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

The team at the CBSA, Carmarthenshire Business and Social Action, in Stebonheath, Llanelli, have sent news about their latest events - July Networking Event Spotlight Your Business A buffet lunch will be served overlooking the Cleddau Estuary followed by YOUR opportunity to ‘Spotlight Your Business’. You will have 30 seconds to tell the other businesses present who you are and what you can do for them, before the whistle is blown! The event will finish with networking and exchanging business cards to follow up those important business leads. Venue: Cleddau Bridge Hotel,Essex Road,  Pembroke Dock,SA72 6EG Date: Thursday 19th July 2012 Time: 12.20pm - 2.30pm The networking events are very popular, so please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Contact Liz Evans 01554779910 or email levans@cbsa.org.uk Other events: CBSA eBusiness Club- Cloud Computing -Office 365 23rd July 2012 Llanelli See website for details www.cbsa.org.uk These events are funded by th

From today until July 26, Elaine Graham will be exhibiting her work in the Aberglasney Mansion House in the Tywi Valley. Specialising in the wild, windy and always dramatic Welsh Coast countryside, and fusing the traditional and modern, her style is painterly, colourist and expressive. Definitely worth a look! And why not combine it with a walk around the beautiful gardens and a stop off at the ‘Gardeners Cafe’ for tea and cakes!

The former Archdruid of Wales, the Rev. John Gwilym Jones has been honoured as Fellow of Aberystwyth University. A graduate of Aberystwyth, John Gwilym Jones was presented by Gwerfyl Pierce Jones, Vice-President of Aberystwyth University. Presentation of John Gwilym Jones by Gwerfyl Pierce Jones: It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce the Reverend John Gwilym Jones for investiture as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University. Mae unrhyw un sy'n ymddiddori yn 'y Pethe' yn gwybod am Barc Nest ger Castellnewydd Emlyn, aelwyd ddiwylliedig ryfeddol a ffynhonnell awen tri brawd a ddaeth yn eu tro yn Brifeirdd yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol. Yr ail o'r brodyr hynny yw John Gwilym a'r dysgedicaf o bosibl. Graddiodd gyda dosbarth cyntaf yn y Gymraeg yn Aberystwyth ac wedi blwyddyn o ddarlithio mewn Cymraeg Canol ym Mhrifysgol Dulyn aeth ati i astudio Diwinyddiaeth yn Abertawe. Y weinidogaeth a enillodd fryd yr egin ysgolhaig a chafodd alwad i Fethania, Y Tymbl, cyn symud

Hywel Dda Health Board's latest ' Developing our Clinical Service Strategy ' briefing is now available. This briefing aims to keep staff and stakeholders informed about progress with activities in relation to the Health Board’s Clinical Service Strategy process which is aimed at building a high quality and sustainable healthcare system within the Hywel Dda healthcare area. Please use this link to the full ORS report as the link in a previous press release corrupted: http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/862/ORS_Final_Report.pdf The report, from Opinion Research Services, includes qualitative data gathered from direct conversations, focus groups and letters from individuals. Chief Executive Trevor Purt said: “This full report has given us a significant depth and breadth of feedback from our staff, partners, patients and local population. We will use this in our final stages of agreeing options with key stakeholders ahead of the consultation launch in August. “The consu

Nice to see the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre in Penclacwydd, Llanelli, on BBC Breakfast. Well done to Nigel Williams and the team.

Former agricultural students of Gelli Aur College, the Class of 1981-82, gathered together for a 30-year reunion. They were very pleased to be joined by Mr Gerald Curtis, one of the former lecturers. The day kicked off with coffee at the Coleg Sir Gar campus at Gelli Aur. There was an update on changes and improvements which have taken place at the college farm. Aerial photographs were shown, comparing how the original farm layout had been replaced by modern structures. A buffet lunch was enjoyed beneath glorious sunshine to the sound of much chattering before departing to Cwrtmalle farm, Llangynog, Carmarthen. At Cwrtmalle, the former students saw the 2,000 cow super-dairy owned and managed by Mr Howell Richards, who was also a student at Gelli Aur during 1981-82. Howell gave an interesting tour explaining how he was following an American model where the focus for the owner is on management principles rather than just getting hands dirty. The dairy has a team of 22 s

Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is collaborating with Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s Dyfi Osprey Project in working to re-establish an osprey population on the Dyfi Estuary in Mid-Wales. Professor Wayne Powell, Director of IBERS, this week announced sponsorship of solar-powered GPS trackers, enabling researchers to study the birds’ annual migrations between Wales and West Africa. Professor Powell said “We are delighted to be supporting Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and assisting with their exciting conservation project. This partnership will provide IBERS and its students with great research opportunities now and in the future, and Aberystwyth University welcomes this chance to make a positive contribution to environmental conservation. “Scientists will initially conduct migration and dietary studies; with DNA and genetic analysis another research area currently under development. In future, there is potential to use t

