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

Carmarthenshire County Council has agreed free parking for the duration of Ammanford’s Twrch Trwyth festival later this month. There will be no parking charges at any of the council’s car parks in the town during the festival which runs from September 25-27. The parking machines will be shut down across the town for those three dates. The move has been agreed by the local authority’s Transport and Engineering section as the festival is for the benefit of the whole town. It is part of a council policy which allows five days free parking a year. The owner of the Indoor Market will also give free parking for the three days. Ammanford Chamber of Trade Chair Gerald Thomas of Arcade Newsagents said: “The free parking is a very good initiative and we thank the council for doing it. Sometimes people are willing to pay for an hour but when there is free parking they will spend longer in town which benefits everyone.”

Nothing stops this Llanelli amputee from keeping fit and healthy. Despite her disability, Claire Simpson works up a sweat three times a week at Llanelli Leisure Centre gym. Five years ago, the 42-year-old had difficulty walking and was forced to have part of her right leg removed after being born with gigantism. Since then she has gone from being wheelchair bound to peddling the bikes, pounding the treadmill and working the cross trainer. Gigantism is a rare condition that causes abnormal growth in children. In Claire’s case it was her foot. The mum of two said: “I had the operation when I was 37 as the pain was unbearable. I was having to wear orthopaedic shoes and had been unable to wear proper ones all my life. Having the operation has given me a new lease of life and I’m now able to do things now I couldn’t do before. Coming to the gym has lifted my mood tenfold and it’s shown me what I can do. It was difficult at first walking through the door because my perception of the gym

Whether you’re on a mission to fit into that little black dress or tux for Christmas or just want to start keeping fit, Actif Fitness is the place for you. In a relaxed atmosphere, expert instructors at Carmarthenshire leisure centres are on hand to help you get into shape, lose a few pounds, improve your heart rate or stay fit. Actif Fitness has been designed and equipped to provide a balanced health and fitness programme for all types of people regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Actif Fitness also offers an extensive range of modern gym equipment and a range of classes from Zumba and Spinning to Kettlebells that will help improve stamina and promote weight loss. The £1 a day family membership for two adults and up to four children also remains on offer, giving unlimited gym use, swimming and fitness classes at any of the four leisure centres. You can take up a membership online using the Join at Home service or by visiting one of our leisure centres in Ammanford, Carmart

'It's a wrap'! Filming of By Any Name, starring Samira Mohamed Ali, has been completed in Swansea and other South Wales locations in just three weeks. The project is based on the book by best selling Swansea-based author Katherine John (aka Catrin Collier). She has just released her 48th book title through Accent Press. She has now teamed up with Tanabi Films to produce an exciting action adventure movie. Tanabi Films have had the pleasure of producing By Any Name- a No.1 best seller on e-book Amazon and a bestseller in Germany, Poland, the US and UK. Shooting began on location in Swansea and 'wrapped' in the beautiful Brecon Beacons. The film is set for release late November. With the majority of cast and crew being Welsh or Welsh based, it seems fitting that Welsh Director Euros Jones-Evans pushed for the stunning Welsh backdrops. Euros said: "All the pieces have just fallen into place at the right time, we have stunning locations, a passi

From Colossal Cabbages to Mammoth Marrows, the Aberglasney Gardens Giant Vegetable Competition returns this October Some of the biggest vegetables in the World have been grown in Wales and in the past this has meant a titanic tomato weighing in at an astonishing 2.602kg (5.73lb), a super swede weighing 54kg (119lb) and a colossal carrot weighing 8.35kg (18.4lb). Aberglasney Gardens’ Giant Vegetable Competition which takes place on Sunday October 5 will be your chance to see some of these monsters ‘in the flesh’ as growers from near and far come together for the second time at this historic site. In charge of the official weigh-in will be gardening guru Medwyn Williams MBE. No one knows their vegetables like the 11 time Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner. Medwyn also has a gold medal from the Hampton Court Flower Show and nine Gordon Lennox Trophies for the best vegetable of the year. He is president of the National Vegetable Society. The head gardener at Aberglasney, Joseph

Accessing Business Finance  30th September 2014 Beacon Centre for Enterprise, Llanelli, SA14 8LQ 9.00 - 13.00 Aim To introduce entrepreneurs and business owners to the basic principles of accessing business finance and to share information on the financing options available. Objective To ensure that participants understand the central concepts, principles and practices of business finance in order to successfully approach finance organisations. Topics covered by the course include: The principles and realities of risk and reward and how it impacts all forms of business finance  The key variables which influence the decisions of business finance organisations and how to address these successfully  The main forms and sources of finance and funding options  The alternative sources of finance available  The basic processes involved in application.  Course includes: Q&A session Lunch Networking opportunities Fully Funded by Welsh Government and European Regional Developm

