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

Llanelli Rotary Club will hold a Fellowship meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, at 1pm on Friday, May 20. The club's annual Assembly will be held at the hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 25.

Llanelli Rotary Club had two guest speakers for their weekly meeting staged at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Inspector Eric Evans and Sergeant Justin Evans gave a talk on policing in Llanelli. The vote of thanks was given by the Llanelli club's newest Rotarian, Alison Evans. Pictured are - Sgt Justin Evans, Dyfed-Powys Police Force's communications officer Catherine Evan-Williams, Rotary Club President Melanie Carroll-Cliffe and Inspector Eric Evans.

There's a musical treat at The Cricketers pub in Cathedral Road, Cardiff on Sunday, May 22. Top Welsh acoustic duo Andy and Gos will be the featured Sunday evening band for a gig starting at 5pm. Admission is free. The next weekend music event at The Cricketers is the Evan-Evans Summer Music Weekend on Saturday and Sunday June 25 and 26, featuring top Steely Dan Tribute band Steely Scam. Other great acts will be appearing in August at the sister pub of The Cricketers, The George Hotel in Brecon. More information to follow.

A bench handcrafted by people taking part in a construction taster course has been placed in the heart of a Felinfoel community in memory of one of their closest friends. A group of people from the Llundain Fach and Danybanc areas of Felinfoel were among those taking part in a Building Your Own Future in Sir Gar course, which offers people six weeks of tasters in the building trade. Each course offers participants the chance to hand make a picnic table and bench set as part of the carpentry session, but a course recently hosted by Felinfoel Communities First saw the group making an extra special effort when they began making the bench in memory of their friend Gavin Evans, who died last year at the age of 24. The bench set has now been placed in a park in the Llundain Fach estate in a fitting tribute to Gavin, who loved to socialize with friends and neighbours in the area. His parents Nigel and Tania Evans, and his sister Ashleeann, were amongst friends and family when the bench was u...

A homeless teenager from Llanelli has defeated the odds – and plenty of opponents – to rise up through the ranks of kickboxing. Purple belt Liam Thorley is in training to represent Wales at the British and World Championships later this year. The 17-year-old is being supported by The Wallich, a charity which works with homeless and vulnerable people to find solutions and prevent its occurrence, and Supporting People, a service run by Carmarthenshire County Council which supports vulnerable people to live independently in the community through supported housing projects. Liam is currently staying at The Wallich’s Llanelli base in Clos Sant Paul, and has impressed staff with his willingness to succeed, despite the personal troubles he has had to deal with over recent months. As well as training to represent his country in kickboxing, Liam is also a full-time student studying IT at Gorseinon College, and has plans to go to university in September to study computer games design. “I’ve been...

A small Carmarthenshire community has shown what it’s made of by creating a new group to take over the provision of day club services for older people. Over 90 residents from Ystradowen got involved when they heard that the county council was planning to withdraw day club services from the area as part of a wider review on day services. They met with staff from the council’s social care, regeneration and corporate property departments to come up with a supported plan which meant they could take control of the service. Since the meeting, the community has formed a 10-strong committee, brought together a group of volunteers and persuaded Quarter Bach Community Council to become the key holders of the building. They are now looking at bringing the centre entirely in to the ownership of the local community. It means that the service will continue as before, and now has the opportunity to expand and become more tailored in line with local need. Carmarthenshire County Council has supported t...

As Lord Alan Sugar launches his popular TV show The Apprentice, people living in Carmarthenshire are being reminded of our very own search to find a new apprentice. The deadline is looming for those who want to be in the running to land a two-year minimum paid construction apprenticeship with Llanelli-based building company Lloyd and Gravell Ltd. Next Steps is being run in partnership by Lloyd and Gravell, the council’s Property Services division, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction and Training Association Ltd (CCTAL). The competition is open to men and women, aged 16 or over and living in Carmarthenshire. Candidates will be put through six weeks of on-site construction training and will be set challenges with rewards and forfeits to test their ability to learn new skills. A winner will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at Parc Y Scarlets in August, and they will start their first day ‘on the job’ just days later. The apprenticeship is full-time and paid for a minimum ...

