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

The Planning Inspectorate has granted planning permission for a controversial test drilling application in the Vale of Glamorgan. The decision paves the way for fracking applications which would be totally contrary to recommendations by world-renowned climate experts from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research[1]. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “This decision has opened the floodgates for fracking test-drilling to occur right across Wales. More than half of the Welsh population lives in areas that have the potential to be fracking sites, so while this might be good news for a few rich corporations it’s very bad news for the people of Wales. “Fracking is a dirty way to extract a dirty fuel. It pumps cancer-causing chemicals into the ground to release a fuel that causes much more damage to the climate than gas. Wales is supposed to be turning into a green powerhouse economy, but this decision looks like putting us on a path back to the fossil f...

In a nutshell: Amman Valley Leisure Centre Fancy an early morning dip or joining friends for an aerobics class? You’ll be made welcome at Amman Valley Leisure Centre. A friendly atmosphere, on-site parking and a team of fully qualified staff are reasons why more than 200,000 people a year enjoy the centre. http://www.actifsirgar.co.uk/english/leisurecentres/ammanvalley Ammanford SA18 2NP  01269 594517

Off to Carmarthen for the Fete and Football Festival at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. Fun starts at 10.30am. http://www.carmarthentownafc.com/fete2012.html

South Wales millionaire and entrepreneur Kevin Green was the guest speaker at the Coleg Sir Gar Cluster Schools Leadership Challenge at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, today. The Dragon's Den-style event saw children from all the feeder schools for Coleg Sir Gar take part in a competition for the best business idea. Green, 48, gave an inspirational speech to the Year 9 pupils and then joined the judging panel for the event. Below, some of the pictures from the event. The winners will be announced later.

The first Llandeilo Jazz festival is up and running. There were bands at three of the concert venues on Friday evening - The White Horse, The Cawdor and The Angel. Pictured, bar staff at The White Horse and the Freewheelers performing at The White Horse.

The first ever Llandeilo Jazz festival is set to get off to a soggy start, with rain on Friday night. But the up-beat message from Llandeilo is that the rain is going to come to an end late in the evening and the rest of the weekend is set fair. The event, which is largely pub-based, is mostly undercover, with wet weather provision throughout the weekend. Simon Buckley, event organiser, said: "Its raining now in Llandeilo, but this is Wales. The rain is forecast to end later this evening, and then Saturday, and Sunday are set fair. "So there is absolutely no reason for people to hide away at home; it's jazz time Llandeilo style, and we now need people to get out and enjoy themselves. "We are blessed this year with the same weather as Glastonbury - but without the mud! "It’s going to be a great weekend, with great music, a great party, and most importantly in these difficult times, an opportunity for everyone to have a truly great time, and enjoy free music...

There was plenty of excitement at Amcanu’s Burry Port headquarters as staff loaded up a ‘Series 14′ water pump enclosure for delivery. A special crane had to be called in to lift the giant tailored sheet metal enclosure onto the delivery lorry. The pump enclosure was one of an order of four from one of Amcanu’s key clients, the global pump manufacturer Godwin Pumps. Amcanu managing director Owain Davies said the enclosures were destined for work in Norway. “The Series 14 is the biggest enclosure that we produce and the four in this order are also special in that we have had to kit them out with special covers to allow them to function in the snowy conditions of Norway. “We take pride in every enclosure we produce here in Burry Port, but there was a special buzz at our headquarters when we loaded the Series 14 up, simply because of its size.” Mr Davies added: “The Godwin name is top of the tree when it comes to pumps and we are delighted to be associated with the firm. “Where we come ...

There's a busy summer ahead at Ffos Las racecourse . . . SUMMER PARTY RACENIGHT THURSDAY 2 AUGUST The party starts here so come along and enjoy your summer night with an evening at the races like no other. There will be plenty of great racing action to keep you on the edge of your seat plus fantastic LIVE music after racing to keep the party going. BIG DAY OUT THURSDAY 23 AUGUST It’s one for the family… Start your bank holiday weekend early and join us on this Thursday afternoon for great racing plus plenty of FREE entertainment and activities for the whole family. While you big kids enjoy a flutter or two and soak up the great raceday atmosphere you can let the kids run wild and enjoy the great entertainment and activities to be found on course from the Panic Circus, SA15 Stage School, Glyn Abbey Golf Club and plenty more. LADIES DAY FRIDAY 24 AUGUST Want that Friday feeling…? We do too, so why not book today and get excited for our busiest raceday of the year!...

