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

It was a night of success for the Hywel Dda nursing team with three winners and two runners up at this year’s RCN Wales Nurse of Year Awards 2016. These annual awards celebrate nurses who demonstrate excellence in practice, a passion for the nursing profession and exemplify distinction in care, leadership, service and innovation. Huge congratulations go to Jane James, Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, named the winner of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Award, Linzi Shone, Senior Ward Sister on Ystwyth ward at Bronglais Hospital won the Registered Nurse (Adult) Award and there was a hat-trick with Jacqueline Jones winning the Community Nursing Award. Also up on the night were Margaret Meleady, Clinical Lead Theraputic Day Services, for the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Award and Sarah Jones, Senior Research Nurse and Dr Helen Trench, Research Nurse for the Research in Nursing Award. Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Bernardine Rees OBE said: “I am incredibly

Comedian Phil Evans made his debut on Swansea Bay TV today. He was interviewed in both English and Welsh. This is the English version.

Now that the weather is taking a turn for the worse, more people will be reaching for the thermostat or stoking up their wood burners for extra warmth. But Carmarthenshire County Council is urging people to ensure their gas and solid fuel heaters are safe and serviced. Teams from Public Protection, Property Services and Housing are all playing their part in encouraging tenants, landlords and homeowners to check that their boilers, gas and solid fuel fires are properly maintained. Failure to do so could be deadly - on average, 50 people a year across the UK are killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to faulty heating appliances. Carbon monoxide is known as a ‘silent killer’ as it is odourless, colourless and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. It can be given off by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood or oil if the appliances are not working properly, the flue is blocked, or the room is not properly ventilated. But simple annual maintenance and regula

A Carmarthenshire mum-to-be has been supporting the Beat Flu campaign by encouraging expectant mothers to protect themselves and their little ones from the seasonal virus. Bancyfelin resident, Mrs Lisa Wilson, who is expecting her second baby, has been speaking of her reasons to take part in Hywel Dda University Health Board’s annual flu campaign. Lisa, who is one of thousands of women across Wales to receive the vaccination this year, said: “I decided that I wanted to get the flu jab while I was pregnant with my first child because I wanted to protect my baby as well as myself. Now that I’m expecting again, I know how important it is to get it done. "Catching flu can be serious because it can lead to complications in pregnant women and other at-risk groups, and like any mother, I’ll do anything I can do to stop it from spreading and harming my children. "There are many myths around how safe the vaccine is, but there’s no evidence that it causes mothers or their babies any h

The School of Art at Aberystwyth University has been awarded Accredited Museum Status by Arts Council England. The accolade recognises that Aberystwyth University’s School of Art Museum and Galleries demonstrate the highest standards of collection care and management. Aberystwyth and Glasgow are the only art schools in the UK to have been awarded accredited museum status. Professor Robert Meyrick, Keeper of Art and Head of the School of Art Museum and Galleries at Aberystwyth, said: “Maintaining our status as an accredited museum is a significant achievement and is testament to the dedication of staff and students here at the School of Art Museum and Galleries. Our collections and galleries now play a greater role than ever before in public engagement activities as well as in the training of fine art and art history students who go on to become artists, art historians, curators and museum professionals.” Housed in the historic Edward Davies building on the Buarth in Aberystwyth

Members of Hywel Dda University Health Board will discuss temporary changes to the opening hours of the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital, whilst there are fewer consultant paediatricians available, at a full health board meeting on Thursday November 24. The issue has emerged due to a combination of long standing difficulties in recruiting paediatric consultants across the UK and an exacerbation locally due to the coinciding retirement of one Pembrokeshire paediatric consultant, along with maternity leave of another. Doctors, nurses, hospital managers and the Executive Team have been in discussion about how to best serve children and families in Pembrokeshire by doing all that is possible to maintain the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital whilst there are fewer consultant paediatricians available. To do nothing is a risk. The health board’s prolonged attempts at substantive and locum recruitment have been unsuccessful and agency cons

Hywel Dda University Health Board is currently experiencing some technical issues with the telephone system at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, which includes the telephone number for GP Out of Hours across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Sonia Hay, Acting County Director & Commissioner for Pembrokeshire said: “We are sorry if you are having problems contacting the hospital or out-of-hours service. We are continuing to have some technical issues with the phone system and engineers are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible. “In the meantime, our advice is that if you cannot get through within 30 minutes, and you are unwell contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or if you consider your condition to be a medical emergency, dial 999.” “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will continue to provide updates until the situation is resolved. Thank you for your patience and understanding.” Please remember to Choose Well www.hywelddahb.wales.nh

