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

Special Easter products are now on sale at all Jenkins Bakery shops throughout South Wales ready for the holiday weekend. BUNNY KRISPIES  £1.10 Our chocolate krispie confection with an edible sugar bunny and drizzled with white chocolate. EASTER FRUIT CAKE SLICE £1.15 Our delicious rich fruit cake with marzipan and ribbed rolled sugarpaste - a fruit cake lover’s delight!  CHOCOLATE SPRING NEST £1.00 Moist chocolate swiss roll enrobed with chocolate and decorated with chocolate eggs in a nest of chocolate buttercream.  DUCKLING BISCUITS 90p Our top quality shortbread biscuit with sugar paste and skilfully hand decorated.  EASTER BISCUIT 90p Our top quality shortbread biscuit half with sugar paste and decorated with the inscription Happy Easter and a small egg.  EASTER CUP CAKE £1.00 Our top quality moist chocolate cupcake hand decorated with a whirl of chocolate butter cream, with three eggs in the centre.     EASTER BISCU

Some 40 dogs and their owners were barking mad for the launch of Carmarthenshire Therapy Dogs . They ranged from sit-in-a-tea-cup 7-month-old Chihuahua called Lola weighing a few ounces to a nine-stone Bernese Mountain Dog called Layla. Carmarthenshire council third sector broker Sue Smith said the enthusiasm of the volunteers and health professionals attending the event at Newton House, Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo, had been really inspiring. She said: “The dogs worked their magic on all who attended the launch with many smiles and hugs. “I am looking forward to seeing these wonderful dogs and their owners starting visiting the socially isolated and lonely in our communities. They can make such a difference to people lives.” Ten owners with their dogs showed an interest in signing up or leaning more about becoming part of the county’s therapy dog’s team. They watched videos and clips of therapy dogs in action and heard from people who had been sharing the love of their pets and suppo

Could you foster a Carmarthenshire child? If so, your county needs you. Carmarthenshire Fostering Service has an ongoing quest to recruit extra foster families for a growing number of children and young people. More foster families are needed to provide loving homes especially for teenagers, children with disabilities and sibling groups. There are more than 200 children from new born to 18-year-olds being fostered throughout the county, and new children for a variety of reasons are in need of foster families. The shortage of suitable Carmarthenshire families to provide them with a loving home at this turbulent time in their lives means some children can be placed far from their families, friends and school. This situation can lead to children detrimentally being placed separately from brothers and sisters and far from their natural home. Carmarthenshire’s fostering service assistant team manager for recruitment, assessment and short breaks, Sue John Evans said: “We desperately need

Carmarthenshire residents are being reminded that there are changes to bin collections over the Easter holidays. From Friday, April 3 until Friday, April 10, collections will take place one day later than usual. So for example, if your collection is due on Friday it won’t be picked up until Saturday and so on. Remember to recycle using your blue bags - it is estimated that 90 million chocolate Easter eggs are bought in the UK every year, that’s a lot of cardboard and plastic packaging! You could also cut down on all that eggs-tra waste by making your own Easter treats such as chocolate cornflake cakes or bunny-shaped biscuits. And if you are making a big Easter lunch for all the family, make sure you either compost your vegetable peelings or they go into your food bin along with any leftovers. The recycling centres in Trostre (Llanelli), Wernddu (Ammanford), Nantycaws (Carmarthen) and Whitland are open as usual over the Easter period except Llangadog which is closed Good Friday, Eas

Swansea Bay Business Club is delighted to welcome Barry Liles, Principal of Coleg Sir Gar and Board Member of Swansea Bay City Region as our guest speaker for the club's first West Wales lunch. Barry took up the post of Principal/CEO at Coleg Sir Gâr in August 2010, having worked at the College for over 27 years. Prior to his appointment he was Faculty Manager for Engineering & the Built Environment. Barry has been extensively involved with work based learning and, as a former engineering apprentice himself, recognises the opportunities such training and development provides. In June 2010, Barry was appointed by the Welsh Government as Skills Champion for Wales. Throughout his career he has had a keen interest in Skills development and has promoted Skills Competitions extensively within Wales. Barry chairs a Skills Champions Network in Wales, represents Wales on the UK Portfolio Group for Worldskills and is also a Trustee of Find a Future (formerly the Skills Show)

