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

Off to Heathrow to collect darling daughter Kathryn. She's been globe-trotting for four months.

Manic morning in Lloyd household. Son James and assorted pals just departing for Beach Break Live at Pembrey. Off to Carmarthen for first business meeting of the day. Then two more meets in Llanelli followed by preparations for daughter Kathryn's homecoming from world tour tomorrow!

Bancyfelin Carnival Queen, Rose Queen, Fairy Queen, and Prince Charming were recently chosen at the village hall. After entertainment by local musician and singer Bongo Clive, who got all the youngsters drumming in a percussion class, the judges for the evening arrived. They were Caroline Daymond, Executive Director of BMI Werndale Hospital, with husband Michael, and Shan Rees, Business Development Executive at Werndale Hospital, with husband Graham. The BMI Werndale Hospital is a keen supporter of activities in the village, with Caroline and Shan also being part of Bancyfelin village hall’s management committee. The judges chose Sioned Hight as Carnival Queen for 2011. Her attendants will be Shay-Elise Sebastian, Rachel Howells, and Gwennan Lewis. Young Lauren Walters was chosen as Rose Queen, supported by Nia Sharp and Hannah Harvey. Handsome Joshua Creamer was chosen as Prince Charming, with Ben Harvey as his Prince Consort. Little Ffion Howells became Fairy Queen, with Millie Willi...

Off to Cardiff for a HPC Wales (high performance computing project) meeting at Fujitsu.

Staff, service users and friends of Blaenau Children’s Centre, Ammanford, have held a charity golf day at Carmarthen Golf Club to raise funds for new toys and special needs equipment. The centre, a registered charity, supports families with children who have learning disabilities and other varying disabilities, providing short overnight respite breaks. More than £2,000 was raised from the event. Pic Jeff Connell

Just had my interview for the London Olympics of 2012. Have voluntered to be be 'Games Maker' with the Press Operations team. It'll be October before I find out if I've reached the next stage. Interviews were at The old Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay. Exhibition, film show and interview all packed into one morning!

Off to Cardiff Bay for a big pow-wow this morning.

The prestigious Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating the award of an AA Rosette for the quality of its restaurant food. The award comes just three months after the arrival of new Head Chef Tom Mansfield and his dedicated team at the Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa. “The AA Rosette is universally recognised as a seriously good award,” said Lamphey Court manager Phil Thomas. “It’s a tremendous boost for the hard-working team at the Lamphey Court and recognition of their commitment to excellent cuisine and making sure that quality counts at every stage. “We take great pride here in making sure that we source our food locally using local growers, producers and suppliers. We have a pride in Pembrokeshire and making sure the very best produce from the county is served in our restaurant. “It is a wonderful achievement for Tom and his team as he has only been in post three months. But, during that three months, he has certainly made his mark in the community and his repu...

Sad news about the death of the Llanelli Reds football club press and programme editor Hugh Roberts. A great character and friend to many who will be greatly missed. IN MEMORIUM

An additional CCTV camera is to be installed in Burry Port. The Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership has funded the camera, costing almost £10,000, following a request from the police and the town council. The location of the new camera is yet to be decided but police will be consulting with the local councillors as to where it should be placed. It is hoped it will help police in their fight against crime and anti-social behaviour as well as provide reassurance for residents by reducing the fear of crime. The town already has two CCTV cameras and the new addition will significantly increase coverage in the area. County councillors Pat Jones and Stephen James have welcomed the crime prevention boost for the town. Cllr Jones said: “CCTV is seen as a major deterrent against all types of crime as well as anti-social behaviour and I am delighted that we are getting another camera in the town, I am sure residents will also be pleased as it will also help to increase safety. Of course...

A celebration of Carmarthenshire’s spectacular wildlife is about to get underway in the county. A host of events is being staged this week to highlight the region’s rich habitats, and its coastal and marine treasures. Walks and activities will be taking place throughout the county, to mark this year’s Wales Biodiversity Week. Organisers hope they will encourage residents and visitors alike to find out more about the wonderful wildlife Carmarthenshire has to offer. They want to educate people about the county’s mountains, mooorlands, rivers, wetlands and woodlands in a fun and entertaining way. Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the week long programme, as part of its biodiversity work in the area. During the week a coastal ranger will lead a walk through the dunes at Pembrey Burrows to explain how dunes form and protect our coastline. A reptile hunt will take place at Llyn Llech Owain Country Park along with a pond dip looking for elusive newts. The county’s coastal and marine ha...

There's a night of celebration at the Amman Centre in Ammanford on Friday night. Lleisiau'r Cwm are celebrating 15 years this year and Cantata are celebrating the S4C title of Female Choir of Wales. Catrin Hughes, from Ysgol y Strade, conducts both choirs so the event promises to be an evening to remember. Concert details: Amman Centre Ammanford, Friday, July 15th, 7.30 till late. Artists in the first half- Cantata, Lleisiau'r Cwm. Presenter - Heledd Cynwal S4C. Auctioneer - Glynog Davies. Star guests in the second half - Fat Barry's Soul Band. Raffle and auction on the evening - proceeds towards Bobath Cymru (celebral palsy unit). Tickets - £10 (including buffet) available from Catrin Hughes (Ysgol y Strade) and members of both choirs.

Monday off to a fab start - darling daughter's Skype call from Auckland. On last lap of adventures now and eagerly awaiting her return home!

One of Carmarthenshire’s most dynamic businesses has taken its first steps onto the international stage. EMC Services, the electrical contractors firm currently based in Llanarthne in the Towy Valley, now has a team of workers in the West African Republic of Sierra Leone. “It’s a lot different to working in Carmarthen,” smiled EMC director Neil Alexander, pictured above. “But it represents our first move into international work and it is obviously a hugely exciting project for us as a company.” The Sierra Leone contract for EMC Services comes through the company’s work with Dawnus Construction, the international civil engineering and building company which has offices in Swansea. Mr Alexander explained: “Dawnus are familiar with our work and invited us to join them on a series of projects in the Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. “Dawnus are already well established there, working for the gigantic African Minerals corporation. They have a number of constructio...