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

Latest special offers at  Jenkins Bakery shops this week - WEEK COMMENCING 31/12/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 MINCED BEEF & ONION PIES £2.00 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 2 CUSTARD SLICES £1.50 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – SALMON & CUCUMBER £2.10 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & BACON £2.35 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – 4 CRUSTY ROLLS £1.20 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL WHITE BATCH £1.03 http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

The Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind production team perform carols for listeners every Christmas-time. Here are the 'musical' offerings for this year -

Latest special offers at Jenkins Bakery shops - WEEK COMMENCING 24/12/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 MINCED BEEF & ONION PIES £2.00 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – FLOURED BAPS PACK of 4, 0.90p

Ashburnham Golf Club's Junior Presentation Night is being held on Friday, January 11. The event starts at 6.30pm with a hot buffet. Adults £5 / Children £3.50. Following the presentation, there will be a short quiz. Anyone interested in attended should contact one of the following so that catering arrangements can be made - Richard Brice 07917 276741 Simon Greville 07971 229267 Huw Morgan 01554 832269

Advantages of working from home #55 - you don't have to look your best in the morning.

Merry Christmas one and all. Sorry if the blog has been underpowered in recent days. Normal service to resume after the festive break.

The Beer Academy Sommeliers held their first annual reunion at the Parcels Yard at Kings Cross Station. Only a year after the creation of the qualification, there are already 24 Sommeliers across the UK and internationally. The Sommeliers used the reunion to share their ideas and experiences on how best to educate and inspire people about beer. Beer Academy Sommelier Craig Steven said “It was the first time that I had met my fellow Sommeliers and I was amazed by the breadth of their different skills and interests. There are brewers, pub owners, beer writers, bloggers, beer event organizers a professional beer taster and Nigel Sadler who probably fits into all camps! They had a wealth of stories on how becoming a Sommelier had opened doors to spread the word about beer. “The beer market is fiercely competitive; beer knowledge and quality are the vital elements if we want more people to discover the pleasure of enjoying a beer or two.” The Beer Academy is an educational body that wa...

Multi-millionaire Kevin Green was the guest of honour and main keynote speaker at Llanelli Rotary Club's annual President's Dinner staged at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Mr Green is pictured with Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen. About Kevin Green . . . Multi-millionaire Kevin Green is fast developing a reputation with television producers as a consummate professional. The South Wales businessman is happy to take a 'you throw it and I'll catch it' attitude to the challenges provided by TV companies. Equally at home on reality TV shows, documentaries, news programmes and magazine shows, Green specialises in being his usual relaxed and confident self in front of the camera. He was featured on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire show, filmed a Devil's Dinner Party for ITV/Sky and recently completed The Secret Interview for Channel 5. In between, he finds time to respond to requests from the major broadcasters for opinions on news stories. An additional st...

Keen amateur golfer Garin Jenkins was the guest speaker at a Men's Dinner held at The Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey, near Burry Port. The TV and radio commentator and former rugby international entertained the guests with a speech full of humour and passion. With 58 caps, Garin Jenkins is Wales’s most capped hooker. A former captain of Swansea, he’s played in three World Cups, and won both league and cup honours with his club – not to mention scoring a try in Swansea’s famous 21-6 rout of Australia in 1992. He is pictured above with Ashburnham club officials, including club captain Mel Williams.

Ashburnham Juniors have been enjoying a busy spell of competitions. Most notable was the Friendship Bowl competition between the Ashburnham juniors and the youngsters of the celebrated Prince's Golf Club in Sandwich in Kent. Prince’s Golf Club claimed the inaugural “Junior Friendship Bowl” following a 4 – 2 win over Ashburnham. The visitors led 2 – 1 following the first leg of the match in Sandwich, Kent, and the home side needed nothing less than a 3-0 home win to secure the trophy. However, Prince’s proved too strong for the 'Ash' and they ran out 2 -1 winners on the day, securing an overall 4 – 2 victory. Edward Spencer and James Williams claimed the only point for the Ash with a tense last hole win. Pictured are both junior teams (the Ashburnham team in the dark colours) with the “Friendship Bowl”. The magnificent trophy was hand-made by Wyn Thomas from Burry Port to commemorate the match. The 2013 match will recommence next April when Ashburnham...

