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

4 weeks jail for scotch egg theft | This is South Wales A Llanelli man has been handed a four-week jail sentence for stealing a scotch egg worth 75p. Nathan Jordan Lee Roberts, 22, of Station Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft, as well as using abusive language or behaviour when he appeared at Llanelli Magistrates' Court.

Match Reports: Llanelli Scarlets 22 Newport Gwent Dragons 12 - ClubCall.com An impeccable kicking display from Stephen Jones helped Llanelli Scarlets to a 22-12 victory on his 300th appearance for the side.

BBC News - Thousands of starlings flock to Llanelli wetland centre Tens of thousands of starlings have flocked to a nature reserve in Carmarthenshire, performing spectacular aerial displays at dusk. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) believes 100,000 starlings have arrived at its Llanelli reserve in the last few weeks to roost for the winter.

Staff at Aberglasney Gardens in the Tywi Valley took part in an innovative careers convention which allowed school pupils get a taste of land-based jobs. The convention was organised by Careers Wales at the Coleg Sir Gar Gelli Aur campus in the Tywi Valley to help pupils from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. “One of the key pillars of the convention was to allow the children to get out and about to sample various land-based jobs” said Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin. “It was an excellent and very exciting opportunity for Year 9 students with an interest in land-based career opportunities to meet with professionals in the sector. “There were opportunities to get a taste of jobs in agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal studies and the equine industry. “At Aberglasney, we were able to explain a variety of career paths in everything from landscape design to countryside management. “For example, there are a whole host of career opportunities linked to a heritage...

The latest South Wales Evening Post gardening column from Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin - How often do you hear gardeners say ‘the weather is great’ or ‘we are really lucky this month’? Not very often, I should think. This month, I must admit we have been very lucky so far with all the bulb planting and winter bedding almost done we are feeling quite relieved. Rain permitting, we have been able to do a good deal of winter work and enjoy this mild weather. By alternating between digging in the dry weather and cutting back in the wet, this has probably been the first disruption-free November I have gardened in. Last November, we could not get a spade into the ground at this time. Hopefully, I have not spoken too soon! This mild weather combined with the wet summer seems to have created a really long autumn with the autumn colour starting in September and still going strong now. It is good that it lasts but you do lose many of the contrasts. The Acer and Parrottia are long gone b...

Richmond Park beat Nantgaredig 2-0 in the half-time junior football match staged at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, during the interval in the Carmarthen Town v Afan Lido Welsh Premier League match.

Great picture spotlight on Red Kite Law's new tax and trust expert, Steve Meredith, in latest issue of Swansea Bay Business Life magazine. Splendid feature on the 'Working Together' group of South West Wales builders in the latest issue of Swansea Bay Business Life magazine. The latest gardening column from Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin is in the South Wales Evening Post today. Check it out for top tips. Smashing feature on the Miss Wales photo-shoot at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the latest issue of County Life magazine.

BBC News - Public sector strike: Welsh authorities' disruption plans take shape Councils in Wales are preparing for major disruption to schools and services when public sector workers strike on Wednesday. Strikes are expected as part of UK-wide industrial action over proposed changes to public sector pensions. Union members will be at pickets across the country on Wednesday, with major marches and rallies being held in Cardiff, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth.

Sir Thomas Picton? Let him hang | Art and design | guardian.co.uk : 'via Blog this' Jonathan Jones gives another view on the Sir Thomas Picton painting debate - see previous posts.

BBC Sport - Bridgend & Carmarthen Quins set for Welsh Premiership reprieve Bridgend RFC and Carmarthen Quins are set to win reprieves that mean they will be in the Welsh Premiership for the start of the 2012/13 season. The Welsh Rugby Union had planned to trim the semi-professional tier from 14 to 10 teams with the approval of most of the division's clubs. But following talks with Wales' four regions the Ravens and Quins are likely to remain in the division.

Carmarthen Reserves v Johnstown Utd @ Richmond Park, Carmarthen, 2:30pm ko today 26 Nov 2011

With colder winter temperatures approaching & ever increasing energy prices, tackling the issue of energy efficiency in the home is more important than ever. The New Zero Carbon Future initiative is launching a campaign to help people in the Carmarthen and surrounding areas to tackle high fuel costs in their homes through energy efficiency advice. Paul Thomas has been appointed by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth to take this initiative forward and he will support & advise householders on energy efficiency measures. He said: “We will be working with householders to provide them with specific information on the best measures to reduce their fuel bills. We also want to target a small street or cul de sac of around 12 homes. Individual household energy surveys will be carried out and a report presented on what measures and grant support is available to improve energy efficiency usage." With around 40% of the UK carbon emissions coming from homes & buildings it is an important way of...

