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

Early to bed tonight; I am one of the guest newspaper reviewers on The Sunday Supplement on Radio Wales tomorrow morning.

Pictures from the Llanelli Festival held at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, today.

Jenkins Bakery makes massive cake for dream wedding - http://ning.it/oJ48wk

Off to the Llanelli Festival this morning - manning Llanelli Rotary stand. Find out more - http://ning.it/qafjxe

At a time of increased concern about the cost and environmental damage of fossil fuels, Aberystwyth University has signed an exciting collaborative framework agreement to provide innovative training for the renewable energy sector. The framework agreement between the Energy and Utility Skills, the Sector Skills Council for gas, power, waste management and water industries and the School of Management and Business at the University was secured through the successful completion of a competitive tendering process by the Aber-Bangor Skills Centre. To ensure the development of appropriate training, the School of Management and Business has created a tailored project management package encompassing the specific skills required for managing projects in the renewable sector. The package is the result of collaboration between the School, project management expert Gary Straw, and the environmental and energy consultancy, William McRae. Aimed at sector employees who live in Wales, the projec

Off to lunch at Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel.

Pupils in Carmarthenshire have continued to achieve better than Welsh average results in their AS and A Levels. The results released today show a 100% pass rates in the vast majority of subjects. The number of pupils gaining an A* to E grade was 98.4% compared to the Welsh average of 97.2%. In total 6.5 % of pupils gained the top A* grade compared nationally to 6.3%; and 29.3% of Carmarthenshire pupils gained the combined top grades of A* and A compared to 23.9% nationally. The results show continued success in subjects such as geography, media studies, drama and economics and there is a very positive comparison to all-Wales figures in the majority of subjects. Similarly, AS Level results show a continuation of the high standards set in previous years with 100% pass rates in many subjects. Of particular note was continued success in music and art and design. The proportion of pupils gaining an A to E grade at AS Level was 89.1% compared to the Welsh average of 86.8%. Executive B

Llanelli Leisure Centre closes on Sunday (August 21) at 4pm for electrical work to be performed that will save costs and improve the centre’s carbon footprint. The centre will re-open as normal on Monday with the full timetable. The works will allow the install of power converters to the 'mains in' connection to the centre. This will show savings to the running cost of the centre, whilst also reducing its carbon footprint. County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This is a small inconvenience to centre users and the work is being carried out at a time when it will cause the minimal disruption.” “It is all part of the councils drive to ensure we lower our emissions towards the environment while saving running costs to the taxpayer.

Western Mail spotlight on Welsh ghosts features a story from Aberglasney House and Gardens. You can find out more - http://t.co/N3NScku Spotlight on the latest results from The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Course in the South Wales Evening Post today.

A charity golf day was held at the Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Course in aid of the Burry Port Charity Fund — which has been raising cash for various good causes since 2008. Organisers say that more than £2,500 is likely to have been raised by the event, which featured 27 teams. TAD Builders won the event by notching up an impressive 98 points. Finishing in second place was a team of Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics. Charity committee treasurer Peter Lawlor said: "We hope to raise in excess of £2,500 which will go to help local sporting and voluntary organisations." Over the years the charity has raised £12,000 for local causes. Huw Davies, Geraint Davies, Howard Evans, Peter Murawski, Carl Morgan, Neil Roberts, Wyn Morgan and Phil Watts at the charity golf day. Picture courtesy of the Llanelli Star. See earlier post - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/golf-day-at-ashburnham-on-friday.html

Off to the Ashburnham Links golf course in Pembrey for business meeting - and a gallon of coffee!

Greg Pritchard, Super-soprano, is taking to the concert stage in Llanelli next weekend. The singer, who is also billed as a Counter-Tenor, will be performing A Night of Classics at Glenalla Civic Hall, Llanelli, starting at 7pm. He will be accompanied by pianist Kirsten Sondergaard. Greg sprang to fame in May, 2009 in an episode of Britains's Got Talent. His website tells the story - Those watching saw him walking onto the stage dressed in leather jacket and jeans; after a brief conversation with the judges he positioned himself to sing. The audience waited for some type of rock or pop song, they did not get one. The fact that Greg instead sang the beautiful aria 'Nessun Dorma' from Puccini's opera 'Turandot' would have been surprising enough but the real 'shock factor' was that he sang it in a soaring soprano vocal range. An initially stunned audience rose to their collective feet to give the performance a standing ovation. Greg was selected

