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

A scheme to help older people claim the benefits they deserve is being run by Age Cymru in Llanelli until November. The More Money in Your Pocket campaign will see surgeries giving older people information about the benefit system. Future surgeries will be held in Tumble Memorial Hall at 12noon and 2pm on Tuesday, September 25, Llansawel Community Hall at 10am on Friday, October 5, and finally at Black Mountain Centre, Brynaman, at 1pm on Monday, November 5. Call 01554 784080 for a campaign booklet.

Boss 'confident' crisis-hit centre to remain open | This is South Wales The boss of a struggling Amman Valley community centre said she is "100 per cent confident" it will stay open. The Black Mountain Centre, in Upper Brynaman, was plunged into crisis after the facility failed to secure a vital lottery grant. But Sian Tucker, who runs the centre and is now in urgent talks with Carmarthenshire Council and Welsh ministers, said there is no chance it will close.

The Ceridwen Centre near Drefach Felindre is hosting a Green Wedding Fair and Open Day on Sunday 23rd September showcasing eco-chic wedding suppliers with organic, fair-trade and recycled products. There will be photographers, florists, music and canapés and it promises to be a great day out both for those planning a wedding and those simply interested in visiting the Ceridwen Centre. Located on a small organic farm of 40 acres, with accommodation for more than 40 people, the Ceridwen Centre’s Old Dairy was licensed for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies on 31st March 2011 and since being featured on ITV’s This Morning they have been inundated with calls and bookings. They recently received an RDP Sir Gâr Strengthening the Tourism Appeal of Rural Carmarthenshire (STARC) grant to commission the construction of a unique pair of linked wedding tipis from local craftsmen together with the flooring and the dance floor. The Tipis can accommodate up to 120 people for a wedding ...

Plaid Cymru’s AM and MP are trying to stop a £60million investment with the creation of around 1,200 jobs in the Tywi and Gwendraeth Valleys, a Carmarthenshire Council press release claims. MP Jonathan Edwards and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM have asked for the Sainsbury’s planning applications to be called in a move which, it is claimed, now jeopardises developments which mean major investment in Carmarthenshire. Sainsbury's plans to open two new stores – one at Llandeilo and one at Cross Hands, creating up to 600 new jobs. There would also be several hundred jobs created or supported through construction. At Cross Hands, the investment includes the remediation of a derelict and contaminated site providing land for housing, including affordable homes, a new doctor’s surgery, health centre and care home. It will also include significant improvements to Maes yr Yrfa School to drive forward Carmarthenshire County Council’s investment in Welsh medium education in the Gwendraeth Valley. ...

Brynderi Honey Farm In a nutshell: Tucked away in the village of Blaenwaun, is a honey ‘hot-spot’. Keith Taylor and his family moved their apiary from Cambridgeshire in 2002. The clean, fresh air is credited with producing top class honey. Don’t miss the opportunity of trying Brynderi’s tasty honey ice-cream. You won’t want to leave. www.brynderihoneyfarm.com Whitland SA34 0JD  01994 448653 The longer view: Tuck into a honey-flavoured ice cream while hearing about the life cycle of the bee at Brynderi Honey Farm in the village of Blaenwaun, just north of Whitland. Keith Taylor and his family moved their apiary to this wild corner of the county from Cambridgeshire in 2002. Ever since, they have been sharing the spoils of the efforts of hundreds of thousands of honey bees that live in the hives in their garden. The honey is top quality, says Keith, a fact he puts down, in part, to the remarkably clean air that comes in off the Atlantic, reducing the contaminants that ...

A new bus service linking Aberystwyth town centre, the University and the National Library has been officially opened by the Minister for Regeneration, Huw Lewis AM. The new 03 Mid Wales Travel bus, which provides a three times an hour service, will call from town at the National Library, the University, the Arts Centre and Sports Centre via a new link road. The new road, adjoining the back of the National Library and the University’s Sports Centre was funded through a grant worth £192,750 by the Aberystwyth Regeneration Area Fund. It aims to make a difference to the environment by reducing the number of cars and traffic on campus as well as opening up a new cycling and walking route. Aberystwyth University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor April McMahon, explains: “We’re delighted with this new venture between the University and the Library. Not only will it provide a better bus service for students, staff and the general public but it will provide a safer environment. I would also ...

Hywel Dda Health Board will continue its extensive programme of public events in Haverfordwest as part of the most important healthcare consultation process ever seen in Mid and West Wales. The event will take a Question Time format, to be held in Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest on Thursday 20 September . The meeting will offer local people the opportunity to question the health board on Your Health, Your Future – Consulting Our Communities, which details proposals to improve services and patient outcomes for communities now and in the future. Hywel Dda Health Board Chairman Chris Martin has urged people to get involved: “The views of local people, staff and stakeholders are really important to us and we recognise the enthusiasm and passion that has been shown for the NHS. There are many different ways in which people can get involved - from attending one of pubic events to visiting our online resource." The event will host a panel who can answer questions from the public....

