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

The Institute of Welsh Politics is delighted to welcome Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales to deliver its 12th Annual Lecture on Monday 14th November 2011. The lecture is entitled ‘Next Steps for Devolution: Politics Plus Finance’. Carwyn Jones was born in 1967 and educated at Brynteg Comprehensive School, Bridgend, University of Wales, Aberystwyth and Inns of Court School of Law, London. Prior to his election to the National Assembly for Wales in 1999, he was a barrister in chambers in Swansea specialising in Criminal, Family and Personal Injury Law, and a professional tutor at Cardiff University Law School. He has been a Bridgend County Borough Councillor and was Chair of the County Borough Council Labour Group. He is also a member of Amnesty International, Unison, Unite the Union and the Fabian Society. He has been a Labour Party member since 1987 and played an active role in the 1997 ‘Yes for Wales’ referendum campaign. Carwyn Jones was appointed as a Deputy Secretary

Aberystwyth University recently had the privilege of hosting a visit by a group of distinguished guests from China. The prestigious delegation from Xiamen University included Professor Chongshi ZHU, President of Xiamen University; Mr Tongwen MAO, Director of International Exchange and Cooperation; Professor Jun LI, Dean of the School of Information Science and Technology; Professor Shide LING, Dean of the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering and Ms Hongbo YU, Section Chief for Exchange and Cooperation Programs and PA to the President. Professor Aled Jones, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor explains: “Xiamen University is one of China’s leading higher education institutions and is within the top 20 of 2236 universities in China. It has, for many years, been one of the most prestigious universities in Asia with exceptionally high levels of research and teaching excellence across a wide range of subject areas. “Delegations from Aberystwyth have visited Xiamen on a number of occasions du

Sorry, mum unwell and have been on 'secondment' on 'home help' duties in Carmarthen for the last 48 hours. Normal service about to resume.

A newly refurbished suite of laboratories at the Institute of Mathematics and Physics (IMAP) at Aberystwyth University has been named after Dr Tudor Jenkins, an “inspiring physics teacher” who died suddenly in November 2009. The new Tudor Jenkins Laboratories have been developed at a cost of over £300,000, and were officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, Professor April McMahon, on Monday 7 November. Professor McMahon was joined by Dr Jenkins’ widow, Mrs Susan Jenkins and sons Morgan and Meurig for the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Their daughter, Bethan, was unable to attend. Addressing an audience of staff and students at IMAP, Professor McMahon said: “It gives me great pleasure to open the new Tudor Jenkins Laboratories. It is clear from the number of staff who have gone on to work at the Institute after studying under Dr Jenkins, that he was an inspirational figure who was committed to the teaching of physics at all levels. It is the

Splendid picture special on Miss Wales (Sara Manchipp) visiting Aberglasney Gardens in the latest issue of Red Handed magazine. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Lovely picture spotlight in the Llaneli Star today about building firm Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd helping Swiss Valley school in Llanelli. Splendid feature in the Llanelli Star today about The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club securing another top tournament. Splendid centre page spotlight in the Llanelli Star today on Cor Meibion Llanelli's recent Liberation Day tour to The Netherlands. Carmarthen Town AFC's 'Your Club needs you' public meeting hits the front page of the Carmarthen Journal newspaper today.

Students from six schools across the Swansea Bay area are limbering up as they prepare to pitch their Olympic-inspired business ideas to a panel of top business figures after landing a place in the grand final of the Swansea Bay Young Business Dragons. Students from the winning Year 10 teams from Olchfa Comprehensive School and Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Swansea, St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School and Bryngwyn Comprehensive School in Carmarthenshire and Dyffryn Comprehensive School and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School in Neath Port Talbot will now go head-to-head in the Dragon’s Den style final of the entrepreneurial business challenge on the 17th November. The event, which is sponsored by Wales & West Utilities and organised by Swansea Bay Partnership in association with Careers Wales, has seen over 3,500 students from the Swansea Bay area put forward their creative ideas for a business opportunity around next year’s Olympics. Over a series of heats the teams from

