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

Last chance to pick up a real Christmas Tree. Find a supplier on the Welsh Christmas Trees website - http://t.co/LBcjiomS

Shootings, riots and gang warfare - Carmarthen’s colourful history goes on show - Wales News - News - WalesOnline With tales of shootings, riots and bitter gang warfare, a new exhibition has prompted comparisons between an 18th century Welsh town and Chicago’s Mafia-plagued 1920s. Threats were even made to tear out the hearts of councillors in Carmarthen, documents on show at the County Museum in nearby Abergwili today show. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/12/23/shootings-riots-and-gang-warfare-carmarthen-s-colourful-history-goes-on-show-91466-30000312/

'Doctor Who' Christmas special: Review - latimes.com : Robert Lloyd (of the LA Times) reviews the Christmas Dr Who, part of which was filmed in Llanelli. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-1224-dr-who-christmas-20111224,0,2055644.story

Pupils and staff in Llwynhendy received an early Christmas present – a £6.6million state of the art new school. The official opening of Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel took place with a special ‘festive themed’ ceremony and the unveiling of a plaque by Carmarthenshire County Council Chair Cllr Ivor Jackson. The Welsh primary school, which has a capacity for 210 pupils and a nursery for 30 children, was built through the council’s Modernising Education Provision (MEP) programme. The hi-tech, eco-friendly building opened its doors a few weeks ago after being completed ahead of schedule by contractors Kier Western. An architectural design team from the council’s Property Services worked with the contractors to develop an inspiring learning environment. Its most iconic feature is the split level corridor which brings light into the building and creates space for pupils to display their artwork. Work included a compete remodelling of the former school campus and the demolition of the old school w...

Hundreds of toys have been donated to help put a smile on young people’s faces this Christmas thanks to the Christmas Toybox Scheme. The scheme, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, aims to make Christmas easier for those in difficult financial situations. Toys donated by members of the public have been sent to Myrtle House in Llanelli, Towy Community Church in Carmarthen, the Evangelical Church in Carmarthen and Communities First in Pantyffynnon; officers at these organisiations will ensure that the toys will reach the young people ready for Christmas. Local Service Board users also supported the scheme; they included Hywel Dda Health Board, Dyfed Powys Police, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Coleg Sir Gâr. The Llanelli Star, Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Guardian also supported the appeal. The idea for the scheme was originated by Cllr Pam Palmer, Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board business manager. She said: “We are overwhelmed by the support we...

A major regeneration project is about to get underway in Pendine. Carmarthenshire County Council has secured grant funding through the Green Seas Beach Improvement Programme which forms part of “Visit Wales” Environment for Growth(EG4) Coastal Tourism Project, which is part funded by the Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Plans are being developed for a new promenade for the seaside village of Pendine, the proposals will seek to create a continuous promenade route along the waterfront that links in with the Wales Costal Path and other visitor destinations in the village. The proposals will also include opportunities for the creation of new public open spaces and landscape features set within a distinctive, coordinated public realm. The £500,000 scheme will be developed in phases during the winter months to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. The works are aimed at enhancing the seaside community and making it a must-see destination for...

Britannia Construction has performed miracles evolving the £25-million East Gate development off one of the busiest traffic roundabouts in Carmarthenshire. Construction is well advanced and there are signs that elements of the development could be opening next summer ahead of the scheduled Autumn 2012 completion date. Swansea Castle Roundabout at peak periods of the day has more than 3,000 vehicles entering it and hour, that’s nearly a car every second. The only access to the East Gate site of the new Odeon Cinema, hotel and shops and office complex that is being developed is one of the five spurs off the roundabout. Thousands of tonnes of steel and building blocks, more than 1,000 lorry movements of other building materials and other equipment have all been able to access the site with minimal disturbance to other road users and residents who flank the site on Stepney Place. Hundreds of tonnes of spoil excavated on the site, has been largely retained within the site boundary and been ...

