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

The man who made Dai Green “reluctantly” jump a hurdle at the age of 11 at Coedcae School will be at the Olympic 400-metre hurdle final cheering his protégé on in the event dubbed the “man killer”. Former school PE teacher Mike Walters, now retired, said: “I can hardly believe I will be there to see the culmination of all Dai’s hard work after all these years.” Mike said he had always, because of his passion for sport, visited championships the world over and made many friends along the way. “Amazingly, some months ago some American friends I met on my travels called me up at my Scotland home and offered me a ticket for the games. I asked what event and when they told me the 400-metres hurdle final I nearly fell over in shock.” Mike has arranged to meet up with Dai’s parents and brothers at the post-event Red Bull hospitality tent to celebrate what Mike is convinced will be golden celebration for Dai. He said: “I have never met anyone more single minded than Dai. He is so focused and

Further consultation is underway on a proposal which would help to stop alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in an area of Llanelli. The Community Safety Partnership, with the support of the police, is looking at introducing the county’s first Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) in Carmarthenshire. It follows a request from the Glanymor and Tyisha Safer Communities Action Group who are concerned about anti-social behaviour incidents when those responsible are, or have been, drinking alcohol. Public consultation was initially carried out in November last year and all those that responded supported the proposal. The town council and licence holders within the proposed area were also asked for their views. The partnership is now consulting with the public again as part of the legislative process. Responses received previously have asked for the proposed area – which included the length of Station Road and the surrounding area as well as People’s Park - to be extended to some other recre

An exciting £1,000 musical bursary prize will be launched next month (September) to honour the man known as Llanelli’s Mr Music, Gethin Hughes MBE. It will be the biggest prize of its kind on offer in Wales and the aim will be to find the very best young musical talent in Llanelli.  The prize is the brainchild of Cor Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas, a close friend of the late Mr Hughes. "Gethin was a great pal and a long-serving accompanist for Cor Meibion Llanelli," said Mr Thomas. "We travelled the world to concerts and festivals and Gethin was famous the world over for being a real character and a wonderful ambassador for Llanelli. "Gethin made an outstanding contribution to music in Llanelli and in Wales. It is wonderfully fitting that we should honour his memory and celebrate his life with a musical bursary prize. "Gethin cared very much about supporting and promoting youngsters on their musical careers. Hopefully, this new awa

Tenants living in Sheltered Housing Schemes in the north of county can now rely on a helping hand to tackle their odd jobs. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services division has extended its popular HandyVan scheme, which was launched as a pilot in the Llanelli area in 2010. It means tenants living in council-run sheltered housing can call for help for small repair jobs around their home, such as hanging pictures and curtain rails, easing windows and doors that are sticking, and assembling flat-pack furniture. The scheme was introduced by the council to offer an extra value service to tenants, whilst also working on the principle that regular preventative maintenance would lessen the call for more expensive repair requests further down the line. It also provides tenants with the peace of mind that they are welcoming an approved workman in to their home. Area Manager Chris Derrick said: “The scheme has proven very successful during its pilot period in the Llanelli area. T

The Court of Appeal has rejected an application for a Judicial Review of the decision to close two Carmarthenshire comprehensives and build a new school. The Ysgol Pantycelyn Action Group lost its move for a review of Carmarthenshire County Council’s plans to close Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery and Ysgol Tre-gib, Ffairfach, Llandeilo, and build a new school. Council Chief Executive Mark James said: “The Court of Appeal rejected the application for a Judicial Review. “We shall now be pressing the Welsh Government to consider the proposal to discontinue the two schools, so we can form the new school and start building.” Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “Hopefully we can proceed to deliver this project. With the country in recession, these projects give us growth and I look forward to things moving at pace.” Executive board member for education Cllr Keith Davies said: “It is good news that we can finally move forward. “When the work starts it will create jobs in the development.” Di

