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

 Bishop of Auckland, a purple leaved Dahlia  Dahlia in flower in November Purple leaved Dahlia stand out well against other plants The latest South Wales Evening Post gardening column by Aberglasney Head Gardener Joseph Atkin -  Having a kitchen garden is a great deal of work but worth every minute that goes into it. Throughout the season there is always something to look at. This year, the kitchen garden has been producing all year round. Last year’s beets and cabbage are still being used as is the parsley and many other herbs. This year’s Narcissus for cutting are starting to come through and the welcoming site of a box full of seeds has landed on my desk. The kitchen garden at Aberglasney has really become the hub of the gardens producing flowers food and interest throughout the year. One of the best doers and most talked about plants are the Dahlia. They really performed well for us last year flowering for a good three months and yielding plenty of bloom...

Nice story in the South Wales Evening Post about the Jenkins Bakery sponsoring the Gethin Hughes memorial music prize - http://tiny.cc/3n7fr The latest gardening column from Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin is in the South Wales Evening Post tonight.

Carmarthenshire is to benefit from an £8million EU funding boost to help with recycling. Deputy Minister for European Programmes Alun Davies AM has announced the funding for the South West Wales Materials Efficiency project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council. Backed with almost £5m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the project will reduce, recycle or reuse thousands of tonnes of waste and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Mr Davies said: “Promoting resource efficiency by reusing and recycling will help minimise the production and landfill of waste, creating huge benefits for the environment, economy and our wellbeing. I am delighted that we have been able to invest in this project which will not only reduce our ecological footprint, but also help to create jobs and support sustainable development. “Towards Zero Waste outlines our goals for reducing our carbon footprint and...

Tumble  Library will now be open on Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm starting from next week. The change has been made to adjust the opening hours in line with customer usage following a recent review. The library service is operated by local volunteers and managed by Llannon Community Council, supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Library Service. The library is also open on Tuesdays from 12.45pm – 2.30pm.

Two Carmarthenshire businesses are being helped to set up new ventures in the county thanks to the South West Wales Property Development Fund. Bassett, MacGregor & Ash is building office space on the Quay in Carmarthen and Davies Richards Llys Aur Ltd is developing two industrial buildings at Llanelli Gate. The South West Wales Property Development Fund (PDF) has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. This regional scheme is being led by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with City and County of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government. The scheme has been up and running since 2009 and over the next couple of months it is hoped to award £8.6m in gap funding for office and industrial developments across the region. The programme aims to target speculative developments and priority will be given to applications that will provide tangible benefits to the l...

The 'breads and craft bakers' pages of the Jenkins Bakery website have just been updated - http://ning.it/w2swh7 St Valentine's Day products page added to the Jenkins Bakery website - ning.it/x3U0cS

The following products are being produced by the Jenkins Bakery to mark St Valentine's Day - VALENTINE HEART BISCUITS - 70p    Top quality shortbread biscuit half dipped with chocolate and decorated with a valentine heart. VIENNESE HEART BISCUITS - 80p  Top quality shortbread biscuit with a rope of rich Viennese around the edge and in filled with red piping jelly.  LOVE BUGS - 80p Biscuit base with delicious caramel filling enrobed in chocolate topped with a sugar paste heart.  VALENTINE CHOCOLATE DIPS - 60p Our top quality Genoese cake sponge coated with chocolate and decorated with two valentine sugarpaste hearts.  LOVE SUGAR HEART BISCUITS - 90p Our top quality shortbread biscuit topped with a heart sugar paste and hand decorated with a cute message.  LOVE MALLOWS - 60p  A delicious chocolate topped marshmallow with a biscuit base, raspberry jam, finished with a sugar paste heart.

Bizzy Bees half-term holiday activity camps are for children aged 8 - 12. Activities will take place at Amman Valley, Carmarthen and Llanelli leisure centres. They can try table tennis, swimming, kayaking, trampolining, water polo and much more! To book you place please contact your local leisure centre or visit www.actifsirgar.co.uk . Bookings can be taken for single days or who weeks.

