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

The Burry Port Town Band will hold their inaugural solo and ensemble day on Saturday 4th February at the Memorial Hall, Burry Port. With solo, duet, trio and ensemble classes for young players and more experienced players, the band hope that the event will be well supported by brass players from schools, ensembles and bands from the South Wales area. Burry Port Town Band’s Musical Director, Michael Thorne, said: “Burry Port Town Band is to be applauded for giving youngsters a new and exciting platform to perform. The musical benefits for each individual are obvious and the experience will also enhance them educationally and socially. I look forward to a truly memorable and musically rewarding day.” The band are very excited that they’ve engaged some talented, local adjudicators, who both started their brass band careers with the Band, with Mr Tom Davoren BMus (Hons) MMus (Wales) and Mr Alan Bourne JP BMus (Wales) FLCM ARCM ADWCMD joining for the day. Geraint Thomas, the Band's

The ladies of Five Roads WI pose for a photo with Rotarian Roger Stephens, who joined Llanelli Rotary Club past president Robert Lloyd to give a talk on the work of the Rotary movement and the ShelterBox charity. See earlier post today.

Many thanks to everyone for their very kind birthday wishes today. The bus pass is getting closer by the day!

The latest gardening column from Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin is in the South Wales Evening Post today.

Lovely welcome from the ladies of Five Roads WI last night (Roger Stephens and I were talking on Rotary and Shelterbox), Tea and Welsh Cakes at the close of the meeting. Smashing!

Dyfed Powys Police reach top spot in British Crime Survey data | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police is dealing with the issues that matter to local people according to British Crime Survey (BCS) figures published. The British Crime Survey is the Government's preferred means of measuring crime levels in England and Wales and is carried out independently of police forces. The latest results for the quarter up to September 2011 show that Dyfed Powys Police came out on top of any area in England and Wales in the 'police deal with local concerns measure.'

South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership are playing their part in writing a new chapter in the history of historic Aberglasney House in the Tywi Valley. The Llanelli-based architects have been commissioned to draw up plans for the next phase of restoration at the mansion house which sits at the centre of the heritage gardens. “It is a great privilege and honour to play a part in the continued restoration work at Aberglasney,” said Philip Lewis, managing director of the Lewis Partnership. “The restoration of the house and gardens has been a high profile exercise and the gardens are now one of the finest tourist attractions in Wales. “The latest restoration work at the house is billed as ‘Phase Five’ at Aberglasney. “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. “Naturally, for house with such great history a great deal of care and sensitivity has been req

Award-winning South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership are playing their part in the development of a new school at Letterston in Pembrokeshire. The £4 million project is creating a new school for nearly 200 pupils, aged three to 11, on a site next to the existing Ysgol Ger y Llan at Letterston. Haverfordwest-based builders W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd are in charge of construction and the new school is expected to be completed this summer. The finished school will amalgamate two local schools, housing pupils from Ysgol Ger y Llan and Mathry School following an education reshuffle. The school will also provide community facilities. “As the architects in charge of the design work, we are thrilled to be involved with the project,” said the managing director of the Lewis Partnership, Philip Lewis. “We have been involved with other school projects for the local education authority, Pembrokeshire County Council, in the past and we were delighted to provide the winning desi

ALL WALES ANTI DRINK/ DRUG DRIVE CAMPAIGN - THE RESULTS | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Welsh police officers tested more than 27,000 motorists as part of the 2011 All Wales Winter Anti Drink/Drug Drive Campaign. The four week campaign ran from 1st December 2011 to 1st January 2012. 27, 744 breath tests were administered resulting in 545 (2%) being positive, failed or refused.

Photos and eye witnesses sought following air accident in Welshpool | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Investigators looking into the cause of the air accident near Leighton in Welshpool are appealing for anyone who was out taking photos in the area at the time to get in touch. Two people died in the air accident which happened before midday on Wednesday 18th January. The plane involved was a Piper PA31-325 Navajo model, which is a twin engined fixed wing aircraft.