There's just over four weeks to go to the annual Carmarthen Town Mayor's Fun Run races. Runners of all ages, shapes and sizes are being encouraged to take part in the Fun Run races on May Bank Holiday Monday. The event, which has been held in the town over the past 33 years, will take place on the morning of Bank Holiday Monday, May 4. "This is the 34th running of the races and we are hoping for a bumper turnout," said race organiser Noelwyn Daniel. "In particular, we are keen to inject as much fun as possible into the event - encouraging people to take part in fancy dress and asking local sporting teams, organisations, pubs and clubs to consider entering teams. Mr Daniel added: "The beauty of the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races is that they take place in the heart of the town centre, affording great opportunities for spectators to cheer on the runners. "We are also encouraging local businesses to enter teams. Businesses can dress up in the cor

By David Butler, director of Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants, Lammas Street, Carmarthen It was Bob Dylan who sang ‘The Times They Are a Changin’, way back in the 1960s. Well, they certainly are: Next month sees massive changes to the way we handle our pensions The countdown is on to a May 7 General Election. And inflation is at a record breaking low - 0.5 percent, the joint-lowest since the Consumer Prices Index began in 1989. This month, our focus will be on pensions – as it is pretty near the top of the agenda when it comes to the questions accountants get asked. From April 6, you'll have more freedom over how you take money from your pension pot. These changes affect you if: you're 55 or over, and  have a pension based on how much has been paid into your pot (a ‘defined contribution’ pension).  Changes from April 6 are for new pensions drawn out. You can still draw up to 25% of the fund tax free, but then any further amounts, which can f

Latest news from the Oriel Myrddin Gallery in Carmarthen - Still Life Painting Workshop Still Life Painting for adults with artist Linda Norris Wednesday 1 April 11am-1pm or 2-4pm Sign up for a morning or afternoon of painting from observation in the Oriel Myrddin Gallery Studio. All levels of experience welcome. Cost: £10 Booking essential Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA31 1LH

Traders in Carmarthen market have chosen their charity for this year. It has been decided that they will support the RNLI-inshore division, following on from the part the crews have played in the search for 11-year-old Cameron Comey. Chair of market’s traders committee, Doug Ashton, said: “Each year we support a charity, and this year traders felt that they would like to support the RNLI-inshore division as we appreciate the work they have been doing, particularly in the town recently. “This year’s choice was an easy one to make following the town and county uniting in the prayers and hopes in the search for Cameron.” The money donated is made up from the percentage of the takings received to the committee from the market’s photobooth and children’s ride as well as donations made by shoppers to the wishing well in the foyer. For more information on traders, opening times and what’s coming up in our county’s markets please visit www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

Work is beginning this week to enhance four roundabouts at the Gateways to Llanelli. The work to the Berwick, Box, Trostre and Sandy Roundabouts is part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded ADREF project. A traffic management scheme will be operating on Berwick roundabout from this Wednesday (March 25) until March 30 with a break for Easter and then from April 15-17; on Box roundabout from March 30 until April 2, then April 13-14 and April 22-24. Trostre roundabout will have traffic management from April 15-27 and April 29 until May 1, and Sandy roundabout from April 27 until May 1 and May 11 to May 13. Any lane closures on the roundabouts will not commence before 9.30am and will be removed by 3.30pm. The council apologises for any inconvenience this will cause. Following on from the recent £60m regeneration of Llanelli town centre, the County Council recognises that there are a number of key gateway points to the town centre which currently lack definition and do

