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

A leading Carmarthenshire business is helping to pave the way in building links with education. Melin Consultants, based in Llanelli, signed up for the innovative GO Wales project, which makes it possible for students and graduates to develop their careers through quality work experience and training opportunities. “GO Wales is an exciting project and one which should interest any business keen to develop young talent,” said Melin Consultants director Jamie Best. The team at Melin has just benefitted from a 10-week placement by Rhys Gregory, a 22-year-old management and business graduate from Aberystwyth University. The 10-week placement is a big stepping stone for Rhys as he seeks to develop his career as a digital marketing strategist. “I am interested in a career in business and in digital marking in particular, so the GO Wales placement with Melin Consultants has been ideal. It has given me a taste of the ‘real world’ work environment and the encouragement to go on to greate...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Creating a person-centred healthcare system A new white paper from 1000 Lives Plus outlines some of the ways NHS Wales needs to adapt to become a healthcare system that is genuinely patient-centred. Person Driven Care captures the learning from The Esther Network in Sweden, which is often described as one of the best patient-centred healthcare services in the world. “The Esther Network has demonstrated that it is possible to devise systems and processes which align to provide patient-centred care,” says Dr Bernadette Fuge, Chair of Age Cymru, and one of the co-authors of the white paper.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Patient feedback to measure quality of NHS in future Plans designed to ensure patients in Wales receive excellent quality care, wherever and whenever they need it, have been published by the Welsh Government. Patient feedback will play a key role in the monitoring and improvement of healthcare services, with results published for all to see. “Achieving Excellence: The Quality Delivery Plan for the NHS in Wales 2012-16” meets a key commitment outlined in “Together for Health”, the Welsh Government’s five year vision for the NHS in Wales.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Staff are key to the future of the NHS – Health Minister launches new workforce framework “Staff are key to the success of the NHS,” Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths said as she launched “Working Differently – Working Together”, the Workforce and Organisational Development Framework for NHS Wales. This is the first framework published to support “Together for Health” the Government's five-year vision for the NHS in Wales, and it focuses on four main objectives: To develop an engaged workforce – including annual appraisals, personal development plans and workforce surveys To ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce with staff as ambassadors, championing healthy choices To redesign the workforce to support a sustainable NHS – actively involving staff in planning future services To focus on quality and safety within challenging financial times – and to ensure improvements are integrated into everyday working

  The biggest change to the way the police service is run in England & Wales is just six months away, when people will have the opportunity to vote for their first ever local Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC). People living in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area i.e. Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Ceredigion, will be given the opportunity to have their say on policing by voting for their preferred candidate on November 15th, this year. The key role of the PCC will be to set the strategic direction of the Police Force. Many of their duties will extend beyond those of Police Authorities’ to include commissioning of services and improved partnership working with criminal justice partners. The Chief Constable will retain operational independence and will continue to deliver policing services that meet the priorities set by the PCC on behalf of communities. Delyth Humfryes, Chair of Dyfed Powys Police Authority, said: “I think it’s important that we all underst...

There will be a public exhibition in Pembrey on Friday (May 25th) explaining £558,000 worth of safe walking and cycling routes around the village. The massive scale of the 13 elements involved will be graphically illustrated at the Pembrey Community Centre on Mountain Road between 1.30 and 7pm. The scheme will unveil plans to improve access to the Pembrey Primary School, library, St Illtyd’s Parish Church, Pembrey Country Park, Ashburnham Golf Course, the Millennium Coastal Path, Mountain Road and the Pembrey Canal cycleway and footpath. The path is currently being upgraded by the Council’s transport and engineering division as part of the Regional Transport Plan Walking and Cycling linkages scheme. Works have already started and will be delivered by April next year. County head of engineering and transport Stephen Pilliner said: “We have been successful in bidding for funding under the Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities initiative “We were successful in drawing down £558,068...