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being reminded to lock up their sheds and outbuildings as the winter sets in. Garden sheds and garages can be a treasure trove for thieves with bikes, lawnmowers, tools and equipment running into thousands of pounds. The Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police and council, is urging people to look at their security as the dark nights draw in as part of its ‘Think Safe, Home Safe’ campaign. Latest figures for July to September show that there were 95 offences of non-dwelling burglaries throughout Carmarthenshire. Of these, 37% (35) were burglaries to sheds/garages and 36% (34) were because the premises were insecure. Although this is a 46% reduction on the same period last year (81 less crimes) and a 10% reduction on the previous three months (10 less crimes), officers are warning people to take the necessary precautions to secure their sheds and outbuildings. Community safety officer PC Anthony George said: “It’s important that people no

A Carmarthen man has been fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £413.86 after being convicted of throwing litter. Ashley Miles Davies, aged 22, of Park Hall, failed to attend Llanelli Magistrates Court for trial for an offence contrary to Section 87 Environmental Protection Act 1990. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that two Police Community Support Officers were on duty in Brewery Road when they saw the front passenger of a car throw a large wrapper out of the window onto the road. The PCSOs recognised the offender and when they asked him to pick up the litter he refused. The council’s environmental enforcement team were notified of the offence and a letter was sent to Davies giving him the opportunity to discharge his liability for prosecution by payment of a fixed penalty. However, Davies failed to respond and was prosecuted in court as a result. The council now hopes this latest fine will act as a warning to others. The authority

Children in Five Roads have been having fun and learning about the environment with Eco Eli and Tidy Ted. The council’s eco-friendly elephant is back on the road with the all-singing and all-dancing Gregory Brothers and Tidy Towns mascot Tidy Ted. Together they are spreading the word on issues such as waste reduction and recycling, litter and dog fouling. The fun-packed show; a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Tidy Towns and funded through grants from the Welsh Government; is visiting Welsh language primary schools across the county. Pupils at Five Roads CP School, which has been awarded two Green Flags under the Eco-Schools Programme, joined in the fun and games, clapping, singing and dancing along. Local member and chair of governors as well as chair of the council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee Cllr Jim Jones went along to see the show. He said: “The children, as well as the adults in the audience, had a fantastic time. “The show helps to raise awareness of t

There's a clamour to enter a float in this year’s Llanelli Round Table Christmas Carnival on Friday 18th November. Organiser Roger Bowen said there had been a good deal of early interest with 13 floats entered by the Scarlets, theatre groups, Coedcae School, The Wallich, Jenkins Bakery, Llanelli Gymnastics Club, Llwynhendy Community group, dance groups and Felinfoel and Furnace junior rugby clubs. “There’s every indication it will be the biggest carnival yet,” said Mr Bowen. Anyone interested in entering a float can contact Roger Bowen on 07940115864. The Christmas carnival starts at 6.30pm from Festival Fields finishing up in front of the Town Hall for fireworks at 7pm. There is a Christmas craft fayre in Stepney Street sponsored by St Elli Shopping Centre on the Saturday and the famous St Elli Centre reindeer parade through the streets of the town to shopping centre follows on Sunday. The Santa procession leaves the rear of the St Elli Centre at 1pm on Sunday November 20th before

Brave the icy briny on Boxing Day – that’s the chilly challenge being thrown down by Carmarthenshire Council. To round off the Christmas celebrations, revive the flagging festive spirit and face up to the New Year there is nothing quite like the famed Blue Flag Cefn Sidan Walrus Dip. It has taken place every year bar one because of Carmarthen Bay oil pollution since 1987 attracting hundreds of hardy souls – the oldest has been 91 and the youngest two. The charge of the fright brigade across 50 metres of sand of hundreds of funsters in fancy dress takes place at 11am. It is a tremendous spectacle with fancy dress discretionary which thousands turn up to support every year and help raise money for favourite charities. Families, friends and spectators attending with dippers are advised to wear Wellington boots and warm clothing if supporting down to the tide. There is free entry to the Pembrey Country Park 8am to 12noon and certificates are awarded at the Visitors’ Centre for all those wh

