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

On Tuesday, 9 September 2014 at 4pm, Bancyfelin village will be celebrating its new milestone. On the day, Bruce Wallace will be there to unveil the new milestone which is located in the grass bank at the front of Bancyfelin Primary School. He will be joined by the Bancyfelin Education Community Trust trustees who raised the funds for the project and the donors who made the project possible. Everyone in the village is also invited to join in the celebration. In May, the Bancyfelin Education Community Trust responded to a local suggestion that the milestone be replaced and as a result, a generous grant was made available through the Carmarthenshire Landscape and Heritage Grants Scheme. The original milestone, which was similar to others on the main A40 highway from Carmarthen to Hobb’s Point, was located on the school wall. Reference to the original milestone, with distances marked, can be found on older maps of the village. When the front of the school was re-modelled

This autumn looks set to be a good time for having fun. The St Davids Diocese Mothers' Union is arranging a series of Family Fun Days during September and early October. There will be a range of activities on offer and plenty of craft ideas to try out. The Fun Days are free of charge and families can join in with all the activities on offer. Picnics may be brought but there will be hot dogs and refreshments available. The Fun Days are taking place at the following locations: Saturday, 13 September (11.00am-3.00pm) The Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly  Saturday, 20 September (11.00am-3.00pm) Church Hall, Hubberston Saturday, 11 October (11.00am-3.00pm) St. Anne's Church, Penparcau St Davids Mothers' Union President, Brenda Evans encouraged families to take advantage of the Fun Days, saying “The Mothers' Union calls on families across west Wales to take its work forward. These Family Fun Days are our way of reciprocating the generous support we r

Carmarthenshire 50+ Forum has organised its most ambitious annual event ever after a successful year of recruitment. The Forum, which now has 1,750 members, is organising a Grand Day Out at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Friday September 19 hosted by entertainer Roy Noble. The free event at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne includes guided walking tours around the Garden, a life-sized replica of Dylan Thomas’ Writing Shed, with interactive workshops that bring to life the working environment of the poet, iPad, arts and crafts, reflexology, patchwork and tea dance taster sessions, a mini crazy golf course, and information stalls from a wide range of local organisations and charities. There will also be local choirs and orchestras to add a musical feel to proceedings. Caroline Streek of the 50+ Forum said: “The Forum has gained 120 new members through the recent article in Carmarthenshire News and now has 1,750 members. It is one of the biggest 50+ Forums

A Carway man has been fined £600 for throwing a cigarette onto the floor in Llanelli. Dean Ward, aged 30, of Maes y Wern, Carway, was convicted at Carmarthen Magistrates Court in his absence of an offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £60. The court was told that environmental enforcement officers were on duty in Vaughan Street, Llanelli, on Wednesday February 26 when at about 11.20am they saw Ward standing outside the British Heart Foundation shop smoking a cigarette. They saw him finish the cigarette and throw the end on the floor before walking away. When they approached him and asked if he knew why he had been stopped he said ‘It’s obvious, isn’t it, you haven’t got anything better to do’, the court heard. He was given a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75 and when he did not pay this he was prosecuted. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones

A pharmacy in Aberaeron has become the first in Wales to gain recognition for its work with carers. Mrs Bernadine Rees OBE, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board presented staff from Boots the Chemist with their Investors in Carers (IiC) Certificate. The store is the first pharmacy in Wales to gain this accreditation for its work in identifying and supporting unpaid Carers in the local community. The IiC scheme is being operated across the Hywel Dda region with nearly all GP surgeries in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire already gaining accreditation. The scheme is now being rolled out to pharmacies and selected hospital wards across the region. In awarding the certificate Mrs Rees said: “I am delighted to be making the award which is my first official presentation as Chair of Hywel Dda and Carers Champion for the Board. “I support the promotion of this initiative which helps address the unmet needs of carers by helping people realise there is support available

