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Showing posts from June 13, 2010

Commonwealth fly fishing arrives at Talyllyn

The world of fly fishing stages its very own Commonwealth Games next week (competition starting on Thursday June 24), with Talyllyn Lake, near Tywyn, providing a spectacular setting for key parts of the competition. “This tournament is one of the highlights of fly fishing competition worldwide and it is great that it is taking place here in Wales and at such prestigious locations,” said Phil Wood, Head Ghillie at the Ty’n y Cornel hotel which sits on the side of the 222-acre Talyllyn Lake. Top Welsh angler Moc Morgan agreed and added: “Nowhere is the Commonwealth ideal better expressed than when anglers come together in friendly rivalry. “That wonderful camaraderie will be matched by the quality and hospitality of Wales within the beautiful and scenic surroundings of the mid Wales countryside. “The Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships will surely provide an event all participants will enjoy and always remember - win or lose . “I believe that one of the earliest Commonwealth Champions

American TV crew at Talyllyn

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It’s not every day that you get an American television crew turning up on your doorstep. But that’s what happened at the Ty’n y Cornel Hotel near Tywyn in the Snowdonia National Park. The crew turned up to sample the fishing at picturesque Talyllyn lake, one of the great brown trout and sewin fisheries of Wales. “It all happened very quickly,” said Phil Wood, Head Ghillie at the Ty’n y Cornel hotel which sits on the side of the 222-acre lake. “We heard that a crew from CNBC in America was interested in doing a bit of a feature on the fishing at the lake. The next thing we knew, they turned up and we managed to sort out three boats for them to get out on the lake. “They came along with one of their sports presenters. The whole object of the exercise was part of a programme they are preparing in the run-up to the Ryder Cup golf tournament coming to Newport later this year. “CNBC are putting together features on key places which reflect the nature of Wales and our top attractions. “They’d

Llanelli Reds boss brings in fresh faces

Llanelli Reds manager Andy Legg has added some fresh legs and faces to his squad as the Reds prepare for their games in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League in July. Legg has included many of the club’s successful Youth Team squad from the past two seasons as he attempts to take advantage of the continuing development of the Reds Academy under the watchful eye of Director Bob Jeffrey. Keeper Craig Richards, Full Back Jordan Davies, Defender Ryan Batley, Midfielders Declan John and Ross Jones and Striker Rikki Evans all become members of the first team squad along with Jordan Follows who impressed for the first team at the tail end of last season. Legg points out: “in the current economic climate, we have had to cut our playing budget which has resulted in me having to release some senior players. "I am confident, though, that the boys that we have brought through from our youth team are more than capable after having a successful period over the past few seasons. It is

Times for Llanelli Reds games

Confirmed times for Llanelli Reds pre-European campaign soccer matches are as follows - SATURDAY 19th JUNE 2010 AT STEBONHEATH PARK LLANELLI v THE NEW SAINTS KO 3pm TUESDAY 22nd JUNE 2010 LLANELLI v PORT TALBOT TOWN KO 7pm ADMISSION PRICES ADULTS £4 OAPs & CHIDREN U16 £2

Young Anglers Club launched for Talyllyn

A golden opportunity is being offered for youngsters to try fly fishing at Wales’s premier wild brown trout fishery at Talyllyn, near Tywyn. The fishery is launching a Young Anglers Club which gives under 16-year-olds the chance to gain free access to the lake. The club is to be launched on 20th July at the Royal Welsh Show, Llanelwedd, at the Environment Agency stand on the showground. “It is a bold venture, but one which will help to stimulate interest in fly fishing in a new generation of anglers,” said Phil Wood, Head Ghillie, at the Ty’n y Cornel Hotel. “We have a spectacular fishing venue here and we want to make sure as many people as possible get to enjoy it. “A young anglers club will be a great attraction and I am sure it will be great fun and a real education for all the youngsters who take part.” The club will be open to total novices and to seasoned young anglers wishing to expand their repertoire of skills. It will guarantee a free morning’s fishing for members on the fir