The legal requirement of a Traffic Order to enable free parking at Llanelli Multi Storey Car Park at 10am means its introduction could be delayed until January, 2012. In the interim period there will be free Christmas parking across the county at all car parks for the period between December 9th and 24th. Drivers have been confused by early publicity about the proposed Murray Street multi story car park free parking. Many believe, quite wrongly, free parking is already in place. The executive board of Carmarthenshire County Council had approved the concession of free parking at the Multi Storey Car Park from 10am every day once the Traffic Order was in place. This will be clearly advertised at the entrance to the car park. The Traffic Order is required because of the pay and display regime that will remain in place before 10am. This is necessary to prevent office z workers taking up the spaces for shoppers the free parking are designed to benefit. Anyone found parking before the Traffi

Llanelli Waterfront is becoming a jewel studded crown of attractions on the edge of town. Yet another jaw droppingly beautiful jigsaw piece has been dropped into place in the continuing development of Llanelli’s North Dock. A Public plaza has been created that will be the focus for musicians, open air theatre and a variety of public performances knitting together the leisure and office development already created. The public realm scheme has been created by using a variety of varying colours of marble, in an assortment of sweeps and curves in a sensitively planted garden area. County executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This run down area of Llanelli has been completely transformed by the Joint Venture group. This magnificent addition to an evolving Waterside enhancement programme will help encourage investment and development in the Llanelli” The scheme has been funded by the Llanelli Waterside Joint Venture, which has already invested signi

Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First has held its first ever Diwali Celebration Event. The celebration at Morfa Community Centre, Llanelli, was staged with the assistance of its two multiethnic groups, Ethnic Minority Help Association (EMHA) and Women’s Only Group (WOG). The event was funded by the Community Cohesion Fund. Diwali is the biggest and the brightest festival of followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Diwali has its origin in India but it is also one of the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia. Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First held this event to celebrate the diversity of race and religion in Llanelli and explain to other community members the traditions and rituals on the holy festivals of different minority communities. The objective is that the event will promote understanding and tolerance of other community’s customs and practices. More than 150 people of all ages, gender, social and ethnic background, religions and beliefs participated

Aberystwyth University was recently presented with a generous gift by the Tamkang University, Danshui, Taiwan. The gift of a digitised limited edition copy of the 40 years content of the prestigious International Open Access Journal, Journal of Educational, Media and Library Services, from 1970-2010 was presented to the University by Editor in Chief of the Journal, Professor Jeong-Yeou Chiu, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Tamkang University, Taiwan. Professor Chiu is also the Standing Director of the Library Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Chairman of the Chinese Association of Library and Science Education and is an alumnus of Aberystwyth University. During the mid-1990s, Professor Chiu gained an MLib and a PhD from the Department of Information Studies at Aberystwyth University. Initially presented to Dr Judith Broady-Preston, the Regional Editor (UK and Europe) of the Journal, Director of Research and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Studies a

BBC Sport - On my head son - Worthing RFC's incredible try On my head son - Worthing RFC's incredible try. Worthing Raiders RFC score a try in unusual circumstances during their match against Lydney in National League Two South.

The Carmarthenshire Youth Council has been hard at work creating several videos which will act as a visual countdown to their annual youth conference on November 16 from 9:30-14:30 at Parc-y-Scarlets. The videos will begin on November 9 and will feature on the Carmarthenshire Youth website ( www.carmarthenshireyouth.co.uk ) everyday up until the youth conference itself. The videos will feature members talking about different aspects of the upcoming conference including: the speakers that will be in attendance, numbers of young people taking part and workshops taking place. Carmarthenshire Youth Council are also tweeting in the run up to the youth conference on their specially created Twitter feed ( www.twitter.com/youth_sirgar ). Young people from Carmarthenshire are encouraged to submit questions that will later be answered at the event itself. If you have a question simply include #makingchoices in your tweet.