Llanelli funeral director Gemma O'Driscoll is walking proof you can juggle a career with bringing up a large family. Gemma and husband John-Paul are the proud parents of six daughters. While John-Paul works as the rentals manager in charge of the property portfolio for 'Secret Millionaire' Kevin Green, Gemma has her own career as the owner of G E O'Driscoll and Daughters, Funeral Directors in Hendy. And the latest success in her dynamic career has been to be elected President of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). The honour was bestowed on Gemma at the Society’s Annual General Meeting held at Windsor. "It really is a huge privilege," said Gemma. "We've all worked very hard on the business and it is a real feather in our cap to be honoured with the SAIF Presidency. "It is a very much a team effort in our household. Everyone pulls together and the result is success in the shape of this presiden

Hywel Dda University Health Board and Goodwick Surgery are actively seeking recruitment for a new GP to take over when Dr Van Kempen retires later in the year. A job advert to try and attract a new GP to the area is being promoted through traditional and clinical networks, as well as through the UHB’s increasing use of social media sites. Assistant Director of Primary Care Elaine Lorton said the aim was to demonstrate the benefits of both working and living in the area. “We are trying to show the benefits of living in such a beautiful and welcoming community, as well as the career advantages,” she said. “The University Health Board is shifting its emphasis towards community and primary care to ensure that care is increasingly provided closer to home whenever possible and that our hospitals can concentrate on providing planned and urgent care when it is needed.” Goodwick Surgery becomes a managed practice next week (from April 1), a move agreed between the UHB and Dr Van Kempen, to ensu

The European Commission has today announced [1] that it is taking the UK Government to court because the pollution emitted by Aberthaw power station is far above legal limits. Aberthaw - Wales’ only remaining coal-fired power station - has been pumping out more than double the legal amount of polluting nitrogen oxides for seven years [2]. Nitrogen oxides are hazardous pollutants that can cause serious problems for people with respiratory illness [3]. Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb, said: “Aberthaw has been overstepping the mark for years. It’s high time it closed down - and we very much hope that the European Court of Justice prosecution will hasten that process. “Local workers will need support to adapt. The Welsh Government should put a plan in place to develop sustainable employment that will lead to a clean and healthy future for the local community. “Wales has an important history with the coal industry. But history is where it belongs. Our green, renewable

Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt has visited Carmarthenshire to celebrate the success of the Bwcabus rural transport scheme. The pilot project, run in partnership by Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion county councils, is a demand-responsive public transport system providing rural communities with access to employment, training, health and other essential services. Bwcabus was established six years ago as a pilot scheme, with the aim of providing an effective solution for public transport in rural parts of Wales. The pilot was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government, worth a total investment of £2.7m, and having achieved its aims, the Minister was invited to celebrate its success. Finance Minister said: “Vital EU funds for Wales have helped us to make transformative public transport investments, making it easier for people to commute to access work and training opportunities. “I am delighted that the innovative Bwcabus scheme has had a

The judicial review of the Welsh Government’s M4 plans found in favour of the Welsh Government. The Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb, said: “Naturally we’re disappointed by the conclusions of this judicial review. “But the case against the M4 gets stronger by the day. Just yesterday a report was published by the renowned Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research [1] that said ‘it is difficult to envisage how the M4 relief road can be justified’. “And the traffic projections used by the Welsh Government don’t stack up: traffic volumes are already 4% less than the Welsh Government predicted. “We’re going to continue making the case that the Welsh Government shouldn’t be wasting £1 billion of taxpayers’ money on a hugely destructive scheme in one corner of Wales”. 1. http://www.wtwales.org/news/2015/03/24/m4-relief-road-will-increase-carbon-emissions-say-experts www.foecymru.co.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/foecymrucydd Facebook: www.facebook.com/foecy

A Welsh Government Minister has visited Carmarthen to meet tenants using a time banking scheme. Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans AM met residents of the Taf Myrddin Tenant Network . Time Credits in the Taf Myrddin area was originally funded through the Innovative Communities  Project, part of the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. In partnership, the TMTN and Carmarthenshire County Council Housing Services enlisted the services of Spice, who possess a wide knowledge and experience in setting up effective time banking schemes to pilot the scheme in Rural Carmarthenshire. Tenants who take part in the scheme by volunteering are thanked with credits to access a wide menu of events, training and leisure services. On arrival, the Deputy Minister was welcomed by Cllr Tegwen Devichand, Deputy Leader (Housing), and Cllr Jim Jones, executive board member for environment and public