More than 10 people have been saved from the deadly poisons of carbon monoxide thanks to Telecare – a system which helps vulnerable people live independently at home. Since April 2010, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Careline+ staff have dealt with 16 incidents where carbon monoxide detectors, installed as part of a Telecare package, have triggered an alarm and set an emergency response in action. Whilst five of them turned out to be false alarms, the other 11 have been actual incidents where, if it were not for the alarm being triggered, may have led to deadly consequences for the residents. Telecare manager Jeanette Munn said: “The most recent incident was only last week, where a carbon monoxide alarm was triggered and our Careline+ staff alerted the fire service. Fortunately, we were able to provide a quick response, as the chimney had become blocked and carbon monoxide gases were building up inside the property. “We are very fortunate to have a good partnership with the fire servi...

Residents in Carmarthenshire who have signed up to the council’s text messaging service will receive information on refuse/recycling collections over Christmas. The messages from Carmarthenshire Direct keep the public up-to-date on a wide range of council services and facilities. Short text messages are sent to customers in the language of their choice and can be stopped at any time. It is particularly useful during the festive period and messages have already been sent to advise householders that there will be no refuse / recycling collections on Boxing Day. Collections between Monday, December 26 and Friday, December 30 will be made a day later than usual. Friday collections will be made on Saturday, December 31. Collections are back to normal from Monday, January 2. Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “We try to publicise the changes to refuse / recycling collections over the Christmas period as much as possible and this is an excellent way of informi...

An investigation is underway after two brothers were assaulted in what they say was an unprovoked attack which happened in Felinfoel at 9pm on Monday 12th December. “One One of the brothers sustained a fractured cheekbone in the incident,” said Sergeant Eddie Donnelly. “The other cuts and bruising." The incident is reported to have taken place near Felinfoel Brewery and Salem Road. One of them has claimed that two members of a large gang have assaulted him and his brother. One of the men is described as white, aged 19 or 20, standing about 6ft tall. He was of large build, had a shaven head. He was wearing a navy blue baseball cap with a white frontal area, a white hoodie with sm...

Protect yourself from burglars | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A number of burglaries at sheds and garages across the Amman Towy area have led officers to issue guidance and advice to prevent others becoming victims of crime.

Nine people have been arrested by Dyfed Powys Police following a fraud conspiracy investigation in Powys. Officers have scrutinized over a 100 transactions in bank accounts linked with the suspects. The nine will return to Newtown police station on Friday 23rd December 2011 by which time police will have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding charges. Detective Inspector Diane Davies confirmed that Operation Seashell, moved into arrest phase on Thursday 15th December. She said, “This is a time of year where family finances can be pushed to the limit, it’s never a good time to be victim of a crime but the impact at this time is particularly hard hitting.”

Police warn of computer scam | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police are investigating a number of reports of a computer scam known as ransomeware. Online criminals are attempting to extort funds from unsuspecting computer users by impersonating the Metropolitan Police and other police forces. Users visiting certain infected websites have downloaded malware which locks their computer, the force’s eCrime officer Karen Burch warned.

Carmarthenshire police station public enquiry offices opening hours over the festive season | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police in Carmarthen and Ammanford are reassuring the public in both towns that the Christmas closure of the front desk offices in the local stations will not affect policing in the town or deny people the chance to contact officers should they be needed.

Two vehicles had their windows smashed in the car park at Tesco, Welshpool at 12.50am on Sunday 18th December 2011. A man seen causing the damage was seen to walk off in the direction of the train station. If anyone saw this offence occurring or knows the identity of the offender then please contact to Welshpool Police Station on 101.

Regional winners get set for final in All Wales School Crime Prevention Quiz | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Pupils from four school in the Dyfed Powys Police force area visited police headquarters in Carmarthen recently for the force’s stage of a Wales wide crime prevention quiz. The quiz is operated by the four Welsh forces as part of the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme for secondary schools. One school from each of the four counties was at the event; St John Lloyd’s Roman Catholic School from Carmarthenshire, Penglais School from Ceredigion, Sir Thomas Picton School from Pembrokeshire and Builth Wells High School from Powys.