In a nutshell: Apollo Cinema Carmarthen Brand new 3D multiplex with luxury stadium seating. It opened as Europe’s first all digital, fully 3D enabled cinema. The latest releases plus music, sports, opera and ballet – all shown using Sony 4K Digital Cinema and Dolby Surround sound. Relax in the café bar. http://apollocinemas.com/apollo-carmarthen.aspx Carmarthen SA31 1GA  0871 2206000 

Burry Port firm Amcanu has received an order for some of its tailor-made sheet metal enclosures from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. “It’s a particular delight for us to receive an order from a prestigious Welsh company,” said Amcanu managing director Owain Davies. “Our enclosures are often shipped all over the world, so it’s nice for the team here at Amcanu to be working in Wales on something which will be put to use for everyone’s good in Wales.” The order will see Amcanu produce tailor-made sheet metal enclosures in a white finish. The enclosures will be branded white to match the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water branding. Mr Davies said: “Usually, we produce a great deal of our enclosures in orange for our key customers, so a white version will be something unusual for us.” Mr Davies added that the firm’s enclosures were put to use providing sound insulation for different forms of pumps and machinery. “Sound-insulation is the name of the game when it comes to providing pumping and generating equipm...

Millionaire Kevin Green's 2012 diary is filling up - He writes - I have a 'Dragon's Den'-style event for all Carmarthenshire schools at Parc y Scarlets rugby stadium in Llanelli. As a businessman, I obviously care very deeply about helping the next generation of young business entrepreneurs. I get a real buzz from helping youngsters learn the business skills they will need in the future. Meanwhile, I have been asked to travel to New Zealand for some speaking engagements between October 11 and 18. The invitation has come from David Leon, MD of NZ Wealth Mentor. See their website - http://www.nzwealthmentor.com/ Kevin Green's blog - http://kevingreenwealth.blogspot.co.uk/ Kevin Green's website - http://www.kevingreen.co.uk/

News from the 'Jazz in the Bar' team at Brecon - TUESDAY 10 JULY AT 8PM - THE ELITE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND Lineup : John Scantlebury (clarinet & alto sax), Rachel Hayward (banjo & guitar), Paul Munnery (trombone), Tony Sharpe (double bass), Dion Cochrane (drums) The official Facebook fan page of ‘Jazz in the Bar’ Brecon, keeping you up to date with news of jazz in brecon from  www.jazzinbrecon.org . http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jazz-in-Brecon/156619241085436#!/pages/Jazz-in-Brecon/156619241085436?sk=info Tipple n Tiffin : bistro bookings from 6pm onwards on Tuesday : 01874 611866 E: info@tipplentiffin.co.uk Brecon Jazz Festival : are looking for VOLUNTEERS to act as Stewards - with concert ticket & food voucher rewards. Contact: deborah.w.anthony@hotmail.co.uk Don't forget you can book your BJ Festival tickets online at www.breconjazz.com Our concerts are SUNDAY 12 AUGUST, GUILDHALL This weekend in the West - Llandeilo Jazz - see details below....

Between 6th – 12th July David and Lisa Miller will be exhibiting their paintings in the Aberglasney Mansion. Using inspiration from the Welsh coastline in both summer and winter to harness-racing at Ffos Las, there will be lots of lovely art work to see and buy! http://www.aberglasney.org/index.php?page=view_event&event_id=286

In a nutshell: Aberglasney Gardens Outstanding heritage garden set in tranquil heart of the Tywi Valley. Restored to old glory, 10 acres of horticultural treasures include three walled gardens. Unique attractions include the Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister Garden and a Parapet Walk. A new woodland walk and the indoor Ninfarium provide surprises. www.aberglasney.org Llangathen SA32 8QH 01558 668998 The longer view: One of the finest and oldest gardens in Wales, Aberglasney has wonderful horticultural qualities and a long history. Within the 10 acres of garden there are three walled gardens. At its heart is the unique and fully restored Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister Garden and a Parapet Walk, which is the only example surviving in the UK. The Garden contains a magnificent collection of rare and unusual plants which are seldom seen elsewhere in the country. The ‘Ninfarium’ is an amazing indoor garden created within the ruinous rooms in the centre of the mansion.

