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

A Gwendraeth Valley school is raising awareness on the amount of good food that is needlessly thrown in the bin. Ysgol Y Castell in Kidwelly has been carrying out a project on food waste as part of its work under the Eco Schools programme. Figures show that in Wales we throw away a staggering 410,000 tonnes of food and drink each year. Not only is it bad for the environment but it is bad for the pocket too. In a normal week, a family of four throws away around £12 worth of perfectly good food that could have been eaten. With support from Carmarthenshire County Council and as part of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, staff and pupils at Ysgol Y Castell have been looking at how they can reduce their food waste both in school and at home. Children school were shocked to hear how much food is bought and then wasted. They decided to write letters to send home to parents with tips on what they could do to reduce their food waste including the importance of carefully planning shopping a...

Alison Brant is a finance support assistant with QualitySolicitors Redkite, the biggest law firm in West Wales, who have seven offices in the area, including one in Carmarthen. Here is her Holiday Heaven and Hell (published in the South Wales Evening Post today). My worst holiday My worst holiday was back in the dim and distant past (thank goodness!). I hadn’t been married long and my (now ‘ex’) husband’s family always went to Barmouth in Mid Wales for their holidays because that was where all the ‘Brummies’ from Birmingham went to roost for their summer break. At that time we lived in Burnley so we had travelled down to Walsall on the Friday night ready to set off all together the next morning. (My husband’s sister, brother-in-law and two children always came with us, too) Overnight our car was broken into and our suitcases were stolen. Once in Barmouth, true to form, the weather was atrocious all week and to cap it all my ‘ex’ picked up a stomach bug. So there I was, trappe...

It’s caps off to five of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Building Cadets who have graduated after three years on one of the UK’s most innovative training schemes. Gareth Morris, Andrew Jones, Darren Conway, Wayne Jones and Mathew Keenan donned their caps and gowns to celebrate their achievements. The Cadets have each gained a foundation degree in Construction Science and Management, with Mathew graduating with honours. The Building Cadetship scheme is a tri-partnership project run by the council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gâr and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd (CCTAL) – collectively known as Constructing Carmarthenshire Together. The partnership believes it was the first to introduce the scheme to the UK from Australia. The scheme offers a hands-on approach to the learning experience for higher-level learners opting for professional careers in the building industry. The Cadets worked towards a bespoke foundation degree whilst also benefitti...

The Lewis Partnership architects of Llanelli were featured in a full page business spotlight in the Llanelli Star newspaper. The spotlight featured all the latest news about the company. Here is a copy of the page -  Llanelli Star full page feature Here is a link to the full-size pdf of the page - Full page pdf Llanelli Star feature

Carmarthenshire Planning Problems and more : As I have reported countless times on this blog, Carmarthenshire Council has a real problem dealing with negative stories in the local press. I'm sure the same goes for the national press too but they're the bigger boys and will not succumb so easily to threats. I raised this issue only the other day (The question of editorial control again). The Western Mail reports on the latest attempt at 'blackmail' against one of our smaller local papers, the South Wales Guardian. More on Caebrwyn blog . . .

St Michael’s private and independent school is expanding to build a new boarding house wing. And the architect in charge of the project is former pupil Philip Lewis, managing director of the Lewis Partnership Ltd, of Llanelli. The first stage of the plan is for a 40-bed boarding house and new kitchen and dining facilities for the school. Mr Lewis said: “I have fond memories of being a pupil at ‘St Mike’s’, so being able to play a significant role in its future development is a very proud moment for me. “The team here at the Lewis Partnership has been working very closely with St Michael’s to produce a design which passes that test with the leadership team at the school. “It is great to see the builders moving in on site and work progressing at some speed.” Weblink - http://www.stmikes.co.uk/ http://www.lewispartnership.co.uk/st-michaels-school-llanelli-new-boarding-house/

Borthlas: More to the olympics than gold The opinion poll finding that most people in Wales think that the Olympics will be of no benefit to Wales is hardly a surprise. It would be a bit like an opinion poll finding that the majority of people believe the world to be round. Whilst there’s always a minority whose beliefs fly in the face of the objective evidence, most of us are willing to believe that which is factually evidenced. More interesting though would have been the supplementary question which appears not to have been asked, and that is whether the UK should still be staging the Games regardless of the question of economic benefit.  There is a sort of assumption that ‘no benefit’ leads automatically to ‘don’t do’.  That doesn’t only apply to the Games, of course; but I’d challenge the assumption. More on the Borthlas blog  . . .