The driver of a scrap metal lorry has been prosecuted for not having a waste transfer note as required by law. Adam Joseph Eady was driving a DAF lorry on the B4556 at Penygroes, near Cross Hands, last November when he was stopped as part of a joint operation by Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police. The lorry, owned by Ammanford Metal Recycling, was carrying a consignment of scrap metals. Eady said he didn’t have a waste transfer note as the office dealt with all the paperwork. The firm said all drivers were issued with transfer notes. Twenty three-year-old Eady pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates Court on Monday to an offence contrary to Section 34 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Dyfed-Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council regularly conduct joint operations, which are designed to deter the increase of thefts of metals throughout Carmarthenshire, and prevent fly tipping. One aim of these operations is to ensure that consignments of controll...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Let your good idea Shine! The Health Foundation’s innovation programme, Shine, is now open for funding applications until 17 July 2012, with more than £1 million available to support up to 18 innovative healthcare teams. The Health Foundation is an independent charity working to continuously improve the quality of healthcare in the UK. The Shine 2012 challenge is to find new innovative approaches to delivering healthcare.

‘Prom Night’ Policing yields results | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys As part of its commitment to public safety Dyfed-Powys Police conducted high-visibility patrols during High School Prom events across Pembrokeshire. Friday 11 May saw Prom Nights for Schools in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke – and this resulted in a large number of young people attending after-parties at clubs Reload and Minnie’s.

Celtic Couriers in Burry Port is proud to be part of APC Overnight, the largest next day parcel delivery network with more than 120 depots in the UK. APC Overnight has now been named as one of Britain’s top-performing private companies in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 listings. These companies, billed as “role models for others that want to pursue growth,” demonstrate that it is possible to grow profits even given the recent challenging economic backdrop, as performance was measured over the financial years 2008-11. APC Overnight’s impressive 55% growth over the period is attributed to restructuring and efficiency savings. “I believe this is a significant milestone in the history of the company and one we should all be extremely proud of,” says Syed Ziaullah, CEO, of APC Overnight. "Being recognised by The Sunday Times PwC Profit Track program as one of the top 100 companies in the UK for profit growth is an immense accolade and endorses the hard work of everyone at APC.” He...

A Bynea skip company has been fined by Carmarthen magistrates for putting an unlicensed skip in a Llanelli lane. Skip Solutions Ltd manager Gary Samuel pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to an offence contrary to Section 139 Highways Act 1980. The court was told that two Carmarthenshire County Council environmental enforcement officers were in a lane to the rear of Albert Street, Llanelli, in response to a complaint from the Street Works section of the county council regarding an unlicensed builder’s skip being deposited in the lane. The skip had no identification markings. The householder provided the details of Skip Solutions. The company failed to reply to a letter from the council and on the phone denied having received the letter and said it had no record of putting a skip there. When told it had to be removed by 4pm that day the company said if it belonged to them it would be taken away. Later that day, an environmental enforcement officer returned to the area and the builde...

Celtic Couriers Ltd, the go-ahead delivery firm based in Burry Port, has just chalked up some new records. Just before the Easter break, the company chalked up new 2012 records for daily deliveries and collections. "This month, May, we are keeping up the momentum," said Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins. "We would like to thank all our customers for helping us input the busiest night of the year recently. "It saw another record number of parcels and deliveries. "The day-time team saw the busiest delivery day of the year, with a record number of parcels and deliveries." Mr Jenkins added: “We’re consistently busy and always keen to make sure we deliver for our customers. “We like to think that we live up to our motto of being frequent, fast, efficient and flexible, providing an award-winning ‘handled with care’ delivery service. “The fact that we get a lot of repeat business is testament to our determination to keep customers happy and, liter...