People across Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to consider if they have got what it takes to be a foster carer. Throughout Fostering Fortnight (May 16-29), Carmarthenshire County Council’s Fostering Recruitment Team will be out in force advising the public about the range of fostering opportunities available. In Carmarthenshire, there is particular need for foster carers for children aged 10 and over – particularly in the Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli areas. Foster carers are also needed for the council’s Parent and Baby support scheme. The team will be asking people to consider fostering, and helping to dispel common myths about fostering - for instance, you don’t have to be married, or have children of your own. Jackie Sloane, Fostering Recruitment Team Manager, said: “Many people have pre-conceived ideas about fostering – but there is no fixed set of qualifications for the ideal foster family – all we ask is for people to provide a loving and stable environment, and we will...

Carmarthenshire Council housing tenants in the Llanelli area are being invited to drop in to a new Tenant Resource Office, which has been set up in the town. Carmarthenshire County Council has set up the facility within its Y Hafan Sheltered Scheme, in Station Road. The resource office is open five days a week, from 10am to 1pm, and allows housing tenants to drop in and speak to housing and tenant participation officers, as well as tenant executive members which represent tenants and work closely with council officers. Members of tenant and resident associations can also use the office to hold small meetings and access office equipment. Tenant Debbie Pearce said: “Since the resource office has been open, far more tenants have visited us to utilise the equipment and book the meeting room. Housing services staff are available to hold surgeries with tenants on a wide range of issues. Tenants can also meet tenant executive members to share information and get guidance on local events and t...

A total of 10 talented film and TV students from Aberystwyth University had the experience of working on a professional TV shoot on their doorstep, as Boomerang made use of the University’s new digital studio facilities for its new children’s TV show Sbridiri. The final year students who will be scouting for media jobs in the coming months had already come into contact with the company through production research modules in the Department. Marged Rees, said “The opportunity to have work experience in the industry was incredible. We were able see how a professional shoot operates and become part of the team. It was an experience that will help us a great deal in the future.” Sbridiri is a brand new children’s art programme aimed at young children. The stars of this show are Iwan John, who plays the character Twm Tisian, and his co-presenter Lisa Marged. It was broadcast for the first time on S4C’s under it’s Cyw brand on Thursday, May 12. This is the first studio-based series to be prod...

Nice 'state of the nation' piece on University of Wales Trinity St David (TSD) in Carmarthen and Lampeter on the thisissouthwales.co.uk website - http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/University-changes-mean-benefits-town/article-3539227-detail/article.html

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - The annual Carmarthen Town AFC presentation evening was held in the Clubhouse and Community Centre at Richmond Park. There were presentations to first team players, Under-19s and Reserves. There was also a question and answer session with Town manager Tomi Morgan. Goalkeeper Mike Lewis won both the Supporters' Player of the Year and the Club Player of the Year awards. Craig Frater won the Reserve Team Player of the Year award, while Oliver Ardolino won the Youth Team Player award. A Sacha Walters 'special' in the Welsh Cup tie against Connah's Quay won the Goal of the Season. Andrew Thomas was nominated as Clubman of the Year and the club received donations from Ron and Celia Kirkby (club shop) and the club's Ladies Committee (tea bar). The MC for the evening was Carmarthen Town vice-chairman Robert Lloyd. ------------------------------------- Carmarthen Town's Annua...

Llanelli Rotarian Mark Evans completed the Carten 100 charity cycle ride from Cardiff to Tenby last weekend. He is pictured with fellow Rotarians and supporters just after completing the leg to Loughor Bridge. Since the inception of the Carten 100, a staggering £49,000 plus has been raised for charity.