With Christmas fast approaching plans are being made for the festive period. If you’re organising a gathering with family, friends or work colleagues at a local restaurant, pub or hotel don’t just check out the menu, check out the food hygiene rating as well. Good food hygiene is getting easier to spot these days with the recent introduction of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Restaurants, pubs, hotels, (as well as cafes, takeaways and other places that sell or serve food) are now being rated from 0 - 5 on their hygiene standards when a food hygiene inspection is carried out by Carmarthenshire County Council. It’s easy to check out the ratings by looking them up online at: www.food.gov.uk/ratings Christmas party goers can also look out for the distinctive green and black stickers that businesses are encouraged to display at their outlets to tell their customers the rating they were given. Carmarthenshire introduced the Food Standards Agency national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (...

It was all go at Richmond Park last night. Forget the main event, Carmarthen Town v Afan Lido - seven goals and two sendings off, another defeat for Town. The busy part of the evening was helping to supervise the junior schools half-time match between Richmond Park and Nantgaredig schools. The most cheerful part of the evening!

Just had a splendid morning with a series of meetings in Burry Port.

One of the newest recruits to Red Kite Law in Pembrokeshire is Joanne James. Jo, 28, has joined Red Kite after completing her training contract with Morgan Cole LLP in Cardiff. Jo has experience in commercial property, litigation and employment. During her training contract, Jo spent six months seconded to the Welsh Government within the contracts and commercial department. Jo studied for her degree at the University of East Anglia, Norwich and carried out her legal practice course in Cardiff University. As part of her degree, she spent a year studying European Law in Maastricht University, The Netherlands. Pembrokeshire-born Jo lives in Clynderwen. She is now part of the Red Kite Law Pembrokeshire commercial team now occupying plush new offices at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock. Jo said: "I am delighted to be part of the team at Red Kite Law based at the magnificent new offices at the BIC. It's great to be 'home' in Pembrokeshire and I look forwar...

A falls awareness event for older people is being held in Whitland today. The Camu Mlaen (Step Forward) event gives people aged over 75 the chance to meet health and social care representatives to learn how they can help reduce their risk of falls. The scheme has been very successful in the past, and has been proven to help reduce the number of people being admitted to hospital accident and emergency units as a result of suffering a fall. The event, organised jointly by Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda Health Board and the voluntary sector, is being held at Whitland Memorial Hall. More than 450 older members of the community have been invited to attend by their local GP practice. As well as receiving helpful advice about falls prevention, they will also be able to take advantage of a range of health and wellbeing services, including foot care, and can speak to representatives from various organisations on issues such as benefit entitlement and living independently. Rita Thomas...

Residents in Carmarthenshire are being asked to take a step for Fairtrade and help get a better deal for farmers and their families in the developing world. The Carmarthenshire Fairtrade Group is next meeting at Trinity St David University in Carmarthen on Thursday, December 8 at 1pm and residents are being invited to go along and get involved. Carmarthenshire was awarded Fairtrade status in June 2009 and the Carmarthenshire Fairtrade Group is working to raise the awareness and availability of Fairtrade across the county. Llanelli, Ammanford, Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn now have their own Fairtrade groups and four of the county's schools have achieved Fairtrade status - Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland, Laugharne VCP School, Ysgol Gynradd Llanddarog and Ysgol Iau Llangennech, with many more working towards it. Carmarthenshire County Council has a corporate sustainable procurement policy which includes a strong commitment to purchasing ethical and Fairtrade goods. Sustainability Cha...

A Llanelli man has been prosecuted for failing to comply with a Notice served under the Environment Act. John Michael Murphy was convicted in his absence at Ammanford Magistrates Court. The court heard that on February 24, 2011, police stopped a Red Iveco Daily pickup carrying controlled waste in the form of scrap metal. The driver was identified as 20-year-old Michael Anthony Murphy, of Pen-y-Bryn Caravan Park Llanelli. Michael Murphy was asked if he could provide a waste carrier's licence and replied that he did not because of the children. The information was forwarded onto the Environmental Enforcement Office in Cillefwr depot. It was known that Michael Anthony Murphy did not live at the address given. Enquiries were made regarding his whereabouts. Enquiries showed that John Michael Murphy, of Penybryn Caravan Park, was the registered keeper of the vehicle. A Notice was served on him on March 11 asking for the contact details of the person driving the vehicle on February 24. ...