Schaeffler has invested in several million euros worth of new plant and machinery at its automotive engine components plant in Bynea, Llanelli. The new machinery includes surface coating machines and a 66-tonne deep drawing press, and Schaeffler says it will now be able to produce highly repeatable, superior quality engine parts. The new coatings plant was installed in June while the deep drawing press has just arrived at the factory and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. Full story from Plant Engineer - http://www.plantengineer.org.uk/article/36192/Schaeffler-UK-invests-in-advanced-coating-plant-.aspx

The Ashburnham Junior Team finished tied first in the 2011 Dyfed Junior Team Order of Merit. This follows a series of outstanding performances in this year’s Order of Merit events up to and including the Dyfed Junior Championships which were held in Borth and Ynyslas. Star performers included - Ben Thomas, Dyfed Junior Champion Nett Winner, with 36 Hole Nett Aggregate of 126 (64 and 62). Jake Griffiths, Runner Up, Dyfed Junior Championships, with 36 Hole Gross Aggregate of 144 (70 & 73). Elliot Anderson, third place, 2011 Dyfed Junior Individual Order of Merit. Ashburnham club manager Huw Morgan said he was delighted with the success of the Junior Team. “At The Ashburnham and we are working very hard to encourage the next generation of golfers and it is splendid to see so many youngsters enjoying their sport and doing so very well in junior competitions. “I know that the members of the club are particularly proud of the achievements of the junior players and would like to

The number of successful applicants for Aberystwyth University has exceeded expectations this year. The University announced earlier this month that it would not be participating in the Clearing process as the level of applications was so high. Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor said: “Aberystwyth is the only Welsh institution not to be part of the clearing process which is testament to the excellent standard and variety of degree courses available at the University. This, combined with the superb range of facilities and the welcome provided by the town, is proving to be a winning combination for the students’ experience. “Yesterday, we learnt that the University was at the top of the league in terms of student satisfaction and this is clearly translated into the number of applications received by prospective students.” This year is the second year that Aberystwyth University is not part of the clearing process and the past three years have all broken the previous year’

A self-confessed member of the Aberglasney Fan Club has been appointed Chief Executive of The Aberglasney Restoration Trust. Roger Evans, of Typicca, Dryslwyn, is known throughout Wales for his work in the agriculture industry. “It seems that Aberglasney has been in the background for most of my life and I am one the biggest fans of the gardens,” said 59-year-old Mr Evans. “It has always been a place close to my heart and I am looking forward immensely to taking on the role of chief executive.” Welsh-speaking Mr Evans, who takes over from Paul Stait, was awarded an OBE in 1996 for services to Welsh agriculture. He added: “As a Tywi Valley boy, I have had links with Aberglasney for very many years and I am delighted to have this opportunity to be part of the continuing development of the house and the gardens.” A graduate of Agricultural Economics at University College of Wales Aberystwyth, Mr Evans has farmed at Dryslwyn for more than 30 years. He was the South Wales Board Memb

The debate over the development of the new Sainsbury’s superstore in Llandeilo has taken a new twist with the arrival of the Sainsbury’s Public Relations (PR) team in the town. Yesterday, the PR team from JBP partners of Bristol, came to Llandeilo to determine public -opinion and to get feedback on the local support for the development. The PR team took straw-poll soundings from people on Rhosmaen street and from visiting certain retailers. They said the information they collected was confidential, but it is likely to show the developers that there is an underlying feeling of discontent about the planned store. There are also worries about job losses in the area. Llandeilo businessman Simon Buckley, who runs the town’s Evan-Evans brewery and The White Horse pub, said: “We spoke to Richard Brown from JBP yesterday. “Far from allaying our fears, I am afraid he was unable to answer any of the questions we put to him. In particular, he chose not to answer specific questions. “No

The Cricketers is featured in the Publican's Morning Advertiser today. The Evan-Evans pub is in the running for the UK best pub food award.

Welsh Premier League Cup Season 2011/2012 Draw for Round One South Afan Lido v Aberystwyth Town Carmarthen Town v Port Talbot Town North Airbus UK Broughton v Bala Town Prestatyn Town v Newtown AFC Draw for Round Two South Carmarthen Town /Port Talbot Town v Afan Lido/Aberystwyth Town Neath FC v Llanelli AFC North The New Saints v Airbus UK Broughton/Bala Town Bangor City v Prestatyn Town/Newtown AFC This season's competition will not commence until the Saturday immediately following the proposed mid-winter break, 22nd January 2012.