The Institute of Welsh Affairs and Western Mail have joined forces again this year to promote the primary national business awards scheme for Wales - the Welsh National Business Awards. These awards will recognise and honour the breadth of business achievement in Wales, in all its variety, with nine special categories. The following categories close on the 21st September 2012 Company of the Year <£10m – sponsored by ACCA Cymru Wales New Startup Company of the Year – sponsored by Gocompare.com Go Green Environmental Awards – sponsored by The Waterloo Foundation Creative Marketing Award – sponsored by Orchard Media & Events Group Best use of foreign languages in Business – sponsored by CILT Cymru, the National Centre for languages in Wales Training & Development Staff Award – sponsored by University of Glamorgan Commercial Services Young Achiever – sponsored by RWE npower renewables Company of the Year >£10m – sponsored by Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropol...

Award-winning South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership Ltd have won a prestigious contract to design new homes for Pembrokeshire Housing Association. The contract is for 25 new homes at Orchard Court, Johnston, near Milford Haven. The homes will be built by South Haven Construction. Lewis Partnership managing director Philip Lewis said: “We are delighted to be working with Pembrokeshire Housing on this project. “The scheme is valued at more than £2million and is yet another example of how we have been able to develop our business further west into Pembrokeshire.” Weblink - http://www.southhaven.co.uk/ and http://www.pembs-ha.co.uk/

Missing person: Ian Pearson | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is appealing for information to locate 41 year-old male who was last seen at 9:45am on Wednesday 12 September 2012 at Little Haven. Ian Pearson is described as white, 6' tall, clean shaven, broad build with black short cropped hair. He is wearing a predominantly red cricket shirt which has black running down the sides and dark coloured Adidas jogging bottoms. He is thought to be on foot as he left Little Haven in company with his two dogs - both border collies, red and white and black and white in colour. Anyone who has information relating to this case is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the single non emergency number 101.

A Porthyrhyd man has been fined for failing to clean up after his dog. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75 by the council’s environmental enforcement officers. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of £1,000. The council has received a number of complaints about dog fouling in the Porthyrhyd/Llanddarog area and patrols are being stepped up. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Dog fouling is a top priority for the council and we will not hesitate to prosecute those caught breaking the law in this way. “Our enforcement officers carry out patrols across the county and we are asking the public to help us catch those responsible by reporting offenders as part of our ‘Dog Watch’ scheme.” To report dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or complete the online form at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/dogfouling

Carmarthenshire residents are being urged not to allow themselves to be conned by rogue traders this autumn. Carmarthenshire County Council Trading Standards Service is warning householders not to make any payments upfront to itinerant traders who cold call. House owners in Llanelli have been targeted by traders offering to do house painting and property maintenance such as guttering. Executive board member for public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would urge householders to take care when traders call at the door uninvited. The message is – do not pay upfront. “We want people to have the courage to refuse making on the spot decisions about buying costly home repairs that they may not need. They should contact a reputable trader and obtain quotes.”

Three Carmarthenshire residents have won £15 iTunes vouchers in a competition to raise awareness about fast-food litter. The council has teamed up with McDonald’s to encourage people to dispose of their rubbish more responsibly. Officers went along to the restaurants in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Cross Hands to speak to customers and put up posters with a reminder that anyone caught dropping litter can be fined £75 or more if prosecuted in court. A free prize draw was also held to win iTunes vouchers. In total 167 entries were received. The winners were Betty Thomas from Seaside, Llanelli; Cris Lewis from Llandysul and Marie Smallwood from Capel Hendre. Figures show that fast food litter such as chip wrappers, crisp packets, drinks cartons and half eaten food can be found on 20% of streets in Carmarthenshire. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “This is an ongoing campaign and I am delighted that McDonald’s have agreed to support it. It is ...

Carmarthenshire’s Leader is gathering information on the impact of the Living Wage and is awaiting the outcome of work on the issue. Cllr Kevin Madge is keen to look at the introduction of the wage and wants to be in full possession of all the facts before the matter is discussed by the executive board. He has already asked the council’s HR staff to provide information on the effects of bringing the Living Wage into Carmarthenshire, and is awaiting the outcome of the Welsh Local Government Association’s work on the issue. Welsh Government Minister for Local Government and Communities Carl Sargeant has also set up a policy group to assess the implications of introducing the initiative, and of encouraging public sector bodies to become Living Wage employees. It means that the lowest amount staff would be paid would be £7.20 per hour, higher than the current statutory £6.08 minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over. Cllr Madge said: “I await with interest the outcome of all the work be...