More than 100 people have attended an event aimed at increasing awareness of local health and social care services. The Locality Connections event was held in Ammanford, and brought together various professionals to discuss the improvement of joint services. It was attended by members of staff who work within the 3Ts Community Resource Team - a joint team linking up services provided by Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda Health Board - as well as GPs, practice and community nurses, the community mental health team and representatives from secondary care, the local authority and the third sector. It provided a chance for delegates to discuss the development of joint working and how community services can be strengthened. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the wide range of services delivered by third sector organisations including foot care, mental health and cancer support services. Rhiannon Dawson, Assistant Locality Manager for the Aman Gwendraeth Locality, said: ...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal - Carmarthen Town AFC has launched a special website which gives shoppers the chance to snatch up some Christmas bargains and, in turn, help the club make money. The site is at - www.spendandraise.com/carmarthentownafc Executive committee member Paul Ashley-Jones said: “Christmas is getting closer by the day. If you shop on the internet, then please remember our new fundraising website www.spendandraise.com/carmarthentownafc “Please visit the site as you can get yourself some very good deals while raising money for the Club. There are a large number of companies participating including the following - Amazon, Spabreaks.com, HMV, Marks and Spencer, Play.com, Sky, WH Smiths and Gardening Direct. “Any purchases made will earn the club a commission that will be received by our Club Shop. You pay exactly the same price as on the retailers main sites as the commission earned by us comes out of...

Two teams of enterprising school pupils have won the Dragon's Den Business Competition organised by Carmarthenshire County Council. The competition involved teams of youngsters taking on business projects and presenting the results. The Final was held at Llwyfan, Trinity St David's, with the finalists arriving and presenting their business ideas before final judging and the announcement of the winners. There were two winners, the Photogenic team from Ysgol Bro Myrddin, and Cwpan y Gwyl from Maesyryrfa School. Photogenic were taking photographs at sporting events and selling them while Cwpan y Gwyl produced a cup out of rubber so that it can be recycled and to avoid a plastic texture. It is designed for use at festivals. Carmarthenshire County Council Business Development Officer Angharad Harding said: "The prize for the teams is a £300 investment to develop the business. I will be meeting them to help them develop their business ideas."

If you can hear a click-clicking sound in the Trimsaran area, it's likely you are listening to the busy knitting needles of local resident Viola Edwards. The 80-year-old, who lives at the county council's Llys Y Godian Sheltered Scheme, spends most of her days knitting countless bonnets, matinee coats, booties and shawls - all in aid of two causes very dear to her heart. The great grandmother hand-makes the woolly warmers for the special care baby units at Singleton and Glangwili hospitals, and also knits to sell and raise money for Llanelli's Ty Bryngwyn Hospice. "I want to show my appreciation for the staff at the special care baby units, and two of my great grandchildren were born prematurely, and they cared for them wonderfully," said Mrs Edwards. "I have no idea how many baby clothes I have knitted over the years - probably too many to count - but unfortunately I can't knit as much as I'd like to these days because of my health." Mrs Edwards...

BBC News - Row over Carmarthen court portrait of Sir Thomas Picton : 'via Blog this' Red Kite Law lawyer Kate Williams talking on the BBC about the row over Sir Thomas Picton's portrait hanging in a Carmarthen court of law. And the row made the Daily Mail as well - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2065709/Calls-portrait-Waterloo-hero-removed-court-approved-torture-colonial-governor.html?ITO=1490

BBC News - Fears over Prince Philip Hospital service loss Campaigners worried about a loss of services from Llanelli's Prince Philip Hospital have been holding a protest outside a health board meeting. They say services such as A&E and maternity have been moved to Carmarthen and are concerned more will follow. Hugh Evans, a retired surgeon at Prince Philip, says people are having to travel for 'simple procedures'.