Road Traffic Collision Trecynnon Powys 19.01.12 | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Mid Wales Roads Policing Unit are investigating a serious road traffic collision that occurred on the B4389 Newtown to Tregynon road at the crossroads with the road from Bwlch-y-Ffridd to Bettws Cedewain in Powys.

Splendid lunch at the Stradey Park Hotel today for Llanelli Rotary Club's weekly meeting.

A deadly famine that struck England during the 14th century, killing upwards of half a million people in less than three years, will be the focus of a major new study by Aberystwyth University historian Professor Phillipp Schofield.  Professor Schofield, Head of the Department of History and Welsh History, has been awarded a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship worth £140,507 which will run for three years from September 2012. The study will culminate with the publication of a book on “The Great Famine. Dearth and society in medieval England c.1300”. “Despite being northern Europe's most extensive famine event of the last millennium, relatively little has been written on it,” said Professor Schofield. "This work will not only bring us closer to an understanding of an event that may, on current estimates, have killed upwards of half a million people - out of a total population in England circa 1300 of around 5 million - in less than three years but will also draw to wide

Jon Slattery: Quotes of the Week: From Sly Bailey on regional press ads to comparing MacKenzie to Shipman Spencer Feeney, editor of the South Wales Evening Post, at Leveson: “The local press is in a fragile financial state. Please don't make any recommendations ... to exacerbate that." Other quotes on the link.

FleetStreetBlues: Win an all-expenses paid trip... with our preferred stationery supplier: The worst staff competition in newspaper history? In the age of widespread job losses and plummeting circulations, it's reassuring that some publishers are still finding the time to treat their employees. But journalists at Johnston Press have been somewhat underwhelmed by the latest competition in the company's weekly internal newsletter 'The Word', which boasts that the lucky winners of a FREE TRIP TO SEE A PAPER MILL will be revealed next week.

Carmarthen Town AFC have an important round one League Cup tie against Port Talbot this evening. Kick-off is at Richmond Park at 7:30pm ************************************ Carmarthen Town supporters and friends of the club are reminded thatdonations are still being collected in memory of club stalwart Nigel Williams. Mr Williams was a former treasurer of the club and a director of the Carmarthen Town AFC company. Donations in memory of Mr Williams are going towards the Carmarthen Town Community Programme. If you would like to contribute, please send donations c/o Jeff Thomas 55 Bronwydd Road, Carmarthen, SA31 2AP http://www.carmarthentownafc.com

'Getting Wales Moving' is the title of the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) third Welsh National Economy Conference. It takes place on  Friday 9th March 2012  at the Parc Hotel, Park Place, Cardiff 9.00am - 4.15pm. Conference Chair: Rob Lewis, Chairman, Wales and West, PwC. The IWA’s conference will explore innovative plans to tap private funds to improve our infrastructure as well as the work of the new industrial sector panels set up by the Welsh Government. Biotechnology superstar Sir Christopher Evans, will top the bill with a keynote address on enterprise and innovation and the prospects for building Wales’s life science businesses. Welsh-born Sir Christopher is credited by many as the founder of the UK’s bio-technology industry and is now Chair of the Welsh Government’s life sciences sector panel. Welsh Government Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, will outline the prospects for raising capital to create a national infrastructure investment fund, and Dr Stevie Upton o

Art merchandise stolen from Welshpool store | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Art merchandise worth £200 has been stolen from a shop in Welshpool.

Dyfed Powys celebrates being among top 100 employers in Stonewall equality index | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is celebrating achieving 75th place in the 2012 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index – the second year the force has featured among the top 100 Employers.

Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), has just completed its first ‘treatment mission’ in North Wales. The charity’s treatment practitioners went on the road to treat two veterans of the 1 Royal Welsh and 1 Rifles regiments. “It’s the first time we’ve been able to extend our ground-breaking treatment programme into North Wales,” said charity founder and executive director Kevin Richards. “In recent weeks, there has been a huge amount of publicity about PTSD and the need for successful treatment programmes such as the ones we run. “We have a waiting list of people queuing up for treatment and we were glad of the opportunity to take our programme into North Wales. “It’s the first time we’ve been able to run a treatment course in North Wales, but it won’t be the last. We are a Welsh charity providing treatment services in Wales and that means delivering our services to all four corners of Wales whenever possible. “In an ideal wor

Forestry Commission - News - breathing space for pembrey and penybedd Forestry Commission Wales is beginning work to give two Carmarthenshire forests more breathing space and make them more attractive places to visit. The Commission is thinning selected areas of Pembrey and Penybedd forests by removing trees from some areas, providing more space and light for wildlife and allowing native trees to regenerate.

Rogue Trader due in court for 27 rogue trader offences | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A 38-year-old man is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court in connection with 27 rogue trader offences. The man, from Penparcau, Aberystwyth, was arrested by police in Ammanford.

Welshpool air accident investigation continues. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police, together with the Air Accident Investigation Branch are continuing with their investigations into an air accident in the Welshpool area of Powys.

A man has been fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £264.71 after dropping a cigarette end in Ffairfach, Llandeilo. James Edward Guess was convicted in absence of an offence contrary to Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Llanelli Magistrates Court. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that on Tuesday, July 19 the council’s environmental enforcement officers were travelling in an unmarked vehicle along the A476 in the direction of Ffairfach, Llandeilo. On approaching the roundabout at Ffairfach, the officers saw four people smoking at Heol Cennen and saw one of the men flick his cigarette butt onto the road. Guess, aged 25, of Gwernllwyn Close, Dowlais, Myrthyr Tydfil, was issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. However, he failed to pay it within the specified time and was prosecuted through the courts as a result. Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “There is no excuse for littering our streets.

A growing company which is totally tuned in to the construction industry buzzwords of ‘environment and sustainability’ has moved its offices to Llanelli.  Melin Consultants is fast building a Wales-wide reputation as one of the industry experts on sustainable construction. “We specialise in all the things which people value in the construction industry today – getting environmental issues right and making sure buildings are as sustainable as possible,” said Melin director Jamie Best. “It’s an exciting time for the building and construction industry with everyone appreciating the value of getting it right first time in terms of energy savings and sustainability. “We are right up there in the vanguard when it comes to technical expertise in this area. We’re probably not on the radar as far as members of the public are concerned, but our name and reputation is growing day by day.” The company has relocated its HQ from Tycroes, near Ammanford, to Llys Aur on the Llanelli Gate business

Acclaimed theatrical producer Mike Pearson, Professor of Performance Studies at Aberystwyth University has been awarded a Major Research Fellowship by the Leverhulme Trust.  Professor Pearson is a member of the University’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies and has been awarded £87,208 over two years for a project entitled “Marking Time: Performance, Archaeology and the City”. A former co-director of Brith Gof Theatre Company, Professor Pearson directed the National Theatre Wales’s critically acclaimed production of Aeschylus’s The Persians which was staged at the military training village at Mynydd Epynt in the Brecon Beacons in August 2010. The Leverhulme funding will support a series of research activities and public engagements including the writing of a monograph and journal articles as well as organising guided tours, demonstrations, workshops and both restaged and new performances that trace the origins and development of alternative practices of theatr

Family support service Genesis has proven it’s got all the right building blocks to help people start a career in childcare. Genesis, based within Carmarthenshire County Council, is a European Social Funded project which aims to improve life for families – in particular lone parent families - either because they are unemployed or on a low income. Recently, the team has supported Natalie Jones, a mum from Llanelli, to set up as a childminder. Genesis fully funded her Introduction to Childminding Practice course costs and Quality Start Pack as well as safety equipment, such as stair gates and door stops, to ensure her home would pass the CSSIW inspection process. Natalie, or ‘Aunty Natty’, said she would never have had the opportunity to set up her own business if it wasn’t for the support she received from Genesis, the Children’s Partnership and the National Childminding Association. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it would have been too much of a struggle to d