Take a look at this – a new home the Lewis Partnership architects have just completed in Fronwen, Graig, Burry Port. As a leading firm of architects, they pay as much attention to smaller projects as they do to large school and university builds. They undertake a wide range of extensions and alterations to houses and bungalows, no matter how big or small, including sun lounge extensions, family rooms, garage conversions to habitable rooms and many more. For example, here’s a list of some of their recent projects - Pencoed Road, Burry Port – Sun Lounge extension to existing dwelling house and detached detached sauna. 19 Gwelfor, Penygraig, Llanelli – New bedroom, bathroom and conservatory Oak Tree Lodge, Saundersfoot – Sun Lounge extension and double garage. 30 Glynhir Road, Llandybie – Two storey extension to dwelling house. 19 Lon Brydwen, Gorseinon – Detached Sun-Room extension to dwelling. Garreg Lwyd – Alterations and extension to dwelling. Rhodfa’r Capel – Conversion of gara...

A Llanelli market hamper is up for grabs for one lucky customer on Thursday, August 2. Customers who make a purchase on any of the stalls during Wednesday, August 1, up until 12pm on Thursday August 2, will receive a competition slip that will enter them into the draw; prize draw will take place down the market at 12:30pm. Traders at the market have donated a range of items for a jam-packed hamper consisting of local produce and arts and crafts. To coincide with the prize draw, local chef and Stwnsh Sadwrn presenter, Anthony Evans, will be hosting a cooking demonstration from 11am-3pm at the market. Councillor Jeff Edmunds, Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board Member for Corporate Property, said: “This is a fantastic way for Llanelli Market to showcase its high quality local produce, and to thank customers for shopping at the market. During the cooking demonstrations, customers will also get a chance to sample some of the fine produce themarket has to offer.”

Carmarthenshire Planning Problems and more: A chat with the Wales Audit Office I ventured out into the monsoon this morning to have a meeting with the Wales Audit Office. For those who have been following things, the WAO preferred to discuss the matter in person prior to writing a reply. The matter is of course, the use of your money (Carmarthenshire taxpayers) to fund the Chief Executive's counterclaim for libel. So armed with some general questions, and acting strictly on behalf of the taxpayer,  I headed down the M4 to a bleak looking business park/Industrial estate on the outskirts of Swansea. More on the blog . . .

South Wales Evening Post editor Spencer Feeney is to retire at the end of September. This from Hold The Front Page website - http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/northcliffes-longest-serving-daily-editor-to-retire/ The longest-serving daily editor in Northcliffe Media has announced his retirement after 26 years of running newspapers. Spencer Feeney, editor of the Swansea-based South Wales Evening Post for the past decade, will become the ninth senior Northcliffe editor to leave the business in the past year. He has spent 30 years with the publishing group and before moving to Swansea, he was editor of The Citizen, Gloucester, for seven years, and before that the weekly Llanelli Star. Spencer is also currently editor in chief of South West Wales Media, with overall editorial responsibility for the Star and the Carmarthen Journal as well as the Post. He will leave on 28 September. Said Spencer: “I am 62 this year, and after ten years as Post editor it simply feels like the r...