One of the latest recruits to Red Kite Law in Pembrokeshire is employment law solicitor Collette Davies. Collette specialises in advising public and private sector clients on a wide range of employment law issues. Her experience includes unfair and wrongful dismissal, grievance procedures, discrimination and harassment and business reorganisation. She has joined Red Kite Law after working at Eversheds, where she trained and qualified into the pensions team, advising multinational and public sector employers, trustees of large occupational pension schemes and pension providers on all aspects of pensions law. Collette, 28, is a Welsh speaker. Originally from Pembrokeshire, she has returned to the area and lives near Letterston. In her spare time she plays hockey for Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club, and enjoys running, netball and music. Collette said: “Employment law issues are crucially important in the modern business world and I am looking forward to working with current a...

Aberystwyth University’s Centre for European Studies is delighted to welcome Mr Bruce Pitcairn Jackson, the founder and President of the Project on Transitional Democracies, to deliver a public lecture at 4pm on Wednesday 30th November 2011 in the Main Hall, International Politics Building. The address entitled “A Pursuit of a Europe, Whole and Free” will consider how Europe has changed since 1989, largely because of the ideas of playwrights, electricians, and political activists. He will posit the questions who were these people? What were their ideas? And how could they possibly have organized the transformation of post Cold War Europe? Bruce Pitcairn Jackson’s served in the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Officer. From 1986 to 1990, he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defence in a variety of policy positions pertaining to nuclear forces and arms control. Upon leaving the Department of Defence in 1990, Mr Jackson joined Lehman Brothers, investment bank in New Yo...

The agricultural sector at next week’s Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells will hear how IBERS at Aberystwyth University is building new dairy facilities to help support future developments for the dairy industry in Wales. The new state of the art rotary milking parlour is a super-efficient facility that will cut back on labour and costs and provide a model for environmental standards. The theme of the annual breakfast held at the Fair by the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Studies this year is ‘A Positive Future for the Welsh Dairy Industry? What role does IBERS play?’ “The new rotary milking parlour is a prime example of IBERS contribution,” says IBERS Director, Professor Wayne Powell. “The methods that we develop and the information we gather will help the Welsh dairy industry compete in the future. “This is a major resource to underpin Welsh dairy farming. It is a facility with sustainability at its heart!” Research carried out at the new parlour will provide valuabl...

Just finished the 'meals on wheels' run for Llanelli Rotary Club. One of the nice 'feelgood' jobs with Llanelli Rotary.

BBC News - Llandeilo tourist village plan targets Chinese market Chinese visitors are at the heart of plans for a luxury £50m tourist village in rural south west Wales. China-based Maxhard Ltd wants to build a 100-bed hotel and 80 holiday homes with a swimming pool on a 22-acre site (9 hectares) in Carmarthenshire. The development, near Llandeilo, would be marketed to a "select international clientele".

Splendid start to the day with business breakfast with the Llanelli BNI group at The Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli.

Two young gardeners have secured the ‘chance of a lifetime’ to work on the showpiece Aberglasney Gardens in the Tywi Valley. The pair have been chosen for a prestigious 18-month placement at the stunning gardens, one of the finest heritage horticultural sites in Wales. The opportunity for special horticultural traineeships comes through the Heritage Horticulture Skills Scheme (HHSS). “Aberglasney is one of only six sites in Wales to be chosen to host horticultural traineeships, so we are very proud to have the young gardeners with us,” said head gardener Joseph Atkin. The two trainees are Alexander Hoyle, aged 18, who arrives at Aberglasney from the renowned Pershore College in Warwickshire, and Rhys Griffiths, 28, from Ammanford. Both had to beat off strong competition to secure the places at Aberglasney. Alexander said: “I was delighted to learn I’d been accepted for a traineeship as Aberglasney’s reputation as a centre of excellence for gardening spreads far and wide.” Rhys said: “B...

Rubbish collections across Carmarthenshire are likely to be disrupted next week as many council staff take part in a one-day strike. More than two million public sector workers are expected to strike on Wednesday, November 30 in protest against proposed changes to their pensions. Residents who usually have their rubbish collected on Wednesdays are being advised not to put them out on that date. Householders are being advised to keep their blue/black bags until their next blue/black bag collection week. The four black bag limit will be temporarily suspended for those residents affected on Wednesday, November 30 and they will be able to put out a maximum of eight black bags on Wednesday, December 14. Green food bins can be put the following week as normal. Residents can dispose of/recycle their waste at one of the county’s five household waste recycling centres at Trostre ( Llanelli); Wernddu, (Ammanford); Nantycaws, (Carmarthen); Whitland and Llangadog, which will remain open. There are...

Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First has held its first ever Eid Festival in Llanelli. The Festival was held at the Antioch Centre, Copperworks Road, Llanelli. The event was in collaboration with two of its multi ethnic groups, the Ethnic Minority Help Association (EMHA) and the Women’s Only Group and was funded by the Community Cohesion Fund. The Festival was free and open to all. Eid is an Arabic word meaning ‘Solemn Festival’. This Eid is second of two Eid festivals observed by Muslims annually and is known as Eid al-Adha .It is also commonly called "Greater Eid and the festival of Sacrifice" because it coincides with the 10th Day of the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The aim of celebrating this event in Llanelli was to show solidarity with the local Muslim community. This event was held to promote inter-religion dialogue, understanding and tolerance of other community’s customs and practices. The event was attended by more than 100 people of all race, religion and et...

Around 250 people have taken part in a Carmarthenshire 50+ Forum event on Living Life to the Full with Roy Noble at Parc y Scarlets. Those taking part had the chance to try out a variety of activities from having a quick spin around the car park in one of Carmarthenshire County Council’s electric cars or having a walk around the pitch to how to use the Internet to explore family history sessions, Internet safety sessions, how to set up an email account sessions, Welsh language taster sessions, prize draw and Nintendo Wii demonstrations and opportunities to try it out. There was a wide range of information available, including alternative energy, consumer advice, energy conservation, allotments, community education and entitlements. Arwyn Howells of Llangynog had a go at Wii bowling and said: “It’s the new thing, I really enjoyed it.” Betty Thomas and Annetta Howells, also from Llangynog, found out about digital cameras at the Communities 2.0 stand. Mrs Thomas said: “The event was very ...

Another busy morning, but there are some perks. Off to the lovely Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley for a pow-wow.

Lovely picture story in the Carmarthen Journal today about brewer Simon Buckley celebrating 245 years of family brewing. Iechyd da! Week 2 of the Carmarthen Journal's excellent 'Support Carmarthen Town AFC' campaign. This week: spotlight on the volunteers. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC football club column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Smashing picture story in the Western Mail business section about brewer Simon Buckley celebrating 245 years of family brewing. Cheers!

News Wales > Community > Jewel thieves hit Carmarthenshire Crime prevention advice is being sent to jewellers in Carmarthenshire following reports of thefts from jewellers across the county. In one recent incident on Saturday 19th November two men entered a jewellers in Llanelli and asked to see some gold chains, then retained possession of one of them and left the shop. In another incident the day before a man has gone into a jewellers in Ammanford, asked to see some chains and has been caught on CCTV dropping a gold chain into his hands and leaving without paying.

Pals’ bid to save Carmarthen teenager from drowning | This is South Wales An inquest has heard how two friends heroically tried to save their pal from drowning in the River Towy. Carmarthen teenager Kieran Bennett-Leefe died after he slipped and fell into the river near Capel Dewi in July.

BBC News - Yodel delivery firm cuts 140 jobs at three Welsh depots The delivery network Yodel has confirmed that 140 jobs are to go with the closure of three depots in Wales. It is planning to shut bases in Cardiff, Anglesey and Carmarthenshire in the first half of 2012. The company, formed in 2010 after Home Delivery Network bought the UK domestic business of rival courier DHL, says the acquisition resulted in a duplication of coverage in some areas. Yodel depots in Aberystwyth, Llandudno, Llanelli and Nantgarw will remain open. Most of the jobs will be lost with the closure of the company's base in Rumney, Cardiff, affecting 103 people. Another 26 jobs will be lost at Capel Hendre, near Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, and 11 at Gaerwen, Anglesey.

Couple are off Llanelli estate | This is South Wales A couple have been kicked out of Old Lodge, Llanelli, after 12 months of work by police and council officers. The news was well received at a meeting of the Glanymor and Tyisha Safer Communities Action Group.