Shops struggling with the recession and rising energy costs are being offered a helping hand by South Wales researchers. Aberystwyth University and the Dyfi Biosphere are inviting local retail businesses to take part in one of their free workshops taking place in Aberystwyth on Wednesday 11th July and Machynlleth on Thursday 12th July. The workshop series is designed specifically for small and medium sized retailers, and aim to help them recognise that climate change presents a real and valuable opportunity to build and sustain their businesses. Above all, the project will explore ways of helping businesses break free from the current constraints of the economic recession. Many businesses are beginning to realise the benefits of adapting to a changing climate. However, Dr Nicola Thomas of Aberystwyth University said that more sceptical business owners are particularly welcome: “We aim to convert each ‘but’ into a commercial opportunity.” Nicola continued, “we will commit to under...

The next Carmarthen Riverside Association Executive Committee Meeting will be on Monday, 9th July 2012, 7.30 pm at the Committee Room, St Peter's Civic Hall, Carmarthen.

In the latest QualitySolicitors Redkite ‘Business Brief’ column from the Carmarthen Journal, Employment Law Partner Donna Purchase, continues her spotlight on the latest Employment Law Changes.  To continue to succeed in business today, all businesses (large and small) need to keep up-to-date with the the latest changes in Employment Law. In last month’s ‘Business Brief’ column, I focussed on a couple of important changes that came into operation in April – changes to the unfair dismissal rules and apprenticeship agreements. Over the next few months we will be running a programme of Human Resources seminars in Carmarthenshire. These seminars will all be run by our fully qualified Employment Solicitors. They will cover key HR topics and are essential for all business owners, managers and HR officers. Each seminar is free and includes a complimentary handout. Our first Carmarthen seminar will cover HR for Small Businesses and will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Thursday 2...

Jazz at Llandeilo 2012, sponsored by the Evan-Evans Brewery, is a sell out! After just two-and-half weeks of tickets sales, the free download has ‘sold out’, with more than 2500 tickets allocated. The festival is set to become a huge success, with the traders in the town rolling their sleeves up for a busy weekend. Simon Buckley, Chief Executive of Evan-Evans, said: “This is a fantastic response. We are delighted that all the hard work and marketing is set to bring a large crowd into the town from all over Wales. “I am grateful to our fellow sponsors who have supported this first year of Jazz at Llandeilo. “Sadly those that do not have tickets will not be able to get into the venues, although they will be able to access the street music which will add to the festival atmosphere. “We now have the confidence to build on the event for next year and to build this festival into a worthy rival to the world famous Brecon Jazz. “As soon as this year’s festival is completed, we will start pla...

The Jenkins Bakery has launched a special treat to mark the big Wimbledon tennis tournament. Wimbledon Strawberry Cake is available at all the company's South Wales outlets, priced £2.90. It's a strawberry lover’s delight. It is made with strawberry-flavoured moist sponge, with real fruit pieces, topped with strawberry fruit filling and sugar pearl nibs. Russell Jenkins, operations manager at the Jenkins Bakery, said: "We always like to do something special to mark big sporting events. This is one treat that 'serves' well, looks great when you 'set' the table and is a real 'ace' when you taste it!"

Côr Meibion Llanelli annual concert at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli, with special guests Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir and Wynne Evans. A long-standing transatlantic relationship took another step forward when Côr Meibion Llanelli welcomed the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir as special guests for their ‘annual’ concert at the Selwyn Samuel Centre, Llanelli. Links between Vancouver and Llanelli stretch back more than 30 years. Côr Meibion Llanelli have stopped off at Vancouver during North American tours and music director Eifion Thomas is virtually an annual visitor to the Canadian Gymanfa Ganu events. If two juggernaut male voice choirs wasn’t enough, the concert also had a heavyweight special guest – leading Welsh tenor Wynne Evans. The combination made for a wonderfully varied evening’s entertainment, with the audience getting involved in the Gymanfa Ganu sections to raise the roof of the Selwyn Samuel bowling centre. The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir (normally 100-strong, ...