Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

"The sort of people you see in TV advertisements for deodorants" - Tory peer Norman Tebbit on the new breed of Conservative parliamentary candidates.

A fire department volunteer set his home ablaze twice in two days because he wanted insurance money to pay for his wife's infertility treatment. Ralph Brown, 41, from Bennington, Vermont denies arson and other charges. Police say Brown set fire to his home on a Friday morning and then again on Saturday night. The first fire was started by crossing wires, the second with a torch.

Morfa Youth Forum has received a £1,300 grant from GwirVol to develop the Bwlch motorbiking project. GwirVol is an initiative made up of a partnership from the voluntary, community, public and private sectors. CAVS Volunteer Centre has put together a panel of young people, representatives from youth organisations within Carmarthenshire, who will be responsible for assessing project applications and deciding which projects get funding, and how much they get. The Youth Forum will use the money to encourage young people to volunteer on the new Bwlch motorbiking project. The Forum’s aim is to represent all the youth of Morfa and the surrounding area within Glanymor. Through interaction with local young people, it has become clear that motorbike scrambling is a pursuit that young people are passionate about and they continually enquire about the opportunity to partake in this activity. Senior Youth Worker for the Llanelli area, Huw Thomas said:“The grant will be used to recruit and train fi

Residents of Pantyffynnon, Ammanford, are being invited to celebrate International Women’s Day with a host of events planned by the local Communities First Team. Pantyffynnon Communities First, a Welsh Assembly-funded initiative run locally by Carmarthenshire County Council, has organised a day packed full of free activities at Ammanford Pensioners Hall on Thursday, March 11, between 10.30am and 3pm. As well as pampering sessions throughout the day, special workshops have been arranged in jewellery making, between 11am and 1pm, and flower arranging, between 2pm and 3pm. Refreshments are also being provided. International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world, and commemorates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Emma Martin-Jewell, Communities First development officer, said: “We have planned a full day of events which will give local people a chance to try something different. The event is free, and is open to all.” Communities First

"For some reason, if you're successful in Britain, people tend not to like you. But if you are a successful woman, and beautiful, in Britain, you're even more disliked" - Bond girl actress Gemma Arterton.

The Ministry of Justice spent more than £20,000 on pot plants in the last 11 months, according to figures. Justice Secretary Jack Straw said the department spent £10,503 on pot plants, and a further £9,658 was attributable to its agencies occupying parts of the headquarters' estate. The total figure of £20,162.29, excluding VAT, was given in a Commons written reply to Tory David Davies (Monmouth).

A series of workshops are being held to bridge the gap between young and older people in Carmarthenshire. The events, called ‘We are all young once’, are being held across the county and are a joint initiative between the Community Safety Partnership, 50+ Forum and Carmarthenshire Youth Council. Older and younger people live, work, learn and play side by side. They may have common interests and concerns, live in the same area, pass each other in the street, shop in the same shops but may never engage with each other. As a result, distrust, misunderstanding, hostility and fear of each other can often develop. The aim of the events is to improve relations between the two generations, as well as alleviate older people’s fear of youngsters and give young people a positive regard for the elderly. They will include information stands on services available to both older and younger people, as well as workshop sessions on issues important to them and a buffet lunch and refreshments. Community

Looking for a way to save £1,000 to spend on luxuries like a two-week holiday? Then those who smoke have got an instant cash fix - quit! £1,000 is how much a 10-a-day smoker could save over the course of just one year. And that is not to mention the huge health benefits that come in to effect immediately after your last cigarette. Health Challenge Carmarthenshire, run by Carmarthenshire County Council, has lots of support and advice for smokers looking to change their habits and live a healthier lifestyle. One of its features is a smoke-free calculator which helps people realise how much they could be saving per week, month and year, if they quit, and gives examples of luxury items they could buy with their savings. It also has information on quite smoking support groups, and has links to organisations such as Public Health Wales, which can support people who want to give up. Health improvement policy co-ordinator, Anne Duff, said: “Many people are now making efforts to give up smoking

