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Showing posts from November 27, 2016

Students at Aberystwyth University create collection of 19 short films

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Students at Aberystwyth University have created a collection of 19 short films which document different aspects of life in Ceredigion. The films have been produced by second year students on the Creative Documentary module at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies. The five-minute-long films will be shown for the first time in a special screening evening held in the R Gerallt Jones Studio at the Parry-Williams Building on Penglais Campus on Monday 12 December, starting at 6pm. Among the topics covered is a portrait of a young farmer from Llandysul; the history of the Davies family that runs the Commodore Cinema in Aberystwyth, and a look at the work done at the National Library to protect treasures during the Second World War. A number of films were inspired during a bus tour around the county which was organized by Creative Documentary module coordinator, Elin Morse. “One of the key ingredients of a successful documentary film is to have participants from all walks o

Computers from Aberystwyth find new life in a Nigerian college

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Computers from Aberystwyth University have found a new lease of life in Africa. Staff at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in the Nigerian city of Jos, were facing the prospect of expanding their recently launched computer degree without enough computers for their students. Their plight was brought to the attention of the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth by PhD student Edore Akpokodje. Edore was head of the Nigerian college’s Computing department before coming to study in Wales. As a result, 60 reconditioned computers powerful enough to run the software needed on the course have been shipped to Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos. They are due to arrive there on Saturday 3 December 2016. From Lagos they will be taken to Jos and installed in a new computer laboratory at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology. After being reconditioned, the computers were taken from Aberystwyth’s Computer Science Department to Cambria

The latest Clay Shaw Butler Money Matters column from the Carmarthenshire Herald

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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. Well, that was interesting. Last week, the Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his first, and last, Autumn Statement along with the Spending Review. His speech and the supporting documentation set out both tax and economic measures. Our summary concentrates on the tax measures which include: the government reaffirming the objectives to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and the higher rate threshold to £50,000 by the end of this Parliament  reduction of the Money Purchase Annual Allowance  review of ways to build on research and development tax relief  tax and National Insurance advantages of salary sacrifice schemes to be removed  anti-avoidance measures for the VAT Flat Rate Scheme  autumn Budgets commencing in autumn 2017.  In addition the Chancellor announced the following pay

Time to get ready for the annual Walrus Dip

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Plans are underway for the 32nd annual Walrus Dip at Pembrey Country Park. Hundreds of people are expected to take a dip in the sea on Boxing Day to raise money for good causes. Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for charities through the years ranging from West Wales children’s cancer charity, LATCH to the British Heart Foundation. Leisure executive board member Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The Walrus Dip is one of Carmarthenshire’s most traditional and most colourful events in the calendar. Now in its third decade, the event always brings a fantastic atmosphere and gives the opportunity for everyone to let their hair down and brave the Boxing Day waves while raising money for charity at the same time.” Participants are encouraged to dress in fancy dress. Panto season traditionally comes alive on the sands with Santas and sumo wrestlers, pantomime dames and superheroes making a dash for the freezing surf. The event, which was established in 1984, will be kicked off by

Christmas arrives in Ammanford on Friday

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Christmas arrives in Ammanford on Friday with the switch-on of the town’s lights. Organised by Ammanford Chamber of Trade and Ammanford Town Council, and supported by Carmarthenshire County Council, the event is set to bring hundreds of families in to the town centre for a host of festivities. The main events happen along Quay Street with live music and entertainment, Christmas stalls and a funfair. The Town Mayor will switch the lights on at 6pm but a whole day of activities is planned with an outdoor market from 8am-4pm. From 4-7pm, children will get the chance to meet Santa, who will be in his grotto at the Pensioner’s Hall, and Radio Carmarthenshire will bring live music to the main stage at the top end of Quay Street. Friday night’s festivities will be followed by more Christmas activities on the weekend. Small Business Saturday kicks off early with plenty of local traders taking part. Ammanford Library will also host a Christmas Book Fair with a chance to meet authors and get b