Youngsters in Pantyffynnon have been doing everything from cookery to kickboxing this summer – thanks to Communities First. Now residents are being invited to a meeting to help decide how the Communities First programme will go forward in Pantyffynnon. Following a variety of summer programmes run by Communities First over the years, and partnership working with the likes of Carmarthenshire Youth and Children’s Association and Carmarthenshire’s Play Team, children in Pantyffynnon have been having a blast this year. Communities First development worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “We have been fortunate to link into the very popular Fit 4 Fun Big Lottery project which is managed by the Carmarthenshire Youth and Children’s Association. “As a result of working in partnership we have been able to provide cookery workshops, circus skills, dance, sports and kickboxing. The Carmarthenshire Play team have also spent the day developing children’s skills through building dens, and playing games.

The largest national oil company in the UK has been fined £51,000 for overcharging customers in Carmarthenshire and neighbouring counties for heating fuel. Some 400 customers complained after either being charged more than they were quoted or paying more than they expected after not having been given a quote. GB Oils, which trades under at least 44 different trading names including OJ Williams, is a division of the massive conglomerate, the DCC group. The company pleaded guilty at Ammanford Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday) to 17 offences under section 6 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The company admitted that it had misled consumers by failing to provide the necessary information in relation to the true unit price of heating oil and had committed offences as the failure to provide this pricing information had caused consumers to make transactional decisions that they would otherwise not have made. Carmarthenshire County Council brought the pro

Residents in Kidwelly are being urged to have a good clear out and recycle any rubbish they have lying around the home. A ‘Recycling on the go’ event is being held on Saturday, August 20 in the Co-op car park between 8am and 10.30am. Householders can take advantage of this one-off chance to dispose of any large items of rubbish for free. 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. As much as possible will be recycled. The event has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and the aim is to encourage residents to dispose of waste that may otherwise be fly-tipped as well as encourage them to recycle and/or reuse as much of their rubbish as possible. Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “Bulky waste such as furniture, wood and cardboard left lying in a

Aberystwyth University continues to be among the leaders for student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2011. The National Student Survey (NSS) results were announced today, Wednesday 17th August. With a mean score of 4.3 (on a scale of 1-5 for student satisfaction), Aberystwyth University is in joint 4th place for public residential universities in the UK and, for the seventh consecutive year, is the highest rated higher education institution in Wales - reinforcing that the University continues to be held in the high regard by its students. The NSS is an annual survey of final year undergraduate students, which aims to inform the choices of prospective higher education students about where and what to study. Overall satisfaction at Aberystwyth University remains very high at 89%. Professor Martin Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor said: “I’m delighted that Aberystwyth retains its place amongst the UK’s leading institutions. Despite a challenging and turbulent time fo

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - Carmarthen Town AFC has launched a new website to coincide with the start of the new Welsh Premier League season. The site is at – www.carmarthentownafc.com The website replaces the old site at www.carmarthentownafc.net Club vice-chairman Robert Lloyd said: “Vince James put in a huge amount of effort on the old website, but he has decided to step down from his role. “It will be a hard act to follow Vince, but we are in the process of building a new-look site for Carmarthen Town. “Meanwhile, the old site will stay ‘live’ for those wishing to use it as an archive resource for old matches and the club’s history. “Linked to the new website, we also have a very active bulletin board run by Huw Davies and the two sites will run in tandem to provide a comprehensive information package for the club’s players, officials and supporters.” Anyone interested in advertising on the new we

The award winning Evan-Evans brewery in West Wales has had one of its best weeks ever, with increasing sales across all its trading areas. The news comes despite the poor summer weather and a drop in tourist numbers in Wales. Bucking the trend of doom and gloom in the brewing industry, the company has seen significant growth in all the key areas of trade, increasing volumes, and distribution throughout Wales. Chief executive Simon Buckley said: “Evan-Evans has focussed over the last few years on producing high-quality cask-conditioned beer, with broad market appeal. Our beers have an increasing consumer following, and are priced to be extremely competitive. “We are now reaping the benefits of our hard work, and with the continued increase in demand for our products the brewery is running at near capacity levels. “Last week, the company’s pubs were extremely busy, which has continued the trend that started earlier in the year. The consumer is looking for high-quality environments

