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Showing posts from February 26, 2012

'The Tamborine Men'!

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The 'Tamborine Men' - Ken Collins, left, and John Gravell at last night's Cor Meibion Llanelli Richmond concert.

Rotary Crocus bulbs blooming great

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The purple crocus bulbs planted by Llanelli Rotary Club in Llanelli town centre are blooming nicely in the spring sunshine!

Prestigious award for Carmarthen Market

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Carmarthen Market has won the prestigious CLAW (Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales) Building of the Year Award 2011. The Market, designed by Rio Architects, is uniquely designed which reinforces the importance of the historic clock tower whilst providing the focus for the £66 million St. Catherine’s walk development and the town centre; it attracts interest and admiration from local community and visiting tourists alike. Councillor Kevin Madge, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Corporate Property said: “The Market overcame considerable site, local community and logistical challenges to deliver an outstanding landmark building. “The new market opened in 2010 by HRH The Princess Royal and is an excellent showcase for Carmarthen’s local produce. “We are delighted with the new building and we hope it will attract many visitors for years to come.” Jonathan Fearn, Carmarthenshire Council’s Head of Corporate Property added: “Prior to the new building, m

Sudden death of 19-year-old woman in Haverfordwest

Sudden Death of 19 year-old female: Haverfordwest | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating the sudden death of a 19-year-old female from the Haverfordwest area. The incident occurred in Cartlett Road at approximately 1:30am on 1 March 2012. The death has been referred to HM Coroner.

Ammanford conference on drink and drugs

Carmarthenshire is hosting a multi-agency conference to highlight the impact felt by children and young people with an alcoholic or drug-dependant parent. The third annual Hidden Harm conference is being hosted by Carmarthenshire County Council and Barnardo’s. Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler will speak at the event, which is being held at Ammanford Miner’s Theatre on Monday, March 12. The event will also showcase a thought-provoking, play developed between Mess up the Mess Theatre Company and Barnardo’s Cymru. `Hidden’ is based on the real life experiences of local young people and explores the damage caused to families because of substance misuse. Delegates will have the opportunity to talk to the playwright, cast members and other professionals involved as part of the day. Kelvin Barlow, Manager of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Substance Misuse Services, said: “This will be our third local conference and will be beneficial for any professionals who work with c

Fourteen arrested and charged following burglary

Fourteen arrested and charged following burglary at Llandrindod services | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A total of 14 men have appeared before a court in Liverpool charged with conspiracy to burgle a service station in Llandrindod Wells. The service station at Crossgates was burgled on the night of the 15th November 2011 and a cash machine was attacked with power tools.

Off to London

Off to London with Cor Meibion Llanelli for their St David's Day concert in Richmond.

Don't forget the plant sales at Aberglasney!

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It's all blooming marvellous at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley, with possibly the finest display of daffodils in Wales. But green-fingered gardeners are being urged not to forget other plants as Aberglasney starts to stage its monthly specialist plant sales. "We have visiting nurseries coming to Aberglasney on the first Saturday of each month from March to October," said head gardener Joseph Atkin. "The daffodils in March are brilliant, but I don't want  people to forget that there's much, much more on offer here at Aberglasney. "The sales will be taking place between 10:30am - 4:00pm on the first Saturday of each month, starting this Saturday. "The event is free to all members of the public. "The plant sales are designed to give keen gardeners and plant hunters the opportunity to see what specialist growers have for sale throughout the year. "The Aberglasney shop will also be having a wider range of plants

Baron Griffiths of Burry Port speaks to Llanelli Rotary Club

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The special guest speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club's St David's Day Dinner at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, was Leslie Griffiths, Baron Griffiths of Burry Port. Lord Griffiths was welcomed to the meeting by Llanelli Rotary Club President Graham Williams, left. A native of Burry Port, Lord Griffiths is a Methodist Minister and a life peer in the House of Lords. He became a preacher in the Methodist Church of Great Britain in 1963. He trained for the Ministry at Wesley House and completed a MA in theology at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. For many years, he worked overseas in Haiti. He is the current Superintendent Minister at Wesley's Chapel, London. Now 70, he was created Baron Griffiths of Burry Port in 2004.