A man has been fined £75 for failing to clean up after his dog on Pendine beach. Council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in the area following complaints of dog fouling from the community council. A man was seen not cleaning up his dog’s mess and was issued with a fixed penalty notice as a result. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a fine of up to £1,000. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones hopes the fine will help to get the message across that anyone caught not picking up after their pets will be fined. He said: “Pendine beach is popular with families and children and dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk. “Most dog owners are responsible and pick up after their pets; however, there is a small minority who do not and we will not hesitate to fine them.” A major campaign is underway to clean up Carmarthenshire and residents are being urged to play their part and help the council c...

Llys Cantref has organised a 5K charity event where all proceeds will go to the breast cancer unit of Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. The race takes place on September 14 and starts at 6.30pm behind the Emlyn Arms Hotel. The race entry fee is £3 for adults and £1 for children with all participants receiving a medal and a bag for taking part. Businesses, organisations and schools are encouraged to join in and take part in the team event. The organisers ask that everybody participating where green clothing as prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. There will be something for everybody, including a BBQ, smoothie making machine, bouncy castle, a team event and a mascot race. For more information visit www.discovercarmarthenshire.com

Carmarthenshire Council turns Prince Philip into a 'Saint' - http://t.co/ZspwNMYR http://t.co/StXi5kBI

Aberglasney House and Gardens in Wales - News Details For the first time in many decades Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire has its own bee hives. Thanks to a collaboration with the East Carmarthenshire Bee Keepers Association two hives arrived at the gardens last week, and it’s hoped that over time this will be increased to four. Not only will this enable Aberglasney to produce its own honey for use in the Gardener’s Café and to be sold at the shop, but the bees themselves will be a great asset to the gardens. Head gardener Joseph Atkin also hopes to be able to create a bit of a ‘buzz’ surrounding the plight of the humble honey bee. He said: “Bees are absolutely essential to gardening as pollinators, as well as being crucial to the food chain – most of the fruit you eat and the plants around you are intrinsically linked to the bee.”

One of Carmarthenshire’s leading tourist attractions is being improved thanks to South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership Ltd. Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley is a landmark heritage garden attraction pulling in tens of thousands of tourists each year. “The Aberglasney Restoration Trust asked us to look at renovating and refurbishing what is one of the most historic houses in Carmarthenshire,” said the Lewis Partnership Ltd’s managing director Philip Lewis. “Obviously, our plan had to be sensitive to the history of the site with preservation of the key historical elements of the house crucially important. “The refurbishment, estimated to cost nearly £500,000, will take in the entrance hallway to the house, the audio-visual room and include toilets. “John Weaver Construction, of Swansea, have been contracted to carry out the works.” Weblink - http://www.johnweaver.co.uk/ and http://www.aberglasney.org/ See previous post- http://sirgarblog.blogspot...

QualitySolicitors Redkite partner Tim Haggar has a new qualification which is regarded as a major ‘STEP’ forward in his industry. Mr Haggar is one of only a handful of solicitors in Wales to gain the STEP Qualified Practitioner diploma from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. The society’s qualification is widely regarded as major benchmark for those working in wealth management, tax, trusts and estates planning. “I am delighted to receive the qualification,” Mr Haggar said. “There’s a lot of hard work gone into it and it represents something of a personal milestone for me - and a feather in the cap for the firm of QualitySolicitors Redkite! “There aren’t many people in Wales who hold the qualification, so I think it puts QualitySolicitors Redkite right up there in the vanguard as a leading light in the field of trusts and estates and specialist tax issues.” Mr Haggar had to complete three dissertations to gain the qualification. His topics were – Lifetime Tax planning...

  The Paul Child and Phil Evans entertainment roadshow moves to Porthcawl tomorrow - but you'd better hurry because tickets are selling fast. The show also features the new Welsh King Of Swing Jimi Webb and rising star  Laura Jayne Davies - all backed by a superb live band. Paul Child is known as 'The 'Voice of Wales'. Phil Evans, pictured above the poster, is the 'Hugmeister of Wales' and the man who has put the 'Cwtsh' back into comedy. Evans is a favourite warm-up comedian for TV shows on BBC, S4C and ITV. Squeeze him for information on his favourite topic – the Welsh cwtsh (hug) – and he will explain why a cwtsh should always be spelt as ‘cwtsh’ and not ‘cwtch’. Press him for further information about how his comedy career started and he will tell you how he left school with 10 GCSEs . . . before the headmaster told him to put them back! Cheeky, but never crude or offensive, Evans produces a very Welsh brand of humour.  My Wales - The ...