Advice and Support Carmarthenshire is gearing up to hold its first conference bringing the issue of child poverty to the heart of the agenda. ASC is a network of organisations that work in partnership to support individuals and families with its major emphasis on helping people out of poverty and debt by helping them access advice, benefits, home improvements, employment and training.It was formed in 2010 as part of a co-ordinated effort to help communities deal with such issues. Members include Carmarthenshire County Council, Age Cymru, CAVS, Mencap, Job Force Wales, the Department of Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice Bureau, amongst others. The conference, being held from 9.30am-12.30pm at Llandybie Memorial Hall on Monday, February 20, will aim to put Carmarthenshire’s position in a national context and to identify priority areas for action within the county. The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, will be guest speaker, and the main focus will

RDP Sir Gâr’s grant scheme to help farmers to diversify and keep young people in the farming industry is now under way in rural Carmarthenshire RDP Sir Gâr’s Supporting Farmers to Diversify grant aims to maintain and increase the income of farm households in rural Carmarthenshire, by providing the capital needed to enable farming families to diversify into non agricultural activity. Retaining young people in farming by helping them to develop alternative sources of income and alternative employment opportunities is also a key issue. The scheme has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Peter Howells from NFU Cymru said: “With farm incomes in Wales continuing to be squeezed by increasingly volatile global markets, NFU Cymru welcomes the Supporting Farmers to Diversify grant scheme recently launched in Carmarthenshire which will help farming families to deve

More than 300 people have enrolled on to a programme which helps them break down their barriers to employment and training. The COASTAL project, a European Social Funded scheme, was introduced in the South Wales region to address the problems faced by people who find it difficult to secure employment opportunities or access training as a result of illness, disability or other work-limiting conditions. A recent review has revealed that in Carmarthenshire, 335 people have participated. Of those, 297 have achieved a variety of positive outcomes, 38 have achieved a qualification, five have entered into further learning, and four have gained employment. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Head of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, said the results are pleasing. “Finding a secure job, especially in a recession, is tough enough for anybody,” he said. “When a person has other hurdles to overcome, whether it be because of disability, illness or other problems, then the outloo

A spotlight will shine on disability hate crime, harm, neglect and abuse at a special event in next month. Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board will host the ‘open space’ event in February to demonstrate what steps people can take to protect themselves - or people they care for – from falling prey to crime. It will be held at the Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly, on February 7, and places are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Service users, carers, health and social care professionals, and general members of the public can attend. Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care, Health and Housing and Chair of the Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and this event will explore and demonstrate the various ways that vulnerable people can be misled, discriminated against or abused – both physically and mentally. “It is an open space event, which means that people will be able to move around speak to different people, watch

Two people killed in fatal air incident Welshpool | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Two people have died following reports of an aircraft colliding with a mountain at Long Mountain in Leighton near Welshpool. Emergency services were alerted to the incident around midday today (Wednesday 17th January 2012). Police, fire and ambulance all attended the scene.

Penned this as a letter to the Editor of the Carmarthen Journal after this afternoon's visit to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen. For the record, I dropped mum off at the entrance and had to park a five-minute walk away. Forget climbing Everest. Forget trekking to the South Pole. If you fancy a genuine challenge, then try finding a day-time car parking space at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. Making sure your loved ones get to an out-patients appointment on time can be stressful enough. Factor in the race to secure a car parking spot and you get another ‘patient’ waiting for a valium prescription. Frankly, the mind boggles at the current suggestions that the Hywel Dda Health Trust will be putting more strain on Glangwili (at the expense of hospitals elsewhere in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion). Perhaps their plans will include ‘drive-through’ clinics (rather liked a souped-up McDonald’s restaurant). That’ll ease pressure on the parking, but they might lose a lucrativ

