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

Sports Aid Cymru Wales presented a special award to Carmarthen heavyweight boxer Kevin Evans at their lunch held at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen, yesterday. The presentation was made by Sports Aid chairman Nigel Harrison-Rees. For more pictures from the event, see - http://picasaweb.google.com/robertapvincent/SportsAidCymruWalesInCarmarthen#

Off to Sports Aid Cymru Wales lunch at the Ivy Bush, Carmarthen. Steve Fenwick, former Wales and British Lion, is the guest speaker. Guess who's doing the auction?

A new website has been launched for the Welsh Cooperative of Christmas Tree Growers. The Welsh Cooperative of Christmas Tree Growers is a partnership of four of the best-known and best-respected Christmas tree growers and producers in Wales. They are - Evergreen Christmas Trees Edbran Ddu, Felindre, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1YN 01547 510346 Fax 01547 510662 evergreentrees@gmail.com evergreen-christmastrees.co.uk Gower Fresh Christmas Trees Poundffald Farm, Three Crosses, Gower 07811 949239 info@gower-fresh-christmas-trees.com http://www.gower-fresh-christmas-trees.com Cambrian Trees Bryneithyn Farm Ystrad Meurig Ceredigion 01974 282292 or mobile 07890 490467 cambrian.trees@btinternet.com http://cambriantrees.co.uk Cymru Christmas Trees Llanddarog, Carmarthen 01558 669128 or mobile 07710 380010 Cymru.trees@virgin.net www.cymru-christmas-trees.co.uk You can find the website at - http://welshchristmastrees.co.uk

Two businessmen who have the ‘Santa’ spirit have come to the rescue of a long-running festive children's competition at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. The Carmarthen Journal reported last week that the cry ‘timber’ had been heard over a competition which challenges primary schools to decorate a Christmas tree. The Forestry Commission was unable to provide any Christmas trees and Garden spokesman David Hardy last week issued a public appeal for trees. His call was swiftly answered by members of the new Welsh Cooperative of Christmas Tree Growers. “We couldn’t stand by and leave the axe hanging over a competition which is greatly valued by the schoolchildren who take part,” said cooperative spokesman Roger Hunt, who lives within tree-felling distance of the Garden. Mr Hunt added: “Two of the partners in the cooperative have come to the rescue – Cymru Christmas Trees and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees. “Cymru Christmas Trees is my business and Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is owned

Ammanford Nursery School is taking part in a new international environmental education project. The programme is part of a Comenuis Project with links to schools in Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Romania, Poland and Sweden. The objectives of the project are to promote positive attitudes towards European environmental issues. Pupils will experience different environmental issues such as climate and soil types and how different countries can grow vegetables and fruit at different times of the year. All of the schools involved will exchange tasks every term regarding their school gardens. Education executive board member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge said: “This is an excellent initiative which will help pupils care for their own environment and appreciate other cultures.” Staff have recently returned from Perugia in Italy where they met with the other countries’ representatives to organise tasks for the year, and visited a number of schools to observe how the garden project is introdu

Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, former Secretary General of NATO and Defence Secretary during the first Blair government, spoke about the challenges of "turbo-charged power" when he delivered the 7th Annual Lecture of the Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies at Aberystwyth University tonight. The title of Lord Robertson’s lecture was ‘Security, Policy-makers and Intelligence’. He said politicians at the sharp end of making decisions on intelligence had a massive task. Lord Roberston said:"They have to weigh up the assessments, measure the caveats, discount the wordsmithing, think of the ‘general public’, its safety and security and come to a judgement. "Do something or do nothing. "Get it right and you are briefly a hero. "Get it wrong and the caveats will string you out to dry. "That’s what turbo-charged power is all about." For the full text of Lord Robertson's speech, see - https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=exp

A Llanelli photographer who has worked with some of the world's top celebrities has called for the creation of a National Portrait Gallery for Wales. Terry Morris has created portraits of stars such as Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Tom Jones. He will be a keynote speaker at the Festival of Welsh Documentary Photography held at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. The event takes place on Friday 19 November and Saturday 20 November 2010. See BBC story - http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/midwales/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9197000/9197968.stm