Cwmamman Youth Club members are organising a fundraising jumble sale on Sunday March 21. The event will run from 9am-1pm at the Cwmamman Community Centre, near Glanamman Square. All profits will go towards buying resources for the youth club which will help develop young people’s skills and provide them with a range of activities during their session at the youth club. Millennium Volunteer, Nathan Roblin said:“We hope to raise as much funds as possible and any support from members of the public would be greatly appreciated. Our aim is to help the young people in the area and to engage them in worth while activities.” Sarah Powell, Carmarthenshire Council’s Youth Participation Officer added:“Young people and volunteers from Cwmamman Youth Club are working hard to bring about positive change and we hope local residents will come along and show their support. “The group is very motivated and they always go out of their way to organise events to help improve provisions in the area for othe

An estimated 18,000 bowls of traditional Welsh Cawl were dished up in Carmarthenshire schools on St David’s Day. The Carmarthenshire Catering Service made sure children were on track for their five-a-day while taking part in the March 1 celebrations. And the menu went down a treat, with children across the county tucking in the homemade meat or vegetarian Cawl - served with a bread roll and cheese. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Catering Services Manager Sandra Weigel said: “We felt it was important to celebrate this great occasion with a traditional menu. “There’s nothing better than a bowl of warm Cawl to help get you in the spirit of St David’s Day, and we know that it always goes down a treat with the children. “It’s also a very good way to ensure children are getting their five-a-day - there’s plenty of nourishment in a bowl of Cawl!” Cawl is widely considered to be the national dish of Wales, and with recipes dating back as far as the 14th century, it traditionally contains lam

The following trainers with Welsh connections have runners today - Peter Bowen 17:25 Doncaster Rudanphast (IRE) D Devereux David Evans 14:25 Lingfield Ravi River (IRE) J-P Guillambert 14:35 Doncaster Novikov A P McCoy 15:00 Lingfield Sultan's Choice P Doe 16:20 Doncaster Bosamcliff (IRE) K James 16:45 Lingfield Kersivay P Doe 18:05 Wolverhampton Benedict Spirit (IRE) M Lane 18:35 Wolverhampton Tuscan King J-P Guillambert 19:05 Wolverhampton Jordan's Light (USA) Kevin Lundie Alison Thorpe 19:05 Wolverhampton Hammer F J Hayes Tim Vaughan 13:50 Lingfield Swiss Guard S Sanders 14:45 Newbury Dingat (IRE) Dean Coleman 19:05 Wolverhampton Tar (IRE) N Alison Ian Williams 14:00 Doncaster Gifted Leader (USA) Trevor Whelan

Excellent exhibition at St Peter's Civic Hall, Carmarthen, but hurry - it finishes at 8pm tonight. It shows 200 years of the Carmarthen Journal and the photographic history of other organisations in Carmarthen. Well worth a visit. See earlier post - http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/100304journal.shtml

"He did a lot for my career" - Tory peer Lord Tebbit on the death of Michael Foot, who once described him as a "semi-house-trained polecat".

Campaigners have set up a Facebook group in a bid to stop their county being rebranded. Northamptonshire is to be dubbed "North Londonshire" as part of a drive to encourage people to move there. The rebrand is the brainchild of urban regeneration company the North Northants Development Corporation (NNDC). But people who live in the county have vowed to fight the £1.3 million advertising drive and angry campaigners have set up a Facebook group called "Northamptonshire is NOT North Londonshire!"

The following trainers with Welsh connections have runners today - Peter Bowen 15:30 Ludlow Ballyvesey (IRE) T J O'Brien 16:00 Ludlow Quattrocento (FR) D Devereux David Evans 14:10 Southwell Tiger Hawk (USA) A Heffernan 14:30 Ludlow I'm In The Pink (FR) L Stephens 15:10 Southwell Ramamara (IRE) A Heffernan 15:10 Southwell Transfixed (IRE) Kevin Lundie 16:10 Southwell Hollow Green (IRE) P Hanagan 16:30 Ludlow Lyster (IRE) A Glassonbury 17:30 Ludlow Lady Karinga A Glassonbury 17:50 Wolverhampton Esteem Machine (USA) 18:20 Wolverhampton Carcinetto (IRE) A Heffernan Derek Haydn Jones 14:10 Southwell First Post (IRE) Dane O'Neill Tim Vaughan 14:30 Ludlow Hucking Hero (IRE) A P McCoy 16:30 Ludlow Atlantic Jane Michael Murphy 16:30 Ludlow Quo Video (FR) Dean Coleman Evan Willams 14:30 Ludlow Bay Central (IRE) Paul Moloney 14:30 Ludlow River Rhapsody (IRE) Jody McGarvey PS: Rebecca Curtis chalked up her third winner in

