Rhos, Ponciau, Penycae and Johnstown by collecting any prescriptions and shopping. Most lads volunteered and we set about printing some leaflets, distributing them to local shops, Post Offices and chemists’.

“As a group, we didn’t expect such a response, and need, which we received. Friends, partners and families also started helping, and we had assistance from all local Chemist shops, so that we could arrange the prescription collections, then set about delivering them. I want to thank all our group, too many to mention individually, for all their hard work and pride in helping our community. Also, we would like to thank County Cllr Paul Pemberton, who liaised with us, and all the Chemists’ staff.”

Mr Baynes said: “I was so impressed to hear about the work that Rhos Rugby Club and their volunteers have done for the local community. They have made such a big difference at such a vital time. They are a great example of how we can all look after each other in our community.”