Wraps coming off the next phase of Llanelli’s new Vocational Village

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The wraps will come off the next phase of Llanelli’s new Vocational Village today (Thursday, December 1). Special guests have been invited to get their first glimpse of the pioneering scheme, developed specifically to offer top of the range vocational learning opportunities for secondary schoolchildren in the Llanelli area. A construction skills centre of excellence, built on the site of Bryngwyn School, is the latest element of the scheme to be officially launched. Development will soon begin to create a specialist catering training facility at St John Lloyd Catholic School, a music technology facility at Coedcae School; a performing arts and media facility at Ysgol Y Strade and a caring and child care facility at Glan Y Môr School. The vocational village is being delivered through Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme, with part funding through the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools initiative. Pupils will be able to attend any of the five elements t

Withybush Hospital PACU paediatric unit opening hours 10am-6pm from next week

Opening hours at Withybush Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit will be changed to 10am-6pm from Monday December 5. The move comes following a decision, taken in the interests of patient safety due to a shortage of consultant paediatricians, by Hywel Dda University Health Board last week. Referrals to PACU can continue to be made up until 6pm, after which necessary discharges or transfers to Glangwili Hospital when an overnight stay in hospital is required will be made. Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations Joe Teape explained: “We are carefully planning this temporary change and will be spending a lot of time during the coming days finalising the activation plan and making sure that all our staff, GPs, including out-of-hours, and partners such as the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust and NHS Direct are aware and are able to appropriately advise and assist children and their families.” A task and finish group with clinicians and managers is also being set up to closely monitor the

New social care and well-being information website

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Organisations providing social, leisure or recreational activities in Carmarthenshire are being urged to promote their services on a new Welsh social care and well-being information website. The Dewis Cymru website consists of a series of information pages designed to help people with their well-being and is a resource directory of groups and community services. It’s the place to go for people who want information or advice about well-being – whether that’s their own well-being or the well-being of a family member or friend. Twenty local authorities across Wales are now involved in the Dewis Cymru project. Local information is available for North Wales, Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf. All are actively using the website to support the provision of information and advice in their area. Carmarthenshire is currently in the development process. You can upload your information directly on the website. Visit: www.dewis.wales

Development plans for key Ammanford Gateway site

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Carmarthenshire County Council is working with Aspect Developments to regenerate a key Ammanford gateway site. Ammanford’s old police station and former magistrates court is set to be transformed through a mixed use development, with plans that include retaining the Court House and conversion into office suites, together with the construction of an extension to provide retail space on the ground floor, and residential accommodation above. Aspect Developments is to submit an application for planning permission. The College Street site was recently discussed at the Ammanford Regeneration Taskforce, set up earlier this year by council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole. He said: “This is a key gateway site to Ammanford and its redevelopment is part of our aspirations to regenerate the town. I’m really pleased to see the plans getting underway to transform this site into a development which will create jobs and housing.” Hywel Richards of Aspect Developers said: “We are looking forward to bringing t

The latest 'On Song' column from the Carmarthen Journal and the Llanelli Star

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 Llanelli Male Voice Choir have something special in store for their fans this Christmas. Their special treat will be an evening of Elvis Presley classics for their annual Christmas concert at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, on Saturday, December 17. “It really will be a Côr Meibion Llanelli concert with a difference,” said choir musical director D Eifion Thomas. “It all springs from last year’s Christmas concert by Côr Meibion Llanelli, when we performed a special arrangement of Blue Christmas with our friends from the ladies rock and pop choir The Phil Harmonics. “The audience reaction was great and, for my sins, I suggested to the audience that it would be a great idea to have a whole concert of Elvis Presley classics for 2016. “So, true to my word, this is what we have put together for the programme for Ffwrnes on December 17. “T

The latest Phil Evans column from the South Wales Evening Post

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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 ................................ “SPACE INVADERS” “Please step back! You’re invading my space!” Chances are you’ve heard that being said sometime, on TV, in a film or in the street. Like many expressions, slang words and over-enthusiastic responses in common use today, it originated from the United States. It’s unfortunate there wasn’t a dock workers strike on the day the ship arrived here carrying among its cargo the expression that always sounds so peculiarly ‘wrong’ delivered in a British accent. “Hey buddy! That was so AWESOME!” Nevertheless, it landed on British soil and invaded the space once occupied by the perfectly serviceable, “I say, old chap! That was rather impressive!” which I used to hear all the time in pubs around Llanelli . . . don’t you know! I’ve never knowingly invaded anyone’s space –