Staff at the George Hotel, Brecon, are trying to put together a Christmas market at the hotel on Sunday 23rd December, for people coming into Brecon to do their last-minute shopping. If you or know of anyone that might be interested in having a stall, please contact Les Rees at the George Hotel on 01874 623421 or les@george-hotel.com The hotel will have Breakfast with Santa, Santa's Grotto, Magic Stu and Glitter Tattoos, so there will be lots to keep the little ones entertained! Weblink - http://george-hotel.com/

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Carmarthen Town chairman Neil Alexander has expressed his delight at the success of the club’s first charity day. The team wore special pink shirts for the Welsh Premier League clash with Prestatyn. Mr Alexander said: “The event was a great success and when the final totals are added up we should have raised plenty of money for charity. I am grateful to everyone who helped make it a special day.” ------------------------------------- The night with comedian Paul Dazely at the Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse at Richmond Park has been rearranged until the new year. The date to be finalised. ------------------------------------- Fixtures (home matches in capitals) – 15 Sat 2:30pm Bangor City WPL 21 Fri 7:30pm PORT TALBOT TOWN WPL 26 Wed 2:30pm LLANELLI WPL 29 Sat 2:30pm Llanelli January 5 Sat 2:30pm GAP Connah's Quay WPL 12 Sat TBA The New Saints @ Latham Par...

My early Christmas present is a new Nikon camera. It'll take me months to figure out how to work it! I've been road-testing down at Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Park this evening. And here's a little slideshow . . .

Partners in the Cylch Caron project say financial support for the business case is a positive step towards delivering the new health and social care facility in Tregaron. The Welsh Government’s Housing Minister AM Huw Lewis has written a letter confirming £100,000 of support towards the cost of developing the Outline Business Case. This represents approximately a third of the total cost. Ceredigion County Council is working closely with Hywel Dda Health Board and other agencies to establish an innovative, integrating housing, health and social care facility for the community. The scheme will include provision for a GP surgery, inpatient care, rehabilitation facilities and therapies and a base for integrated health and social care teams. Extra care accommodation will also be provided, which will support older people to live independently within their own self-contained accommodation. Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Chair of the Ceredigion Local Service Board  [1] said on behalf of pa...

Jenkins Bakery shops throughout South West Wales raised £1,600 for the BBC's Children In Need appeal through sales of Pudsey Bear biscuits. Jenkins Bakery operations director Russell Jenkins said: "Our thanks go to our customers, who are always generous with their support for our charitable fund-raising."

Maureen Jones, Senior Midwife at Bronglais Hospital and Tracey Davies, Tissue Viability Health Care Support Worker at Glangwili Hospital were both winners at the Royal College of Nursing in Wales’ inaugural Nurse of the Year Awards. At a gala event in Cardiff, Maureen was announced the winner of the Children and Midwifery award for her commitment to delivering education and training programmes for midwives, pediatricians and Health Care Support Workers to enhance the contribution of all members of the team in an emergency situation. Due to her skills, expertise and demonstrated excellence in her field of practice Maureen has assisted with many neo-natal resuscitations and has been praised by many parents for her contribution to the care of their babies. Tracey was nominated and won the Health Care Support Worker Award for her support in nurse led clinics, helping to ensure an efficient service and short waiting lists, and helping to ensure effective use of negative pressure machines...

Côr Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Choir) are staging a Christmas concert with a difference this year. The choir's annual festive concerts at Theatr Elli have been pulling in the crowds for years. This year, Theatr Elli is unavailable as work is completed on the new Ffwrnes theatre complex in East Gate, Llanelli. "It's a bit of a blow not to have Theatr Elli available," admitted Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas. "But in order not to disappoint our many fans, we have a Christmas concert with a difference planned for Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli, on Saturday, 7pm." The concert is being billed as 'Sing Christmas!', with audience participation encouraged so that everyone gets into the Christmas spirit. Mr Thomas added: "We are also very fortunate in that we have some very special guests with us for the Tabernacle concert - Côr Curiad, Côr Baroc and the Queen Elizabeth Brass Quintet. "It promises to be a memorable evening hi...

