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

Town and community councils in Carmarthenshire could be asked if they would like to take over the public toilets in their areas. A Task and Finish Group has been carrying out a review of public conveniences in Carmarthenshire. There are currently 33 grade 2 public toilets in the county operated by the council’s Street Scene division as well as nine Superloos, managed on behalf of the authority by Danfo. Although the provision of public conveniences is one of the council’s longest-established municipal services in existence, it does not have a statutory obligation to provide the service. Carmarthenshire County Council is likely to have to make efficiency savings of approximately £30million over the next three years. As a result the Task and Finish Group has concluded that the cost of operating the grade 2 public facilities – currently £226,000 a year – is not sustainable and has been investigating a range of options for future provision. The group’s preferred option would be to transfer

Carmarthenshire residents can enjoy a blast from the past at a special event being held at the County Museum next week. The museum, which is owned by Carmarthenshire County Council, is gearing up to celebrate National Archaeology Day with a series of events on Saturday, July 17. The day is free and takes place between 11am ands 4pm. As part of a festival of events across the UK, the County Museum will be hosting story telling and celebrations on the life of Owain Glyndwr. Curator Gavin Evans is encouraging people to come along, and for children to get dressed up for the occasion. “We are delighted that Archaeology Day is here again. It is always popular - children get their hands dirty and learn about our great history in a fun way,” he said. Carmarthenshire’s County Museum is based at a former palace of the Bishops of St David’s in Abergwili, Carmarthen. It houses a huge collection of artefacts amassed over more than 100 years, including mammoth bones, Roman items from the county’s Ro

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being warned about a doorstep conman pretending to be from a leading childrens’ charity. Police say the bogus caller has been operating in the Bonllwyn area of Ammanford and claims to be raising money for the NSPCC. However, he has no identification or official sponsorship forms. The Community Safety Partnership, which includes Dyfed-Powys Police and the county council, is now warning residents to be on their guard and never let a stranger into their home. The message is: IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT. Before opening the door to anyone, use a spy hole or look through the window first, then apply the door chain and ask for identification. If you are still not satisfied that the person is genuine, do not let them in but tell them to come back by appointment. If the caller is persistent, close the door and call the police. Community Safety Inspector Tony Ward said: “Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannounced,

An event held at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales - in Cardiff marked the launch of a new book and DVD, Biblical Art from Wales. Biblical Art from Wales is a lavishly illustrated volume, DVD and online database showcasing the wide variety and range of biblical art found in Wales, much of it little known and previously unpublished. Launch events have already been held at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham and in the newly refurbished Founders’ Library at the University of Wales Lampeter. The final event was at Amgueddfa Cymru - a particularly suitable venue since images from its special collections are included in the book and DVD. Throughout Wales, the Bible has been interpreted and illustrated in a surprising range of media: in paint and sculpture, needlework and ceramic, woodcarving and engraving. The illustrations are drawn from across Wales and from a wide variety of places of worship: from small Nonconformist chapels and synagogues, to a colou

Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York State are one of Trinity University College's key partners in the USA. For the past three years Trinity University in Carmarthen has had the pleasure to annually welcome 30 'Study Abroad' students from the colleges to study here in Wales. The programme is unique as the students follow academic courses and undertake a Service Learning Placement during their semester at Trinity. Hobart & William Smith Colleges have now been awarded the prestigious 2010 Senator Paul Simon award for Comprehensive Internationalization - one of only five institutions to gain such an award. A Trinity spokesman said:"We look forward to developing further our working relationship with the Colleges as the new University Trinity Saint David is created and additional subjects become available for future Study Abroad. Congratulations to our colleagues and students in Hobart & William Smith Colleges!"

Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery in Llandeilo, has warmly welcomed the publication of the latest Welsh Assembly Government report into the wine, beer and cider industry in Wales today. Mr Buckley said: “As one of the leading independent brewers in Wales, I was happy to give evidence to the sub-committee which was charged with producing the report. “I am glad they have been able to report so quickly and I welcome the draft recommendations I have seen in the advance publicity. “Evan-Evans Brewery fully supports the Welsh Assembly’s initiatives contained within the report and we earnestly hope it will help the wine, beer and cider industry in Wales. “As an award-winning brewery which prides itself on producing quality brands, we look forward to working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government as they move to adopt the recommendations of the report.” Mr Buckley, 52, is a sixth generation member of the Llanelli’s world-famous Buckley brewing family. His brewery in

Trinity University College’s Ffrinj Festival saw record audience numbers across a range of creative events organised and performed by the University’s students. The Student Ffrinj Committee worked all year to prepare an exciting and vibrant programme of artistic events and were richly rewarded for their efforts. Kevin Matherick, Head of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies said: “This year has seen the students worked alongside Liane Davies from the iCreu project and Dominic Williams of Parthian Books which gave them the opportunity to work within a more professional context, creating a ffrinj website and developing their entrepreneurial skills.” The events ranged from readings from the MA Creative Writing anthology Shadow Plays at Dylan Thomas' Boathouse, Laugharne to performances of Edward Bond's play Derek ; from the launch of Sunflowers in Your Eyes, an anthology of Zimbabwean women poets, a closing Evening of Music and Dance involving Trinity’s Theatre & Performance

A new 'View from Richmond Park' column has started in the Carmarthen Journal this week. Here is the column in full - Welcome to a new weekly Carmarthen Journal column focussing on the work of Carmarthen Town AFC football club. And it’s appropriate that this new column starts with the spotlight on what is one of the most important dates in the football club’s calendar – the annual fete and football tournament. The fete and football tournament kicks off at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, at 10.30am on Saturday, July 10. Many Journal readers have kindly supported this event already by purchasing lucky number programmes from street sellers in and around Carmarthen. Your support is greatly appreciated – but we also want to see you at Richmond Park on Saturday as it promises to be a hugely entertaining day. A whole host of primary school teams have already entered the competition. Remember: teams must be at Richmond by 10am. For further information, contact Emlyn Schiavone on 07919 592628

A second year student at Trinity University College is looking forward to studying in America after winning a scholarship of £1,000 from the Welsh Livery Guild. Glesni Price-Jones, who is studying the BA in Theatre Design and Production, was chosen to receive the scholarship as she proved in her interview, according to adjudicators Dr John Walters and Bryan March of the Guild, her commitment to the arts in Wales. Glesni, a former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllywin Pontypool, will be using the money towards the cost of studying at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, the most recent university to join Trinity’s study abroad programme which facilitates student exchange between Wales and the USA. The Scholarship was presented to a student of the University by the Welsh Livery Guild, an organisation establishedfor the purpose of promoting education, science and the fine arts, and in particular the promotion of skills and associated professional activities in Wales. On receiving the sc

Lynwen Haf Roberts, 21, from Llangadfan, Welshpool, has won the first prize in the Musical Theatre Competition held during the Trinity Arts Festival. Lynwen, a recent graduate of performing arts at Trinity University College Carmarthen, won the competition for her performance of Everybody Loves Louis, from the musical Sunday in the Park with George, Still Hurting from The Last Five Years and Astonishing from Little Women. She received a cheque for £300 from competition adjudicator West End star Peter Karrie. “I’m delighted to have won this prize and I must say it was a bit of a shock. It’s the pinnacle of a fantastic time at Trinity as I’ve had the opportunity to study in America, perform in New York experienced success in the Urdd National Eisteddfod and have been a part of a touring production of musical Heb Ei Fai by Eilir Owen Griffith and Ceri Elen. I’m really grateful for all the help I’ve received during my three years at Trinity.” The other finalist in the competition were Am

Interesting email from The United States today following my earlier post about the new Dylan Thomas trail being established in Laugharne (see - http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-dylan-thomas-trail-for-laugharne.html ) Philip Watt is planning a solo show about the poet's life at the age of 19. It is called 'Dylan Thomas, 19'. Philip is embarking on the Stateside tour this autumn and has plans to bring the show to the UK. You can find out more about the show on - www.dylanthomas19.com The site includes a short video preview of the show. Philip Watt began his acting career at age 15 with roles in Waiting for Godot, As You Like It, The Lion in Winter, The Wind in the Willows, Master Harold and the boys, Marvin’s Room, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, and his adaptation of Franny and Zooey, by 17. At Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music, Drama Department, he played the hostage in The Hostage, the clown in The Winter’s Tale, the glazier in Strindberg’s A Dream Play, the cook in