Spencer Feeney, editor of the South Wales Evening Post, appearing at the Leveson Inquiry. Live now! - http://ning.it/w2TQL7

Should Carmarthenshire Council spend money on webcasting council meetings? Check out the Dyfrig Thomas blog - http://dyfrigbigynallanelli.blogspot.com/2012/01/webcasting-council-meeting_15.html

An Aberystwyth University scientist has called for the creation of a revolutionary new field of biodiversity conservation.  The Global Strategy for Microbial Conservation would aim to protect the smallest and most neglected forms of life in the natural world. These organisms include bacteria, fungi and algae, many of which are wrongly seen in popular belief as ‘bad’ or ‘useless’. However Dr Gareth W Griffith from IBERS – the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences – warns that failing to protect them could lose the planet a wealth of biotechnological resources and important habitats and even push some endangered animals and plants towards extinction. Dr Gareth W Griffith argues that the current bias of mainstream conservation efforts towards protecting plants and animals could lead to the extinction of many important microbes without anyone even knowing. Their value would only be realised after they have gone. The plea by Dr Griffith, a senior lecturer at

Letter from Simon Buckley, chief executive of Llandeilo's Evan Evans Brewery, sent to the Carmarthen Journal (and published today) on the subject of the Brecon Jazz 2012 debate - I read with great interest your article on Brecon Jazz 2012. Brecon Jazz is not up for grabs and is certainly not going to move to Carmarthen. Brecon Jazz is staying in Brecon, its proper home. On Wednesday last, I had the privilege of hosting a meeting to decide how the people of Brecon could develop the 2012 Jazz festival. Over 60 people attended the meeting, many of the original founders of the Jazz festival came to the George Hotel, and after some pretty lively debate, it was clear that there will be Jazz in Brecon in 2012, that there will be a fringe festival, and that the people of Brecon will take ownership of the Jazz Festival, and make sure that one of Wales greatest street parties lives on. What was truly inspiring was the determination of those present to make sure that the Brecon Fringe w

Carillion gets Loughor viaduct replacement | Contract News | The Construction Index Network Rail has awarded Carillion Construction a £15.6m contract to replace a viaduct over the Loughor estuary. The Loughor viaduct replacement scheme is part of a £40m upgrade to rail infrastructure between Swansea and Gowerton, announced last month. Carillion will design and build the new viaduct, carrying two tracks along the current alignment.

Health chief's assurance on A&E selection | This is South Wales Paramedics decide which accident and emergency department they will take patients to, a health chief has assured a watchdog. Hywel Dda Health Board chairman Chris Martin gave that message to Carmarthenshire Community Health Council when they quizzed him over claims hospitals were bypassing Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.

Ben Morgan's England elevation shows school of hard knocks can work - Telegraph He’s in the Six Nations squad anyway. And he has got an interesting tale to tell. He’s a Gloucestershire boy who went to Wales, firstly at Merthyr Tydfil, to make his mark in professional sport.

SOPA, PIPA: What you need to know - Political Hotsheet - CBS News Having trouble using Wikipedia today? That's because the popular crowd-sourced online encyclopedia is participating in an "Internet blackout" in protest of two controversial anti-piracy bills: The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and its Senate companion, the Protect IP Act (PIPA). The bills are intended to strengthen protections against copyright infringement and intellectual property theft, but Internet advocates say they would stifle expression the World Wide Web. In essence, the legislation has pitted content providers -- like the music and film industries -- against Silicon Valley.