Research carried out by Aberystwyth University recording people’s memories of watching television footage of some of the most significant events in Wales from 1950 – 2000, can now be viewed on a new website www.mediaandmemory.co.uk Historical events such as the Aberfan disaster in 1966, the Miners’ Strike in 1984 and the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 are some of the important events to have been documented and placed on the website. As well as interviews with contributors and film footage, the website which is called Media and Memory in Wales, also includes maps, documents and photographs. Working in four areas of Wales – Caernarfon, Carmarthen, the Rhondda and Wrexham – researchers interviewed people about how television affected their lives and the way they saw the world around them at that time. Professor Iwan Rhys Morus, from the Department of History and Welsh History and leading the project, explains: “The website will be a vital resource for academic researchers, profes...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Teenage Conception Audit commences A Teenage Conception Audit has been implemented across the end of pregnancy services in NHS Wales as part of a project co-ordinated by Public Health Wales. The project is an All Wales targeted intervention aimed at pregnant young women who conceived before their 18th birthday. The intervention will be delivered through: maternity services termination of pregnancy services early pregnancy assessment units sexual health services specialist young person services (e.g. looked after children  nurse, drug treatment young person service)

Six month countdown begins to the biggest change in policing in Dyfed Powys in almost 200 years | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The biggest change to the way the police service is run in England and Wales is just six months away, when people will have the opportunity to vote for their first ever local Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). People living in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area i.e. Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Ceredigion, will be given the opportunity to have their say on policing by voting for their preferred candidate on November 15th, this year.

There are special offers at Langostinos and the Vista Lounge in Llanelli - CREDIT CRUNCH  LUNCH DEAL Dine Out For £4.95 Mon-Saturday 12.00-2.30pm Daily Selected New Lunchtime Specials

Are you an individual looking for studio/workshop space to develop a new business or community enterprise idea, or are you an existing early stage creative business which has been trading for less than two years?  Do you have an existing link to Aberystwyth University (as a student / member of staff / alumni) or does the business have the potential to develop links and be part of the growing creative community at Aberystwyth Arts Centre? Returning for the fourth year, this exciting competition offers a year’s rent free studio space from September 2012, in one of the Award winning Creative Units at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. “The ‘Year in a Creative Unit’ competition is open to business or community enterprise ideas based on any of the Creative Industries including film, tv, new media, performing arts, visual arts, applied arts and literature” explains Tony Orme, Enterprise Manager at Aberystwyth University. The winner will benefit from modern and flexible studio space in one...

The new National Plant Phenomics Centre, which features the most advanced research greenhouse in the UK, has been formally opened at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences.  The new Centre ( http://www.phenomics.org.uk/ ) is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) supported national facility and has been developed at a cost of £6.8m. The research conducted at this new national centre will help to develop new plant and crop varieties to help tackle the global challenges of climate change, food security and replacing oil based products. Located on the University’s Gogerddan campus, it was opened by BBSRC Chairman, Professor Sir Tom Blundell FRS. The new building was one of two significant capital investment developments being opened on the same day. Welsh Government Education and Skills Minister Leighton Andrews also opened the new teaching and researcher facilities on the University’s Penglais campu...

Mihangel Morgan, a lecturer in the Department of Welsh, and Tiffany Atkinson, a lecturer in English and Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University, have been shortlisted for the 2012 Wales Book of the Year Award. The Award will be presented to the best Welsh and English-language works first published in 2011 in the fields of creative writing and literary criticism in three categories: Poetry, Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction. Dr Mihangel Morgan, shortlisted for his latest Welsh language fiction novel Pantglas, has based his book around inhabitants of the imaginary village Pantglas and how they face change and numerous tragedies. Originally from Aberdare, Mihangel Morgan currently lectures in 20th century Welsh literature and lives in Talybont in Ceredigion. In 1993, he won the National Eisteddfod’s Prose Medal with his novel Dirgel Ddyn and was also on the shortlist for the Book of the Year Award 2006 for Digon o Fwydod – a collection of poems. Dr Tiffany Atkinson has been sh...