Fferm Penglais in Aberystwyth achieves 5* Visit Wales rating

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The latest student residences at Aberystwyth University are the first campus accommodation in Wales to be awarded a 5* accommodation grading by Visit Wales. Fferm Penglais has been awarded the highest rating possible in the Campus Accommodation category. The grading is given in recognition of the quality and range of facilities and services, with a special focus on atmosphere, ambience, guest care and attention to detail. Fferm Penglais scored over 90% in all seven of the quality assessment areas, scoring 100% for its cleanliness and exteriors. In its assessment of Fferm Penglais, Visit Wales stated: “The design is superb and offers all visitors en-suite accommodation in beautifully designed apartments and studios. “There are state of the art facilities such as the bike wash and stores, laundry, and meeting rooms. The Hub is a superb contemporary seating area for visitors and guests. It offers the highest quality student accommodation standards at this moment in time.” The Campus

Those aged 65 or over in Wales are urged to protect themselves against flu

People aged 65 or over are being advised to get vaccinated against influenza (‘flu’) soon for best protection this winter. Flu can be very serious for older people, and the annual ‘Beat Flu’ immunisation programme is now underway throughout Wales, encouraging individuals most at risk of serious complications from flu to get protected with a free flu vaccination. As well as older people this also includes pregnant women and those with certain long term health conditions as these groups are at high risk of complications if they catch flu. Older people, and the carers of those whose health may be at risk if the carer becomes ill, are being advised about the dangers of flu with a clear message from Public Health Wales to “Beat flu before it beats you!” Last year in Wales around a third of the people in Wales aged 65 and over missed out on getting their flu vaccine. Ian Thomas, Chief Executive of the older people’s charity Age Cymru, said: “As part of our annual Spread the Warmth campaign,

Aberystwyth University’s partnership with schools highly commended at sustainability awards

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A School-University Partnership Initiative run by Aberystwyth University has been highly commended by the leading organisation for sustainable development in Wales. The Sustainability Network Wales (SusNet) Project, is a School-University partnership which enables sixth form students in Ceredigion to engage with a range of research-led academic modules, delivered by departments across Aberystwyth University. Although diverse in content, each module shares the common theme of sustainability and/or social responsibility. The four year project is funded by Research Councils UK. The Sustain Wales Awards 2016, organised by Cynnal Cymru–Sustain Wales, celebrate sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership across Wales. Aberystwyth University’s SusNet project was highly commended in the Sustainable FE/HE Institution category at the awards. This year’s awards ceremony, sponsored by Llyr Gruffydd AM, took place in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on 17 November to an audience of national a

Latest news from the team at Ffos Las racecourse in Carway, Llanelli

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Latest news from the team at Ffos Las racecourse in Carway, Llanelli -  Our Christmas gift to everyone attending our Raceday on Monday 12th December is a FREE TICKET to a raceday in 2017!* SPECIAL OFFER of £17.00 pp Includes general admission ticket, turkey curry & rice only available by booking in advance by clicking here or by calling the team on 01554 811092 Gates Open - 10.45 First Race - 12.45 Music after racing - 16.00 *T&C's apply, excluding feature days. Free ticket for General Admission only. We are excited to release our 2017 fixture list. Ensure you don't miss a raceday by saving the dates in your diary now. Click here to see our 2017 fixtures Why not treat yourself, friends or a family member to an Annual Membership? Book by 21st December to take advantage of our Early Bird Offer. C lick here to book now

Latest update on the kerosene spill at Nantycaws, Carmarthen

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A multi-agency recovery coordination group including Carmarthenshire County Council, Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales and Valero, believes that the majority of the kerosene spilled due to pipeline damage at Nantycaws, Carmarthen, has now been recovered. An estimated 139,500 cubic metres of kerosene product has been recovered by the company employed by Valero to clear the contamination from land and waterways. The section of old damaged pipe, now replaced, has been sealed at both ends, and initial results from bore hole monitoring shows only low level residual contamination identified in and around the Nant Pibwr, which is being captured with temporary river booms. Heavy rainfall at the beginning of last week flushed through some remaining product, enabling further recovery. Additional measures were put in place to deal with ‘remobilised’ contamination entering the Nant Pibwr due to the intense rainfall. The recovery coordination group will continue to monitor, cleanse and

