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

Outgoing Llanelli Rotary Club President Hywel Bassett reflected on a year of great achievement for the club at the annual Presidential Handover dinner held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. “The Rotary International theme for the year was ‘Light Up Rotary’ - and the candle was well and truly lit my year as President of the second oldest Rotary Club in Wales,” said Mr Bassett. “It has been an exceptionally busy year, with very successful fund-raising activities for different charities, excellent youth and social events and some very successful community projects.” Mr Bassett was succeeded as President by Mrs Susan Roberts. In his valedictory speech, he reflected on some of the highlights of his year as President – The annual Rotary Golf Day at the Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey raised more than £1,500 on the day for the club’s charity account.  World War One Commemoration concert held at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli, and featuring Cor Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir, Cor Curiad

Llanelli is set to welcome Christmas in big and dramatic style as the town presents a full-scale re-enactment of the Nativity with massed choirs, orchestra, narration, actors and even livestock – all at the heart of the town. Under the creative baton of conductor John Hywel Williams, the massed voices of the Llanelli Choral Society and Hywel Girls’ Choir & Hywel Boy Singers and the new Hywel Octet will join forces with the symphonic sounds of the British Sinfonietta Orchestra, award winning soprano Rhiannon Llewellyn, organist Huw Tregelles Williams, narrator Jeremy Hywel and members from the town’s acclaimed Llanelli Youth Theatre. ‘The Miracle of Christmas’, a unique first-of-its kind performance for the town, will be held in and around the spiritual heart of Llanelli in the beautiful candle lit St Elli Parish Church on Saturday 28th November as the town’s official civic welcome to the Christmas Season. The wonderful music of Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Albinon

The International English Centre at Aberystwyth University has this week been hosting a visit by the Korean Wales International Christian School which is based near Seoul. Fourteen pupils from the school, accompanied by Principal Daniel Sung and Vice Principal Heeyun Choi are currently visiting Wales as part of a month long visit to the UK. During their time at Aberystwyth they have attended an interactive workshop at the Department of International Politics, a practical film making session at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, seen the latest developments at the Department of Computer Science and visited the University’s Schools of Education and Management and Business. They also visited Penglais School where they shared assembly and classes and met the Headmaster, Matthew Brown, and visited the National Library of Wales. Korean Wales Christian School was founded in 2008, but the link between Wales and Korea dates back to 1866, when Welsh missionary Robert Jerma

Catch the Bus Week - a national celebration aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of taking the bus and Bwcabus is getting involved. The aim is to encourage people who don't normally take the bus to give it a try. Carmarthenshire’s rural transport champion Bwcabus is offering new passengers registering during the week running to July 5 a free day ticket on Bwcabus. Register your details at www.bwcabus.info or call our bilingual call centre 01239 801 601 to receive your free ticket. And there is also a ‘Big Kids Day Out’ on Saturday, July 4 when all users – whatever their age - will be able to travel at child fare rates. These tickets can be purchased on Bwcabus vehicles and can be used on 460, T1 and T5 connecting services as well as Bwcabus with just one ticket. Carmarthenshire county executive board member for transport services Cllr Hazel Evans said: “Bwcabus has revolutionised travel opportunities in the more remote parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. “Here’s a cha

Carmarthenshire residents are being advised to be on their guard following a spate of high pressure sales calls from companies demanding up-front payment for boilers and home energy improvements. The council’s Trading Standards team is investigating a number of reports from people who claim they have been pressurised by cold callers in to paying money for goods or services they don’t actually need. Their advice is to be wary of sales people who ‘cold call’, to take time to think over any offers, and do some research before agreeing to sign up to a contract. Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “Be wary of giving your bank or card details to anyone who has called you up or knocked on your door out of the blue offering you goods or services. “There are many reputable firms out there that do provide services to help you reduce your home energy costs, but some unscrupulous firms are exploiting people and pressuring them in to signing contracts and paying l

