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

Carmarthenshire County Council has appointed the Chairs and Vice Chairs of its various committees and panels. Cllr Hugh Richards will chair both the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee and the Appeals Committee; Cllr Peter Cooper will chair the Environmental and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee, and Cllr Deryk Cundy will chair the Community Scrutiny Committee. The Education and Children Scrutiny Committee chair goes to Cllr Eirwyn Williams; the Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee chair goes to Cllr Emlyn Dole, and the Audit Committee chair goes to Cllr David Jenkins. Elsewhere, Cllr Tyssul Evans will chair the Democratic Services Committee; Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge will chair the Appointments Committee for Directors, and Deputy Leader Cllr Pam Palmer will chair the Appointments Committee for Heads of Service. The Member Appointments Committee will be chaired by Cllr Jan Williams; the Planning Committee will be chaired by Cllr Anthony Jones and the Licensing Committ...

Junior artists ‘Design’ their own poster! | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys As part of the commitment to community engagement and environmental issues, Dyfed-Powys Police organised a ‘design your own poster’ competition within two junior schools in Pembroke. A presentation evening was held at Foundry House, Pembroke, where all the winners received their prizes. The initiative was created by PCSO Emma Thomas in collaboration with the Heritage and Town Environment Group in Pembroke. It aims to highlight the importance of keeping the town and local Millpond clean of litter and dog fouling.

Back in 'zone' after 24-hour blast on tourism project followed by day of hospital appointments - 1.5 hr wait at Glangwili, 45 mins Llanelli!

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Representatives from the emergency services and other agencies visited Caldey Island to provide information and advice to islanders about keeping safe in the event of a fire, crime or medical emergency. Officers from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed Powys Police, Welsh Ambulance Service and Environment Agency Wales met with resident monks, local community representatives and tourists on the island. The purpose of the visit was to increase the islanders awareness across a whole range of issues including fire safety, environmental awareness and offering advice on emergency action to take in the event of crime, fire or a medical emergency.

Latest incidents reported by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service - 29 May 2012 13:42 A487, Talybont to Taliesin: Crews from Tregaron and Machynlleth attended a road traffic collision involving a large goods vehicle and a private motor vehicle. One trapped male casualty was released by Fire Service using cutting equipment and taken to hospital via ambulance. 13:09 Swansea Airport, Fairwood: Crews from Swansea Central and Gorseinon attended a fire involving a two-seater aircraft on the runway. Fire was extinguished by airport fire crew prior to Fire Service´s arrival. Crews dampened down wreckage using hose reel jet and foam. Pilot was unharmed but treated by air ambulance paramedics on scene.

A new £1.59 million grant scheme being run by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Physical Regeneration section is offering grants of up to £75,000 for improving or creating tourism facilities in the county. The “Distinctive Rural Hubs” grant scheme aims to put Carmarthenshire on the map by providing funding towards projects in rural Carmarthenshire. Priority will be given to projects which are able to promote the distinctiveness of the area in which they are based. The scheme, which offers funding up to 50% of total project costs, is open to all property landowners or leaseholders across rural Carmarthenshire with an innovative idea to attract tourists to their area. The project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007 – 13 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. New leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr. Kevin Madge, said “The Distinctive Rural Hubs grant scheme aims to strengthen our positi...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Wales-wide drive to reduce harm from alcohol A joint training programme to reduce the harm caused by alcohol has been launched by Public Health Wales, Cardiff University and Welsh Government, at the Temple of Peace and Health, Cathays Park, Cardiff. The National Alcohol Brief Intervention Programme gives guidance to staff working in oral or maxillofacial units, trauma clinics, social workers, midwives and other professionals or volunteers who are in regular contact with people who drink harmful amounts. The programme helps them to offer support and advice to people drinking harmful amounts to enable them to reduce their drinking levels.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Firefighters from Morriston, Gorseinon, Pontarddulias and Pontardawe recently carried out an exercise at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, involving a simulated fire in the operating theatre suite, designed to test the hospital's internal emergency procedures, as well as providing a realistic scenario for firefighters to deal with. Firefighters were deployed to the affected area wearing breathing apparatus and laying out equipment to carry out simulated firefighting and search and rescue activities, whilst hospital staff were treating patients and implementing their own emergency procedures for such incidents. The exercise was carried out with absolute minimal interruption to the routine operation of the theatres, and as such did not affect the care and treatment of patients which was continually monitored and maintained by hospital staff.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Older people across Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to request a free Home Fire Safety Check from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to help make their property safer from fire. A Home Fire Safety Check is usually carried out by two Fire Service representatives who will provide advice on making your home safe from fire, help with planning escape routes and install new smoke alarms, with 10-year batteries, where needed.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Major fall in cases of C.difficile in Wales Efforts across Wales in 2011-12 to tackle C.difficile infections resulted in an overall reduction of more than 32 per cent. This means that 622 fewer patients were affected and about 37 lives saved. This significant achievement builds on the 2010-11 success of 789 fewer cases and about 50 lives saved. The zero tolerance of preventable HCAIs is part of the Programme for Government commitment to deliver better health for all. There are a number of factors which can increase the risk of HCAIs but robust, sustainable infection prevention and control minimises the risk. Healthcare organisations need to ensure staff have the skills, knowledge and resources to provide care in a safe environment for patients.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Food hygiene rating bill introduced New proposals requiring food businesses such as restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets in Wales to display food hygiene ratings at their premises have been outlined. The Welsh Government will introduce its Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Bill, designed to provide consumers with more information about where they eat or buy food and raise food hygiene practices among businesses. Introduction of a mandatory food hygiene rating scheme is a commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and would be the UK’s first compulsory scheme.