Kidwelly museum in running for accolade

Museum in running for accolade | This is South Wales Kidwelly Industrial Museum is in the running to be crowned as one of Great Britain's greats as part of a nationwide competition to highlight the country's best. The museum has been nominated in the Great Exhibition 2012, and Carmarthenshire residents are being urged to cast their votes and help put it in with a chance of gaining the accolade of best in Britain. Entered in the business and commerce category, the museum was once home to around half the world's production of tinplate.

Legend Derek gets walking for launch

Legend Derek gets walking for launch | This is South Wales Rugby star Derek Quinnell tried his hand at a new sport as he helped launch a befriending scheme in Llanelli. The legend got to grips with Nordic walking, just one of the activities that will be on offer as part of the West Wales Befriending Links service.

Pembrokeshire: 20,000 dumped tyres removed by Environment Agency

BBC News - Pembrokeshire: 20,000 dumped tyres removed by Environment Agency More than 20,000 tyres dumped at a site in Pembrokeshire have been removed. The Environment Agency Wales said that if they caught fire they would have produced toxic smoke and threatened nearby homes and a caravan park. It said it had taken the "highly unusual step" of removing them from the site, which has not been named, because of the dangers involved.

Romney eats Welsh cakes on St David's Day

BBC News - Romney eats Welsh cakes on St David's day US Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and his wife Ann will be celebrating St David's Day by eating specially delivered Welsh cakes. Mrs Romney, whose family comes from Maesteg, has been serving them as her husband's campaign crosses the country. In the UK, Prince Charles is to present leeks to the Welsh Guards as part of a St David's Day parade before they are deployed to Afghanistan. About 400 members of the battalion are to leave within the next two weeks.

BBC Wales poll: Voters back tax power, but not independence

BBC News - BBC Wales poll: Voters back tax power, but not independence Almost two-thirds of voters think the Welsh assembly should have at least some influence over the taxes people pay, according to a poll for BBC Wales. Only about one in three wanted to keep the current system where the assembly has no power to vary taxes. Support for Welsh independence remains weak, with 7% backing it, rising to 12% if Scotland leaves the UK.

Off to a St David's Day Dinner

Off to the St David's Day Dinner for Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey. Lord Leslie Griffiths (Rev Dr) of Burry Port is the guest speaker.

£2million Pembrokeshire projects boost for Morganstone

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Construction firm Morganstone Ltd has won three separate contracts to provide new homes for Pembrokeshire Housing Association. The projects have a combined value of £2 million. “The projects are significant news for us as we can now proudly say we work across the length and breadth of South Wales, from Chepstow in the east to the west of Pembrokeshire,” said Morganstone Managing Director, Ian Morgan, pictured above. “The projects with Pembrokeshire Housing fulfil a great need for social housing in the area and we are delighted to be carrying out the work.” At Munro Court in Pembroke Dock, Morganstone is building two, semi-detached, bungalows. At St Mary’s Road, the project is for four bungalows and at Stranraer Road, 16 houses and flats are being constructed. Ian Morgan added: “From our offices in Llanelli we are very conveniently located to serve both the eastern and the western regions of South Wales. “We have senior staff with decades of experience working in all sectors of dev

Red Kite Law networking and briefing event a big success

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Red Kite Law teamed up with Finance Wales to stage a prestigious commercial networking and briefing event at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock.  The event was the first of its kind to be held at the BIC, the former Technium building overlooking Cleddau Bridge. Red Kite Law partner Betsan Powell, pictured, said: “It was a major feather in our cap as we have just moved our legal firm’s Pembrokeshire commercial department into new offices at the state-of-the-art BIC. “Working with Finance Wales, this was the first seminar and networking event of its kind, but I am sure it won’t be the last as the team here at the BIC and Red Kite Law are keen to host other events which will prove to be beneficial to the business community in Pembrokeshire. “It was also something of a coup for us as we were able to secure a top keynote speaker in Sue Davenport, regional ambassador for the IOD (Institute of Directors) Chartered Director programme in Wales.” A graduate of Hava