This week, English tutors from Germany will be given the opportunity to enrich their understanding of bilingualism and teaching a language on a visit to Aberystwyth University. The tutors, from the Saxony-Anhalt region, will attend the week long School of Education and Lifelong Learning’s Continuing Professional Development Summer School, and will also visit the National Library of Wales, the Welsh National History Museum at St Fagans and the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as an introduction to Wales’ language and culture. The sessions available to the tutors during the week will, amongst other things, look at how teachers use language in communicating with English learners, and will provide an introduction to how English is taught in schools in Wales. Summer School participants will also give an overview of the education system and bilingualism in Wales. “We have brought together the expertise of lecturers from the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, the Aberystwyth University Intern

Splendid picture story on the Burry Port Charity Fund golf day at The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course in the Llanelli Star today. Nice picture spotlight on the Healing The Wounds charity street collection in Carmarthen town centre in the Carmarthen Journal today. Carmarthen Journal includes a splendid tribute to former general manager Norman Lewis today. Back page spotlight on Carmarthen Town AFC's start to the Welsh Premier League campaign in the Carmarthen Journal today. Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Tributes to the late Norman Lewis in the Llanelli Star and South Wales Evening Post today.

A series of events are taking place this week to mark the 100th anniversary of the Llanelli Railway Riots. Events include - The Llanelli Multicultural Network will host a free exhibition at Lakefield Community Centre on Thursday, August 18, from 11am to 3pm, and later that day historians John Edwards, Sir Deian Hopkin, Robert Griffiths and Tim Evans will be discussing the strike and uprising and their relevance today at the Llanelli Rural Council office, in Vauxhall, from 5.30pm. Call 01554 820736 or 01792 642403 for tickets. A commemorative plaque marking the events of 1911 will be unveiled at 2pm on Friday, August 19, at Union Bridge in Queen Victoria Road. The week of remembrance comes to a climax on Saturday, August 20, with a commemorative march and rally. Walkers will leave the train station at 12.30pm, making their way through the town to the Box Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony at around 2.30pm, with music by Cor Meibion Llanelli. Later that day there will be a fre

Owens Road Services, one of South Wales’ leading distribution, storage and warehousing companies, has taken delivery of eight Renault Premium 460.25 6x2 tractor units into its 225-strong fleet. Fuel and flexibility secures first Renault Premiums for Owens | Easier

Huw Edwards on the Llanelli Railway Riots of 1911. BBC News - Pain left by 1911 Llanelli riots still felt by families

Well done Jonathan Edwards - A Plaid Cymru MP has written angrily to the Home Secretary about a book review in a national newspaper that describes Welsh as an “appalling and moribund monkey language”. Jonathan Edwards, the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, described comments made in the Daily Mail review by the Caerphilly-born writer Roger Lewis as “sick” and said they should not be tolerated. Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/welsh-politics/welsh-politics-news/2011/08/16/mp-damns-disgraceful-slur-on-wales-monkey-language-91466-29241533/#ixzz1VGQTzEA6 MP blasts ‘monkey language’ attack on Welsh - Politics News - Politics - News - WalesOnline

A special concert is being held later this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the Llanelli Railway Riots. The 1911 Llanelli Railway Strike Gala Concert is being co-promoted by Theatrau Sir Gar and Loud Applause Productions Ltd The concert theme is 'Social unrest and protests against injustice have long inspired the creation of some of our best known songs and anthems.' Performing in concert will be Cantata, Cor Curiad, Cor Meibion Llanelli, Lynwen Haf Roberts, Joseph Church (violin), SA15 Stage School and the Jazz Heritage Wales. The concert is on Friday, October 7 (7.30pm) at Theatr Elli, Llanelli. Tickets £12 and £10, concessions £10 and £8, available from Theatr Elli box office 0845 2263510.