The Cricketers pub in Cathedral Road, Cardiff, now has its very own cricket team. Called The Trotters, the team has been set up by pub regulars and is sponsored by The Cricketers. "We are delighted to back the team and hope they do very well this cricket season," said the general manager of The Cricketers, Michelle Francis. Set in a classic Victorian Town House, within a well hit 'six' of the Glamorgan county cricket ground at the Swalec Stadium, The Cricketers offers a great range of quality Welsh real ales, chilled continental lagers and a fine selection of wines, many available by the glass; drinks to suit every taste. The pub also has the sunniest Beer Garden in Cardiff! The food offering is by the star head chef, Dan Henry. Website - http://www.cricketerscardiff.co.uk/index.html

Lovely story in the Llanelli Star about Trostre ABC stalwart Del Philips and his memories of the boxing legend Henry Cooper. Llanelli Star puts spotlight on Friends of Court Farm fundraising concert - featuring Cor Meibion Llanelli! It's on May 20 at St Illtyd's. Smashing page 1 and back page pics of Welsh Cup winning Llanelli Reds in Llanelli Star - with, of course, the Jenkins logo on the shirts! Nice piece in the Carmarthen Journal today about Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans and his busy schedule of concerts. 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column in the Carmarthen Journal today - plus presentation nights pictures! Excellent eight-page supplement in the Carmarthen Journal today on the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races.

HPC Wales – the £40million High Performance Computing project – will be taking centre stage at Westminster tonight (Wednesday, May 11). HPC Wales will have an audience of ‘movers and shakers’ for a presentation which will outline the bold ambitions for the project. The recently-appointed chief executive of HPC Wales, David Craddock, will be making the main presentation to an audience of MPs, Peers and Welsh University Vice-Chancellors. Mr Craddock said: “It is a great opportunity for HPC Wales to get its message across to some very important decision-makers. “I will be putting the spotlight on the collaborative nature of the project and the support we have had from the Welsh Assembly Government, BIS (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills), HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales) and all the universities in Wales. “I will also be putting the focus on the economic driver for the project – how HPC Wales will speed up innovation and give Welsh businesses a cutting edge....

HPC Wales – the high performance computer project which will speed up innovation and give Welsh businesses a cutting edge – has appointed its chief executive. David Craddock, 60, has been director of enterprise and collaborative projects at Aberystwyth University since 2009. Mr Craddock is already a director of HPC Wales. He has been acting CEO of HPC Wales, the £40million project which will provide a world-class super computing network, a research and innovation institute and a skills academy. The project now enters a key phase following the announcement that global technology giant Fujitsu is the successful bidder to partner with the universities in Wales to create the computer project, which will stretch to the four corners of Wales and have a reach across the rest of the globe. The contract is worth £15 million over four years to Fujitsu, who will provide infrastructure and services along with subcontractors Microsoft and Intel It represents a quantum leap forward in high performan...

Improvements to the facilities at Pembrey and Pendine Beaches are planned under the Green Seas Programme. Total funding of £110,000 has been allocated for improvements to the two beaches over the next few years, thanks to the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund, through the Welsh Assembly Government At Pembrey, funding of £21,000 has been ring fenced to refurbish existing beach Ladies and Gents toilet blocks and provide baby changing facilities in a new toilet block to be located on the main beach access. The transformation of the beach toilets at the main beach access point will involve the installation of energy conservation schemes aimed at reducing electricity and water consumption, thus reducing revenue costs. A new, more efficent and effective extractor fan system will also be installed. False ceilings with sun tunnels may be introduced to provide a facility which will be far easier to maintain than is currently the case with the present high wooden beams and ope...