Latest news from the team at the Brown's Hotel in Laugharne -  Laugharne... early morning 'Dylan loved all that small-town pomp and nonsense gossip he heard in Brown's Hotel...' Caitlin Thomas Laugharne Weekends Ahoy! Both Brown's and the Mariners (our sister pub next door) have had some great reviews recently on Trip Advisor . And not only that, Brown's was in at #3 in the Top 10 Boutique Boozers; part of the '100 Ultimate Hotels Guide' in the Sunday Times. Nice. We've been running our, 'Liquor, Literature & Laugharne' breaks for a few months now and thev've been very successful. If you like Dylan Thomas and whisky and fancy a 2 night break in one of our fantastic rooms, then check out the details below. Next up - events. Lots of great stuff in both Brown's and Mariners in October and beyond. See listings below. If you want to be kept abreast of all Laugharne events, follow us on facebook , and also maybe po

A total of 992 bags of rubbish, 15 tyres and 76 miscellaneous items such as pushchairs, carpets and scooters that have been dumped across Carmarthenshire have been removed by Tidy Towns in the past six months. Since April, Tidy Towns project worker Brian Mogford has worked with 648 volunteers, 29 community groups, 6 schools, 3 disengaged groups and 4 businesses. He has travelled a total of 3594 miles and helped to clean up 38 wards across the county. Activities carried out included river and beach clean-ups, habitat management, cycle track clean-ups, community skip days, litter-picks and overgrowth clearance projects. Executive Board Member for Cllr Councillor Colin Evans said: “It is important that people take pride in where they live and Tidy Towns helps communities to achieve this by assisting volunteers to undertake a range of environmental improvement projects. “I am amazed by the amount of work that has been carried out in just six months and would like to congratulate all thos

Carmarthenshire's  school kitchens are top of the class when it comes to hygiene standards. Following inspections, carried out by the council’s public health services team, 92 per cent Carmarthenshire’s primary and secondary schools scored a five star rating, denoting ‘excellent’ standards – the highest possible grading. All others scored four stars, or ‘very good’ standard, apart from one school that received three stars, or ‘good’ standard which was due to structural work that has since been addressed. More than £600,000 was spent repairing and upgrading kitchens in 2013/14, with improvements including the re-painting of kitchen walls and ceilings, replacing shelves and counters and re-tiling, as well as the installation of ventilation systems. Non-slip flooring has also been laid and new windows installed in a small number of schools, along with new dishwashers and ovens. Sandra Weigel, catering services manager, said: “We are constantly monitoring all of our school kitche

Llanelli Retrofest on September 26 and 27 is hoped to become a spectacular and long-living annual in event the town’s calendar. The busker idea has really taken hold and buskers are being invited from all over to turn up and show their talents. Musicians and magicians have been booking their spots but organisers said they will even find space for those who turn up on the day. There is a large university and college contingent of buskers with a wide spread of musical talents who are expected to be involved too with a £500 prize up for grabs. One of the more unusual buskers to show an interest is a cross between a street magic show and a fun science lesson. David Price, from Science Made Simple, will amaze, confuse and delight audiences with his unique, interactive busking act. With his tricks and illusions David will spread the joy and wonder of scientific phenomena. Retrofest visitors will have the chance to witness the largest whoopie cushion on earth and find out how it works, and

Llanelli traders can promote their businesses nationally as part of the High Street campaign. A Wales-wide PR drive is on to encourage more people to shop in their local town centre. One of the way businesses can join in is via social media, spreading their news on Twitter using the hashtag #supporthighstreets and including the Welsh Government @WG_HouseRegen to help spread the word across Wales. There is also a Facebook page – Support Your High Street Wales – which businesses can share their posts on. They can also upload photographs onto the page which will be promoted across the country. Carmarthenshire’s tourism and marketing manager Huw Parsons said: “Local shops and businesses can take this opportunity to join a national campaign and promote their goods and services across Wales. “Llanelli town centre has a lot to offer visitors and shoppers and we would encourage traders to take advantage of this chance to not only encourage more business for themselves, but also more visitors

Are you a member of a group or society and would like to find out more about recycling? The council’s waste and recycling section are urging any groups or associations in the county to get in touch if they would like to find out about ways to reuse, reduce and recycle waste and answer any questions people may have on the county’s recycling scheme. Other topics discussed are what rubbish can be placed into blue bags, what happens to waste after it has been collected and more information on the weekly food waste bin collections as well as more information on the county’s scheme for residents over 50-years-old who are unable to get to their nearest glass recycling centre. Officers have already spoken to many groups and organisations such as WI’s and Senior Citizen groups in the county but would be happy to hear from any other groups who would be interested in finding out more or asking any questions. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “Events like t