Drink-driver 'depressed after unprovoked attack' | This is South Wales A Cross Hands man who told police he drove while more than three times the legal limit had been depressed after an unprovoked attack, a court has heard. Appearing before Carmarthen magistrates, Colin Richard Rees, 53, of Carmarthen Road, admitted drink-driving on Carmarthen Road on April 8. A breath-test reading of 119 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath was recorded, the legal limit being 35.

Histopathology services will be based at Carmarthen (From Western Telegraph) Hywel Dda Health Board has announced that histopathology services (post mortems and other tissue analysis) will be centralised in Carmarthen. It said it is set to create a safer and sustainable pathology service for patients following recommendations made by the Royal College of Pathologists. The expert body recommended that histopathology services within the Hywel Dda Health Board area should be reorganised into fewer, larger departments. This is in keeping with the Welsh Government document ‘The Future Delivery of Pathology Services in Wales’, a spokesman said.

In-form Carmarthen bowlers pick up two more wins | This is South Wales Carmarthen Bowls Club's impressive early season form was given further a boost with two more wins. They entertained BP Llandarcy in the Harry Gooding Shield and won 56-52, then travelled to Gorseinon in the Carruthers Shield and won 77-68. Carmarthen remain unbeaten in both competitions.

Burry Port Town Band travelled to Blackpool to compete in the Senior Trophy contest, part of the British Open Spring Festival at the Winter Gardens. Happily for the band, the recent run of success continued with an excellent second place in a strong field of 20 Championship bands from all corners of the UK. Performing the set test piece “Chivalry”, Martin Ellerby’s tribute to the cinematic era made famous by Errol Flynn, the band delivered an exciting and colourful account described by the banding Press as “majestic” with “lots to admire”, which included fine contributions from each of the band’s soloists. The band's Chairman, Graham Howe, said: "Our thanks has to go to Michael Thorne, our Musical Director, who has been working hard to develop the band over the last year and this result is testament to that work." The band now look forward to their next major engagement, the Annual Summer Concert at the Memorial Hall Burry Port (Saturday 4th August) followed by t...

There's a chance to have your say on the Welsh Premier League at a public meeting of the National Assembly’s Community, Equality and Local Government Committee in Llanelli on Thursday. Details:  National Assembly for Wales Community, Equality and Local Government Committee at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, 19.30, Thursday 24 May 2012. The committee is holding an inquiry into the Welsh Premier League and wants football fans to come along and with their views. The committee wants views on facilities, youth player development, attendance and any other issues. This open-mic session and others will give the committee an opportunity to hear directly from football fans, officials and players so the Assembly can put views to the Football Association of Wales. It is not a ticketed event, so spaces will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Further information on this inquiry is available at www.assemblywales.org

  The legal eagles at Redkite held a special networking event to celebrate beating off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand called QualitySolicitors in Camarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Guests at the function at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel in Carmarthen included Carmarthen rugby hero Ken Owens, a member of the Welsh Grand Slam squad. “We wanted to do something special to mark our new branding as QualitySolicitors Redkite,” said Managing Partner Luke Smith. “It was great to see so many representatives of Carmarthenshire businesses at the event. Yes, we have rebranded, but we remain local solicitors you can talk to, right on your patch in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. “Our very strong identity, with staff who care passionately about the community and the people of West Wales, stays very firmly in place. “The new branding will give us benefits throughout the region by being part of the biggest new brand in the legal market in the UK.” Quali...