South Wales entrepreneur and millionaire Kevin Green is scheduled to appear live on the 'Heno' Welsh language TV magazine show on S4C (the Welsh fourth channel) tonight. He will be talking about his new wealth app for mobile phones and about building wealth. The show goes on air from the Tinopolis Studios in Llanelli town centre. The show does carry sub-titles for those who don't speak Welsh. Weblink - http://www.heno.tv/en.aspx

Libraries across Carmarthenshire are welcoming children to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge being launched this weekend. The challenge is aimed at inspiring thousands of families to get involved in the UK's biggest reading event for children in libraries. Children aged between four and 12 are encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the summer holiday and they will get collectable incentives and rewards – plus a certificate for completing the challenge. The 2012 Summer Reading Challenge is called Story Lab and features four characters: Lex, Rani, Will and Evie who, along with Aesop the ginger lab cat, will be helping Professor Cortex collect and share stories to inspire thousands of young imaginations. Carmarthenshire County Council’s education executive board member Cllr Keith Davies said: "Reading is not only an essential life skill, but also a great source of enjoyment for children. Instilling a passion for reading early on is crucial to help them d...

The appointment of a new Waitrose Chair at Aberystwyth University will give the supermarket, and associated companies, world-class support with research into improving the sustainability of the UK’s food production systems. The senior appointment reflects Waitrose’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to food security and other issues affecting agriculture in the UK. The role will facilitate innovative approaches, with scientists, farmers, food industry and policy-makers working in partnership to improve the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of the UK food supply chain. The supermarket is funding the Waitrose Chair of Food and Farming at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). Professor Nigel Scollan has been confirmed in the role with immediate effect. The UK agricultural industry is undergoing a period of substantial change as it addresses how to feed a growing population and decrease its carbon footprint....

People are being given the chance to nominate a local healthcare hero. Hywel Dda Health Board’s The Best of Health Staff Awards 2012 are now open for nominations. The awards scheme is organised by the Health Board in order to recognise and reward staff who go the extra mile in their day-to-day work. Categories include Volunteer of the Year, Unsung Hero (Non-clinical), Improving Health and Wellbeing and Improving the Patient Experience (including safety, dignity and respect). Last year's winners and nominees came from a range of disciplines, representing the huge field of careers available in the NHS and the contribution they all make to delivering patient care and saving lives. Director of Workforce and Organisational Development Janet Wilkinson said: “This is an opportunity for members of the public, as well as our own staff, to nominate people who have made a real difference in healthcare.” The entries will be judged by a panel which will include Executive Directors, Independent ...

Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Welsh Politics (IWP) will hold a round-table discussion at the Royal Welsh Show titled ‘The Recession and Rural Wales' at 2.30pm on Tuesday 24 July. The panel will include Alun Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes in the Welsh Government; Emyr Jones, President of the Farmers Union of Wales; Janet Jones, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Professor Mike Woods of the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University.  The four will share their experiences about the difficult situation facing rural Wales during years of recession, and consider how best to move forward. Dr Huw Lewis of the IWP will Chair the meeting.  According to Dr Anwen Elias, Director of IWP, "This is the first time we’ve organised an event such as this on the showground, but we feel that it’s vital that we, as a research centre studying Welsh Politics, provide an opportunity to discuss...

Burry Port Town Band has an exciting opportunity to display the collection of prize winning silverware at the Saith Gallery, Burry Port from Friday 27th July. The collection stems from their recent successes in West Wales, South East Wales, Welsh Regional and British Open competitions and includes many of the individual performance awards the band's soloists have also won in those competitions. Roz Moreton the owner of the gallery believes that it is important to support the band any way it can. She said: "The Saith Gallery is proud to present this year's accomplishments of the Burry Port Town Band. It is a perfect fit to have all the Burry Port Town Band trophies on display amongst all the visual arts that have been created locally by artist and craft makers. It just shows what outstanding talented people we have in our wonderful town." The band's chairman, Graham Howe, added: "It is great to have such brilliant support from the local businesses whi...