Aberystwyth’s Welsh Students' Union (UMCA) has raised vital funds for Bronglais Hospital. Miriam Williams, President of Aberystwyth’s Welsh Students' Union (UMCA), recently presented cheques totalling £1,417.66 to Angahard Ward and the A&E Department at Bronglais Hospital. As part of UMCA’s annual calendar of events, RAG week is held every year. Students choose their charity of the year and hold various fundraising events to give something back to the local community. The money donated to the hospital was raised during the 2011/12 RAG week which saw students take part in: Naked calendar (Members of Cymdeithas Chwaraeon Y Geltaidd)  Charity sports matches (Gogs Vs Hwntws)  It’s a Knockout tournament  ‘Promise auction’  Miriam Williams, UMCA President, said “Bronglais Hospital is an important part of the community here in Aberystwyth. It delivers fantastic services to the residents of Aberystwyth and beyond. It is important that these vital services are suppor

A consultation process is being held to identify priorities and actions that will form a strategy for the next round of funding under the Wales Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 . The Wales Rural Development Programme is the mechanism by which the Welsh Government delivers activities which support the sustainable management of agriculture and the environment as well as supporting the growth of rural businesses and creating vibrant rural communities. The programme is funded by the European Union and Welsh Government. A spokesman said - We would like to hear what you feel are the main challenges facing rural communities. We will be available for you to pop in to see us at any time between 10:30am and 3:30pm at St Catherine’s Walk shopping Centre, Carmarthen from Wednesday, 3rd September - Saturday 6th September. Alternatively, you can send any comments you may have via an online questionnaire, which can be found on the West Wales European Centre website: www.wwec.org.uk . De

A Llanelli man has been fined £110 for throwing his cigarette on the floor. Shannan Martin Thomas, aged 22, of Penyfan Road, Llanelli, was also ordered to pay £100 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge by Carmarthen magistrates. He pleaded guilty by post in response to the summons issued against him for an offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The court heard that environmental enforcement officers saw a motorist at McDonald’s drive through discard his cigarette onto the floor. Thomas was cautioned for the offence and given a Fixed Penalty Notice for £75, and when asked why he had thrown the cigarette on the floor said: “I don’t know, I just done it.” He failed to pay the fixed penalty and was prosecuted. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Cigarette ends are not only unsightly but they get trapped in cracks in the pavement which makes them very difficult and costly to clean up. “We have a zero toler

A Llandeilo man has been sentenced to a community order for falsely claiming more than £4,000 in benefits. Thomas Peter Tudor Williams, of Rhos Deg, Llandeilo, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates Court last week for sentencing for an offence contrary to Section 112 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. He had pleaded guilty to the offence. The court was told that Williams failed to declare a change in his circumstances - specifically that his wife, Louise Williams, had commenced employment as a catering assistant for Carmarthenshire County Council in September 2011, initially on a casual posting before being made permanent in September 2012. She finished her employment in July 2013. He was interviewed under caution and admitted the offence. As a result of the offence he had been overpaid Housing Benefit of £4288.99 and Council Tax Benefit of £572.62. He was given a 12 month community order and ordered to undertake 50 hours of unpaid work, as well as being ordered to pay

The latest Phil Evans column from the South Wales Evening Post - Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. Definition of a British Bank Holiday taken from the Oxford English Dictionary (*Fourth Edition): A one-day holiday, usually a Monday, that allows fat, obnoxious bald men in sleeveless tee-shirts and three-quarter length shorts to sit outside ‘pubs with their equally obnoxious wives and in between smoking, downing copious pints of lager and chewing on burgers, continually swear at their obnoxious children - usually named Jayden, Rihanna and Blade. In the run-up to every Bank Holiday, the newspapers invariably (and gleefully) warn us about the impending bad weather, predict that there will be twenty-mile tailbacks on every motorway, dual carriageway, A-Road, B-Road, country lane & garage forecourt... and always mention ‘The Great Escape’. They’re not referring to the mad rush of five million sickly-pale Brits heading for th