Do you want to do your bit towards looking after the planet? Would you like to learn more about putting solar panels on your roof and getting paid to produce solar power? Want to know how to grow your own food more effectively? Want to build a straw bale house or a wooden roundhouse? Or just want to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Carmarthenshire County Council is running a number of new courses so why not make a New Year’s resolution to learn something new and also benefit the environment in 2012. Courses on Solar and Wind Power, Organic Gardening and Permaculture will be starting soon in Carmarthen. Later on in the year, there will be courses in Alternative Building and the Grafting of Fruit Trees. The courses are friendly and informal, facilitated by experienced tutors and can lead to qualifications. Community Learning Officer Lynda Lumb said: “After attending the Solar and Wind course, I felt confident to have PV Solar Panels put on my roof. We are now producing electricity for

Love is in the air at Carmarthenshire markets for St Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. In Carmarthen Market, S4C chef Hazel Thomas will be showing shoppers how to make romantic home-cooked meals, using produce from the market. People will be encouraged to buy market goods themselves to cook meals for their loved ones on the special day. At Carmarthen and Llanelli, a wide range of romantic gifts and local produce are on sale for people to give their loved ones. The most traditional gift to give on St Dwynwen’s Day is a Welsh love spoon, a custom that originated hundreds of years ago. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of love and friendship, who lived during the 5th Century and was one of the King of Wales Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She is said to have been deeply religious and enchantingly beautiful, and was broken hearted when she fell in love with a prince called Maelon but her father refused to let her marry him. It is said that after praying, Dwynwen was visited by an ange

A new CCTV camera has been installed in Burry Port Park. The Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership has funded the camera, costing almost £10,000. It followed a request from the police and the town council for an additional camera for the town. It is hoped it will help police in their fight against crime and anti-social behaviour as well as provide reassurance for residents by reducing the fear of crime. The town already has two CCTV cameras and the new addition will significantly increase coverage in the area. County councillors Pat Jones and Stephen James have welcomed the crime prevention boost for the town. Cllr Jones said: “CCTV is seen as a major deterrent against all types of crime as well as anti-social behaviour and I am delighted that we have been able to secure another camera for the town, I am sure residents are also pleased as it will help to increase safety.” Cllr James added: “We do not have a major problem with crime in Burry Port but like any other town there a

A display interpreting the coal mining industry in Carmarthenshire is now on show at the County Museum in Abergwili, Carmarthen. It includes mining equipment and memorabilia, plus a short film about working in the mines and life in Carmarthenshire’s mining valleys. Funding was provided by the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation and county councillor Terry Davies, who also donated many of the items on display. Museum Curator Ann Dorsett said: “Coal was mined in Carmarthenshire for centuries and changed the face of the county. Coal mining made the communities of the Gwendraeth and Aman Valleys. Today, it’s hard to see where the mines once were. This display is very informative and will bring back memories for many people whose relatives worked in the mines.” From 1830 until 1870 many larger mines were sunk in Llanelli. Coal was exported and fed the town’s metal industries, but Llanelli’s mines became worked out by 1928. Many anthracite collieries were opened in the Amman and Gwend

Police urge vigilance following Caravan Burglaries | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is urging members of the public to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries from static caravans within Ceredigion.

‘The Business Brief’ is the new column from Red Kite Law in the Carmarthen Journal. This week, Employment Law Partner Donna Purchase, puts the spotlight on Employment Tribunal Reforms. Regulatory and legal burdens placed on businesses across the UK is an emotive subject. This 'red tape' has in part arisen from the plethora of employment legislation passed in recent years, whether it is the UK's Equality Act or the Agency Workers Regulations derived from European law. Whatever the source, legislation has proved controversial and many people argue that it is suffocating British businesses and contributing to the state of the UK economy. Before the 2010 General Election, the Conservatives summarised their policy on employment law as "Simplifying employment law to make it easier to hire people". The government has recently taken a step towards achieving this by announcing employment law reforms. These reforms are described as the most radical reforms to the em