A popular Llanelli vicar has celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the Ministry. The Rev Vivian P Roberts is well-known as a clergyman in Llanelli - and is a stalwart member of Côr Meibion Llanelli. Colleagues gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of Vivian’s ordination to the Priesthood. The tributes were led by the Rev MJ Davies, who told the story - “Among those presenting themselves for Ordination to the Priesthood at the 1961 Trinitytide Ordination in St David’s Cathedral was the Reverend Vivian Phillip Roberts, a native of the New Dock area of Llanelli and a product of the Parish of Christ Church. “Vivian had completed his year as a Deacon under the tutelage of Canon M Llewellyn Davies in the Parish of Cwmamman, which covered the Amman Valley communities of Cwmgors, Garnant, Tairgwaith and Glanamman. “That these were halcyon days may be judged from the fact that the four churches of the parish were staffed by the Vicar and two full time Curates! “The young clergy of St David’

Maesteg pensioner Beryl Perdaens had a simple birthday wish - to raise money for Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat victims of post traumatic stress disorder. And her wish came true when friends and family rallied around to raise more than £500 for her chosen charity. Mrs Perdaens, from Nantyfyllon, celebrated her 80th birthday with an evening for family and friends at Celtic Rugby Football Club in Maesteg. A delicious buffet was laid on for guests, who were also entertained by a local female vocalist. Healing The Wounds charity secretary Carol Richards explained:"Mrs Perdaens had recently heard that we were treating Welsh Veterans of the Armed Forces for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and she decided that she wanted to help in some way. "Her idea was to ask her guests to donate money to the charity instead of buying her gifts to celebrate this important milestone in her life. It was a wonderful gesture by the 80-year-old and raised a mass

The Higher Education sector in Wales has embarked on a process of reconfiguration, taking a new and innovative approach to maximise the benefits of research, teaching and learning for students, stakeholders and the wider economy. This seeks to improve even further on the outstanding quality of research, teaching and student satisfaction already being achieved in Wales. Higher Education Wales (HEW), the body comprising the Vice-Chancellors of Wales’s universities, has said: “The positive impact of universities in Wales – contributing £2.2bn a year to the Welsh economy - is strong and growing, but the challenges facing higher education are of an unprecedented nature. We have to move fast in order to meet these challenges and deliver transformational change for Wales… “In this context a strategic approach from the higher education sector in Wales is essential... This approach will address key national priorities for Wales in relation to economic renewal and social justice. “We are

Latest results from the Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Course in Pembrey – Alys M Jones Bogey Foursomes 1, Olwen Davies and Sally Forrester, 2 up (09); 2 Barbara Buckland and Maria Davies, 1 up (23); 3, Ann Francis and Iris Jacob, All Sq. (24). Junior & Senior Caddies' Cup 1, Aled Greville, 84 - 22 = 62; 2 Jordan William Davies, 80 - 13 = 67; 3, Scott Johnston, 77 - 09 = 68. Millenium Trophy 1, Julie Ace and Catherine Jones, 45 pts; 2, Ann Francis and Anne Walker, 40 pts; 3, Susan Collard and Leena Lodha, 39 pts.

Aberglasney’s Head Gardener Joseph Atkin shares his thoughts on the joys of growing a successful herb garden. We have all grown herbs — both successfully and less so! For me, the success does not lie in the beautiful plant in the border or pot, but in the food that it is added to. Far too often I have looked at herbs in the garden and realised it has never been used in all the time it's growing there. This is the first year l have had a large herb selection (see the Aberglasney Herb Garden above) together with a busy café that will use copious amounts of anything useful. It seems obvious that if the herbs are there then all you do is use them. The hard part is having the right amount of both herbs and vegetables at the right time. In the spring, I was buying herbs and vegetable plants for the garden. The one thing the growers said is that the more unusual stuff is very popular. But many people don’t quite know what to do with it. The problem with the well-known herbs is

Age Concern Sir Gâr, a charity providing information, advice and services for older people throughout Carmarthenshire, is looking to recruit trustees. They are looking for people with strategic business and management skills and experience and/or a human resources background, as well as people with experience and/or understanding of the issues facing older people. This is an opportunity to play an instrumental part in developing a robust and responsive organisation, and to make a real positive difference for older people living in Carmarthenshire. Travel expenses are reimbursed. For more information call Ann Dymock on 01554 784080 or e-mail chiefofficer@ageconcernsirgar.co.uk. If you are interested becoming a trustee write describing what you feel you can offer to the Charity, enclosing a copy of your CV. Please mark your correspondence 'confidential' and send it to Ann Dymock, Chief Officer, Age Concern Sir Gâr, 8 Murray Street, Llanelli SA15 1DZ or via e-mail as above.