Bird’s eye view of the new Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth

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People can have a bird’s eye view of the new Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth with aerial footage taken of the site. The film of the £18.4million investment has been unveiled for the official opening of the school taking place this week. Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole will unveil the plaque as part of the ceremony taking place at the school on November 30. The scheme included a new two storey design and technology and science block, linked to the existing building. A new sports hall houses four badminton courts, together with an adjoining classroom and changing rooms. An energy centre has been constructed, and external work included a new school entrance, hard play areas, car park, bus parking area and games courts. Various areas within the existing buildings have been refurbished together with re-modelling of playing fields. The investment at Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth was made through Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme , delivered with funding from the Welsh Gover

Christmas gifts are coming in thick and fast for disadvantaged children

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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 gifts or toys. 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 • Tesco Carmarthen • Carmarthen Customer Services, 3 Sp

You can follow Carmarthenshire's County Markets on Facebook

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Did you know Carmarthenshire Markets is on Facebook? The social media platform provides up to date news on what’s happening in Carmarthen, Llanelli, Ammanford and Llandeilo indoor and outdoor markets. The page showcases what the markets have to offer, any special offers or discounts, events, available units, events and general information. There are a number of Christmas themed events going on throughout December including appearances from local school choirs singing carols, elf activity days, the annual Reindeer Day and meet and greet with the cast of The Friendships, Robinson Crusoe pantomime and these will be featured too. The council’s executive board member for markets, Cllr David Jenkins said: “Whichever way you look at it, there’s no denying that social media has become hugely powerful and influential – we must maximise its potential to engage with our traders and shoppers more than ever before.” Traders regularly dress up and fundraise for charity and we share these pictures

Aberglasney is ready for the big Winter Fair

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Latest news from Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley -  Aberglasney's Winter Fair ~ one of Wales' biggest festive events Friday 2nd December ~ 11am-4.30pm (parking at Aberglasney, no park and ride) Saturday 3rd December and Sunday 4th December ~ 10am-4.30pm (parking at Aberglasney and free park and ride from Coleg Sir Gar’s Gelli Aur campus) A must-do of the Christmas season! Be inspired by our Mansion and two large marquees which will be packed with over 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, crafts, homeware, toiletries and clothing: you'll be sure to find some special things for you and yours Warm up with mulled wine or spiced apple juice and a mince pie included with entry Enjoy delicious local artisan food on the day and to take home, with a hog roast, vegetarian pies, 'Coaltown' coffee and hot chocolate, and much more Feel festive with music and choirs across the event ( see our website for the programme

Llanelli’s first children’s Christmas Wish Tree is proving popular

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Dozens of youngsters have been penning their heart-warming wishes for Llanelli’s first ever children’s Christmas Wish Tree. The tree, located in Llanelli Indoor Market, is filling up with festive baubles and messages created by children with the help of Santa’s elf. Some of the My Christmas Wish heartfelt messages include - “An elf costume, Ellie." “My nan be ok in heaven." "I want a real baby for Christmas please, love Ava." "I would like a nice Christmas with my family and friends." "An electric drill.” Children can also make their own personalised festive bauble at home to bring into the market to display on the tree. Father Christmas will collect all wishes on Christmas Eve. Santa’s elf will be on hand to help in the indoor market on Saturday, December 10 between 11am and 3pm. Decorations, glitter and crafts will be provided. The council’s executive board member for markets, Cllr David Jenkins said: “The tree is looking really festiv

Funding boost brings return of bus from West Wales to Cardiff

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Welsh Government funding has ensured the daily return of the 701 bus service between Carmarthen, Cross Hands, Swansea and Cardiff, launching on December 5 - just in time for Christmas. The T1c service will run Monday to Saturday from Carmarthen central bus station affording a full afternoon in Cardiff with the return bus leaving Cardiff Customhouse Street at 4.40pm. The bus comes from Aberystwyth at 7.40am calling at Aberaeron, Lampeter and Pencader as service T1 with no change of bus required at Carmarthen for the ongoing journey to Cardiff. The return journey follows the same route in reverse with again no change of bus necessary. Carmarthenshire County Council's executive board member for environment and transport services, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “The service will continue into the New Year but with funding approved for six months by Welsh Government because of requests made of them. It is important the service is used well to enable it to be sustained.” Link Bus timetables