Award-winning Bwcabus scheme extended

The triple award winning Bwcabus scheme has been extended to cover areas from Llanybydder to Llangeitho and from Lampeter to Nebo. There are more than 1,200 registered users now using Bwcabus which has transported its passengers over 30,000 times. Bwcabus can provide journeys so that its passengers can get to work and school, visit their doctors and dentists, and connect with the main bus services so that they can visit the larger towns of Carmarthen, Cardigan and Aberystwyth. Passengers can visit friends and family in areas of the Bwcabus zone they may not have previously been able to get to if they do not have access to a car. New fixed timetabled routes have been added in the extension area which commenced on February 27 adding to a number of routes that the scheme already operates. These services allow passengers to jump on and off the bus along the fixed routes which run through their villages. The Bwcabus scheme has recently purchased two new fully accessible buses to improv

Health and care scheme proves a winner

The number of people benefitting from Carmarthenshire’s Reablement service continues to rise. The most recent figures available show that the number of people supported in their own homes by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Reablement staff, increased from 156 in quarter two 2010-11 to 213 in quarter two 2011-12. The Reablement service was introduced by the council in recent years to support people who require help to regain their independence, confidence and skills following a period of illness, disability, or loss of self-confidence. The service supports a return home from hospital or care home, and prevents unnecessary admissions to hospital or care. It is provided free of charge, and is provided until the service user meets their own personal targets for regaining confidence and independence. Sheila Porter, Head of Primary, Community and Social Care, said: “The service has been designed to support people to remain living safely in their own homes. It promotes choice and quality

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park marks 60 years

BBC News - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park marks 60 years Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is kicking off a year of celebrations to mark its 60th anniversary. Granted national park status on 29 February 1952, it supports thousands of tourism jobs and contributes millions each year to the county's economy. The park authority, which manages everything from planning to wildlife, is planning a series of events.

Centre Jonathan Davies signs new Scarlets contract

BBC Sport - Centre Jonathan Davies signs new Scarlets contract Wales centre Jonathan Davies has signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at the Scarlets until the end of the 2013-2014 season. The moves bucks the trend of out-of-contract Wales-based players signing for French or English clubs.

Family's worry over British journalists held in Libya

BBC News - Family's worry over British journalists held in Libya The father of one of two British journalists held by former rebel fighters in Libya says the family is finding the impasse "very stressful". Cameraman Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 36, from Carmarthen, and reporter Nicholas Davies, 37, were captured by Misrata Brigade members last Tuesday. Mr Montgomery-Johnson's father Philip Johnson said he was relieved to hear the pair were being treated well. But he is worried they will not hand the Britons to the Libyan government.

Campaigners fear repeat of Rochdale health saga

Campaigners fear repeat of Rochdale saga | This is South Wales Concerns have been raised that proposals to shake up emergency services in Llanelli are following in the footsteps of controversial changes made in Greater Manchester last year. Parallels have been drawn between proposals outlined for Prince Philip Hospital and those carried out at Rochdale Infirmary, which last year saw its A&E replaced with an urgent care centre.

30 jobs at new retailer in Parc Trostre, Llanelli

30 jobs at new retailer | This is South Wales Single price retailer Poundworld has announced the opening of its new Llanelli store which will create 30 new retail jobs for the area. The store at Parc Trostre will officially open to the public on Friday.

Rupert Moon limbers up to tackle battle to win seat on Carmarthenshire Council

Rupert Moon limbers up to tackle battle to win seat on Carmarthenshire Council | This is South Wales Former Wales rugby star Rupert Moon is to try his hand at a new game — politics. The scrum-half, turned Scarlets commercial director, wants to be one of the candidates lining up to compete for the two Carmarthenshire Council seats in Gorslas up for grabs in May's local elections.