Journalism jobs and news from Holdthefrontpage.co.uk See earlier posts - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/200th-birthday-for-carmarthen-journal.html and http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/tough-times-for-weekly-papers.html and http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/carmarthen-journals-200th-birthday.html

Council tax in Pembrokeshire is set to rise by 3.4% in 2010/2011. The increase amounts to less than 44 pence per week for a Band D property. It means that the county's council tax is still the lowest in Wales by a large margin. The Band D Tax for County Council purposes has been set at £687.96 - around £240 less than the Welsh average and £500 a year less than the most expensive. The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor John Davies, said: "What this gives Pembrokeshire is very simple. It gives us certainty of services in uncertain times." "We are maintaining services, improving and developing services where there is a need, and lowering costs. We have done this endlessly, and will continue to do it." He said the Council, had in the words of Appointed Auditor Ceri Stradling, ‘adequate' reserves, and that ‘everything else' was being invested further. "Most of it is capital investment," he said. "We continue to commit to buildin

A new beginner lifesaving course for children aged 8 to 12 was held over half-term at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre. The free Rookie Lifesaving School was attended by 17 children, each of whom learnt water safety and personal survival skills, and how to perform rescues. At the end of the week, they all achieved their Rookie Bronze 1 Award. As well as teaching children valuable water safety and lifesaving skills, it is hoped that the lifesaving clubs and schools will help to produce lifeguards of the future. The Lifesaving Club takes place on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre. Due to its popularity, additional club sessions will be starting weekly between 5pm and 6pm. The tutors who ran the Rookie School also volunteer with the club.

Young hockey players in Pembrokeshire had the benefit of top-class coaching during the half-term holiday in a new ‘Sticks and Stars' programme, launched by the Welsh Hockey Union (WHU). A total of 29 boys and girls between the age of 10 and 15 were coached by a WHU qualified coach and supported by current Welsh Senior International players at Milford Haven Astroturf pitch. The senior internationals also shared their experiences of representing their country and gave advice on what it takes to get to the top, while the youngsters had the opportunity to ask them a variety of questions. The sessions were run from 10am - 4pm and each player received a t-shirt, certificate and skills card on completion. Abi Welsford and Sophie Trigg were the stars from the Welsh Senior Women's squad and the WHU's Vicki Sutton was the head coach for the day.Angela Miles, Hockey Development Officer for Pembrokeshire County Council, was delighted to host the event. She said: "It was fantastic

The first ever South West Wales Regional Boccia competition was held at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre. The competition was organised by Sport Pembrokeshire, the sporting arm of Pembrokeshire County Council, in collaboration with Disability Sport Wales. The event was sponsored by Chevron. Competitors travelled from as far as Cardiff to compete in four groups: BC 1 - Cerebral Palsy (CP) - powered wheelchair user with all four limbs affected BC 2 - CP - manual/powered chair users with all four limbs affected, good arm strength with some limitations BC 3 - Ramp Players, wheelchair users who can not throw a ball consistently over the ‘V' on the boccia court BC 4 - Wheelchair users, all four limbs affected from a non CP origin, muscular dystrophy, high tetraplegia or other. All winners and runners-up were presented with trophies by the chair of Boccia Wales, Julie Whittingham. The referees for the day were Lisa Pudner, Nicola Rogers, Angela Miles, Caroline Thomas and Deborah Martin. The

A new book by academics at Trinity University College is already gaining international attention. Jesus Beyond Christianity: The Classic Texts, which has just been released this month by Oxford University Press, has been edited by Head of School Dr Gregory A. Barker and Stephen Gregg – with a contribution by Dr Amjad Hussain. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an honorary fellow of Trinity University College, has written the foreword. The book brings together in one volume controversial texts on the meaning of Jesus in Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim traditions. Remarking on this volume, Tutu says that this book ‘…is an expression of our human family. The readings are astonishingly diverse, reflecting…different views of divine truth.’ Dr. Gregory A. Barker says that the book is far from a beauty contest when it comes to views of Jesus: ‘Readers may be surprised just how much Jesus is both admired and vilified by many religious traditions through the centuries. There are sharp criticisms as we

Excellent 200th anniversary supplement in the Carmarthen Journal today. Rush out and buy a copy now - support your local newspaper!