A range of activities are taking place for young people and their families at Carmarthen Market during the month of August. On Friday August 3, the Carmarthen Twirlers will be performing by the Clock Tower Square from 10am-4pm. For anyone interested in learning how to baton twirl, this is the perfect workshop to get involved in. For the more creative person, an arts and crafts workshop from clean waste materials will be hosted by Johnstown-based community interest company, Trysordy. The event will take place at the Clock Tower Square from 10am-3pm. Oriel Myrddin Gallery will also host an art workshop on Friday, August 24 between 11am-1pm, and 2pm-4pm. Young people will get the opportunity to show off their artistic skills and learn how to make various artistic items. All events are free of charge, and young children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Market Manager, Eifion Evans said: “We are pleased to be able to offer activities for young people during the school holiday

Côr Meibion Llanelli are geared up their biggest test of the year – the main male voice choir competition at the Royal National Eisteddfod. The choir roll of honour includes five previous wins in the National Eisteddfod. This year’s event, the Bro Morgannwg Eisteddfod, takes place at Llandow, near Cowbridge, and will see the choir take the stage on Saturday evening (August 11). “There is a huge amount of work that goes into preparing a choir for the annual National Eisteddfod,” said Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas. “The choir members look forward to the competition for months and we spend hours and hours rehearsing the different test pieces which are there to ensure the winning choir can perform to the highest standards. “Competition is always fierce, with a healthy rivalry between the Welsh choirs to take the main male voice title. “In the end, the verdict is given by the adjudicators and there is always a hush as you have to pay attention to every word of thei

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council recently opened Pontarddulais Classic Motor Club’s Classic Car and Vehicle Show. Chair Cllr Siân Thomas also helped judge the competition at Festival Fields, Pwll, Llanelli. There were more than 400 entries and three joint winners all of whose owners live in Carmarthenshire. Cllr Thomas said: “I was overwhelmed by the turnout and the time and love lavished upon these delightful cars.”

There's a big two-day meeting coming up at Ffos Las racecourse. Here's their publicity handout - THE BIG DAY OUT THURSDAY 23 AUGUST It’s the first day of the two day festival and it’s one for the family. Throughout the day you can expect some great jump racing action along with plenty of entertainment and activities to keep the kids on their toes. You can let the kids run free and enjoy the spectacular entertainment that will be here on the day while you sit back and enjoy the great racing atmosphere. Entertainment and activities to be enjoyed by the kids include; performances from SA15 Stage School, golf taster sessions from Glyn Abbey Golf Club and most impressively the Panic Circus will be here with their Big Top and the children can learn to juggle, unicycle and even put on their own Punch and Judy show. Ladies Day FRIDAY 24 AUGUST What will you be wearing? Day two of the two day festival and it’s the most talked about and most fashionable day of the year at Ffos Las

Ammanford-based Irish band Henry Marten’s Ghost have recorded a special song to help mark the centenary of the high-flying Swans. The Swansea Centenary Song has been written by their singer Padraig Lalor. “Coming from the home of George Best in Belfast, I can appreciate what good football is all about. “The Swans have done us all proud in South Wales through their achievements in the Premier League. “As they are celebrating their centenary this year, I thought it only right and proper we should mark the occasion with a rousing song which I hope will become a firm favourite with fans.” The song pays tribute to the Jack Army and evokes memories of some of the greatest Swansea Town and Swansea City players. “There are references to the old North Bank days at The Vetch Field, but also plenty of links to modern-day successes,” said Padraig. “I thoroughly enjoyed putting the song together as the inspiration was provided by someone linked closely to the Swansea City management. “The ba

Local councillor reported to Ombudsman over his ‘prostitute’ tweet - Wales News - News - WalesOnline A complaint has been made to the Ombudsman about a Llanelli councillor who suggested on Twitter that a young woman could earn money working as a prostitute. Other tweets made over a series of weeks by Independent Carmarthenshire councillor John Jenkins made reference to a sex toy, joked about paedophilia and referred to a well-known footballer as a “budding pervert”.