Carmarthenshire Council has achieved its best ever results in the number of new starters participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. In the past year, Carmarthenshire, compared to all other local authorities in Wales, has the highest number of Duke of Edinburgh’s participants in the 14-25 age group. Furthermore, 51 young people across the county have achieved their gold awards. To celebrate this success, an awards ceremony was held at the Haliwell Centre, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, September 11. Young people from Dyffryn Taf School, the Llanelli Open Award Group, Queen Elizabeth High School and the Air Cadets were presented with their Gold Award certificates by Mr Robert Sully, Carmarthenshire Council’s Director for Education and Children’s Services Carmarthenshire’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Development Officer, Alison Owen-Yeates, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement for all involved in the delivery of the Award in the County, and the fact that we’ve had the highest numb...

Residents in Newcastle Emlyn are being urged to have a good clear out and recycle any rubbish they have lying around the home. A waste amnesty is being held on Saturday (September 22) in the mart car park between 8am and 10.30am. Householders can take advantage of this one-off chance to dispose of any large items of rubbish for free. Most household waste can be taken along including bulky waste items such as furniture and electrical goods. However, asbestos, tyres, paint, garden chemicals, batteries, gas bottles, construction waste and trade waste will not be accepted. As much as possible will be recycled. The event has been organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and the aim is to encourage residents to dispose of waste that may otherwise be fly-tipped as well as encourage them to recycle and/or reuse as much of their rubbish as possible. Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “Bulky waste such as furniture, wood and cardboard left lying in and around homes...

A two-day family fun extravaganza is taking place at Llanelli L ibrary to mark the launch of a new Women’s Institute branch. The event will take place on Thursday, September 20, and Friday, September 21, from 10am to 8pm. A wide range of activities include wax painting, flower arranging, jewellery making, knitting and cupcake making demonstrations. There will also be demonstrations on e-books, the Heritage 6 project and ancestory.com. Life-sized characters Gari Gosafe, Superbook, Dylan the Dragon and Eco Ellie will entertain children, and there will be a treasure hunt around the library. Fairtrade products will provide the refreshments, and a competition will be run with a number of prizes up for grabs. The event is to launch the Women’s Institute group which is being set up at Llanelli Library as part of their ‘Love your Libraries’ campaign. The idea, promoted by County Councillor Mair Stephens, aims to encourage the development of a new WI group within the newly refurbished library b...

Residents in Capel Hendre have put their own energy in to a community initiative to save on energy. In a concerted effort to drive down their fuel bills, residents and tenants of Bancyddraenen have launched a fuel club so that they can buy their oil in a group and take advantage of bulk discounts. A local credit union has also been established so that residents can apply for short-term loans to cover the cost of a bulk fuel order. Community volunteers are running the club and the credit union from the local tenant resource centre. Resident Sharon Morgan said: “The oil club and credit union is a fantastic opportunity for all local people to buy oil and have a big discount on it. It will make a big difference to a lot of people living here.” Carmarthenshire County Council has been encouraging communities to launch such schemes for several months. Clare Tinkler, Environmental Works Project Manager, said: “We are thrilled that another Carmarthenshire community has launched a fuel club, whi...

The Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Kevin Madge has expressed his sadness at learning of the death of his friend and colleague former councillor Roy Harries. The two had served together on Cwmamman Town Council, Dinefwr Borough Council and Carmarthenshire County Council. Cllr Madge said: “Roy was the longest serving member of Cwmamman Labour Party until his sad passing earlier this week. “He served on Cwmamman Town Council for many years and subsequently became a member of Dinefwr Borough Council. He served on a range of committees and was the Mayor of Dinefwr from 1993 to 1994. “With the reorganisation of local government, he was elected to Carmarthenshire County Council and was chair of the planning committee from 1996 to 1999. “It is difficult to measure the full extent of his contribution to the local community. The village of Glanamman was very close to his heart and he was very proud to be able to represent the needs and aspirations of local people. “I learned a gr...

A Llanelli man has been given a suspended prison sentence for falsely claiming more than £17,000 in benefits. Christopher Paul Hancock appeared before Llanelli magistrates accused of benefit fraud offences against Carmarthenshire County Council and Department for Work and Pensions. Hancock, of Bryngolau, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to five offences of failing to declare changes in circumstances under Section 112 Social Security Administration Act 1992. The case was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service after a joint investigation by the county council and DWP. Hancock had been awarded Incapacity Benefit on the basis that he was unfit for work. An investigation commenced in May 2011 after the DWP received information that he had been working. Further enquiries by the council and DWP established that 48-year-old Hancock had worked for various employers from 2007 onwards, including work as a warehouse operative and security work. Hancock had also been claiming additional Incapacity...