Llanelli artist and photographer Russ Myners has sent through an update on his work this morning - 'Greenfield Baptist Church has taken delivery of new `Welcome cards` printed with an image of my Greenfield watercolour painting completed in 2008. 'The cards are for distribution among the community. 'I recently displayed nine watercolour originals/prints at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, with some great feedback and comments. 'I have carried out a range of photography which included (thanks to some unusually good weather) a series of photos of the Red Arrows. 'Just had delivery of my new business cards, and on this occasion I have the QR code to the website on the reverse.' Check out the website on - http://www.russartworx.net

Licensees across Carmarthenshire are being warned about selling alcohol to under-18s ahead of the A-level and GCSE exam results. Council licensing officers have been speaking to licensees and visiting a number of licensed premises in the county to remind them of their responsibilities. In particular, if taking bookings for exam celebrations they need to make sure they have adequate measures in place to prevent the sale to or consumption of alcohol by under-18s. Tackling underage drinking is a key priority for the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council and the police. A lot of work is underway to educate staff at licensed premises in relation to fake IDs. Test purchasing exercises using child volunteers are also carried out throughout the year and have led to a number of successful prosecutions. Carried out by the council’s trading standards section, under-18s are used to buy alcohol to check that licensing laws are being followed. Head of Public

Attending a Strengthening Families course was all it took to restore a little harmony to the lives of this Mynyddygarreg family. Fiona and Chris Woodward, who live with Daniel, 14, Nathan, 12, Frances, eight, and Leah, four, feel that the advice and support offered during the course has helped make a real difference to the way they live and communicate with each other. The family attended a Strengthening Families course at Ysgol Glan Y Mor, Burry Port, after it was suggested they may benefit from meeting other families with children of the same age and experiencing similar family pressures. Over seven weeks, they covered various aspects of family life – from looking at different ways to communicate with one another better to peer pressure and approaching behavioral issues from a different angle. Whilst Fiona, Chris, and the two boys took part in group discussions and activities, the younger girls were able to enjoy play sessions. As part of the sessions, parents and children are

There is a fine tribute to the late Norman Lewis, the celebrated journalist from Burry Port, in the South Wales Evening Post today. Here is the unedited version of what I had to say about him - Former Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star editor Robert Lloyd said: “Norman Lewis was universally admired and respected in the media world and in the wider community. “He was very much a man for all seasons. “I was honoured to work alongside him at the South Wales Evening Post, where he would take time to nurture younger and less talented journalists. “He later moved into management as managing director of the Carmarthen Journal, but he never forgot his roots as a journalist of the old school who could craft wonderful sentences in the face of the strictest deadline. “The words ‘multi-talented’ fitted Norman like a glove. He could act on the stage with his beloved Phoenix Theatre company; he could hold an audience spellbound with an after-dinner speech; he could host events, ranging from

Mond Cup match tomorrow (Wednesday): Carmarthen Town Reserves v Llansteffan, kick-off 6.30pm at Richmond Park.

People are invited to take a trip down memory lane to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Carmarthen Library building. Furnace House was built in 1761 for local ironmaster Robert Morgan and his family. Robert and his brother John were founders of the Carmarthen Furnace in 1747, and of the Tinworks in 1761. The building survived throughout the decades, until much of it was demolished in 1972, leaving only the facade and the forecourt; and the shell was completely rebuilt. Carmarthen Library moved in following completion of the work, and since then thousands of pounds has been invested to modernise the building. The library was previously located in Spilman Street which had tiny rooms heated by coal fires. People with any memories of the library in its various locations around Carmarthen are asked to share them with the public as a celebration of the anniversary of the Furnace House building. Any information, reminiscences, photographs or memorabilia will be welcomed by sta

A massive investment is being made to improve disabled facilities in Carmarthenshire schools. More than £403,000 is being spent to upgrade primaries and secondaries across the county and provide pupils with first class facilities, improved access and assistance. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move as part of its Modernising Education Programme, which is seeing new schools, classrooms extensions and major refurbishments being carried out across the area. The multi-million-pound programme is aimed at giving children across Carmarthenshire access to modern accommodation and facilities fit for the 21st Century. The investment includes lifts, wheelchair ramps, hoists and handrails in line with the Disability Discrimination Act. Education Director Robert Sully said: “There is a strong commitment to providing proper facilities for pupils with disabilities in Carmarthenshire schools. High levels of investment have already delivered a number of quality improvements to school

A busy town centre thoroughfare, Park Place, closes on Friday to allow a start on the second phase of the £25million Eastgate development The road, accessed off Swansea Castle roundabout and runs into Park Street become redundant with the opening of the new bus station today (Tuesday). The second phase of Eastgate will deliver a multiplex Odeon cinema, 53-bed hotel, shops, offices and restaurants. Four taxis will continue to use the existing Park Street rank and other taxi ranks have been provided at Murray Street, Cowell Street with a few in Market Street. Letters have been delivered to businesses, including the St Elli Centre to keep delivery disruption to the minimum. Access will be via Mincing Lane When the second phase of Eastgate is delivered in the Autumn next year it will include a new taxi rank right at the heart of the development complementing the bright new bus interchange which has opened a month ahead of schedule.