Carmarthenshire County Council has bought the old Ammanford Police Station site as part of the ambitious regeneration plans to redevelop the town centre. The local authority’s Regeneration Department has acquired the site earlier this month for £152,000 and plans to draw up a development brief for a mixed use proposal on the site. The council aims to release the development brief later this year and hopes to attract interest from the private sector or other partners to regenerate this area of the town. The proposals form part of the wider regeneration plans for the town and will complement environmental enhancement works already carried out at Arcade Square and Margaret Street Junction and the forthcoming enhancement works commencing shortly along Quay Street. This acquisition is the second gateway site the council has acquired over recent months, the other being some of the properties along Foundry Row, which themselves are due to be redeveloped shortly. Council leader Cllr Kevin Mad...

Welsh Government | Welsh Government supports major investment set to create 90 jobs A £6.4m investment by Morrisons at its Farmers Boy Deeside fresh meat facility is being supported by the Welsh Government and set to create 90 jobs. The facility currently provides the supermarket with Morrisons branded sliced meats and deli products and the investment will enable it to introduce an extensive range of ready-to-eat chicken meals. Mario Jacobs, General Manager at Farmers Boy Deeside, said the Deeside plant would have the capacity to produce 40 tons of ready-to-eat chicken meals a week supplying all 477 Morrisons supermarkets.

Hywel Dda Health Board | This Healthy Wednesday - plan a healthy Jubilee weekend The latest 'Healthy Wednesday' tip from the Hywel Dda Health Board asks the question: Why not plan a healthy picnic for the Jubilee weekend? Picnics are a great tradition and can also be a good way to get healthy combining healthy food with exercise and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Hywel Dda Health Board | New campaign to reduce infections through improved use of catheters and cannulas Hywel Dda Health Board is supporting a new campaign to improve the safety of patient care through better use of catheters and cannulas. Patients with these devices are at risk of infection if they aren’t applied or used correctly. S.T.O.P. prompts staff to Stop and ask is the device really needed? It encourages them to Think and give the necessary attention to detail, to focus on Options and consider whether there are alternatives. This will Prevent healthcare associated infections by ensuring the use and maintenance of them is as safe as possible.

Good story in the Llanelli Star today about the Jenkins Bakery @JenkinsBakery welcoming the U-turn on 'pasty tax'. Nice story in the Llanelli Star today about Burry Port firm Amcanu Ltd @AmcanuLtd stepping up to 24-hour production at their factory. Smashing photo in today's Llanelli Star showing Cor Meibion Llanelli singing at The Senedd protest over Prince Philip Hospital. Smashing story in the South Wales Evening Post about the Jenkins Bakery @JenkinsBakery welcoming the U-turn on 'pasty tax'. Splendid story on the back page of the Carmarthen Journal about Carmarthen Town AFC's mission to recruit new players to 'The Old Gold'. The latest 'Iechyd Da' beer column from Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley (Evan-Evans Brewery) is in the Carmarthen Journal today. Splendid feature in the Carmarthen Journal today on the first Llandeilo Jazz Festival (July 6-8), sponsored by Evan-Evans Brewery. Splendid full page advert in the Carmarthen Journal this week...

Jamie Best, of Melin Consultants, of The Beacon, Dafen Llanelli, was featured in the 'It's My Business' feature in the Carmarthen Journal today. See below for the text - Who are you? Jamie Best What is your business? Melin Consultants is a small (10 person) building consultancy I run with my wife, Mel. It specialises in sustainable building solutions for new buildings. How long have you run the business? I have been working for Melin since 2008. Mel started it back in 2006. Is this your first business? When converting our home in Drefach from an old watermill, I thought there was an opportunity to sell taps online. How wrong I was. Still I learnt a number of crucial mistakes which I haven't repeated again. What made you want to run you own business rather than work for somebody else? It was a tough choice to give up a good salary working for a large national company but the freedom to make my own choices really sold it for me. I very much believe in live by the swo...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - There's a meeting of the Carmarthen Town AFC general committee this Wednesday evening (May 30) at the clubhouse and community centre at Richmond Park. It starts at 6pm. Club members are asked to make an effort to attend as there are important club restructuring issues to be discussed. ------------------------------------- The annual Carmarthen Town AFC Fete will be held at Richmond Park on Saturday, July 7. ------------------------------------- The annual general meeting of Carmarthen Town AFC will be held at the clubhouse and community centre on Tuesday, June 12, 7.30pm. ------------------------------------- Tote: May 22 draw – Winning numbers, 2 and 3. There was no winner of the prize of £300. The draw for a prize of £400 was being made on Tuesday night.