Adults with learning disabilities have put on an art and craft exhibition at County Hall, Carmarthen. Members of the council’s STEPS day units displayed their wares at the November meeting of full council, which was held to raise awareness of their work and to celebrate their recent achievements. One of the art groups, from STEPs II Cam Cyntaf, based in Johnstown, was recognised on a national level at the National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale in August. The competition was open to all adults with a learning disability living in Wales. Of the 30 pieces of artwork displayed at the exhibition, six were from Cam Cyntaf, and one of the paintings - ‘Waterfall’ by service user David Ashworth - took a bronze award. Gareth John, Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said: “The art and photography group has been developed over a number of years and is an important factor in individuals’ development. Art is a learning process which takes in colour recognition, improves hand to eye co-ordina

Competing for a sporting cup was the latest challenge for members of stroke support groups from across Carmarthenshire. The three local Stroke Association communication support groups - based in Carmarthen, Llanelli and Llandysul - joined together to compete for the Communication Cup. The event was organised by the Stroke Association and Carmarthenshire Council’s sports development team. Now an annual event for local people who have survived a stroke, the participants paired up for a boccia tournament at Parc Y Scarlets. After some friendly competition, the Carmarthen pair of Carl Coates and Thomas Griffiths emerged victorious, beating Llandysul pair Hilary Roberts and Vony Jones. The Stroke Association’s Christine Wheeler-Jones said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event. It can be very competitive but taking part in sport and activities like this can really help with aspects like movement. “Many of those who take part make a huge effort to be able to play but get so much out of it i

Carmarthenshire County Council employees are being invited to give their health and wellbeing a once over. The authority’s occupational health team is hosting a health fayre at Llanelli Town Hall on Tuesday, November 23, from 11am to 3pm. Staff will be able to take part in screenings including glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, as well as stress assessments, and nutrition and lifestyle advice. They will also be able to indulge in some massage and reflexology tasters, and get some information from the leisure department’s Fusion and Vitality teams. Cllr Pat Jones, the council’s executive board member for health and social care, said: “The authority has held successful health fayres in previous years, and we have always been encouraged by the number of staff that attend. “The fayre provides an ideal opportunity for staff to take a quick look at their overall health, and if any issues are identified, our teams are able to point them in the right direction to get some help.”

A Carmarthen woman has been fined for putting her rubbish out four days early - and in the wrong place. It follows a number of complaints to the council from residents and local businesses about black bags in Nott Square. Council environmental enforcement officers issued the woman with a fixed penalty notice of £75 for littering. Not only had she put out her refuse four days before it was due to be collected, but she had failed to put it in the designated collection point. Failure to pay the fine could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court. It is now hoped this fine will act as a warning to other residents who are putting their refuse out for collection too early. The council’s executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “Unfortunately there is an ongoing problem in Nott Square with residents putting their refuse out days before it is due to be collected and very often in the wrong place. Not only can this attract vermin and other pests, but it caus

This morning’s heavy rain caused a number of flash floods across Carmarthenshire. Staff from the council’s Street Scene section had a busy morning responding to calls from residents, although there were no major incidents. The Llanelli area was the worst affected with flooding to a number of properties in Bridge Street, Llangennech, and Glyncoed Terrace, Halfway, caused by high river levels. A number of roads were also flooded including one of the access roads to Trostre Retail Park which had to be closed. Although the worst of the weather is over, further heavy showers are expected tonight and into tomorrow. Motorists are therefore advised to take extra care and be mindful of the driving conditions, particularly during rush hour. With high winds and heavy rainfall, extreme caution should be exercised whilst driving due to many roads being subject to partial flooding. With these conditions comes the increased risk of aquaplaning and possible loss of vehicle control. Motorists are also

The 2010 Institute of Welsh Politics Annual Lecture, due to be given by the Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan MP, on Thursday 18th November 2010, has unfortunately had to be postponed. Professor Roger Scully, Director of the Institute of Welsh Politics, said: “We had very much looked forward to welcoming the Secretary of State for Wales to give the Annual Lecture. While we are disappointed that the she has had to postpone her visit on this occasion we very much hope that it might be possible to reschedule the lecture at some point in the near future.” See earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/cheryl-gillan-to-give-aberystwyth.html

Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, former Secretary General of NATO and Defence Secretary during the first Blair government, will deliver the 7th Annual Lecture of the Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies at Aberystwyth University today, Wednesday 17 November. The title of Lord Robertson’s lecture is ‘Security, Policy-makers and Intelligence’. The lecture takes place at the Old Hall, Old College, Aberystwyth University and starts at 7pm.