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -  Two up-and-coming members of the Loud Applause ‘Rising Stars’ stable will be featured in the First World War Centenary Concert on Saturday, September 6 at Greenfield Baptist Chapel. The concert is being organised by Llanelli Rotary Club in conjunction with the Royal British Legion. The ‘Rising Stars’ group of young singers has been put together by Loud Applause promoter and director Cerith Owens. “Our work is simple, we help foster and mentor young talent in West Wales,” said Mr Owens. “We have so many talented youngsters in the area that they deserve the best concert platforms to show what they can do. “Jordan and Keely performed at a musical summer soiree at Llanelly House last weekend and they are really looking forward to the big concert at Greenfied Chapel in Llanelli. “It promises to be a memorable occasion. But, if people want to see it, they had better hurry as

An appeal has gone out for old photos and memorabilia of Côr Meibion Llanelli. The choir celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and old photos and historical items such as old concert programmes are being collected for a special publication. Choir press officer Robert Lloyd said: "We are looking for as many old photos and old items of memorabilia as we can find. "The choir has a special anniversary dinner at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, this October and it would be nice to include as many items as possible in a display. "An example of the sort of thing we are looking for can be seen above in the photo of the choir committee from 1989. "Anyone who has any old photos and memorabilia can contact me on 07777 683637 or email rlloydpr@btinternet.com "All photos, programmes and other items will be returned after scanning." Côr Meibion Llanelli It would take a fairly hefty book to summarise the achievements of the choir over a history span

A group of children from Llanelli have been learning a new lingo at their local library. Staff from Carmarthenshire library services teamed up with Veritas Academy to provide a free Spanish language taster session. Children were introduced to Spanish words and culture in a Patagonia-themed session at Llanelli Children’s Library, which included arts and crafts provided by Twf. Declan Cobbold, aged 12, said: “I thought it was really good and I learned lots of facts and Spanish words. Overall it was amazing.” Carmarthenshire’s libraries are already successfully involved with local communities offering more than just books, including homework clubs, free internet access and iPad training. The latest addition to their online resources are the first theory test pro and GoCitizen.co.uk. Children’s Librarian, Catrin Simon, said: “The Spanish language activity was very interesting; the Veritas staff tailored the facts and language really well. The children also enjoyed the Twf crafts. I’ve

Nursery favourite Kipper the dog is 25 years old and to celebrate  Llanelli Library held a special party with a story and crafts. Children enjoyed listening to ‘Kipper’s Birthday’ by Mick Inkpen before decorating party hats with stickers, glitter and feathers. The party was then topped off by a tasty treat of cake decorating. Mother of three Mrs Murray said: “It was an hour well spent. The activities and staff were fantastic and my children really enjoyed. Ella, my six year old daughter said it was ‘awesome.” Carmarthenshire’s libraries are already successfully involved with local communities offering more than just books, including homework clubs, free internet access and iPad training. Six year-old Miriam’s mother said: “My daughter enjoyed the event. She loved decorating the cake, and making a hat. The staff were very nice and helpful. There were plenty of crafty things available. We are looking forward to attending more events like this in the future.” Carmarthenshire Libraries

It's splashing news. Llanelli’s swimming pool reopens on Monday. (Sept 1st.) The Llanelli Leisure Centre facility has a new £350k roof after major damage caused in the January storms. It has been a frustrating summer for indoor swimmers with the repair work becoming protracted because a special construction environment had to be created because of the volume of asbestos that had to be safely removed from the old roof structure. County executive board member for regeneration and leisure services, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said: “This was a major scheme with 1,200sq metres of roofing to be replaced including new skylights and lighting alterations. “TAD Builders have performed a difficult task while the Leisure Centre has remained opened for all other activities. “There will not be much to see at this immensely popular facility by way of improvements but the swimming pool has a secure roof for the future and I have to thanks the members of the public for their patience while the difficul