"I was a fool for love. All I did was marry idiots" - Actress Debbie Reynolds.

A life-long smoker had his dying wish honoured when he had the words "Smoking Killed Me" placed on signs in his hearse. Albert Whittamore, known as Dick, died last month aged 85 after suffering for years from emphysema, a progressive lung condition he blamed on his habit. He wanted the ill-effects of his smoking to act as a warning to others and dictated in his will that the signs be placed inside his hearse as it passed through his home town of Dover in Kent.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Sgorio still failing to score with TV viewers Very worrying news re Sgorio, but do they take into account how many people watch it in pubs and clubs?

BBC News - Work brightens water vole homes near Llanelli Llanelli's wetlands in the spotlight.

The following trainers with Welsh connections have runners today - Peter Bowen 17:20 Bangor With Grace D Devereux Rebecca Curtis 14:50 Bangor Herons well Aodhagen Conlon 15:20 Bangor Stir On The Sea (IRE) Aodhagen Conlon 16:20 Bangor Marodima (FR) Aodhagen Conlon 17:20 Bangor Cocacobana (IRE) Aodhagen Conlon David Evans 15:30 Wolverhampton Blues Forever (IRE) P Hanagan 16:10 Folkestone Dune Raider (USA) A Glassonbury 17:45 Kempton Rapid City P Doe 18:45 Kempton Kersivay A Heffernan 20:45 Kempton Little Sark (IRE) A Heffernan 21:15 Kempton Transfixed (IRE) A Heffernan Derek Haydn Jones 18:45 Kempton Princess Valerina J F McDonald Bryn Palling 14:30 Wolverhampton Cwmni David Probert Tim Vaughan 16:20 Bangor So Now (IRE) Dean Coleman 17:10 Folkestone Bens Moor (IRE) R Johnson Evan Williams 16:50 Bangor Minella For Food (IRE) Donal Fahy

The Amman and Gwendraeth Youth Team are in the process of developing further detached work in the Penygroes, Crosshands, Llannon, Capel Hendre and Llandybie areas. Youth officers will be visiting the villages in the new detached vehicle where a range of information will be accessible. Special thanks goes to Llannon Community Council, Hendy Community Council and Cwmmaman Town Council for supporting the initiative. The aim of the work is to make contact with young people on the street and to explore what activities they would like to have in their villages. Senior Youth Worker for the Amman and Gwendraeth areas, Rhys Jones said: “Detached youth workers contact young people on their territory and negotiate any further contact or learning and development agenda. “Our goal is to reduce the number of young people on the street and engage them in a range of positive and fun activities." The detached work in the villages has been supported by their Community and Town Councils. The Commun

Journalism jobs and news from Holdthefrontpage.co.uk

BBC News - Wales star Andy Powell admits 'golf buggy' charge

A Thanks for Life swimathon organised by Llandovery Rotary Club is hoping to splash the cash for charity. The Thanks for Life project is aimed at the elimination polio worldwide. The club is organising the sponsored swim in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Llandovery Swimming Pool on behalf of Rotary International District 1150. This project was initiated in 1985 by the Rotary movement with the World Health Organisation and Unicef. As a result of Rotary’s efforts and public support, Polio is not present in most of the world. The only hot spots remaining are in Nigeria and Northern India. Rotary hope their continued support for immunisation programmes in these areas will help eradicate this disease. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $355,000,000 to "Thanks for Life" and will essentially match-fund the money that Rotary raise worldwide for the project. County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The Author

The following trainers with Welsh connections have runners today - David Evans 16:40 Lingfield Top Flight Splash A Heffernan Bryn Palling 16:40 Lingfield Our Day Will Come Declan Cannon Tim Vaughan 16:30 Catterick Etoile d'Or (IRE) Dean Coleman Evan Wiliams 15:50 Leicester Theballyedmondchap (IRE) Donal Fahy PS: Rebecca Curtis scored a double in the last two races at Hereford yesterday.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Lensman behind Cool Cymru gets heated about lack of portrait gallery Llanelli's Terry Morris floats gallery idea.