Expert view on Talyllyn flies

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Angler Ray Lockyer regularly posts 'Fly Of The Day' messages to his angling friends around the world. Here are some words he sent to Ty'n y Cornel Head Ghillie following his visit to Talyllyn Lake - Saturday was spent on beautiful Tal Y Llyn near Tywyn; the beauty of the surroundings and quality of the fishing on this lake has been recognised and recorded by angling writers for best part of 200 years. I was only recently reading a book by the renown fly tier, James Ogden of Cheltenham (Ogden on Fly Tying - 1887) and found reference to him having fished the lake on a regular basis with Alfred Ronald (of 'The Fly Fishers Entomology' fame). My day only really got started when we arrived at the Ty'n y Cornel Hotel; sitting in one of the windows overlooking the lake and enjoying a good full breakfast soon sets you up for the day (and I quickly forgot about the two and a half hour drive from Swansea). The day was sunny with changeable wind, both in direction and stre

Latest fishing report from Talyllyn

The latest fishing report from Talyllyn Lake and the Ty'n y Cornel Hotel - Despite the warm weather recently, some notable catches were recorded. Mornings and evenings were most productive when the sun was not at its hottest, but if there was any cloud cover then the fish fed all day long. Rectory Bay, Pentre Drift, Cae Drift, Home Drift, and the Inner Cairn Drift have been the best boat locations. Best bank drifts have been from the Pentre Steam down to One Tree Bay. Flies such as Bibio, Clan Chief, Harry Tom, Sooty Olive and Goldhead Damsels on floating and intermediate lines have all worked well, along with dry flies such as Hopper, Sedges, CDCs and Shuttle Cocks. Mr PC Knowles took 10 fish on Diawl Bachs; Phil Parks caught four fish up to 1¾ lb. David Kenworthy caught six fish on a Grhe, whereas Alex York took seven fish while float tubing mainly on a Harry Tom. Paul Makin took 10 fish on Bibio and Paul Robinson and Ron Storr Barker caught 10 fish on Sooty Olives. Clive Pavely

Gogerddan work helps transform lives

Welsh farmers, families in India and Ghana and fresh meat lovers everywhere should thank the research work taking place in the grounds of one of Wales’s most famous mansions. At Aberystwyth University’s IBERS buildings in Gogerddan – former country house of one of the country’s leading families – a team of scientists and researchers are carrying out pioneering work that will transform the lives of many millions of people. This is one of the ‘big ideas’ that Aberystwyth University is contributing towards ‘What’s the Big Idea: Universities Week’. For the first time, universities throughout the UK are joining forces to celebrate the university sector’s vital contribution to the state’s economic and social life. Hundreds of events have been organised to show how the big ideas generated in our universities lead to growth, prosperity and development. As the largest team of its kind in the UK and with more than 90 years’ history behind it, IBERS – the Institute of Biological, Environmental an

Funky parents for Amman and Gwendraeth valleys!

Young mum and dads in the Amman and Gwendraeth areas are reaping the benefits of a new young parents group. The group is run by Carmarthenshire Council’s Youth Service, The Language and Play Department, Iechyd Da, Communities First and Careers Wales West. Funky Parents Group gives parents the opportunity to meet up for informal chats and to develop skills through a range of programmes. Children can also come along to the sessions and enjoy the activities available. Children and parents also get the opportunity to go on trips and enjoy quality time together. Detached Youth Worker, Sarann Richards said:“We will put on programmes depending on the needs of parents and their children and our aim is to offer support and guidance. “For parents who can’t find their own way to the group we will provide free transport. We also have fitted car seats in our vehicles for small children. “A warm welcome awaits all young parents wanting to socialise, have fun with their children and receive support.”

10,000 visits chalked up!

Thanks to you, folks, this blog is continuing to pick up a momentum. It's now in five figures and has hit the 10,000 page views mark. That's a 1000 views since May 20. Keep the hits coming, folks! Many thanks. See earlier blog - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/9000-visits-chalked-up.html Meanwhile, the blog has chalked up its first visitor from Mexico. The full country by country list (figures from January 6) is as follows - United Kingdom (GB) 2,155; United States (US) 354; Europe (EU) 33; Qatar (QA) 29; India (IN) 25; Australia (AU) 21; Germany (DE) 18; Canada (CA) 17; Ireland (IE) 15; France (FR) 9; Malaysia (MY) 9; Belgium (BE) 9; United Arab Emirates (AE) 8; Russian Federation (RU) 7; New Zealand (NZ) 6; Denmark (DK) 6; Singapore (SG) 6; Italy (IT); Netherlands (NL) 6; Philippines (PH) 5; Spain (ES) 4; Bahrain (BH) 4; Sweden (SE) 4; Greece (GR) 3; Bulgaria (BG) 3; Ukraine (UA) 3; Pakistan (PK) 3; Romania (RO) 3; South Africa (ZA) 3; Hungary (HU) 2; Austria (AT) 2; P

Well done, Carmarthen Journal

Very nice supplement in the Carmarthen Journal today following the paper's 200th anniversary bash at Ffos Las racecourse. You may even be able to spot the Lloyds in the photos!