Computer skills courses are a big hit

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Older people in Carmarthenshire have been learning computer skills to keep in touch with family and friends and access services online. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Digital Inclusion Team, which is teaching people how to use digital technology under the Welsh Government’s Communities 2.0 project, has been working with the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) Group in Felinfoel. The Communities 2.0 project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The team has delivered BBC First Click computer courses to members of the U3A, as well as tailored training sessions on communicating with family and friends through SKYPE, accessing local authority services on the internet through an iPad and the Wii and finding bargains by shopping online. The people attending have all commented on the skills they’ve gained and the confidence it’s given them to take advantage of the numerous benefits available to them online. Betty Davies, who attended the courses, said “I really learnt

Carmarthenshire Funding Fair hailed a success

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A special event to help businesses, community groups and sports organisations find funding has been hailed as a great success. The Carmarthenshire County Funding Fair was held in the Delme Thomas Centre at Parc y Scarlets last week when representatives of over 50 funders, including RDP Sir Gar, Aggregates Levy, Children in Need, Lloyds TSB, WRU, were on hand to discuss the various grants and support available in Carmarthenshire. Workshops on Establishing Sustainable Organisational Structures and Community Managed Leisure Facilities - Asset Transfer Briefing Session were also provided free of charge. The event was organised by the Community Bureau in partnership with the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services. Visitor Gemma Davies of Kinetic Bam said: “We have come here to look for grants. Our business is promoting fitness and we put on classes in gymnastics, free running yoga and other activities.” Llandovery YMCA centre manager Jill Tatman said: “We are looking fo

All aboard at Stagecoach for the musical Annie

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‘Leaping Lizards!’ The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School in Carmarthen is planning a special production this summer. The popular musical Annie will be the featured show and will take to the stage at The Lyric Theatre in King Street, Carmarthen. It’s the school’s third annual production, following on the successes of Billy Elliot and last year’s production of Oliver. “The annual summer production is always one of the highlights of the year here at Stagecoach,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies. “Annie is a very popular choice, featuring some great songs such as Maybe, Tomorrow and It’s the Hard-Knock Life. “Casting has started already and we will be starting rehearsals next term, which is April. “Pupils joining our new afternoon school will be able to take part in the production, which will see us do three performances at the Lyric (one a matinee) on Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21. “Every single person in the school gets an opportunity to perform in the show - ev

St David’s Ale is a must for tomorrow

Evan-Evans – St David’s Ale (4.3% ABV) | Evan Evans Brewery : Check this out: the Evan-Evans brewery's St David's Ale. A full bodied Spring beer with light spiced Aroma and clean fruity Palate. An Ale to celebrate the patron saint of Wales.

Kirtsy Jones: Update to meeting with the Thai authorities

Update to Meeting with the Thai Authorities | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Following the meetings held with the Thai Authorities last week, to discuss the murder of Kirsty Jones in 2000, detectives were pleased with the outcome of discussions and are hopeful that progress can be made. Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Wilkins said “I am very encouraged by the content of the discussions with Police Colonel Songsak Raksaksakul, who is the Director of Transnational Crime for the Department of Special Investigations and the officer who is now leading the investigation."

Melin helps recognise quality builders in Carmarthenshire

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Melin Consultants, the fast-growing South Wales firm of environment and sustainability experts, has played its part in helping to recognise quality builders in Carmarthenshire. Melin sponsored two categories at Carmarthenshire’s 2011 Local Authority Building Control Excellence Awards ceremony at the Machynys Peninsula Golf Club in Llanelli. “Working closely with constructors and builders we get to see plenty of examples of excellent work in Carmarthenshire,” said Melin managing director Jamie Best. “Sponsoring two award categories was our way of helping to recognise the achievements of excellent building projects in Carmarthenshire. A total of 12 building projects were recognised at the awards, which were introduced by LABC (Local Authority Building Control) President Mike Sanson. The county council’s director of regeneration, Dave Gilbert, said: “It was not too many years ago people used to say buildings and homes to the standard we are achieving in the county now could never happen

The latest 'Iechyd Da' beer column from brewer Simon Buckley

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The latest Iechyd Da beer column written by Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Llandeilo-based Evan-Evans brewery, for the Carmarthen Journal . . .  Last week I was told that winter was behind us. Spring was in the air . . . The evenings are certainly getting lighter and the weather in general is much milder. So what are those dark clouds on the horizon? This week, I have wondered whether a career in brewing is worth the constant criticism. Our Prime Minister attacks our industry, our doctors and surgeons attack our industry, and in the mean-time our politicians agree further taxes that will again emasculate our pubs and the rural communities that they serve. So why battle on? The answer is simple – We have not battled the changes in our industry over the last few years to let our ‘here today and gone tomorrow’ politicians destroy an age old industry that people travel the world to experience. You do not hear politicians in Dublin attack a cherished part of their heritage, the g