Carers are being encouraged to attend an event which aims to help them with money matters. Cllr Pat Jones, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Carers Champion, is urging as many people as possible to attend the special event which is being organised by Carmarthenshire Carers Service. It is being held at Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel on Friday, December 2nd, which is also Carers Rights Day - a national awareness day organised by Carers UK. From 10am and 3pm, carers will be able to learn more about entitlements, as well as the range of support services available to them locally. Cllr Jones believes that carers could benefit greatly from attending on the day. “There are over 22,000 unpaid carers in Carmarthenshire alone,” she said. “Without these carers – most of whom look after relatives – there would be a huge burden on the county and so it is only right that we help them understand what help and support they are entitled to. “I really do hope that as many carers as possible come along on ...

Carmarthenshire's community safety team is hitting the road this Christmas to spread some festive crime prevention advice. A number of roadshows are being held across the county and residents are being urged to go along and meet their local Neighbourhood Policing Team as well as pick up essential safety advice and crime prevention tips. The roadshows are being held on/at: • Friday, December 2 – 3pm-5pm - Tesco, Parc Trostre, Llanelli • Tuesday, December 6 – 11am-2pm – Guildhall Sqaure, Carmarthen • Wednesday, December 21 – 10am – 2pm - Quay street, Ammanford Officers will also be encouraging people to sign up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) messaging system. Free to residents, it sends messages – such as crime alerts or crime prevention advice - by telephone, fax, email or mobile phone. The aim is to inform communities so that they can share information on incidents from rogue traders to anti-social behaviour. It works particularly well for Neighbourhood Watch groups and can help pr...

On Saturday, Burry Port Town Band won the Championship Section at the EWBBA Championships held in Blaenavon. Whilst the Band came home with the Dewar Challenge Trophy for the winning band, their Soprano Cornet player, Jayne Thomas won the Best Instrumentalist and their Solo Trombone, Geraint Thomas won the Selwyn James Trophy for the best Trombone player. Burry Port Town Band’s Chairman, Graham Howe, said “The band have worked exceptionally hard over the last weeks on this test piece, but the hard work paid off, the soloists and the band played exceptionally well and we’re now all looking forward to the Christmas period where the band is very busy out and about in Llanelli and Burry Port.” The band faced some stiff competition to win the Championships and playing Peter Grahams’s On Alderley Edge were facing some talented competition with seven other bands from South Wales in the last contest of the season.

Under fives storytime sessions at Llanelli Library are to have a temporary new home. They will take place at the Showcase in the former Burton’s building in Stepney Street, while work is completed at the library in Vaughan Street. Storytimes will be from 2.15pm to 2.45pm every Tuesday during term-time. All pre-school children are welcome.

Carmarthenshire County Council has taken over the former Technium Performance Engineering Facility at Dafen, Llanelli. The local authority has been assigned the lease by the Welsh Government. The move follows negotiations between the council and Welsh Government. The authority’s executive board recently approved a proposal to enter into a five-year lease of the entire office and industrial facility. The lease will also include an option to purchase the facility. The main building comprises 16 office units which vary in size up to 1,700 sq ft and an additional six units to the rear of the main block which are also available to lease. Anyone interested in leasing space at the facility, needs to contact Jamie Reynolds on 01269 590214 to discuss competitive packages. Carmarthenshire County Council is working very closely with Coleg Sir Gar and University of Trinity St David’s and intends to deliver a range of support from the facility targeting, amongst other sectors, IT/media, constructio...

This week, Aberystwyth University launches a pioneering new postgraduate course driven by the most transformative revolution of the 21st Century. The new one year Masters in Connectivity provides a unique opportunity to study the ways in which the combined force of the internet, digital technology and multiple media and communications platforms are radically shaping people’s lives, communities and the architecture of economies, societies and cultures around the world. The new programme is being led by the Department of International Politics and draws on areas of expertise in eight academic departments: Art, Computer Science, Information Studies, International Politics, Law and Criminology, Management and Business, Psychology, and Theatre Film and Television Studies. Professor Michael Foley, Head of the Department of International Politics said: “As the world’s first Masters Degree scheme of its kind, this unique programme provides students with the opportunity to study in a truly mult...

Lovely picture story about the Ninfarium at Aberglasney House and Gardens getting a revamp in the latest issue of Carmarthenshire Life.

News Wales > Education > Reigning champions take Dyfed Powys prize The team from Sir Thomas Picton School won the Dyfed-Powys Police, local round of the Annual School Quiz, which was held on 18 November at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest. The winners – and reigning champions – scooped the prize on home ground and will now go on to the regional final held in Carmarthen HQ on Monday 5 December.