St Clears RFC has two new junior teams thanks to a Community Chest grant. An Under 13s and 14s have been developed with 21 new players since they were given a cash boost last year. £1350 was distributed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s sports and leisure team to help the club further develop age group rugby and invest in coaching staff and training facilities. Gwyndaf Williams said: “Thanks to the support from Carmarthenshire Council the club has improved two playing pitches and installed new training floodlights to support future development. The grant provides much needed support to develop and work within the community and local schools to enhance local sports participation.” The junior club was formed in 2007 and has 145 members. It is made up of eight teams – aged 7-14s and a 1st 15 team. In its history St Clears RFC has helped produce some sporting greats including Delme Thomas and Jonathan Davies, Mike Philips. Community Chest is funded by Sport Wales and distributed via

Trading Standards officers and neighbourhood policing teams are working together to get a head start on rogue traders. Teams from Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police are undertaking a joint campaign to make local residents more aware of the tricks rogue traders use to con people in to paying for work that is shoddy and dangerous, or never happens at all. Victims often fall foul at this time of year when unsolicited salespeople make ‘jobs’ they claim they’ve identified seem more urgent. It is one of common techniques criminals use to talk homeowners in to having repairs that they don’t need. As part of an awareness campaign, Trading Standards and police officers will be door-knocking to hand out information, as well as holding community events where people can seek advice. Inspector Alun Samuel said: “Overall, reports of rogue traders are down significantly on previous years, which demonstrates that the proactive work we’re undertaking is making a difference. “There

The search is on for a High Street hero to help promote Carmarthen town centre. People with interesting or unusual stories to tell are being sought to promote the national High Street campaign. It could be someone who goes that extra mile to get the best possible service; a business owner or employee who is a real character and attracts customers; traders with an unusual background or hobby; a third or fourth generation shop owner which has been trading in the town centre for many years; or maybe someone who has left and established career to set up their dream business. Anyone with a story to tell is being asked to share their experiences to help promote Carmarthen town centre as part of the High Street campaign. Carmarthenshire County Council is encouraging people to support the campaign, executive board member for business Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We know that everyone has a story to tell about why they decided to set up their own business, and we would like to hear anything unu

We are even sewing back in time for Llanelli Retrofest. Enthusiasm for the step back in time festival is gathering pace. Even sewing machines have been humming along at Llanelly House with a volunteer band of seamstresses turning out bonnets for the event with expert tuition and support of Llanelli theatrical costume suppliers and manufacturers Costumes to Go. The plan is to bring Llanelli alive recalling the good old days when costermongers competed for custom in the main streets of Llanelli. On Friday and Saturday September 26 and 27, Vaughan Streetand Stepney Street will be filled with olde worlde buskers and traders with trestle tables in the street. Steam engines will roll up and down the streets and there will be a selection of vintage cars on display. Llanelly House is playing its part with staff dressing up in period costumes to cast us back in time. Jesters will be taking to the streets telling stories of the town and Town Criers will be calling all to attention to make sure

The latest 'On Song' column about the choral scene in and around Llanelli from the Llanelli Star -  It promises to be the concert event of the year in Llanelli. Côr Meibion Llanelli celebrate their 50 anniversary with a special concert at the newly-refurbished Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli. Saturday, September 20, 7pm is the date and time and the guest star is West End and Broadway star John Owen-Jones. John, a true ‘local hero’, is an award winning and record-breaking West End and Broadway performer. He is best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. After training at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, John, at the age of 26, became the youngest actor ever to play the role of Jean Valjean in the West End production of Les Miserables. He is one of a handful of actors to have played the role of Valjean both in the West End and on Broadway and is in fact the only British actor to d

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. I’ve got no axe to grind this week. I had to send it to the ironmongers to be sharpened following a dispute with my next door neighbour. I can’t give you any details at this stage, but he’s expected to make a full recovery and he will be able to play the piano when he comes out of hospital. Which is odd, because he couldn’t before he went in... No, this week I’ve got a question to ask. Is God starting his own all-star repertory company to take on an endless tour of the Heavens? Because they’re going down like ninepins. Shuffling off this mortal coil to join the choir invisible...in their droves. I’m talking about famous performers. Consider this list of recently deceased stars and tell me you remember a year when so many who deserved to be called ‘stars’ left us... Lauren Bacall James Garner Bob Hoskins Roger Lloyd-Pack Rik M