Waste amnesty for Llanybydder

Residents in Llanybydder are being urged to have a good clear out and get rid of any rubbish they have lying around the home. A waste amnesty is being held on Saturday (June 19) and householders will be able to take advantage of a one-off chance to dispose of any large items of rubbish for free. A collection point will be set up in the main car park between 8am and 10.30am and most household waste can be taken along including bulky waste items such as furniture and electrical goods. However, asbestos, tyres, paint, garden chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, construction waste and trade waste will not be accepted. The amnesty has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and the aim is to encourage residents to dispose of waste that may otherwise be fly-tipped. It is also hoped the amnesty will encourage householders to recycle and/or reuse as much of their rubbish as possible. Executive member for the environment Councillor Haydn Jones said: “I hope residents take advantage of th

Unique service for disabled launched in Carmarthenshire

A unique service to help disabled young people move from childhood to adulthood will be launched in Carmarthenshire next week. Carmarthenshire County Council will launch the Transition Service at Llanelli’s Coleg Sir Gar on Wednesday, June 23. The first of its kind in Wales, the service will help bridge the gap between social care services for children and adults. A new multi-disciplinary team of key workers has been established to support young people with special educational needs from the time they reach year nine at school, guiding them through careers advice, assessments and care plans, until they turn 25 when their care needs will be fully met by adult social care teams. The Transition team works with other teams and services to assess the needs of young disabled people. The key-workers take the lead in drawing up plans to meet assessed need, and monitor and review the progress of the plan. Transition team manager Jonathan Hughes said: “This is an important new service which wor

Amman Valley sports day a success

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A famly sports day in the Amman Valley has been hailed a big success. People from across the area attended the event at Parcyrhun playing fields. Professional coaches were on hand to teach hockey and football skills to young people. S4C’s Anthony Evans staged a ‘healthy cooking on a budget’ demonstration and children took part in a ready steady cook style challenge. Sports taster sessions were also held with certificates awarded to everyone who took part. There was a nine hole mini golf course and challenges were run by staff from Amman Valley leisure centre. The event was organised by Communities First Pantyffynnon and Parcyrhun Community Association, and was part funded by Communities First and Change 4 Life. Communities First Development Worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “The event was very well attended and all the children enjoyed the activities on offer. “The event linked in with our health and wellbeing theme and we were able to promote other forthcoming activities and events.” Th

Make Do and Mend group for Pantyffynnon

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Amman Valley residents are turning old into new, as part of a new recession busting project. A ‘Make Do and Mend’ group has been set up in Pantyffynnon to help people learn sewing and craft skills. Organisers say it has proved a big hit, with residents able to turn outdated items into new and fashionable ones, without breaking the bank. The area’s Communities First team has set up the group following calls from people for an outlet to hone their skills. Members meet every Monday in Elim Church from 2-4pm. Communities First Development Worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “Since the recession there has been a great emphasis on going back to a ‘make do and mend’ society, but having the skills to turn something old into something new and fashionable is often difficult. “The group has been set up to learn these types of skills without the need to break the bank. “It also encourages people to make new friends, develop a skill and share their knowledge. “We hope the project will give the particip

Llanelli Rotary promoting ShelterBox

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Llanelli Rotary Club is doing its bit to promote the ShelterBox project this week. ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide. This week is designated Big Green Box Week in the UK and Llanelli Rotary’s Roger Stephens is happy to talk to anyone about what the project does. “ShelterBox is an extremely valuable tool in the response to international disasters and Llanelli Rotary was able to send its very own ShelterBox to the recent disaster in Haiti,” said Mr Stephens, who is chairman of Llanelli Rotary’s Foundation charity committee. “Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. They are really valuable in disaster zones. If you want to find out more about the ShelterBox project, contact Mr Stephens on 07814680894. For more information, see http://www.shelterbox.org You can find out more about