Latest news from The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club at Pembrey, Llanelli – Huw Richards Cup (Men) - 1, Neil Roberts 83 - 15 = 68; 2,Mark O Sullivan, 79 - 10 = 69; 3, Bryan Williams 82 - 13 = 69. Ladies Jubilee Trophy - 1, Yvonne Williams 100 - 25 = 75; 2, Olwen Davies 81 - 06 = 75; 3, Marie Hale 101 - 23 = 78. Gold and Silver medals - (Ladies) - 1, Sally Forrester 67+71=138, 2, Catherine Jones 71+76=147; 3, Nia Greville 73+75=148. Frank Maliphant Cup (Men) – 1, Kevin Thomas 77 - 11 = 66; 2, Elliot Anderson 71 - 03 = 68; 3, Roger Bowen 78 - 09 = 69. Alys M Jones Bogey Foursomes – 1, Olwen Davies and Sally Forrester, 7 up (10); 2, Lynette Bassett and Fiona Halpin, 3 up (17); 3, Leena Lodha and Yvonne Williams, 1 up (23). Medal 9 (Ladies) – 1, Susan Collard 93 - 12 = 81; 2, Eleanor Roberts 103 - 22 = 81; 3, Jean Peace 107 - 25 = 82. Forthcoming events at 'The Ash' - Gold & Silver competition with Phil Elliott Singer/guitarist Saturday 25th August 2012 Ladies Cente

The Welsh Women’s Bowling Association invited the Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council to the Under 25s International and British Isles Championships in Llanelli. Chair Cllr Siân Thomas was invited to bowl the first bowl at the event at Parc Howard. The competition featured representatives from Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland. It was the first time for the event to be held in Llanelli.

Councillor Jim Jones has been finding out what it is like to be in the shoes of an environmental enforcement officer. The newly-appointed Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection has been out on patrol across Carmarthenshire. He said he wanted to experience first-hand what the officers were dealing with on a daily basis in their bid clean up the county. The new council administration has pledged to get even tougher on dog fouling and littering. Anyone caught failing to clean up after their dog or dropping litter will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. And if they don’t pay it, they will be prosecuted in court and face an even larger fine. Cllr Jones said: “It was very interesting to go out on patrol with the officers. They have a lot of ground to cover – the whole of Carmarthenshire - but they know where the ‘hotspots’ are and target those areas accordingly. “It’s all about being in the right place at the right time and that can be very difficul

Four people have been fined for dropping litter and spraying graffiti in Burry Port. Council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in the town and in neighbouring Pembrey at the request of local members and the town council. Two people received fixed penalty notices of £75 for spraying graffiti on stone walling near the skate park. One person was issued with a fixed penalty notice for dropping litter at Burry Port harbour and a further person was fined for leaving rubbish near the recycling banks at Sea View Terrace. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £2,500. Two people were also been fined for failing to clean up after their dogs at Burry Port woodlands earlier this month. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I have written to all town and community councils asking them to get in touch with litter and dog fouling ‘hotspots’ in their area so that they can be t

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Sian Thomas pictured at Drefach Carnival in Felindre with Carnival Queen Cerian Rees and MP Jonathan Edwards.

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council has attended a lecture on Welsh artist Christopher Williams of Llandybie. Cllr Siân Thomas said the lecture in Parc Howard, Llanelli, was interesting because Christopher Williams was such a good artist but nobody knows of him. She said: “In my opinion we should put more emphasis on our indigenous art and be proud of it. As Welsh people we put a great emphasis aural art, music,song and poetry, but not enough on the visual arts.” The lecture was given by Coleg Gŵyr, Gorseinon history lecturer Dylan Rees. Christopher Williams (1873-1934) rebelled against his father’s plans for him to become a doctor after a visit to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool in 1892 which he left determined to become an artist. In 1911, he received a commission from King George V to work on a commemorative painting of the Investiture of Edward, Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. Among his portraits were those of Rt. Hon. David Lloyd George, Sir John Williams,