A top-class line-up of musicians has been secured for the first Evan-Evans Llandeilo Jazz Festival, over the weekend July 6-8. The festival, which is a free ticket event, will be based at the town’s pubs and will feature a line-up that will appeal to all jazz tastes from Trad to Blues and Gypsy jazz. Festival organiser Simon Buckley said: “The festival is now getting into full swing. “The bands are booked and we believe that we have a great line-up for the festival visitors. “The headline act at The White Horse on the Saturday night will be Eddie Martin’s Blues Band.” Mr Buckley, Chief Executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery, added: “The tickets will be free and all people have to do is go on line and register and then download the tickets. “We will have a jazz festival office open 10 days before the festival starts for those that do not have a computer or access to the internet. So everyone will be able to get tickets. “There will be plenty of accommodation and campsites for those...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Expansion of project to support people with substance misuse issues A project to support people with substance misuse issues to become economically independent has been given a boost by the Welsh Government. The ground breaking “Peer Mentoring” project is being expanded to raise awareness of substance misuse issues in the workplace. The project, financed through the European Social Fund (ESF), provides post treatment support for people who have accessed substance misuse services and who are currently economically inactive. Participants can access training and development opportunities and the ultimate aim is for participants to achieve economic independence through paid work.

Special Offer - Subsidised School Visits | The National Botanic Garden of Wales Two great new initiatives will help Welsh schoolchildren visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne, near Carmarthen. The first is to help Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 pupils learn about sustainable development. The second initiative is a Field Safari which will introduce Key Stage 2 pupils to basic ecology during the summer and autumn terms 2012.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Lowering stroke rates in Wales A new plan to ensure stroke rates in Wales are among the lowest in Europe by 2016 has been published for public consultation by the Welsh Government. Together Against Stroke aims to build on what has already been achieved in recent years, helping to deliver wider ambitions to improve services for those at risk of, or who have, a stroke over the next few years. The plan comes as new figures show how stroke care has already improved across Wales over the past three years.

To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, Aberglasney Gardens is holding an “Evening of Music by the Pool” on Bank Holiday Monday 4th June 2012. Gates open at 6:30pm Performance 7:00pm – 9:00pm A family event where you can bring your own picnic or reserve a table at the ‘Gardeners Cafe’ for a buffet supper (Reservations essential). Two courses with tea & coffee - £13.95. Music from ‘The AJ Trio’ – Sophisticated Jazz to Rock ‘N’ Roll! Adults £10 Children £5 (between 5 and 16 years old) Tickets are non-refundable. Please bring your own low-backed seating or rugs. Tickets available to buy from the website www.aberglasney.org Or you can ring (01558) 668 998.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Minister welcomes healthy eating labelling consultation Welsh Health Minister Lesley Griffiths today welcomed a UK-wide consultation aimed at making it easier for consumers to make healthy food choices. UK health ministers want to see all food manufacturers and retailers use consistent messages on the front of packaging, to show how much fat, salt, sugar and energy is in their products. Around 80% of food products sold in the UK display some form of front-of-pack labelling. However, different ways of labelling are used by different retailers and manufacturers, which can be confusing for consumers.

Carmarthenshire leisure centres are going green to help the planet. Special roadshows are being staged across the county to mark Wales Sustainability Week. Eco interactive games and an innovative eco driving simulator will be available as part of a week-long programme of activities. Organisers say the initiative has been planned to showcase what customers can do to reduce their carbon footprint. Advice will be given to educate people about ways of reducing energy and helping the environment. The Welsh Assembly Government initiative, which runs from May 21-27 is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council, which is spearheading a sustainability drive in the area. Carmarthen, Llanelli, Amman Valley, St Clears and Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centres are taking part, along with Llandovery Pool and Carmarthen Bowls Centre. Eco interactive games will include a home display which shows how heat loss from a building can be prevented through insulation and double glazing. A water polo game will ill...

The Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council has raised more than £12,000 for his chosen charities. Cllr Ivor Jackson picked Macmillan Cancer Support, the Alzheimer’s Society and Plant Dewi, which works with children and their families in the Diocese of St David’s, as his charities for his year in office. The money has been raised through a number of events, including a Curry Night in Masala Restaurant in Llanelli. The evening raised £438 from an auction, £549 from a raffle, £480 from ticket sales for the meal and there were also donations totalling £144. Other events include taking part in the Walrus Dip at Cefn Sidan on New Year’s Day and a Charity Concert at Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery featuring Llandovery Male Voice Choir with Gwawr Edwards and Aled Wynne Davies.