Reach the Heights project helps 200

More than 200 young people in the county have reaped the benefits of a project funded through the Arts Council’s Reach the Heights project. The Reach The Heights Project, a Welsh Assembly Government project in receipt of £27 million from the European Social Fund, is aimed at engaging young people aged 11-19. The project has helped young people at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) or who are already NEET to develop their skills in multi media. With the added help and financial support of The Carmarthenshire Youth Arts Project, Youth Workers from Carmarthenshire Youth Service has delivered multi media projects aboard the Youth Multi Media Bus to young people in the St Clear’s, Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn areas. Carmarthenshire Youth service Multi Media Project Youth Officer, Dolan Thomas said: “Projects like Reach the Heights really do help young people get the best out of our services. “Seeing them succeed and planning a future is very rewarding and we

Kidwelly builder fined for worthless guarantees

A Kidwelly builder has been prosecuted for giving worthless guarantees to a customer for work carried out. Esmond Jones pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court to offences contrary to Regulation 8 of the Consumer Protection for Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The court was told that a customer contacted Trading Standards complaining about damp proofing work carried out at her home in Gwynfe, Llangadog, by 74-year-old Jones trading as Sureseal Damp Proofing Co. Ltd. He had issued several guarantees to the customer under different names. The company she had contracted with did not exist which meant that the guarantees were not bonded, leaving the customer with a worthless piece of paper and no comeback if anything went wrong. Jones, of Craylands Park, Kidwelly was fined £360 and ordered to pay £500 costs. Executive board member for housing and public protection Cllr Hugh Evans said: “It is usually best to employ a tradesman that you know or who has been recommended by a friend or

Llanelli man fined for con on elderly

A Llanelli man has been fined almost £500 for conning an elderly couple over work carried out to their home. Thomas Alfie Price pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court on Monday to an offence under the Fraud Act and to three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 with regards to aggressive practices relating to harassment, coercion and undue influence, and unfair practice with a lack of professional diligence. The court was told that on Friday November 14 last year 26-year-old Price called at an elderly couple’s home in Ferryside and told them that their guttering needed replacing. They agreed to the work. Price did not provide them with any cancellation rights. Whilst on site he came to the door and told the husband that he had a puncture. While the husband took his car to the garage he told the wife the job was finished and asked for his payment of £500. The husband returned having discovered that there was no puncture and that someone had l

Free fun at Carmarthen River Festival

Young people can take part in a range of free activities at the Carmarthen River Festival during Saturday June 19 and Sunday June 20 at Quayside, Carmarthen. Activities including children’s workshops, face painting and story sessions will be available and dance groups and circus groups will be putting on a spectacular show. Carmarthenshire Youth Service will be providing a climbing wall for young people wanting to take to the challenge of reaching the top of the 27 foot wall as well as the Mobi vehicle, run in partnership between Carmarthenshire Youth Service and Plant Dewi. The Mobi vehicle will give young people the opportunity to use the multi media equipment on board and youth workers will be present to provide young people between the ages of 11-25 with information on a range of issues and how to get involved in youth activities. The 3Ts (Tywi, Teifi and Taf) Youth Team will soon be re-locating at the Quay Centre, formerly the Carmarthen Heritage Centre, and will offer targeted su

Spring-clean for Cross Hands subway

Gwendraeth Youth Forum has received a grant of £5,200 from Tidy Towns to support a subway clean up project. The Youth Forum are giving up their free time to work on Cross Hands Subway after it was identified by young people that the Subway was untidy and vandalised. They hope to start on revamping the subway in July and any young people from the Gwendreath area wanting to take part in the project are welcome to attend. Young people from the Youth Forum have been working with Carmarthenshire County Council and graffiti Artist Lloyd Roberts to design and eye-catching mural that will replace the existing graffiti and vandalism at the Subway. Co-op Crosshands will be providing refreshments to the young people during the project. Charlene Dvaies, Chairperson of the Gwendreath Youth Forum said:“With the support of the County Council, Tidy Towns, Llannon Town Council and the South Wales Trunk Road Agency we have been able to develop this much needed project and I can’t wait to see our hard wo

Quote of the day

"Well, Jeez. I don't like this..." - Steve Jobs, whose new iPhone lost internet connection, as he was launching it to the world. It's a frustrating message familiar to millions of iPhone owners: "Cannot open page - Safari cannot open the page because it is not connected to the internet". But Apple boss Steve Jobs wasn't on a train going through a tunnel. He was making the keynote speech at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco!