The team at the CBSA, Carmarthenshire Business and Social Action, in Stebonheath, Llanelli, have sent news about their latest events. Less than a week until the free business networking and cloud computing Office 365 event. It's not to late to book your place. The event is run by Orb ICT in conjunction with CBSA – Centre for Business and Social Action Ebusiness Club. Office 365 will increase productivity, reduce total cost of ownership and communicate better with suppliers, customers and colleagues. With the increasing use of Cloud technology, there are many means in which businesses can work more efficiently whilst reducing costs. Anywhere access to cloud based email, web conferencing, file sharing and office apps is gaining in popularity and costs are low. This session will give you an insight into Microsoft offerings and will answer any questions you may have about the product. There will be the opportunity to network with other businesses and light refreshments will...

The message to clean up our streets has stuck, with an 85% reduction in chewing gum litter in Carmarthenshire. It follows a council campaign in March and April which encouraged people to put their gum in the bin. Not only is chewing gum litter an eyesore but it can stick to people’s clothes and shoes and it is difficult and costly to clean up. It costs the council approximately £30,000 a year to remove chewing gum from county streets. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “This is the third year running we have taken part in this campaign and I am delighted with the results which show a significant reduction in chewing gum litter. “This means the message is getting across, I just hope people continue to take notice and put their litter in the bin, whether it’s chewing gum or another type of litter. The council is determined to create a cleaner environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire to enjoy and those caught spoiling...

Just Good Friends, Carmarthen's theatre company, will present the Roman romp 'A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To The Forum' at St Peter's Civic Hall, Carmarthen, from 25th to 27th July at 7.30pm. This musical comedy is linked with the name of Frankie Howerd who played the main role of Pseudolus the slave at a National Theatre production. Swansea's own Desmond Barrit also played the role and he has sent the company good luck messages from the cast of Wicked, in which he is currently performing in the West End. Featuring as Pseudolus in the Carmarthen production is Chris Potter, a Llanelli deputy head, who two years ago won an award from NODA for the best performance in Wales and Ireland for Dafydd in A Chorus of Disapproval. Rehearsals are a "hoot" and audiences are guaranteed an evening of laughter and tapping feet. Tickets are available from Sian Morris, Director at 01267 237386

View from attic office window: Stradey Woods shrouded in mist. To the left, some signs of blue skies over Cefn Sidan. Jet stream on move? :)

The Jenkins Bakery business is getting in the Olympics spirit. "We are just days away from the start of the London 2012 Olympics," said operations director Russell Jenkins. "Everyone seems very excited at the prospect of the Olympics being held here and we thought we'd join in the fun with a couple of new products for our customers. "They are just the job when you are having a cup of tea and watching all the events from the Olympics." The products are - Olympic Cup Cake Top quality moist cup cake covered with either soft fondant icing or a layer of milk chocolate and decorated with an Olympic Sportif. 65 p each or 4 for £2 Olympic biscuit Top quality shortbread biscuit with a decorated sugarpaste Olympic Sportif. 50p each or 4 £1.50 Both are on sale now in all 25 Jenkins Bakery shops. Mr Jenkins added: "I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish Llanelli's Dai Greene all the very best in the 400 metres hurdles event. He...

Just trying the uniform on, ready for the London 2012 Olympics. I am a volunteer member of the Press Operations team.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Carmarthen Town AFC is looking to put together a team of ground staff for the coming season. The work involves the preparation, maintenance and repair of the football pitch for all matches involving the various teams representing Carmarthen Town. In particular, grass cutting, divot repair/replacement, chain harrowing, pitch marking and grooming work will ensure that the best possible playing surface is available for the teams. New recruits will work as a coordinated team with Richmond Park’s current groundsman. Anyone who is prepared to be part of the team should contact Jonathan Lewis on 0772646106 or Anthony Parnell on 07989448629. ------------------------------------- The Club would like to thank everyone for attending the trials to be a part of Carmarthen Town Football Academy. The Academy has selected a number of players to be a part of the Under 12s sq...