The latest Iechyd Da beer column written by Simon Buckley, chief executive of the Llandeilo-based Evan-Evans brewery, for the Carmarthen Journal . . . It was Gertrude Stein the American novelist and poet who said, “In the United States there is more space where nobody is than where anybody is. That is what makes America what it is.” I am back from my trip to the United States. I return with a new vocabulary and a determination that the land of the free is definitely a place to go and brew beer. There are several things that make the US so fascinating and why I genuinely believe that we can take Welsh ale to the States and succeed. A friend of mine said to me just before I left for the States, ‘be careful you don’t get bitten’. When quizzed as to what that meant, he said, “You’ll know if it happens”. Well I was bitten, not by anything nasty but by the sheer enthusiasm for the new craft beer industry, the can-do, will-do attitude and the generosity of the people who made me, ‘Lad...

South Wales entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’ Kevin Green is revelling in his new role helping to inspire the next generation of business leaders. Green has been chosen as a role model for the prestigious Welsh Government ‘Dynamo Project’. “It is exciting stuff and great fun to work with schoolchildren and students on developing their business skills and ideas,” Green said. “I was delighted to be able to accept the position of being one of the Dynamo Project’s role models. “Already, I have been talking to students at Coleg Sir Gar’s Ammanford campus. “Next month, July 6, sees me helping out at a Dragon’s Den event being staged at Parc y Scarlets for all Carmarthenshire schools.” Green added: “As a businessman, I obviously care very deeply about helping the next generation of young business entrepreneurs. Being a role model for Dynamo is a very practical way for me to put something back into the community and help youngsters learn the business skills they will need in the future.”...

Hywel Dda Health Board | Man comes back from coma to run half marathon A Pembrokeshire man who has come back from the brink of death is raising money for Withybush Hospital. Captain Brian Thomas, of Croesgoch, collapsed on July 2 2011. He was rushed to Withybush Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department before being transferred to the Heath Hospital in Cardiff for specialist neurology surgery.

Latest news from Lampeter and Carmarthen fire stations - 28 May 2012: 16:47 A485 Gwyddgrug, Pencader: Crews from Lampeter and Carmarthen attended a road traffic collision involving two private motor vehicles. Fire Service released one person from vehicle using Webber rescue equipment and small gear. An environmental pack was used to absorb spillage and both vehicles were made safe by crews.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working with Ceredigion County Council´s Road Safety section to offer advice to families on how to improve child safety in the car. Parents and guardians are invited to get their child´s car seat checked free of charge after previous checks in Ceredigion showed that 8 out of 10 car seats were fitted incorrectly. Expert advisors will be available to check seats at the following locations during Child Safety Week (18th to 24th June): 18th June, 10am to 3pm at Tesco in Cardigan. 19th June, 10am to 3pm at Co-op in Lampeter. 20th June, 10am to 3pm at Morrisons in Aberystwyth.

Hywel Dda Health Board | Nefyn School achieves National Quality Award A Gwynedd primary school has achieved a prestigious national award recognising its commitment to promoting health and wellbeing. Nefyn School is the second school in the county, and only the 18th in Wales, to win the Healthy Schools National Quality Award. To achieve the award, the school has been actively involved in the Healthy Schools Scheme, which is run by the Welsh Government with support for schools being provided by Public Health Wales’ local Healthy Schools team.

Footballers in Newtown celebrate after windfall from Dyfed Powys Police incentivisation fund. | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Newtown under 9s have new training tops which were bought thanks to a £485 grant from Dyfed Powys Police’s incentivisation fund. Alongside members of the club in the Dyfed Powys Police website photo are the club chairman  Alan Owen, coach Paul Herdman and assistant coach Neil Jarman. “This money is much appreciated by the club and has been put to good use in buying much needed kit for the under 9s,” said Mr Herdman. “We’re grateful to the force for giving us the grant.”