Hywel Dda Health Board and NHS Wales staff are taking new steps to increase awareness of sepsis and act quickly if they think a patient is developing the potentially life-threatening illness. The local NHS is joining the global effort to mark World Sepsis Day (Thursday 13 September) and increase awareness of among healthcare colleagues and the public. Sepsis is one of the most common, least recognised illnesses in both the developed and developing world. Also known as septicaemia, it is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Severe sepsis in the UK alone accounts for 37,000 deaths per year, with an estimated 1,850 of those to be in Wales.  “If sepsis isn’t recognised or treated promptly, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death,” says Dr Phil Kloer, Director of Clinical Services, Hywel Dda Health Board and member of the 1000 Lives Plus Faculty advising on prevention of sepsis. “However, the worst...

Another of my 'favourite' pictures from London 2012. Me on 'Thrilling Thursday' at the Paralympics -

The Parc Howard Association and the Friends of Llanelli Museum will be marking the 'centenary day' of the park with a reception and an auction at the Mansion House at 7pm on Friday, September 21. Tickets, to include a glass of wine, are available from Barbara Willis, of 7 Tyrfran Avenue, Llanelli, SA15 3LW, telephone 01554 758644,email bmwillis7@aol.com The proceeds of the evening will go towards the Parc Howard Association's programme of repair and development work at the park. Weblink -  www.parchoward.org.uk

There was plenty of individual success for Ashburnham Golf Club at the Trefloyne Junior Open near Tenby, with brother and sister Aled and Nia Greville winning their respective competitions. Ben Thomas was runner-up in the boys medal with a 75 net. Ellis Staines won the stabeleford competition by an impressive six-shot margin, with Tomos Davies the runner-up on 37 points.

A Llanelli woman has been given a 12-month community order for wrongly claiming more than £2,000 in housing benefit. Amy Roberts pleaded guilty to making a false statement under S.112 Social Security Administration Act 1992. Carmarthen Magistrates Court heard that 30-year-old Roberts claimed housing and council tax benefit at her then home in Llys Newydd, Llanelli, from November 2009 to June 2010. This was on the basis that she was living with her son and renting the property from a private landlord. On the claim she stated that nobody in the household was related to the landlord. An investigation commenced in February 2012 and it was established that her landlord was in fact the father of her young son who was born just before she had taken up the tenancy. As a result, she was not entitled to any of the housing benefit for the period November 2009 to June 2010 and an overpayment of £2,264.17 had occurred. Roberts, now of Catherine Street, Llanelli, was sentenced to a 12-month Communit...

Carmarthen Leisure Centre has a free-for-all open day on Sunday, September 16. All-comers are invited to find a sport or activity to continue the inspirational spirit of the Olympics. County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Our aim as part of the Olympic legacy is to get more people more active more often. “Both the Olympics and Paralympics have been inspiration for all ages and abilities. Capitalising on this the centre has planned this open day where staff and various sport and craft volunteers will be available to offer guidance and support for those wanting to try a huge variety of activities from the depths of scuba diving to the heights of trampolining.” Timetabled activities include: Scuba diving,Tai Chi and yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, trampoline demo, kayaking, zumba, walking, cycling, hockey, aquafit, swimming, racquet sports, athletics, swimming lessons and many more. All day activities include: Arts and crafts, face painting, cheeky ...

A new school time activated flashing lights pedestrian crossing outside Pentip School, Pembrey Road, Llanelli, is the first of its kind in Wales. The sign has flashing lights and warning signs urging drivers to cut their speed outside the school to 20mph since the new school term started on Tuesday, September 4. With more than 12,000 traffic movements daily the A484 road is one of the busiest roads of its classification anywhere in the country. The Community Safety Partnership and Road Safety Action Group identified the crossing as the best means of slowing traffic down outside the school after lobbying from school governors and local members. County executive board member for transport services Cllr Colin Evans said: ”This innovative solution to local concerns shows how hard we work with partners to force through resolutions for community concerns. “The new signage will be an in your face warning to approaching motorists of the school where there will also be a school’s crossing...