Four primary schools will be battling it out today (Friday, July 3) in a bid to win a business competition. Ysgol Betws, Ysgol y Bedol, Ysgol Gymraeg Teilo Sant and Ysgol Bro Banw are taking part in the Carmarthenshire Young Traders competition, which has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council. The aim of the competition is for teams of up to 5 pupils from Years 5 & 6 to come up with a business idea, market it and sell their product. All four schools will be trading against each other in pitches in Ammanford Outdoor Market on Friday from 10am-2pm. The winner is the school which makes the most money on the day. They will receive a trophy during a presentation ceremony at 2.30pm. Each of the teams has been given £100 kindly donated by Ammanford Town Council and the Ammanford ‘On Track’ Partnership Group. Each school will get to keep any money made during the day. Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member with responsibility for the markets, Cllr David Jenkin

A man has been fined after he dumped a load of blue bags at one of Carmarthenshire Council’s recycling sites. Council environmental enforcement officers received a complaint of waste being dumped on the ground next to the recycling banks in Llanybydder car park. The site has recycling banks for glass, cans, paper, textiles and shoes, small electrical and books, CDs and DVDs. There is no facility for recycling blue bags at the site. Officers managed to trace the man responsible for dumping the bags and he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75. If he doesn’t pay he could be prosecuted in court and fined up to £2,500. People are being reminded that blue bags should be put out for collection at the kerbside or taken to a main household waste centre. Glass bottles and other recyclable waste must be placed into the banks and not left on the ground. If they are full please report it to the council. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said:

Hywel Dda University Health Board is working with a wide range of organisations and people who provide health and social care to develop more joined up services for local people. The aim is to make sure people get the right care closer to, or within, their own homes whenever possible. In this article, we hear from South Ceredigion Community Physiotherapist Kelly James about the local community physiotherapy service and how it helps local people like 28 year old Darren Williams, from Cardigan. “The purpose of our service is to support patients on their discharge from hospital by providing rapid follow up and support and preventing hospital admissions or untimely admission to residential care through rehabilitation and advice. “We offer rehabilitation including physical activity and education programmes for adults and young people with acute and chronic conditions. Rehabilitation programmes are designed to improve functional ability and minimise the effect of chronic disease and

A consultant from Hywel Dda University Health Board has joined a select few as a diabetes ‘champion’ after facing stiff competition in a national search for experts in the field by charity Diabetes UK. Dr Sam Rice, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, based in Glangwili and Prince Philip Hospitals, is one of only 20 Diabetes UK Local Clinical Champions across the UK, whose role will be to act as catalysts for change to improve the quality of diabetes care locally. Part of the champions’ job will be to work with commissioners and providers of healthcare at all levels to improve the quality and consistency of diabetes services. A key aspect of this task will be continuing to integrate care services so that they can work together to provide patient-centred support to diabetes sufferers, in the right place, at the right time. Steve Moore, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board said of the new role: "This is a key role which will support and enhance the work already

The new President of Llanelli Rotary Club is Mrs Susan Roberts. She succeeded Hywel Bassett at the club's annual Handover dinner held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Immediate Past President Hywel said it was a great pleasure to see Mrs Roberts take over the presidential duties and he wished her well during her year of office. Rotarian Jo Isaac pledged the support of members of Llanelli Rotary Club during the formal handover. Mrs Roberts expressed her delight at taking over as club President and added that she was looking forward to a great year of community activities and fund-raising. Mrs Roberts was born Llanelli and attended the old Llanelli Girls' Grammar School. After graduating in Institutional and hotel management, she went onto the King's Fund College for Officers (NHS) London as a management trainee. She spent three years based at the college in London and having practical work experience at a variety of hospitals throughout Wales. Mrs Roberts spen

July events at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley - Live Music in the Pool Garden with The Swing Boys Friday 3rd July ~ gates open at 6.30pm with live music from 7pm The Swing Boys are a six piece swing jazz band echoing the jazz music from the 1940's/50's. Look forward to classic numbers such as Chattanooga Choo Choo, All of Me and St Louis Blues. Latin numbers such as Black Orpheus and The Girl from Ipanema will have you on your feet and dancing the evening away. Tickets will be available on the gate - £10 per person (£8 for Aberglasney Members). Bring a picnic or book a table on the terrace and Maryellen's Tearooms will take care of your supper - call them direct 01558 668996. RHS Thalictrum Trial Event Tuesday 7th July ~ 1.15pm - 4pm Starting in the Mansion An event to celebrate the RHS Thalictrum Trial at Aberglasney 13.15 Introduction 13.30 Talk 1: Award winning gardening journalist Val Bourne 14.00 Talk 2: RHS Chelsea

A local company is celebrating 10 years of business in Loughor along with creating 15 jobs at its new Hendy plant. Ben Hughes Engineering Ltd started trading in 2004 after a buy out from Ben Hughes Loughor Foundry, established in 1864. Over the last three years, the volume of work has increased to the point where capacity was reached at their site in Loughor. Although their main office remains at the original premises along the banks of the Loughor Estuary, the company has now expanded into additional premises in Hendy. Specialists in the machining of titanium for the aerospace industry, alongside local partners they supply prestigious customers including Rolls Royce, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. The move to Hendy was made with the support of Carmarthenshire County Council and LIF Cymru, to expand their operation. They now employ 74 people, plus one apprentice, and along with the specialist service they undertake general engineering projects and a variety of metal working service

A new £12million Welsh medium primary school is being built to replace the current Ysgol Parc y Tywyn at Burry Port. Plans are now in hand to start work in August 2016, following the Welsh Government’s recent decision to lift stopper notices preventing development in the area. The new school is one of six elements planned, which includes housing and infrastructure at the former Grillo site; housing alongside the site; a commercial leisure development at Burry Port East; and employment space alongside Silver Terrace. The proposed date for completion of the new school, which will serve the catchment areas of Burry Port and Pembrey, will be March 2017. It will be built on the former site of Spencer Davies Engineering, adjacent to land at Burrows Terrace. Pupil numbers have increased at the school over the years, making the existing site undersized and restricted. A number of mobile classrooms have been installed to accommodate the increased numbers. The new school will provide a replace

You can let your hair down and not worry about driving home at Jazz@Llandeilo. Late bus tickets are available Saturday and Sunday nights, 20 minutes after each closing act, so approx. 12.20 on Saturday and 10.20 on Sunday. The buses will depart from Llandeilo Car Park towards – Llandovery via Llangadog – Carmarthen (A40) – Ammanford. You can get your tickets at £3.50 per person. Details on the website – http://www.jazzatllandeilo.co.uk/4490/bus-tickets-available-2/

Popular Carmarthen artist Mark Cox will be exhibiting his latest works (including this view of Tenby, above) at Aberglasney's Mansion House between July 3 and 16. Mark is a frequent visitor to Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley and holds regular exhibitions at the Mansion House. Mark is a traditional painter who values the skills and techniques that can only come with years of study and experience. Mark draws his inspiration from the landscape of south and west Wales and enjoys working in both oil and watercolours, producing landscapes, seascapes and coastal scenes. Mark is passionate about painting and is fortunate to live in an area of natural outstanding beauty where there is a new subject waiting to be captured on canvas around every corner. Mark's own website describes him as 'an eclectic artist who enjoys working on a variety of subjects, producing landscapes, marine and coastal paintings'. He works in both oils and watercolours

Keely Morgan  Cai Charles Nia Rees Samuel Morris Sophie Maliphant Llanelli concert promoter Cerith Owens is seeing his mission to foster South Wales talent go from strength to strength, The talented up-and-coming performers of the Loud Applause Rising Stars stable run by Mr Owens have been inundated with requests for concert and event appearances. "Things are especially busy for our young singers and musical stars," said Mr Owens. "For example, Rising Star singer Keely Morgan has performed twice with 'Phantom' and 'Les Mis' star Peter Karrie as part of his small halls tour around Wales. "Keely was very well received and extended her fame to Pem brokeshire." Mr Owens said he was very proud of the members of the Loud Applause Rising Stars  stable. "They really have responded very well to the opportunities to perform on the public stage. “With Rising Stars our work is simple: we help foster and mentor you

With just a few hours remaining before the deadline for tickets, the Jazz at Llandeilo festival is on course to be a complete sell-out. “Demand for tickets has been massive,” said Festival Organiser Simon Buckley. “What’s been amazing is the demand for tickets from all over the UK – and we’ve also had ticket applications from abroad. “This is the fourth year for Jazz at Llandeilo and the event is now a firm fixture on the musical calendar. “2015 is set to be bigger and, better and with more than 30 bands on three stages, there will be music for everyone. “Based on a line up of Jazz, Blues, and local bands, Jazz at Llandeilo is now fast becoming one of the top West Wales summer music festivals. “The world famous Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders (pictured above) are the headline act this year. Andy has only just returned back home to Wales after concerts with Eric Clapton at Madison Square Garden in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. “Last weekend, he did an acous

Statistics released today by the Higher Education Statistics Agency show a significant improvement in the employability performance indicator for Aberystwyth University. The percentage of Aberystwyth University full-time first degree leavers (i.e. full time undergraduate when they were studying at Aberystwyth), who are in work or further study or both, has risen from 85.5% (12/13 statistics) to 91.4% in the Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education Survey 2013/14. While this step-change is against a background of rising employability for new graduates UK-wide and in Wales – up 1 percentage point - Aberystwyth University has improved well above the national trend with a 6 percentage point increase. In addition, the proportion of employed Aberystwyth University graduates gaining graduate-level employment has risen at an even greater rate – 9 percentage points up over the last year. Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: “We are delighted that our empl

Llanelli’s Ysgol Ffwrnes  (Furnace School) has won a major construction industry award. Led and developed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s in-house design and projects team, and built by WRW Construction Ltd , the school was named the best sustainable building in Wales and highly commended in the building of the year category at the 2015 Construction Excellence Wales awards. It will now go forward to the UK finals, which will be held in London later this year. The joint submission by WRW and the council highlighted the school’s eco features, as well as the sustainable methods used in its design and construction. Cllr Hazel Evans, Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “Winning this award proves that Ysgol Ffwrnes is one of the best in Wales. We are very pleased that it has been recognised by construction industry leaders, although our most valued feedback is from staff and pupils who use the building daily – and they think it’s fantastic too.” The Welsh medium school, bui

There’s an inspired line-up of bands and acts for the Jazz@Llandeilo 2015 weekend on July 3-5. Guaranteed to be a major hit at the festival are the wonderfully-named Fasta Benj, pictured above. Fasta Benj had only just formed when they were showcased at the festival two years ago. Since then, they’ve gone on to be described as “Quite simply, the best Gypsy Circus Ska Band around today.” Sadly, seven band members will be heading for new pastures shortly, so the Jazz@Llandeilo gig will be their last for a while. So, there’s an extra special reason not to miss them! The accurate description of the band bills them as a seven piece balkman surf-punk band from South Wales. They play music to make you stamp your feet and shake your bottom. One thing is for sure – it’s going to be a great Saturday Night Party at The White Horse in Llandeilo. Other acts on the line-up include - The Dukes and the Duchess Inspired by some of the most classic jazz melodies and arrangements of all time, this ta

A man has been fined after he dumped a load of blue bags at one of the council’s recycling sites. Council environmental enforcement officers received a complaint of waste being dumped on the ground next to the recycling banks in Llanybydder car park. The site has recycling banks for glass, cans, paper, textiles and shoes, small electrical and books, CDs and DVDs. There is no facility for recycling blue bags at the site. Officers managed to trace the man responsible for dumping the bags and he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75. If he doesn’t pay he could be prosecuted in court and fined up to £2,500. People are being reminded that blue bags should be put out for collection at the kerbside or taken to a main household waste centre. Glass bottles and other recyclable waste must be placed into the banks and not left on the ground. If they are full please report it to the council. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “We are ver

Recycling officers have been spreading the recycling message to shoppers in Carmarthen. They were in the town centre during Recycle Week to encourage residents to recycle at least one more thing from around the home. As well as offering help and advice, they also had a stock of replacement food bins and blue bags for householders that needed them. Community recycling advisor Geinor Lewis said: “It was great to talk to so many people that were interested in hearing about what less common items could be recycled in their blue bags; for example, empty aerosol cans, toilet roll tubes, and shampoo/shower gel bottles. “Recycling isn’t restricted to just the kitchen; it’s just as easy to recycle items from the bathroom, living room and even the bedroom.” Figures show that approximately 60% of rubbish in Carmarthenshire is being recycled, but with a target of 70% to reach by 2024/25, there is still a long way to go. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Hazel Evans said: “We wan

Three people have been fined £75 for dropping cigarette ends. Council environmental enforcement officers issued the fixed penalty notices for dropping litter whilst on patrol in the Upper Brynamman and Llandeilo areas. Two women were caught by officers in the Black Mountain Centre car park in Upper Brynamman and a third woman was caught in Rhosmaen Street in Llandeilo. Failure to pay the fixed penalty notices could lead to prosecution in court and a fine of up to £2,500. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said the council had a zero tolerance approach to littering. “Our enforcement officers carry out regular patrols across the county and we will not hesitate to fine anyone we see dropping litter,” he said. “Cigarette ends are one of the most common types of litter found on our streets. They are also one of the most difficult and expensive to clean up as they fall into grates and cracks in the pavement and cannot be removed by normal cleaning

One of the busiest men during the Jazz@Llandeilo festival will be the event’s musical director David Brockwell. “It’s always a wonderful challenge putting together an event like this and I am sure that fans of great music will have a ball,” said David. “I’ve been working alongside the team at Evan Evans Brewery on Jazz@Llandeilo since the event started. “This is Year No 4 and we have made great strides since the first festival. “The aim is always to provide something for everyone – something to suit different musical tastes, something for young and old. “This year, we have a magical line-up led by the wonderful Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Riders. “They are one of the busiest touring bands in the country, performing up and down the land, week in, week out. They are also in huge demand internationally and we are very lucky to secure their slot for Sunday night.” David added: “As always we try to showcase new and up and coming talent during the festival and we will be doing our ve

A financial education programme developed by Carmarthenshire County Council is being showcased at a national Trading Standards conference next week. Money Wise ( Synnwyr Arian ) is a web-based resource designed by the council’s Trading Standards team and education department to help people, in particular children and young families, to understand the concept of money – where it comes from and how to save and spend wisely. A small team of officers are attending the Chartered Trading Standards Institute conference to market the programme and spread the word about the proactive work being undertaken in Carmarthenshire to help protect people from financial problems. If other authorities are interested in rolling the programme out in their areas, it could generate income for Carmarthenshire which would be invested to develop more innovative schemes. Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “This is a great opportunity to show Trading Standards professionals

A little known but hard working group of small businesses is celebrating its 21st anniversary. The Carmarthenshire Farm and County Holidays Group was formed in 1994 as a self-help group, to promote their individual businesses and support each other with marketing and advice. Their members offer a range of facilities including bed and breakfast, self catering cottages as well as camping and caravanning. The 20 group members are the most active of their kind in Wales. They recently published a collection of recipes called “Carmarthenshire Farmhouse Fayre” which rapidly sold out and is now only available in electronic format on the group’s website www.carmarthenshirefarms.com . The group will be at the Royal Welsh Show again this year and last year gave cookery demonstrations at Llanelli’s National Eisteddfod. Group chair Sharon Richards, from Abergwili, said the group prided themselves on the use and promotion of the best of local produce wherever possible, giving advice to visitors on

Hannah Dahill, the Head of Redkite's Employment & HR Team offers some advice to employers during the hot weather . . .  Over the next few days, Britain is expected to reach temperatures in excess of 30°C. With the Met Office placing the whole country under a level two heat-health alert, employers are under increased pressure to ensure the safety of their workers against the effects of excessive temperatures. By working in excessively high temperatures, a number  of adverse effects can occur including dehydration, headaches, nausea, dizziness, lacking concentration, increased risk of accident and the potential of a reduction in productivity. To minimise the negative side effects employers can undertake a number of precautions to ensure the safety of employees. For employees working predominately indoors, precautions include:- •Allowing Adequate Ventilation. •Access to cool water at all times. •Permitting an increased number of rest breaks. •A relaxation of formal dres

The organisers of Jazz@Llandeilo 2015 will be hoping everyone is singing from the same ‘Buy Local’ hymn sheet. “As a business which prides itself on being deeply involved in the local community, we always advocate ‘Buy Local’ where possible,” said festival organiser James Buckley. “We are very proud of the fact that the festival is playing its part and bringing extra business into the picturesque town of Llandeilo. “We will also be doing our best at this year’s festival to showcase the fact the West is Best when it comes to food and drink. “We’ll be flying the flag with our award-winning Evan Evans group aleas. “And we will also be giving a platform to local businesses to showcase their food products.” Among the food vendors at this year’s festival will be Rhosyn Farm. Rhosyn Farm is situated in rural Carmarthenshire and owned and run by Neil and Emma Rose. They have been lucky enough to be living their dream since moving to Wales in 2006. Neil Rose said: “We take pride in breedi

Pembrey Country Park is celebrating winning three top awards in as many months. The latest leisure and tourism award was announced in a glittering ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall. The park was one of three finalists, alongside Margam Park and Swansea Grand Theatre, as part of Swansea Life Awards, which received over 104,000 public votes. Last month the park was also awarded a certificate of excellence by one of the world’s largest online travel sites, TripAdvisor and Cefn Sidan beach achieved Blue Flag status for the 23rd time. The council’s head of leisure, Ian Jones said: “We’re thrilled to have received this award, and it makes it even more special that it was voted for by the people who know it best - our visitors and customers.” This year the park has seen more visitors and holidaymakers than ever with around 40,000 going through the gates over the Easter period. It hosts around 350 camping pitches, with some 130 electric hook ups – a first for the park - installed earlier this ye

It was a case of rugby world cup fever when more than 100 children greeted rugby’s greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, to The Dylan Thomas Boathouse . An entourage of three vehicles escorted the glass backed Landrover Defender carrying the cup on Sunday as part of the rugby world cup trophy tour. Children buzzed with excitement as it arrived at the Writing Shed for 2.30pm before being welcomed into the boathouse to a display of rugby themed activity. The air was electric as rugby loving youngsters got to touch the cup, posing for photographs at the same time. During the hour and a half celebrations the council’s sport and leisure team delivered a rugby themed Actif Storytime session to children from St Clears, Laugharne and Whitland rugby teams. Although limited access meant the event was private, those that did turn up had their pictures taken with the famous trophy. The council’s principal arts officer, Eleri Retallick said: “It was a truly momentous occasion to have the Webb Ellis

Residents in Llanelli have taken up the challenge to recycle at least one more item from around the home. Recycling officers were in the St Elli Shopping Centre during Recycle Week to encourage people to recycle all around the home, not just in the kitchen. They also had a stock of replacement food bins and blue bags for householders that needed them. Waste minimisation and recycling officer Karen Fulham said: “It’s just as easy to recycle items from the bathroom, living room and even the bedroom from empty aerosol cans, plastic coat hangers and toilet roll tubes to bottle tops, receipts and envelopes. “It was great to talk to so many people; hopefully if we all recycle just a little bit more, we can make a big difference.” Figures show that approximately 60% of rubbish in Carmarthenshire is being recycled, but the Welsh Government has set a target of 70% to achieve by 2024/25; or risk large financial penalties. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Hazel Evans said: “I

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star - The recruitment day held by Côr Meibion Llanelli at the St Elli Centre, Llanelli, on Saturday proved to be a big hit. The choir staged three ‘mini concerts’ and collected money on behalf of the Nepal Earthquake Appeal Fund. “It was a very successful day,” said choir vice-chairman Tony Crossman. “Members of Llanelli’s Nepalese community were in attendance in their traditional dress and wearing their Gurkha hats and medals. We were delighted to be able to raise more than £540 for the Nepal appeal. “It was also a chance for us to give people a sneak preview of some of the songs we will be performing at a special concert with The Three Welsh Tenors at the Selwyn Samuel Centre on Sunday, July 12.” On July 12, Côr Meibion Llanelli will also be joined by some extra special guests – Llangennech Junior School Choir, Ysgol Iau Llangennech. The school choir performed admirably in the BBC S

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 -------------------- The ultimate definition of hypocrisy: I recently read a front page report in a national newspaper that contained what was probably the ultimate definition of hypocrisy. If I’d reworded it as a joke and used it in my stand-up act, the audience would have declared me a comic genius. Okay, they might have tittered a bit . . . That night, a TV news item covering the same story confirmed that, as ridiculous as it seemed, it was absolutely true. I’m referring to the Anti-Austerity Rally in Central London, but let me stress that I found nothing funny about the rally or the thinking behind it, because Government cutbacks already affect us in many ways and will continue to do so. I believe the next figure our ‘beloved’ Chancellor has in mind to save is £12 billion If you find that amount too e