Carmarthenshire County Council has congratulated a local B&B on reaching the final 25 of a national competition. Coedllys Country House B&B and Cottage in Llangynin, St. Clears, was nominated for the AA's friendliest B & B in the UK and progressed to the finals. Keith and Val Harber, of Coedllys, said: “We were delighted to get to the final 25. Sadly we did not win. A lovely lady in Yorkshire won. We tried very hard to do Carmarthenshire proud. We had a great time in London.” Executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted that Coedllys has done so well in the competition and hope Keith and Val go even further next year. “Local businesses such as Coedllys have a vital role to play in bringing people into Carmarthenshire’s and strengthening the county’s economy.” Coedllys has won the Best B&B in Carmarthenshire Award 2011/12, received a Visit Wales GOLD Award putting it in the Top Three Per Cent of accommodations in Wales...

Bank Holiday opening times for Public Enquiry Offices in Carmarthenshire | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Over the Bank Holiday period the front desk enquiry service at the following Police Stations will be opened as follows: Carmarthenshire Division Monday 4th of June 2012 Llanelli Station – 10am – 6pm Ammanford – CLOSED Carmarthen Station – CLOSED Tuesday  5th of June 2012 Llanelli Station – 10am – 6pm Ammanford – CLOSED"

An appeal is being made for photographs that show the bandstand at Llanelli’s Parc Howard in all its former glory. The bandstand is being restored as part of the park’s centenary celebrations, but help is needed to ascertain the original design of the railings so that work can be carried out sympathetically. Kidwelly-based building firm Dyfrig Dalziel Ltd, working on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, is appealing for people to come forward if they have photographs which clearly show the design of the balustrades, steps and gate. Mathew Dalziel said: “We are delighted to be carrying out this work as we understand the great importance it holds within the history of this wonderful park. “It is especially pleasing that we are carrying out this work in the park’s centenary year when people will be celebrating 100 years since the mansion house and gardens were gifted to the people of Llanelli. “Of course, we want to make sure that we carry out a careful and sympathetic restoration of...

Bank Holiday opening times for Public Enquiry Offices in Powys | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Over the Bank Holiday period the front desk enquiry service at the following Police Stations will be opened as follows: Powys Division Monday 4th of June 2012 Brecon - CLOSED Llandrindod Wells - CLOSED Newtown - CLOSED Welshpool - CLOSED Ystradgynlais - CLOSED Tuesday  5th of June 2012 Brecon - CLOSED Llandrindod Wells - CLOSED Newtown - CLOSED Welshpool - CLOSED Ystradgynlais - CLOSED

Carmarthen Town’s General Manager Kevin Morris has been busy over the last few weeks. With The Old Gold’s place in the Welsh Premier League being ensured by the failure of Neath to gain a Domestic Licence and Haverfordwest County failure to get the necessary number of points, Morris has already agreed terms with a number of players for the 2012/13 season. Along with First Team Manager Mark Aizlewood and First Team coach Neil Smothers, he has already re-signed several of last season’s squad. The management team at Richmond Park named the following as the ones who had already agreed deals for next year – last season’s captain and utility player Tim Hicks, midfield player Jonathan Hood, last season’s player of the year Corey Thomas, and commanding centre back Lee Bevan. Jack Christopher, who won Sgorio's Goal of the Year award, has also put pen to paper. “The other squad members from last season have yet to meet up with the management team due to holiday commitments but will be ...

One of the best-known bakery firms in South Wales has welcomed the news of the Government’s U-turn on the so-called ‘pasty tax’. Jenkins the Bakers, a third generation family business based in Llanelli and with shops across South West Wales, was in the vanguard of the campaign to halt the tax proposal. “The Government U-turn is a victory for people power,” said the Jenkins Bakery’s company secretary and director David Jenkins. “At the outset, we said that the tax was unmanageable, unpalatable and unfair. “The Government was out of order in attempting to introduce VAT on some of the nation’s favourite and most affordable foods. “We know how popular our products are and many appeal to families who are already suffering severe budget restraints in these difficult economic times. “If the ‘pasty tax’ had gone ahead, our customers would have felt the damage of this unwelcome tax in their pockets and that would have been bad news all around. The Chancellor, George Osborne, angered craft ...

Jones on song again as Steel buckle | This is South Wales Llanelli and Morriston drew at Stradey Park. The visitors batted first and reached 208-8 with good contributions from Dan Sutton (45), Sam Richards (43) and Dan Lovelock (32). Morriston bowler Stuart Johnson then had the upper hand when Llanelli batted, only Iwan Rees (64) at ease as Llanelli ended on 160-8.

Alexandra Burke performs at Parc y Scarlets for Enjoy festival | This is South Wales Thousands of music fans headed to Llanelli as Parc y Scarlets opened its doors for this year's annual Enjoy festival. The event, which took place in sizzling heat in West Wales, featured a line-up of some of the UK's most exciting pop, R&B and hip-hop stars including Alexandra Burke, Starboy Nathan and London-based three-piece girl band Stooshe.