Scientists at the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University have been working with marine conservation group Friends of Cardigan Bay to develop better techniques for studying the seabed which is vital for marine conservation and fisheries management. Cardigan Bay is renowned for its populations of dolphins and porpoises. Until recently the work of mapping and recording the sea bed had been done using the traditional “researcher and clipboard” technique which is costly and time consuming. The project has been looking at how video images of the sea floor can be reviewed by utilising computer software programs that is challenging in its own right. This will then be used to assist conservationists to classify the different habitats. The work was undertaken by postgraduate student Matt Pugh, marine expert Phil Hughes from Friends of Cardigan Bay, and Dr Bernie Tiddeman and Dr Hannah Dee from the University’s Department of Computer Science. Phil Hughes said: “The initi

Latest news from the Bluestone Resort in Pembrokeshire - Enjoy a luxurious Spa break from just £99* Life can be hectic, and that can be great fun. But there comes a time when we all need to stop, take stock and recharge our batteries. Take a little overdue “me” time to relax and indulge yourself. There’s a special place in the village here at Bluestone called The Well Spa Retreat. It’s a sanctuary to restore and rejuvenate. Whether alone or with family or friends, you can close yourself off from the outside world, leave your stresses behind and focus on your health and wellbeing. Our Spa Revival Break provides a 50 minute treatment of your choice, as well as a 2 hour Celtic Experience in our Thermal Rooms. Retire to your Studio Apartment after an afternoon of pampering, before enjoying a 3 course evening meal at one of our restaurants. We've a whole host of Spa breaks on offer so come and find the perfect one for you! *Terms & Conditions apply, Certain dates are exclude

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Here's a picture slideshow of the night -

Carmarthenshire residents can have their Will written for free and make a donation to charity at the same time during April. Local law firm Mary Evans & Co is running a ‘make a free Will month’ during April and offering customers the chance to donate to Age Cymru and Age Cymru Sir Gar. The company’s Mary Evans says: “We are pleased to be supporting the Age Cymru Free Wills month and confirm that all Wills made by us under this initiative will be provided by us completely free of charge. “However, it is also hoped that some people will wish to make a donation to Age Cymru towards the cost of the important work they do, namely to lift as many older people as possible out of poverty and to combat loneliness and isolation amongst Welsh pensioners through their activities. “The suggested donations are £95.00 for a single Will and £135.00 for a mirror Will which also involves a saving on our usual charges for wills in addition to the obvious VAT saving. “Some people might well al

The Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council is urging people to switch off their lights as part of Earth Hour day. Councillor Kevin Madge is backing WWF Cymru ’s one hour switch off day this Saturday (March 28) at 8.30pm. The worldwide initiative is not only to save electricity but also to bring people together to celebrate the planet and how we need to protect it. Research shows our reliance on high carbon fossil fuel like coal, oil and gas is over-heating the atmosphere and affecting the climate. A record number of 162 countries celebrated Earth Hour in 2014, with many of the world's most famous landmarks going dark for the hour. Many Welsh iconic buildings joined world landmarks in the campaign including; Castell Coch, Caernarfon Castle and Caerphilly Castle; the Newport Transporter Bridge, the Senedd, Cardiff Central Library, St David's Hotel, the National Library of Wales, Sherman Cymru Theatre, and IKEA. More than 4,600 schools and 2 million students took part across

Resurfacing works will be carried out at Eastgate roundabout in Llanelli on Friday and Saturday evening. The essential roadworks will take place between 6pm and midnight on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, in order to minimise disruption to the public. The works will be carried out on a lane by lane basis to maintain traffic flow. Executive Board member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “The work has been programmed to take place over Friday and Saturday nights to keep any disruption to a minimum on this busy roundabout."