A young tenor from South Korea has won the Stuart Burrows International Voice Award and the top prize of £4,000. Jung Soo Yun impressed judges Brian Hughes and Dr Terry James in the closing event in the Trinity Arts Festival which saw five other soloist reach the final for the coveted prize. A music graduate of Yonsei University in Seoul, Jung Soo has gained a Master of Music degree with distinction in 2008 and Master of Opera with distinction in November 2009 before being awarded the Director's Scholarship to study at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice under Dennis O'Neill CBE in September 2009. His repertoire for the competition included Kuda, Kuda from Tchaikovsy’s Eugene Onegin, Si mes ver avaient des ailes by Hahn, Am feierabend from Die Schone Mullerin by Schubert and Che gelida manina from Puccini’s La bohème. The other competitors to reach the final of the competition were tenor Robyn Lyn Evans, from Tregaron, Irish mezzo-soprano, Máire Flavin, Swansea Soprano N

You can turn your hand to anything at Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts by Celebrating Summer in St Clears. There is a packed programme of activities to keep busy youngsters active and occupied and parents can join in the fun too. All ages can be involved in a colourful and eventful “celebrating summer” programme of activities at the St Clear’s Craft Centre ranging from making delicious cup cakes to blowing your own saxaphonic creation at a junk workshop or reining in your own made hobby horse. There are opportunities for children to get engaged in creative writing sessions, collage making, painting, pottery, making corn dollies, making art journals, hobby horses pop up puppets, Chinese dragons or even for parents to capture their child’s finger print in fine silver. To add to the flavour Food & Craft Markets are being launched in the town on July 30. The Centre is working in partnership with St Clears Town Council providing these markets to support local producers and help consum

Carmarthenshire County Council staff are being invited to take part in a round of health screenings to assess their risks of developing osteoporosis, prostate cancer and heart problems. The health screenings are being organised by the council’s Occupational Health Unit as part of its commitment to keeping the workforce healthy. The assessments include an ultrasound bone density heel scan - particularly useful in women, who are more prone to developing osteoporosis. The simple three-minute scan measures bone density profile and provides a good indication of the risk of suffering hip fractures later in life. Male staff, aged 45 and over, are being offered a finger-prick blood test which measures the presence and concentration of prostate specific antigen in their circulation. There will also be cardiovascular assessments which give an estimate of the degree of artery wall damage in the coronary vessels of the heart using a standard blood pressure device. Any real health issues that come

A one-stop funding fair in Carmarthenshire has been shortlisted for a major national award. The Regional Funding Fair has made it through to the finals of the prestigious Excellence Wales awards. The inaugural event two years ago attracted more than 1,500 people and over 50 exhibitors to the United Counties Showground. It was such a big success that a second regional event has just been staged at Ffos Las. Organisers say the event has helped to shape the future of partnership working in South West Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council officers approached the South Wales Regional Partnership with proposals for a regional pilot event, after a successful local funding fair. Scores of groups, charities and organisations attended to meet with high profile funders, and access top level advice on grant support and funding streams. A statement of intent for regional partnership working between the local authorities and the councils for voluntary service in South West Wales was signed at the ev

Trinity University College and the National Trust’s Newton House at Dinefwr Park and Castle have developed a range of opportunities for students to showcase and exhibit their work within the creative and performing arts. As part of the University's Arts Festival, Vice Chancellor, Dr Medwin Hughes and Selina Carpenter, Visitor Operations Manager signed a Memorandum of Understanding which secures and develops the working relationship between the National Trust property and the University. Dr Hughes said: “The University acknowledges the significant commitment by staff at Newton House to encourage, develop and support a range of events. We are grateful for their support and for the opportunities and experiences this kind of activity offers our students and staff.” Work to date has included theatre performances, utilising Newton House as both a stimulus and setting for productions; musical recitals; theatre design exhibitions; projects for Teacher Training students; and work placement