Latest 'View from Richmond Park' column

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The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - There was a good response to the latest public meeting held by Carmarthen Town AFC. Supporters split into different groups - Commercial/Financial; Community; Ground Development and Communications. Club chairman Gareth Jones told the meeting: “We have to move on as people have shown their support for the club and we now have to utilise this goodwill.” Mr Jones said a Strategic Planning Group had already met and was due to meet again in March. He was more optimistic on the playing side as well “with the Old Gold being unbeaten in the Welsh Premier league in 2012.” ------------------------------------- Popular Carmarthen comedy entertainer Phil Doyle will be staging a fund-raising evening at the Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse and community centre on Saturday, May 26. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are £12 per person, including buffet. Phil has appeared on many TV shows including New Co

Latest Clay Shaw Butler 'Looking After Business' column

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Looking after business, the new business page column from the Carmarthen Journal By Nigel Roberts, finance and banking specialist with Carmarthen-based accountants Clay Shaw Butler It was Winston Churchill who said, “Those who plan do better than those who do not plan.” With that firmly ‘front of mind’, my last few columns have focused on different aspects of business planning. We’ve already covered writing a business plan and those early key decisions. Now it’s time to focus on other issues which face any new business. Taxation Tax will become payable on profits made by the business. The rates of tax will be different depending on the structure of the entity. Getting advice on tax planning is crucial. You also need to know when tax will become payable, what you can do to decrease your taxable profits (which may be different to accounting profits) and the most tax efficient way of taking money out of your business for your personal use. Insurance Ensure you are fully covered for a

In the news today . . .

Splendid story in the Llanelli Star about The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Cub getting a 'Top 10' British rating for value. Smashing picture in Llanelli Star of Llanelli Rotary Club Council (executive committee) members visiting the Llanelli Town Mayor's Parlour. Llanelli Star today puts the spotlight on a busy week of 'St David's Day' activities for Cor Meibion Llanelli. Llanelli concert on Saturday. Lovely review of Cor Meibion Llanelli's recent concert at Gravells, Kidwelly, in the Llanelli Star today. Splendid story in the Llanelli Star today about the Llanelli Rotary Club Ball (March 23) being dedicated to the memory of Ernie Lawson. Nice story in the Llanelli Star today about the quiz night (March 9) at the Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey. Smashing picture story in the Llanelli Star about St John Lloyd School teams winning the Rotary Youth Speaks zone final competition. Smashing picture story in the South Wales Evening Post tonight about the Daff

Off to Talking Newspaper AGM

Off to the AGM for the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind this evening. Venue: Llanelli Town Council offices.

New business logistics hub for Llangennech

A prestigious international company has selected Llangennech as its business logistics hub bringing new employment to the area. Cassidian, a division of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) will be using the R & A Properties business park as its new UK storage, logistics and marshalling hub. R & A Properties took over the former MoD depot last year, following a decision by Carmarthenshire County Council to buy the 37-acre site with the intention of selling it to them, and they plan to invest £1.5million developing it into a business centre. Nigel Lovering, R&A Properties Partner, said: "We at R&A are delighted to be working with Cassidian to support their UK wide secure storage and warehouse operational needs. They are a very important anchor company in Wales and the fact that they have selected our site at Carmarthen speaks volumes for our world class operation in Llangennech. “The support of Carmarthenshire County Council and Welsh Government

New traditional building courses at Tywi Centre

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The Tywi Centre in Llandeilo is running a series of short courses aimed at rediscovering and developing traditional building skills. The courses will provide an opportunity for individuals to develop theoretical and practical skills and knowledge needed to look after old buildings and natural habitats in a traditional and sustainable manner. The courses are ideal for builders, building professionals, farmers, landowners and homeowners or any onewith an interest in heritage. Courses include thatching, building with lime, using traditional and ecological paints, hedge laying and dry stone walling, to name a few. All of the courses will be delivered by experts and specialists within their field. Given that one third of dwellings in Wales are of traditional pre-1919 generally solid wall construction, it is vitally important that the correct materials and methods are employed, otherwise Carmarthenshire is at risk of losing a substantial part of its built heritage. The Tywi Centre is at

Safety fears over Llanelli beach path at night

Safety fears over Llanelli beach path at night | This is South Wales North Dock residents fear lives are being put at risk along the beach in Llanelli, where the footpath is "completely black" at night. Complaints have been made about the lack of lighting along the beachfront, where walkers, runners and cyclists are left in darkness when the sun sets. Members of the North Dock Residents' Association have written to Carmarthenshire Council voicing their concerns for the safety of people who use the path, but are becoming frustrated that nothing has been done.