Llanelli’s Olympic golden hopeful Dai Greene has won a hat-trick of Carmarthenshire Sports Personality of the Year awards. Because of his exhausting training regime that has reaped European, World and many other 400-metres hurdling titles around the globe, Dai has never managed to get to any of the award ceremonies organised by Carmarthenshire Council. However, the county personality awards organiser Allison Rees, who is county sports development unit manager is not holding that against Dai and will be at the Olympic Stadium on Monday for the 400-metres hurdle final. Allison said: “After all Dai has achieved this year so far it will be difficult supporters across the county not to push for his retaining his county title for a fourth year. Voting for that will start in the next month. “Wouldn’t it be absolutely fantastic to have an Olympic medal of any colour at our awards ceremony? “Dai has been such a brilliant ambassador for the county with all he achieved so far. He is without quest

A man has been fined for failing to clean up after his dog at a Gwendraeth Valley park. The 62-year-old was issued with the fixed penalty notice for £75 at Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park near Tumble. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £1,000. Environmental enforcement officers were on patrol at the council-run attraction as part of a Wales-wide ‘day of action’ with Keep Wales Tidy. The aim was to raise awareness of the problems caused by dog fouling and get people to change their habits. It is a serious health concern because toxocariasis (which my lead to blindness) can be contracted from ingesting eggs which develop in dog mess. Council Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Dog fouling is a top priority for Carmarthenshire County Council and we will not hesitate to prosecute those caught breaking the law in this way. “Our enforcement officers carry out patrols seven-days-a-week acro

Details of ‘Secret Millionaire’ Kevin Green’s new Channel 5 programme have been revealed today. “It’s all been very hush-hush and I couldn’t even tell my closest friends what it is all about,” Green said today. “But Channel 5 took the wraps off the pre-publicity campaign today and I can now reveal the show is going to be called ‘Secret Interview’. “Filming was carried out earlier this year we have been busy shooting at different locations in West Wales and beyond.” Green has plenty of TV experience, having been featured on Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire and Sky’s The Devil’s Dinner Party. He added: “The Secret Interview will be unlike anything I have done previously.” The show will put eight unknowing people through an interview process they will never forget. The unwitting candidates believe they are filming a documentary about their workplace. In fact they are about to have an interview for the job of a lifetime without even knowing it’s happening. Each of them will be tested

The first students have signed up for a new, fast track course that will set them on the path to business greatness. The Entrepreneurship Academy Wales is the first of its kind in Wales and is being endorsed by entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’ Kevin Green, with further sponsorship support from Euros Jones-Evans from Telesgop, and Admiral Insurance. The free, one year programme will lead to a BTEC qualification in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and is open to aspiring young business leaders aged between 16 and 19. Delivered from the Innovation Foundry at the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Academy promotes a philosophy of ‘learning by doing’ that sees students work alongside successful business figures, attend masterclasses, undertake work experience and ultimately start their own businesses. The first four students to enrol are Joshua Dykes from Pontardawe, Geraint Vaughan and Jade Jones from Pontarddulais and Marissa Bartle from Llangennech. Although they have very different bu

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Siân Thomas presents a cheque for £25 to Helene Lovell on the occasion of the official opening of Cylch ‘Ti a Fi’ Gorslas, with Gorslas Community Council Chair Cllr Terry Davies. Cllr Terry Davies presented a cheque for £50 on behalf of the community. Cylch Ti a Fi Gorslas is held during the holidays on Monday mornings from 9.30-11am in Neuadd Lleian.

Nia Greville (above) saw her hopes of landing the Welsh Girls' Golf Championship end at the quarter-final stage. The Ashburnham golfer reached the matchplay stages of the event at Cardiff after rounds of 83 and 72 saw her finish fourth in the qualifying tournament . Greville won her last-16 match against Harrie Llewellyn of the Vale of Glamorgan 4&3, but came unstuck in the quarter-final when beaten 2&1 by Lottie Turner of Aberdovey.