A Beverly Hills woman says her life was saved by a silicone breast implant which stopped a bullet during a shooting. Lydia Carranza was waiting in a dentist's office when the estranged husband of one of the patients burst in and opened fire on his ex-wife. A stray bullet hit her size-D implant, which took the force and prevented it entering her heart.

"It was hard to leave, but I did because they didn't like me speaking the truth. They'd rather have some doll like Dannii Minogue as judge. I couldn't stand her. She wasn't so much a dim bulb as a bulb in a power cut" - Sharon Osbourne on why she left the X Factor.

Plans to build a massive Welsh dragon statue which would dwarf the Angel of the North have been unveiled. Waking the Dragon would stand at 210ft, incorporate a culture complex and raise money for a cancer charity. The £6 million project in Wrexham will include a bronze beast sitting on a gleaming 130ft tower, which symbolise the heritage and culture of the Welsh people.

Primary school pupils from Saron will be enjoying some more mature company as part of their project on care in the community. Saron CP School children will be visiting residents of the county council’s Llys Yr Ysgol Sheltered Complex, Saron, to chat and play games such as Snakes and Ladders, Connect 4, Top Trumps and dominoes. Their visit is all part of breaking down barriers between young and old, and sees the children visit the sheltered complex once a month to talk and play games with the tenants. It is hoped the visit will help improve relations between the two generations, as well as alleviate older people’s fear of youngsters and give young people a positive regard for older people. Gwen Hamer, sheltered scheme officer, said: “Intergenerational work has been identified as an effective way to address a number of issues such as building an active community, promoting citizenship, regenerating neighbourhoods, and addressing inequality. “Initiatives like this help to bring generation

The great and the good of Carmarthenshire’s richness production line of sporting personalities have been rewarded at a 12th annual awards ceremony. Rugby legend, Gerald Davies who hails from Llansaint, paralympianm Lisa Pudner and international cricketer Jeff Jones were admitted into the county’s hall of fame sporting register. The accolade of the sports personality of the year went to David Greene for his phenomenal progress as a 400mtr hurdler on the athletic track. Organised by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Sports Development Unit in partnership with the Carmarthenshire Local Sports Council the ceremony is organised to promote, recognise and reward those athletes, coaches and volunteers who achieve and who contribute towards the continued success of sport in the County. County executive board member for regeneration Cllr Clive Scourfield said at the ceremony at the Stradey Park Hotel: “This year there were more than 100 nominations received making the short listing process for t

People in Pantyffynnon are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The local Communities First team, funded by the Welsh Assembly and run by Carmarthenshire County Council, have engaged with locals to discuss healthy eating and advise on how to make more nutritional choices. They have worked with a group called the Plodders, and Prince Philip Hospital’s dietetic department, to promote the local food co-operative, and to demonstrate which food groups make up a healthy diet. The group of people have also been invited to a Healthy Living Centre, which is part of a Communities First office in Ystradgynlais. Emma Martin-Jewell, Communities First development worker, said: “We are committed to promoting health and wellbeing as part of Communities First’s aim in regenerating Pantyffynnon through improving living conditions and prospects for people in the ward. “We have had a positive response from people taking part, and we hope they will soon feel the benefits of a health

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Social Care, Health and Housing department has congratulated over 400 staff who have gained new qualifications or picked up long service awards. During its training and long service award ceremony, 278 staff who gained qualifications over the last two years, and 125 staff who had achieved 20, 25 and 30 years long service, were presented with certificates to recognise their achievements. Director Bruce McLernon said: “It is widely acknowledged that it is our well trained, knowledgeable and committed workforce that enables us to carry out our mission to deliver modern, excellent services that will improve the health and well being of the people of Carmarthenshire.” Cllr Pat Jones, executive board member for health and social care, added: “I offer my sincere congratulations to the staff who are continually striving to better themselves, and to those who remain so committed to their roles in delivering social care services to our residents.”