Trinity University College and Wales Dyslexia have signed a Memorandum of Agreement which will see both organisations utilising each other’s expertise and working collaboratively on a number of areas relating to dyslexia. The agreement will involve collaboration on research and other projects linked to dyslexia; making joint funding applications in relation to developing relevant learning resources and in particular Welsh language and bilingual resources to support dyslexia in Wales. It will also enable students at Trinity University College studying education and social inclusion programmes to gain a greater understanding of the needs of those who are dyslexic and for dyslexic students to benefit from enhanced learning opportunities. Mr Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Training said: “We are very pleased to work in partnership with Wales Dyslexia. "As we move forward to create the University of Wales Trinity Saint David alongside colleagues at Lampeter, we

Simon Buckley, chief executive of Evan-Evans brewery, has a new monthly column in the Carmarthen Journal (see the Out and About section this week). Iechyd Da! Help us to Help them, Heroes lager, the people’s Lager is on its way. This month I am unashamedly writing about a product that I am directly involved with, Heroes Lager. In September this year a new lager is going to be launched called Heroes Lager. You might well think what is HE doing writing about a lager? Read on and you will want to be part of this. This is not a lager owned by some Mega International Brewer, but a group of Welshmen who are committed to raising £2million per annum for our military charities and to help those wounded and their families in the current conflicts in the Middle East. All the profits excluding some marketing support and basic administrative cost go to military charities to support our wounded servicemen and women, and their families. I am proud to lead the team that has worked for the last three y

Carmarthenshire residents are being given the chance to have their say on proposals by the Welsh Assembly Government to introduce a 7p charge for single use carrier bags. More than 400 million single use carrier bags are currently given out to Welsh shoppers each year. Environment Minister Jane Davidson is proposing a charge of 7p per bag to transform shopping habits and reduce the number of single use carrier bags given out in Wales. Speaking about this issue, the Environment Minister said: “Carrier bags are an iconic symbol of the throwaway society in which we live. "Whilst I know that reducing our use of single use carrier bags is not going to solve all our environmental problems, the charge delivers an important message about the need for us to live much more sustainable lives. “I am confident that the Welsh public will embrace the carrier bag charge and see it as positive step towards preserving our beautiful countryside and helping Wales to reduce its carbon footprint”. The

Members of Llanelli Round Table will be hosting a charity bike ride on Sunday (11th July), starting from the Discovery centre at North Dock, Llanelli. There will be an adult ride over 31 miles and a junior ride for schoolchildren over eight miles. “It promises to be a great day out and a great chance to take part in exercise that will do you good and help local charities,” said Round Table chairman Craig Toutt. “The aim is to raise money for the local Breathe Easy groups, which are part of the British Lung Foundation. “At the same time, we will give local schools the opportunity to raise funds to benefit themselves. “In the junior ride section, 50% of all money raised by individual schools will be returned to the school the week following the event.” Mr Toutt said he expected all children and parents wishing to take part to raise a minimum of £5 per person. The junior cycle ride follows the Llanelli costal path from the North Dock Discovery centre to Burry Port and back. The event has

A new walking trail is being developed in Laugharne to celebrate the life and work of Dylan Thomas. Visitors will be encouraged to read and walk in the footsteps of the legendary poet. They will be guided through an area which was home to the literary giant half a century ago, and provided him with a constant source of inspiration. The trail through Laugharne woodland has been inspired by a poem Thomas wrote on his 30th birthday called ‘A Poem in October,’ describing the view as you walk along the path. Organisers hope to make the town a birthday destination, where visitors will walk the trail every year and read Thomas’ prophetic words “O may my hearts truth Still be sung On this high hill in a year’s turning.” The Laugharne Corporation is behind the scheme and has just secured a grant of £12,857 from the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness programme. The project is a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Menter Bro Dinefwr, which has received funding through the

Farmers markets are to be launched in St Clears as part of exciting new plans to boost the economy. Fortnightly food and craft markets are being planned in the Carmarthenshire town. Organisers hope the venture will bring a trading boost to the area, with spins off for local businesses. The markets would be held along Pentre Road, and once established could be increased to weekly events during the summer. It follows demand for more community events from local residents and businesses. The Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts in St Clears has also backed the plan. St Clears Town Council has just secured a grant of £15,503 from the Developing Identity and Distinctiveness programme for market stalls and equipment. The project is a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Menter Bro Dinefwr. It has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The

Spotted this on the interweb thingy - Classic!

