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

Picture slideshow of Carreg y Saeth Isaf. See earlier post below -

TV presenter and wildlife champion Iolo Williams has given his backing to a wild land charity’s bid to buy a key conservation site in the Snowdonia National Park. The John Muir Trust, which owns and manages a number of mountain landscapes in Scotland, including Ben Nevis, has launched a £500,000 appeal to buy the Carreg y Saeth Isaf estate in the Rhinogydd Mountains. Iolo Williams welcomed the move saying: “It’s a delight to know that this part of wild Wales will continue to be cared for with nature in mind. I urge everyone who loves our wild places to contribute to the fundraising appeal.” The Trust is a membership organisation, named after the founder of the modern conservation movement, Scots-American John Muir. It has been active in Wales since 2001, working with 100 partners – including schools, colleges, clubs, conservation and outdoor organisations ­– to deliver the John Muir Award scheme to 33,000 people.The Trust has also campaigned in Wales to protect wild landscapes f...

A new website which aims to help you find out about services and places of interest in your local area has been launched. i-Local is a quick and easy, interactive web-based mapping service, which provides access to a range of both county council and Carmarthenshire information. Split into three easy-to-use areas, including My Nearest, My House and My Alerts, the site allows you to search our county map or sign up to receive specific emails or text alerts. My Nearest allows you to look for information about different locations and places of interest within the county such as your local library, electoral ward, leisure centres and much more. My House is an easy, fast way to get information on services near to where you live. My Alerts allows you to sign up to receive either email or SMS text alerts on council services. For details visit http://ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/

Carmarthenshire County Council is looking forward to hosting next year’s national Eisteddfod. The county has congratulated Denbighshire for their success at holding this year’s Eisteddfod and for the warm welcome received on the Maes. Carmarthenshire will now grasp the opportunity of having such a major event in the calendar and will use next year’s Eisteddfod to support and promote the use and advantages of the Welsh language to those who live, work and visit the county. Darganfod Sir Gâr officers put their week in Denbighshire to good use and were busy taking accommodation bookings for next year and handing out thousands of brochures to potential visitors. Hundreds of visitors to the stand had their pictures taken with a choice of different background scenes of top attractions in the county as part of the promotion. The council will continue to work with the National Eisteddfod to ensure 2014 is a great success.

Organisations in Carmarthenshire can trade in a new way thanks to an innovative initiative. The Trwco Time Bank, which uses time and not money as a currency, is the first of its kind in Carmarthenshire. It is based on an hour for hour principle - for every hour that a time bank member provides to another member, they will receive one time credit in return, which they can then use to access skills, resources and services from another member of the time bank. There is no fee to join or take part in Trwco, which is funded through the Big Lottery and led by Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr. Co-ordinator Heledd Kirkbride said: “The benefits for members could include saving money, accessing new resources, skills and services, increasing and strengthening capacity and creating new contacts and networks.” For more information call 01267 245575 or email enquiry@trwco.org

  The Iechyd Da beer column for the Carmarthen Journal by Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley, chief executive of Evan-Evans Brewery -  Thank goodness we are not in the Euro Zone. Well, of course, we are in the Euro Zone, but we are not part of the Euro and all that goes with that. The Buckley family holidays this year took to the South of France and I am delighted to report the weather was wonderful. But, of course, dear reader, there was a ‘but’! Ever since the introduction of the Euro, I have thought that rural France (and for that matter rural Ireland) has suffered as a result of the introduction of the single currency. We have known for a long time that the rural economy in Europe has taken a nosedive, but for a brewer in foreign lands nothing is more depressing than that moment when the mercury surges north past the 40 degrees C mark and the search becomes ever more difficult for a glass of beer! Based near Agen, between Bordeaux and Toulouse, the rural economy is d...