Sunday 17:50 - New Dock Road, Llanelli: Crews from Llanelli attended a fire confined to a grill pan in a ground floor kitchen. Fire was out on arrival however property was smoke-logged. Fire Service ventilated property, evacuated an elderly female from the property and treated her for smoke inhalation with oxygen therapy.

Delivering resources for largest ever pre-planned operation; the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys : With just 60 days until the start of the London 2012 Games, Dyfed Powys Police has been working with national colleagues to help resource what will be the largest ever pre-planned policing operation, while also ensuring that core policing for our communities continues. Overseen by AC Chris Allison, the National Olympic Security Coordinator, 51 forces have worked together to resource the 105-day long national policing, which begins on 4 June and runs until 16 September. Dyfed Powys Police will support the operation by providing officers to assist for a total of 60 days. Final planning for their deployments is underway, but the majority of officers will assist the Metropolitan Police and Dorset Police, which have the largest Games operations.

Operation Focus: Anniversary Press Release | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The fire and explosion at the Valero (formerly Chevron) Oil Refinery, Rhoscrowther, Pembrokeshire, which occurred on the 2nd of June 2011, in which four workers were tragically killed and another seriously injured, reaches its one year anniversary on Saturday 2nd June. The investigation into the cause of the incident by Dyfed Powys Police and the Health and safety executive, who have a dedicated investigation team, continues. As the investigation has progressed, two individuals employed by Chevron have been interviewed under caution in relation to offences of Gross Negligence Manslaughter. This has taken place as part of the wider investigation therefore no conclusions should be drawn at this stage.  In addition, enquiries have been made with in excess of 1,800 potential witnesses with over 200 providing statements to date.

A Cwmgors man has been prosecuted and fined for failing to comply with enforcement notices to stop unauthorised use of land in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthen Magistrates Court heard that on August 2, 2011, Carmarthenshire County Council served Richard Booth of Pant y Fedwen, Cwmgors, with two planning enforcement notices regarding land in his ownership in Golden Grove. He had changed the use of the land from agriculture to an equine usage without the benefit of planning permission. He had also imported materials for the formation of a track and to create a hard standing for the siting of four stables and three field shelters. Booth had a month to appeal the notice issued but did not appeal. Therefore he was required to revert the land back to an agricultural use, remove all imported materials and remove the unauthorised structures. Booth then had 28 days from September 2, 2011, to comply with the requests laid out within the enforcement notice. Mr Booth did not comply with these requests....

Carmarthenshire residents are being given a unique chance to compete for a job in the construction industry. Anyone aged 16 and over can enter for their chance to take part in Next Steps 2012 – a competition where someone will win a full-time paid apprenticeship. It is being run by Constructing Carmarthenshire Together – a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council, Coleg Sir Gar and Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd – and Llanelli and Gwendraeth-based building firm Lloyd & Gravell Ltd. Six candidates will be chosen to compete in teams of two, battling it out for rewards and avoiding forfeits whilst trying to impress judges with their building skills. This year’s competition will be filmed, with elements of TV favourites The Apprentice, Big Brother and DIY SOS all thrown in. The competition will take place through July and August, with the lucky apprentice starting his or her placement with Lloyd & Gravell Ltd in September. Kevin Gravell, Director of...

Carmarthen Town AFC will now be hosting three games at Richmond Park in the UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championship final tournament which will take place in Wales in August 2013. Following a site visit by UEFA representatives the Football Association of Wales have asked the club to host three matches in the group stages of the finals tournament on the 19th, 22nd and 25th of August 2013. The draw to decide the teams taking part in these matches will be held in April 2013, when the qualifying teams are decided. Kick off times will also be confirmed. Executive Chairman Gareth Jones was delighted with the news. “This is the first time ever that Wales have hosted a Finals Tournament and to be part of it is a great honour not only for Carmarthen Town Football Club but also for the whole town. We expect the usual suspects, France, Germany, to be part of the finals which will attract a worldwide audience.” As part of preparations for the tournament the FAW have awarded Carmarthen Town a grant to ...

Free wi-fi access is now available at Ammanford Library following recent IT developments. To use the service people must be aged 18 or over and must be a library card holder. It is free to become a member of Carmarthenshire libraries, all that is needed is a form of identification such as a driving licence, passport or council tax bill. Members can then sign up for the wi-fi services and will be issued with a unique password which will allow them to use their own wireless enabled devices anywhere in the building. The password must be used on each occasion to access the wi-fi facilities. The free service offered within Carmarthenshire Libraries is an open unsecured and filtered network provided for the convenience of members and its use is solely at personal risk. There are no printing facilities available and devices must be battery operated.