Y Cneifiwr : 'via Blog this' Don't know enough about this issue to take sides, but there's an interesting read on the blog written by 'Y Cneifiwr'. It's all about Carmarthenshire Council links with churches.

Carmarthenshire Planning Problems and more: The Council 'Minutes'....and no mention of Jacqui?! : Extract from Caebrwyn blog - Further to this post (on Jacqui Thompson's blog) 'No round of applause for Jacqui' , I noticed, with some excitement, that the Minutes of the meeting (Full Council 9th November) were finally published this afternoon. As you may imagine I was waiting to see, under Item 2, Apologies and Personal Matters, the little announcement that was made by Cllr Caiach about my blog award win, preserved in Council records for posterity. Just in case my eyes were deceiving me, I checked several times before I realised, that there was...er... not a mention. Not even a carefully worded summary!

A new grant and open evening will help breathe new life into Cwmamman Youth Club. CAVS Youth Led Grants has recently awarded Cwmamman Youth Club £425 to improve the facilities and activities on offer to its young attendees. The decision to award the grant was made by representatives from across Carmarthenshire and will be used to boost the youth club’s membership and provide new and exciting opportunities to the young people of Cwmamman. The club will be organising an open evening on December 15 to celebrate both the grant and the lead up to the Christmas holidays. The event welcomes anyone that is interested in finding out more about the youth club or potentially participating in its activities. Attendees of the event will get the opportunity to meet existing members and find out more about the club itself. The evening will also include a number of games, quizzes, a disco and even a special visit from Father Christmas, who will be giving a small gift to everyone at the event. Cari M...

One of the largest roof-mounted solar power schemes in the UK has been installed at a Llanelli business park. A total of 1,648 solar modules atop the former MoD (Ministry of Defence) storage depot in Llangennech are generating enough energy to supply 200 homes, whilst displacing around 200 tonne of CO2 emissions. The building is owned by R&A Properties, a logistics and technology company specialising in secure business storage, which took the site over from Carmarthenshire County Council in 2009. The firm partnered with Scottish and Southern Energy Solutions (SSE), owners of SWALEC, to deliver the 387kWp system. Fitted within three weeks of its commission, it is the latest in a range of significant investments that R&A Properties has made at the site to attract both Blue Chip and SME clients. The development has drawn the attention of many – including World Cup-winning New Zealand rugby Coach Graham Henry who is visiting Wales in advance of the Barbarians game next week. He was...

To Carmarthen last night for the monthly meeting of the Carmarthen Town AFC executive committee. Plans for next public meeting taking shape.

The number of anti-social behaviour incidents over Halloween and Bonfire Night fell by a massive 85% this year. Police received 185 anti-social behaviour-related calls from across Carmarthenshire between October 25 and November 6 compared to 335 the previous year – that’s 150 less incidents. It shows partnership working between the police, council and fire service – as part of the BANG initiative which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks misuse – is really making a difference. Sgt David Gaskins, responsible for community safety, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the partnership and a lot of hard work has gone into this initiative which aims to make the Halloween and Bonfire Night period safe, enjoyable and as trouble-free as possible. “This is now the fourth year we have been running this initiative and every year we have seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour, in particular, the results for this year are extremely pleasing a...

The single largest donation - £75,000 - to the Swansea Valley Miners' Appeal Fund was made at Ffos Las Racecourse today (Monday). Patrons from the fund and family members were in attendance. The money was raised at the racecourse during two racing fixtures earlier this month. Racecourse General Manager Tim Long said: "This is a massive boost to the appeal fund, and we are delighted at Ffos Las to have been able to assist in raising so much money. Our visitors were hugely generous in their donations. It was very pleasing to welcome the families of the miners and patrons of the Swansea Valley Miners' Appeal Fund for the formal presentation." The racecourse's Chairman Dai Walters (pictured with cheque) said: "I am absolutely delighted that our sponsors and supporters have been so generous and made such a major contribution to boosting the appeal fund." Some £500,000 had been raised for the Swansea Valley Miners' Appeal Fund prior to the two days of ra...

Ammanford Tesco lights too bright (From South Wales Guardian) Ammanford's new Tesco store has been likened to a World War Two prisoner of war camp by one disgruntled councillor. Betws community councillor Annette Price claims the presence of the giant supermarket is blighting the lives of residents of nearby Bwtrimawr who have complained of bright lights and visual intrusion. "I feel sorry for them," Cllr Price told colleagues. "I took my dog for a walk down there the other night and it was more like Stalag 17."