The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star - The ladies of Côr Curiad have a busy autumn schedule lined-up just as they move into their new rehearsal rooms at the Lantern Room at Hall Street Church, Llanelli. Côr Curiad will be rehearsing at the Lantern Room from tomorrow (Thursday, October 3), 7pm. The choir members are grateful to Llanelli Public Library for allowing them rehearsal space while the Lantern Room works were carried out. Autumn engagements for Côr Curiad include a concert at St John Lloyd School on Thursday, October 24. On Saturday, October 26, the choir will be entertaining the Cooperative Society at their annual general meeting at Ffos Las racecourse in Carway. The choir members are grateful to the Cooperative Society for their kind grant of funds. On November 15, 16 and 17, the choir will be off to Tamworth in Staffordshire in The Midlands to visit and sing with old friends at Tamworth Male Voice Choir. Choir spokesman Andrew Matthews said: “Th...

Latest news from Span Arts in Narberth - Thursday 3 October Acoustic Sessions with Mad Dog Mcrea The rowdy Devon-based gang blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. “One of the most exciting discoveries” (Mike Harding, BBC) More info, tickets and support acts here! Thursday 10 October Comedy Club: Nick Doody & Bethany Black “A drunken, gagged up Richard Dawkins” goes up against the “dark-tinged but magical” goth vegan Bethany Black! Compered by Scottish Comedian of the Year 2010 Ro Campbell. Tickets and info here Wednesday 16 October SpanJazz: Brian Archer & the John Gibbon Trio Brian's collaborated with celebrated composers as well as the likes of Burt Bacharach and Shirley Bassey. Tickets and info here Friday 18 October Within This Dust Award-winning Scottish dance theatre company Smallpetitklein provoke the emotions and the intellect with a thoughtfully executed triple bill, also touring New York, Brazil, and B...

Cor Meibion Dyffryn Tywi are organising a night of Irish and Welsh singing on Wednesday, October 23. It will take place at 7pm at the Red Lion in Llandyfaelog. The guest artists include Irish folk singers  Darren Crossey (above) and the duo Stephen’s Green (also pictured above). Tickets are £3 and are available from choir members. For more details, contact Derrick Rowlands, Secretary Vale of Towy Male Voice Choir, Cor Meibion Dyffryn Tywi - 01269860996 or 07891467663. Website - www.cormeibiondyffryntywi.co.uk  

This week's special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING 30/09/13 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 SPICY CHICKEN PASTIES £2.20 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.90 3 STRAWBERRY SCONES £1.00 2 FRESH CREAM ECLAIRS £1.70 2 TEACAKES 90p SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & STUFFING £2.25 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN TIKKA WITH YOGHURT & MINT £2.35 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – WHITE BAPS - PACK OF 4 £1.00 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL WHITE BATCH £1.05 SPECIALITY LOAF - ANCIENT CEREALS BREAD (available Thur, Fri, Sat) £1.20 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

The Beer Academy has appointed pub retailing expert and Beer Academy Sommelier, Alastair Scott, as Development Director to spearhead the next phase of the organisation’s growth. Beer Academy Director Simon Jackson said “The past three years have seen some great success for the Beer Academy. There are now over 40 Beer Academy Sommeliers and August set a monthly record number of course applications since the Academy was created ten years ago. “Our mission is to educate, enlighten and enthuse people about beer. The launch of recent campaigns like “Let there be beer” and “Its better down the pub” show that more and more people share this ambition. The time is ripe for the Beer Academy to step change its impact and revolutionise the way that people look at beer.” Beer Academy Development Director, Alastair Scott said “My interest in beer and pubs was first sparked when I became a bar manager at University. This spurred me to join Bass when I graduated and I have worked in the sector e...

Age Cymru Sir Gâr will be celebrating Older People’s Day in Carmarthen tomorrow (October 1). Staff and volunteers will be on hand from 9.30am to 12 noon at a stand under the clocktower in the middle of Carmarthen by the new Carmarthen market to answer any queries about what support is available in Carmarthenshire for people aged 50+ . They will also be distributing information goodie bags. The rate of winter deaths among older people in Carmarthenshire was one of the highest in Wales last winter and Age Cymru Sir Gâr wants to help older people face the challenges of winter by informing them of the support available. Age Cymru Sir Gâr will be telling people about their new friendship groups as well as distributing information on staying warm, well and active. Also available will be hints and tips on reducing fuel bills and maximising income via benefits. Website - http://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/sirgar/