Two pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Dyffryn Tâf are helping to prove the old saying ‘you’re never too old to learn’ having joined forces with clients at a Sheltered Housing complex in Whitland to help them improve their computer skills. The project is being supported by the Cryfhau Cymunedau (Strengthening Communities) project, part of RDP Sir Gâr’s  Innovative Hubs scheme*, which works with rural communities in Carmarthenshire supporting them to make a real difference within their locality. The aim of the project is to identify and support community mentors to lead groups and individuals to achieve positive change where they live. Cryfhau Cymunedau’s project officer David Saywell, Vivienne Morris (former Mayoress of Whitland) and Val Wood Gaiger from Learn with Grandma established a group to develop a number of activities in Whitland, one of which was the IT sessions. Mark Ford, Deputy Headmaster of Ysgol Gyfun Dyffryn Tâf, arranged for Ben Howarth and Ben Bubb to visit St Davids Avenue

People sitting their driving test could also have to sit a cycling proficiency test as a way of improving people’s mobility and making cycling a safer way of getting around. That’s one of the options put forward by Friends of the Earth Cymru in their response to proposed new Welsh legislation, answering the call by the Minister for Transport for radical ways to change the culture of transport in Wales[1]. Other suggestions include a default 20mph speed limit in built-up areas and giving pedestrians right of way at most road junctions. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “The cost of petrol is increasing week by week with no end in sight. And greenhouse gas emissions from transport in Wales are just as high now as they were more than two decades ago. “We have to totally change the way people think about moving around Wales and beyond by putting people before cars in our towns and cities. We need to make walking and cycling the natural choice for local t

A new £1.59 million grant scheme being run by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Physical Regeneration  section is offering grants of up to £10,000 to tourism businesses to help make their facilities more environmentally friendly. The “greener tourism” grant scheme, which offers funding up to 80 per cent of total project costs, is open to micro-enterprises involved in the tourism sector in rural Carmarthenshire. The aim of the initiative is to encourage tourism facilities to improve their green credentials and achieve energy savings through the installation of “green” systems such as solar panels, waste management measures or nature trails with interpretation, for example. The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 13 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Executive Board Member for Regeneration and Leisure, Cllr. Meryl Gravell, said “The Greener Tourism grant scheme will help us to put

Patients are being advised that a programme of refurbishment and preparation work for the construction of Withybush Hospital’s new renal unit is due to start on site within the next few weeks. Award-winning construction company Interserve has been appointed to carry out the programme of enabling works and patients will see the hoardings put up at the front of the hospital shortly. As part of the refurbishment work plans are being put in place to create a dedicated stroke and rehabilitation unit. Interim County Director for Pembrokeshire Mark Brandreth said: “This is the start of a very exciting time for the development of services in Pembrokeshire. Establishing a permanent renal service, as well as dedicated facilities for stroke patients, at Withybush Hospital has always been a long-term ambition for the Health Board and it is a project that will greatly improve the quality of service to all these patients.  “We are very pleased to see the start of this work, as well as the general re

Residents of Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to ensure peace of mind while they are away on holiday by making sure their homes are secure. Almost half of all burglaries happen when a house or flat is empty but the risk can be reduced by taking simple safety measures. The Community Safety Partnership’s Acquisitive Crime Action Group, which has representatives from the police, fire and rescue service and Carmarthenshire County Council, has discussed what householders can do to reduce the already low risk of being burgled. Police community safety officer PC Rob Chapman said: “We want people to take simple precautions before going on holiday so that they can enjoy peace of mind while they’re away. “It’s a good idea to get help from family members or your neighbours. You could ask them to collect post, park in the drive, mow the lawn, open and close curtains, and so on. Anything to make the place look lived in. “Don’t advertise the fact that you are going away. For instance, don’t sta

In the latest QualitySolicitors Redkite ‘Business Brief’ column from the Carmarthen Journal, QualitySolicitors Redkite partner Betsan Powell looks at how to prepare your business for the future. As an SME (small to medium-sized enterprise/business) your best hope for growth, possibly survival, may be investment for working capital and cash flow purposes. It is openly acknowledged by funders and commentators alike that business growth is key to economic revival. The common complaint of businesses however is that access to finance, or the lack of it, is the main barrier to achieving growth. Recent Bank of England Trends in Lending reports said that access to credit was broadly unchanged for SME’s in the first half of 2012 and is set to remain that way. Yet demand for funds from small businesses rose in the three months to the end of May according to the same report. With bank term loan funding akin to gold dust, what options are there for SMEs that want to grow?