Llanelli families are being encouraged to volunteer for a national research project which evaluates how strengthening the family unit can help prevent young people from misusing alcohol and drugs. The prestigious research project, funded by the National Prevention Research Initiative, is led by Cardiff University in collaboration with Swansea University and Oxford Brookes University. Carmarthenshire County Council is one of only six local authorities across the UK to be chosen to deliver the Strengthening Families Programme. Any Llanelli family, with children aged 10-14, can volunteer to be part of the next phase of the scheme, which will take place at Bryn School, starting on January 10. The programme runs after school in short two-and-a-half hour sessions over a period of seven weeks. The sessions are informal, and food and refreshments are provided. There are also prizes for taking part, and childcare and play activities for any younger children in the family. Programmes have alread

The review of luncheon club provision in Carmarthenshire has been considered a resounding success. The county council’s health and social care scrutiny committee has heard that every luncheon club previously under local authority control is now being successfully run by a third sector, voluntary, or private group. It means older people are no longer restricted by eligibility criteria the council had to have in place to control access to the clubs, and the clubs are now able to expand and offer better services to its members. There have also been unforeseen benefits. The transport resources that were previously used for the luncheon clubs has now been freed up to assist Hywel Dda Health Board with transport for hospital discharges and transporting patients for renal dialysis – a service which has been much appreciated by patients and health board staff. The health and social care scrutiny committee established a Task and Finish Group in 2008/09 to review luncheon club provision, with th

Staff at Carmarthenshire Direct have been inundated with calls today from people reporting weather-related incidents. The heavy rain and winds have caused some problems across the county, including a report of a tree which had fallen in the Pendine area. By 9.15am staff had already taken over 110 calls, answering each one within an average of 40 seconds. Customer Care executive board member Cllr Kevin Madge said: “We are dealing with an unusually high volume of calls due to weather related incidents, and although staff are coping extremely well, we would ask people to be patient if they can’t get through to us immediately.” People are also being urged to be aware of the current driving conditions. With high winds and heavy rainfall, extreme caution should be exercised whilst driving due to many roads being subject to partial flooding. With these conditions comes the increased risk of aquaplaning and possible loss of vehicle control. Motorists are also urged to be mindful of pedestrians

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' column, as featured in this week's Carmarthen Journal newspaper - As reported in a previous column, nominations are being sought for the next president of Carmarthen Town AFC. We are also looking for nominations for the post of assistant secretary, to help Executive Committee chairman and secretary Gareth (GO) Jones. The assistant secretary’s role will focus on the licensing matters at Richmond Park, a ground which has achieved UEFA status. The date of the extraordinary meeting will be decided at the next Executive Committee but is likely to be December 10. The extraordinary meeting may also feature a question and answer session with Town Manager Tomi Morgan. Nominations should be in writing, with a proposer and seconder, and presented to the Secretary/Chairman. The meeting is open to Gold Members, Vice Presidents and season ticket holders. If you wish to post your nomination, then please send to Gareth Jones,3 Meysydd y Coleg, Caerfyrdd

Revellers in Carmarthenshire are urged to apply immediately to licence their events, or face disappointment over the festive period. Carmarthenshire County Council, which issues Temporary Event Notices within the county, wishes to encourage those wishing to hold a public event or extend their existing hours over the Christmas and New Year period to submit their applications promptly. Activities covered by the Temporary Event Notices (TEN) are: Sales by retail of alcohol for consumption either off or on the premises or both; the supply of alcohol by or on behalf of a club to, or to the order of a member of a club; the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshments (between 11pm and 5am). Events covered by a Temporary Events Notice (TEN) can last for up to 96 hours and must involve no more than 499 people. Anyone wishing to apply for a ‘TEN’ must submit two copies of the application to the council at least 10 working days excluding the day of the event

The switching on of St Clears Christmas lights will take place on Sunday November 28. The 'Pentre' will be closed from 2-9pm for the event and the lights will be switched on at 6pm. There will be food and craft stalls throughout the day and street entertainment with the Party Bus, skating rink and fairground. Radio Carmarthenshire and Radio Pembrokeshire will provide local entertainment. There will be a competition for best dressed commercial business and refreshments will be available on the street. The Carnival Parade will be led by a vintage steam engine and it is hoped to have 10 floats on the parade. Every float will receive a £50 cash gift and the best float wins £250. The Parade will do two tours of the town – the second parade accompanies Santa. The Christmas lights will be turned on at 6pm accompanied by a short firework display.