Llanelli-based architects the Lewis Partnership Ltd are playing a key role in the refurbishment of one of Llanelli’s landmark buildings. Ty Elwyn – the local government building named after one of Llanelli’s favourite sons, Lord Elwyn Jones – is getting an internal makeover. “As a leading firm of South Wales architects based just around the corner from Ty Elwyn, we are delighted to be working with Carmarthenshire Council on this project,” said Lewis Partnership Ltd managing director Phil Lewis, pictured above. “Some careful planning and logistical expertise has been needed to make sure that the refurbishment can go ahead with minimal disruption to the important work that goes on in Ty Elwyn, which is obviously one of Carmarthenshire Council’s key administration sites. “The refurbishment works will take in all five floors of the building and the project is valued at more than £1 million. “The building dates back to the early 1980s and the refurbishment will give it a new lease of life...

The new David Jones Centre, based at the Department of English and Creative Writing, Aberystwyth University will be launched at a conference at the National Library of Wales (NLW) this Friday, 14th September. The new centre is named after the influential modernist painter and poet, David Jones (1895-1974). As a painter David Jones worked mainly in watercolour, painting portraits, landscapes, and legendary and religious subjects. He was also a wood-engraver and designer of inscriptions and the author of the epic war poem In Parenthesis, acknowledged by T. S. Eliot as a poem of major importance. His Catholic beliefs and Welsh heritage infuse his work. Born in Brockley, Kent to a Welsh father, Jones closely identified with his father's background and developed an early interest in art. In January 1915 he enlisted with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and saw extensive service in France and Flanders. After demobilisation he returned to his art studies at Westminster School of Art. He met ...

Carmarthenshire Heritage Regeneration Trust has received a grant of £81,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund  HLF to acquire a portrait of Sir John Stepney 8th Baronet (1741-1811) by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Thought to have been painted by the renowned portrait artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds around 1760, the painting is to be hung in the Great Hall ready for the opening of Llanelly House , next year. The piece is recorded in the portrait inventory of Lady Margaret Cowell-Stepney, at the Dell in Llanelli around 1900. The portrait was originally housed at Badminton, home of Sir John’s close friend and early patron the Duke of Beaufort. It is thought that the Cowell-Stepney’s acquired the portrait sometime later. The portrait was sold by Mark Murray Threipland in 1992 – and was then catalogued as ‘circle of Reynolds’ - from its then home at Fingask Castle and has since remained in private hands. The portrait has since been attributed to Reynolds and considered to be an important additio...

Elderly residents are warned about latest scam involving a euromillions online lottery | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed Powys Police are warning elderly residents not to be drawn in to revealing bank details after reports of a lottery scam operating in the Cross Hands area. Officers there have been contacted by several people who have received letters from the ‘Euromillions Commonwealth of Nations Online Lottery’ advising them of surprise wins.

Fraudster gets sent down | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Thanks to a complex and protracted investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police a prolific fraudster has been sent to prison for 15 months after appearing at Swansea Crown Court. James Joseph Warren, 57, from the Carshalton area in Surrey, pleaded guilty following his deception of selling forged football memorabilia.

Metal thefts targeted across Wales in new operation | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Operation Tornado is being launched across Wales in a bid to crack down on metal theft. All four Welsh Police Forces are taking part in the operation, which has already seen successes in other parts of the UK. All scrap metal dealers in Wales will be approached and encouraged to take part in a scheme where they only buy scrap metal from individuals that are able to provide photographic proof of their identity.

Award-winning South Wales architects the Lewis Partnership Ltd are helping Llanelli Tennis and Squash Club serve up new facilities. The club has applied for a £300,000 grant to upgrade its clubhouse and facilities. Club chairman Mark Westcott hopes planning permission and grant money for the project will be in place by November. Work could then start by February or March. Mr Westcott said: “It is still difficult to put a definitive timescale on it. We are still in the early stages.” Based at world famous Stradey Park, the volunteer-run club runs tennis coaching programmes and mini, junior and adult teams. Lewis Partnership managing director Philip Lewis said: “The project is still in its early stages but we have been involved in a very successful consultation event at the club. “The Andy Murray victory in the USA Open and in the Olympics means there is a surge of interest in tennis. Hopefully, the Llanelli Tennis and Squash Club can build upon that new enthusiasm for the sport. We ...

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Carmarthen Town AFC will 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. The matches will be on August 19, 22 and 25, 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 said: “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 Football Association of Wales FAW have awarded Carmarthen Town a grant to build new dressing rooms, set to UEFA...

A Llanelli businessman has been prosecuted by the council for failing to dispose of his waste correctly. Allan Jeffrey Lewis, aged 67, of AJL Displays in Station Road, pleaded not guilty at Llanelli Magistrates Court to an offence of failing to provide waste transfer notices to authorised officers within seven days. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers visited the premises in October 2010 and issued a section 47 notice requiring Lewis to dispose of commercial waste generated by his business in the correct manner by using an authorised waste collector. Officers attended the premises again in August 2011 and requested that Lewis produce within seven days details of what arrangements had been put in place to dispose of his trade waste. Lewis failed to produce any documentation within the specified time and was issued with a fixed penalty notice. However, Lewis then failed to pay it. He was found guilty by magistrates and sentenced to a six month conditional disc...

Three Carmarthenshire women have been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charity and their communities. Janet Bradbourn of Tumble, Shirley Matthews of Burry Port and Susan Ladd of Ammanford, were presented with their medals by Lord Lieutenant Robin Lewis. The medal, which was first established in 1922, is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. Janet was given hers for services to the community in recognition of her voluntary and charitable work over 30 years. Shirley was awarded the medal for 26 years of service to elderly people and the community, and Susan for setting up a charity which has raised £90,000 to date. The British Empire Medal was given to subjects of the United Kingdom until 1992, and was brought back this year to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Those given the honour do not receive it from the Queen but from the Lord Lieutenant of their county, and recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal ...

The Communities First areas of Tyisha, Felinfoel, Llwynhendy, Pantyffynnon, Glanymor, Bigyn 4 have come together to imagine a different, more sustainable future. The great turnout to the workshop held in Felinfoel Resource Centre showed that the environment is a priority in the area, despite the new Communities First programmes focusing on other themes. More than 30 local community members, 25 children and 12 development organisations attended to ensure that environmental projects will be developed alongside the new Communities First scheme. The workshop was run by West Wales’ change makers the TYF Group as part of a pilot for the Welsh Government. Darren Gibbs, of TYF, set out the focus for change in terms of global issues such as resource depletion, the rising costs of food, transport and energy and the decline in biodiversity. The exercises then focused on a more local level with the ambitions of the community for the future forming a vision statement for 10 years time. A live...

An Amman Valley man has been fined £200 and ordered to pay £303.64 court costs for dropping litter. Alan James Barett, aged 19, of Brynaman Road, Lower Brynaman, was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge by Carmarthen magistrates. He failed to attend court and was found guilty in absence for the offence contrary to Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers were on patrol in the Baptist Lane area of Ammanford when the offence occurred. Barett admitted that he had dropped a piece of paper on to the ground despite two nearby litter bins. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75 but failed to pay it and was prosecuted in court as a result. Dropping litter is against the law, whether it is discarding rubbish from a vehicle, throwing cigarette ends or spitting out chewing gum. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cll...

An Amman Valley man has been fined £600 and ordered to pay £419.83 court costs for fly-tipping. Gerwyn Graham Cape, aged 35 of Teglan Park, Tycroes, was convicted in absence for an offence of unlawfully dumping waste contrary to Section 2 of the Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978 at Carmarthen Magistrates Court. The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers received a report of fly-tipping on a farm driveway at Tycroes. On arrival at the scene they found several black bags, blue recycling bags, a plastic water container, carpet and child’s tent. Evidence was found relating to an address in Tycroes and when officers attended the address they spoke to a female who told them she had given her waste to her partner to take to the Household Waste Recycling Centre. Cape attended a formal interview with officers and conceded that he had taken the waste in a van to the Household Waste Recycling Centre but on arrival ...

Communities First areas in Carmarthenshire recently worked in partnership to organise a community/resident day in the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli. The day gave service providers such as Collaborative Communities, Tidy Town/Keep Wales Tidy and Housing, as well as various other providers, a chance to meet Communities First groups and residents. They were able to offer direct support with Community Project, issues or concerns they may have in their community. Felinfoel Communities First community development officer Gaynor Price said: “Residents and groups that attended found the day informative and gained useful information to help progress their communities in the future.”

Hywel Dda Health Board | Achieving High Reliability is the theme for next 1000 Lives Plus National Event Staff from across NHS Wales are being invited to join experts in improving systems to achieve reliability in services, at the next 1000 Lives Plus National Learning Event, to be held in Llandudno on Thursday 8 November 2012. ‘Achieving High Reliability in Healthcare’ will include presentations and critical perspectives that will support NHS organisations in Wales to develop the skills and tools to ensure patients are receiving high reliability care. “This is going to become an increasingly important issue in the wake of the Inquiry into care at Mid-Staffordshire Hospital and the publication of the Francis Report this autumn,” says Dr Alan Willson, Director, 1000 Lives Plus.

Ashburnham Golf Club's boys' 36-hole medal competition was played on August 30. The overall gross and winner of the Huw Bowen Cup was Aled Greville with a score of 164. Other placings: 2. James Williams 168; 3. Daniel Brice 173; 4. Edward Spencer 177; 5. Ben Thomas 179; 6. Rhys Morgan 184. Overall nett: 1. Daniel Brice 139; 2. Rhys Morgan 144 (back 18); 3. James Williams 144 (back 18); 4. Aled Greville 144; 5. Jared Phillips 145; 6. Edward Spencer 151.

As part of the EMC Services sponsored Community Programme, Carmarthen Town AFC are delighted once again to be able to offer our fans the opportunity to purchase tickets for the forthcoming Wales 2014 World Cup Qualifying Campaign home matches. Bookings are now being taken for the following game: WALES V SCOTLAND Friday 12th October 2012 Cardiff City Stadium Kick off 7.45pm Tickets are as follows: Adult - £20 Senior Citizen (age 65 and over) - £5 Junior (age 16 and under) - £5 There is no booking fee when you order from the club and no limit on tickets for yourself and family and friends (subject to availability of course). A booking form available on the website page www.carmarthentownafc.com/walestickets.html

Brandon Lewis MP confirmed as community pubs minister Brandon Lewis, the MP for Great Yarmouth, has been confirmed as community pubs minister. Conservative MP Lewis has confirmed he is to take over the role as part of his remit as parliamentary under secretary of state in the Department of Communities and Local Government. He has taken on the role from  Bob Neill who was removed in the Government reshuffle last week.

Police urge vigilance with caravan security | Dyfed Powys Police | Heddlu Dyfed Powys Dyfed-Powys Police is launching a caravan and shed security initiative to combat burglaries. Police are urging members of the public to be vigilant and to ensure they maintain appropriate security following a spate of burglaries from Static Caravans and sheds in Ceredigion. Offenders tend to choose unoccupied caravans with a lot of natural coverage and easy escape routes through the caravan sites.

A Swansea man has been prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council for illegally carrying scrap metal. Malcolm John Crane, aged 54, of Longview Road, Clase, appeared before Carmarthen Magistrates having surrendered to an Arrest Warrant in relation to local authority offences. He pleaded guilty to two offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 and entered a guilty plea to a Bail Act offence for failing to attend Court on August 13 without reasonable excuse. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers and police stopped a transit-type van in the Penybanc area of Ammanford as part of a multi-agency operation targeting scrap metal dealers. The van contained a quantity of scrap metal and other items of waste. The officers asked the driver if he was registered with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier and if he had the relevant waste transfer notes. He responded by saying that he didn’t know anything about ...

Signs banning dogs from Llansteffan beach have been stolen. Four signs which read ‘No dogs beyond this point’ have disappeared from their posts. The council has condemned those responsible and it has been reported it to the police as criminal damage. The byelaw bans dogs from the beach between May 1 and September 30. Environmental enforcement officers regularly patrol the area and anyone caught breaching the byelaw can be prosecuted. Four people were recently reported for summons to court and if convicted, the maximum fine that can be imposed by magistrates by is £500. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “These signs will now have to be replaced and that costs money; money that could be much better spent. “Dog mess has been found on the beach so it is obvious people are ignoring the byelaw; but now they have gone one step further. “This is criminal damage and it has been reported it to the police. It will not be tolerated and we will not ...

Over the summer holidays, young people from Trimsaran have been working with the British Heart Foundation to work on ways of keeping their keep their hearts healthy. The young people learnt how exercising can help the heart and participated in recommended healthy-heart activities. Dodgeball challenges were held at Trimsaran Leisure Centre and helped raise awareness on how important exercising and healthy lifestyles are for a healthy heart. Jayne Lewis, Fundraising and Volunteering Manager at British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru said: “Dodgeball is one of our popular fundraising events. Not only is it a great way to get young people active, but it’s also a fantastic way to raise funds for our vital work with both schools and youth groups. If you can catch throw and dodge you can play Dodgeball – it’s really great fun. We are delighted that Trimsaran Youth Club has taken part in this challenge – it all helps to beat heart disease, Wales’ biggest killer. I would like to see more...

A Port Talbot woman has been prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council for dropping litter. Paula Catrina Upton, aged 34, of Villiers Street, Port Talbot, was convicted in absence to an offence under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Carmarthen Magistrates Court. The court heard that council environmental enforcement officers were on duty in the Co-op car park in Cross Hands Business Park when they saw a woman get out of a vehicle and drop a piece of litter onto the grass. The officers approached the woman and explained who they were and what they had witnessed. When asked why she did it, she said:“ I didn’t want any rubbish in the car.” Upton was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75 but failed to pay it and was prosecuted in court as a result. She was fined £200 and ordered to pay £303.64 towards prosecution costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge. The council hopes this case will now act as a warning to others that anyone caught dropping litter will be p...