Red Kite Law has launched Honey, the ladies network, in conjunction with Bluestone National Park Resort. The event saw 20 local businesswomen sample a variety of treatments at the resort. Honey is an exclusive gathering of professional, like-minded women that aims to make networking more fun without any sales pitch! All proceeds from the event were donated to The Teenage Cancer Trust. If you are interested in finding out more about Honey's events please contact Betsan Powell for more information. Telephone:  01646 689332 http://www.redkitelaw.co.uk/cms/document/Honey_Invite.pdf

Newport’s former British Amateur champion Paul Mayo fired five birdies in a round of 73 to win the South Wales PGA event at The Ashburnham Championship Links golf course at Pembrey on Monday. Mayo’s one over par was two better than Richard Brookman, the Creigiau pro carding 75 to finish as runner-up for the second time in three tournaments. In coming first, Mayo joins James Lee and Sion Bebb as winners of South Wales PGA competitions this season. The next event is set for Tenby on February 20, when the organisation will also hold its AGM. Organisers will be hoping for a better turnout there after a number of withdrawals at Ashburnham saw only first and second places being awarded prizes. Despite that, Ashburnham club manager Huw Morgan was thrilled that his club could host one of the PGA’s events. “We are delighted to be playing our part in this revival,” he said. “It’s great to see the professionals from different clubs in Wales getting together and playing quality courses.”

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club's Council (and their partners) were guests of Llanelli Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Linda Stedman at a reception at the Llanelli Town Council chamber at The Old Vicarage, Llanelli. The Mayor is flanked by, left, Llanelli Rotary Club President Graham Williams, and, right, Deputy Town Mayor Councillor Hubert Hitchman.

Karl's special brew hits right note - worldwide | This is South Wales It's not every day you get to meet an award-winning, multi-platinum selling, royalty- approved musical icon. And it's even rarer still when one of them invites you to their home for a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning.

BBC News - Swansea University puts up toilet instruction posters Posters have gone up around a university campus instructing students on how to use the toilet properly. Swansea University says it has produced them to help address cultural differences. The posters include images showing students what they should and should not do. Some students have called them ridiculous but others say they are a good idea to help keep the toilets clean and hygienic.

BBC News - Emyr Daniel, TV broadcaster, producer and director, dies aged 63 The broadcaster and TV producer Emyr Daniel has died at the age of 63. Born in Maenclochog, Oxford-educated Mr Daniel was a journalist with BBC Wales before joining HTV Wales, becoming managing director in the 1980s. He was a former chairman of Bafta Cymru and in later years made programmes for S4C as an independent producer. Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Cymru Wales, said Mr Daniel "brought rigour, humour and warmth to every team he worked with". Mr Daniel, who lived in Cardiff, was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth Boys' Grammar School in Carmarthen before attending Jesus College, Oxford.

BBC News - Llanelli Prince Philip Hospital cut fears prompt march and rally Campaigners opposed to changes at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli have staged what they call a "stop the closure" march and rally. Llanelli Trades Council, which organised Saturday's protest, says it fears the hospital may not survive if services are downgraded or relocated. They said they would not stand "idly by and see lives put at risk" by proposals to close the hospital's A&E department. Hywel Dda Health Board says no decisions about changes have been made.

BBC News - Awema scandal: Charities must not lose out - Wales Council for Voluntary Action Work is underway to ensure grassroots charities in Wales do not lose out after a leading race equality body had its funding stopped. The All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema) has been at the centre of allegations of financial mismanagement and bullying. The Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) says it is important others are not disadvantaged.

Hairdresser’s window smashed | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Welshpool Police are investigating criminal damage to a window on Salop Road, Welshpool.

Police warning to dog owners after sheep killed in dog attacks | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is urging dog owners to keep their animals under proper control, if they are in rural areas, after several incidents have been reported to the police, whereby dogs have killed or worried sheep in the County of Pembrokeshire.