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday ‘Add to Your Life’ This Healthy Wednesday why not take a few minutes to do a free NHS Wales health and wellbeing assessment? Add to Your Life health and well-being assessments had previously only been available to those aged 50 and over, but this age restriction has now been removed. It is a confidential and easy-to-use self-assessment which can be undertaken online or by telephone. It can help you discover more about your health, learn the simple steps you can take to stay fit, and discover local services to help you make a positive change in your life. Add to Your Life will help provide you with an overall picture of your health and well-being and can help you live longer, feel better, stay healthier and active into the future. Try the assessment yourself at www.addtoyourlife.co.uk , or you can take the assessment over the telephone by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47

More than 50 officers from forces across Wales descended on Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, recently to learn more about becoming a WECTU Surveillance Officer. WECTU is the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and is a collaboration of officers from South Wales, Gwent, Dyfed Powys and North Wales police. Surveillance is just one of the tactics that are used in this arena to combat Counter Terrorism and Domestic Extremism. Delivered by Surveillance Team members DI Huw Thomas, DC Andrew Goodburn, DC Andrea Marler and Emma Rees, attendees who may be considering a career within Surveillance had the unique opportunity to gain a realistic view of the demands of the role, and to ask questions and learn from the operational officers who have over 90 years of combined experience. The sessions were particularly aimed at female and BME officers who are currently under represented within the department. Detective Chief Inspector Jacquie Johnson said: “I was so pleased with the attitude

Latest news from Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley -  GOWER CRAFTS & ARTISANS EXHIBITION - UNTIL 4TH SEPTEMBER Gower Crafts and Artisans is an established group of crafters and artists based in the City and County of Swansea. Their aim is to promote the work of local artisans by developing a recognisable brand that showcases the quality of local produce. Members work currently includes jewellery, glass, textiles, quilting, spinning, photography, woodwork, toys, slate and teddy bears. ABERGLASNEY'S SUMMER BALL - SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2014 *A table of 10 has now become available for our ever popular Summer Ball. Book your tickets early to avoid missing what promises to be a memorable evening. Join us for an evening of dinner & dancing in the mansion at Aberglasney with a spectacular fireworks display. For more information visit our website: www.aberglasney.org or ring our Ticket Office on: (01558) 667958

Red Kite Law is going from strength to strength as the partners implement the new strategy announced earlier this year. As the leading local firm in West Wales, the partners aimed to invest in improved management and are delighted to announce two significant new recruits: Neil Walker and Simon Campbell-Davies. Neil has joined from Cooperative Legal Services – one of the big brands tipped to revolutionise the way that people buy legal advice. He is now Red Kite Law’s chief operating officer and finance director. Simon is the new head of marketing and business development and joins the firm from Hugh James in Cardiff. Red Kite Law partner David Sangster said he was delighted to welcome Neil and Simon to the firm. “We are a go-ahead legal firm operating in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and now further afield in Chepstow, Monmouthshire. “We have a strong local brand, a fantastic team of solicitors and long-lasting relationships with our clients who like us because we are local,

The catering team at Withybush Hospital are to be congratulated having recently been accredited the top rating of 5 in the Food Standards Agency’s food hygiene scheme. The ratings (0-5) illustrate how well businesses are doing in complying with food hygiene law. To get the top rating of 5, which means that standards are very good, businesses must demonstrate a high standard of compliance in all three elements of the inspection – hygiene, condition of facilities and food safety management. Hotel Services Manager, Tim Baines said: “This is a great achievement and it is thanks to the determination and hard work by the whole catering team in Withybush Hospital.”