This month's seminar at The Desk Den in Swansea can help you to learn how to reduce your tax bill and save your business money! The May Business Seminar is led by Danielle Watts-Jones of Celtic Financial Planning. Dani Watts-Jones, an expert in finance, tax planning and risk management will discuss tax planning, risk management and diversification strategies. Dani has been a partner with Celtic Financial Planning for many years. The seminar will held on WEDNESDAY MAY 30th 2012.  The format will continue as follows: 7.30 a.m. Breakfast and Networking. 8.00 a.m. Seminar on Tax Planning, Risk Management and Diversification Strategies 8.30 a.m. Questions And Answers 9.00 a.m. Close. To book contact Claire or Joanne on 01792 584481 or contact enquiries@thedeskden.co.uk .

Young people, aged 11-17 years, can join in the fun at the monthly Blue Light Disco, held at the Gwernllwyn nightclub, Cross Hands on Thursday May 31. The event is staffed by the Amman and Gwendraeth youth service team, police officers and volunteers. Entry to the event is £5 and doors open at 7pm and close at 10pm. Entry fee includes unlimited soft drinks and in this month’s blue light disco young people can take advantage of the photofunbox where they can join their friends in a group photo. Rhys Jones, Senior Youth Worker for the Amman and Gwendraeth area said:“The blue light discos are always very successful, we now see young people coming from the Llanelli areas and other villages beyond the Amman and Gwendraeth areas. “We are pleased to be able to put on events like this for young people; when we see such a high volume of young people attending, it gives us and parents piece of mind that young people are gathering in a safe environment and are having a good time without the infl...

It was billed as the best job opportunity ever - Official Beer Taster!  In December of last year, Evan-Evans started the search for a group of beer tasters to help the award-winning brewery with the development of its new beer range for the summer of 2012. The company received more than 250 applications for what was described as the best job in brewing. Now, the first 25 successful tasters have met for a training session headed by brewery Chief Executive Simon Buckley and Ian Swanson from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. The course covered a variety of topics and included the tasting of a series of beer styles and the skills required to become a professional beer taster. Tasters travelled to Cardiff from as far afield as Stoke and Essex. The course culminated in an exam and a final tasting session at the bar of the top food pub in Wales, The Cricketers in Cathedral Road, Cardiff. Mr Buckley said: “We now have the first 25 official beer tasters. We have one more trainin...

Carmarthen market is the place to be to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. On Saturday June 2 from 11:00am a range of activities will take place in and around the market, including a jubilee themed treasure hunt for the children, live music at the clock tower square by ‘Not the Only Clown in the Village’ and ‘Just Keith’, various arts and crafts stalls and tasty cup cakes to devour. The Carmarthen market traders will also be holding a tombola and proceeds will go to the Help for Heroes charity. Rose Leaf, a trader at Carmarthen market said “following the success of our previous Easter themed event we really wanted to put on something else for members of the public to enjoy. “With the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations just around the corner we thought a jubilee themed event would go down a treat. The event is open to everyone and we know it will be a great day out for all the family.” Joan Willson, also a trader at Carmarthen market added “It’s going to be a fun-packed day and I hope people...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Services in Wales come ‘Together for Mental Health’ Welsh Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has launched Together for Mental Health, the Welsh Government’s strategic approach to mental health and mental wellbeing. The cross-Government strategy reflects the determination of the Welsh Government to continue to improve the mental health of the country and further develop high quality, evidence based mental health services. It aims to accelerate the momentum and achievements of recent years and will help to deliver the wider ambitions outlined in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and Together for Health and Sustainable Social Services for Wales; A Framework for Action.