Trial date for young Llanelli Reds

The Llanelli Reds Under 12 squad for next season will be holding a further trial and training session at Coleg Sir Gar, Llanelli, on Wednesday 16th June at 6pm. Meanwhile, on the senior front, the Pre-European games will now be played at Stebonheath Park. The revised schedule will be : SATURDAY 19th JUNE 1pm PORT TALBOT TOWN v LLANELLI U21s 4pm LLANELLI v THE NEW SAINTS TUESDAY 22ND JUNE 7pm LLANELLI v PORT TALBOT TOWN There will be no game played on the Wednesday night as previously arranged.

Ceredigion MP launches Universities Week

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Mark Williams MP, the Member of Parliament for Ceredigion, officially launched Universities Week at Aberystwyth University today. Organised by Universities UK, the ‘What’s the Big Idea?’ Universities Week runs from the 14-20 June and provides an opportunity for Universities to highlight achievements to a wide audience. Mr Williams is an alumnus of the University and is one of twelve Aberystwyth graduates who were elected to parliament at the recent General Election. At the launch, Mr Williams, who studied Politics and graduated in 1987, returned to the flagship International Politics Department on Penglais Campus. During his visit, Mr Williams met with the University’s Vice Chancellor; Julian Smyth, Director of Development and Alumni Relations; the Head of the International Politics Department, Professor Michael Foley; and staff of the International Politics Department. Commenting on Mr Williams’ visit and the launch of Universities Week, Professor Noel Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of Aber

Reds to play Swansea City at Stebo

The Llanelli Reds will play Swansea City in a pre season friendly at Stebonheath Park on Tuesday 20th July. KO 7.30pm. The Swans plan to bring a full strength squad to Stebonheath in what will be their last match before jetting off to Holland for their pre-season tour. Admission prices for this game will be Adults £7 OAP'S & U16s £5 FAMILY TICKET £10 (Adult and 2 children u16)

Cash boost for Capel Iwan firm

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A Carmarthenshire energy business is moving into a state-of-the-art new home thanks to a cash windfall. The owners of Beacon Stoves are celebrating a £96,905 grant to convert a redundant building into a brand new base for the flourishing company. The firm, which was set up in 1985, currently operates from a house and outbuildings at Parc Gwair, Capel Iwan. Owners Ben and Francoise Graham are now realising their expansion dream thanks to a Rural Conversion Grant. Work is underway on the low energy building which is being built from local timber and will be heated with renewable energy. A building that was originally used to house pigs on the site is being converted to include a new modern showroom, training room, store rooms and entrance lobby. The project will safeguard four jobs and create another three, as well as providing a workshop for training in the installation of environmentally friendly heating systems. Owner Ben Graham said he was delighted with the grant funding. “It has be

Aberystwyth gears up for Universities Week

Aberystwyth University is participating in the national campaign to highlight the wider role of Universities within their local communities and on a national and global scale. Organised by Universities UK, the ‘What’s the Big Idea?’ Universities Week runs from the 14-20 June and provides an opportunity for Universities to explain their achievements to a wide audience. Aberystwyth University continues to play an important role within mid Wales as an educator, employer and supporter of businesses and other organisations. During the week, the University will be celebrating its achievements and inviting individuals to learn more about the University and the invaluable role it plays within the local area. Commenting on the participation of the University in the Universities UK campaign, Professor Noel Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of the University said: “I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the University and of its staff, students and alumni. Its continuing successes on a local, nati

CBE for Llanelli's Neol Lloyd

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Professor Noel Lloyd, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, has been awarded the CBE for services to Higher Education in Wales in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The announcement has been welcomed by Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of Aberystwyth University. “We welcome this much deserved recognition of Professor Lloyd’s conspicuous contribution to Aberystwyth University, both as Vice-Chancellor and previously as Registrar. This honour reflects not just the huge contribution to Aberystwyth, but the role he plays as Chair of Higher Education Wales”, he said. Llanelli-born Professor Lloyd said: “It is a great honour for me personally to receive this award. It also reflects an appreciation of the contribution that Aberystwyth University and Higher Education in Wales have made, and continue to make, both culturally and economically.” “It is particularly apt that the announcement coincides with Universities Week (14th – 20th June) which will be a celebration of the wide and varied r

Carmarthen Journal 200th birthday bash

Pictures of the Journal 200th anniversary party at Ffos Las are on the following site - http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/galleries/Carmarthen-Journal-Bicentenary-gallery-2296992-detail/gallery.html