Carmarthenshire Trading Standards Service is reminding householders of its scheme to help them find reliable handypersons and gardeners. The Handyperson and Gardener scheme is supported by the Community Safety Partnership, which is made up of representatives from the county council, police, fire service and other agencies. It is part of an initiative aimed at cracking down on rogue traders and cold callers and was prompted by a series of incidents in the Llanelli area where itinerant traders were targeting elderly and vulnerable people. The scheme allows householders to look at an approved list of handypersons and gardeners who charge a fair price for the job. Trading Standards in conjunction with Dyfed Powys Police held an informal get together for members of its Handyperson and Gardener scheme in Cross Hands. Tradespeople on the scheme were encouraged to report any cases of suspicious traders that they came across. Police burglary reduction officer Brian Jones said the police support...

Lovely morning down in Pembrokeshire for business meetings at the Lamphey Court Hotel.

Aberystwyth University has announced that six companies have progressed to the joint competitive dialogue stage for the development of new halls of residence that will provide modern self-catering accommodation for 1000 students. The companies are Sir Robert McAlpine Limited, Miller Construction Limited, Balfour Beatty Student Accommodation, Kier Northern Limited, City Heart and Evans Management Limited. This is the latest phase in a process that was initiated at the beginning of March when the University issued a contract notice via the Official Journal of the European Union, inviting expressions of interest from potential developers. The University is seeking partners and innovative solutions to meet the need to continue to provide excellent accommodation to its students into the future. The potential development would represent an increase of 500 beds on current levels as well as replacing existing accommodation, and provide an opportunity to further develop the unique and popular s...

This month, Aberystwyth University will showcase two innovative green computing technologies that could save the University in excess of £50,000 in electricity and travel costs. The JISC-funded PAWS (Powerdown and Wake System) project, a computer program that saves electricity by turning off idle computers, is now in its second phase of development. Speaking about the project’s success to date, Rob Johnson of Aberystwyth’s Information Services department has said: ‘PAWS Mark 1 has already saved in the region of £25,000 in electricity costs and of course more importantly approximately 185 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its inception in July 2010. We hope to at least double this saving by deployment on Staff computers and more so by deploying to other institutions’. Both Mr Johnson and his colleague, Tim Davies, will be giving a presentation at the University on the 20th of May, which falls within Wales’ Sustainability Week 2011, to describe the next phase of this project’s development. F...

A Carmarthen café has been given a facelift thanks to a grant from the Rural Development Plan for Wales. Caban y Dderwen in Mansel Street was given a Village Improvement Grant (VIG) to cover half the £4,690 cost of replacing the wooden shopfront. The grant was made under the Village Enhancement Project, which has received funding of £940,049 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 Project aims to enhance the appearance of rural towns and villages and stimulate economic growth. The VIG itself is aimed to enhance the branding of commercial properties in rural areas. Caban owner Nia Jones said she was delighted to have received such support from the local authority. She said: “Caban y Dderwen is in the Conservation Area and it has all been redone in the same traditional style. “It looks so much cleaner and better and has more kerbside appeal. A lot of people hav...

The Council of Aberystwyth University has met to consider the appropriate level of graduate contribution, and the detail of the fee plan to be submitted to the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), setting out how revenues will be allocated consistent with the guidance issued by the Funding Council. The Council needed to ensure that future revenues substituted for any phased reduction in government support, were invested in capital and teaching infrastructure to maintain a competitive position, covered the expected effects of inflation, and in particular were aligned with the priorities of the Welsh Assembly Government and the Funding Council. Aberystwyth offers high quality provision and has an excellent record for student satisfaction, and these must be protected and enhanced. Above all, the university must ensure a sustainable, internationally competitive Aberystwyth University. HEFCW requirements specify that at least 30% of the revenue above a level of £4000 be used ...

If you've been reading recent posts on this blog about the HPC Wales high performance computer project, you might be wondering how it all helps researchers at our universities. Here is one case study from Bangor University - The new HPC Wales computer will help us balance our future power needs with our desire to save the environment. The School of Ocean Sciences at Bangor University is carrying out detailed modelling to predict the long-term impact of site-choice for tidal power generation systems. As the world is taking action to reduce the damaging carbon emissions associated with fossil-fuel-based electrical power generation, attention is being focussed on renewable energy sources. Tidal power systems are attracting particular attention due to the extremely reliable natural event that underpins their operation – the tide always comes in and goes out twice a day! Marine tidal turbines directly harness the power of the tidal flow in a location by using what are effectively underw...