Cocklers in call for fresh inquiry on inlet deaths

Cocklers in call for fresh inquiry on inlet deaths | This is South Wales Burry Inlet cocklers have demanded a fresh independent inquiry into the mass cockle mortalities that have decimated their industry and their livelihoods. Meeting representatives of the Welsh Assembly's Petitions Committee in Burry Port yesterday, the cocklers revealed that 34 of them are suffering from the effects of the mass deaths.

Schmallenberg livestock virus 'inevitable' at Welsh farms

BBC News - Schmallenberg livestock virus 'inevitable' at Welsh farms A retired clinical virologist says it is 'inevitable' there will be cases in Wales of the Schmallenberg virus which causes birth defects and miscarriages in livestock. But Dr Ruth Watkins warns against culling infected animals as they will become immune. Some farms in Wales have been tested after more than 80 cases were reported in England. The virus thought to spread by insects is not believed to affect people.

Awema: South Wales Police investigate dishonesty claims

BBC News - Awema: South Wales Police investigate dishonesty claims Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of dishonesty among staff at the race relations charity Awema. The charity has been dogged by scandal after allegations of financial mismanagement. Chief executive Naz Malik and finance director Saquib Zia were sacked earlier this month and its public funding was withdrawn by the Welsh government. Administrators have been called in to wind up the organisation's affairs. It came after a report said there was a "fundamental lack of control" at Awema.

Efforts continue to free British journalists held in Libya

BBC News - Efforts continue to free British journalists held in Libya Efforts are continuing to obtain the release of two British journalists who are being held by a group of former rebel fighters in Libya. Reporter Nicholas Davies and cameraman Gareth Montgomery-Johnson were detained by members of the Misrata Brigade on Tuesday and are being held in Tripoli. It is not clear if Mr Montgomery-Johnson, a cameraman from Carmarthen, and his colleague will face charges. Human Rights Watch says it has been denied access to the journalists.

Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery, judicial review refused

BBC News - Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery, judicial review refused A judge has refused a legal challenge to plans to merge two secondary schools in Carmarthenshire, according to the county council. Campaigners fighting to keep Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery had applied for a judicial review. There are plans to merge the school with Tregib near Llandeilo and build a new school on a new site. The Pantycelyn Action Group has asked for a hearing before a different judge to review the refusal. That will take place on 8 March.

Escape into the Park dance festival to have 'rest' year

BBC News - Escape into the Park dance festival to have 'rest' year Organisers of one of Wales' largest dance music festivals say its event will not be taking place this summer. Escape into the Park, which attracts some of the world's biggest dance and urban artists, will return in 2013 following a "rest" year. The event has been held in Swansea's Singleton Park every June since it first started in 2000 and is the first time it has had such a break.

Book at bedtime this week . . .

This week's book at bedtime has been Wolf of the Plains by Conn Iggulden. Now planning summer hols to Ulan Bator!

Kirsty Jones murder: DNA focus for Thai police

BBC News - Kirsty Jones murder: DNA focus for Thai police A senior detective said he is more optimistic than ever that Thai police will catch the killer of a backpacker from Powys. Kirsty Jones, 23, from Tredomen, near Brecon, was raped and strangled at a guesthouse in Chiang Mai in 2000. The head of CID at Dyfed-Powys Police said investigations are now focused on a DNA profile recovered from the scene.