Nice to see the latest gardening column by Aberglasney's Joseph Atkin in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice story in the Carmarthen Journal today about Stagecoach Carmarthen staging the musical Annie in the Lyric Theatre in the town. Carmarthenshire councillor welcomes the success of the first Llandeilo Jazz Festival in the Carmarthen Journal today. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice spotlight on the latest news (juniors and seniors) from the Ashburnham Golf Club @AshburnhamGolf in the Llanelli Star today. The news page of the Ashburnham Golf Club website @AshburnhamGolf has just been updated - http://www.ashburnhamgolfclub.co.uk/news.htm The Jenkins Bakery website news page has been updated with a pic of the lovely ladies at the Bridgend shop - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/jenkinsbakeryn … Entries are now open for the Wales Blog Awards 2012. Enter here http://walesblogawards.co.uk/entry-form/ ‪#Wale...

Trimsaran Community School has received a glowing report from Estyn following a recent inspection. Inspectors found that purposeful lesson plans and support from adults contribute effectively to the quality of the experiences offered by pupils. Effective emphasis in lessons is placed on developing key skills and the way in which the school uses equal opportunities for pupils, irrespective of their background is a strength. The report stated that pupils discussed in a mature manner, listened to the opinions of others and used learning partners effectively. Most pupils applied their key skills across the curriculum and are making good progress in their language skills. Children feel safe at school and are confident that adults will listen to them if something is worrying them. Pupils have regular opportunities to learn about the history, culture and traditions of their area and their country. Teachers use assessments of pupils’ work appropriately when planning follow-up lessons, an...

A Strawberry Tea was held in Penygroes Chapel to raise money for one of the this year’s Carmarthenshire County Council Chair’s Charities, Cartref Hafan for people suffering from dementia. The Chair, Cllr Siân Thomas, said: “The sum of £815 was raised on the day and Barclays Bank has agreed to sponsor it for a further £700.” In the picture, from left: Mrs Olive Davies, event organiser; Mrs Marjorie Rogers, Guest; Cllr Siân Thomas, Council Chair, and Mrs Dorothy McDonald, Hafan home manager.

The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course in Pembrey is pulling in new members. And a major factor in the membership boost is the dreadful weather. “It’s something of a curiosity this year, but we have pulled in 26 new members,” said Ashburnham club manager Huw Morgan. “The reason is simple: no matter what the weather, you can get a game of golf at ‘The Ash’. “When other courses have to put up the ‘No Play’ signs, we just carry on because we are one of the finest links courses around, with perfect drainage. “Many new recruits have come to us because of our reputation as a championship links golf course. “Others have switched from other golf clubs out of frustration, simply because the bad weather has stopped them getting onto the greens and fairways at other clubs. “At least here, they know that, no matter how gloomy and unseasonal the weather is, they can get a game.” This year, The Ash was given a Top 10 ranking in a new National Club Golfer guide to Britain’s best value c...

Congratulations to TV exec Euros Jones-Evans on winning his first ever cage fight at the weekend. Pictured above - South Wales millionaire and entrepreneur giving the thumbs-up, with Sean Holley, Matt Barry and Euros, just after his fight. Television executive Euros was fighting in a Semi-Pro MMA (mixed martial arts) bout in Carmarthen as part of the Celtic Carnage Welsh Power and Strength weekend. Euros is 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 had never set foot in a cage before Saturday night. Euros did practice some martial arts in his teens. The move to MMA started in January 2012, when he enrolled in the Chris Rees Academy . Euros began learning Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian j...

Hats off to the team at Melin Consultants in The Beacon building in Dafen, Llanelli. Is this the best 'office garden' feature you've seen? Constructed on a plinth, with loads of plants and the company name arranged in slate and pebbles, it is a work of art. Well done to Jamie Best and his team at Melin. Can anyone do better? Weblink - http://www.melinconsultants.co.uk/

Staff at the Jenkins Bakery shop at 9 The Rhiw Shopping Centre in Bridgend helped to launch the company's summer campaign to raise money for Cancer Research. The 'Pink Week' campaign is running all week at Jenkins Bakery shops throughout South Wales. "We hope to raise more than £2,000," said area manager Fiona Snook. For every chocolate dip sold at Jenkins bakery shops, 5p will be donated to charity. Fiona added: "We have supported the charity for the last two years and on both occasions have raised £1,850, through customer donations collected in the shops and also by donating 5p for every chocolate dip that we sell. "It would be great if we could reach £2,000 this year and I’m sure everyone on the Jenkins Bakery team will make an effort by decorating their shops and window displays pink to draw attention to customers to help support such a good cause. "The shop managers have Cancer Research UK pink T-shirts to wear and staff will be wearing...