Sometime between Sunday 11th December and Wednesday 21st December a Stihl MS211 chainsaw, orange in colour has been stolen from the rear of an unlocked blue pick up in the Llanfair Caereinion area. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Sara Tinnuche at Welshpool police station on 101.

Newtown police are appealing for witnesses or information to a criminal damage which occurred sometime between 8.30pm on Wednesday 21st December and 12pm on Thursday 22nd December in Lon Gwern, Trehafren, Newtown. Someone has caused damage to a grey Audi A4 parked at the location by scratching both sides of the vehicle with a sharp tool. Anyone with information should contact Newtown police on 101, or crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New Special Constables start work | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A total of 19 new Special Constables were sworn in recently at their Attestation ceremony at Dyfed Powys Police HQ in Carmarthen. After six months of training they are already on the streets assisting colleagues over the busy Christmas period. The volunteer officers are stationed throughout Dyfed Powys and will work a minimum of 16 hours a month, undertaking various duties in their communities.

Llanelli shoppers’ dismay after music retailer HMV reveals store closure | This is South Wales : Llanelli's only music retailer is set to close in January.

Nice piece about the Evan Evans brewery in the Western Mail newspaper today.

BBC News - Brecon Jazz: Brewery and concert promoter hope to run event A Cardiff events company and Carmarthenshire brewery both say they are interested in securing the future of Brecon Jazz. It follows the decision of the Hay Festival to end its three-year contract. Promoters Orchard Media and Events said it intends registering "an expression of interest" to take over the Powys music event held every August. Llandeilo brewer Evan Evans said it was also willing to help fund events.

Smashing business breakfast this morning at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli, with the guys and girls of the BNI Business Network International.

Just two days to Christmas! Pick up a real tree from the Welsh Christmas Trees Cooperative  - http://welshchristmastrees.co.uk

Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards officers are urging consumers to beware of rogue telephone cold callers offering energy saving devices. Trading Standards Service departments across the country have reported hundreds of complaints about people claiming to be their energy supplier or working in partnership with them, offering a plug in device which they say can save them 40 per cent off their energy bills. Trading standards have had a number of the items tested which not only failed to satisfy electrical safety standards but do not deliver any tangible energy savings. Trading Standards Manager Roger Edmunds said: “Consumers are warned not to use the products as they pose a risk of fire and electrocution and a safety recall has been issued for the items traced so far. “Unscrupulous criminals are using the rising energy prices as an opportunity to lure in cash strapped consumers – elderly people seem to have been deliberately targeted. “The addresses the scammers give is t...

Safety tests are to be carried out on memorials at Ammanford Cemetery. The works are being undertaken by Carmarthenshire County Council for health and safety reasons. The council has a legislative duty to ensure all memorials in this cemetery are in a safe and stable condition. Testing will begin on the week commencing January 30 on memorials in section L. Memorials found to be in a dangerous condition will be fitted with a temporary support. Remedial works will then be carried out by local monumental masons. Families affected will be contacted in writing and the cost of any re-instatement work will be paid for by the council. Executive board Member for Technical Services Cllr Philip Hughes said: “I would like to reassure relatives that any headstones which fail the safety test and require remedial work will be restored to the same high standard as they were originally erected and that the works will be undertaken with respect and dignity. Furthermore, the full cost of any re-instateme...

School pupils from Caraway and Swiss Valley Primary Schools in Carmarthenshire got a taste for a career in construction at a Construction Awareness Day held by local company Dyfrig Dalziel in conjunction with ConstructionSkills. More than 30 pupils were involved in the day which, which was held at Dyfrig Dalziel’s site in Kidwelly and included visits from Keith Davies AM, Nia Griffith MP and Kidwelly Town Mayor Jeanette Gilasbey. Throughout the day pupils got to try their hand at a range of construction based activities from bricklaying, tiling and carpentry, through to recycling and building a miniature house. The event highlighted the different career paths available to young people in the industry and reinforced the message that construction is a viable career choice for women as well as men and that young girls should serious consider a future in the industry. ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council and the Industry Training Board for the construction industry, supported Dyf...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Smashing picture story in the Carmarthen Journal today about Llandeilo-based Evan Evans brewery looking for 30 new beer tasters! Nice piece in the Western Mail business section today about the Evan Evans brewery looking for 30 new beer tasters! Smashing meeting with my friends at The Jenkins Bakery in Llanelli this morning.