The first handbook on leadership within the Royal Navy to be published in nearly 50 years has been produced by Professor Andrew St George, MBA Teaching Fellow at Aberystwyth University’s School of Management and Business. Three years in the writing with complete access to the Royal Navy at all levels, Royal Navy Way of Leadership has been described by publishers Random House as “the definitive book on leadership in business and in life from one of the UK's foremost leadership practitioners”. 15,000 copies of the book are being issued by the Royal Navy to all its officers, senior managers (senior rates), and all its national and international training establishments. It is due for commercial publication in the UK on 7 June. Four years ago the Second Sea Lord of the Royal Navy asked Andrew St George to spend time with every level of the Navy staff, from junior sailors in the engine room of an aircraft carrier, to handlers of landing craft, through to Royal Marines, ships’ comma...

Hywel Dda Health Board | ‘Walk to Work’ this week This week is national ‘Walk to Work’ week and this Healthy Wednesday why not take a look at the small changes you can make to your everyday journeys to help improve your health. And it doesn’t have to be limited to work.  For example, if your car journey to your local shops is quick, why not consider making the most of the dry days when they appear and walk?  Also not being able to buy more than you can carry can help streamline your spending on those unhealthy snacks!

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. Steve is a high profile after dinner speaker with humorous stories about his on and off field trials and tribulations of a 20 year football career, his gambling addictions and the roller coaster ride that is his life. ------------------------------------- Help is required this week to clear the storage area at Richmond Park. Anyone who can help is asked to turn up at the St Peter’s entrance to the ground from 6pm on Wednesday (May 16). ------------------------------------- Popular Carmarthen comedy entertainer Phil Doyle will...

Give Yourself a Treat this Weekend | The National Botanic Garden of Wales Would you like to own a genuine piece of Welsh-made hand-crafted treasure? Do you feel like you deserve something new and beautiful in your life? Then beat a path to the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne, near Carmarthen, on Saturday and Sunday May 19-20 for the second of its 2012 ‘Four Seasons Craft Fairs’. Among the stunning surrounds of the Great Glasshouse, you’ll find a choice of 35 stalls offering a captivating range of Welsh-made hand-crafted treasures from beautiful glassware, cute teddy bears, novelty clocks and cushions to gorgeous jewellery, stunning enamels, novelty garden ornaments and heavenly-scented hand-made soaps. You’ll also get to see, and smell, the mediterranean plants of the Great Glasshouse in their spring-time pomp, The Craft Fair is on from 10am until 6pm (last entry 5pm). For more information, call 01558 667149 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk

The legal eagles at Redkite are planning a special networking event to celebrate beating off stiff competition to win the right to represent the new legal super brand called QualitySolicitors in Pembrokeshire. Redkite has now been rebranded as QualitySolicitors Redkite, but it’s very much business as usual for customers old and new. The company will be staging a celebration networking event at The Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) in Pembroke Dock on May 23 (4-6pm). Anyone interested in attending can contact Bethan Hooper at QualitySolicitors Redkite, telephone 01646 683 222.

Guests at tonight's networking event for Quality Solicitors Redkite included Wales Grand Slam rugby hero Ken Owens, middle top picture. For more photos, see- https://plus.google.com/photos/114054103325052180233/albums/5742850598548233953

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show was a big hit at Carmarthen’s United Counties Showground at Nantyci on the outskirts of the town. “The reaction from visitors and exhibitors was excellent,” said organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon (pictured above), of Daffodil Events. “Exhibitor numbers were higher than last year and there were more people staying over on the camp site than previous years.” Next year’s event is already pencilled in the showground calendar for May 10-12 next year. Lois said: “Obviously, we hope to be back an even bigger and better show in 2013. “Feedback from visitors was good this year, with the youngsters enjoying the face painting and exploring the exhibits and many people enjoying the display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club. “One interesting development this year was the way that people used the park and ride facility from Nantyci to Carmarthen town centre. “Campers on site took the opportunity of using the park and ride faci...