Free shoppers car parking across three Ammanford car parks for up to eight weeks is being considered from September. A multi-million-pound regeneration programme is underway to improve the environment in the town centre. Leader of Carmarthenshire Council Kevin Madge said there was so much work going on they wanted to help traders by supporting free parking for shoppers for up to four hours each day from 10am. He said: “Although the town centre works do not affect access to any of the shops or businesses, we appreciate there is disruption and want to support traders and shoppers during this time. “The works include improvements to the bus station - which have already started - and town centre retail areas. We expect this stage of our regeneration plans to be completed by November, it will provide real benefits for the town in improving the infrastructure, making Ammanford town centre a more attractive place to shop and visit, and help boost the local economy.” With a total of 131 free ...

Community–spirited Girl Guides are helping to clean up Carmarthen. The Nantgaredig Guides organised a litter pick along the cycle path between Abergwili and Carmarthen town – filling a total of 12 bags with rubbish. The Guides separated the litter into blue bags as they went along so as much as possible could be recycled. Guider Alison James said the girls decided to carry out a litter-pick as part of their community service work and they had a fun time, despite the rain. It was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of its annual ‘Keep it Clean’ campaign. The council provided the clean-up kits and organised for the litter to be disposed of and recycled. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would like to thank the Guides for giving up their free time to improve the environment in which they live. Hopefully by taking positive action like this, people will think twice before throwing litter. “We want to encourage people ...

Summer and autumn events for South Wales entrepreneur and millionaire Kevin Green include the following. More information on Kevin Green's website - http://www.kevingreen.co.uk/events/ 21 July 2012 - Kevin Green Wealth Two-Day Intensive Training in London http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3550111479/eorg 11 August 2012 - Kevin Green Wealth 90 Day Coaching Clients VIP meeting Llanelli 10 am till 5pm, (Free) - details from wealth@mooving.org. 22 August 2012 - Talk for Welsh government as Dynamo Role Model to E.Y.S.T. Swansea 31 August 2012 - Press launch of Entrepreneurial Academy Wales, Dylan Thomas centre, SA1, Swansea 04 September 2012 - Talk for Sussex Property meeting, How to build successful business structures. 27 September 2012 - Introbiz Corporate Business Show Introbiz is going to be hosting its first corporate business show at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 27th September 2012. Show opens at 10am until 3pm. There will be a networking breakfast at 8am - 930am and Kevin ...

Welsh greenhouse gas emissions increased by 8% between 2009 and 2010, according to a report published today[1]. Scotland’s emissions increased by 7%, Northern Ireland’s by 4% and England’s by just 2%. Friends of the Earth Cymru has described the results as ‘disastrous’. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “These emissions figures take us back to where we were in 2002. We’ve lost eight years in the fight to stop dangerous climate change. It’s disastrous. Wales is at the bottom of the pack when it comes to fighting climate change. “But worse still, it’s clear proof that the green economy - the only hope for the future - is truly floundering. The Welsh Government needs to do some serious thinking if its 3% emissions reduction target is to make it anything other than a laughing stock.” 1. Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: 1990–2010 http://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/reports/cat07/1207171006_DA_GHGI_report_2010_Issue1.p...