Two Carmarthenshire Youth Council members have returned from the House of Commons after attending a national youth debate. Ryan Davies and Shannon Davies were asked to take part in the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) House of Commons Debate on November 4, which gave them the opportunity to speak about issues that affect young people in Wales. Five key topics, which were formed from a national ballot involving 65,532 young people, were discussed by over 300 other young individuals at the debate. These topics were: • Public transport: it should be cheaper, better and more accessible • Tuition fees: yes to graduate tax • Bullying: a zero tolerance approach • Child poverty: let’s bring it to an end! • Our future: a greener future for the United Kingdom The discussions which took place at the House of Commons will determine the UK Youth Parliament’s top priorities for next year. Shannon Davies, Secretary for Carmarthenshire Youth Council said “This was a very exciting time for us both; having th

Carmarthenshire County Council has come out top of all Welsh local authorities in a league table which demonstrates how quickly disability adaptations are delivered in the home. The Housing and Property Services departments work together to deliver such works, and in the latest performance data released by the National Data Unit, Carmarthenshire ranks number one on the table for the average number of calendar days taken to deliver low cost adaptations in private dwellings where the Disabled Facilities Grant is not used. The results show the level of commitment the council shows towards people who require adapted premises in order to live independently at home. Making such adaptations not only benefits the homeowner or tenant, but also reduces the impact on the Housing Choice Register, as it means that people are less likely to need to move to more suitable housing. Head of Housing, Robin Staines, said: “We are delighted that our hard work in this area has resulted in Carmarthenshire co

A Llanfynydd nurse has been given a suspended prison sentence for wrongly claiming about £18,000 in benefits. Sharon Rose Bell appeared at Swansea Crown Court last week for sentencing having previously pleaded guilty to 11 offences under S.111 Social Security Administration Act 1992 – two of dishonestly making false statements, eight of dishonestly producing false documents and one of dishonestly failing to declare a change in circumstances. The court heard that in March 2006, 41-year-old Bell applied for housing benefit and council tax benefit at 5, Heol Newydd, Llanfynydd as a single person, declaring that she was working part-time at Meddygfa Teilo Surgery, Llandeilo. In April 2006 Bell stated that she had enrolled on a full time nursing degree course via Swansea University. As a result, she was advised by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing Benefit Section that she did not qualify for Housing Benefit. Bell then reapplied for housing benefit, declaring that she had given up the

An exciting new project aimed at helping parents and carers is being launched in rural Carmarthenshire next week. The first session of Sgiliau Byw (Life Skills) will take place at the Cylch Meithrin in Llanddarog on Monday November 7. This is an innovative project working with parents, carers and pre-school children to improve literacy, numeracy, communication and general parenting skills through a series of activities which emphasise learning through fun. Sgiliau Byw will take place over six weekly sessions which are based on specific themes, including basic cookery, living a healthy lifestyle, exercising and keeping fit, sharing books and stories and singing nursery rhymes. Sgiliau Byw project manager Nerys Burton, of Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, said: “We will be working in pre-school settings including mother and toddler groups, family centres, community centres, heath centres and other community venues in villages and market towns across the county to enable all parents to have the o

The story of Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley is about to enter a new chapter. As part of the continued development of the gardens, plans for Phase Five of the restoration are moving forward. “The gardens have come a long way since their derelict state more than 20 years ago,” said Roger Evans, the chief executive of the Aberglasney Restoration Trust. “Our next step is to carry out extensive works to complete the ground floor of the mansion house. “Aberglasney is billed as ‘a garden lost in time’, but the restoration trust is keen to ensure that no time is lost in preserving and enhancing what we have here. “The Phase Five project is currently out to tender and the actual works involved are very extensive. They involve restoration of the main hall, the elegant staircase and restoring the interior of the East Wing and other rooms. “We are at the tender stage at the moment, but lovers of the garden will be delighted to learn that, when work does start, disruption to visit

