Funding pledge ‘a ray of hope’ for arts centre
Norden Farm welcomes support package for stricken industry
A £1.57billion support package for the arts sector is a ‘ray of hope in these uncertain times’, Norden Farm’s chief executive has said.
The Government pledge, announced on Sunday, aims to support the country’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions, with many venues still unable to open to the public under current lockdown rules.
It followed mounting criticism of the help being offered by the Government to the sector, with industry figures warning the economic impact of COVID-19 would have dire consequences for the arts.
Jane Corry, chief executive at Norden Farm, said that by the beginning of June the arts centre had lost more than £135,000 in income due to the lockdown, with other venues across the UK ‘on their knees’.
But organisations including performing arts venues and theatres, palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinemas will now be able to access emergency grants and loans.
Hairdressers were given the go-ahead to re-open on Saturday, much to the relief of many in desperate need of a chop.
Della Lloyd, owner of The Salon in Furrow Way, says it is ‘a very different experience for customers’ as a result of new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
She said: “Normally it’s a very busy, thriving salon but we’ve not been able to have two out of the five stylists in because of social distancing.
“It’s a lovely experience for customers, because it’s calm, but it is a bit strange, but we’re day three now so we’re getting used to it.”
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 Della has moved
the reception from the centre to allow for more space, taken out the waiting area and is no longer offering clients drinks or magazines.
The salon has also had to invest in disposable towels, disposal aprons and plastic visors for staff, and disposal gowns and face masks for customers.
“We’re just doing what it takes to keep the business going really, and it will be fine, we’re very lucky because we have got a really strong clientele.”
Although things are different, the changes have not impacted how good it is to be back in business.
“It’s been a really nice atmosphere because everybody’s really looking forward to getting their hair done,” she said.
“It’s been really nice to see everybody and catch up.”
As yet the team has not seen the lockdown DIY haircuts and dye jobs they are to rectify.
“We’ve got them booked in, we haven’t seen them yet, there are a couple, but we have tried to eliminate them by being available online for people to ask us questions.”
Visit www.thesalonmaidenhead.co.uk