Leading West Wales brewer Evan Evans has offered to help save the Brecon Jazz Fringe Festival after the withdrawal of the Hay management company. Evan Evans, who own the George Hotel in Brecon, one of the main fringe venues, is determined to see jazz live on in Brecon and is prepared to put its money behind the deal. Evan Evans Group Chief Executive Simon Buckley said: "Brecon Jazz is a Welsh institution that, sadly, over the last few years, has lost its way. Far from being a splendid street festival, where it had a carnival atmosphere, the festival has moved towards ever more expensive fixed venue gigs. "It's time to re-focus and provide what the festival followers want. "Over the last few years, the George Hotel has developed its involvement with the Fringe Festival, where thousands of jazz revellers have enjoyed some of the very best music free of charge. The fringe is the way forward for Brecon Jazz. "The Jazz Festival is an important part of our business a...

Still time to get a real tree. Just three days left before Christmas, according to the Welsh Christmas Trees website -  http://ning.it/dzqXFI

Prince Philip Hospital's A&E department is set to be axed in shake-up | This is South Wales Accident and emergency at Llanelli's Prince Philip Hospital looks set to be axed under newly revealed plans to reorganise health services in Hywel Dda. Health board bosses have presented three options for the delivery of emergency care across the region — none of which include an A&E at Prince Philip Hospital.

BBC Sport - Welsh rugby introduces salary cap at regions Wales' four regions have announced a salary cap amid fears of a mass player exodus to France. Each of the four teams will spend a maximum of £3.5m on Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup squad members. The cap begins in July 2012 and the Welsh Rugby Union has welcomed it.

A Community woodland is flourishing in Llanybydder thanks to a joint effort between residents and stakeholders. The area between Bro Einon and Heol y Deri has been transformed from an overgrown area of rough woodland to a vibrant communal area where people can get in touch with nature. Picnic areas have been created, with benches, interpretation panels, bird and bat boxes. The project has been funded by the Environment Agency, the Welsh Government’s Tidy Towns project and the Environmental Works Project, which is part of the council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard - a £200million programme to renovate council homes and communal areas through environmental improvements. It followed an extensive consultation by members of the Developing the Environmental Works Project group, which consists of tenants from across Carmarthenshire, who worked with the Llanybydder Tenants and Residents Association and housing officers. Maria Evans, Community Engagement Officer, said: “A door to door s...

Those who want to get involved in developing the future of Carmarthenshire’s new Centre for Economic Inclusion are being asked to make their views known. The £2million centre, which will be based at Coleshill, Llanelli, will provide a wide range of support services to help people of all backgrounds prepare for sustainable employment, including people who have been disadvantaged because of disability or social circumstances. Through the centre, people will have access to training facilities and small business support, as well as personal development support such as health improvement and rehabilitation. The aim is to improve the social and economic prospects of people who have been unable to find and retain employment or training for a long time due to longstanding ill-health, disability or social barriers. Work is currently underway at the site, with its launch anticipated to take place in June. In the meantime, the team behind the development want to hear from people and organisations...

A spotlight will shine on disability hate crime, harm, neglect and abuse at a special event in the New Year. Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board will host the ‘open space’ event in February to demonstrate what steps people can take to protect themselves - or people they care for – from falling prey to crime. It will be held at the Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly, on February 7, and places are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Service users, carers, health and social care professionals, and general members of the public can attend. Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care, Health and Housing and Chair of the Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and this event will explore and demonstrate the various ways that vulnerable people can be misled, discriminated against or abused – both physically and mentally. “It is an open space event, which means that people will be able to move around speak to different people, watc...