Leading West Wales chartered accountants and business consultants Clay Shaw Butler have welcomed the start of Global Entrepreneurship Week – a campaign which puts the focus on job creation. “The slogan, ‘It’s time to make a job, not take a job’ , should make us all sit up and think,” said Clay Shaw Butler director David Butler. “It is in hard economic times such as now that our fighting spirit and entrepreneurial flair needs to come to the fore. “It’s a time when we can all help each other – and one of the ways of doing that is by being innovative and helping to launch the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.” Mr Butler said he was hugely encouraged by the entrepreneurial spirit in West Wales and Wales as a whole. He said more needed to be done to get young people to focus on the reality – “If jobs are not readily available, then young people need to have the courage to take their ideas into the world of business and make them work,” he said. “For that to work, it is crucial for the Government t

A ‘Bubbles and Chic’ night is being held at The Inspiration Suite at The Village Hotel, Swansea, on Thursday night (Nov 18) in aid of the Healing The Wounds Golden Grove Mansion Appeal. The charity is raising funds to establish a convalescent home in Wales for Welsh servicemen and servicewomen. The Bubbles and Chic night will feature ideas galore for Christmas shopping – stalls featuring hair and beauty, photography, gifts, fashion, textiles and food. There will be entertainment from former X Factor finalist James Williams and fashion from the Helen Rhiannon designer label. Tickets are £10 in advance, or £12 at the door, available through Helen Rhiannon on 07867 915993.

The mini-football match staged at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, was a big success last Friday night. I am grateful to Phil Grice, pictured above with the two teams, for the following match report - Johnstown Primary 0 Ysgol y Dderwen 0 Spectators at last Friday's Carmarthen Town home Premiership match against Port Talbot were treated to a first class half-time game of mini-football by these two talented school teams. Johnstown had the best of the first half almost scoring when Sion Price, flashing through the Dderwen defence was clattered down in a clumsy tackle. This might well have been a red card in the main match, but in true mini-football tradition the referee played the advantage and Dderwen's goalkeeper Thomas Jones pulled off a fine save, to deny Johnstown. Ysgol y Dderwen came into their own in the second half with a flurry of shots which saw Johnstown's goalkeeper Sion Copper pull off some fine saves. But these were two very even teams and a drawn match was a fair if

A sheltered housing complex in Llanelli has been given a makeover. Tenants at Clos Llanfihangel are celebrating after major refurbishment works were completed at their homes. Brand new kitchens have been installed in all the flats and bungalows at the Dafen site. Bathroom upgrades have been carried out, with wet rooms developed for some tenants. Double glazing and new boilers have been installed to make the homes warmer and more energy efficient, and new fire surrounds have been added. Smoke and heat detectors which are directly linked to the council’s 24 hour emergency response service Careline have also been put in. The work is part of a £200 million scheme to improve Carmarthenshire’s council homes. The County Council is behind the award winning Homes Standard programme, aimed at improving its housing stock and regenerating housing estates. Sheltered Scheme Officer Beth Warton said the tenants were thrilled with the works. She said: “The refurbishment works have provided real improv

On Thursday (November 18), the Institute of Welsh Politics is very pleased to welcome the Rt. Hon. Cheryl Gillan MP to deliver its 12th Annual Lecture. Cheryl Gillan was elected Member of Parliament for Chesham and Amersham in April, 1992. She was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Wales by David Cameron in December 2005 and following the General Election of May 2010 she was appointed Secretary of State for Wales. Her lecture at the Department of International Politics, Aberystwyth University, is entitled ‘Respect: The New Politics’. The lecture will look at the changing relationship between the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government, and between Westminster and the National Assembly following May’s General Election. Born in Llandaff, Cardiff and educated at Cheltenham Ladies College and the College of Law, her previous occupations include working on the International Management Group, Director of British Film Year, Senior Marketing Consultant, Ernst and Young, and Market

Carmarthenshire councillors are to visit the former Grillo Works site at Burry Port Harbour to consider plans for housing development there. The planning committee voted for a site visit and were told that the Welsh Assembly Government had instructed the council not to make a decision on the application now. The scheme by Castletown Estates Ltd is for redevelopment of the former works for residential development and up to 465sqm of retail leisure floor space landscaping, public open space, remediation and associated works. The site lies about 500m to the south of the town centre, and largely comprises of the former Grillo Zinc Oxide industrial factory site, which has now been cleared. The former industrial site takes up the majority of the application site, whilst the remainder of the application site consists of land in Carmarthenshire County Council/Welsh Assembly Government joint ownership to the immediate west and south, which has been included for site access and public realm impr