Fifty secondary school pupils are cueing up to take learn all about snooker. Secondary school pupils will be visiting the Terry Griffiths Matchroom in Llanelli for an exhibition and familiarisation visit on Monday, March 8. There will be question and answer and trick shot session and demo for all pupils, followed by a tour and an opportunity to try the game and receive some coaching tips. Fifty pupils from Glanymor, Strade, Coedcae, Bryngwyn and St John Lloyd Schools will be attending as part of the Sports Council for Wales 5x60 scheme which encourages young people in secondary schools to complete 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week. The 5x60 programme gives pupils the opportunity to try out activities that they would not normally be offered in school and it is hoped that this visit will increase the amount of youngsters taking up snooker. The programme has already specifically targeted pupils that don’t enjoy the traditional team school sports offering sessions such as

Llanelli Youth Forum is looking for young, enthusiastic people to join them and make changes for young people in the area. Young people who join the forum will get the opportunity to voice issues that are important to them and all matters arising will be reported back to the Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC). Paul Williams, Llanelli Youth Forum Leader said:“The forum is a platform for all local young people between the ages of 11-25 to get their voices heard. Issues raised are then brought forward in CYC meetings which are then taken forward to key decision makers at Carmarthenshire County Council. “The group we already have are very keen to make a difference in Llanelli and they would like more young people to join them and take advantage of the opportunity of making positive changes for young people in Llanelli.” For further information, or to join the forum, please contact Bwlch Rangers Youth Centre on: 01554 749782 or e-mail paulwilliams@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Enjoyable piece by Tom Bodden of the Daily Post yesterday. http://blogs.dailypost.co.uk/goginthebay/2010/02/i-didnt-lay-a-finger-on-him--.html Tom included the Gordon Brown joke - "You know the only thing that I have not been accused of recently is killing Archie Mitchell in Eastenders!"

Some of Carmarthenshire's finest rugby players turned up to support Carmarthen Town football club in their match against Airbus on Saturday. Ken Owens, who was on the bench for Wales against France on Friday night, Jonathan Davies and Rhys Priestland were all guests in the new hospitality suite at Richmond Park. The three Scarlets players were given a warm welcome by Carmarthen Town AFC chairman Jeff Thomas, who said the trio were a credit to Carmarthen and the county. "It was great to see three very promising rising stars of Welsh rugby turning up to lend their support for Carmarthen in the Welsh Premier League. They all received the best wishes from Carmarthen Town for successful careers in their chosen field of rugby." Pic: Ken Owens, Jeff Thomas, Jonathan Davies and Rhys Priestland.

Pembrokeshire has proved it's blooming marvellous, with both Tenby and Wolfcastle selected as finalists in the 2010 Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Britain in Bloom Finals. The only other Welsh nomination is Colwyn Bay in North Wales. "We're very proud that two out of the three Welsh finalists are in Pembrokeshire," said Councillor Peter Morgan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships. "Both communities have worked exceptionally hard to get to this stage, and we wish them all the very best in the final stage of the competition." Tenby and Wolfscastle are among 67 cities, towns and villages from across the UK chosen to represent the very best in community horticulture. Tenby, a finalist in the Coastal Resort category, has been a winner in Wales in Bloom 25 times, and was previously a finalist in Britain in Bloom in 1997. This year, the town is in the Coastal Resort category, and is up against St Ives and Lytham amongst others. Councillor Sue L

Some pics from Carmarthen Town v Airbus match. Match report below on earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-gloomy-sporting-weekend.html

"International football is no longer the pinnacle for players. The pinnacle now is getting the big contract, the Bentley and the blonde" - Football manager and ex-player Roy Keane.

An extra-strong version of Marmite will go on sale next month, it was revealed. The savoury spread, which people are said to either love or hate, is made with yeast from four specially-selected breweries. Marmite Extra Old, or XO, which will hit supermarket shelves from March 8, is the result of the secret blend maturing for 28 days - four times longer than the standard product.