There’ll be a right royal knees-up at Morfa Integrated Children’s Centre to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Staff have pulled out all the stops to put on a fantastic fun day for local families on Friday, June 1. As well as a baby and child bric-a-brac sale, children can have fun and get messy with crafts, games and kite-making activities. There will also be a cake sale and barbecue. Executive Board Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Keith Davies, said: “This will be a lovely event for families to attend to celebrate the Jubilee and find out more about all the good work that goes on at the centre.” Morfa Integrated Children’s Centre is based within Ysgol Maes Y Morfa. The open day takes place between 10am and 2pm. Call 01554 742402 for further information.

Olympic torch relay gives West Wales the chance to shine as crowds bask in the sun on historic occasion | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys The Olympic Torch has left the Dyfed Powys force area but the event has given towns and communities along the route the chance to really shine. “The experience was quite magnificent,” said Chief Inspector Pete Westlake. “The event provided a time to shine for members of the public, the police and authorities throughout West Wales. All parties and partner agencies exceeded expectations and I think  the experience was magnificent."

Celebrate the start of summer with Carmarthenshire’s first BBQ week and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Attend the launch event in Carmarthen the oldest town in Wales on June 2, enjoy barbecue demonstrations by Celebrity Chef BBQ Ben, first winner of Britain’s Best BBQ and regularly gives talks and demonstrations all over the country as President of the British BBQ Association. He writes regularly for the trade press and is a food writer for the Guardian and Sunday Times. His numerous television appearances include Daybreak, This Morning and Ready Steady Cook. There will be a whole host of local chefs including Anthony Evans a qualified chef who presents his own cookery programme on Welsh TV, Ludovic Dieumegard - Ludo’s At The Coopers, Newcastle Emlyn (Semi-finalist on BBC Professional Masterchef) Head Chef from Plough Rhosmaen Llandeilo, and Elisabeth Luard an award-winning food writer – Author of ‘A cook’s Year in a Welsh Farmhouse. There will be children’s entertainment, including fa...

The award-winning Llandeilo Brewery of Evan-Evans has kicked off the Jubilee celebrations with the launch of new beers. The new WH Buckley heritage brand celebrates 245 years of family brewing and the Queen’s Royal Diamond Jubilee.  Evan-Evans Chief Executive Simon Buckley said: “We have launched five exciting new beer brands to challenge the taste buds of real ale enthusiasts from all over the Principality.  “This year, we will not be at the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival in Cardiff, but we will be running a tasting of our new beers across our pub estate. “We have launched the Prince of Wales Royal Ale 1910 Heritage beer. “It’s a rich malty beer with a plummy finish. This was first brewed for the Prince of Wales in 1910. This beer won the Buckley family its Royal Warrant and we remain the only Welsh Brewing family to have ever had one. “This beer celebrates all the great things that the Jubilee represents. “We also bring back Cwrw Cayo for those that...

Bank Holiday Weekend Offer at Langostinos Brasserie in Llanelli - Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd 6.00-10.00pm "DINE IN STYLE" Just £30 "Two" Main Courses & a Bottle House Wine £30* BOOK NOW! TEL 01554 773711 Full A la Carte Menu also Available *EXCLUDES FILLET AND RIB-EYE STEAK

Burry Port delivery firm Celtic Couriers Ltd has been working with Mencap Cymru on a new jobs initiative. The ‘Real Opportunities’ project helps to deliver individually-tailored packages of work preparation and supported employment. In the case of Celtic Couriers, it has seen 18-year-old Luke Jones from Carmarthen successfully complete a five-week work experience placement with the firm. “Real Opportunities is an exciting initiative and when we heard about it we were delighted to be able to help out,” said Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins. “Luke is a very likeable and helpful young man and he was very keen to get hands-on experience of the world of work with us at Celtic Couriers. “During the course of his stay, he gained a thorough grounding in our working practices and plenty of experience helping our courier driver Kevin Jones with deliveries and collections. “I know my staff members thoroughly enjoyed having Luke on board. As a project, Real Opportunities is one ...

Carmarthenshire Council's new Leader Councillor Kevin Madge has announced who his executive board members are. For the first time there is a gender balance with five men and five women on the board, which is also equally split between Labour and the Independents. There are changes to previous portfolios, to include a focus on rural affairs and helping communities. There is also a greater emphasis on the environment, with Cllr Madge pledging to be tougher on issues such as littering and dog fouling. The board will continue to have two Deputy Leaders who will be Cllr Tegwen Devishand and Cllr Pam Palmer. Cllr Devishand will also have housing, equalities, and 50+ in her portfolio, and Cllr Palmer will have rural affairs, communities, anti-poverty, community safety and business management. Executive board member for Education and Children will be Cllr Keith Davies, and Cllr Jane Tremlett will focus on social care and health. Former Leader Cllr Meryl Gravell will have the regen...