The Carmarthenshire Council Next Steps project team are delighted to reveal that this year the candidates will be leaving a lasting legacy as part of the competition process. The six boys, along with their mentors and other members of staff from Lloyd and Gravell Ltd, will be creating a safari themed sensory garden at Llanelli’s Heol Goffa School to benefit children with special needs. It is the first year that the Next Steps competition has involved a community-based project. Kevin Gravell said: “As a company we try and give back as much as we can to our communities, and our own staff had already identified the sensory garden at Heol Goffa as a worthwhile project which they wanted to do in their own free time. “The timing fitted in perfectly with the Next Steps project, and we are thrilled to be able to give the boys such a great project to do as part of the competition. “To their credit, every one of them has been excited to get involved and they all realise that the work they a

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - There is an important meeting at Carmarthen Town AFC tonight (Wednesday). Club president Jeff Thomas has invited all members to the meeting, starting at 7pm at the clubhouse and community centre in Richmond Park. Mr Thomas said: “The executive and general committees have now been disbanded. Their work has now been divided into five work areas. This will form the new Management Group, which will be the primary decision-making body for the club. “Let the new era commence on August 1. It will be a new way of operating and we need to discuss the way ahead in many areas. I look forward to the support of all members of the club.” ------------------------------------- Carmarthen Town are delighted once again to be able to offer fans the opportunity to purchase tickets for the forthcoming Wales 2014 World Cup Qualifying Campaign home matches. Bookings are now being taken fo

Visitors to Carmarthen town centre may get more than they bargained for if they pop along to one of the free Saturday tours at Castle House. Carmarthenshire County Council’s tourism team have devised a mysterious tour which will scare the socks off visitors as they delve in to the dark depths of Carmarthen’s past. Castle House, located next to County Hall, is now the town’s tourist information centre, but previously it was a place where prisoners were held captive and punished for their wrongs. Marketing & tourism assistant Lowri Jones said: “Absolutely anything could happen on one of our tours – after-all, there are those that believe that Castle House is haunted by the ghosts of prisoners who were punished here in the past. And we know of at least one captive who died here. “The tours will give people a real insight in to the lives of some of the prisoners and the harsh punishments they had to endure.” The tours will also give people an insight in to the 18th and 19th century his

Householders in Carmarthenshire are being urged to help police to continue to beat the burglars – by making their homes more secure. The number of burglaries dropped to 224 across the whole of Carmarthenshire last year and householders are being asked to play their part in ensuring that the fall continues. The Community Safety Partnership’s Acquisitive Crime Action Group, which has representatives from the police, fire and rescue service and Carmarthenshire County Council, has discussed what householders can do to make their homes a harder target for burglars. Burglaries fell by 17 per cent in 2011/12, 224 crimes compared to 270 in 2010/11. That means 46 fewer victims. So far this year, there’s been a further reduction of 23 per cent compared to April-June last year with 13 fewer burglaries. Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for community safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We want to help people to make their homes more secure and to build on the success over the last co

Carmarthenshire Council’s Executive Board has given the go ahead to free parking at three Ammanford car parks from September 1st. Shoppers will be able to park for free for up to four hours after 10am in the Wind Street, Hall Street and Baltic car parks. It is hoped the move will offer economic support to traders as regeneration works are carried out in the town centre. Council leader Kevin Madge said: “The council is trying its best to help traders in Ammanford in what are very difficult times. We don’t know how long this recession is going to last or what the knock-on effects are going to be, but with the works going on in the town centre as well we want to provide some support to the traders.” The works include improvements to the bus station and the town centre retail areas and will provide a much-needed boost for the town. Although every effort will be made to minimise disruption, some inconvenience is inevitable. Executive Board Member with responsibility for transport and parkin