A coalition has been formed between the Labour group and Independent councillors in Carmarthenshire. The announcement was made today following discussions which have taken place since the results of the elections were made on May 4. It follows eight years of coalition working between Independents and Labour previously, however the balance of power has now shifted with 21 and 23 county councillors respectively. It means the Labour group will choose the Leader and Cllr Meryl Gravell, currently the longest serving Leader in Wales, will step down after 13 years. The agreement is for a 12-month partnership which will be reviewed after a year. The Labour group will meet tonight to choose a Leader and Deputy Leader, and further announcements on executive board and other positions are expected in the future. Current Labour Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “I am delighted that we have formed the new coalition with the Independents. We can carry on the good work done over the last eight years ...

Following the sweeping success of the Speed Networking event held in the Quins Club in Carmarthen recently, a second round was held in the Angel, Llandeilo, on the 9th of May for a new group of young entrepreneurs in Carmarthenshire. Tomas Marks and Linda Morris from the Mentro project hosted the event. Mentro is run by Menter Bro Dinefwr and is part of the RDP Sir Gâr Rural Entrepreneurship project*, providing free business support to young people aged between 16 and 30. The event was arranged as a networking opportunity and for the future businesspeople to get advice from established businesses. The young entrepreneurs were given 4 minutes with each of the various experienced business mentors present, from companies including; Telesgop, Tinopolis, Y Stiwdio Gerdd/James Music, Angel, Heavenly, Emma Phillips Bridal, Online Sales Messages, Ynni Da, Ac Ati Translators, Ashmole & Co Accounant, Agri Advisor Solicitor, Akamuti Skincare and Eileen Thomas Child Minder from Dryslwyn...

WAAT 4 Challenge continues to give to charity with another £4000 cheque presentation. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys A cheque for £4000 raised as part of this year’s WAAT4 Challenge was recently handed over to the Blue Lamp Foundation for Powys. This money will go a long way to help members of the Policing family and other Emergency Services throughout the UK if injured in the line of duty. The WAAT 4 Challenge is a walking event held in the Brecon Beacons. Teams of four people start and finish at Brecon rugby club and walk either 30 or 40km around the Beacons, including Pen-Y-Fan.

Piano Bridge in Lower Trostre Road, Llanelli, will not reopen until June 1. Continuing wet weather conditions have caused a delay to the bridge strengthening works. A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We could not have anticipated the wettest April and early May in more than a 100 years which has specifically held up essential waterproofing work to the bridge deck. This type of work is reliant on favourable weather conditions.” There has been widespread disruption for commuters, commercial deliveries and visitors since the necessary bridge replacement works started in January. The double bridge spans the main London to Fishguard rail line and a bank of disused sidings. It is the widest rail crossing Road Bridge in Carmarthenshire. It was not possible to carry out the work piecemeal leaving one lane open because the whole of the two bridge spans, one over the main line and the other over the sidings, has had to be replaced. The bridge reconstruction works was completed on time in la...

The Jenkins Bakery of Llanelli sponsored the cricket match between Llanelli First XI and Aberdare CC at Stradey Park, Llanelli. The match, in Division Two of the South Wales Cricket Association, saw Aberdare bat first and win by 79 runs. Top photo: Jenkins Bakery's operations director Russell Jenkins pictured with the Llanelli First XI. Above: Jenkins Bakery staff members pictured with operations director Russell Jenkins.

Pupils from Brecon High School work with police on initiative to raise awareness of perils of drugs and alcohol. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Pupils from years 12 and 13 at Brecon High School have recently been working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police officers to launch their ‘STAMP’ initiative. Stamp, which stands for Substance To Alcohol Misuse Partnership, has been created by the students to raise the awareness among their peers of the dangers of the misuse of alcohol and illegal drugs. A poster designed by Head Girl, Gemma Schiebe has been produced and displayed throughout the school.  And members of the team will be available to provide information leaflets to students on alcohol and drugs.