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Splendid back page story in the Carmarthen Journal today on new Carmarthen Town AFC manager Mark Aizlewood's new recruits. Burry Port businessman Gareth Isaac (GI Carpets) gets a plug in the Llanelli Star story about Tesco coming to the town. Splendid 'Support Carmarthen Town AFC' campaign feature in the Carmarthen Journal today. The latest Red Kite Law 'Business Brief' column is in the Carmarthen Journal newspaper today.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal  newspaper - Friday the 13th was a ‘lucky’ date for many who attended the Carmarthen Town AFC special social quiz night in early celebration of Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. The evening started with a quiz based on love and lovers - followed by others on football and general knowledge. The evening was organised by Carmarthen Town AFC Club Shop organisers Ron and Celia Kirkby. Prizes included bottles of champagne and a meal for four at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel. The evening raised more than £400 for the Carmarthen Town’s EMC Services-sponsored Community Programme. Club President Jeff Thomas said: “The event showed what great community spirit there is in the club. We hope to organise other popular events from now on and hope all our friends in Carmarthen will continue to support us.” ------------------------------------- Carmarthen’s fans now stretch over the

The Llanelli branch of the Cancer Research Campaign is holding its annual charity quiz night. Branch chairman Andrew Stephens said:" Following the success of past quiz events, we would like to invite business and teams and individuals to take part in this year’s Charity Quiz Night, to be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at the Halfway Hotel, Pemberton, starting promptly at 7pm. "The entry fee is £12 per team of four. "Those not able to attend are asked to think about donating a raffle prize for the evening. "As usual, we will be presenting our much-sought-after Cancer Research UK/Cymru Perpetual Cup. "There will be bar meals available on request and, of course, the bar will be open to refresh the parts other questions cannot reach!" For further information and an entry form, contact - Andrew G Stephens, Tel: 07799380549, E-mail andrew@stelli.co.uk

Where better to look for romance to blossom than the stunning surroundings of one of the most romantic gardens in Wales? Dydd Santes Dwynwen, St Dwynwen’s Day, is next Wednesday, January 25, and love will be in the air for all visitors to picturesque Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley. “All couples paying to enter the garden on St Dwynwen’s Day will receive a special gift,” said Aberglasney shop manager Vanessa Bolton. “Over the years, Aberglasney has proved very popular with visitors seeking that extra-special romantic location for St Dwynwen’s Day and for St Valentine’s Day. “The gardens at Aberglasney have seen their fair share of marriage proposals and the setting lends itself wonderfully to romance. “To make St Dwynwen’s Day extra special for those looking for romance we will be giving a hand-carved Welsh lovespoon to every couple coming through the turnstiles.” Aberglasney chief executive Roger Evans said he was eagerly looking forward to welcoming couples young

Pictures from Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley today. Featuring snowdrops, hellebores and iris - and trainee heritage gardener Alexander Hoyle. Aberglasney January 17 2012

A Carmarthenshire Funding Fair is being held on Wednesday, 22nd February, 10.30 am to 3:30pm, at the Delme Thomas Centre, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. Following on from the success of the Regional Funding Fair in 2010, Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services have announced the Carmarthenshire County Funding Fair event in 2012. The event will focus on helping to create vibrant communities and encouraging the move towards sustainability. The fair will enable community groups, local charities and voluntary organisations to understand both the funding available and the business expertise available, to help them develop their ideas. For more information, see- http://www.cavs.org.uk/carmarthenshire-funding-fair-2012

The National Survey for Wales is a study of adults across the whole of Wales. It covers a range of topics, and asks for people’s views on: Local public services, such as transport, education, and health services Local area and neighbourhood How well the government is performing, both locally and nationally This research is being conducted on behalf of the Welsh Government by two independent research organisations, TNS-BMRB and Beaufort Research. For further information about this research, or to arrange an interview, please contact Sam Sullivan at TNS-BMRB on the freephone number 0800 015 2479 or at nationalsurveyforwales@tns-bmrb.co.uk .

Aerials stolen from cars in Brecon | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Six aerials have been stolen from vehicles parked in the Uplands area of Brecon.

Off to wonderful Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley this morning.