Rang for a doctor's appointment this morning at 8.35am. Told to attend surgery at 9.30am. Went early, seen by 9.20 and home by 9.30. What service!

The Mond Cup Final between Carmarthen Reserves and Pencader will be held on Wednesday evening, 11th May 2011, KO 6:30pm, at Richmond Park, Carmarthen.

The Welsh Assembly Government has approved, in principle, Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposals to build 39 bungalows in Llanelli and Kidwelly. The Full Council backed plans for the £3.6million scheme more than a year ago and have since lobbied the Assembly for a decision. The Assembly’s recent ‘approval in principle’ means the council can push forward with gaining the relevant planning permission for the development.

The Jenkins Bakery is doing its bit to help a mammoth charity fund-raising effort during National Doughnut Week (May 7-14). For seven days every year, bakers up and down the country sell doughnuts to raise money for The Children's Trust, a national charity which provides specialist care and rehabilitation for children with multiple disabilities. The Llanelli-based bakery is one of just two bakery businesses in Wales participating in the scheme. “We are a family business and always keen to put something back into the community,” said Russell Jenkins, operations director of the Jenkins Bakery, pictured above. “We have taken part in National Doughnut Week before and we will be doing our best to make sure that staff and customers can have a bit of fun raising cash for a very worthwhile charity.” Over the last 19 years, National Doughnut Week has raised more than £700,000. In 2011, the target is to raise at least £50,000. National Doughnut Week is sponsored by leading bakery ingredients...

Volunteers from eight different churches have taken to the streets of Carmarthen to help Saturday night revellers stay safe. They hand out flip-flops to women struggling in high heels and water and lollipops to those who have drunk too much. They also carry a first aid kit and are in constant radio contact with police. The Carmarthen NightLight project was launched in January and is being run by the Carmarthen branch of CYTUN (Churches Together in Wales). It includes 22 volunteers from eight churches of different denominations. Six volunteers - three on the streets and three back at the base - work every Saturday night from 11pm to 3am. NightLight co-ordinator the Rev Coralie Steel said: “The volunteers come from local churches and chapels and they carry flip-flops for girls who can no longer wear their shoes, as well as a first aid kit, water and lollipops. They pick up bottles and glasses, which can get broken and create a hazard for girls in bare feet, and they are in mobile phone c...

Hi-tech energy monitors are helping Carmarthenshire residents save money. Special devices that measure energy usage are available for loan from libraries across the county. Householders can borrow one for free just as they would a book, CD or DVD. And by highlighting exactly how much electricity is used, they are helping householders save pounds on their energy bills. They are available from 15 libraries across Carmarthenshire as well as through the county’s mobile library service. Residents simply plug them in and they will monitor exactly how much electricity household devices use in a day, and what the cost is. The scheme is part of a major campaign to help Carmarthenshire families save money and raise awareness of energy saving measures. Sustainability officers are behind the drive to help the planet and cut the county’s carbon footprint. The moves are also helping people who have been hit hardest by rising energy prices. Sustainability Adviser Eurgain Powell said: “The energy moni...

Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - Carmarthen Town's Annual Dinner to be held on Friday 20th May 2011 at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel Carmarthen with guest speaker Jan Molby is now sold out. ------------------------------------- Tote draw – April 26 draw, winning numbers 15 and 22. There was no winner of the prize of £200. This week’s draw for a prize of £300 was taking place on Tuesday night. ---------------------------------------------- The spotlight falls on the Carmarthen Town AFC Under-13 Academy this week. Here are some of the players who are members of the Academy - Daniel Brice, Kidwelly Black Cats FC; Emyr Green, Kidwelly Black Cats FC; Harry Goforth, Tenby FC; Jack Fisher; Newcastle Emlyn FC; Jack Parkinson, Tenby FC; Keiran Webb, Newcastle Emlyn FC; Kieran Wilson, Ammanford FC; Liam Jeffreys; Ammanford FC; Lloyd Davies; Teigrod Teilo FC; Marco Bonandrini, Teigrod Teilo FC; Ryan Webb, Newcastle Emlyn FC; Sam Jone...

The newest member of Llanelli Rotary Club was officially inducted into membership at a meeting of the club at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli. Alison Evans was officially welcomed by club president Melanie Carroll-Cliffe, left. Midlands-born Alison has lived in Llanelli since 1977. She first came to the area while working for Ammanford-based Delanair. She progressed from graduate trainee to finance director with Delanair. Following the takeover by Valeo in 1989, she joined TRW Cam Gears in Resolven. Alison worked for TRW for 18 years, for much of that time in Birmingham. Most recently, she was chief finance officer for the Continental Europe region of the United Technologies Fire and Security business. She met husband Paul in Llanelli’s famous Glen Ballroom. The couple have one daughter, Sarah. Paul worked for Ina Bearings for 43 years. Sarah is employed by DW Training in Trostre. Alison said: “I hope to bring my experience, energy and enthusiasm to supporting Llanelli Rotary Club i...

Pontypool's Jeff Evans won the Welsh light-heavyweight title by beating champion Shon Davies, from Llanelli, at the Newport Centre on Saturday night. Davies retired at the start of the seventh round with a damaged nose after Evans had dominated every round. Evans claims Welsh title (From Campaign Series) :

At the Carmarthen Town AFC annual presentation evening held at the Clubhouse and Community Centre in Richmond Park, the award for Player of The Season went to goalkeeper Mike Lewis. He is pictured receiving his award from Town manager Tomi Morgan. The MC for the evening was Robert Lloyd!

At the Carmarthen Town AFC annual presentation evening held at the Clubhouse and Community Centre in Richmond Park, the supporters award for Player of The Season went to goalkeeper Mike Lewis. He is pictured receiving his award from Town executive committee member Paul Ashley Jones. The award was given following a poll of fans.

At the Carmarthen Town AFC annual presentation evening held at the Clubhouse and Community Centre in Richmond Park, the award for Goal of The Season went to Sacha Walters, for his memorable free kick in the match versus Connah's Quay. He is pictured receiving his award from Town chairman and secretary Gareth Jones.

Congrats to Llanelli Reds on their win in the Welsh Cup Final. BBC Sport - Bangor City 1-4 Llanelli

Welsh author Peter Griffiths was the special guest at one of Cor Meibion Llanelli's rehearsal evenings at the Furnace Community Hall in Llanelli. Mr Griffiths is a native of Cynheidre, but now lives in Denver, Colorado. His latest book, the historical novel Tongue Tied, is published by Y Lolfa. Mr Griffiths was, in his own words, "schooled at Five Roads Primary, honed at Llandovery College, and finished off at Lincoln College, Oxford." His actuarial training funnelled him into the investment business and a move to the United States in 1972. Yvonne, his wife, is from Bala. They spend several months each year in Wales visiting family and friends. Mr Griffiths is a big fan of Cor Meibion Llanelli and presented members of the choir with copies of his book, Tongue Tied, "by way of appreciation for all the hours of pleasure they have given." Picture: Members of Cor Meibion Llanelli on the balcony at Furnace Community Hall with, front row, musical director Eifion Thoma...

Community police sergeant Justin Evans will be the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club being held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 11. There will be a Club Fellowship meeting at the hotel at 1pm on Friday, May 20. The club's annual Assembly will be held at the hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 25.

Off to the annual Rotary Club District Assemby at Swansea Metropolitan University.