Carmarthenshire food producers have won a clutch of awards at the Wales True Taste Food and Drink Awards 2010-11. Among the special awards presented was the True Taste Champion which was awarded to food writer and broadcaster Simon Wright of Carmarthenshire restaurant Y Polyn in Capel Dewi. Paul Oeppen of Hazelwell Organic Farm, Ciffig, Whitland, won Silver for cannon of lamb; Elfyn Davies of San Cler Organic, Glancynnin, St Clears, won Gold for Strained Yoghurt with Lemon Curd and Bronze for Strained Yoghurt with Apricot. Steve Peace of Carmarthenshire Cheese Co, Boksburg Hall, Llanllwch, won Gold for Llangloffan Smoked; Carwyn Adams of Caws Cenarth, Fferm Glyneithinog, Lancych, won Gold for Golden Cenarth. Juliet Morris of Ystrad Farm Organics, Ystrad, Brechfa, won Silver for Leg of Hill Radnor Hogget. Roland Watkins of Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill, Gorslas, won Gold for Direct Sales; Elizabeth McGill, of Just So Scrumptious, Kings Road, Llandovery, won Bronze for Deli/Specialist St

If you know someone who should be recognised for their sporting talent then get nominating for Carmarthenshire County Council’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards. The Council’s Sports Development Unit with Carmarthenshire Local Sports Council, is holding its annual Sports Personality Awards on Wednesday 26th January 2011 for the first time at the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen. Earlier this year Llanelli wonder hurdler David Greene was nominated Carmarthenshire’s Sports Personality of the year and he has had a brilliant year capped recently with Commonwealth Gold Medal. This is your chance to nominate a sports personality for one of the following 11 categories: Sports personality of the year, young sportsman of the year; young sportswoman of the year; disabled sportsman of the year, disabled sportswoman of the year; sports coach of the year, sports volunteer of the year; young sports volunteer of the year, team of the year; young team of the year and The Ryan Jones memorial award for ou

Carmarthenshire County Council has been granted outline planning permission for housing at the site of the former Garnant CP School. The county planning approved the application for about nine homes at the site in New School Road. The old school was demolished about four years ago.

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being urged to take part in the Great Bin Bypass and reduce their rubbish. Carmarthenshire County Council and Waste Awareness Wales are supporting the European Week for Waste Reduction from November 20 to 28. Householders are being encouraged to try and reduce their waste as much as possible as not only will it help the environment but it will also save them money too. Waste Awareness Wales’ Georgina Taubman said: “The Great Bin Bypass is not about stopping shopping or about sacrificing your luxuries in any way. It’s about thinking about whether you need to buy something, using it as long as you can, then, if appropriate, passing it on to someone who can make use of it instead of just throwing it away.” In Carmarthenshire we are now recycling almost 45 per cent of our household waste – but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t think about what we throw away. Council sustainability officer Tina Brice said: “Because we are recycling more than ever before it woul

Details of plans for 66 new houses in Llangunnor have been approved by Carmarthenshire Councillors. The county planning committee approved a reserved matters application for residential development on land at Brynheulog Farm, Roman Road. The planning permission is subject to a Section 106 agreement that 22 per cent of the properties will be affordable housing, that a commuted sum of £68,000 is provided for the maintenance of the on-site public open space coupled with improvements to the existing recreation facilities within Llangunnor, along with a commuted sum of £32,000 for off-site highway improvement works. The development will consist of a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses, all of which will be either detached, semi-detached or terraced properties. There will be a range of nine different house types throughout the development, the terraced and semi-detached properties forming the affordable houses within the development.

Security fencing can be erected at Brynamman CP School, Carmarthenshire planners have decided. The county planning committee approved an application by the local education authority to carry out the work at the school in Brynceunant, Upper Brynamman. An officers’ report to the committee said: “The proposed fence is now quite typical in terms of school locations and would not harm the amenity of nearby residents or the openness of the area, whilst offering increased security for the school.”