Anyone interested in furthering their education in Carmarthenshire should keep a look-out for a new booklet on community education courses. It's out now in libraries and community centres in Carmarthenshire. The booklet for the latest Learning Carmarthenshire community education courses has some smashing Tim Jones pictures of South Wales millionaire Kevin Green, who was the guest speaker at the recent education awards bash at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. You can see a pdf of the booklet at - http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/education/adultandcommunitylearning/Documents/Community%20Ed%2012%2013_A.pdf You can see more pictures from the awards evening at - http://timjonesphotography.zenfolio.com/p316451702

Not even the weather could dampen the mood at the official opening of a new community garden at Garnant Family Centre on the weekend. Rugby hero Shane Williams, recently appointed MBE, was the star attraction on the day which was also attended by dignitaries and many local families. Family Centre staff pulled out all the stops to make it a day to remember, with a barbecue and refreshments as well as activities and face painting for the children. The garden, which will be used by the whole community for enjoyment and education, has been made possible through grant funding. The Environmental Works Project - part of the county council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme to update council homes and benefit communities – contributed £56,500. A further £50,000 came from the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group (WRG) administered by the Environmental body WREN. The County Collaboration Fund and Cwmamman Town Council also provided support. Council Leader and local me...

Aberystwyth University has developed its first commercial app for the farm sector which will be officially launched at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday 24 July.  The guest speaker at the event will be Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer to the Welsh Government. The farmGRAZE app, based on the expertise of a team from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), will help farmers to manage livestock grazing more efficiently and save money on feed and fertiliser. This android app will allow farmers to calculate the grazing available to their livestock in a particular field and across their holding. Dr Rhian Hayward from Commercialisation and Consultancy Services at the University, explains, “This app is the result of an apps challenge we held for staff and students last year to transform research based ideas into mobile app concepts. “As a university, we are in a strong position to realise the commercial value in our technologies an...

Kevin McLernon, the winner of ITV1's The Biggest Loser show is to join Kevin Green's Wealth Intensive Training programme on Saturday as a guest speaker. For more about the event, see Kevin Green's website - http://www.kevingreen.co.uk/ Kevin has agreed to share his story of how he came to apply for The Biggest Loser. It's a story of commitment, action-taking and putting yourself out there. He started the programme as the heaviest man ever to enter the competition at 32 stone and 2lbs. Twenty-four weeks later Kevin went on to lose 40% of his starting weight, with a final weigh-in of 19 stone 4lb, a 12 stone 12lb loss, more stones and pounds than any other contestant ever in the UK. Weblinks - http://www.kevinmclernon.com/ http://www.itv.com/biggestloser/extras/congratulations

Hywel Dda Health Board has welcome into post Mark Brandreth as the new Interim County Director for Pembrokeshire. Mark took up his post at the start of July after starting in the NHS in 1993. His first Board Director appointment was in Liverpool Primary Care Trust where he went on to become Assistant Chief Executive before being invited to work at the Department of Health for a further two years. More recently, Mark has worked in Manchester and Trafford, where he was responsible for community health services and designing an integrated care organisation. He is a recognised authority on patient experience and patient engagement, with a track record for transforming healthcare systems. Mark was also part of a national learning set studying the application of integrated care systems into the UK. Talking of his new post, Mark said: “I am looking forward to meeting and working with health staff and colleagues in primary and social care within Pembrokeshire County and across the wider Heal...

Think in human terms (From Western Telegraph) With regard to the Hywel Dda Health Board's proposed relocation of services from Withybush Hospital, I wish those members of the board would think in human terms. My husband, who celebrated his 80th birthday this month, was in Withybush Hospital for a week in April. I found it quite a strain driving 20 miles each way to visit him every day. I contemplate with sheer horror the idea of having to go to Carmarthen, which is about 53 miles away, especially in the winter, as I avoid driving in the dark, because of eyesight problems.

Cornish Pirates drawn against Camarthen, Dundee and Swansea (From Falmouth Packet) The draw for the British and Irish Cup has been made pitting the Cornish Pirates in a group with Carmarthen Quins, Dundee HSFP and Swansea. Some 32 teams will compete in an expanded British and Irish Cup in the fourth year of the cross-border competition.