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. The taxman at HMRC regularly comes up with handy advice for anyone dealing with finance. HMRC have published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin with articles on a variety of topics relevant to employers. One article advises that HMRC have issued the Quarter 1 late filing penalty notices, which cover the period 6 April to 5 July 2016 and have confirmed that these penalties will continue to be issued on a risk assessed basis. HMRC have confirmed that a late filing penalty will generally not be charged for delays of up to three days after the statutory filing date, but that they may contact employers who persistently file after the statutory filing date but within three days, and they risk being considered for a penalty. The Bulletin includes advice on how to appeal against a penalty online

Aberystwyth University will welcome law students from across the country this weekend, when it hosts the Welsh National Mooting Competition. Held on 19-20 November, the competition will see teams from a number of Welsh Law Schools and the Open University competing for the prestigious title of ‘Mooting Champions of Wales.’ Now in its eighth year, the Welsh National Mooting Competition, which is sponsored by LexisNexis, pits student teams against each other arguing fictitious legal cases in mock court proceedings. Success does not necessarily result from winning the legal case, but rather from the quality of the presentation of the legal arguments. Each round of the moot will be judged by independent legal professionals, with the final being judged by The Honourable Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, Presiding Judge on the Wales Circuit. Representing Aberystwyth University’s Mooting Society will be third year undergraduates Jake Woodcock and Jake Moses. Jake Moses will be defending the title

Hywel Dda University Health Board is currently experiencing some technical issues with the telephone system at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. Sonia Hay, Acting County Director and Commissioner for Pembrokeshire said: “We are sorry if you are having problems in getting through to Withybush Hospital by phone. We are continuing to have some technical issues with the phone system and engineers are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, we are advising people who are having trouble getting through to try phoning 30 minutes later, until the problem is rectified.” “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will continue to provide updates until the situation is resolved. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Father Christmas is making a welcome return to Llanelli Rotary Club's Grotto this weekend. The grotto will be based at Llanelli Indoor Market for the next two Saturdays. It will then move to the Tesco superstore in Llanelli for the countdown to Christmas (times and details in the poster above). Last year, the Rotary Club Grotto raised more than £3000 for local charities when it was based at the old BHS store in Trostre. 'Santa' is flying down from the North Pole to sit in the special Rotary Grotto which has been provided by Llanelli firm Sheds and Chalets. Father Christmas is being accompanied by some specially-dressed Rotary Club 'elves'. Rotarian Alison Evans said that last year's Grotto was such a hit with children that opening hours have been extended this year. Alison said: "Santa is full of the joy of Christmas and most of the young visitors who call in to see him at the Grotto are delighted with the experience. "This will be the t

Llanelli's spectacular Christmas carnival and lights switch-on takes place this Friday, November 18 and it promises to be a ‘cracker’ of a night! The festive fun includes the largest carnival procession in Wales, a dazzling fireworks display, funfair, live music and a host of entertainment on the main stage at the Spring Gardens with Heart Radio’s Jason Harrold. Last year, more than 20,000 people descended upon the town to join-in the celebrations, organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, Llanelli Rural Council, Llanelli Town Council and Llanelli Round Table; supported by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. Cllr Meryl Gravell, Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member for regeneration and leisure, said: “The carnival is the biggest night of the year in Llanelli attracting people from across the county and beyond. We have a packed programme of entertainment planned so wrap up warm, come along and enjoy the festivities for what promises to be yet another fantastic night.” Llan

A programme of activities is taking place across Carmarthenshire during Road Safety Week. The aim of the week – which is being held between November 21 and 27 - is to raise awareness of road safety issues, and in particular, what we can all do to make our roads safer and reduce the number of accidents. The council’s road safety team has organised various events from free child car seat checks, to walk to school initiatives, young driver education and older driver refresher courses. The child car seat checks will be held at Parc Y Scarlets on Tuesday, November 22 between 3pm and 6pm. No appointment is needed, officers will check that the seat is suitable for the vehicle and is fitted securely as well as being appropriate for the child. The event is being held in partnership with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police and Parc Y Scarlets and everyone who has a car seat check will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket to a forthcoming Scarlets game.

They are already two of the most popular and successful singers in Wales. Now Aled Edwards and Eleri Owen Edwards are launching a new CD of uplifting and inspirational duets. “It’s a first for us as we as we have been handling all aspects of the CD production,” said Eleri. “But the finished result makes us both feel very proud and we hope our fans – old and new – will enjoy it.” Home for Aled and Eleri is in Cilycwm, Llandovery, on a farm well-known for its pedigree herd of Limousin cattle. Balancing a busy farming life in the picturesque Tywi Valley and their musical careers is now second nature to the couple. “We love singing – and we love entertaining. We both have long-established solo careers and we hope this CD will also highlight our work as a duo,” said Eleri. The mezzo-soprano and baritone have combined to produce what they describe as “a CD of uplifting and inspirational duets”. They are both Blue Riband (David Ellis Memorial Prize) National Eisteddfod winners. Aled triu