The power of the Carmarthen Journal has worked its magic to ensure the traditional Winter Fair at Aberglasney House and Gardens is a success. "The Journal carried a story the other week about Aberglasney looking for stallholders at the fair," said a spokesman for the gardens. "For days after the story appeared, the phone didn't stop ringing. So we have to say to all potential stallholders, Sorry, we are now full for this year, try again next year! "It just shows the power the Journal has to get things done and get results!" The spokesman added: "We may be full on the stallholders front, but we will, of course, be glad to welcome visitors on the two days of the fair." The fair is billed as ‘the best traditional winter fair in South West Wales’, offering something for everyone in the run-up to Christmas. Last year’s fair fell victim to the heavy snow, but the promise is that the event will be back, bigger and better than before. Fair organiser and

Health revamp sparks hospital closure fears | This is South Wales The Welsh Government Health Minister "is not fooling anybody" with her insistence that district general hospitals will not close, it has been claimed. Hywel Dda Health Board is gearing up to reorganise health services in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion — prompting fears about what the future holds for the region's four district general hospitals, including Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Toronto poet in running for big literary award... - Toronto.com When they announce the winner of the 2011 Dylan Thomas Prize in Swansea on Wednesday, Toronto-based poet Jacob McArthur Mooney, one of five international contenders for the $49,000 biannual award, won’t be there. He won’t be far away: just across the channel, in fact, in Germany or France, he said in a phone interview last week from Vienna, during a stopover on a long-overdue European vacation. “I’d rather not be there when the announcement is made — too much pressure,” said Nova Scotia-born Mooney over the crackling phone line.

Off to Richmond Park in Carmarthen for a public meeting about the future structure of Welsh Premier League club Carmarthen Town AFC.

Healing The Wounds - the Welsh charity which helps victims of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) - has received a boost from Nation Radio this week. It has been chosen as the nominated charity for a high-powered campaign on the popular South Wales radio station. “It’s all geared towards a special ‘Donation Day’ on Nation Radio,” said Healing The Wounds events organiser Amie Phillips. “The idea is to encourage businesses and local firms to get their staff to make a small contribution to the charity. All we are asking for is that people bring £1 to work. “It’s a small donation. But, if the Nation Radio appeal gets plenty of support, then it will go a long way towards helping the valuable work we do as a charity. “Our long-term aim is to establish a residential centre for treating victims of PTSD in Wales. “But, in the meantime, we are busy treating people who have PTSD. We have built up a team of treatment practitioners and regularly hold treatment courses. “But there is a great need

People are being asked to help families in need through a new Christmas Toybox scheme. Carmarthenshire County Council is working with Myrtle House in Llanelli, Towy Community Church in Carmarthen, the Evangelical Church in Ammanford, and Communities First Pantyffynnon, to help make Christmas easier for those in difficult financial situations. People are being asked to donate new toys for children and young people aged from birth to 16, for boys and girls. Local Service Board organisations which include the council, Hywel Dda Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Coleg Sir Gar are all asking staff if they would like to contribute. The Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Guardian are also supporting the appeal. Collections points have been set up at Ty Elwyn, Llanelli Town Hall and the Llanelli Star office in Cowell Street; at County Hall, Spilman Street and the Carmarthen Journal offices in Carmarthen; at Ammanford Town Hall and the

A website has been launched to signpost people in the right direction for help on a range of topics including benefits and financial support. www.asccarmarthenshire.co.uk has been developed by Advice and Support Carmarthenshire, a network of organisations that work in partnership to support individuals and families. As well as links to partner organisations, it also directs users to advice pages where they can get help on issues including Attendance Allowance, Working Tax Credits, Disability Living Allowance, employment and training, and even free school meals. People can also access the site to learn how they can reduce their fuel costs by making their homes more energy efficient or even find out who they can turn to if they have become the victim of an illegal money lender. Chair of ASC, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “When people are looking for help, they often don’t know which way to turn, and we understand that they can become confused with all the organisations out there. This was why

New horror film billed as “the Welsh Deliverance” - Wales News - News - WalesOnline The director of a new horror film being billed as “the Welsh Deliverance” has revealed the inspiration behind the scary lead character came from his old school supply teacher. The Carmarthen-shot film Devil’s Bridge, which gets its world premiere at the annual Aberystwyth-based Abertoir Film Festival next Saturday, features three Essex lads who – while travelling to deepest darkest West Wales to meet a shady business associate – fall foul of an unhinged farmer, with terrifying consequences.