The first two accredited female Beer Sommeliers have been announced by the Beer Academy. Six months after the Sommelier qualification was launched, Sophie Atherton and Annabel Smith were accredited as Beer Academy Sommeliers following a stretching viva examination with Beer Academy Chief Examiner, Dr George Philliskirk. George said “Traditionally the vast majority of UK beer has been drunk by men. But things are changing. Women do enjoy beer but tend to be more discerning that the average male beer drinker. They like to know how it’s brewed, what raw materials are used and how these affect the flavour of the final product and which beers are the best partners for different foods. "The Beer Academy’s two new sommeliers are exceptionally well placed to take the beer message to both women and men across the UK. "A beer lover for nearly 25 years, Sophie is a journalist and beer blogger writing about beer in the national, local and specialist beer press. "In her work wit

Boat Fishing Wales In a nutshell - The Bristol Channel is warmed up by the Gulf Stream which brings in many species - Sharks, Porbeagle, Bass, Tope, Plaice, Turbot, Pollock, Bream and Rays. The summer months attract shoals of Bass. Boat Fishing Wales offers pleasure cruises and charter fishing - or a high speed experience on the ‘Panther’. http://www.boatfishingwales.com/ Burry Port SA16 0FE  01554 759034 For more ideas of what to see in Carmarthenshire, search this blog for 'What to see in Carmarthenshire' and then tell the search to sort by date.

Details of the Institute of Welsh Affairs Western Mail Business Awards 2012 have been released. Emma Brennan, events manager at the IWA, said: "We must celebrate those Welsh achievements in order to highlight further opportunity and point the way to a brighter future. "With this in mind the Institute of Welsh Affairs and Western Mail have joined forces again this year to promote the primary national business awards scheme for Wales - the Welsh National Business Awards. "These awards will recognise and honour the breadth of business achievement in Wales, in all its variety, with nine special categories. "The following categories close on the 21st September 2012 - Company of the Year <£10m – sponsored by ACCA Cymru Wales New Startup Company of the Year – sponsored by Gocompare.com Go Green Environmental Awards – sponsored by The Waterloo Foundation Creative Marketing Award – sponsored by Orchard Media & Events Group Best use of foreign languages in Busines

Aberystwyth University has welcomed today’s announcement by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales that its fee plan for the 2013/14 academic year has been approved. Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth said: “We welcome the Funding Council’s endorsement of our plans for the use of our fee income. Our 2013/14 fee plan will build on the work we announced in our 2012/13 plan to enhance the excellence of the student experience at Aberystwyth, support students to succeed, and enhance access to HE for all who have the capacity to benefit from it. We are proud of the innovative and creative ways in which we are addressing issues of social justice and widening access and our commitments in the fee plan reflect this. We will continue, through the fee plan, to provide support for a range of initiatives aimed at removing barriers to higher education, welcoming bright and able students from all backgrounds and supporting them to reach their full potential. We are

One of the water cooling units destined for Tata Steel in Port Talbot is ready for loading at Amcanu's Burry Port yard. To find out more about the firm and their work in producing tailored sheet metal solutions, see - http://amcanu.co.uk/

Busy morning. Triple whammy of Burry Port meetings with @AmcanuLtd @CelticCouriers and @AshburnhamGolf The 'Our Team' page on the Celtic Couriers @CelticCouriers website has just been updated - http://www.celticcouriers.co.uk/our-team   Smashing back page pic (by Mrs Lloyd!) in the Carmarthen Journal today of one of the winning teams from the Carmarthen Town AFC festival. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice to see the pic in the Carmarthen Journal of Carmarthen Town AFC making a donation to the Ty Cymorth Hospice in the town. Good to see the latest gardening column from Aberglasney's Joseph Atkin in the Carmarthen Journal today. Splendid picture spotlight in the Carmarthen Journal today on the weekend Llandeilo Jazz Festival. Smashing story in the Western Mail business section this morning about Burry Port firm Amcanu @AmcanuLtd winning an order from Welsh Water. Special offers at t