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - This week's special offers - WEEK COMMENCING 25/08/14 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.65 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.95 2 MINCED BEEF & ONION PIES £2.10 2 CUSTARD SLICES £1.60 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & BACON £2.40 RUSTIC BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – HAM & CHEESE £2.40 FILLED SOFTIE ROLL OF THE WEEK – HAM SALAD £2.20 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

There was a memorable musical summer soiree staged at Llanelly House - possibly the biggest social occasion held at the historic mansion for more than 150 years. The event was staged by Sue Roberts, one of the trustees of Llanelly House, and her husband Peter. It marked something of a first for Llanelly House, with characters from the building's history 'coming to life' for the occasion. It was also an opportunity for guests at the soiree to tour the house and view the new interactive digital features which have been installed in Llanelly House. The music for the occasion was organised by Cerith Owens, the director of Llanelli-based Loud Applause Productions. The soloists for the evening were Jordan Williams, Keely Morgan, violinist Simmy Singh and harpist Ffion Elin Williams. With the staircase of the Great Hallway at Llanelly House as their stage, the musical entertainment provided an elegant accompaniment to a unique social occasion, which also feature

In September, Dyfed Powys Police are recruiting officers and community support officers and are asking residents do you have what it takes to help us safeguard our communities? Chief Constable Simon Prince said, “We want to increase the number of police officers that we have in our communities and are asking people to join us. We know where we need more officers so we are being very specific in the recruitment process. Over the last year we have been asking people living in our more rural communities what they want from us as a police service, and one of the answers was quite simply, more officers on patrol. “It isn’t an easy job, and it will not suit everyone. To help people find out more information about what the job entails we are holding a series of familiarisation events in the communities where we are recruiting. People who are interested in finding out more can also speak to their local police team.” Chief Constable Prince added, “Being a police officer is a rewarding job, we m

The high number of collisions involving motorbikes in both North Wales and Dyfed Powys Police areas has led the Chief Constables of both Forces to make the following joint statement: This year has seen a significant number of motorcyclists return to North, Mid and West Wales to make the most of the scenery and facilities that Wales has to offer, helped of course by the fine weather that we have all enjoyed. Unfortunately, though we are seeing a significant increase this year in the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on our roads, with 16 fatalities across both of the policing areas of North Wales and Dyfed Powys Police and a further 72 motorcyclists seriously injured as a result of collisions. Amongst the most common reasons for the collisions are rider error and excessive speed, particularly on bends. This year’s increase is a very real public safety concern and a priority for both police forces. Our approach on enforcement has not changed; we will robustly enfo

Keely Morgan sings Summertime at the musical summer soiree staged at Llanelly House last night.

Jordan Williams singing Stars from Les Miserables at the musical summer soiree held at Llanelly House, Saturday, August 23, 2014

Youngsters have been getting their hands dirty in the garden this summer. Llanelli’s Maes Y Morfa ‘Grow Your Own’ gardening project saw children from 4 to 11 taking part in a range of activities including The local Communities First team came up with the project to focus on teaching children about healthy foods and the importance of sustainability, within an environment that is fun and friendly. Children who attended learned about gardening and the healthy foods they can grow for themselves. The food grown in the garden will also go right to the table, for the children get to take home and enjoy what they have helped to grow. Community First Health Promotion Worker, Llyr Lloyd, said:” This project gave children the opportunity to learn skills to grow their own healthy produce” The Communities’ First team aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the education, skills, economic and health gaps between disadvantaged and affluent areas. Anyone interested in finding o

Families from Llanelli have been getting up close with nature. More than 50 people have enjoyed taking part in a series of nature walks organised by  Carmarthenshire’s Communities First team . Families took to the trails and learned about the local wildlife including ducks, dragonflies and butterflies that thrive at the area’s ponds and reservoirs. The nature walks enhanced children’s appreciation of the natural environment, through focusing on the things that the children could see, hear and smell. Communities First Health Promotion Worker Llyr Lloyd, said:”The children enjoyed the fresh air and were pointing out and trying to identify different species. “ Communities First is a community focused programme that supports the Welsh Government's Anti-Poverty agenda. The programme supports three policy areas, considered core to combating poverty and social exclusion. These are health, education and economic prosperity. To find out more information about forthcoming events, contact t