New rules introduced in Wales to ensure takeaways promote food hygiene

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New rules have been introduced in Wales to ensure takeaways promote food hygiene ratings on publicity materials. Takeaway food businesses will be required to publish a bilingual statement on certain hardcopy publicity materials from today - the third anniversary of the introduction of the statutory Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) coming into force in Wales. If a takeaway leaflet or menu shows food for sale, the price and a way of ordering the food without visiting the premises, it will also have to include a statement which will remind customers they can check the hygiene rating of the business on the FHRS website: http://ratings.food.gov.uk/ , and also remind consumers they can ask the food business for their food hygiene rating when they order. Wales was the first country in the UK to introduce a statutory food hygiene rating scheme in November 2013 when the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 made it mandatory for food businesses to display their food hygiene rating on their

Aberystwyth School of Art exhibition marks centenary of Welsh artist John Elwyn

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An exhibition to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Ceredigion artist John Elwyn opens today, Monday 28 November 2016, at Aberystwyth University’s School of Art Museum and Galleries. Born in Adpar in south Ceredigion, where his father ran a woollen mill on the banks of the river Teifi, John Elwyn trained at Carmarthen, Bristol and the Royal College of Art in London. He subsequently lived and worked in Hampshire until his death in 1997. The exhibition John Elwyn: ‘A Quiet Sincerity’ has been curated by the artist’s friend and biographer, Professor Robert Meyrick, who is Head of the School of Art at Aberystwyth University. “John Elwyn is of one of Wales’ most distinguished artists whose paintings have contributed significantly to the British landscape tradition,” said Professor Meyrick. “He painted subjects that reflect his Welsh heritage and empathy with the Welsh people, their language and social traditions. “Like John Constable in Suffolk, Samuel Palmer in Kent and Graham Sut

This week's special offers at Jenkins Bakery shops

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This week's special offers at Jenkins Bakery shops - WEEK COMMENCING November 28, 2016 3 Medium Corned Beef Pasties, £1.75 2 Large Corned Beef Pasties, £2.10 2 Minced Beef and Onion Pies, £2.40 2 Strawberry Manchester Tarts, £2.00 Sandwich of the Week, Festive Special, £2.75 Rustic Baguette of the Week, Chicken Tikka, £2.50 Filled Softie of the Week, Ham Salad, £2.35 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Key points of Autumn Statement highlighted by Clay Shaw Butler

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On Wednesday 23rd November the Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his first, and last, Autumn Statement along with the Spending Review. His speech and the supporting documentation set out both tax and economic measures. The Clay Shaw Butler summary concentrates on the tax measures which include: the government reaffirming the objectives to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and the higher rate threshold to £50,000 by the end of this Parliament reduction of the Money Purchase Annual Allowance review of ways to build on research and development tax relief tax and National Insurance advantages of salary sacrifice schemes to be removed anti-avoidance measures for the VAT Flat Rate Scheme autumn Budgets commencing in autumn 2017. In addition the Chancellor announced the following pay and welfare measures: National Living Wage to rise from £7.20 an hour to £7.50 from April 2017 Universal Credit taper rate to be cut from 65% to 63% from April 2017. In the March Bu

Latest news from the team at Span Arts in Narberth

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Latest news from the team at Span Arts in Narberth -  What's coming up at Span Arts this month! John S. Davies Ensemble Sunday 27th Nov Launch into the festive season with an atmospheric and uplifting advent concert at Pisga Chapel performed by candlelight, with mulled wine served afterwards. Book Here Singing Workshop Monday 14th/28th Nov Led by tutor Catriona Fothergill, member of the NVP (National Voice Practitioners), the group is friendly & open to all abilities, ages & interests. Just turn up and join in! 7-9pm Span Arts Building. Book Here SpanJazz: The Nigel Price Organ Trio Thursday 1st Dec Winner of the 2010 Parliamentary Jazz Awards for ‘Best Jazz Ensemble’. “The real thing” – Jazz News. Food available - order before 8:30pm. Book Here Xmas Bonanza: The Correspondents Thurs 17th Nov Join us at our Xmas Bonanza and spend an outrageous evening with the UK's most eccentric and energetic electro-swing duo! + local support & DJs TBC. Book Here Comed