Hywel Dda University Health Board would like to reassure residents of Kidwelly, Trimsaran and Ferryside that their GP provision will continue. The university health board has been in discussion with the practice for some time to ensure services continue in the area when the Senior Partner (GP) retires at the end of the year. Following these discussions it was felt that the best way to continue the service would be for the university health board to take over management of the practice from January 4, 2015. It is hoped this arrangement will be a temporary solution to ensure continued delivery of services and to reassure the local people and the staff who work there. A spokesperson for the GP’s at the surgery said: “Due to problems with GP recruitment we have been having discussions with Hywel Dda University Health Board and they have agreed to take over the management of the practice from January 2015. We will continue to work closely with the university health board to ensure a smo

Healthcare staff in Hywel Dda University Health Board are helping to mark World Sepsis Day. The aim is to raise awareness of a treatable illness that accounts for more deaths in Britain every year than most cancers. Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It can be caused by something as simple as a cut or insect bite, or an infection like pneumonia. It is also a risk following surgery, or for women who have just given birth. Severe sepsis accounts for 37,000 deaths per year in the UK– the equivalent of a top-flight football stadium full of people – with an estimated 1,850 of those to be in Wales. It accounts for more deaths annually than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined and is the highest cause of maternal death in the UK. To mark World Sepsis Day, staff from Hywel Dda University Health Board are holding a number of awareness stands at Bronglais, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Withybus

Home owners in Llanelli’s Tyisha ward may be eligible for help to make their homes more energy efficient . Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing department has secured £3million to improve 320 private homes in the area during 2015. The funding, provided by the Welsh Government’s Arbed scheme , will be made available to eligible home owners to install new energy efficient boilers and external wall insulation, making their homes more comfortable and cheaper to run, whilst reducing their environmental impact and improving their visual appearance. It is the third Carmarthenshire community to benefit from the scheme, with the council previously successful in funding bids for the Glanymor ward in Llanelli, and Brynamman. The funding is allocated via a bidding process, and is targeted at areas where homeowners will benefit the most – either because they have low incomes and cannot afford to carry out their own home improvements, or are struggling to afford their energy bills. The coun

A ceremony has taken place to honour a war hero from Laugharne – the first Welsh man to be awarded a Victoria Cross for heroic deeds in World War One. William Charles Fuller has had a paving stone laid in his honour as part of the WW1 100thanniversary commemorations. Mr Fuller was awarded the Victoria Cross in September 1914, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be given. Now, as part of the commemorations, all VC recipients are receiving a paving stone in their honour to be laid in their home county. As the stones are being laid 100 years to the date that the VC was awarded the ceremony for Mr Fuller took place on September 14. Dozens of members of Mr Fuller’s family came from across the UK to be at the event organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and Laugharne Town Council. The paving stone was unveiled by his daughter Muriel Crooks, aged 91, who said it was a very proud day for her family. “It’s been a fantastic day and a wo

The Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust has appointed a project officer to help take plans for the Grade II listed building to the next stage. Robert Lloyd has been appointed to the temporary post of project officer and started working for the trust earlier this month. The project aims to redevelop the derelict goods shed and adjoining land and old offices to create a new facility which will be of great benefit to the local community. Plans for the site near Llanelli Railway Station include a community hub, arts centre, workshops, offices, café and heritage centre. Llanelli MP Nia Griffith, who chairs the trust, said: " I am absolutely delighted that Robert Lloyd has agreed to take on the job of project officer for the former goods shed. "We had a very strong field of candidates to choose from, and I have every confidence that Robert's wealth of experience and his immediate grasp of the challenges we face will be a real boost to helping us get the goods shed

Latest news from the Introbiz business networking team in Cardiff -  Wales' Biggest Business Day Introbiz are proud to announce our third annual business exhibition in Wales. Officially Wales' largest business exhibition Thursday 25th September 2014 at Cardiff City House of Sport, Leckwith Introbiz Networking Breakfast 8am-10am register here Wales' No.1 Business Exhibition 10am-5pm register here Celebrity VIP After Party at Maddison 8pm-late register here Record breaking Networking Breakfast Event at 8am - 10am Come and meet all the exhibitors, sponsors, entrepreneurs, Introbiz members and new visitors at Wales' record breaking networking breakfast event. After hosting the largest networking breakfast event in 2013 show with 400 in attendance, we are looking to attract up to 1,000 businesses at this years breakfast event. Networking Breakfast is sponsored by Just Cashflow PLC REGISTER TODAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Click here for Networking Breakfast ticket

Latest news from Ffos Las racecourse in Carway, near Llanelli -  Dirty Dancing Drive in Movie Friday 19 September For a superb night out over the weekend join us for our Dirty Dancing Drive in Movie night. On the evening you can sit back, relax and enjoy the film from the comfort of your car. Please note that your car MUST have a fully operational radio and manually tune the radio in order to hear the sound. Gates Open: 5.30pm Movie Starts: 7.30pm Event Ends: 10.30pm Adults – £8 Children – £5 (16 and under and must be over 12)