Aberglasney House and Gardens will be hosting ‘Music By The Pool’ with the AJ Quartet at 7:00pm on July 20. You can enjoy an evening of Cocktail Music, Jazz and Light Classical! Grounds open for picnics from 6:30pm Adult Ticket Price - £10 Child (5-16 years old) £5 Please bring your own low-backed seating/rugs, or reserve your table at the Cafe for a buffet supper (please contact the Cafe directly on 01558 668131) To book your tickets contact the Ticket Office on (01558) 667958.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - The Junior Football Festival and Fete at Richmond Park was a big success, with more than 30 teams taking part. The festival was officially opened by the Mayor of Carmarthen Councillor Phil Grice. Carmarthen Town AFC chairman Gareth O Jones said: “I’d like to thank the teaching and support staff of all the schools who took part in the festival and thank all the parents for their support. “The fete and football festival is always one of the most important dates in the club’s calendar. This year’s event was an outstanding success.” The £30 raffle draw was won by Nia Jones, of Pwll Trap, St Clears. The lucky programme number (prize £100) was 1522. The winner should contact Anthony Parnell on 07989 448629 to claim their prize. ------------------------------------- Dates for your diary. Pre-season matches (home matches in capitals)– July 14 Sat 11:00am Barry Town @ Cow

My interview with Roger Stephens of Llanelli Rotary Club for the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

Television executive Euros Jones-Evans will be fighting in a Semi-Pro MMA (mixed martial arts) bout in Carmarthen as part of the Celtic Carnage Welsh Power and Strength weekend. He will be surrounded by 1,000 screaming fans and competing in a 36ft Octagon Steel Cage. Euros will be raising money for Cancer Research Wales and you can help sponsor him by visiting the JustGiving website on - http://www.justgiving.com/Euros-Jones-Evans Euros, commercial director with Welsh independent television producers Telesgop, happily labels himself a white-collar worker with no previous experience with MMA Mixed Martial Arts. He has never set foot in a Cage before. Euros did practice some martial arts in his teens. But the move to MMA started in  January 2012, when he enrolled in the Chris Rees Academy . Euros began learning Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu with the Gracie Barra Predator Team. Chris Rees is the only instructor in Wales to hold a black belt in Brazilian jiu

Professor Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute and a graduate of the Department of International Politics, was honoured as Fellow of Aberystwyth University on Tuesday 10 July. Professor Clarke was presented by Professor Len Scott from the Department of International Politics. Professor Clarke is a former Deputy Vice-Principal and Director of Research Development at King's College London, where he remains a Visiting Professor of Defence Studies. From 1990 to 2001, he was founding Director of the Centre for Defence Studies, from 2001-2005, founding Director of the International Policy Institute and between 2004-05, Head of the School of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s. He was appointed as Professor of Defence Studies in 1995. Presentation of Professor Michael Clarke by Professor Len Scott -  “Vice-President, I have the pleasure this afternoon of presenting to you for an Honorary Fellowship of this University Michael Clarke. Professor Michael

The actor Michael Sheen OBE and The One Show host Alex Jones were presented as Fellows of Aberystwyth University at the first of this year’s Graduation Ceremonies on Tuesday 10 July. Professor Emeritus Elan Closs Stephens CBE, BBC Trustee for Wales and former Chair of S4C presented both and pre-recorded messages of acceptance and good wishes were played to members of the audience as neither was able to attend in person. Presentation by Professor Stephens for Michael Sheen and Alex Jones - Michael Sheen and Alex Jones cannot be with us today but the President and Vice Chancellor have asked me to refer briefly to their achievements. Michael Sheen is one of the outstanding acting talents of his generation. He was brought up in Port Talbot, starred in his schooldays with the National Youth Theatre of Wales, studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the Nineties, he worked predominantly in classical stage roles, in work by Shakespeare, Pinter, Chekhov, Ibsen’s Peer Gynt and played

Just had this brought to my attention. There's a new public art sculpture planned for the Eastgate development in Llanelli. Not sure who makes the decision on what goes there; it may be the firm of developers. But . . . what about a statue to our rugby legend Phil Bennett? After all, Cardiff's shopping centre has one to Gareth Edwards. The details of the sculpture idea are on Public Art Online. They are - Deadline: July 20, 2012 Artist Opportunity – Llanelli, Eastern Quarter, Sculpture Commissions Expressions of interest are invited on a public art sculpture commission for Llanelli. REF: Llanelli, Eastern Quarter Sculpture Commission Submission responses should be in digital format and must be returned for the attention with the above reference to Emma M Price – e-mail to info@emmamprice.com before 5.00pm on: Deadline for requests of expression of interest: 16th July 2012 at 5.00pm Deadline for submission of expression of interest: 20th July 2012 at 5.00pm See websi