News from the Introbiz team about the remaining networking events for 2012 - Wednesday 12th December, 4pm - 6pm Newport Gwent Dragons Business Club hosted by Introbiz. £10 members, £15 visitors Why not come and network with the corporate members of Newport Gwent Dragons and Introbiz members? Thursday 13th December Entrecote, Cafe De Paris, 4pm - 6pm drinks and canapes, £10 members, £15 visitors. Friday 21st December Holland House Hotel, Introbiz Christmas Lunch 12 noon - 4pm. Wind down for Christmas with Introbiz. Drinks on arrival 3 course lunch, 1/2 bottle wine per person, Comedian, Disco. Only £40 per person. Our first Introbiz meeting of 2013 is in the fabulous new £2million restaurant The Chapel, Cardiff. January 10th 4pm - 6pm £10 members £15 visitors Book now to avoid disappointment, spaces are going fast! To book all or any of these events please email info@introbiz.co.uk or call Paul on 07920 772707.

There isn’t a hat stand in Roger Hunt’s office; but if there was, it would be full. Businessman, entrepreneur, Christmas tree grower, sheep farmer, scrap metal dealer and football club supporter . . . the CV is getting longer every year. “There’s a joke doing the rounds that the only person busier than me at Christmas is ‘Sion Corn’, old Father Christmas himself,” laughs Hunt. Pay a visit to his Christmas tree plantation overlooking the Tywi Valley and just up the road from Y Polyn restaurant and you’ll appreciate it isn’t so much a joke as a statement of fact. The joke is told in an accent which reveals his London and East England roots. The 60-year-old former chairman of Football League side Cambridge United has travelled a long way to put his new roots down near the National Botanic Gardens. “My football links can confuse many people,” said Hunt, who spends much of his spare time helping on the executive committee of Welsh Premier League side Carmarthen Town. “I can go to footb...

The new Jenkins Bakery shop has opened in East Gate, Llanelli. Pictured at the opening at Unit 11, East Gate, SA15 3YF (Tel: 01554 755819) - Christopher Evans, left, Lloyds TSB Commercial relationship director for West Wales, shop manager John Viola and David Jenkins, company secretary and director of the Jenkins Bakery. More photos on this link - https://plus.google.com/photos/114057859711421073094/albums/5819457404826946929

Local agencies across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are promoting National Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday December 13th 2012. This year the focus is not only on overdose of illicit drugs, but also to raise awareness of the dangers of overdose through mixing different drugs, including alcohol, prescription medication, over the counter medication and also some of the new and emerging substances. As previously, the promotion of the ‘Take Home Naloxone Scheme’ will feature across Wales, and friends, family and concerned others are encouraged to take up the opportunity of free basic overdose awareness training. Naloxone when administered acts to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose for between 15 minutes and an hour, thus allowing time to call emergency services. This work forms part of the Welsh Government’s Working Together to Reduce Harm substance misuse strategy for Wales 2008 – 2018. Stuart Moncur, Assistant Director of Planning and Chair of the Substance...

Carmarthen artist Mark Cox is opening a new exhibition of his paintings tomorrow evening. The exhibition of paintings in the downstairs gallery of Carmarthen Library will help raise funds for the Carmarthen and District Hospice Appeal. The exhibition will show 60 original paintings, plus prints and cards, and will be open during normal library hours on 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th December, with 'take down' on 12th. Admission is free. A private view will take place on the evening of 5th December 5pm-8.30pm, with admission £5, pay on the door. The admission price gives a 10% discount on all original paintings on Wednesday night only. Light refreshments are included. All ticket monies will go to the hospice fund as well as 25% of all sales from the exhibition. For further information call 07792 037966  or email markcoxba@gmail.com Mark's own website describes him as 'an eclectic artist who enjoys working on a variety of subjects, producing landscapes, marine and...

Llandeilo businessman Simon Buckley has reacted angrily to criticism of campaigners who successfully blocked the proposed Sainsbury's superstore plan in the Tywi Valley town. Mr Buckley said comments about the campaigners who objected to the development were being fuelled by mis-information. Mr Buckley said: "We won the argument against Sainsbury's fair and square, but there have been comments in the local press which have been totally out of order." The chief executive of the Llandeilo-based Evan-Evans brewery and owner of the White Horse Inn in Llandeilo, Mr Buckley said he had been singled out for criticism for his co-ordination of the objections to the superstore plan. "I am all for freedom of speech and the right of everyone to express their views. But my hackles are up after reading comments by Carmarthenshire Council chief executive Mark James in last week's Carmarthen Journal and some of the letters to the editor (I would hope that they were b...