Several of Carmarthen Town’s football squad attended Teigrod Teilo’s presentation evening at Llandeilo Rugby Club. Both Nicky Palmer and Lee Bevan joined Gary Morris at the celebration along with Club Chairman Gareth Jones. The Llandeilo junior club had recently completed a wonderful season at all levels and Town players were introduced and presented the young players with their awards. The Teigrod have teams playing at all junior levels of the Carmarthenshire League, having been formed just 10 years ago. Their Under 16 won the League title this season whilst the other sides also finished in the top three of their respective leagues. The Under 14 side won the cup competition. It was a most entertaining evening. Jones thanked Bevan, Morris and Palmer for attending such an important evening for the Teigrod. More news on the club's website - http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/

Landscapes in Lino by Ian Phillips | The National Botanic Garden of Wales Exploring the beautiful Welsh landscape and the weather in all its diversity is the mission of artist Ian Phillips who will be exhibiting in the Courtyard Art Gallery at the National Botanic Garden of Wales from June 2nd to July 31st 2012. A founder member of Aberystwyth Printmakers, Ian’s work has been acquired by public bodies including the National Library of Wales and MOMA Wales.

Bobby on a Bike is hitting the roads of Ceredigion | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys An Aberystwyth Police Officer has completed a cycling challenge with a difference over 400 miles of back roads, hills and mountains. PC 544 Mel Gaul joined colleagues from the Suffolk Constabulary who arranged the four-day 400 mile event to run from RNLI Aldeburgh east coast to RNLI Borth near Aberystwyth. Funds raised will go towards supporting the 2012 ‘Bobby-on-a-Bike’ coast-to-coast cycle ride, in aid of local RNLI stations.

The Beer Academy will hold its first Welsh Beer Festival in Caerphilly in August. The Celt Beer Academy Festival is being held at Caerphilly RFC on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th August. This will not only offer the opportunity to sample a wide range of locally produced beers but also to feature live folk music, beer flavour training from a Beer Academy Sommelier and a Beer and Cheese Masterclass. The highlight of the weekend will be the opening of the new Celt Beer Experience brewery  Festival organiser and Beer Academy Sommelier Tom Newman said: “The Welsh beer scene is flourishing and there is enormous public interest in discovering more about locally brewed beers. This Festival will be a chance not only to discover new beer gems but also to find out more about beer. But the great thing about beer is that it’s not stuffy. You can learn and have fun at the same time. What better way to get to grips with the subject than to share a few beers with friends , listen to s...

Llanelli headteacher's anger over school thefts | This is South Wales A Llanelli headteacher has spoken of his anger that his school has been repeatedly targeted by thieves and vandals. Daniel Sheehan, head of St Michael’s School, in Bryn, spoke out after new police figures revealed that items worth more than £16,000 have been stolen from schools in Llanelli and Burry Port over the past three years. Hundreds of items were snatched from school buildings and grounds between 2009 and 2012 — with private school St Michael’s being one of the victims.

Troops on patrol find £100k drug and weapon haul | This is South Wales Welsh troops have uncovered a drugs haul with a street value of £100,000 along with a cache of Taliban weapons in Afghanistan. Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh made the discovery while out on foot patrol just west of their patrol base (PB) Omar in Nad Ali, Helmand Province. Sergeant Simon Smith, 29, of Carmarthen, who is serving with the battalion, said the discovery was the biggest so far.

There's a meeting of the Carmarthen Town AFC general committee this Wednesday evening (May 30) at the clubhouse and community centre at Richmond Park. It starts at 6pm. Club members are asked to make an effort to attend as there are important club restructuring issues to be discussed.

Round-up of the Olympic Torch relay stories - Olympic torch relay: Wales' taste of the fever BBC News Through Burry Port, and on to Carmarthen - old ladies sat smiling broadly, families came out together, well-dressed church and chapel goers waved and a batteries of smart phones and cameras, video and digital, captured the coming together of the relay... Olympic torch relay: Excitement for journey across Wales BBC News Tens of thousands crowded the streets of Carmarthen waiting in the May sunshine for an hour before the flame arrived at around noon. Children waved flags and balloons were handed out. The council even arranged entertainment with a giant trampoline to ... Olympic torch relay in South West Wales - day two This is South Wales Torchbearer Paul Adams, 55, from Cwmffrwd in Carmarthen said there was a great atmosphere in Bracelet Bay this morning. "The sun is shining and there is a real buzz here today," he said. "The events in Swansea were fantastic yesterd...

This week's special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING 28/05/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 SPICY CHICKEN PASTIES £2.00 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 2 CHELSEA BUNS £1.10 2 FRESH CREAM DOUGHNUTS £1.60 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – SALMON & CUCUMBER £2.00 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN TIKKA £2.25 CAJUN CHICKEN CIABATTA £2.15 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL BROWN TIN * Save 10p* 0.85p LOAF OF THE WEEK - SMALL TIN * Save 10p* 0.85p

Llanelli's popular Jenkins Bakery has launched a special range of products to mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. "We always like to do something special to mark anniversaries," said Russell Jenkins operations director at the Jenkins Bakery. "We know how important anniversaries are - after all, we celebrated 90 years as a family business last year. "To mark The Queen's celebration, we have launched some special products. "They include Jubilee cup cakes (pictured above), which will sell for 65p each, or 4 for £2. "The popular Jenkins cup cake is half decorated in chocolate and fondant icing. "Also on sale will be our special Jubilee celebration cake. "Our rich moist celebration cake (pictured below), with a printed Diamond Jubilee motif, will sell for £3.99." Mr Jenkins added: "In addition, our shops will be offering our popular coronation chicken sandwich, priced at £2.15." The Jenkins Baker...

Carmarthenshire 50+ Forum and Age Cymru Sir Gâr are joining forces to establish a new luncheon club in the Gwendraeth Valley. Gwendraeth Luncheon Club for the Over 50’s will meet at the Square & Compass, Pontyates, weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm–2:30pm. The first luncheon club meeting will take place on Tuesday June 12. The luncheon club is being jointly organised by 50+ Forum Steering Group member Charlie Bull and Age Cymru Sir Gâr’s West Wales Befriending Links Project Coordinator Peter Morgan. The menu, from £5.50, includes a carvery, fish dinner with parsley sauce, faggots & peas, Chicken Supreme, vegetarian and more, along with pudding such as jam roly-poly, rice pudding or trifle. Charlie Bull said: “We badly need something of this in Pontyates. It is a village of 3-4,000 people including Meinciau and Cynheidre and there is just nothing for older people at all. “We are looking forward to the launch of the Gwendraeth Luncheon Club. Come and join us for lunch a ...

Let’s jump to it and get right behind Carmarthenshire’s Olympic Gold hopeful Dai Greene. Carmarthenshire council is inviting all-comers to St Elli Shopping Centre on June 2 to lend their support to Dai Greene ahead of his quest for gold in the 400-metre hurdles. It will be a day packed with free activities, especially appealing to youngsters, including a mini decathlon under the centre’s glass pyramid, a chance to try out the first hurdles Dai Greene ever hopped over as a pupil of Llanelli’s Coedcae School, a free children’s art workshop and much more. ‘Good Luck Dai Greene’ wristbands will be given away, as well as a host of other goodies. His strict training regime means Dai will not be there on the day, but there will be a 6ft 1inch cardboard cut-out of Dai for picture opportunities.

Carmarthenshire's new Council Leader has congratulated Y Polyn restaurant after being named best in Wales. Cllr Kevin Madge said he was delighted with the news that the restaurant near Nantgaredig won the title in the Good Food Readers’ Restaurant of the Year awards. “Congratulations to Y Polyn on this wonderful achievement,” Cllr Madge said. “This kind of recognition is good for Carmarthenshire and champions local produce. Carmarthenshire has a reputation for producing high quality foods and this award demonstrates the importance placed on sourcing local products.” Y Polyn beat off competition across Wales to win the award and will now be one of 10 regional winners in the UK. The overall winner will be named the Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year on June 20. Cllr Madge added: “I wish Y Polyn the very best of luck for the UK final of this award, the restaurant is an excellent example of the best Carmarthenshire has to offer, and gaining this award helps to further prom...

Thousands of Carmarthenshire County Council housing tenants will be marking Wales Sustainability Week in homes which are greener than ever. The council is mid-way through a £203million investment in its 9,200 homes as part of the Carmarthenshire Homes Standard, a programme which has sustainability at its core. Through its energy efficiency programme, the council has – to date – achieved an average Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of 70, which already exceeds the Welsh Housing Quality Standard of 65. As well as reducing CO2 emissions, the CHS improvements have helped to reduce fuel poverty. The loft insulation and wall insulation programme has led to an average reduction in heating bills of £200 a year, reducing CO2 emissions by 1,750kg. High efficiency boilers along with double glazing and damp proofing has saved tenants a further £220 a year and reduced CO2 emissions by 1,680kg. But the CHS wasn’t just about creating sustainable homes - equal emphasis was placed on promoting...

Residents in Carmarthenshire celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are being urged to make the most of their food. Waste Awareness Wales and Carmarthenshire County Council has teamed up with The Big Jubilee Lunch to offer advice on how to reduce food waste as part of the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign. The Big Jubilee Lunch is part of the Diamond Jubilee events on Sunday, June 3 to encourage neighbourhoods to come together. Residents organising a special lunch are being encouraged to try to make it as waste free as possible. Georgina Taubman from Waste Awareness Wales said: “We waste over seven million tonnes and £12 billion worth of good food and drink every year in the UK just from our homes, but with a little planning, together with a few cool boxes and supply of freezer packs it’s easy to be well equipped for keeping food safe, fresh and tasty for longer. “Love Food Hate Waste provides simple practical advice to reduce food waste and save us all money. Our website is packed with...