Two years ago the future of Carmarthen Athletics Track stand was looking grim after it was deemed unfit for use. Its loss would have left youngsters without training facilities and international events going out of the county to seek better facilities. Now 24 months on in a joint venture between the Carmarthenshire Council, Carmarthen Harriers Atlethics Club , Queen Elizabeth High School and local businessman Ron Mounsey, the spectator stand at Carmarthen Leisure Centre is up and running after undergoing a complete £25k refurbishment. Works include a new roof canopy, floorboards, signage, new seating and a disabled spectator area. Carmarthen Harriers Club Chairman, Hedydd Davies said the facility would not only benefit community clubs and schools, but would continue to host and attract international events. He said: “We’re thrilled to be able to have this facility and everyone who makes use of the track whether for training or spectator purposes will benefit.” Thousands of athletes u

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star - It’s always refreshing to see youngsters making their mark in the world of song. This week, it’s time to shine the spotlight on Jordan Williams, who has had a busy few weeks. He’s performed at engagements at Llanelly House and at the very emotional St David’s Day concert staged in Carmarthen to raise funds for the Cameron Comey and Rescue Teams Fund. The concert was full of emotion as the search of missing 11-year-old Cameron was continuing at the time. Jordan performed Tell My Father and Anfonaf Angel – and it’s fair to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Jordan is 17 and lives in Pembrey. He is a pupil at Ysgol Y Strade, Llanelli. He is also part of the growing ‘stable’ of talented youngsters being put together by Loud Applause Productions director Cerith Owens. Mr Owens has called his youngsters Loud Applause’s Rising Stars. Jordan has a mellow baritone voice which is re

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. www.philevans.co.uk --------------------- Even though in the minds of the public, a comedian lives a life devoted to creating an atmosphere of laughter, merriment and joyfulness, it may surprise you that that there are times when we’re just as grumpy as everyone else. And it can take the smallest thing to make comedian Phil Evans grumpy. From the pain of getting an unexpectedly large bill through my letterbox to the even bigger pain of getting a finger unexpectedly caught in my letterbox. But those dark clouds of grumpiness usually appear when I’ve come off stage having failed to create an atmosphere of laughter, merriment and joyfulness. Because my shoulders are broad - and my stomach’s starting to expand slightly, too - I’m able to take a philosophical overview of what happened...and always blame the audience. It’s hardly

Latest news from the Blue Lagoon Water Park in Pembrokeshire -  Come and join us at our Easter After Dark Pool Party at The Blue Lagoon – Pre-book your tickets now for only £5.95! Wild waves, fun, games and great music – it must be the return of After Dark at the Blue Lagoon this Easter! Starting on Friday the 27th March, and running through until the 11th of April, come and join us every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night! Prepare yourself for some aqua-packed Easter holiday fun at Pembrokeshire’s premier water park. After Dark this Easter holidays will be packing in the wildest waves, fun-packed games and great music between 6pm and 9pm, including an Easter Egg hunt with a difference. Remember we're open daily from 11am. Places are limited so make sure you pre-book to guarantee your entry to After Dark. Pre-Book for £5.95 Here Bluestone Resort Ltd, The Grange, Canaston Woods, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8DE.

Photo slideshow from Cilgerran castle on the banks of the River Teifi -

Latest news from the Introbiz business networking team in East Wales - Contact us 02920 291 002 info@introbiz.co.uk Good morning everyone, Hope you all had a lovely weekend! It was fantastic to see many new faces at our networking event last week in the Radisson Blu hotel, Cardiff. What a great pleasure it was to see our members exchanging business cards with each other and making new connections. Big thank you to the amazing team at the Radisson Blu for their fabulous hospitaity and service as always! We have another event this Thursday which is not to be missed! We will be launching an exciting new collaboration for 2015... The Introbiz & Newport Gwent Dragons Business Club. We will be joined by the clubs CEO Stuart Davies for a presentation and a Q&A with players as well as Introbiz members, visitors and Newport Gwent Dragons sponsors. Spaces are limited, book today! We look forward to meeting you! Business Club in Rodney Parade Thursday 26th March 4pm-6pm Join

Photo album: Spring at Cwmcerrig Farmshop near Gorslas, Carmarthenshire.

