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

Bancyfelin village in west Wales has two great reasons to be very proud during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Two Bancyfelin boys, Michael Phillips and Jonathan Davies, are key members of the Wales rugby team and are acquitting themselves with honour on the field. During the Rugby World Cup quarter final match against Ireland, both scored skilful tries at critical points in the game. Indeed, through their achievement Bancyfelin can claim to be the only village in Wales to have produced two important players in Wales’ rugby team. As a result, local residents can enjoy the glory which such achievement brings to Wales and to Bancyfelin, in particular. Celebrations are well to the fore in the village with the school, the Post Office, the Fox and Hounds Inn and every lamppost and notice board carrying pictures of the famous duo. On Saturday morning, the Fox and Hounds Inn was packed with supporters watching the semin-final against France on the big screen. Bancyfelin, which is five mil...

Andy Klom, Head of the European Commission's Office for Wales since 2005, will speak about new roles and challenges for the European Commission in the crisis-ridden Europe at Aberystwyth University on Monday 17 October. In a lecture entitled ‘In the eye of the storm: the European Commission's role and responsibilities’, Andy Klom will address the Centre for European Studies at Aberystwyth University. He will discuss the role and responsibilities of the European Commission during the past 60 years of European integration, its position today, and the outlook for the future. At a time when the integration process in Europe appears to be on the brink of tremendous changes, either moving dramatically forward or starting to slip into recession, the European Commission continues to hold a key position in the high level negotiations on the future of Europe. Andy Klom is the European Commission's representative in Wales and has been the Head of its Office in Wales since 2005. He is ...

Aberystwyth University has announced the findings of a project on the development of human rights indicators regarding the participation of parents in compulsory education. In an event convened by the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University, partners from across Europe presented their findings from a three year project sponsored by the European Union into the role of parents, and the level of their participation, in ensuring the quality of education. Dr Marco Odello, Senior Lecturer in Law at Aberystwyth University was joined by Professor Michele Brunelli, UNESCO Chair from the University of Bergamo, Italy and Ms Valeria Ariategui from OIDEL, a Geneva based NGO dealing with human rights and education, in presenting their findings of the research project. The project involved a network of eight partner institutions from across Europe with Wales and England being represented by Dr Marco Odello and Jill St George, both from the Department of Law and Criminology at Aber...

From Tuesday, October 18, people across the whole of Carmarthenshire will be able to go online and support their favourite of the county’s fields which are destined to achieve Queen Elizabeth II Field status in celebration of The Queen’s forthcoming diamond jubilee. Carmarthenshire County Council has nominated seven major parks throughout the county for inclusion in the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge and some of these parks may be able to access funds through the scheme. They will also have a plaque to signify their important status as part of this UK-wide scheme. The nominated fields are: Carmarthen Park, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen, SA31 Llangunnor Park, Brynmeurig, Llangunnor, SA31 Llandovery Park, Broad Street, Llandovery, SA20 People’s Park (Parc y Dre’), Town Hall Square, Llanelli, SA15 Ammanford Park, Tirydail Lane, Ammanford, SA31 Penygroes Park, Waterloo Road, Penygroes, SA14 Park Le Conquet, Carmarthen Road, Llangunnor, SA19 The Save a Space opportunity will be available onli...

The dust is starting to settle after the Welsh defeat in the rugby World Cup semi-finals. Feeling a bit drained and empty after the rollercoaster ride. Yes, there will be plenty of debate about the red card. But we shouldn't ignore the fact our guys did Wales proud. They deserve a heroes' welcome on their return home.

Llandeilo residents will be the next to benefit from a roadshow which aims to make people more aware of the help available to them in times of financial strain. Representatives from several organisations which make up Advice Support Carmarthenshire have been hitting the road to offer information on a range of issues such as reducing fuel bills, volunteering, benefit entitlements, housing and much more. The roadshow has already visited several towns and communities across the county, and will be based at Llandeilo town car park for its next stop on Thursday, October 20. Information and question and answer sessions are also being broadcast on Radio Carmarthenshire and Scarlet FM. Amongst those signed up as part of the ASC network are Age Cymru, CAVS, Mencap, Job Force Wales, the Department of Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice Bureau. ASC co-ordinator, Lyn Bright, said: “We have experienced officers on-hand to help people understand what support they may be eligible to, and we can als...