Dyfrig Dalziel, managing director of Kidwelly-based construction company Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, gives his views on 2012 – Without a shadow of doubt, the Welsh construction industry will continue to face challenges next year. The longer term outlook is slow with a sustained period of recovery. There are opportunities for the Welsh Government, through the low carbon agenda, to create jobs and additional work for local contractors. Many homes in Wales will need to be retro-fitted to meet the Government carbon targets. But private homeowners will also need to be incentivized to make their homes more energy efficient. Construction firms in Wales will need to be ready to deliver this work. Locally, we are teaming up with other builders to help meet the challenges ahead. 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 th...

Menter Cwm Gwendraeth has been given the go ahead to work with economically inactive people in Carmarthenshire. Project ‘Fresh Start’ will work with those furthest away from the labour market in the rural communities of Carmarthenshire to develop the skills and positive attitudes required by employers in today’s competitive workplace. It is part of the Engagement Gateway which has been developed as a collaborative venture by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), Welsh Government and Wales Council for Voluntary Action. The project will work with those who are above the age of 16, not in employment and who live in rural Carmarthenshire. It caters for those people not in work who do not receive Job Seekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. The project offers sessions and workshops in the following: CV writing, interviewing skills, confidence building and additional sessions based on the individual working plans. The project also offers volunteering opportunities, training...

Santa spotted in New Road, Llanelli!

Latest Aberglasney House and Gardens Newsletter - We're sorry, your browser doesn't support IFrames. You can still visit this item. , however. Enlarge this document in a new window Online Publishing from YUDU

Just four days left until Christmas, according to the Welsh Christmas Trees website. Still time to get your real tree! http://ning.it/dzqXFI

Suspicious incident: Driver of black vehicle targeting school children | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing for witnesses regarding incidents involving a small black vehicle possibly a Renault Clio in the Aberystwyth area. The occupants of the vehicle have approached separate young female schoolchildren from two comprehensive schools and suggested that they accept a lift – this gave the females enough concern to leave the scene immediately.

See concert review below -

Côr Meibion Llanelli Christmas Concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli. Compere: Chris Needs. Soloist: Joy Cornock . Côr Meibion Llanelli created their very own musical Christmas cracker for their annual Christmas Concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli. It had spark and a whole host of goodies to entertain a full house at Theatr Elli. Pulling the strings as MC was BBC Radio presenter Chris Needs, who brought his own brand of festive fun to the proceedings. Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director D Eifion Thomas put together a varied programme, with the accent firmly on the Christmas theme and plenty of audience participation. As well as the traditional Carols, the audience happily supplied ‘backing’ to White Christmas and the spiritual A-Rockin’ All Night. Soprano Joy Cornock added more sparkle to the evening with solo spots featuring Panis Angelicus, Noel, Little Road to Bethlehem and Ser y Nadolig. Her feature moment, though, came when she teamed up with the choir for a stunning rendition of Verdi’...

An edited section of the the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind December 2 recording, featuring an interview with the Rev Eldon Phillips about his planned trip to India.

Chorister Ken Collins was one of the stars of the Cor Meibion Llanelli Christmas Concert staged at Theatr Elli, Llanelli, on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Byron Thomas is the soloist on A-Rockin' All Night at the Cor Meibion Llanelli Christmas Concert at Theatr Elli, Llanelli.

Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin's latest gardening column in the South Wales Evening Post yesterday.

This week's special offers from the Jenkins Bakery (inc 4 medium sausage rolls £1.60) now up on the website - http://ning.it/iaLleW

Ah the smell of a fresh Christmas Tree! Don't forget: just six days until Christmas. Find a Welsh Christmas Tree now -  http://t.co/itD6E8tr

Splendid concert last night - Cor Meibion Llanelli, with Chris Needs as MC, Joy Cornock, soprano, at Theatr Elli, Llanelli.