Bid to track down those owed a rent rebate

Housing officers in Carmarthenshire are trying to track down former tenants who may have overpaid their rent. Officers from the county council’s Housing Services team want to hear from former tenants – or their surviving relatives - whose rent accounts are in credit. The council wants to make arrangements to pay the money back. Executive Board Member for Housing, Cllr Hugh Evans, said: “Housing Services staff have carried out investigations as part of a routine exercise, as a result of which, some closed rent accounts have been found to be in credit. “We want to make every effort to return this money to those tenants or their heirs, so we appeal to anyone who thinks they are owed money to get in touch with us.” Former tenants or relatives of deceased former tenants who think they are owed money should contact Gareth Dennis by Monday, March 19. Email housing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk Gareth Dennis Tel: 01267 28969

Road traffic collision between Forden and Montgomery

Road traffic collision between Forden and Montgomery | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys At about 2.15pm on Monday 27th February 2012 a serious injury road traffic collision occurred on the B4388 Montgomery to Forden road at the Marton to Caerhowell junction.

Three comics off to give Toronto a tongue-lashing!

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Heard the one about the three Welsh comedians heading to Toronto to celebrate St David’s Day? The St David’s Society of Toronto will hear all about it on Saturday night (March 3) as Phil Evans, Gary Slaymaker and Daniel Glyn jet into Canada for a night of stand-up comedy. The three comedians will be performing their critically-acclaimed show ‘The Dragon Has Three Tongues’. “It’s a showcase of the very best in Welsh comedy,” said Evans. “Welsh audiences will be familiar with what the show is all about, but this is the first time we have taken it abroad. “The St David’s Day Society of Toronto is made up of Welsh ‘exiles’ in Canada, so we’ll be mixing the comedy with some ‘hiraeth’ (longing) for the Land of My Fathers.” Messrs Evans, Slaymaker and Glyn are three familiar faces and voices in Wales and appear regularly on S4C (Welsh language TV) as well as BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. Two years ago they joined forces to create ‘The Dragon Has Three Tongues’ to provide an innovativ

Fatal road crash on A40 in Powys

Fatal RTC on A40 in Powys - police appeal for witnesses | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys At 11.50am Sunday 26th February police attended following a report of a two vehicle road traffic collision at a junction on the A40 between Sennybridge and Trecastle. This involved a motorcycle and a Subaru vehicle. “The rider of the bike and the driver of the car were both taken to hospital but unfortunately the rider later died from his injuries,” said roads policing Inspector Dyfed Bolton. “The driver of the car is still critical at Morriston Hospital."

Ten thoughts about the Sun on Sunday

Sands Media Services: Ten thoughts about the Sun on Sunday Newspaper design guru Peter Sands gives his verdict on The Sun on Sunday - There really are no big surprises. The Sun on Sunday is just the same as the Sun on Saturday (and not too different from every other day). The typography, design, tone and masthead are all instantly recognisable.

Brewer on The Big Questions - now on iPlayer

Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans brewery, was featured on the BBC1 The Big Questions programme on Sunday morning. Mr Buckley was part of a debate answering the question, 'does society pay too high a price for alcohol?' You can catch the show again the BBC's iPlayer - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01cvmg5/The_Big_Questions_Series_5_Episode_8/

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery (inc 2 chicken and mushroom pasties £2.00) now on the website - http://ning.it/oLM1PP

Three treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Llanelli

BBC News - Three treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Llanelli Three people have been treated for carbon monoxide poisoning at a property in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. One man was found unconscious outside the flat at Station Road just after 04:00 GMT on Sunday.

Interview with John Wynne Hopkins

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Interview with John Wynne Hopkins, chairman of Llanelli Community Heritage, recorded for the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind -

Wales captain Sam Warburton revels in Triple Crown

BBC Sport - Six Nations: Wales captain Sam Warburton revels in Triple Crown Man-of-the-match Sam Warburton spoke of his pride after lifting his first trophy as Wales captain. The open-side flanker led Wales to a 19-12 Six Nations win over England at Twickenham on Saturday that secured the Triple Crown. "Walking up those steps and... lifting the trophy was awesome, a brilliant feeling," said the 23-year-old. "We wanted something to reward us for the hard effort, hard work we've put in over the last six months."

Brewer Simon on The Big Questions

Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley on the BBC's The Big Questions live from Cardiff at 10am - http://ning.it/xXKwQa