A photograph appearing to show the ghost of Llanelly House was taken into nearby Llanelli library by a passer-by last week. It is said that the ghost of 22-year-old Mira Turner, a servant in the 19th Century, haunts the house. The picture clearly shows the ghostly image of a young woman – taken on the same date Mira was buried – August 9. Staffs at Llanelli Library were given the photograph by a man who they said was “visibly excited”. However, the “ghost” bears an uncanny resemblance to one which is downloadable via the internet. Library Regional Manager Mark Jewell said: “The elderly gentleman came in and showed us the photograph which had been taken by his friend outside Llanelly House. He was in a state of excitement. He seemed very interested in the restoration work going on at Llanelly House and in the library. “He thought we would be interested in the photograph. He showed it to quite a few of the staff and we gave him a short tour of the work going on at the library. U

Llanllwni Community History Project has received a Developing Identity and Distinctiveness grant of £16,500 from the Rural Development Plan (RDP). The grant is to transcribe the St Luke’s Church register from 1739 to 1812 and undertake research on the administration of the poor law in the parish in order to have an extensive overview of rural life in the parish from the 17th Century to the 19th century. The Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and you can find out what grants may be available for you by visiting the West Wales European Centre’s website www.wwec.org.uk

A programme of activities is taking place at Carmarthen Market every Friday for the rest of the school holidays. On Friday, August 19, between 11am and 4pm, Trysordy and Eco Eli will be helping people reduce, reuse and recycle waste in creative ways. Trysordy is a local charity which makes arts and crafts out of waste materials. Eco Eli is the council’s mascot to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. The following Friday, August 26, the Little Clock Music Festival takes place with bands playing from 10am to 4pm. First on is Gildas, followed by Fflur Dafydd, The Suspects, Lowri Evans and Kazak Stanleys. On Friday, September 2, back to school cooking is taking place with the Pumpkin Patch and Dylan the Dragon, Carmarthenshire’s health eating mascot. The Pumpkin Patch teaches children cookery skills in a fun and educational way. All the activities are organised by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of a drive to promote the market. Resources executive board member C

Carmarthen was transformed into a magical medieval haven with live music, story telling and roving entertainers at the weekend’s Merlin Festival. You could say eat your heart out Harry Potter because the great Welsh Wizard Merlin has his own festival in his home town of Carmarthen. Families from far and wide put on their pointy hats to join the wizards academy and mingle with the dancing dragons in the streets that were ringing with jugglers, jousters and stilt walkers. Also on the programme were arts and crafts workshops, free face painting, a wizard academy and Epico the Dragon was prowling the streets The event was staged by Carmarthenshire County Council and supported by St Catherine’s Walk, Merlin’s Walk and King Street retailers. Executive board member for regeneration and leisure services, Cllr Clive Scourfield, said: “The Merlin Festival is great fun and a wonderful way to celebrate the history and mythology of Carmarthen. “This year’s event was be better than ever, with

Carmarthen Town 0 Newtown 1 A solitary headed goal after 11 minutes by Newtown’s Robbie Millington proved to be the difference between the two sides. Millington’s conversion of a right wing cross gave new manager Bernard McNally the perfect start as the manager of the Mid Wales side. Visiting Chairman Elwyn Preece was understandably delighted with his club’s performance after what has been a difficult summer. “I’m delighted with today’s result but especially pleased for Bernard who has made giant steps forward with the club in a short period of time” Both sides started the game positively but the Old Gold were left chasing the game after the opening goal and found the resolute visiting defence difficult to break down. With keeper Nick Thomas also in top form the one goal advantage proved to be enough for the visitors to take home the three points. But there were some positive signs for Town as well. Nick Harrhy was denied twice by Thomas. In the seventeenth minute his fiercely