Last year’s Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council has handed over more than £13,000 to his chosen charities. Cllr Ivor Jackson raised £13,564.84 during his year in office, with the money to be divided between Macmillan Cancer Support, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Plant Dewi, which works with children and their families in the Diocese of St David’s. Cllr Jackson and his consort Mrs Mary Jackson presented cheques to the charities at a ceremony in the Chairman’s Room in County Hall, Carmarthen. The money was raised through a number of events over the last year including taking part in the Walrus Dip at Cefn Sidan on New Year’s Day, which raised nearly £2,000 from sponsorship. Other events included a Curry Night in the Masala restaurant in Llanelli, a Charity Concert at Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery featuring Llandovery Male Voice Choir with Gwawr Edwards and Aled Wynne Davies. Cllr Jackson said he could not have raised the money without the support of his wife Mary, the people

Dai Greene fever takes over the Harry Watkins hostelry in Felinfoel on Monday. It becomes centre of the universe on Olympic 400-metre hurdle final night. Radio Five Live are homing in on the pub for a live broadcast that will be filled with Dai Greens fans screaming their support for Dai to win a Gold medal in the final. Mine hosts Rowland and Linda Cross have organised a special Dai Greene buffet and the whole village is expected to pack in to cheer Dai along. For more than a month the pub has posted a banner outside the pub pledging their support for Dai who has been known to pop in on the rare occasion when he is home. Dai may be at the London Olympics but his cardboard cut out which has been all around Llanelli in the last six weeks will be there. Linda said: “We are huge Dai fans and fever is running high for support for Dai. Most of our customers are wearing the much sought after Dai go for gold wrist yellow bands. We have a few more left top give out to those lucky to clai

There will be a variety of talks, lectures and interactive activities to suit all ages and interests at the Aberystwyth University stand at the National Eisteddfod this year. In addition, the stand will also have computers available so visitors can access the internet all week for free. If you are a school pupil you are welcome to come along and ask questions about the University, or come to reminisce if you were a student at Aberystwyth. The Aberystwyth press release says -  Teachers are also welcome to drop in and discuss study opportunities at the university with staff. You can be guaranteed of a warm welcome! You can win a mountain bike worth £325! To celebrate the inclusion of Aberystwyth University on the official list of training centres for mountain biking for the London Olympics in 2012 we are running a competition were you can win a Trek 3700 mountain bike. All you need to do is visit the Aberystwyth University stand at the Eisteddfod and answer a simple question. Th

Spare a thought for Susan Greene, Dai Greene’s mum. While her son and Olympic Gold medal 400-metre hurdalist hopeful gives the appearance of being the coolest man on the planet, mum hides behinds her hands whenever he races because of the huge tensions. Builder and dad Steve said: “I have every confidence our son will hurdle this last great ambition to seal a glorious career. “Dai was only 14 when he turned and told me when an aspiring Swansea City soccer player that one day I would be known as Dai Greene’s dad and not Steve Green. He was right about that. too. It is an arrogance that has served him well in a tough sport. “As parents we are justly proud of all he has achieved, as are his brothers. The male part of the household is holding up quite well but Susan will be glad to see an end to all the pressures. “We are all going up as a family and will be at Dai’s races on Friday, Saturday and providing he stays free of injury and gets through to the final on Monday. “We have given

Great to meet some entrepreneurs of the future at launch of Entrepreneurship Academy Wales in Swansea this morning - http://www.entrepreneurshipacademywales.co.uk

Off to the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea for the launch of a new Wales-wide Academy for young entrepreneurs. Launch speech by Kevin Green.

If anyone meets me in next few days, don't be alarmed. The restructured face is work in progress. Looking for a sponsor for the plaster!

Just had my face readjusted in a minor op at Prince Philip Hospital. Many thanks to the team there this morning. They were brilliant.