Welsh volunteers step in to support communities
From sewing machines to 3D printers, staff from Magnox’s two sites in Wales are turning their hobbies into action to support their local communities.
Jon Hall from Trawsfynydd Site models one of the facemasks he has made using a 3D printer
A group of keen sewers who work at Wylfa Site, on Anglesey, are converting bedding and other material into scrub bags for NHS workers.
The staff put their uniform in the bags at the end of their shifts and then put the bag and the contents straight into the wash, minimising handling and helping to avoid spreading the virus from work to home.
Volunteer Sue Evans said: “During such unprecedented times we all want to do our bit to help in any way we can. So, when Lisa Thomas forwarded a shout out to all sewers, Elaine Hulse and I took to our sewing machines.
“Instructions were provided and after an initial test run I ended up making 10 – the first of many. It is surprising what you can do with an old duvet cover!”
Kevin Titley, a Quality Assurance Engineer from Trawsfynydd Site, has become the Community Volunteer Co-ordinator for Llanbedr Community.
Kevin said: “I’ve taken the lead in setting up and coordinating a community volunteer group in Llanbedr, where I live. The group collect shopping, prescriptions and other essentials for people.
The scheme operates under the umbrella of Llanbedr Community Council, where I’m the current Chairman, and we now have 23 volunteers, including some people who are self- isolating but still able to take phone calls.”
And engineer Jon Hall, also based at Trawsfynydd Site, has turned his home office into a production line for 3D printing of visors and accompanying headbands for GP practices, using acetate sheets and polypropylene.