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 ‘C’ Word! It’s here then - even though none of us are ready for it. It suddenly arrived like an unexpected relative turning up on your front door step with a pile of suitcases and an expectant smile on his face, demanding two month’s free board and lodging - and a wad of your cash. I’m referring to Christmas - which, as any of you who’ve ventured outside your homes in the last week will realise, has begun. If I sound less than happy about it, allow me to explain why. A couple of days before Bonfire Night I walked into a well-known department store’s coffee shop and was surprised (nay, shocked, double nay, flabbergasted) to see that the staff behind the counter were wearing T-shirts bearing slogans along the lines of “We Wish You A Flat White Christmas” and “San

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around West Wales) from the Carmarthen Journal and the Llanelli Star newspapers - There’s a special evening of music and song being held in Pontyates in the Gwendraeth Valley next weekend. An ‘Evening of Music and Song’ is being staged by Côr Merched Glannau’r Gwendraeth and will feature the SA15 stage school from Llanelli and one of our favourite mixed youth choirs, Lleisiau Hardd. It is being held on Friday, November 25 at 7:30 pm at Pontyates Welfare Hall. Admission is £7 for adults and £3 for school children (price includes light refreshments and a drink. You may bring a bottle if you choose). Tickets are available from Côr Merched Glannau’r Gwendraeth choir members or by telephoning 01269 861922. The ladies choir meets every Tuesday at Pontyates Welfare Hall from 7.30pm, so anyone wishing to join Côr Merched Glannau’r Gwendraeth can pop along and see them at rehearsals. Côr Lleisiau Hardd will be under the musical

Hinterland fans will get a chance to step onto the set of the award-winning detective series as part of a new exhibition at Aberystwyth University’s Old College. Familiar scenes from the television series have been faithfully recreated for the exhibition which opens to the public on Saturday 19 November 2016. The police station office shared by DCI Mathias (Richard Harrington) and DI Mared Rhys (Mali Harries) is featured, along with a range of props used by the team. Hanging on a coat rack in the corner of the office is the distinctive red parka with its fur-lined hood worn by DI Rhys and one of DCI Mathias’s many jackets. One wall is dedicated to a busy evidence and investigation noticeboard, including a map showing the areas of Ceredigion which have been used during the series. A murder scene complete with fake blood, a ‘body’ on the floor and crime scene tape has also been recreated by the props team from the independent production company behind the series, Fiction Facto

Christmas gifts are coming in thick and fast for disadvantaged children across the county. Large containers and bags have been collected from Llanelli Town Hall and Carmarthen Journal offices this week for the council’s Toybox Appeal. The annual appeal provides presents for hundreds of children from families who can’t afford to buy them food, gifts or toys, as well as food hampers for those in need. The gifts need to be unwrapped and for children of all ages, from birth to teenagers with the last day of collection on Friday, December 9. There are a number of drop off points throughout Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Pam Palmer said: “We’re so grateful for all the presents we have received to date, so please keep them coming and help make a child’s Christmas.” You can drop your gifts off at one of the following collection points: Ammanford • Ammanford Town Hall, Customer Services Centre • Ammanford Guardian • Llandybie Memorial Hall • Nat West Bank • Te

Schoolchildren in the town will be the raising the roof at Llanelli Market in the run up to Christmas. Primary pupils will be showing off and entertaining the crowds with carol singing and Christmas themed songs throughout December. Brynsierfel, Yr Hendy, Bigyn, Halfway, Ysgol Y Castell, Stebonheath and Old Road are among the school choirs taking part outside The Teapot Café. Parents are being urged to come and support their schools and spread the Christmas cheer. County Markets Manager, Amanda Davies said: “We are all very excited here and look forward to welcoming the children. Market traders are already getting into the festive spirit and have started decking out their stalls with Christmas bling. The council’s executive board member for resources, Cllr David Jenkins said: “What a treat for those visiting Llanelli Market this year. There’s always something special about a children’s choir singing and we hope that as many people as possible will come out to show their support.” Dat

Some of West Wales’ brightest students are being helped to shine through the Seren initiative. Seren is a network of regional hubs designed to support Wales’ brightest sixth formers achieve their academic potential and gain access to leading universities. The launch of this year’s Seren Hub for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire year 12 pupils is taking place later this week at Parc y Scarlets. Around 300 students from schools in the two counties, and from Coleg Sir Gar and Pembrokeshire College, will attend the event. Keynote speakers, workshops, information about Seren Hub developments and an opportunity to ask questions are all on the agenda. Around a dozen universities from England and Wales will also be in attendance. Seren was launched two years ago by the Welsh Government to tackle the decline in Welsh applications and admissions to Oxford and Cambridge Universities. It aims to inspire and support students in their future career aspirations, give them the best possible educatio