One of Llanelli's best-established businesses will this week be opening the doors of its new shop in the prestigious new East Gate development in the town. Jenkins the Bakers have taken a ground floor unit in the new development, close to the bus station and the new cinema. The shop is scheduled to open on Thursday. "We are one of the most historic businesses in Llanelli and we wanted to be part of this exciting new development which will form a key pillar in the town's future," said the Jenkins Bakery's operations director Russell Jenkins. "We already have three very well-established outlets in the town centre but we also wanted to be a part of the new East Gate scheme. "Our planned expansion to another shop will not affect the current Jenkins shops in Llanelli town centre. For them, it will be business as usual. "We view the East Gate development as another string to our bow. The familiarity of our current shops endures with both staff and shopp...

It’s being billed as the Christmas comedy DVD with a difference. Four South Wales comedians will be using Neath Little Theatre to record a special show on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8. Ignacio Lopez, Phil Evans, Simon Emanuel and Sarah Bridgman are producing the ‘Stand-Up in the Land of the Sheep - Christmas Special’. “Forget Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Peter Kay and all those other comedy superstars who produce special DVDs for the Christmas season,” said Swansea-based Ignacio Lopez. “We won’t be competing with them on their journey to their next tax-deductable million. We are producing something unique in Wales and for the people of Wales. “Our DVD will be a real ‘alternative’ to the ones produced by the TV giants this Christmas. “Instead, of the ‘stadium’ arenas seen in most live comedy DVDs, our show is being held in the slightly more intimate Neath Little Theatre! “The whole thing is very much a local affair - from the set creation to the cast of the sketches, to th...

A Carmarthen Town supporters bus is being arranged for the WORD Cup Final between Carmarthen Town and The New Saints, Saturday, January 12, 2013. The match is being staged at Latham Park, Newtown. Bus £10, £5 under 16. Names and money to Paul Ashley-Jones @ Club Shop; Colin Payne (07809 174487); Anthony Parnell (07989 448629). http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/wordfinal_bus.html

At the third and final leg of the 2012 Welsh League series at the SEWBBA Brass Band Festival in the World Heritage town of Blaenavon, Burry Port Town Band delivered a purposeful performance of Philip Sparke's ‘Year of the Dragon’ to win the Championship Section and the coveted Dewar Challenge Cup. In the process, Burry Port Town Band reclaimed the overall Championship Section Welsh League honours by winning all three legs of this year’s series following victories at SEWBBA Ebbw Vale and WWBBA Fishguard competitions. Burry Port’s solo trombone player Geraint Thomas took the ‘Best Trombone’ Award for his fine personal delivery of the fearsome solo in the work’s middle movement. There was further success in the Youth Section, with Burry Port's Soprano Cornet player, Jayne Thomas conducting the West Glamorgan Training Band to further success with their outstanding Silver Award. Graham Howe, the band's chairman, said: "The band has worked hard all year to deliver some stunn...

Aberystwyth University’s Department of Law and Criminology has been awarded a £87,743 Leverhulme Research Project Grant to study the deterrent effect of legal measures taken against business cartels. The two year study, Explaining and Understanding Business Cartel Collusion, will be undertaken by Professor Christopher Harding and Dr Jennifer Edwards. The study’s main objective will be to produce and analyse a number of 'cartel biographies' which will draw upon the experience of dealing with some major international cartels in a number of jurisdictions over the past 30 years. Professor Christopher Harding, who is leading the research, says, “The activities of such cartels – price fixing, market sharing and the like – are considered to have a very detrimental effect on markets and consumers, but legal control is difficult and costly. There is therefore a strong public interest in effective enforcement.” “Research into the actual prosecution of international cartels and assess...

There's a charity cheese and wine evening at Myddfai Community Hall and Visitor Centre, near Llandovery, on Friday, from 5-8pm. The evening will see a viewing of "Works of Art for all Seasons" by local artist Shirley Ennis. Proceeds from the event will go towards the cardiac units at Glangwili and Morriston hospitals and the Myddfai Ty Talcen Charity. Margaret Rees, of the Welsh School of Artisan Food, a renowned and award winning chef and successful restaurateur, will be presenting Carmarthenshire Artisan Cheese and Wine at the evening. She will also be displaying Local Artisan Cheese Celebration Cakes or Cheese towers suitable for events such as weddings, anniversaries and Christmas. For more information see the website www.welshartisanfood.co.uk or email welshartisan@gmaiI.com. Shirley Ennis studied under Victor Pasmore and Richard Hamilton (the father of Pop Art) at Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Durham, graduating with an Honours Deg...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Carmarthen Town defender Matthew Rees has been voted player of the month for October by his opponents. The former Wales Under 21 international polled most votes in the award which is sponsored by Corbett Sports. Rees, who was formerly with Millwall and Swansea City, has been a consistent figure in the WPL - featuring prominently in the League with Port Talbot, Neath and now Carmarthen. Carmarthen Town manager Mark Aizlewood said: “This is a well deserved award for someone who has been a stalwart in defence for us all season.” ------------------------------------- Carmarthen Town chairman Neil Alexander has expressed his delight at the success of the club’s first charity day on Saturday. The team wore special pink shirts for the WPL clash with Prestatyn. Mr Alexander said: “The event was a great success and when the final totals are added up we should have raised ...

The award-winning Cwmcerrig Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, is holding its first ‘Tasting Evening’.  Cwmcerrig has just what you need to tick off that Christmas shopping list. The farmshop is celebrated for its local produce and is proud to showcase the very best in food and drink. “A Tasting Evening is a first for us at Cwmcerrig, but we promise to make it a special evening for customers old and new,” said Cwmcerrig junior partner William Watkins. “Tuesday, December 4 is the date for everyone’s diaries as we will be extending our opening hours from 5pm until 9pm. “The spotlight will fall on local produce for the evening, with our local suppliers showing off their products, In turn, we will be showcasing our farm-produced meats. If you care about ‘food miles’ and ‘buying local’, then Cwmcerrig is the place to come.” Mr Watkins added: “Cwmcerrig is very much a one-stop-shop for all those special things you want for your Christmas celebrations. The Tasting Even...

Linda Phillips, Community Learning and Disability Nurse in Llanelli has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).  Linda was one of 62 nurses nationwide awarded the title at the charity’s ceremony, held at The Commonwealth Club in London. Linda has worked within the community learning and disability team, based in Llanelli town centre, for 10 years. Speaking about her award, Linda said: “I am really honoured to receive this title. There is a lot of good work being delivered by community nurses that maybe is not known or seen by many. Providing care within people’s homes can make a huge difference and I love working within a great team of four learning and disability community nurses here in Llanelli.” Linda applied for the title after receiving a first class honours degree in Community Health Studies last year, 20 years after completing the first qualification of her career. As part of her degree...

A special presentation was made at the Sports Aid Wales lunch held at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen, in memory of West Wales committee chairman Nigel Harrison-Rees. Mr Harrison-Rees died in office as chairman of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid Wales. Richard Gealy, secretary and vice-president of the West Wales committee of Sports Aid Wales, said: "Nigel worked tirelessly for Sports Aid for more than 25 years and was chairman for the last eight. "Nigel was a kind and generous gentleman, always concerned with the well-being of others. Sports Aid Wales would not be what it is today without his loyal commitment and enthusiasm." Mr Gealy said that in recognition of Nigel's work the Sports Aid committee had agreed to establish a new memorial award in his name. "The Nigel Harrison-Rees award will be presented to a sportsman or sportswoman who has achieved distinction in their field." The first recipient of the award was Claire Williams, bronze medalli...

South Wales millionaire and entrepreneur Kevin Green has spoken of his delight at sharing the stage with former US President Bill Clinton at a major UK business conference. The Entrepreneurs 2012 four-day intensive business conference attracted an audience of more than 10,000 to London's ExCel arena, with 3,000 packed into the hall for Clinton’s keynote address. “Obviously, it was one of the biggest events I’ve done in my role as a motivational and business speaker,” said Kevin. “The running order went from Bill Clinton, former US President, straight to Kevin Green, millionaire and entrepreneur. “Not bad, I thought . . . having Bill Clinton as your warm-up man!” Kevin joked. “As you would expect Clinton’s speech was very inspirational. The guy arrived with a massive security entourage and there is a real aura about him as a speaker. “Without a doubt, he is the biggest draw in the world at the moment in terms of public speaking. I'm very proud of the fact that I was invited to s...

Llandeilo businessman and brewer Simon Buckley has called for an urgent Jobs Summit for the Tywi Valley town. The move follows the success of the campaign to keep Sainsbury's supermarket out of Llandeilo. Mr Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery and owner of the White Horse Inn, is trying to bring Carmarthenshire Council, MPs and AMs and other interested agencies together to thrash out a way forward to bring jobs to Llandeilo. He has written to Carmarthenshire Council chief executive Mark James as follows - 'Now that sense has prevailed and Sainsbury's have decided to see sense and withdraw their planning application, it is now time to think about the alternative plans for East Carmarthenshire. 'I would like to have a meeting with you and your senior officers, our county council member and other Llandeilo employers to discuss a strategy for the development of long term jobs in the area. 'We would like to understand what commitment the council is prepar...

Latest special offers at the Jenkins Bakery shops - WEEK COMMENCING 19/11/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 MINCED BEEF & ONION PIES £2.00 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 2 EGG CUSTARD TARTS £1.00 2 FRESH CREAM ECLAIRS £1.60 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – TUNA & CUCUMBER £2.00 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & BACON £2.35 BBQ CHICKEN CIABATTA £2.25 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – OATIE ROLLS - PACK of 4 £1.20 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – 4 CRUSTY ROLLS £1.20 Weblink -  http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Campaigners in the battle to keep Sainsbury's superstore out of Llandeilo have won a stunning victory. The supermarket giant withdrew its controvserial plan for a Llandeilo store this afternoon. Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery and owner of the White Horse Inn, said - "I am glad that common-sense has prevailed. "The people of Llandeilo have had to work very hard to lobby against Sainsbury's plans. "I welcome the news that our great town of Llandeilo is not going to be blighted by this oversized development. "The campaigners against the development can feel a great sense of pride in that all their hard work has paid off. Plainly, Sainsbury's recognised that they would not win the argument. "But the Sainsbury's issues must now be consigned to the past. "We now must focus on developing new job opportunities and working with the various agencies to help people find alternative work opportunities in this ...

There will be a Heritage Horticulture Skills Scheme open day this month at Aberglasney Gardens in the Tywi Valley. The Heritage Lottery funded scheme provides training to improve the skill base of gardeners in heritage horticulture in Wales. The event takes place on November 23 from 10.30 am until 3pm. The day will include numerous horticultural demonstrations by the current students, guided tours of the gardens and the chance for to meet all the partner gardens involved. There will also be short presentations about the scheme and the partner gardens.

Carmarthenshire Councillors have decided that they are minded to approve an application to give developers three more years to submit detailed plans for housing at Stradey Park, Llanelli. But the Welsh Government has issued a Stopper Notice preventing the release of the decision until it has had time to consider whether or not to call in the application to make the final decision itself. A spokesman for the developers said work would start on site in three weeks time and the application was to provide them with the option to make changes to house types at a later stage. Last week's meeting of the planning committee considered an application by the developers for variation of one of the conditions of the outline planning permission to extend the outline planning time limit by a further three years for up to 450 residential units of two, three and four-bedroom detached houses, terraced houses, terraced town houses and apartments. The council’s head of planning Eifion Bowen told memb...

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Councillor Sian Thomas, is pictured with crew members at Pontyates Fire Station, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Ammanford’s Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Saturday November 17 in the town’s Quay Street. Not only is Father Christmas coming to town but Ammanford is hoping to gather the largest ever gathering of Santa’s Elves. The Switch-on event has been organised collaboratively by Carmarthenshire County Council, Ammanford Town Council and Gail Jones, liaison officer for Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, the main contractor for the regeneration works on Quay Street. The event is based around the annual Christmas lights switch-on event, however, this year the event has been brought forward by three weeks and the day changed to a Saturday to encourage more participation by children. The decorative Christmas lights have been supplied and erected by Alun Griffiths as part of their commitment to the community. Carmarthenshire Radio advertising is currently on air. Radio Carmarthenshire will control the stage events and is providing some of the entertainment. Stage entertainment will be ...

Ammanford-based Log Pod Ltd are holding an Open Day to launch their Gothic Pod on Saturday November 24, 10.00am–3.00pm. The Log Pod Ltd has recently unveiled its new 2012/2013 Gothic Pod, which is already proving popular both with sites and guests alike. Although it has the new shape, it is the same size and quality as the original Log Pod, making it beautifully warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Trevor Richardson, of Log Pod Ltd, said - "The main reason that any new / existing customer will add Log Pods to their site or business is first and foremost to make money! However, there are a number of other major benefits which may be less obvious. Whether you have a: Campsite, Fishery, Outdoor Activity Centre etc you will undoubtedly be competing in a large market sector where raising your sites profile may be extremely difficult and costly. "As a campsite - for example - your website will be competing with several thousand other campsites for the attention of the ...