Carmarthenshire planners will go on a site visit on Tuesday to look at the proposed home for a 512-seat theatre in Llanelli. The county council has applied for full planning permission for a theatre and community based development at the former Stepney Hotel site and Zion Chapel and Sunday School in Upper Park Street, Llanelli, as part of the Eastgate Development. The scheme is to provide a theatre, a 100-seat performance rehearsal space, social enterprise facilities, teaching space, bar/cafe and associated administration rooms. Following the site visit, the application will be discussed by the planning committee in the Chamber at County Hall.

A group of Felinfoel mums are laying the foundations for a future career in the building trade. In a unique project, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council’s building services division and Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, eight mums have been engaged through Felinfoel Communities First to take part in an eight-week taster course in construction. The council has linked up with partners in Coleg Sir Gâr and the Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd to put on the course, which it hopes to eventually roll out to other parts of the county. During the six weeks, the mums have taken part in taster sessions in carpentry, plaster work, plumbing, painting and decorating. They have made their own bird feeders, and worked together to produce two picnic tables and benches – one of which has been donated to Felinfoel Family Centre, where their children attend, and the other to Felinfoel Primary School. Mum-of-two Amanda Wilmott, from Dafen, said: “It’s been great to have something t

Bwcabus is celebrating having carried its 10,000 passenger, Margaret Cross, from Rhydlewis, Llandysul. Mrs Cross said she was “delighted with the Bwcabus service” which is revolutionising public transport in rural west Wales. She said: “I feel very privileged to have been its 10,000 passenger.” The outreach bus service is exceeding all expectations having carried so many passengers three months ahead of expectations. Bwcabus was launched in August 2009. It is an on-demand local bus service tailored to the needs of passengers in Teifi Valley’s rural villages by delivering them to local towns, villages or hubs along the main route of the 460 bus service from Carmarthen to Cardigan. Bwcabus uses state of the art scheduling technology developed by the Wales Transport Research Centre at the University of Glamorgan by booking passengers on to the bus from its bilingual call centre operated by Traveline Cymru. Bwcabus is the brainchild of Welsh transport expert, Professor Stuart Cole. It was

The annual Carmarthenshire learner and tutor awards took place at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli to celebrate the success of adult learners and tutors from around Carmarthenshire. Every year nominations are sought for learners who have returned to learn, who have achieved significant results despite overwhelming barriers, and for tutors for their outstanding teaching and support. This year two people have been supported by Genesis and have won the awards in the Community Learner and Art Categories. Shelly Hobson from Tumble who won the Community Learning Award started her journey last year with the Genesis course in the community then went on to do hairdressing at Coleg Sir Gar, Pibwrlwyd. Genesis advisor, Liz Reeves-Davies said:“Shelly, a single mum to three young children, has demonstrated commitment and determination throughout her courses. Despite her shyness she has become a student rep and has won the ‘learner of the month’ award. Shelly intends to continue at college until s

A young parents group based in Ammanford will be opening their doors to new beginners following the summer break. From September, young parents can take advantage of the Funky Parents group, run by Carmarthenshire Youth Service Engage Project, The Language and Play Department, Iechyd Da, Communities First and Careers Wales West. Parents attending the group have received information on funding available for childcare and have been given the opportunity to participated in language and play sessions which have been beneficial for both child and parent. Future sessions will include healthy eating with the possibility of achieving an OCN qualification. Detached Youth Worker Sarann Richards said: “The group is really starting to develop and we are receiving referrals from various agencies. “Parents have enjoyed attending the sessions and have made new friends. Attending the group gives parents the opportunity to develop skills with their children while having a great time. “A warm welcome aw

The first youth magazine in Carmarthenshire has been hailed a success by young people in the county. Carmarthenshire Youth has been an added tool in providing vital information to young people between the ages of 11-25. Carmarthenshire Youth is distributed to youth organisations, youth clubs, leisure centres, libraries, schools and colleges across the county on a quarterly basis. The magazine informs young people on activities and services available to them across the county as well as providing advice on youth issues. Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge, Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services said: “The magazine is produced in partnership by Carmarthenshire Youth Council and Carmarthenshire Council’s Youth Service to ensure that young people are aware of what support is available to them. “Many young people have reaped the benefits of the publication and have attended various projects as a result. “The Youth Service is also in the process of launching their new Carmarth