Sherlock finale – Our verdict | TV Editor's Blog - Yahoo! TV UK Spoiler alert! With 'Sherlock', co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have gripped the nation in a way TV shows over the decades have rarely achieved. The perfect blend of contemporary setting, classic characters, brilliant acting, unparalleled fun and cunning smarts have turned this updated take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books into the most compelling screen-version of the character's tales to date.

Council Leader calls constituents 'rabble' : Jacqui Thompson's blog - always worth a read.

Nice story on Burry Port businessman Gareth Isaac and his views on the new Burry Port Tesco store in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. Nice picture spotlight on comedian Phil Evans and his 'Comedy and Cwtshes' event in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. Yesterday - Smashing picture story about comic Phil Evans and his upcoming Pontardawe gig in the Western Mail arts section today.

A fund-raising curry evening is being held at the Sheesh Mahal restaurant in Stepney Street on Tuesday,  January 31, at 7 pm for Radio BGM, Prince Philip Hospital Radio. The cost per head is £11, with a variety of dishes to choose from. David Hurford, chairman of Radio BGM said: "We have been really fortunate to have been so well supported in the past by so many people and we hope that we can repeat that success and swell the funds a little to allow us to continue our service. A warm welcome is extended to all." If you want to attend, then email David Hurford at davehurford@talktalk.net. Weblink - www.radiobgm.org.uk

Côr Meibion Llanelli 2012 events - Saturday, February 18 – Concert at the Gravells Garage showroom in Kidwelly, 7pm start. Soloist Joy Cornock. Concert in aid of TS Echo Llanelli, the Llanelli Sea Cadets Training Ship. http://www.sea-cadets.org/Llanelli/ Llanelli Sea Cadets are celebrating their 70th anniversary this year. Thursday, March 1 – St David’s Day concert in Twickenham for the Mayor of Richmond’s charity, 7pm start. Saturday, March 3 – Concert to mark St David’s Day at Theatr Elli, Llanelli, 7pm start. Friday, March 9 – Wedding at the Stradey Park Hotel for Byron Thomas’s daughter. 4pm. Friday,March 16 – Gala concert at Parc y Scarlets, 7pm start, featuring tenor Wynne Evans and Only Men Aloud (tbc). Saturday, April 21 – Cor Curiad concert at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, 7pm start, featuring Rhydian (tbc). Saturday, April 28 – Concert at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, 7pm start. Saturday, May 26 – Concert at Rhayader Leisure Centre, 7pm start.

With more than 90 per cent of commerce in Carmarthenshire conducted through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), where would the economy of West Wales be without them? They are the engines that enable us to live and work in this rural corner of our crowded island. Now, more than ever, the businesses of Carmarthenshire face challenges to their profitability and continued existence. As oil and gas becomes scarcer and more expensive, companies using energy intensive processes such as cheese production, ice-cream making or sausage making will no doubt struggle as a result of the inevitable rise in energy prices. Menter Cwm Gwendraeth (MCG) have received RDP Sir Gâr funding* for their Adfer project and are offering a free service that will help rural businesses combat these rises. Using equipment such as energy monitors, voltage checkers and thermal imaging cameras, MCG’s experienced and knowledgeable staff will be working with rural businesses to reduce their energy overheads, mak

Older residents in two areas of the county are being invited to an event which could help reduce their risk of falling. The Camu ‘Mlaen (Step Forward) events are being held in the Llwynhendy and Ammanford communities. Over 500 people, aged over 75, are being invited to attend through their local surgeries – Adfer Medical Group in Llwynhendy, and Brynteg and Margaret Street practices in Ammanford. Those who attend will have the opportunity of meeting with health and social care representatives and will get advice about the various support services in place to help reduce their risk of falling. They will get advice about simple measures they can undertake, such as arranging to have grab-rails installed at their home, or arranging for a foot care session. They will also be able to take advantage of a range of health and wellbeing services, and can speak to representatives from various organisations on issues such as benefit entitlement and living independently. Camu ‘Mlaen events are orga