Cardiff 36-29 Carmarthen Quins - Welsh Premier - Rugby - WalesOnline History repeated itself, as Carmarthen Quins failed to gain a league win at Cardiff in the Welsh rugby Premiership.

Tomi Morgan was a very pleased manager last Saturday as Carmarthen Town gained revenge for a 6-1 defeat earlier in the season by Prestatyn Town. “We showed today what we are capable of doing against a side pushing for a top six place. I feel that we were comfortably the better side and were most unfortunate not to have scored more goals.” With Town four points adrift at the bottom of the table it was a vital game for the EH Factors and Clothing sponsored side and it what was one of the better performances of the season so far that showed their true capabilities. It was influential mid filed player Geraint Passmore who opened the scoring for the home side in the 12th minute when his strong shot was deflected past Dave Roberts in the Prestatyn goal and into the back of the net. Roberts was quickly back in action within a few minutes as he dived to his left to save from Jack Christopher. Town were producing football of a high standard with both full backs, Lewis Jones and Cledan Davies a

You can now follow Clay Shaw Butler, chartered accountants and business consultants, on Facebook - http://ning.it/rpL9xZ You can now follow Clay Shaw Butler, chartered accountants and business consultants on Twitter. Search '@clayshawbutler'. You can now follow Cor Meibion Llanelli on Facebook. Search for 'Cor Meibion' - ning.it/w0ZbqR You can now follow Cor Meibion Llanelli on Twitter. Search '@Corllanelli' The Cor Meibion Llanelli blog has been updated - cormeibionllanelli.blogspot.com You can now keep up-to-date with what's happening at Aberglasney House and Gardens by following on Twitter. Search '@AberglasneyGdns'. You can now follow events at Aberglasney House and Gardens on Facebook. Search 'Aberglasney Gardens' - ning.it/vtGQbe The new Jenkins Bakery Twitter feed now has 24 followers. Lets make it 50! Search Twitter for @JenkinsBakery Check out the Jenkins Bakery Facebook page. Search for 'Jenkins Bakery' or - ning.it/qdBNce L

Aberavon 48-29 Llanelli - Welsh Premier - Rugby - WalesOnline Top-of-the-table Aberavon put on a wonder show to run in seven tries against the reigning champions in the Welsh rugby Premiership.

I am grateful to Phil Grice for the following match report - Carmarthen Wanderers dominated the first half of this Carmarthenshire third division league match, going 3-0 up in the space of 20 minutes. But then in the second half Bancffosfelen came back strongly and Wanderers can thank their midfield and defence of steel for gaining them all three points in a game of non-stop action and excitement from start to finish. Goal of the day came along after 10 ninutes when Matt Dagnal cooly chested down a high cross ball, slipped past a defender and wallop – the goalkeeper never saw it until he was picking it up from the back of the net. Then along came the irrepressible Craig Evans with two clean goals to take the home side three up into the second half. Banffosfelen started well in the second half with an early goal, only to have Rob Brockhoven return the honour for Wanderers with a fine strike into the top of the net. This galvanised Banc into a long protracted and determined attack on the

Drug activists hit back at bong ban bid | This is South Wales A Llanelli drugs worker has been slammed over his "scaremongering" bong campaign — by cannabis legalisation activists. The leader of the Cannabis Law Reform Political Party Peter Reynolds, has accused Chooselife Wales director Alan Andrews of using "false science" in his fight to rid Llanelli town centre of drugs paraphernalia. The accusation follows Mr Andrews's claims that cannabis can be just as destructive as Class A drugs. But Mr Andrews has vowed to continue in his campaign to stop the sale of legal water pipes, which can be used to smoke cannabis.