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - Happiness to the Max

Plenty of positives to take as Llanelli sign off with win Llanelli RFC result.

The Llanelli Reds Under-19s have been drawn against Wrexham in the Semi Finals of the FAW Youth Cup. The FAW Youth Cup Semi Final Draw was made on Monday and holders Llanelli face a difficult test against a talented young Wrexham side. Wrexham, who have returned to the competition this season, overcame a difficult test on Saturday afternoon against Bryntirion Athletic, winning 2-0 with a goal in each half. Llanelli became the first team to qualify when they beat Elu Rangers 1-0 the previous Sunday. The other tie will see Tony Pennock’s Swansea City side face the winners of the Llandudno Town and Newport YMCA tie, which will be played in Llandudno on Sunday. Swansea City made the long journey north to Porthmadog on Sunday and came back victorious. It was a windy afternoon at Y Traeth and although the hosts battled hard with their talented young side, the Swans triumphed 2-0 with goals from Wales Under 17 defender Joe Walsh and left winger Gwion Edwards. Newport YMCA were reinstated to t

Wales - lost. Carmarthen Town - lost. Llanelli Reds - lost. Triple whammy! I am speechless about Wales. The Reds crashed out of the Welsh Cup with a disappointing performance at Bangor City. In front of a crowd of 820, the Reds went behind as early as the 6th minute when Jamie Reed scored from a penalty. This was after Stuart Jones received a red card for conceding the penalty and denying the attacker an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The Reds batlled hard to get back into the game with ten men but they squandered the few chances they created. Bangor sealed a semi final spot when Dave Morley scored the second in stoppage time. Here is the Carmarthen Town AFC website match report on the Town v Airbus match which finished 0-1 - With little between the sides throughout the outcome was settled by a last minute error from Town keeper Neil Thomas. Having been a hero on so many occasions the experienced keeper was dispossessed in front of goal gifting sub Josh Johnson the easiest of goals

"People have said to me: 'You either have a lot of confidence or you're completely insane.' I think it's somewhere in the middle" - Tim Burton, director of the new Alice In Wonderland film.

An airline passenger ate his £8,930 winning scratch card after he was told he could not claim the money immediately, it emerged today. The unnamed man was flying with Ryanair from Krakow in Poland to East Midlands Airport when he won 10,000 euros with the scratch card. Crew on board the flight confirmed he had won the prize but told the passenger he would have to collect the jackpot directly from the company that runs the competition as it was such a large sum. Ryanair said the man then became frustrated and started to eat his winning ticket, ruling out any chance he had of claiming the prize money which will now be donated to charity. Stephen McNamara, a spokesman for the airline, said: "Passengers have always been delighted to claim their large cash prizes after returning home. "Unfortunately our latest winner felt that we should have his 10,000 euros prize kicking around on the aircraft." The airline is now asking passengers to vote online to decide where the money sh

The Llanelli Reds Under-19s maintained their winning run with another hard fought game at Stebonheath Park. They trailed 1-0 at half time to a penalty scored by former team mate, Luke Chappell. Both keepers pulled off good saves during the first half and in the second period, the Reds got back on level terms after good work by Craig Frater on the left saw Rikki Evans hammer home Frater's excellent cross. In the 79th minute, the Reds eventually took the lead when substitute, Josh Doyle put in a great cross from the right flank and Evans scored his second goal of the night. Declan John sealed the points in the 85th minute when he scored a penalty after Joe Clarke has been brought down in the area by Luke Chappell.

The following trainers with Welsh connections have runners today - Peter Bowen 15:35 Fontwell Souffleur T J O'Brien 16:05 Fontwell Mr Ed (IRE) Mr M Byrne Dai Burchell 14:20 Kempton Higenius V Slattery 16:25 Kempton Watch Out Kelly Harrison David Evans 15:20 Kempton Hurakan (IRE) J-P Guillambert 16:55 Kempton Bennelong P Doe Alison Thorpe 15:35 Fontwell Treaty Flyer (IRE) J W Farrelly

BBC Sport - Football - Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey suffers horrific leg injury What a shocker - just when Arsenal start their run for the title.