Education services for children and young people in Carmarthenshire are officially ‘good’. That is the finding of the education inspection body Estyn on Carmarthenshire County Council’s education service. Estyn also concluded that the prospects for further improvement of the service by the County Council are ‘good’, following the inspection conducted last March. The definition of good used by Estyn is that services have “many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement”. The main findings of the report, published this week, are that outcomes for learners, provision for learners and leadership and management by the County Council are all good. Carmarthenshire’s Education and Children’s Services Executive Board Member Cllr Keith Davies said: “We very much welcome the findings of the inspection by Estyn of the County Council’s education services for children and young people which confirms that pupils across Carmarthenshire are receiving a good standard of education

Ammanford will be a riot of colour when the Carnival comes to town next Saturday (July 14). The Amman Valley Big Day Out and Mardi Gras carnival has really made a name for itself and become a popular highlight of the local calendar of events. Past Carnival Parades have had themes such as ‘Birds’ or ‘Animals Real or Imaginary’ but this year’s theme is being left open to the imagination of Carnival goers. Groups and individuals are invited to dress up however they like and join in the fun. There will be cash prizes for the best dressed groups and individuals. Two Amman Valley Comprehensive School Year 10 pupils have been chosen as this year’s Carnival Queen and Attendant. Emma Jones of Glynhir Road, Llandybie, has been picked as Carnival Queen and Sophia Jones of Llys y Deri, Hopkinstown, will be her Attendant. The attractions will include face painting, go karts, a football and rugby tournament, comedy act, climbing wall, and classic cars, Rudi Wallenda and his comedy car. County execut

Albert Rees in Carmarthen In a nutshell: Forget Parma Ham, it’s Carmarthen Ham that matters at Albert Rees the butchers in Carmarthen’s Indoor Market. Chris Rees, a fifth generation member of the Rees family, is one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes. The theory goes that when the Romans conquered Carmarthen they stole the recipe for air-dried hams. http://www.carmarthenham.co.uk/ Carmarthen SA31 1QY 01267 237687 The longer view: “When the Romans conquered Carmarthen, they pinched our recipe for Carmarthen ham.” So says Chris Rees, the fifth generation of the Rees family to supply cured hams and bacon to the Carmarthenshire community, a family business that stretches back to the 19th century. Chris – one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” – makes the award-winning air-dried Carmarthen hams, with his wife, Anne, to a secret recipe, for which they’re seeking appellation status. You can see the hams hanging high above the counters at Albert Rees, the butcher’s shop Chris runs in the Carma

Stories, mini-digs and treasure hunts will be the order of the day on Saturday, July 21 (10-4pm) at Carmarthenshire’s County Museum in Abergwili. Youngsters and their families will be able to search for a ‘hoard of Roman coins’ as well as getting their hands dirty taking part in a mini archaeological dig. All this and more makes up a full day of activities based on the Roman period and Carmarthen’s Roman past. The day is organised by the museum for people of all ages, so children and families are welcome especially as there is no charge to attend. Opening the event is well known TV doctor, Dr Ann, who is the highly regarded medic on S4C’s popular afternoon programmes Prynhawn Da and Wedi 3. Famous throughout Wales, Dr Ann Rhys has Carmarthenshire links which run deep as she is a member of the governing body of Carmarthen’s University of Wales Trinity St David and a former High Sheriff of Dyfed. She said “It is on such days that children build up happy memories of their chi

Aberystwyth University’s Graduation Ceremonies, which commence today (Tuesday 10 July), will see around 2,180 students graduate this week. The ceremonies take place at Aberystwyth’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 10 until Friday 13 July. Aberystwyth University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor April McMahon, said: “I would like to congratulate all those who are graduating from Aberystwyth University this week – this is a very important time and in many ways, the highlight of our university year. “This will be a very special day for me as it will be my first Graduation Ceremony as Vice Chancellor, and I look forward to addressing each and every graduate and to wishing them well in the future.” Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of Aberystwyth University, added, “This is a very special time for us all. For the graduands, it is the culmination of many years of hard work and effort. The staff and officers of Aberystwyth University salute their achievements and we wish them every fulfilment as th

The website for Ty Golau (the health and well-being facility for the elderly) has just been updated - http://www.tygolau.com/

Winners at the Primary School Football Festival and Fete staged at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, were as follows - Boys Year 3 & 4 Winners Ysgol Y Dderwen; Runners-up Teirw Teilo. Boys Year 5 & 6 Winners Tre Uchaf, Gorseinon; Runners-up Bois Teilo, Teilo Sant. Girls Winners Swiss Valley; Runners-up Ysgol Y Dderwen. Roger Evans Memorial Trophy for the team which best represented the spirit of football in the tournament - Bois Teilo, Teilo Sant. Thanks to Mr. Phil Grice, Mayor of Carmarthen, for opening the tournament and for presenting the awards. Swiss Valley Tre Uchaf Ysgol y Dderwen More pictures - http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/fete2012.html