A Ceredigion pharmacy has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to providing appropriate support and consideration to its customers who are carers. Caerleon Pharmacy in Cardigan has been awarded the Investors in Carers bronze level award by Hywel Dda University Health Board. The Investors in Carers scheme is designed to help GP practices across the Hywel Dda area focus on and improve their carer awareness, and enhance the help and support they give carers. The scheme is now being rolled out to pharmacies and selected hospital wards across the region. Pennie Muir, Investors in Carers Regional Project Support Officer for Hywel Dda UHB recently met with Huw Morgan and Mollie Angelow to present their award and find out about the pharmacy’s work to support carers. Proprietor and Pharmacist Huw Morgan said: “I am delighted to be part of the Investors in Carers scheme that raises awareness of carers issues and the support that is available for carers. “We are able to provide advice in

Care and treatment for cancer patients continues to be provided at Withybush Hospital and a Consultant Oncologist based at the South West Wales Cancer Centre in Swansea has joined the team temporarily to support the service. Dr Pudney, has been released by ABMU Health Board, to work at the Haverfordwest hospital three days a week, supporting nursing staff on the chemotherapy day unit and treating patients with breast cancer from Pembrokeshire. The support is a result of a partnership approach taken by Hywel Dda University and ABMU health boards to work closely together on the continuing development of oncology services in the region. Dr Pudney will support the work of the Oncology Project Board in developing a Hywel Dda University Health Board wide model that strengthens the excellent haematology, oncology and palliative care services already provided in Withybush Hospital. She said “I’m looking forward to supporting the team at Withybush Hospital. I’ve worked as a consult

Maesteg Rotary Club will be holding their 70th Charter Anniversary Dinner at the Masonic Hall, Castle St., Maesteg, 7pm for 7 - 30pm, Saturday, 2nd May, 2015. There is a warm invitation for Rotarians to attend with partners/friends. Entertainment - Dennis Lang. Tickets £25. Dress code: Black Tie Dinner . RSVP to David Howells, "Amaroo", Maesteg Road, Llangynwyd, Maesteg CF34 9SN. Telephone 01656 732438. Email dhowel@talktalk.net

Throughout the summer Aberglasney is famous for the monthly 'Friday Night in Music Night' live music events at the Pool Garden. Due to popular demand, the live music nights will start at Easter this year, with the first event on Good Friday, April 3. But, as it may be chilly outdoors, this first event will be 'Music in the Mansion' with 'The Dukes and The Duchess'. The Dukes and the Duchess was formed specifically to play the music of Duke Ellington. The band under the direction of Jim Luxton, features the outstanding voice of Sarah Benbow and some of the most experienced jazz musicians in Wales. Unlike the outdoor events booking will however be essential due to limited space. Tickets will be inclusive of a two course meal and admission to the Gardens. Ticket price will be £25.00 per person or £23 per person if you are an Aberglasney member. On the menu will be roast ham, roast turkey and homemade cheese and potato pie, served hot with new potatoes, a g

Ammanford Library opens its doors on Monday with a new, vibrant look and extra high tech services. A week of celebrations are planned to mark the event which will see S4C’s children's icon Sali Mali and Jac y Do’s Eifion Price joining in. There will be demonstrations, exhibitions, actif storytime and toddlebikes sessions plus lots more. The first 50 new library members through the door will also be treated to a goody bag. A host of improvement works have been carried out including outside rendering, internal relocation of departments, carpeting, painting, new shelving, major re stocking of new books and audio visual items, new computers, a teenage seating zone and a screen. A new adult lending library, will house non- fiction and fiction books as well as spoken word books and new MP3 spoken word books. The council’s library services manager, Mark Jewell said: “We’re thrilled with the new look which enhances the library as a community, learning and cultural hub for the town and i