Pantyffynnon Communities First Partnership Group has received an award of £46,639 by WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) to refurbish the local park. The award is the result of the co-ordinated effort of local residents, volunteers and the support of Communities First team. The re-development will have an array of equipment for all ages and will include an exercise area with an outdoor gym, suitable for adults and disabled people. The younger children will benefit from a climbing frame, swings, and a natural play mound whilst there will be a larger climbing frame, zipwire and assault course for older children. The project will also provide picnic tables and some planting in the area. Emma Martin-Jewell from Pantyffynnon Communities First said: “The Park will cater for all ages, not just children. The benefits that a green gym can bring to the community are not just through physical exercise, and improved mental health, but also greater community cohesion with an opportunity to mix wit...

Halloween and Bonfire Night can be fun but ‘trick or treating’ or setting off fireworks can turn into a nightmare if things get out of hand. The Community Safety Partnership, which includes the county council, police, fire and rescue service and other partner organisations, is urging people to have fun but to stay safe and think of others. The BANG initiative, which is being supported by the Scarlets, aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse. Police will be stepping up patrols during this period, visiting licensed premises and working with trading standards regarding the sale of fireworks. Remember, it is illegal to buy fireworks or have fireworks in a public place if you are under 18, and the police can issue on-the-spot fines of £80. It is also against the law to set off or throw fireworks in the street and if found guilty by the courts, you could get fined up to £5,000 and/or up to three months in prison. Again shops and supermarkets are being asked...

Six Men of Gwent are getting ready to complete a half marathon challenge in aid of the Healing The Wounds charity. The six are all soldiers with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, based in Cwmbran. They will be taking part in the Cardiff half marathon on Sunday (October 16). The team leader is Lance Corporal Graham Betty, who said the soldiers were looking forward to raising money for Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat victims of PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. “We’ve been in training for this and are relishing the challenge,” Lance Corporal Betty said. The team members are - Sapper Mark Smith, Lance Corporal Graham Betty (PTI), Sergeant Rod Williams, Sapper Barry Saunders, Sapper Neil Rees, Corporal Roy Godwin and Lance Corporal Tony Webb. Lance Corporal Betty added: “We decided to raise money for Healing The Wounds after reading about the great work it does helping to treat PTSD victims. “They are based in Wales, which means that victims of PTSD get t...

A centre of excellence in Wales has a vital role to play in transforming aid to developing countries in Africa, according to one of the leading scientists in the field. Its work is even more important during the economic downturn when countries have to be more accountable and open about their foreign aid programmes, says Dr Florence Wambugu, founder of the leading African agricultural development NGO, Africa Harvest. Dr Wambugu will visit Wales for two days to talk to pioneering researchers at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 of October. She will also help launch the Institute’s International Strategy for Development in the House of Commons on Tuesday 18 October, with Mark Williams MP in the company of former UK Ambassador to the United Nations, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, who is President of the University and the new Vice Chancellor, Professor April McMahon. As founder and chief executive of Africa Ha...

Aberystwyth University welcomed HRH the Earl of Wessex to the University. HRH Earl of Wessex’s visit to the University formed part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards celebrations held at the MedRus Conference Centre on Penglais Campus. During his visit, he met with senior members of the University and discussed how the institution is meeting the requirements of future generations of students and staff by providing high quality learning, teaching and structural provisions – all of which contribute to the excellent student experience at Aberystwyth. HRH Earl of Wessex was welcomed to the University by Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor, who presented him to the Duke of Edinburgh’s event at the University where he presented to a distinguished audience of local representatives before joining the University’s senior team for a brief presentation. Professor McMahon said: “We were delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to the University and invite him to learn about how our growing in...

The beautiful and historic venue of Winchester Cathedral was the venue for an A Night of Great Choruses from the Llanelli Choral Society. The Choral Society, with a reputation for mastering great performances of the greatest and most demanding oratorios and operas, took their audience on a journey across many operas and oratorios with great favourites such as Handel’s Zadok the Priest, the Anvil Chorus, Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Aida’s Grand March, Elijah’s Thanks be to God, Benedictus from Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man and highlights from Handel’s Messiah – including the Hallelujiah Chorus. Under the direction of conductor and founder John Hywel Williams, the Society showed passion and strength in their rendition as they toured a popular yet difficult programme of great choruses. A strong performance was enjoyed by this ever-growing mixed choral force. Acclaimed Welsh soprano, Adele O’Neill, filled the whole of Winchester Cathedral with her vocal acrobatics and delightful melodies and r...