The service road which provides access to the back entrance of Bronglais hospital will be closed for essential works from July 16- September 2, 2012 required as part of the £38million Bronglais Hospital’s Front of House scheme. Traffic lights will be put up at the top of the service road so delivery vehicles can exit via the one way system at the top of the hospital. Assistant Project Director Hayley Thomas said: “This closure should mainly only effect deliveries and visitors to the management building. “For patients and their visitors car parking is already provided in the multi storey car park and outside the Postgraduate Centre. “We apologies for any inconvenience this might cause and we will do everything possible to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.” The Front of House scheme includes development of a new emergency department, clinical decisions unit, and GP out-of-hours services, purpose-built day surgery unit, incorporating new day case operating theatres, new short-s

Forgot to post the 'View from Richmond Park' column from the Carmarthen Journal last week. Out of date now, but for the record (and the Tote result) - The Junior Football Festival and Fete takes place on Saturday July 7 at Richmond Park, home of Carmarthen Town AFC. Teams should arrive by 10am. The festival starts at 10.30am and will be officially opened by the Mayor of Carmarthen, Councillor Phil Grice. Carmarthen Town AFC chairman Gareth O Jones said: “I’d like to thank the teaching and support staff of all the schools taking part in the festival and thank all the parents for their support. “The fete and football festival is always one of the most important dates in the club’s calendar.” Executive committee member Paul Ashley Jones has issued the following appeal - “Bottles and tins – these are required for the Bottle Stall. Please give these to any Committee member or bring them to the Club at 6pm on Thursday 5th July. “Cakes – these are required for the cake stall

Dunvant RFC will be marking their 125th anniversary this coming rugby season. There will be a host of special events, including a new drive to boost junior rugby during the course of this month. Martin Newbury, chairman of the club’s junior section said the year would represent a significant milestone in the history of Dunvant RFC. He said: “We were established in 1877 under the banner of Dunvant and Killay RFC. “Everyone remembers that we enjoyed tremendous periods of success at the first class level of rugby in Wales prior to the regionalisation of rugby in Wales. “There was a time when games in Europe against powerhouses such as Edinburgh, Northampton and Narbonne were the norm, with the special games against international teams ranging from the Ivory Coast to Japan a treasured memory for all at the club. “But that was the past and now the younger guns, which have come through the club are proving their worth, with a 1st XV that has been made up of players only one or two season

In a nutshell: Ashburnham Golf Club ‘The Ash’ is a highly-rated classic Welsh links golf course. Three Ryder Cup captains have won big tournaments here. The golf schedule includes - 2013 Men’s Welsh Amateur Championships; 2014 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championships; 2015 Men’s Welsh Stroke Play Championships. http://www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk/ Pembrey SA16 0HN 01554 832269 The longer view: One of the classic Welsh links courses, no less than three Ryder Cup Captains have won tournaments at Ashburnham, namely Dai Rees, Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance. In 2010 Ashburnham are proud to host the amateur Home Internationals and the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 PGA Welsh Open. The first and final two holes are inland near the clubhouse, holes three to eight strike out parallel to the sea, and holes 9 to 15 run back with the wind directly behind. With out of bounds and assorted trouble on the right in both directions, there is no peace for the slicer. The fac

Burry Port Town Band are looking forward to their forthcoming 40th Anniversary Concert on Saturday 4th August in the Memorial Hall, Burry Port. The band will be joined by their guests, Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir, and, making it a very special evening, the band's Youth Band, Tenuto. Tickets are available from Burry Port Premier Stores, Elgan Jones Butchers, Edmond John on 01554 833749 or online from tickets@burryporttownband.co.uk and are priced at £10 'Early Bird' prior to the concert, or £12.50 on the door, with children welcome free of charge. This will be a busy weekend for the band as the following day they travel to the Vale of Glamorgan to compete at the National Eisteddfod. The programme from the Eisteddfod will feature as part of the concert. The Band's Chairman, Graham Howe said "The band have been working hard this year, which has resulted in winning many awards and we're really looking forward to be able to play for our home audienc

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In the 'Snug' bar at the White Horse in Llandeilo, taking a 'time out' during Llandeilo Jazz!

Day 3 of the Llandeilo Jazz festival today. Come along and join in the fun - http://www.jazzatllandeilo.co.uk

The Jenkins Bakery website has been updated with this week's special offers (inc 3 medium corned beef pasties £1.60) - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk