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

Children will be able to high five the flu bug mascot whilst learning about how we can all protect ourselves from influenza at the Llanelli’s switching on of the Christmas lights on Friday November 18. Hywel Dda University Health Board will have a stall with information on a range of measures people can take to help stay well this winter. This will include information on influenza vaccinations, which are free and really important to people in the vulnerable groups; Choose Well guidance on how to choose the best health services to be seen quickly and help NHS emergency departments to save lives; and general advice on keeping yourself, your families and your neighbours well and warm. The flu bug mascot is hoped to attract families to the stall, and goody bags for children will also be available. Director of Public Health Teresa Owen said: “It’s really important both for us as an organisation, and for people in our communities, to prepare themselves for winter, and we hope to speak to lot

Latest tax deadline advice from Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants in Carmarthen -  The following Tax Events are due on 19th November 2016: Business Tax Events PAYE, Student loan and CIS deductions are due for the month to 5th November 2016 This deadline is relevant to employers who have made PAYE deductions from their employees' salaries and to contractors who have paid subcontractors under the CIS. Employers are required to make payment to HMRC of the income tax, national insurance and student loan deductions. Contractors are required to make payment to HMRC of the tax deductions made from subcontractors under the CIS. Where the payment is made electronically the deadline for receipt of cleared payment is 22nd November 2016. In year interest will be charged if payment is made late. Penalties also apply.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirms the resignation of General Practitioner Dr Kate Mathias from providing services at Goodwick Surgery, Fishguard. Jill Paterson, Interim Director of Commissioning, Primary Care, and Therapies and Health Sciences for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “It is unfortunate that we announce the departure of Dr Mathias. The health board would like to thank her for providing GP services to the local community during her time with the Practice. “We would like to reassure patients and the community that we have measures in place to offer the same level of GP service as that which is currently provided from the Practice, supported by the development of new services. “The health board has a duty to provide General Medical Services (GMS) to our population and we wish to assure the public that this provision remains a key priority for us. Engagement and involvement with the public on any future changes to the way in which healthcare is delivered locally

Aberystwyth University computer scientist and Advanced Reasoning expert Professor Chris Price will speak at India’s biggest knowledge and technology conference which is being held in New Delhi 7-9 November 2016. The India-UK Tech Summit has been organised as part of the 2016 UK-India Year of Education, Research & Innovation and will be addressed by UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The event is described by the organisers as “bringing together the most exciting thought leaders, businesses, educational institutions and innovators to connect and explore the future of India-UK collaboration”. Professor Price will be discussing the ‘Goals of Intelligent Robotics’ in a session on Robotics and Autonomy. He will share the stage with the UK Government’s Chief Technical Officer Liam Maxwell and researchers from Leeds and Edinburgh universities. Robotics research at Aberystwyth University will also be represented at one of the summit’s six Exper

The latest Clay Shaw Butler Money Matters column from the Carmarthenshire Herald. By Mark Jones, director of Carmarthen-based Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants. Company cars can be quite a controversial issue, for the employer, for employees and for the taxman. HMRC recently lost a first tier tribunal case on the recovery of VAT on the purchase of six company cars. Although most VAT registered businesses are able to recover the VAT on the purchase of commercial vehicles the rules for the recovery on a car state two conditions must be met: the vehicle must be used exclusively for business purposes and  it is not made available for private use.  In the case of Zone Contractors Ltd the court accepted that six cars were not available for private use which allowed the business to successfully recover the VAT on the six cars. The business had a strongly worded contract of employment that prevented employees from using company cars for private travel. Thi

Cardigan Hospital has received a generous gift of equipment from the community hospital’s League of Friends. The much-needed equipment, which was recently donated to Cardigan Hospital, includes a gynaecology plinth, lens meter and children’s pulse oximeter all of which will help improve services for local patients. Sister Janice Walker said: “Thanks to the funds raised by the League of Friends and the very generous donation of this equipment, we can provide a better service our patients. We are extremely grateful to them for their continued support and fundraising efforts.” Photo: Representatives from Cardigan Hospital staff and the League of Friends.

Steffan Jones-Hughes has joined the team at Aberystwyth Arts Centre as Visual Arts Manager. An experienced curator, arts administrator and artist has been appointed as Visual Arts Manager at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Steffan Jones-Hughes will be taking on the role after working for twelve and half years developing Wrexham’s arts and cultural ecology, first in the Regional Print Centre and more recently at Oriel Wrecsam. During his time with Wrexham County Borough Council, he worked alongside Oriel Wrecsam as they successfully ensured a £2.3m investment from the Arts Council Wales to transform and revitalise the town. Director of the Arts Centre Gareth Lloyd Roberts said: “The Visual Arts have always been a hugely important aspect of the work we do at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and we’re delighted that Steffan, who has years of experience and considerable Visual Arts knowledge, will be joining us in November. We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming him to the Arts Centre team;

Pembrokeshire’s bluestones and the link with Stonehenge will be the focus of a public lecture at Aberystwyth University on Tuesday 8 November. "Chips off the old block - sourcing the Stonehenge Bluestones" will be delivered by eminent geologist and Keeper of Natural Sciences at the National Museum of Wales Dr Richard Bevins. In 2015 Dr Bevins was a leading member of the team that identified the exact source of Stonehenge’s spotted dolerite “bluestones” as Carn Goedog in the Preseli hills in Pembrokeshire. Three years earlier, in 2011, his team identified the source of another of Stonehenge’s “bluestones”, its rhyolites, as Craig Rhos-y-Felin, a site also in the Preseli hills in Pembrokeshire just three kilometres away from Carn Goedog. A graduate of Aberystwyth University (Geology, 1974) and Keele where he completed his PhD, Dr Bevins’ research has focused on the Caledonian igneous volcanic rock of Wales. Between 1998 and 2006 he was Project Leader for the £33.5m project

Carmarthenshire Council has responded to the latest changes to bin collections in the county by issuing answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - A number of changes have been made to bin collections in Carmarthenshire from October 31 and Carmarthenshire Council has put together some of your frequently asked questions. Why is my collection day changing? Our refuse collection vehicles are ageing and need to be replaced in order to deliver an improved service to customers without disruption. At the same time, we have reviewed the collection routes across the county to make them more efficient. By reducing the number of vehicles, we are saving money by reducing maintenance and fuel costs and improving the council’s carbon footprint. Why has my collection time changed? The collection routes have been revised and this means the time of your collection could change as a result. Even if you have not had a change of day, the time could still be affected. We can never guarantee that yo

Parents and guardians in Carmarthenshire are being asked to apply online for their child’s place in school. Admission to school is not an automatic process, it is a legal requirement that an application is submitted by the specified closing date. There is now a new system in place to make the process easier, more efficient and more accessible. Applications should be made online via i-Local , there is a simple form to complete, and information along with a school admissions handbook is available. Usually, the deadline is around a year before the child would expect to start at the school. For three-year-olds who wish to go to school part-time in 2018 and four-year-olds starting school from September 2017, the deadline for applications is January 31 next year. Pupils moving from primary to secondary school from September 2017 need to apply by December 16, 2016. Education executive board member Cllr Gareth Jones said: “We want to make the application process for school admissions as eas

Latest news from the Oriel Myrddin Gallery in Carmarthen - Dewch a Gwnewch // Make and Do. Workshops starting Saturday, November 12. Oriel Myrddin Gallery Church Lane, Carmarthen, SA31 1LH

Two local healthcare teams in Ceredigion have been recognised for their commitment and support for carers and their families. Ceredigion Community Mental Health Team and staff working in Cardigan Hospital’s Outpatients Department and Minor Injuries Unit recently received the Investors in Carers Bronze award, a scheme which is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by its local authority partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The Investors in Carers initiative is designed to help health facilities such as GP practices and hospitals focus on and improve their carer awareness and enhance the help and support they give carers. A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is no

A study by scientists at Aberystwyth University’s IBERS working with Wales YFC reveals that rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) is now prevalent on Welsh farms. Funded by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and an Owen Price Scholarship in conjunction with Wales YFC, the study is published today in the journal Parasitology. See link - Rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) on Welsh farms: prevalence, risk factors and observations on co-infection with Fasciola hepatica The research was undertaken by scientists at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) working in partnership with young farmers in Wales to identify rumen fluke prevalence levels and associated risk factors across Wales. Rumen fluke was previously regarded as a rare parasite, but is now an emerging problem in the UK and information on its prevalence in Wales has been very scarce to date. The similar parasite liver fluke is one of the biggest problems facing the UK livestock industry, estimated to co

A Senior Lecturer at Aberystwyth University has been part of an online history project to mark 80 years since the BBC broadcast its very first television programme. Dr Jamie Medhurst is one of six academics who’ve written about key moments in the history of BBC television - from the Opening Night to the coronation of King George VI in 1937, the development of Alexander Palace and coverage of the 1948 Olympics. Their articles have been published in a special section on ‘The Birth of TV’ on the main BBC website which went live yesterday to celebrate the anniversary: http://www.bbc.co.uk/historyofthebbc/birth-of-tv . “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to contribute to this unique project marking the first 80 years of television on the BBC,” said Dr Medhurst who is a Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications at Aberystwyth’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television as well as Co-Director of the University’s Centre for Media History. “As a group of media historians, we have had

Latest news from Lynne Gornall and the team at Brecon Jazz Club - Summary: events on 11th and 12th Nov, see below, our jazz club on 15th Nov and a unique concert 'down south' (Taff's Well!) on Thurs 17 November.  We ask you to bookmark a rather special gig taking place on Sat 3 Dec....as well as regular jazz club on Tues 20 Dec. Read on... BRECON JAZZ CLUB - TUES 15 NOVEMBER, 8pm Jim Barber Trio with Martha Skilton sax The Muse, Brecon LD3 7DW - £10 (£8 members) A really swinging evening in store, with a classic piano jazz trio and added extra from Martha Skilton on tenor sax. JAZZ CLUB DECEMBER - 2 dates, both specials!! Jazz Club Extra! Saturday 3 December, 8pm, £10/£8 (members) Jazz All Stars of Brecon Benefit Gig: piano, trumpet, vocals, bass, drums - all star jazz lineup Special event organised by its members as a fundraiser for Brecon Jazz Club - hooray...! Venue: Northcote Conservative Club, High Street, Brecon. Regular jazz club ! Tuesday 20 December, 8pm £10/£8

Hywel Dda University Health Board is restating its commitment to maintain the current opening hours of the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital from 10am-10pm, as they are now - although it is facing renewed and significant workforce challenges at consultant level. There are long standing difficulties in recruiting paediatric consultants across the UK, and there are vacancies in all Hywel Dda hospitals, with continued efforts to recruit into them. There is a particular problem in Pembrokeshire during the next few months as a retirement, maternity leave and annual leave requirement coincide. PACU at Withybush Hosital, in Haverfordwest, is currently open 10am – 10pm and remains open as usual this week. The University Health Board is reassuring local families that they can continue to access services as they do now and need make no changes to how they access care. The health board has appointed a temporary locum consultant, and continues to try to attract more

The Gorslas and Cross Hands Men's Society celebrated its 40th Anniversary with an excellent lunch at the Cottage Inn, Llandeilo. After an enjoyable meal, the members were addressed by 'St David' who called in on his way from a monastery at Machynys, Llanelli, to visit one of his disciples, Teilo, whose hermitage was nearby. Photo (l-r): Terry Davies (sec), Graham hunt (chair), Cllr Eryl Morgan (Carms CC chair), 'St David' (Rev Eldon Phillips), Ken Llewellyn (treasurer), Huw Davies (vice chair Gorslas CC) and Rev Canon Illtyd Protheroe.

Habitat improvements have been carried out at an Amman Valley nature park to encourage the growth of flowers and wildlife. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, volunteers and Carmarthenshire County Council rangers worked together at Ynysdawela Nature Park to manage the species-rich meadows there. The nature park, in upper Brynamman, is important for wildlife, with the rare marsh fritillary butterfly found in its meadows, and the dormice living in its field margins and woodlands. Welsh Government funding paid for the habitat improvement works at the site, which included mowing the meadows, raking grass to form habitat piles for reptiles and insect life, and cutting back scrub from field edges. The grassland management will help the flower rich meadows to flourish and prevent the fields from being swamped by trees. The many different flowers will bloom in middle to late summer to be enjoyed by a variety of butterflies, birds and other animal life. Biodiversity Officer Isabel Mac

Llanelli is getting ready for its biggest night of the year – and it promises to be a real cracker! The Christmas carnival and lights switch-on will take place on Friday, November 18 with festive fun for all the family with its traditional floats, spectacular fireworks display, funfair, live music and a host of entertainment. Around 20,000 people are expected to line the streets to watch the largest carnival procession in Wales; and Heart FM is back for the second year running to broadcast the event across the nation with DJ Jason Harrold. The carnival is organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural Council, Llanelli Town Council and Llanelli Round Table; and this year it is being supported by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Carmarthenshire County Council Chairman Cllr Eryl Morgan said: “Llanelli Christmas carnival has a reputation for being one of the best in Wales; attracting people from across Carmarthenshire and beyond. “I am sure that this year’s event will once again be a

A £13.5 million National Lottery funding programme for rural Wales has been welcomed by Carmarthenshire County Council. The Big Lottery Fund is inviting groups to help tackle poverty in Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Powys, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Monmouthshire. Grants of between £10,000 and £350,000are available and their work must benefit a community with a population of 10,000 or less. Although types of activities that could be funded are not being prescribed, applications would need to show how groups are doing any of the following to address poverty: improving well-being, raising aspirations, enhancing skills available in the community or helping people deal with tough circumstances. This could include themes like employment and income, transport and access to services, poor broadband and digital exclusion, housing and fuel poverty and demand for welfare and advice services. Big Lottery Fund Wales’ director John Rose said: “The beauty of rural are

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 ------------------------------------------ Seeing red at Trafalgar Square traffic lights! Some weeks it takes ages to find suitably amusing or controversial subjects to undergo the Phil Evans treatment. Other weeks, I simply recount incidents I’ve witnessed or experienced myself. Ideas often spring from overhearing a private conversation. Yes, dear reader, as you know, usually in a coffee shop – for which I accept no blame. Most coffee shops place their tables ‘soclosetogether’, if four ladies to my immediate right decide to confess past sins or current misdemeanours over a quartet of flat whites, what am I expected to do? Stuff paper napkins in my ears? Besides, it doesn’t work. And I always feel a fool later in the day when someone asks the daft question, “Did you know you’ve got paper napkins in your ear

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around West Wales) from the Carmarthen Journal and the Llanelli Star newspapers - Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi choristers are getting ready for a busy Christmas and also looking forward to concerts in 2017. Helen Wyn has stepped up to the podium as temporary musical director as Davinia Harries is on maternity leave. With their regular accompanist, Maureen Chapman, Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi have the following engagements planned for December – Thursday 15th December, Glanmorfa Care Home, Kidwelly. Monday 19th December, Towy Castle Care Home, Uplands Arms. Tuesday 20th December, Community Carol Singing, Red Lion, Llandyfaelog. Thursday 22nd December, Gwernllwyn Care Home, Cross Hands. The choir members rehearse at the Red Lion in Llandyfaelog and anyone interested in joining Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi, can contact Derrick Rowlands on email on onnen@hotmail.com or fill out the contact form on the website - www.cormeibiondyffrynt

Latest news from the team at Span Arts in Narberth -  What's coming up at Span Arts this month! Pop-Up Theatre, a Festive Advent Concert, Glenn Tilbrook and more! Comedy Club Thursday 10th Nov Headliner for this month's Comedy Club Danny Buckler has toured with Victoria Wood and has supported Ricky Gervais. 'Buckler has it all - he's funny as hell' - The Skinny. Food available. Book Here SpanJazz: Li Harding Thurs 17th Nov Li Harding combines powerful, gospel tinged vocals with incredible presentation, not dissimilar to Dame Shirley Bassey. Delicious meal available from Plas Hyfryd - order before 8:30pm. Book Here Pop-Up Theatre: Gloriator Friday 11th Nov Award winning, wonderfully inventive & very silly stage comedy of the hollywood blockbuster 'Gladiator'. 'Belly-achingly funny' - Gloucester Citizen Book Here Glenn Tilbrook Sunday 20th Nov The voice and face of 80s chart toppers Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook is one of Britain's most che

New Dyfed Powys Chief Constable Mark Collins is already at work in the force area, the Police and Crime Panel have been informed. Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn told the Panel that Mr Collins would officially start work on December 18. However, he is already spending one day per week in the force area, ahead of taking up the post full-time. Mr Llywelyn also referred to the appointment of the Deputy Chief Constable which would take place within the next few weeks. Panel Chair Andy Edwards said: “That timeline augurs well for the future and getting a senior team settled in place as soon as possible.” Mr Llywelyn said: “I’m happy there be a strong partnership between my office and that of the Chief Constable. “Stability in the Chief Officers’ group is vitally important as we move forward over the next few years.” Link Dyfed Powys Police & Crime Panel

If it’s a taste of Thai you like, or you have a passion for handbags or handmade gifts then come on down to Llanelli Market. My Kitchen Table, A Taste of Thailand and Retro Bags are three of the latest new stalls to move into the Llanelli town centre hub. A selection of unique crafts from Christmas decorations to hanging wall frames can be found at My Kitchen Table. You can also book a craft party to host in your own home. A Taste of Thailand, located to the far right of the Cowell Street entrance, offers authentic healthy Thai food to eat in or take away. All produce is sourced within the market and come in microwavable containers making cooking easier for those with busy lifestyles. You can also try before you buy. Retro Bags has an abundance of colourful handbags and purses for all occasions. Assistant Market Manager, Mark Curtis said: “The stalls are already proving popular with our visitors and I’d like to wish them all the very best.” Llanelli Indoor Market has a host of Christ

Aberystwyth Law School has secured two grants worth a total of almost £25,000 towards a project which offers free legal advice to veterans and their families. The Veterans Legal Link was set up in 2015 by Dr Olaoluwa Olusanya, a lecturer in Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University. Working with a range of partners, the project supports veterans and their families across Wales by giving them access to free legal advice and specialist support services. It relies on a network of volunteer legal clinics, charities and organisations including Citizens Advice, West Wales Action for Mental Health and the Ceredigion Armed Forces Community Covenant. The Veterans Legal Link also offers internship and volunteer opportunities to students in Wales, as well as conducting its own independent academic research. The project has now been made a successful applications for a grant of £20,000 from the Ministry of Defence and almost £5,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. Project Founder and Manager Dr Ol

The latest ‘Sporting Lunch’ hosted by the West Wales Committee of Sports Aid Wales at the Royal Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen was a huge success. It featured Jim Mills, a living legend in the worlds of Rugby Union and Rugby League. Mills, a former Wales, Widnes and GB Ruby League star, delighted an audience of nearly 200 at the Ivy Bush with tales of his life on and off the rugby pitch. David Butler, chairman of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid, said afterwards: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Jim Mills is one of the finest speakers we’ve had at our regular dinners. He gave us a fabulous and very amusing insight into his colourful career.” The West Wales committee of Sports Aid Cymru Wales has raised more than £16,000 for the charity this year. Over the last 30 years, the charity has raised more than £290,000 to support the future of young sporting talent. Sports Aid Cymru Wales is a voluntary organisation providing financial support to help rising stars in Wales improve their

A student from Aberystwyth University has been chosen to be a member of the high profile Tir na n-Og judging panel for 2016. Jenna Hughes won a competition to secure her place as a student judge on the panel for the book awards which recognise authors who have written children’s books set in Wales. There are three awards for Welsh and English writers and Jenna will help choose the best English language children’s book. Joanna Jeffery is a Teaching Fellow at Aberystwyth University’s School of Education and encouraged students to take part in the competition which involved writing a book review. “For the last two years, the School of Education has provided a student judge for the Tir na n-Og Prize and we are delighted that it will continue with Jenna’s selection,” said Joanna. “In her winning entry, the adjudicator felt that she demonstrated her understanding of the links between the three key elements needed to get children reading: a child who wants to read; an adult who wants to enc