The plants and the flowers are normally the star attractions at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley. But they were put in the shade when Miss Wales, Sara Jessica Manchipp, turned up at the gardens for a photo-shoot. The 21-year-old beauty from Port Talbot was the centre of attention, being followed around the gardens by a photographer from Red Handed magazine and a camera crew from the Welsh TV production company Teledu Telesgop “I had a lovely day here at Aberglasney,” said fluent Welsh speaker Sara, who will be taking part in the 61st edition of the Miss World pageant at Earl’s Court on November 6. “The countdown is on for the Miss World event and I am really looking forward to taking part and flying the flag for Wales. “Events like today’s photo-shoot make you appreciate what delights we have in Wales. The gardens here at Aberglasney are marvellous – and the rain held off to let us get out into all the best parts of the gardens.” Photographer Huw Walters (see picture be...

Splendid business breakfast meeting this morning with the Llanelli chapter of the BNI at The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

Off to a business network meeting in Carmarthen - then back to Llanelli for Llanelli Rotary Club's weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - There is a fund-raising charity evening planned for Friday (October 14) at the Carmarthen Town AFC Community Centre in Richmond Park, in aid of the Ty Cymorth Hospice in Carmarthen. The event will be an informal affair with tickets priced at £12.50 each and groups of people can be seated together for a cold meat knife and fork buffet. Pupils of Bro Myrddin School, with a range of musical recitals, and Gurnos Rees, an accomplished soprano cornet player will provide the entertainment. Gurnos has won the soloist prize at the National Brass Band Championship at the Albert Hall and numerous other awards. There will also be ghostly and humorous contributions from the Reverend Towyn Jones and Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths. For tickets, or to make a donation, contact Jeff Thomas 07813 697774 / 01267 236227 55 Bronwydd Rd Carmarthen SA31 2AP jeffthomas@jeffthomas.plus.com ------------------...

Story about the new Macmillan and Relate partnership in West Wales. Help offer for cancer patients | This is South Wales

Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business (SMB) has been awarded accreditation as a Study Centre for The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to teach their globally recognised professional qualifications in marketing. From the spring of 2012, businesses in Wales and beyond will be able to gain these qualifications face-to-face at Aberystwyth University. On offer will be introductory courses, as well as the Professional Certificate, Professional Diploma and two specialist Diplomas in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing, and Digital Marketing. The teaching will be undertaken by specialists in their field, with a wealth of business and academic experience. Modules will be taught at intensive weekends or weekly evening classes, in order to appeal to as wide a cross-section of businesses as possible. “This is really exciting for us and we hope that many businesses will study for their CIM qualifications so as to help them compete on a more level playing field. Our students...

Review of the 1911 Railway Strike Gala Concert - staged at Theatr Elli, Llanelli - in the Llanelli Star today. Splendid spotlght in the Llanelli Star on the Ashburnham Golf Club's Five Star food hygiene award. Headline of the day in the Evening Post - 'Dead witness left statement claiming he heard threats'. Spotlight on forthcoming Men's Dinner at The Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey in the South Wales Evening Post today. Latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today.

The South Wales-based Valley Dragons Scooter Club is getting all revved-up to help Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps victims of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). The scooter fans have been working on a racy calendar, with their own humorous take on sex appeal. “It’s all very tongue-in-cheek,” smiled one of the calendar organisers, Wayne Edwards. “There may be scantily-clad ladies or gentlemen in each snap. But, you’ll find that in most cases the appeal of the flesh is being ignored as people are more interested in the scooters! “Which is, of course, what you’d expect from scooter fans,” he laughed. “It’s all been done with humour in mind and the end result is very important to us – to raise money for Healing The Wounds. “Healing The Wounds is a Welsh-based charity seeking to treat people who suffer from PTSD in Wales, which we think is very important. Also, they do not discriminate on the grounds of conflict like other charities, who will only treat people who hav...