Email scam warning | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police are asking the public to be mindful of email scams. Anyone receiving emails with unexpected requests for money from friends or known email contacts should not respond to the email and should contact the sender by other means to verify the request.

Three arrested and charged following police operation to tackle quad theft | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Three men from the Merthyr Tydfil area have been arrested and charged with stealing quad bikes from the Crickhowell and Brecon area.

One man dies following RTC on A470 | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that one person died following a road accident on the A470 near Storey Arms involving two vehicles at around 6.40 yesterday.

Electric fence theft under investigation | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police are investigating the theft of a roll of electric fence from a hedgerow attached to Coomb Cottage in Llanybri.

Residents raise concerns about lane and police pledge action | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Concerns were raised by residents at a recent meeting of the Felinfoel Pact about motorists using a lane in Dafen as a short cut. The lane, which is off Maescanner Road, has been tarmaced to make it safer for children going to school, but not motorists appear to be using it too.

Holiday home fuel theft | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Around £200 of heating oil has been stolen from an oil tank at a holiday home in Pontrobert village near Llanfyllin, Powys.

Latest photos from events involving Llanelli Rotary Club -

Smashing evening last night - reception for Llanelli Rotary Club Council members at the Llanelli Town Mayor's Parlour.

On Saturday 11th February, Aberystwyth and Bangor Universities will go head to head and compete against each other in a range of sporting competitions. The Aberystwyth-Bangor Varsity sees 30 teams competing in 32 fixtures covering a number of sports from octopush and ultimate frisbee through to more traditional sports of rugby, football, table tennis and fencing. In its fifth year, the title has always been retained by the home side with Aberystwyth University currently holding the trophy for 2011 as they travel to Bangor to compete for the title of 2012 Varsity champions. Alun Minifey, Activities Officer at Aberystwyth University Guild of Students commented: “Close to 400 students will travel from Aberystwyth to Bangor on Saturday and will compete in a range of sports matches. Aber teams will be aiming to keep hold of the Varsity trophy and, for the first time, take the trophy away from the home side! “There are a variety of inter-collegiate competitions and events which are...

The Carmarthen Town AFC 2012 Sportsman’s Dinner will be held at the The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel on Friday 18th May. BBC TV pundit Steve Claridge will be the guest speaker. Steve is one of a very select few players who have amassed 1000 career appearances. He scored more than 250 goals during a 22 year career that saw him playing for more than 20 clubs. His appointment as manager of Millwall, a club for whom he is regarded as a legend by their fans at The Den, came after previous successful Player Manager roles at Portsmouth in 2000/2001 and Weymouth in 2003/2004. However, he was sacked as Manager of Millwall in July 2006 after less than four weeks in the job. Steve is now the leading face of The Football League Show, which follows Match of The Day every Saturday evening, and is a regular pundit for Football Focus, Live Championship matches on BBC1 & BBC2, Score and Radio 5 Live including the iconic Monday Night Club. Steve is a high profile after dinner speaker with hum...

A concert ticket dating back to 1883 has been unearthed through refurbishment work at Llanelli Library. Intrigued by the builders’ discovery, staff in the reference library set to work to find out more about the Builders found the ticket and passed it on to staff in the reference library, who were intrigued by the 129-year-old discovery. They have now found it was from Miss Thomas’ Concert held on January 9, 1883, at the library in Vaughan Street. An article about the concert appeared in the Llanelly and County Guardian two days later, on January 11, which declared the event a “thorough success”. The article said the audience were very appreciative of the evening’s classical music which consisted of “some of the finest selections of the old masters,” such as Handel, Mendelssohn and Meyerbeer. Singers at the concert included Dr Joseph Parry, renowned composer of the Welsh hymns Myfanwy and Aberystwyth, along with Miss Thomas herself whose “fine voice” was “highly appreciated,” ...

Leading Carmarthenshire councillors have spoken of their concern at potential cuts to bus services. First Cymru has informed them that a Government cut in grant funding streams could lead to increased fares and a reduction in service, from as soon as this April. Chair of the Environment Scrutiny Committee Cllr Jim Jones said: “This is very disturbing news. Many people are reliant on bus travel, in both rural and urban parts of Carmarthenshire. “For many, it is the only way they can travel around and access vital services such as GP surgeries, hospitals, or even just shopping or visiting friends. We appreciate that First Cymru is a commercial operator and is dependent upon grants to subsidise some of the routes, however we are extremely concerned at the adverse effect this could have on our communities. We will be keeping a very close eye on this situation.”

Two people have been fined for failing to clean up after their dogs at a popular Gwendraeth Valley park. An 86-year-old woman and a 63-year-old woman have been issued with fixed penalty notices for £75 in separate incidents at Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park near Tumble. The council’s environmental enforcement officers were on patrol at the council-run attraction following complaints of owners not clearing up after their pets. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £1,000. Dog fouling is one of the main causes of complaint from residents to Carmarthenshire County Council. The council is working hard to tackle the problem of dog fouling and enforcement officers regularly carry out patrols across the county. Cllr Jim Jones, chair of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, said: “Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park is used for recreation and leisure by families as well as for walking dogs and it is only fair that people should be able to enjoy th...

From telephones with large buttons to fall detectors and property exit sensors, a new Telecare demonstration and training facility in Carmarthenshire has got it all. Based at a Tycroes sheltered housing scheme, the facility is used to show the wide range of equipment which is available to help people live independently in their own homes. Health and social care professionals, as well as service users and relatives, can visit the facility to learn more about the equipment, and the service which links it up to the council’s 24/7 Careline+ monitoring service. Currently, there are more than 1,400 Telecare packages installed in Carmarthenshire, which – as well as helping people to manage risks in their home environment - also provides peace of mind to relatives and carers. Should any of the detectors or sensors be activated, Careline+ operatives speak to service users in real-time to offer reassurance and call for appropriate help. Telecare manager, Jeanette Munn, said: “Through p...

Message from the 'Jazz in the Bar' team at Brecon - See you all next Tuesday (15 Feb) for Paul Munnery and his Swing Street band - menu for Jazz Supper available. Please book this and pay at restaurant, still a few places left (group table or private, please state) JAZZ IN THE BAR, 2012 @ THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, CANALSIDE, BRECON, POWYS LD3 7EW : 8pm start, £6 on the door Tues 14 February: Paul Munnery's Swing Street band - Lineup: Paul Munnery (trombone/slide guitar),Henry Davis (piano), Rachel Hayward (vibes, guitar), Keith Tolley (double bass), Dion Cochran (drums) - guesting on tenor sax - Ralph Smith £6 on the door, includes raffle ticket - or supper deal combined ticket £16 below. Jazz 'Valentines' Supper & Performance for £16 per person on Tues 14 Feb with Theatr Restaurant Combo ticket/price includes meal, jazz & raffle ticket - what a bargain!! Bookings & payments are to the restaurant please : mention Jazz. Tipple n Tiffin : 01874 61186...

Oh baby! Llanelli gran helps delivery | This is South Wales A Llanelli grandmother has delivered her own granddaughter in the middle of her living room. When Lisa Griffiths was told by her son's pregnant girlfriend she was in pain, she had no idea it was the early stages of labour. Baby Natasha May Griffiths with her mum Emily Smith and grandmother Lisa Griffiths who delivered the baby at the family’s home in Felinfoel on Tuesday morning But within a few hours, 17-year-old Emily Smith was giving birth in the Felinfoel living room, with Lisa on hand to help. Lisa, of Y Fron, Felinfoel, is now the proud grandmother to Natasha May Griffiths.

BBC News - Awema race charity faces 'orderly exit' after funding axed Trustees of a race relations charity beset by financial mismanagement allegations meet later to consider how to wind up the organisation's affairs. Public funding to the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema) was ended after a Welsh government report found "significant and fundamental failures". Awema chair Dr Rita Austin said she would manage its "orderly exit".

BBC News - Cockle deaths in Burry Inlet not caused by pollution, study finds A three-year investigation into cockle deaths off Gower in south-west Wales concluded pollution was not to blame. The study, led by Hull University, blames parasites, overcrowding and conditioning of cockles after spawning. The Welsh government launched the inquiry after a series of mortalities in the Burry Inlet which have damaged the shellfish industry since 2002.

BBC News - Call for info on lobbyist meetings with Welsh ministers The three opposition parties in the Assembly are calling on the Welsh government to publish details of its meetings with lobbyists. The UK government already does this and is now considering a legal register of those seeking to influence ministers. The Liberal Democrats have urged the Welsh government to show some "leadership" and draw up a list.

Operation Focus Update: Chevron Refinery explosion and fire 2 June 2011 | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police can confirm that on Tuesday the 7th of February 2012 they interviewed a second employee of Valero Energy Limited under caution at Haverfordwest Police Station in connection with the explosion at the Refinery in Pembroke, which occurred on the 2nd of June 2011 killing four workers and seriously injuring one other. At the time of the incident the Refinery was operated by Chevron Limited. This person was interviewed in relation to potential offences of Manslaughter by Gross Negligence. This is the second person interviewed under caution during this enquiry, the first employee of Valero Energy Limited, also interviewed in relation to potential offences of Manslaughter by Gross Negligence on the 24th of January 2012.

Fuel spillage near Llandybie leads to police investigation. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A fuel spillage which led to traffic disruption and a road closure for a busy trunk road has led police to appeal for witnesses. The spillage happened on Wednesday 8th February on the A483 near to Morgan Marine in Llandybie, Ammanford between 9.30am and 10am.

Shoppers warned to look after their purses. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Shoppers across Carmarthenshire are being reminded to keep their purses safe and out of reach of potential thieves. The warning follows two separate purse thefts from one store in Carmarthen.

Joke of the year award: give your verdict - Telegraph “Conjunctivitis.com – that’s a site for sore eyes” – Tim Vine's joke saw off competition from acts including Jimmy Carr and Paul Daniels, the magician.

Off to wonderful Aberglasney House and Gardens in the Tywi Valley this morning.

Off to Llanell Rotary Club's weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.

BBC Sport - Wales lock Bradley Davies banned for rest of Six Nations Wales lock Bradley Davies will miss the rest of the Six Nations after being banned for seven weeks for his tip tackle on Ireland's Donnacha Ryan.

BBC News - Carmarthenshire leader Meryl Gravell wins no confidence vote A council leader has survived a no confidence vote which followed remarks she made about staff and some hospital protesters she referred to as "rabble". Meryl Gravell's comments were filmed by a member of public sector union Unison and posted on YouTube. The motion, accusing her of an "unacceptable slur" on council workers, was beaten by 36 votes to 31. The You Tube video -

Appeal for information following serious injury RTC | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police in Llanelli are appealing for information following a road traffic collision which left three people with serious injuries. The collision, which involved a blue Renault Twingo and blue and white skip lorry, happened at 12:38pm on Monday 6th February on a narrow unclassified road that runs between Pinged and Mynydd Penbre.

, Man pleads guilty to possessing imitation firearm | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Jaraslow Kowalski appeared before Welshpool Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7th February where he pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place contrary to section 19 and schedule 6 to the Firearms Act 1968. The incident occurred in Welshpool town centre area on the afternoon of Monday 6th February, when Kowalski was seen in possession of the weapon (image attached) by a police officer on patrol in an unmarked vehicle.

Watched 'Burton: Y Gyfrinach'  last night. So slow that I thought it was going backwards at one stage - http://ning.it/wKDBd3

The Chamber for Business and Social Action (Wales) Limited has organised a series of events in February - Environmental Management System Training Are you interested in developing an EMS? If so you may benefit from this Free environmental training If you tender to public and private sector work you may need to have an EMS to assist you win that tender and demonstrate your commitment to managing your impacts and saving money. There are only 3 recognised and accredited management systems in the UK and these are ISO 14001, BS 8555 and EMAS. Free 1 day training courses on how to achieve up to Phase 3 of BS 8555:2003 (the UK environmental management standard) Location: Bloomfields, Redstone Road, Narberth, Pembrokeshire Date; 14th February 2012 Time: 9.15am – 3.30pm • Do you want an EMS recognised UK wide and not just in Wales? • Do you tender for public and private sector contracts? • Do you want a simpler EMS and not the full ISO 14001 or reach a higher standard than ISO at about a...

Talksport investigated by AG over Redknapp reporting - Press Gazette Sports reporters covering the Harry Redknapp tax evasion case are alleged to have breached court orders on six separate occasions – and the Attorney General’s Office has confirmed investigations into two of those breaches. Last week we reported that a Guardian News and Media journalist was being investigated after tweeting the name of a juror on the first day of the trial. This led to the individual being discharged and a new juror being sworn in. The journalist is later alleged to have tweeted information about legal argument which was taking place in the absence of the jury.

People living in Mid and West Wales are being invited to contribute to an important new study into diabetes which is being undertaken at Aberystwyth University. Researchers at the University’s Department of Sport and Exercise Science are looking for 150 volunteers who are willing to take part in the study into the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes. They are keen to recruit volunteers who don’t have type 2 diabetes as well as those who do. The volunteers will be required to visit the department three times over a period of 12 months to provide a blood sample and answer questions about diet and lifestyle. There is an increasing body of research that suggests a link between low levels of vitamin D, caused by a lack of sunlight, and a number of other medical conditions. As recently as the end of January the Chief Medical Officer for England voiced concern at the rise in childhood rickets caused by lack of vitamin D. Other research has suggested a link ...

The Carmarthen Town AFC website has been updated and is well worth a visit - http://carmarthentownafc.com/

Lots of stuff yesterday about the Charles Dickens anniversary. Just love this line (about Wackford Squeers) from Nicholas Nickleby - Mr Squeers's appearance was not prepossessing. He had but one eye, and the popular prejudice runs in favour of two. The eye he had, was unquestionably useful, but decidedly not ornamental.

BBC News - Oil thefts up 500% across Wales in five years Thefts of heating oil around Wales have increased by over 500% in the past five years, BBC Wales has learned. Figures show the equivalent of a theft of oil every day by the end of 2011.

BBC News - Facebook drinking posts teacher Elizabeth Scarlett reprimanded A teacher has been reprimanded after comments about drinking and parties appeared on her Facebook site and were viewed by pupils. Elizabeth Scarlett was disciplined by the General Teaching Council for Wales. But Mrs Scarlett, 50, who used to teach at Trinant Primary School in Crumlin, Caerphilly county, claimed her former partner posted sexual comments.

BBC News - Carmarthenshire leader Meryl Gravell faces no confidence vote A council leader is facing a vote of no confidence over allegedly offensive comments on staff, and about hospital protesters she called "rabble". Meryl Gravell's comments were filmed by a member of public sector union Unison and posted on YouTube. The motion accuses her of an "unacceptable slur" on Carmarthenshire staff and members.

A recycling bin at the County Museum in Abergwili has been vandalised for the second time in a month. The door to the shoe bank was forced open leaving the contents spill on to the ground. It is the second time in a month that the recycling centre by the entrance to the museum has been targeted by vandals. It is not known if any of the contents were stolen. Carmarthenshire County Council has more than 150 of these sites throughout the county for residents to recycle their waste – from shoes and clothes to glass, cans and paper – however, vandalism and fly-tipping can often be a problem. Just before Christmas, a recycling bank in Llandeilo car park was pushed onto its side and damaged; and in October there was a fire at a site in Hendy and the glass bank had to be removed. Cllr Jim Jones, Chair of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, has criticised those responsible. He said: “We want to encourage people to recycle as much of their waste as possible and I am very disappointed th...

Carmarthenshire County Council housing tenants are being asked to take part in an innovative study to assess the health impact of home improvements. The authority is currently updating each of its 9,200 council homes as part of its £203million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard. The majority of homes have already been upgraded, with improvements including new kitchens and bathrooms, cavity wall and loft insulation, double glazed windows and doors and new energy efficient gas boilers. Now, the council wants to understand how the programme may have benefitted tenants’ health. Housing officers have linked up with Cardiff and Swansea universities to undertake what is believed to be the first Health Impact Survey in Wales. Throughout February, short surveys will be delivered to all council homes. Tenants are being encouraged to answer a series of questions designed to assess their health and wellbeing since the improvements. The data will be compared to a similar survey carried out before ...

  Environmental campaigners  Keep Wales Tidy  are calling on volunteers to help out with a clean-up of Llansteffan beach in a bid to restore it to its former glory. The date of the event is on Friday 24th of February at 10.00am, and volunteers are asked to gather next to the recycling bins in the beach car park where they will receive a short informal briefing. All tools and equipment (excluding clothing) will be provided. The event, in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council will be co-ordinated under the banner of the Tidy Towns project; a Welsh Government funded initiative aimed at restoring pride in the aesthetic appearance of villages, towns and the countryside of Wales. Keep Wales Tidy’s Project Officer for Carmarthenshire; Daniel Snaith said, “Unfortunately the beach does suffer from littering, some of which is brought in with the tide, hence the appeal to people living in the surrounding communities to spare a few hours to give the areas a good...

Police search for missing man in Ammanford | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Officers in Ammanford are appealing for help from the public in tracing a 37 year old man who has been reported missing in the area. Wayne John Morgan, who is known locally as ‘Wolfman’, has been living an alternative lifestyle around the Pantyffynnon area. He has not been seen by his family for four years, but now concerns have been raised about his welfare.

Have your say on local services! | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Have your say on local services delivered by the Police, Council, Health Board, and Park Authority – http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/have-your-say/citizens-panels

Police seek identity from CCTV duo | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police would like to identify people who may be able to assist following a crime where a sign was taken from the Star of Bengal restaurant in the vicinity of Terrace Road, Aberystwyth.

‘The Business Brief’ is the new column from Red Kite Law in the Carmarthen Journal. This week, Employment Law Partner Donna Purchase, puts the spotlight on Employment Tribunal Reforms. Regulatory and legal burdens placed on businesses across the UK is an emotive subject. This 'red tape' has in part arisen from the plethora of employment legislation passed in recent years, whether it is the UK's Equality Act or the Agency Workers Regulations derived from European law. Whatever the source, legislation has proved controversial and many people argue that it is suffocating British businesses and contributing to the state of the UK economy. Before the 2010 General Election, the Conservatives summarised their policy on employment law as "Simplifying employment law to make it easier to hire people". The government has recently taken a step towards achieving this by announcing employment law reforms. These reforms are described as the most radical reforms to t...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal  newspaper - Carmarthen Town AFC has answered a cry for help from the newly-formed Wales Football-Tennis Association. Club Shop administrator Celia Kirkby explained: "The request for help arrived by email at Carmarthen Town’s online shop. "Futnet ( www.futnet.eu ) is played with a football over a tennis net by teams of one to eight players. "They are running a tournament for unemployed adults and underprivileged youngsters in February - but they have no kit. "We were asked if we could we help with any surplus old kit. Our storeroom contains a collection of kits from previous seasons, examples of which are being displayed in the clubhouse, but a quantity has been parcelled up and sent to the Futnet organisers, who are going to name one of their teams after Carmarthen Town AFC. Jeff Thomas, Carmarthen Town AFC President, said: “Carmarthen Town is delighted to ...

Nice story about the Llanell Rotary Club Ball (March 23, Stradey Park Hotel) in the Llanelli Star today. Splendid picture feature on the Llanelli Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition (held at Llanelli Town Hall) in the Llanelli Star today. Nice story on Llanelli delivery firm boss Ivor Skinner (retiring as boss of nationwide firm APC) in the Llanelli Star today. Lovely picture story in Llanelli Star about launch of the new Gethin Hughes memorial bursary music competition (backed by Jenkins Bakery). Smashing story in the Western Mail Business pages today about brewer Simon Buckley joining an influential Parliamentary lobby group. Nice spotlight on Cor Meibion Llanelli's Kidwelly concert (Feb 18) in feature on Llanelli Sea Cadets in South Wales Evening Post last night. Splendid picture story in the Carmarthen Journal about Carmarthen Town AC's coup in getting UEFA European women's matches to Richmond Park. Nice story on the countdown to the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run Race...

The award-winning Evan-Evans Brewery in West Wales is rallying to the Welsh Government’s call for businesses to employ more apprentices. Evan-Evans Chief Executive Simon Buckley today announced he would be building a team of talented apprentices to help maintain the brewery’s expanding pub and hotel business. “I am fed up reading about the young of West Wales not being able to find jobs and apprenticeships,” said Mr Buckley. “Not every youngster is destined for an academic career and university life. Now is the time for us in industry, with the opportunity to influence employment, to do something about it.” Statistics show that the number of apprentices taken on by Welsh businesses has seen a significant drop over the past three years. The Welsh Government, which spends £90m a year on apprenticeships, used the launch of National Apprenticeships Week, to call on more employers to take on the next generation of workers. Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert said the move would...

Llanelli's Kevin Green is to be one of the keynote speakers at a major business forum at The O2 Arena in London. From 18-20 March Business 2012 is taking place at The 02, bringing together Sir Richard Branson, Lord Alan Sugar and hundreds of other experts to show you how to succeed in business. Tickets for this event are free (it’s paid for sponsors and partners). Business 2012 will host a collection of the best business leaders and experts plus more than 300 workshops and seminars all to help your business succeed. For more information see - http://www.business2012.com/?utm_source=Sign-Up.to&utm_medium=email&url_campaign=70783- Kevin Green biography - Self-made multi-millionaire and social entrepreneur Kevin Green is one of the UK’s largest residential property landlords and a multi-business owner. The 47-year-old, who featured on Channel 4′s Secret Millionaire two years ago, was homeless in 1988, today his property portfolio runs into the hundreds. Former dairy fa...

The award-winning West Wales brewer Evan-Evans is looking for a new management couple for the soon-to-be-refurbished Bull's Head in Brecon. The company is investing in a major refurbishment to bring the Bull's Head back to life. The development, due to start shortly, will be completed in mid-May, with the construction of new bedrooms and a river terrace. The Chief Executive of Evan-Evans brewery, Simon Buckley, said: "We have decided to invest heavily in the Bull's Head and to turn it into a classic ale house with 'Bunk House' accommodation. "This will be a special pub in Brecon and be another showcase for our ale brands. "We hope to create a new style of pub for Brecon, that centres on value-for-money, high quality food and realistically-priced 'Bunk House' accommodation. "This is the first of a series of developments aimed at walkers both here and in North Wales. "The plan will mean that this currently closed pub will com...

Three Council members at Aberystwyth University today took part in meetings in their new roles as Treasurers and Vice-Presidents. Dr Tim Brain is appointed to the role of Treasurer whilst Miss Gwerfyl Pierce Jones and Dr Glyn Rowlands take up the posts of Vice-Presidents. Welcoming the new members to their roles, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Aberystwyth University’s President said: “I am delighted to welcome Tim, Gwerfyl and Glyn to these strategically important roles within the University’s Council. We look forward to working together with the Vice-Chancellor to build on Aberystwyth’s prestigious and accomplished history. Aberystwyth will continue to be a leader in world class teaching and learning whilst also offering a first class student experience.” Dr Tim Brain OBE QPM BA PhD FRSA CCMI was Chief Constable of Gloucestershire from 2001 until 2010, retiring as the longest serving chief constable in the country. Before joining the Police he was a student at the University of Wales...