New structure agreed for Welsh Premier League

Clubs unanimously approved a new fixture structure for the Welsh Premier soccer league next season at the league's AGM in Llandudno. After the north and south Wales clubs had already given the thumbs-up to a 32-fixture format at earlier meetings, the vote was a formality as the league prepares for its first campaign with just 12 clubs. Under the proposal, the clubs will play each other twice before a mid-season split, which will probably take place around the end of January. Teams in the top six and bottom six will then play each other twice more to complete the 32 games, before play-offs between the clubs finishing in third to seventh place to decide the third Europa League spot. If the Welsh Cup winners - who qualify automatically for the Europa League - are amongst the play-off places, the eighth club will also feature in the finale to the season. It was also confirmed that the FAW Premier Cup will not be revived next season, but that the Loosemores League Cup will be played on

Catholic Magazine Cover Fail

Catholic Magazine Cover Fail (PHOTO) Oh dear!

First anniversary for Ffos Las

Ffos Las racecourse marks its first anniversary fixture - the 20th since the racecourse opened 12 months ago - on the evening of Thursday 17 June. During the first 19 fixtures, almost 70,000 visitors have passed through the gates to watch a total of 127 races and more than 1,100 racehorses. The average attendance has been more than 3,500 people. Clerk of the Course Tim Long said: "The racecourse has come a long way in a very short time. People have really taken Ffos Las to their hearts - they view it as 'their' racecourse and have supported us in big numbers, especially at our feature meetings. Now, we are looking forward very much to welcoming everyone for our first anniversary fixture - Sinclair Group Ladies' Night on Thursday 17 June." TIMELINE AND FACTFILE: JUNE 2009 - JUNE 2010 18 June 2009: The first new racecourse on turf in Britain for more than 70 years opens in front of a 10,000 crowd. The Welsh-trained jumps racehorse Plunkett makes history as the fi

MP3 guided tours for Carmarthenshire

MP3 guided tours are to be launched in rural parts of Carmarthenshire as part of a new tourist drive. State-of-the-art technology will be used to inform visitors about sights of natural beauty, local landmarks, history and culture. Special audio commentary will be put together as part of a new aural tour guide. It will include suggestions for local cycle trails, walks, historical attractions, and give information in four languages on places to visit and services in the area. The ‘Ar dy Feic’ project is aimed at encouraging visitors to the county to explore beyond the usual tourist trail. The MP3 tours will be available from community halls, Tourist Information Centres, B&Bs and pubs in rural areas. A part time officer will be appointed to research routes and collate information for the trials. Carmarthen and the surrounding area will be concentrated on first and will be followed by other parts of the county over the coming months. Project leaders hope they will encourage walking an

Cwrt Henri riverbank operation a success

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A huge operation to clear a Carmarthenshire riverbank of invasive plants has been hailed a success. Volunteers spent a day cleaning up the banks of the River Dulas in Cwrt Henri. The aim was to clear rubbish and the highly invasive Himalayan Balsam from the site. Staff from the county council led Tywi Afon y Oesoedd project were joined by volunteers from Trinity University College’s outdoor pursuits course, and Tidy Towns officers. Hilary Foster from the Environment Agency and Gethin Thomas from the Rivers Trust also attended. The students learnt that Himalayan Balsam is a highly invasive non native species. Its rapid growth allows it to out-compete all other plant species that grow on the river bank. By removing the plants before they set seed the students helped to ensure a more diverse collection of native species will grow and thrive. Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd Volunteer Officer Helena Burke said: “We are grateful to the landowners in Cwrt Henri who gave us permission to access the river

Llanelli eyesore transformed

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A Llanelli eyesore which has been transformed into a community garden and play area has been unveiled in a wave of celebrations. The Penymorfa garden has been totally transformed on wasteland behind Dolau Fawr in New Dock. Residents have joined forces with Communities First Glanymor and Tyisha to clean up the land which had been blighted by vandalism and flytipping. Scores of people attended the official opening at the weekend, and enjoyed a BBQ, sports games for children, and workshops on street art and healthy eating. Project leaders say they are delighted by the success of the project and the response from the community. Communities First officers secured £50,000 of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Local Environmental Quality Fund, and a further £18,110 from its Tidy Towns initiative for the scheme. Development Worker Faye Davies said: “This project was embraced by residents from the very start and it has been so encouraging to receive the support from the community. “Th

‘Nye would turn in his grave at care home bill’

WalesOnline - News - Wales News - ‘Nye would turn in his grave at care home bill’ Very sad story.