Clwb Hwyl a Sbri, a new club for children between four and 14 years old, was launched in Bancyfelin just in time for the summer holidays. Based in Ysgol Bancyfelin, Clwb Hwyl a Sbri will provide a much needed affordable and quality childcare facility during the school holidays. Headmistress Gwyneth Stevens and Samantha Thomas set up the club and received an RDP Sir Gâr Rural Community Inclusion grant to purchase outdoor play equipment for the children. “The grant has given us a great boost, allowing us to provide even better facilities for the children,” explained Mrs Stevens. “We are all delighted to be able to offer this additional service to parents and carers, plus we have also created two new jobs.” Clybiau Plant Cymru also helped with setting up the club and will continue to support them. Clwb Hwyl a Sbri will be open all year round, except the Christmas holidays. To find out more you can contact Clwb Hwyl a Sbri by phone 07532 187913 or by email clwbhwyl@bancyfelin.ysgol...

Carmarthenshire’s Community Bureau is flying on the success of a collaboration event at Parc y Scarlets. The event was coordinated by the Bureau and consisted of partnership presentations by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leisure Department, Collaborative Communities, Sports Wales and Welsh Rugby Union. Invitations were distributed to sports organisations, associations and development officers across Carmarthenshire. The objective of the event was to disseminate new procedures, legalities issued by the authority, the governing bodies and funders. The focus was on “Diversifying to create sustainability”, giving an outlook for the future among funders and governing bodies alike, captured in the event's empowering title “21st Century Sustainable Clubs”. Information was given on how to improve club cultures, how to improve facilities and provision and how to adapt to create “Community Enterprises” focusing on financial and operational sustainability. A new partnership between t...

The Latest News page on the Cor Meibion @corllanelli Llanelli website has just been updated - http://llanellimalechoir.co.uk/Latestnews.html Memo to self: When trying to reduce blood pressure, probably best not to stick Limp Bizkit's I Am Angry on playlist . . . raw meat for T! Memo to Dog Walkers at MCP. If your big ugly hound looks like it is about to harass a fellow DW, then put the brute on the lead. Simples! Hats off to the paragliders at Llanelli Beach at the MCP. Probably about the only sport that thrives in the current mini-hurricane! Check out the Resource Centre on the Clay Shaw Butler @clayshawbutler website. Work out your tax and mortgage etc- http://www.clayshawbutler.com The team at Celtic Couriers send their very best wishes to Ryan Topping and his bride-to-be Susan McMinn for their wedding next Saturday. The news page for the Jenkins Bakery @JenkinsBakery website has just been updated - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/jenkinsbakeryn … Grrrr! Card reader has died so ca...

Cash-strapped trio fined for jumping fence into Beach Break Live | This is South Wales Three unemployed men arrested for jumping the fence into Beach Break Live at Pembrey claimed they thought the festival was free. More than 16,000 people paid £110 each to watch artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, and Friendly Fires perform at the three-day event. But Andrew Pearman, 29, Paul Gliddon, 28, and 22-year-old Liam Keith Davies — who are on benefits and did not have enough money to buy a ticket — thought they could walk through a gap in the fence.

Hywel Dda Health Board is showing support for World Hepatitis Day on July 28. The Blood-Borne Virus (BBV) Nursing Service will be raising awareness in the Health Board by providing a question and answer service in Carmarthen Town Centre on Wednesday, July 25. Information boards will also be displayed across sites in Withybush, Prince Philip and Bronglais Hospitals. Janice Rees, Lead BBV Clinical Nurse Specialist said: “We want to raise awareness about Hepatitis B and C; particularly as so many people are unaware they may be affected. "Anyone that has ever used drugs is potentially at risk of infection as well as anyone who has had a blood transfusion before 1991 or tattoos or piercings in a non-hygienic surrounding.” The BBV nurses will offer a simple blood test to anyone who feels they may be at risk of infection. This can also be done anonymously if wanted. Janice continued: “The consequences of chronic hepatitis are devastated if left untreated. “People can develop inf...