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

The main winners in the children's races at the Easter Monday Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run were as follows - GIRLS Yrs 7 & 8 1 Poppy Lewis Sir Thomas Picton 2 Alice Runnel Strecth Sir Thomas Picton 3 Lucy Fflur Jones Maes Yr Yrfa BOYS YRS 7 & 8 1 Christian Lovatt Amman Valley CS 2 Benjamin Williams QE High 3 James Bryan QE High GIRLS 2,3 & 4 1 Tanwen Cox Ysgol Griffith Jones 2 Emily Maslin Model School 3 Rosy Davies Ysgol Ffairfach BOYS 2,3 & 4 1 Harri Jones Ysgol Y Ddwylan 2 Ben Woodnutt St Michael 3 Joshua Thomas Johnstwon GIRLS 5 & 6 1 Sioned Glyn Ysgol Y Dderwen 2 Carys Davies Pencader 3 Dilyn Alcock Ysgol Rhydamman BOYS 5 & 6 1 David Davies Ysgol Ffairfach 2 Caldon John Ysgol Dewi Sant 3 Aled Phillips Ysgol Rhydamman BOYS 9,10 & 11 1 Teifion Davies Dyffryn Teifi 2 Daniel Butterworth Llandovery College 3 Dyfed Davies Dyffryn Teifi GIRLS 9,10 & 11 1 Tracey Webber Bryngwyn CS 2 Rhian Hommer Bro Gnain 3 Gwen King Ysgol Bryntawe Pictured with the M...

The Llanelli Reds gained a hard earned point at Park Avenue against third-placed Aberystwyth Town on Friday night. The Reds scored after just six minutes with a scrambled goal which was attributed to Stuart Jones. For the remainder of the game, the home side looked the most likely to add to the scoring as The Reds only managed one more effort on goal, when Craig Moses saw his shot well saved. Aber got a deserved draw when Conal Murtagh equalised four minutes from full time. These two dropped points now give the Reds a mountain to climb in their quest for Champions League football in July.

There's a whole host of money saving offers at tourist attractions across Carmarthenshire to put a seasonal Spring in your step. It is a great opportunity to discover just what is on your doorstep with offers ranging from free teas, coffees or Welsh cakes to discount offers to go horse racing or riding, watching the Scarlets, swinging through the trees with GoApe, munching knock down chocolate prices and many more besides. It’s part of the Carmarthenshire County Council Tourism "On your Doorstep" drive to encourage people to look closer to home for things to do and enjoy for which a special leaflet has been produced and it’s packed full of money saving vouchers. They will help you discover all that is going on round and about the county for less - ideal for the run up to summer. The majority of the vouchers are valid until June 30th (2010) and include: Aberglasney Gardens, a free guide book; Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts, a free coffee and Welshcake; Cenarth Adventur...

An Amman Valley schoolgirl is helping to spread the word on recycling to residents across Carmarthenshire. Emily Howatson’s artwork has been brought to life on the side of the council’s refuse/recycling vehicles after winning a Street Scene competition. Schools across the county were invited to enter the competition to come up with a design for the refuse/recycling vehicles featuring the ‘Greenie’ characters. Emily, now a pupil at Amman Valley Comprehensive School, also won a laptop for her school Ysgol Bro Banw. Council sustainability officer Tina Brice said: “We had lots of entries of a very high standard and it was a very tough decision to make, but we really liked Emily’s design and we hope it will help encourage residents to use their green bins and blue bags to recycle.” The green bin/blue bag scheme was first launched in February 2008 and now serves approximately 75,000 households. The council uses a split-bodied vehicle so that the food waste is kept separate from the blue bags...

The new website for the Ty'n y Cornel Hotel is up and running. See - http://www.tynycornel.co.uk/index.html

Burglars, thieves and bogus callers beware: the Bobby Van is operating throughout Carmarthenshire. The Dyfed-Powys Police project visits dozens of homes every month fitting locks, alarms and door chains in a bid to stamp out crime and the fear of crime. The work is carried out by a qualified carpenter and residents are also given guidance on how not to become a victim of crime in the home. Carmarthen resident Joan Thomas said she felt much safer after a visit from the Bobby Van. She said: “As well as new locks, I was given a UV pen so that I could mark my valuables and I received a personal alarm. “I was also given lots of advice, for example, to leave the lights on when I go out and to make sure I draw the curtains in the evening. “It made me think about what I could do myself to improve security, it’s made me feel much safer.” The Bobby Van is one of a number of projects under the Community Safety Partnership’s (CSP) ‘Think Safe, Home Safe’ campaign. The CSP includes the police and c...