There will be a ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ theme to this Friday’s food and craft market in St Clears. Waste awareness officers from Carmarthenshire County Council will be attending with some hints and tips on how residents can cut down on their food waste. There will also be a cooking demonstration from Lisa Fearn of Pumpkin Patch who will be showing us how leftovers can be used to make another meal. Figures show that in the UK we throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink every year. Not only is it harmful to the environment but it is means we are wasting a total of £12 billion on food and drink every year – that’s £480 per household per year or £50 a month. Carmarthenshire County Council is supporting the European Week for Waste Reduction which is being held from November 20 to 28. The aim is to encourage people to think about how much waste they produce and what they can do to reduce it. Council sustainability officer Tina Brice said: “Just a few simple changes to your daily routin

A former Ammanford motor trader has pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Crown Court to selling dangerous cars. John Cecil Albert Holton traded as Cymru Trade Auction Centre in Ammanford. He pleaded guilty to offences under the General Products Safety Regulations 2005 - Section 8, of supplying a Mazda 323 and a Mitsubishi Space Cruiser in a dangerous condition and three offences of exposing unsafe and dangerous vehicles for sale. The prosecution was brought after Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards Service officers visited Cymru Trade Auction Centre and later received complaints from customers. The defects on the Mitsubishi Space Wagon was the most serious with our engineer commenting that it was the worst he had seen in the 35 years he had been an examiner. The court heard that 67-year-old Holton, who now lives in St Leonards, Dorset, had serious health problems, no assets and could not afford to pay a fine or costs. Holton was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order with a curfe

Ysgol Glan y Mor in Burry Port has been granted planning permission for alterations under the Disability Discrimination Act and adaptations. Carmarthenshire County Council planning committee approved an application for a new ramp for means of escape and associated minor external works to the rear north western part of the building; replace existing windows with new on the south eastern façade of the building; and replace a section of flat roof also to the south east part of the building.

Planning permission has been given for two double mobile classrooms in the grounds of Furnace CP School. Carmarthenshire County Council planning committee also granted consent for a replacement single mobile classroom and access improvements. The demountable classrooms are envisaged to be a temporary measure only, with longer term plans for a new purpose built school within the area.

Elderly tenants in the Amman Valley have had their homes turned into mini palaces. Major refurbishment work has been carried out at the Pantyboblen sheltered housing complex in Tycroes. Brand new kitchens have been installed in all the flats, along with new double glazed windows and doors. Painting work has also been carried out to the delight of tenants. The work is part of a £200 million scheme to improve Carmarthenshire’s council homes. The County Council is behind the Homes Standard programme, aimed at improving its housing stock and regenerating housing estates. Tenant Myra Davies, aged 67, said she was thrilled with the works. She said: “I have just had a new kitchen installed and the room painted and it has made such a difference. “I am very happy with the work and the workmen were considerate the whole time they were here. “It is a lovely flat and the new kitchen has made it even nicer.” Under the 10 year work programme, new kitchens and bathrooms are being installed for thousa

Some people move to the seaside to put their feet up and relax. Chartered Accountants and Business Consultants Clay Shaw Butler have moved to Porthcawl for very different reasons. “Porthcawl is a magical place with plenty of businesses eager to show it is a vibrant place to live and work 365 days of the year,” said Clay Shaw Butler director David Butler. “Porthcawl is a place full of enterprise and get-up-and-go businesspeople. We want to be a part of that enthusiastic atmosphere.” With that in mind, Clay Shaw Butler (already firmly established as one of the leading accountancy and consultancy businesses in West Wales) opened a new office at The Dunes Business Centre, Porthcawl, in October. Mr Butler said: “We have felt for some time that businesses in Porthcawl were not receiving the proactive and supportive service they deserve. Hopefully, our new office will enable them to receive the advice and help they need to progress and succeed.” The key player in representing Clay Shaw Butler

Thanks to you, dear readers and visitors, this blog is continuing to pick up more hits. It's now hit the 17,000 page views mark. That's a 1,000 views since November 2. Keep the hits coming, folks! Many thanks. See earlier blog - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/16000-visits-chalked-up.html Meanwhile, the blog has chalked up its first visitor from Hong Kong. The full country by country list (figures from January 6) is as follows - United Kingdom (GB) 4,539; United States (US) 484; India (IN) 50; Germany (DE) 38; Australia (AU) 37; Europe (EU) 34; Canada (CA) 33; Qatar (QA) 29; Ireland (IE) 25; Japan (JP) 23; France (FR) 20; Italy (IT) 17; Malaysia (MY) 15; Netherlands (NL) 13; Belgium (BE) 13; New Zealand (NZ) 11; United Arab Emirates (AE) 11; Spain (ES) 10; Russian Federation (RU) 9; Philippines (PH) 9; Singapore (SG) 9; Sweden (SE) 8; Denmark (DK) 7; Austria (AT) 6; Pakistan (PK) 6; South Africa (ZA) 5; Greece (GR) 5; Norway (NO) 5; Bahrain (BH) 5; Poland (PL) 4; Romania