BBC News - Developer confident on Llanelli cinema and hotel plans The developer behind a cinema, hotel and leisure complex in Llanelli says he is confident it will open next year despite the tough economic climate. Scott Davidson of Henry Davidson Developments Ltd says East Gate in the Carmarthenshire town will be one of the UK's few such schemes to open in 2012. Much of the steelwork has been erected in the past few weeks.

People are being urged to give something back this Christmas – including any unused crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs they may have been loaned by the health and social care services. Carmarthenshire’s Integrated Community Equipment Service is teaming up with the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) to hold an Equipment Amnesty during the first week of December. From Monday, December 5, to Friday, December 9, members of the public will be able to drop off any equipment they no longer require at one of four collection points – the Bigyn Communities First office in John Street, Llanelli; Communities First Llwynhendy in Pemberton Road; Felinfoel Communtiies First at the Community Resource Centre off Ynyswen Road; and Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First in Inkerman Street. People are also welcome to drop items off directly at the CICES base on the Dafen Industrial Estate, or call to arrange having items collected. Martin Figg, Operational Manager of the service...

A man has been fined £75 after being caught throwing litter from a car window at the McDonald’s car park in Carmarthen. The council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty in the area and issued the 36-year-old man from Llanarth with a fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court where the maximum fine that can be imposed is £2,500. The council hopes this latest fine will act as a warning to would-be litterbugs that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. It follows a county-wide ‘Bin It’ campaign, supported by McDonald’s, to encourage people to dispose of their litter more responsibly. Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “Dropping litter is against the law, whether it is discarding rubbish from a vehicle, throwing cigarette ends or spitting out chewing gum. If there are no bins nearby, then take your rubbish home with you to dispose of. “We work closely with McDonald’s and other fast...

Carmarthen-based artist Mark Cox will be holding his next exhibition in the “Town Gallery”, downstairs in Carmarthen Library, from December 1-10. Admission is free. The exhibition is being held in support of Carmarthen and District Hospice Appeal and Mark will be donating all ticket sales from a private view and 25% of all sales to the appeal. The private view is being held on the evening of November 30, between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. Light refreshments are included in what Mark hopes will be an enjoyable evening. As an additional incentive, he will be giving 10% off the price of original paintings on the evening of the private view. Tickets are £5, which may be paid on the door. Mark's own website describes him as 'an eclectic artist who enjoys working on a variety of subjects, producing landscapes, marine and coastal paintings. He works in both oils and watercolours'. Mark, who has been painting all his life, gained an honours degree in fine art at Trinity College Carmarthen....

Bangor go top after goal blitz sinks Carmarthen - Welsh Premier - Football - WalesOnline : For an hour, Tomi Morgan’s battling Carmarthen matched their Farrar Road hosts in this Welsh Premier League clash. But Bangor showed their championship credentials with a devastating four goal salvo that took Neville Powell’s side to the Welsh Premier summit.

Off to see my pals at Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat victims of PTSD.

BBC News - Journalists' union warns Western Mail 'could go weekly' A journalists' union has claimed the Western Mail could become a weekly newspaper. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) speculated that Wales' national paper could cease daily publication "in a relatively short space of time". The paper's publisher Trinity Mirror said it had "absolutely no plans" to take the paper weekly.

BBC Sport - Welsh jockey Isabel Tompsett 'lucky to be alive' Injured Welsh jockey Isabel Tompsett has told BBC Sport Wales she is "lucky to be alive" following her fall in a race in May. Tompsett, 29, was thrown off her horse at the final meeting of Fakenham races in May. She is recovering from severe head injuries at Neath Port Talbot Hospital in south Wales.

Great to see World Cup winning Graham Henry and Dai Pickering of the WRU enjoying a pint of the famous Evan-Evans Cwrw at The Cricketers in Cardiff last night.

Church linked to exorcists is given council cash - Wales News - News - WalesOnline A church given tens of thousands of pounds by a Welsh council is a “partner” of a Christian group whose global operation has been accused of exorcising young women. Evangelical Towy Community Church, which has received more than £55,000 in grants from Carmarthenshire council, has confirmed it made monthly donations to the Mercy Ministries group in the UK.