Carmarthenshire County Council has been praised for the reasonable way it uses powers to investigate people suspected of committing crimes. A Home Office Inspector visited the county council this week to look at its approach to using the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). The Act was introduced in 2000 to regulate the way in which public authorities such as the police and local authorities use covert investigation techniques to catch offenders. They can be a vital way of gathering information for a range of important purposes, for example to protect public health (if someone is dumping hazardous waste illegally), to protect young people from harm (if someone sells alcohol to children), to prevent fraud (if someone is falsely claiming disability benefits) or to assess or collect taxes or other statutory charges. Carmarthenshire County Council has only used the powers 55 times since 2005, in response to tens of thousands of service requests over the same time period and for a...

A project making a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people in parts of Carmarthenshire has won brand new national award. The Carmarthen Post 16 Outreach Project set up by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Youth Service was presented with an inaugural Youth Work in Wales Excellence Awards. Managed by the Welsh Assembly Government, local authorities across Wales and the Voluntary Youth Service, the awards scheme has been designed to showcase innovative and inspiring projects and individuals who work in providing non-formal education opportunities to young people. The presentation of the awards took place at Cardiff’s SWALEC Stadium in a ceremony hosted by Welsh television presenters Sarra Elgan and Jason Mohammad. Two other Youth Service projects were short listed for awards; The SMART projects and the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. The Carmarthen Post 16 Outreach Project won in the ‘empowering’ category of the awards, for ‘encouraging and enabling young people to ...

A new group is starting in the Amman and Gwendraeth areas for young mums and dads. Funky Parents, gives parents the opportunity to meet up for informal chats and to develop skills through a range of programmes on offer. Children can also come along to the sessions and enjoy the range of activities available. The group is run in partnership by Carmarthenshire Council’s Youth Service, The Language and Play Department, Iechyd Da, Communities First and Careers Wales West. Detached Youth Worker, Sarann Richards said:“We're hoping to be able to offer a variety of guidance for both the parents and children and are aiming to put together an activity programme for the group, depending on their needs and interests. “Free transport to the sessions is available and we provide car seats on our vehicles for small children.” For further information or venue details, please contact Sarann Richards on: 07825388219 or Lisa Hagley on: 07825388219

Llanelli Scarlets rugby stars are encouraging smokers in Carmarthenshire to put their butts in the ‘sin’ bin! Rob Higgitt, Gareth Maule and Jonathan Edwards joined council officers in Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre to raise awareness of cigarette-related litter. Scarlet FM’s Helen Enser Morgan was also in town along with ‘Sid the Cig’ to warn smokers that that if they are caught dropping litter they could be fined £75 - or more if prosecuted through the magistrates court. Rob said: “It is very important that people dispose of their cigarette litter appropriately, not only will it reduce cleaning up costs for the council but it will also make the county a much cleaner welcoming place for both residents and visitors.” Free portable ashtrays were handed out to shoppers so that if they are out and about and there is no bin around there is no excuse for dropping their cigarette ends on the street. Director of technical services Richard Workman said: “Many people do not think of cigarett...

Carmarthenshire youths were given the opportunity to shine at a talent competition held at St. Peter’s Hall, Carmarthen. Carms Stars, run in partnership by Carmarthenshire Youth Service and the 3Ts Youth Forum, enabled young people aged 11-25 years to show off their talents. The event’s aim was to support and recognise the talent of young people in the county. Auditions were held across the county and the successful finalists gave outstanding performances at the finals event last month. Eleven contestants performed a variety of acts, all of which impressed panel of high profile judges. Judges included Carmarthen Journal Editor, Cathryn Ings; Carmarthenshire Council Leader, Councillor Meryl Gravell; Actor and Singer Marc Llewelyn and Musical Theatre performer Rebecca Marvin. Councillor Meryl Gravell said: “The Carms Stars event was a triumph. We were very impressed with the talent we saw and I’m sure these young people will go far in the field of performing arts. “It was an honour to be...

Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC) is working on a campaign to help improve school transport in the county. Statistics from their Speak up Report showed that the majority of young people rely on buses to get to school and many are faced with a long walk to school. Peter Morgan, CYC member said: “Although the journey to school on foot can only be 5 minutes, for many young people attending Carmarthenshire Secondary Schools they have to walk along narrow pavements bordering fast flowing roads in all weathers. “During the winter months young people have to face walking in the dark, along with rain, ice and snow, all of which make already dangerous journeys even more risky; we don't think it’s fair to simply ignore these pupils.” The CYC hope to get young people’s views to identify dangerous hot spots in the county. Do you have access to free transport or do you have to walk to school? Does your journey to school ever involve walking down a road with no pavement or having to face traff...

Pupils at Maes-Yr-Yrfa school took part in a workshop which raised awareness on the importance of voting. Carmarthenshire Council’s Democracy Project Officer, Aled Williams, and Rhydian Thomas, Senior Officer for Wales’ Electoral Commission, were responsible for running the workshops and explaining the different ways of voting. Pupils got an insight into the Council’s Democratic Services and learnt how they could register to vote. There was an opportunity for young people at the end of the session to ask questions concerning politics and how their vote could make a difference. Aled Williams said: “With so many young people not using their vote it’s important that we educate them on the importance of registering and how voting allows them to have a decision. “Young people should be aware that their opinions are equally as important as adults and they should take full advantage of their rights. “Many countries don’t have the freedom to vote therefore being given this right should be embr...