I am grateful to Del Phillips for the following report on the Llanelli Rotary Club boxing dinner - A technical hitch caused a late switch of venue from Parc y Scarlets to the Diplomat Hotel for the HARK charity boxing dinner. However, the enthusiastic assembled diners and seated audience thoroughly enjoyed the event, held by Llanelli Rotary Club in conjunction with Trostre Amateur Boxing Club. The first bout, an exhibition, saw 11-year-old Kyle Price of Llanelli's Melbourne ABC face 12-year-old Jordan Marshall from Gwendraeth Valley ABC. Both boys put everything into their first public outing and the action was fast and furious, with no declared winner but a very appreciative crowd. Next up was 15-year-old Dion Wright of the Afan ABC against Sean Keenan of Melbourne. The bout made at 57 kilos saw Keenan emerge a narrow winner on points. Trostre's 15-year-old Ellis Davison — weighing 14st and standing at 6ft 3in — had his first bout against Edmond Price of Melbourne. Davison'

The 'fixtures list' for Cor Meibion Llanelli for 2011 (so far) reads as follows - Tuesday, January 18, Bakers Convention at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, 7pm. Tuesday, March 1, St David’s Day concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli, 7pm. Saturday, April 30, Concert at Shaftsbury. Saturday, July 16, Annual Concert at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, 7pm. Saturday, August 20, Llanelli Festival at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llaneli. Wednesday, October 26 to Sunday, October 30, proposed visit to s’Hertogenbosch in Holland.

The 'latest fixtures' for Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Choir) are as follows - Monday, November 15, Festival of Light service at St Elli shopping centre, Llanelli, 6.30pm. Wednesday, November 24, Ticket sales at Tesco stores, Llanelli, 9.30am-11.30am. Sunday, November 28, Concert at Llangain. Sunday, December 5, Charity Lunch for the NSPCC at the Mansion House, Llanelli. Friday, December 10, Ticket sales at Llanelli Market, 9.30am-11.30am. Monday, December 13, Ticket sales at Llanelli Market, 9.30am-11.30am. Wednesday, December 15, Christmas Raffle Draw at Stebonheath, Llanelli, 7pm. Sunday, December 18, Christmas Concert at Theatr Elli, Llaneli, 7pm. Monday, December 20, Carol Service at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, 5pm.

Carmarthen Town could be without first choice goalkeeper Mike Lewis for two months. See last weekend's match report - http://www.carmarthentownafc.net Town are currently fifth in the Welsh Premier League, with the all-important top and bottom half dozen mid-season split approaching at a rate of knots.

Splendid feature (and picture) on the new Harry Buckley ale in the Western Mail today. The ale is being produced by the Evan-Evans brewery in Llandeilo. See previous post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-beer-celebrates-eight-generations.html See Western Mail/Media Wales story - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news//2010/11/15/harry-gets-his-own-beer-at-the-age-of-just-four-months-91466-27657987/?campaign=Wales_email_newsam:20101115

Nice piece about Cor Meibion Llanelli and their maroon blazers on BBC Cymru news and website this week - http://news.bbc.co.uk/welsh/hi/newsid_9180000/newsid_9188300/9188362.stm

There was a nice review of Warrior (the popular bottled ale from the Evan-Evans brewery in Llandeilo) featured in the Western Mail weekend magazine yesterday.

The stars will be out on Friday (Nov 19) at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Swansea Astronomical Society is holding a Star Party there and society members will be giving talks and demonstrations as well as dispensing advice on getting the most out of your telescope. There will also be a number of telescopes for use by visitors to view the night sky. The event runs from 6.30pm-9.30pm and entry (via the Corporate Entrance) is £3 (under 16s get in free). The restaurant will be open for hot and cold drinks, cawl, cakes, soup, rolls and sandwiches. The demonstrations, advice and the talks will all take place under cover so there will be plenty to do and see whatever the weather. To buy a ticket or for more info, call 01558 668768 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk