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

 Lilium 'Black Beauty'  Lilium ducharteri   Lilium lancifolium The latest South Wales Evening Post gardening column by Aberglasney Head Gardener Joseph Atkin - This mild weather we are enjoying seems like an apology for last year’s hard winter and it is much appreciated. There is something really exciting about February as seeds are being sown new shoots are swelling the snowdrops are on song and new plants are arriving. Looking through catalogues and in Garden Centres one very encouraging surprise is the number of unusual bulbs being offered, most are species (wild plants) not cultivars and usually come under the section miscellaneous. Lilies are a real garden favourite and have been available for a long time in a wide choice of cultivars but less so as species. Recently many more species are becoming readily available. In fact if you look through old catalogues you often only found a few white species, the speciosum type and the tigridium type. All ...

Angry public send message to under-fire health board | This is South Wales Around 500 people who packed out a public meeting to discuss hospital services in Llanelli have declared a vote of no confidence in the Hywel Dda Health Board. A heated meeting at the Selwyn Samuel Centre saw residents from across the town, along with the Swansea communities of Gowerton and Gorseinon, turn out to voice concerns over the future of Prince Philip Hospital.

Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin's latest gardening column is in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. Nice story about the Winter Gardening Weekend at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the South Wales Evening Post tonight. Page 23 of the Western Mail today - you might recognise the bloke who is planning a 'Cultural Weekend', taking in Cor Meibion at Kidwelly.

Carmarthen Town AFC take on Airbus UK Broughton in the Welsh Premier League clash at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, today (2.30pm) -  http://carmarthentownafc.com/

BBC Sport - RaboDirect Pro12: Leinster 16-13 Scarlets Fergus McFadden's last-gasp penalty gave Pro12 leaders Leinster a comeback victory over the Scarlets at the RDS.

BBC Sport - Blues chief Peter Thomas issues player wages warning Cardiff Blues chairman Peter Thomas has warned that the Welsh regions will no longer pay their top players when they are away on international duty. The Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons have already announced a £3.5m salary cap for next season. But Thomas says falling revenues mean they need Wales and other Test teams to pay wages when they have the players.

Llanelli-based sustainable building consultant Jamie Best will be one of the key speakers at a Constructing Excellence Wales event being held in Aberystwyth on Thursday night (February 23). Mr Best, director of Melin Consultants, will be speaking on energy reduction in new buildings at the Aberystwyth University event which explains the overall requirements of BREEAM 2011, the benchmark by which all new public-funded buildings are measured. “It sounds very technical,” Mr Best admitted, “but the assessment method BREEAM is now a requirement under planning legislation in Wales and impacts on all new buildings over 1000 square metres.” “It’s a real brain-storming event to help everyone target sustainability standards of excellence in the construction industry in Wales. “For example, it will explain how architects and other designers can get buildings to perform better in terms of their energy use. “We want to make sure that the performance of buildings is fully maximised when they are ...

BBC News - Lampeter builder Peter Gilmore jailed at Swansea Crown Court A "wholly incompetent" builder who targeted elderly and vulnerable people in mid and west Wales has been jailed. Peter Gilmore, 38, of Cribyn, near Lampeter, carried out work that was not worth paying for and charged for repairs he had not done. He admitted charges including engaging in aggressive commercial practice, fraud, benefits fraud and breaching copyright at Swansea Crown Court. Judge Keith Thomas sentenced him to 22 months in jail.

Melin Consultants, the fast-growing South Wales firm of environment and sustainability experts, will be in the spotlight at a top construction industry networking event on Thursday (February 23). The Llanelli-based company will be the ‘showcase’ business at The Last Thursday club meeting at the Novotel Hotel in Cardiff (12.30pm). “The Last Thursday Club is always a very popular networking event for the construction industry and regular pulls in crowds of 100-plus,” said Leanne Maunder, the administrator for the club. “We get businesses attending from all over South Wales and some from over the border in Bristol so it is always a very worthwhile get-together for all concerned. “We are always keen to welcome new members, particularly those from West Wales.” The networking club meets on the last Thursday of every month, except for July, August and December. Melin director Jamie Best said he was looking forward to the networking meeting. He said: “We offer specialist technical services w...

Newsjiffy: Abuse of disabled people at Carmarthen day centre reported on in Private Eye 1307 On Page 30 of Private Eye 1307, on sale until 23rd February 2012, Private Eye reports on the abuse of vulnerable users of the Social Activity Centre in Johnstown, Carmarthen. The story mentions: *Concerns were not taken seriously for over a year despite an administrative worker raising the alarm. *A culture of intimidation in the centre led to a fear of repercussions if staff "made a fuss". *Of the 14 staff and managers found to be at fault, only one is known to have faced any disciplinary action. *One other member of staff resigned after admitting striking a service user. *Some of those who failed to follow basic procedures, to protect service users from abuse, or to investigate allegations of abuse remain in their posts or have been promoted.

From 20th February 2012, service 181 (Llanelli - Morfa - Swiss Valley) will be revised to serve Swiss Valley hourly and will run via Murray Street. Morfa buses will leave Llanelli every 30 minutes and an hourly Llanelli to Felinfoel journey is being introduced. Service 182 (Llanelli - Swiss Valley - Parc Trostre) will run 10 minutes earlier than at present. Revised timetables can be downloaded from the link below. Llanelli Services 181 & 182 from 20th February 2012 (PDF - 444.46 KB)

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 humorous stories...

BBC News - Rupert Murdoch to launch Sun on Sunday newspaper 'soon' Rupert Murdoch has told staff at the Sun newspaper in London he will launch the Sun on Sunday tabloid "very soon". The News Corporation boss, 81, offered his support to Sun journalists at News International's offices in Wapping. Ten current and former senior staff at the paper have been arrested since November in connection with alleged corrupt payments to public officials. Mr Murdoch lifted all staff suspensions pending police inquiries, a move Labour MP Chris Bryant called "cynical".

BBC News - Awema scandal: Naz Malik and Saquib Zia are dismissed The chief executive and finance director of a race relations charity at the centre of a funding scandal have been dismissed following allegations of mismanagement. The sackings of Naz Malik and Saquib Zia were announced by the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (Awema). The charity has been at the centre of allegations of financial irregularities and bullying.

Popular Carmarthen comedy entertainer Phil Doyle will be staging a fund-raising evening at the Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse and community centre on Saturday, May 26. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are £12 per person, including buffet. Phil has appeared on many TV shows including New Comedians and Talking Telephone Numbers. Phil has won the Jersey Variety Club Award for Best Comedian for three years running.  Phil will be supported by the talented young vocalist Natasha Doyle. To book: Telephone, Allan, 07976 973693, or Jeff, 07813 697774.

Dyfed Powys Police Authority approves 5% rise in the precept: | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police Authority has today approved a 5% rise in the precept it demands through the council tax. The Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police, Ian Arundale, said: “I’m pleased the Police Authority has decided to increase the precept by 5%. However, the Force still has to make significant cost reductions and while today’s news is welcome it will not necessarily improve our situation it will just stop things from getting any worse. “The 5% precept rise will not help the Force to grow but what it will do is help to stabilise our cost reductions at 20%."

The Carmarthen Town AFC football club website has been updated with news and a match report from the midweek game  - http://ning.it/s09FlB

Bingo tonight in the Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse and community centre at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. 7pm start. Admission free.

Off to lunch with Llanelli Rotary Club at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli.

Stand by your beds: I am due on the Sunday Supplement Show on BBC Radio Wales on Sunday morning. Reviewing the papers.

South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership are helping to bring one of the most historic university sites in Wales bang up-to-date with a major makeover. The Lampeter campus of the University of Wales Trinity St David contains a mixture of historic buildings and more contemporary structures which need renovation. “Even the biggest fan of the Lampeter university campus would have to admit that some of the more modern buildings on site have been in need of a makeover, “said Philip Lewis, managing director of the Lewis Partnership Ltd, of Llanelli. “There has been an university on the Lampeter site since the early part of the 19th century, so we considered ourselves very privileged to help bring a new, modern and vibrant look to buildings which were looking a little sad.” The £800,000 project is in the hands of WRW Construction, with all the design work carried out by the Llanelli-based Lewis Partnership. “It’s been challenging and interesting project for us as architects and ...

Bobby's Girl author Catrin Collier will be visiting Llanelli Library at its grand re-opening on March 5. The celebrated author, who has published almost 40 novels along with numerous articles and short stories, will be talking about her books and answering any questions at the event. Three of Catrin’s stage plays have been performed professionally, and her first novel, Hearts of Gold, was filmed as a mini-series by BBC Worldwide. She was a writer in residence at Killay playgroup for children with special needs, has taught creative writing at prisons, arts clubs and Swansea University, participated in radio and TV arts programmes, and worked as a radio presenter, researcher and broadcaster. Catrin’s visit at 2pm is one of many events being put on during the week from Monday, March 5, when the library reopens its doors after a £3.8million refurbishment, to Friday, March 9. The restoration work included protecting and preserving the older part of the building – the Grade 2 listed Athe...

Young eco-warriors from Blaenau Primary School collected 12 bags of rubbish in a litter-pick at the local park. The clean-up was carried out as part of an eco-day at the school and all of the litter will be recycled. The day began with a walk to school with the council’s road safety mascot Gary Gosafe to promote healthy living and a special assembly all about caring for the environment. During the day, the pupils made mini-gardens, football pitches and musical instruments out of shoeboxes and other unwanted household waste. They also had a visit from the council’s eco-friendly elephant Eco Eli and officers talked to the children about litter prevention before carrying out the litter-pick, joined by local MP Jonathan Edwards. In the afternoon, the youngsters, who had all dressed in green for the day, heard about the importance of Fairtrade and learnt about the work of the National Trust. The school has already received the Silver award in the Eco Schools programme and is working towards...

Carmarthenshire school children are about to go bananas over their school dinners. Thousands of primary school pupils are looking forward to getting a taste of some special lunches to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. Children will tuck in to a two special menus as part of the event – each topped off with a delicious Fairtrade banana dessert to help them towards their five-a-day. On Tuesday, February 28, they will enjoy homemade spaghetti bolognaise with peas and garlic bread, followed by Fairtrade banana, ice cream and homemade hot chocolate sauce. On Monday, March 5, cooks will serve up fillet of fish or vegetable grill with jacket potato and sweetcorn, followed by Fairtrade banana crumble and custard. Each is included in the usual cost of a school meal – £2.00 for a nutritionally-balanced two-course meal. Fairtrade Fortnight encourages fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world, by requiring companies to pay sustainable prices for produce. It also aims to promote de...

There are now 408 fewer tyres that could potentially end up fly-tipped in Ammanford. A tyre amnesty was held in the Baltic car park for residents to take along unwanted tyres free of charge. It was organised by Tidy Towns to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping. Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. Fly-tipping is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds a year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment. Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and clearing illegally dumped tyres. “Hopef...

The appointment of three new Heads of Departments and a new Deputy Dean of Science has been approved by the Council of Aberystwyth University. Professor Andrew Evans has been appointed Director of the Institute of Mathematics and Physics. Dr Martyn J. Powell has been appointed Head of the Department of History and Welsh History and Dr Joanne Thatcher has been appointed Head of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science. Dr Martin Wilding, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Mathematics and Physics, has been appointed Deputy Dean of Science. All appointments, with the exception of Dr Martyn Powell, who takes up his new post in September 2012, are with immediate effect. Professor Andrew Evans, BSc, PhD (Wales), CPhys, MInstP. Prof Andrew Evans was educated at the Gwendraeth Grammar School and at Cardiff University where he gained a 1st class degree in Physics and a PhD under the supervision of Prof R.H. Williams FRS. He was appointed to a lectureship in Aberystwyth in 1997, a se...

There was a green theme to Valentine’s Day in Llanelli with the launch of Carmarthenshire’s new recycling website. The council’s waste awareness team were at the St Ellli Shopping Centre to promote the new website  www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling People could even send their loved one a fun ‘Greenie’ Valentine’s ecard – a more eco-friendly alternative to a shop-bought card! There was also some half-term fun in Llanelli Market with Carmarthen-based scrap store Trysordy making baskets, badges and crowns from recycled materials. The new recycling website is packed full of information, news and advice on what householders can do to reduce their waste, reuse and recycle. Residents can also order more blue bags or find their nearest recycling centre - all at the touch of a button. There is information on all of the council’s waste services as well as advice on real nappies, home composting and food waste. The website is also fun, educational and interactive with four online ‘Green...

Aberystwyth University has been awarded with a Good Egg Award by Compassion in World Farming. The Good Egg Award is given to caterers who carefully source their eggs and egg products from cage-free birds. Jeremy Mabbutt, Head of Hospitality Services explains: “The University is committed to ensuring that, whenever possible, local food suppliers are sought. We have a comprehensive sustainability and ethical purchasing food policy which puts environmental, health and sustainability considerations at the core of any purchasing decisions made. “We’re very pleased to have won this award as it recognises our commitment to ensuring that our eggs not only meet the needs of our consumers in terms of quality and taste but also our commitment to ensuring that the eggs purchased are produced to high welfare and sustainability standards.” Aberystwyth University purchases approximately 96,000 eggs every year, all from an award winning egg producer based some 9 miles from the University, Bir...

Carmarthenshire's executive board is expected to show its support for the farming industry by offering a farm to a new tenant. Hendy Farm in Capel Iwan is due to become vacant soon when the current tenant retires, and the future of the 103-acre holding is to be discussed by the county council’s executive board. The council’s policy is to consider all options, including sale of the land, when a farm becomes vacant. However, executive board members have already indicated they wish to support the local farming industry and retain ownership of the property. It would then be offered as an opportunity for an existing tenant to progress or as a starter unit for a new entrant to the farming industry. The report presenting the different options to the executive board is exempt due to it containing information relating to financial or business affairs. Executive board member for corporate property Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I have studied the report and the various options which are due t...

Residents got rid of 748 tyres at an amnesty held in Cross Hands. The amnesty was held in Leekes car park and gave residents a one-off chance to dispose of any unwanted tyres free of charge. It was organised by Tidy Towns to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping. Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. Fly-tipping is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds a year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment. Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and clearing illegally dumped tyres. “Hopef...

BBC News - Captain Scott explorer Edgar Evans remembered in Rhossili A member of Captain Scott's 1912 South Pole expedition is being remembered in the area where he grew up. Edgar Evans will be commemorated later on Friday at a service at St Mary's Church, Rhossili, on the Gower peninsula, 100 years after his death. Around 200 people are expected to attend, including his grandson, John Evans.

BBC News - Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli: around 400 attend public meeting Around 400 people have attended a public meeting to discuss concerns over the future of the A&E department at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. It follows a "stop the closure" march by campaigners in the town last Saturday. There are fears that the hospital might not survive if services are downgraded or relocated. Hywel Dda Health Board said the future of the hospital as a major health care provider was secure. Thursday night's meeting was organised by the action group CIH Sospan at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli.

BBC News - Welsh forces want council tax rise for policing Police forces across Wales are looking for council tax payers to contribute more towards the cost of policing. Gwent, Dyfed-Powys and North Wales police authorities are all looking for increases next year, after a 5% rise agreed for the South Wales force. Police authorities say they face a tough situation with less UK government funding available.

A total of 219 tyres were collected to be recycled in an amnesty held in Newcastle Emlyn. Residents were able to take along unwanted tyres to the mart car park to dispose of free of charge. It was organised by Tidy Towns to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping. Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. Fly-tipping is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds a year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment. Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and clearing illegally dumped tyres. “Hopefu...

Take a look at football star's plan for his land | This is South Wales This is what football personality Robbie Savage has in store for Llanelli. The 39-time capped former Wales international and BBC Five Live radio presenter has snapped up 70 acres of land near Ffos Las racecourse. Last week he submitted plans for a 35-bed hotel and a 60 to 70-seater restaurant and bar. There are also long-term hopes of further investment including the prospect of a football academy. Robbie has teamed up with Llanelli businessman and friend Tony Quaglia, a former equipment manager and sports nutritionist for Wales, for the venture. The development, which is likely to bring between 25 and 35 jobs to the area, will be sure to complement the racecourse on its doorstep. Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell said Robbie has kept in touch with her about his plans.

Poundworld snaps up unit | This is South Wales An empty unit at Llanelli's Parc Trostre has been snapped up by a discount store giant. The out-of-town retail park is in line for a new bargain shop as Poundworld confirmed it would be opening a store there.

Bid to pop world bubble record | This is South Wales Bubble trouble is on its way to Llanelli. The town is attempting to smash its way into the record books for the largest number of people blowing bubblegum bubbles at the same time. Spearheaded by Mark Jones, posing as his alter-ego Ganjo, the attempt will be held on March 25 at 2pm at Stebonheath Park — the home of Llanelli Football Club.

300 jobs saved in £12.4m boost for Llanelli factory | This is South Wales More than 300 jobs have been saved at a Llanelli firm that was facing possible closure just three years ago, thanks to a £3.4 million Welsh Government investment. Delighted bosses at Tallent Automotive have welcomed the Economic Growth Fund aid, saying it improves its competitiveness and secures the medium-term future of the plant.

There are now 778 fewer tyres that could potentially end up being fly-tipped in Carmarthen. A tyre amnesty was held in Morrisons car park giving residents the chance to dispose of any unwanted tyres free of charge. Tyre companies attach a charge to any tyres that are disposed of at their business so illegally dumped tyres is a big problem not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK. Fly-tipping is not only a blight on the landscape, but costs local authorities millions of pounds a year to clean up and causes harm to wildlife and the environment. The amnesty was organised by Tidy Towns to encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly and help combat fly-tipping. Tidy Towns project officer Simon Troake said: “Around 450,000 tonnes of used tyres are produced in the UK every year that have to be reused or disposed of somehow and it is estimated that local authorities, landowners, industry and the emergency services pay out over £2.3 million every year in investigating and cleari...

Detectives return to Thailand | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Senior Detectives from Dyfed Powys Police are meeting with officials from the Thai Authorities in Chiang Mai next week to discuss the progress being made in the investigation into the murder of Kirsty Jones, a student from Brecon that took place in August 2000. With the support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Interpol, Dyfed Powys Police have continued to support the investigation in an effort to bring it to a successful conclusion.

A new report which shows that cockles in the Burry Inlet were not killed by pollution has been welcomed. The report published by the Environment Agency shows that the estuary is cleaner than it has ever been. The investigation, which has been ongoing for many years, has halted development and regeneration along the Llanelli coastline. It has directly led to the loss of much needed jobs and investment in the town and surrounding area. Carmarthenshire’s regeneration executive board member Cllr Clive Scourfield said it was now time that opponents to the developments accepted the findings once and for all. “We hope now that this report will finally stop the scaremongering about water quality,” Cllr Scourfield said, “and that those who have been using this issue to halt every single development in the Llanelli area and beyond will accept the reality – something we have been stressing for many years - which is that the estuary is cleaner than it has ever been. “This report clearly show...

Force flies the flag for LGB History Month | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police will be flying the rainbow flag above some of its buildings in February in support of lesbian gay bisexual transgender history month. The flag will be flying across the force as part of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) History Month which takes place every year in February and celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community.

Award-winning South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership have scooped another prestigious award – this time for a project in Banwen. The Dove Workshop plays a prominent role in supporting the community in the Dulais Valley. Architects from the Lewis Partnership have been involved with a number of improvements to the workshops, including a new cafeteria area. “Our role in developing the Dove Workshop has been hugely rewarding for the benefits the project brings to the local community,” said David Ward, associate director of the Lewis Partnership. “Now, we have picked up a prestigious Neath Port Talbot Borough Council Building Control award for our work at Dove. “The award is the icing on the cake for project which does a huge amount to develop community spirit in the Dulais Valley.” The award was presented when the cream of the construction industry in Neath Port Talbot gathered at The Towers Hotel for a special ceremony. This year was the ninth year for Neath Port Talbot to host th...

Assault on teenager investigated in Newtown | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys An assault on a teenager is being investigated by police. The 17-year-old victim was walking along Newtown’s Broad Street when he was assaulted and punched several times to the face.

Officers clamp down on underage drinking | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Officers from Welshpool Neighbourhood Policing Team seized alcohol from a group of youngsters who’d gone unaccompanied to a local restaurant and taken their own alcohol with them.

The news page for the Jenkins Bakery website has just been updated with the latest on Pancake Day! See - http://ning.it/e35nrV

Shrove Tuesday (Tuesday, February 21) is the day when people go flipping mad for pancakes. And Llanelli’s biggest bakery will be doing their bit to mark Pancake Day “Pancakes are popular all the year around at all of our shops,” said Jenkins the Bakers director and company secretary David Jenkins. “But all our shops will be making a special effort with pancakes on Tuesday. “We reckon that we sell something like 15,000 pancakes every Shrove Tuesday, so you can see how popular they are. “In fact, we sell different varieties – we have a fruit pancake and a plain pancake and this year we are experimenting with a chocolate chip pancake “The order book from our shops already totals more than 15,000 pancakes, in their different varieties, for Shrove Tuesday!” Mr Jenkins added: “This is a busy time of year for us as we start to put out a special range of typically Welsh products to mark St David’s Day. “We pride ourselves as being a bakery business which knows its customers and we know ho...

Racing cert for Premier stars | This is South Wales Llanelli is to become a magnet for soccer stars and celebrities under exciting plans unveiled by football personality Robbie Savage. The 39-time capped former Wales international and BBC Five Live radio presenter has snapped up 70 acres of land near Ffos Las racecourse and last week submitted plans for a 35-bed hotel and a 60 to 70-seater restaurant and bar.

Game fair coup for showground as event switches from Gelli Aur | This is South Wales Carmarthen's Nantyci showground will host the Welsh Game Fair this summer. In what has been described as a major coup for the town, it will see the event move from Llandeilo’s Gelli Aur for the first time in its history since it started in 1986.

BBC Sport - Scarlets in 'constant battle' to retain competitive squad - Davies Scarlets coach Nigel Davies admits that with 18 players out of contract at the end of the season he faces a battle to retain a competitive squad. His comments came in response to reports Gloucester hope to sign England number eight Ben Morgan, although Morgan is contracted for another year. Wales' four regions have introduced a £3.5m salary cap for next season.

Off to rattle the tin at Llanelli''s Tesco store  for Rotary's Thanks for Life and End Polio Now campaigns.

BBC News - James Whitaker, former Daily Mirror royal editor, dies James Whitaker, the royal commentator and former royal editor of the Daily Mirror, has died following a battle with cancer. Writing on the Mirror website, editor Richard Wallace paid tribute to him as a "true Fleet Street" legend.

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal  newspaper - 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...

BBC News - Unemployment figures down for second month in a row Unemployment in Wales has fallen for the second consecutive month. The number of people out of work between October and December last year fell by 3,000 to 134,000. The previous three-month figure from the Office for National Statistics showed a slight drop of 1,000.

The platforms of a former railway station in north Carmarthenshire have been uncovered after years of being hidden from view by a dense blanket of brambles and weeds. Clearing and renovation work has been ongoing at Bro’r Orsaf, Llanfihangel ar Arth, over the last few months as part of a community effort to celebrate the history of the area. The local history club was successful in applying for two grants to help with the scheme – a Tidy Towns grant provided by the Welsh Government, and an Environmental Works Project grant provided by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of its £203million Carmarthenshire Homes Standard project. Before work began, the area was overgrown and strewn with hundreds of bags of litter. A local contractor was brought on board to clear the area, peeling back the overgrowth and exposing historic features that tell the story of times gone by. As well as bringing the platform area back to life, the grants have also enabled new fencing and drainage works to be ...

Let your voice be heard – join our Citizens’ Panels! | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Do you have strong views about local services in the Dyfed-Powys area? Do you want to share those views? If so, the Dyfed Powys Police Citizens' Panels would like to give you an opportunity to do so. There are currently three panels established in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. The partner organisations involved are the Police, Council, and Health Board in each respective county, as well as the National Park Authority in Pembrokeshire. You can find out more by following the link.

Crime and disorder priorities for Powys – views sought | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The Powys Community Safety Partnership is currently in the process of working out its priorities for tackling crime and disorder during the coming year. A vital part of this strategic assessment process is gathering views of the public. You can help Dyfed-Powys Police by letting them know if there are any crime and disorder issues of concern to you in your local area by completing the following short questionnaire on this link - it will only take 5-10 minutes to complete.

Professionals targeted in ongoing computer internet scam. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police are warning people in Powys to be aware of a sophisticated telephone scam where fraudsters claim to be calling from Microsoft or the victims broadband provider and offer to remove viruses and “speed up” their computer. The fraudsters direct their victim to a website where they unwittingly give the fraudster permission to access the victims’ computer remotely.

Windscreen smashed in Burry Port | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police are appealing for information after a car parked in a Burry Port street had its windscreen smashed between 7pm and 9pm on Friday 27th January 2012.

Fuel thefts in Carmarthenshire – homeowners warned to protect their supplies | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Two separate thefts of fuel from homes in the village of Abergwili is once again leading police to advise homeowners of the importance of securing their supplies of heating oil.

Metal stolen from Llanddowror chapel | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Officers are appealing for information after burglars stole copper piping and a water tank from Elim Chapel House in the village of Llanddowror. The house is used for community functions.

Spotlight on Paul Mayo's victory at The Ashburnham Championship Links Golf Course in the Llanelli Star today. Splendid picture spotlight in the Llanelli Star on Cor Meibion Llanelli's Sat night performance at the Gravells car showroom in Kidwelly. The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Lovely feature on Aberglasney's Wnter Gardening Weekend (this Sat and Sun) in the Carmarthen Journal today. Lovely picture story in the Carmarthen Journal today about Cor Meibion Llaneli performing at the Gravells car showroom in Kidwelly on Sat. Smashing feature on the Carmarthen Town Mayor's annual sports awards in the Carmarthen Journal today. Lovely Jenkins Bakery St Valentine's Day products picture in the Carmarthen Journal today.

Choir's car showroom event | This is South Wales They have raised their voices at London's Royal Albert Hall and Festival Hall, Coventry Cathedral, and Birmingham's Town and Symphony Halls, but Cor Meibion Llanelli will give a polished performance amid the motors at Gravells car dealership on Saturday. The Kidwelly showroom makes for an unusual venue for the singers admits choir secretary Fred Elias.

Mystery of body found hanging in Llanelli's Stradey Woods | This is South Wales Police in Llanelli are working to piece together the mystery of a badly decomposed body found hanged in woodland. Officers received reports that a body had been spotted in a remote part of Stradey Woods on Sunday morning.

What do a falconer, software developer, award winning magazine editor and former scriptwriter for Hollyoaks have in common? The straightforward answer is they all made the choice to create their own job and have successfully built careers in a diverse range of sectors. But behind this overarching link, Aberystwyth University’s ‘Create Your Own Job’ debate on 21st February will give you the chance to discover more about the skills and attributes which these panel members feel have helped them to succeed in their chosen ventures. The debate for students and graduates takes place on 21st February 2012, 18.15- 19.45 at the Penglais Campus. “An informal and lively discussion is guaranteed” explained, Carolyn Parry, Acting Deputy Director, Careers Service. “With fewer jobs around at the moment, it makes sense to explore creating your own job by setting up a part time or full time business. Whether you already have an interest in enterprise and self-employment or are just conside...

Lovely picture story in the South Wales Evening Post tonight on this Saturday's Cor Meibion Llanelli concert at Gravells in Kidwelly.

BBC News - Report says Welsh language 'losing 3,000 people a year' The number of fluent Welsh speakers is falling by around 3,000 people a year, a new report suggests. The Welsh Language Board (WLB) said deaths and people moving from Wales are having the biggest impact. The report says that around 6,500 Welsh speakers die annually and 5,200 move away, out-pacing adult learners and children learning or raised in Welsh. It found the number of people who say they speak Welsh fluently is approximately 300,000.

Where better for a romantic stroll today than the enchanting Aberglasney Gardens in the heart of the idyllic Tywi Valley? http://www.aberglasney.org/

Visitors to the Laugharne Weekend annual festival are being helped to find a place to stay through Carmarthen’s Castle House. The weekend of literature, music and the arts, is held each spring in the home town of Wales’ famous bard Dylan Thomas. It takes place from April 13 to 15, and a packed line-up includes a talk from Deke Leonard, poetry by Simon Armitage and music from Cerys Matthews. Accommodation for the weekend is always in demand, a listing has now been compiled highlighting Visit Wales graded properties in Laugharne, Pendine, St Clears, Whitland and the surrounding area. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Castle House Tourist Information Centre has also set up an accommodation helpline on 01267 231557 to help visitors find the right place to stay. The historic building was once the former police station built within the grounds of Carmarthen Castle. Visitors can view the authentic interior of an 1880 police station, complete with cell and model policeman, along with finding ou...