Nominations are now open for the annual Brin Isaac sports awards. The event, which has six categories, looks to reward local talent for excelling in sporting activities. Categories include the Brin Isaac Trophy — sportsperson of the year; Walter Hughes Cup — senior runner-up; Star Cup — junior sportsperson of the year; Stradey Centenary Cup — junior runner-up; Kelly Evans Shield — services to sport; W Jack Hughes Cup — coach of the year. The winner of last year's main award was 400 metres hurdler Dai Greene. This year's event is at the Stradey Park Hotel on Tuesday, December 6. Nominations must be sent to Rheinallt Jenkins at 45 Gilbert Crescent, Llanelli, SA15 3RB, telephone 01554 750602.

A Men's Dinner is being staged at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Club on Friday, October 28. Guest speakers are Deryl Rees and Emlyn Evans.

Who's who in 'Working together' group (see earlier post) - ‘Working Together’ members Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd :- Waungadog Farm,Off A484 Bypass, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 4PP Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd is a family run construction and maintenance company which was first established in 1981 and became a limited company in 1999. Over the past 20 years the company’s commitment to providing a high quality and professional service has allowed to company to develop into a successful business which now has a workforce of over 30 employees. Quality of work, strong work ethics and excellent customer care, along with a good reputation for meeting deadlines have allowed the company to build strong and successful partnerships with its clients. H M Building Services :- Brynawel, Providence Hill, Narberth, SA67 8RE H M Building Services was established in 1999 based in Narberth, Pembrokeshire we provide a wide range of construction services in addition to a comprehensive private client list we ...

Six construction companies in South West Wales have joined forces to set up an innovative new project which will help our environment and give a major boost to community projects. The firms are also helping to spread the gospel about sustainability issues in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. This innovative project is sponsored by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and supported by Construction Skills. “ Working together is a very ambitious and novel project bringing together six very well known names in the construction industry in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire,” said group spokesman Andrew McElwee. The firms taking part are - Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, of Kidwelly; HM Building Services, of Narberth; Lloyd & Gravell Ltd, of Pontyberem; Morganstone Ltd, of Llanelli; TAD Builders Ltd, of Llanelli; and T. Richard Jones (Betws) Ltd, of Ammanford. Mr McElwee said: “The six firms are well respected in the industry and place great value in producing quality work. Traditional values h...

Was the result of the 2011 National Assembly election a vote in favour of the Labour party, or one against the UK government? This question will be answered in two Breakfast Seminars held this week - in Cardiff on Tuesday morning 11th October, and in Aberystwyth on Wednesday morning 12th October. In these seminars, Professor Roger Scully from Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Welsh Politics (IWP) and Professor Richard Wyn Jones of Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre (WGC) will give the first public presentations of data collected by the 2011 Welsh Election Study (WES). The seminars will be held in Cardiff at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, and in Aberystwyth at the Welsh Government Buildings, Rhodfa Padarn, and are organised by the IWP and the WGC. The 2011 Welsh Election Study was conducted by the IWP and WGC in collaboration with the leading polling company YouGov; financial support for the study was provided by the Economic and Social Research Council of the United...

1911 Llanelli Railway Strike Gala Concert staged at Theatr Elli, Llanelli, and featuring Côr Meibion Llanelli, Côr Curiad, Cantata, the 2011 Community Musical Theatre Project, Jazz Heritage Wales, Lynwen Haf Roberts, Joseph Church, the SA15 Theatre Company and Monro Walters. Songs of protest, songs of war, songs of struggle, songs of strife. Songs of battle, songs of healing, different tunes in the key of life. As musical programmes go, it was pretty eclectic, but the end result was that it worked. The logistic challenges alone were a stern test – moving 200 performers on and off the Theatr Elli stage in a musical memorial to the Centenary of the 1911 Llanelli Railway Strike. Cerith Owens, of Loud Applause Productions, and Carwyn Matera-Rogers, of Theatrau Sir Gar, deserve credit for attempting such an ambitious exercise. In addition to focussing on the event of 1911, the concert also highlighted other common worldwide themes of protest, strike, struggle and conflict, all held together...

The Jenkins Bakery website has been updated with this week's special offers (Inc 4 medium sausage rolls £1.60) - http://ning.it/iaLleW