IMAG0039 on Flickr - Photo Sharing! It's reflected in this picture of the ducks at Sandy Water Park!

Pupils from the St David's area were entertained by a group of top storytellers at a special Reading Festival. Several leading authors and storytellers joined pupils from the St David's area for the one day event at Roch Primary School. Organised by Pembrokeshire County Council's education department, the Festival aimed to encourage children to enjoy stories and reading. As well as listening to tales, the youngsters also got the chance to make illustrations, cartoons and write poetry - as well as make bookmarks and participate in a puppet show. Among those on hand to inspire them were Chris White- author and illustrator from Derby; Chris Stephens - a children's writer from Pembrokeshire; Francis Maxey - a story teller, actor and clown from Cardiff and Melissa Holloway - a story teller from Pembrokeshire. The festival was funded and organised by the Community Focused Schools initiative and led by Kerry Anne Goodridge. All the pupils who took part took home a reading fold...

"I said to Mark if this was a hoax and I launched an international rescue, I would give him the bill. But he said, no, it was serious" - The friend who was DIY shopping when he was called by a friend who was stranded in the Caribbean. When your ship is called Titanic you've got to be careful, right? When sailor Mark Corbett's ship was literally sinking he pulled out his mobile phone to dial the only number he could remember - his friend Alex Evans. Mr Evans, a lifeboat crewman was at a DIY store in Wales when he took the call, but that didn't stop him coordinating a rescue operation to save his friend.

The opening day of the season was on ‘All Fools Day’ and with wind, rain, sleet and snow greeting anglers one’s sanity could be questioned! But anglers, being a hardy lot, took to the water with enthusiasm and the burning question: Were their new inventions at the vice going to work . . . or maybe should they have taken the Ghillie’s advice? Just to keep things interesting, there was a bottle of fine Welsh malt, Penderyn, to the captor of the first fish of the season at stake! Just 20 minutes into the new season, Mr Steve Watts of Llandeilo not only landed the first fish of the day- a superb over wintered brownie of some 1lb 8oz but also snaffled the bottle of malt as his well deserved prize. The fish took a Black Pennel on a slow sinking line along Cairn Drift. Best boat of the day was that of Roger Bradley and Mr Tandy who landed five brownies and two sea trout on black & green lures on an intermediate line. On the same day that Chelsea were beating Manchester Utd, a Mr Furgeson ...

Pictured with the Mayor of Carmarthen, Councillor Ken Lloyd, is the winner of the Mayor's Easter Monday Fun Run, Mathew Evans. The full list of category winners - OVERALL MALE Mathew Evans OVERALL FEMALE Alaw Thomas Best Fancy Dress Nigel Jenkins MALES UNDER 40 1 Mathew Evans 2 Wynne Evans 3 Tom Pearson FEMALES UNDER 35 1 Alaw Thomas 2 Emily Downny 3 Gwen Morris MALE VET 40+ 1 Kevin Griffiths 2 Stephen Thomas 3 Stephen Butromworth FEMALE VET 35+ 1 Sharon Leach 2 Joanne Thatcher 3 Jenny Phillips MALE VET 50+ 1 Phil Meylar 2 Patrick Wing 3 Dewi Price FEMALE VET 45+ 1 Susan Bevan 2 Jacquleine Brace 3 Caroline Jones MALE VET 60+ 1 Rowlan Sherwood 2 Bryan Slate FEMALE VET 55+ 1 Pauline Thomas 2 Oona Crawford For more pictures of the race day, see - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/robertapvincent/CarmarthenMayorSFunRun2010#

Massive cider duty hike shelved - General news - Politics - Morning Advertiser Good news for cider drinkers, but the apples aren't out of the woods yet!

No win, no fee libel reform falls at final hurdle - Press Gazette

BBC News - Liverpool airport worker 'knew man was dead' The bizarre story of trying to check-in a dead guy at the airport!

CPD Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen AFC The Old Gold remain in 11th place in the Welsh Premier League, two points adrift of tenth-placed Airbus UK Broughton, who have played one game less. Town are also just one point ahead of West Wales rivals Haverfordwest who now have a game in hand over the Richmond Park outfit.

"When they got there, it was basically some burnt toast that had set the alarm off" - spokesman for Buckinghamshire fire service which was stood down after an emergency at Tony Blair's country house Four engines were sent to the Blairs' historic home when a smoke alarm was activated, automatically triggering a call to the local fire station. It turned out someone had burnt the toast. Wonder who was doing the cooking?

Phew! Helped out at the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run yesterday. Biggest turnout of runners in four years. Raised more than £2,000 for local charities. Will post some pictures later.