Stanton retains world title (From Cotswold Journal) Amy Stanton had to put friendship aside to retain a prestigious indoor bowls international honour. The 22-year-old won the under 25s women’s singles title at the World Indoor Bowls Council Championship. At the event, held in Llanelli, South Wales, she defeated Rebecca Field, of Norfolk, by two sets to love 7-6, 8-4.

Llanelli businesswoman Kathy Bowen is celebrating making the 'Komplete' move to new premises. Komplete Interiors has expanded to employ three members of staff. The latest expansion sees Komplete Interiors moving into a new showroom at Unit D on the Bynea Industrial Estate, Llanelli. “With the recession and all the doom and gloom about, it’s nice to have some positive news for Llanelli – a business expanding to meet the challenges of the future,” said Kathy. The Komplete Interiors business started in April 2006, with Kathy working on her own, offering painting, decorating and soft furnishings. “The decorating really took off and it has taken a few years to establish the company where soft furnishings are concerned. As the designing and soft furnishings part of the business has grown, I've had to take on staff,” said Kathy. “I've now come to the point where I feel it's necessary to have a showroom so that customers can see the range and quality of my work. I've op

Residents in Pontyates are being urged to have a good clear out and recycle any rubbish they have lying around the home. A waste amnesty is being held on Saturday (November 12) in the main car park (next to the petrol station) 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: “I hope residents take advantage of this opportunity t

Former Tory chairman link to Werritty scandal (From Western Telegraph) A link has been revealed between a political scandal that rocked Westminster and a Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Conservative Association. The Guardian reported that the former chairman of Carmarthen west and south Pembrokeshire Conservatives Association, lobbyist Stephen Crouch, had given £20,000 to Adam Werritty, the man whose working relationship with Defence Secretary Liam Fox led to him leaving his Cabinet post. Mr Crouch was said to have been granted a meeting with an arms sales minister at the request of Mr Fox following the ‘donation’ and there have been calls for a full investigation. The Conservative donor and activist is still listed as chairman on South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart’s website, but Mr Hart told the Western Telegraph he left in 2010.

BBC News - Outreach orthodontist service planned in Ceredigion Young people in Ceredigion travelling up to two hours to see an orthodontist could soon be treated closer to home. Hywel Dda Health Board is looking at introducing an outreach service there.

A Funtastic Friday family event held in the Botanic Gardens over half term has been hailed the ‘best ever’. Organised by Action for Children and supported by Carmarthenshire County Council, the event aimed to promote the various family services available across the county. Following the Hallowe’en theme, a pumpkin carving contest was a big focal point on the day, but there was also many other activities, including a competition for children to design a ‘Bank of Wales’ £100 note with the event’s sponsor Barclays Money Skills. Action for Children Parenting Project Worker Paul Andrews said: “We have held the event before, but we have had feedback from parents and families who said that this was the best one yet. “As well as all those who came along, or represented the various organisations on the day, we’d like to thank the Co-op in Cross Hands who came to our rescue at the last minute and donated over 100 pumpkins just before the event was due to start – they saved the day!” For more inf

Tenants and staff at Llanelli’s Clos Llanfihangel Sheltered Scheme have celebrated its 20th anniversary this week. A special party was held to mark the event, and it was a particularly special for three tenants - Ella Williams, Clarice Evans and Joan Williams - who have lived at the scheme since it first opened its doors in 1991. The Sheltered Scheme is one of several run by Carmarthenshire County Council in the Llanelli area to provide supported living accommodation for older people. Clos Llanfihangel, in Dafen, has 28 self-contained flats and eight bungalows, and is home to 41 tenants. Sheltered Scheme Officer Beth Worton is always on hand to offer her support to tenants, and also arranges entertainment and events to help keep residents active. She said the party, held on November 1st, was an ideal way to celebrate all the happy memories of Clos Llanfihangel. “All the residents were keen on holding an event to mark the anniversary, particularly three of our residents who have been wi