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

The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column from the Carmarthen Journal newspaper - Club members are asked to note that there will be a special EGM of Carmarthen Town AFC at the Community Centre and Clubhouse at Richmond Park at 7.30pm on Monday, October 22. The extraordinary general meeting of members is needed to finalise the revision of the club’s constitution and to fill the remaining director’s position at the club. ------------------------------------- Fund-raising events coming up at Richmond Park, include – The band ‘Malfunction’ performing on November 17 (8pm). Malfunction are a newly formed band fronted by Kenny Arman, with songs from past to present. Tickets - Contact Allan Elias on 01267 238135, Colin Payne on 01267 231118 or Michelle at the clubhouse Comedian Paul Dazely is to star at Carmarthen Town AFC clubhouse at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, on Friday, November 9. Paul describes his act as, “Comedy: the point of no return.” The eve...

Coastal protection works around Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park carried out in recent years withstood this week’s battering from combination of high winds and high tides. Park manager Rory Dickinson said a great deal of sea borne debris was thrown up on cycle path at two areas, one in Burry Port and the other at Bynea. Millennium Coastal park rangers were engaged in clearing the paths. Large rocks were thrown on to the cycle path but the £160,000 storm surge defences that were put in place in recent years at both locations withstood the elements. Because of the numbers of rocks and flotsam cast on shore and predominantly on the cycle and footpaths where it runs near the high tide mark, the coastguard took the precaution of closing the cycle path in part late on Wednesday at Burry Port. It was opened Thursday morning with no further tidal or storm surge threats imminent. There is little evidence of undercutting although huge volumes of sand were shifted along the spit on the e...

Cwmcerrig Farmshop has scooped two National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards. The business has been rewarded for its Dinefwr Venison and Dinefwr Venison Red Wine and Onion Sausages. The popular Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, has developed the products in partnership with the National Trust’s Dinefwr Estate near Llandeilo. One of the partners in the Watkins family business, Roland Watkins, said: “It’s the first time for us to be entered into the awards and we are delighted to receive the prizes. “The judging process for the awards is very strict and that makes it all the more rewarding to be recognised by the National Trust. “We have built up a great reputation for our meat here at Cwmcerrig and we take pride in producing quality, value-for-money products which are appreciated by our customers.” The news of the National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards follows hot on the heels of Cwmcerrig being nominated for two prestigious UK Farm Retail Awards run by the National Fa...

So much furniture was dumped outside an Ammanford charity shop that the staff couldn’t get into the building to open up. Items of furniture including an old sofa, a wardrobe, TVs, an electric fire, a bed and mattress were left outside Barnardos in Carregamman Road one evening when the shop was closed. Not only could the staff not get in the next morning, but the furniture was ruined by the rain which meant it could not be sold and the charity then had to pay to get it removed. Shop manager Susan Langford said: “This is the fourth time this has happened since September; none of the items have been saleable, and we have to pay to get rid of it. We are a charity and we are trying to raise money not waste it like this. People don’t care, it is just an excuse for them to get rid of stuff they don’t want.” The council’s environmental enforcement officers are investigating the incident as it is fly-tipping. They say it is a problem at charity shops throughout the county and are appe...

A four-mile historic themed “hunting the boar” walk, linking Ammanford and Garnant, is being launched. Cwmaman Town Council is inviting all comers to the launch and walk all or part of the trail on Friday and Saturday October 26-27. The Friday launch event consists of a walk from Ammanford to Garnant along the Riverside Walk and cycleway followed by an opening ceremony and a buffet at Ysgol y Bedol which is located at Folland Road, Garnant. For those persons not interested in the walk, it is possible to come directly to the opening ceremony at the school at 12.30pm. The event begins on Friday October 26th at Ysgol y Bedol, Folland Road Glanamman at 9.30 am with parking arranged in the Bowls Car Park situated directly opposite the school. Walkers will be transported by a bus to the start of the trail in Ammanford or for those not wishing to walk the whole path; it will be possible to be dropped off half way along the route. The route is a tarmac path for approximately four-miles and wi...

Check out the new winter evening menu at The George Hotel, Brecon - Starters Homemade Soup of the Day £4.75 Warm Chicken & Mango Salad, with Herb Croutons & Honey Mustard Dressing £5.50 Battered King Prawn Tempura with a Sweet Chilli Dip £5.75 Field Mushrooms Stuffed with Stilton Cheese on Dressed Leaves £5.25 Smoked Haddock & Spring Onion Fishcakes with Lime Mayonnaise £5.95 Main Courses Free Range Breast of Chicken with sautéed Butternut Squash Potato Gnocchi and Creamy Basil Sauce £11.95 Steak and ‘Cwrw’ Ale Pie Triple Cooked Chips and Garden Peas £10.95 Honey Glazed Duck Breast with Fondant Potato Braised Red Cabbage and Winter Berry Jus £14.95 Herb Crusted Sea Bream with Rocket Mash and a Rich Tomato Provencal £12.95 Trio of Welsh Lamb Chops with Minted New Potatoes Roasted Vegetables and Rosemary Gravy £13.95 Roasted Fresh Monkfish wrapped in Parma Ham with Sautéed Potatoes Wilted Spinach and Sauce Vierge £12.95 Welsh 8oz Sirloin Steak with Grilled Tomato, Saut...

Cwmcerrig Farmshop is in the running for two UK awards.  The popular Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, is on the shortlist for the prestigious UK Farm Retail Awards run by the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). The business is in two finals – Farm Retailer of the Year and Best ‘on-farm’ Butchery. One of the partners in the Watkins family business, Roland Watkins (pictured above), said: “We are delighted to be nominated for these two awards. “We won the Best Newcomer title last year, putting Carmarthenshire firmly on the UK food map. “Reaching the finals this year proves both to our customers and to the industry that we are not resting on our laurels. “We are working very hard to make Cwmcerrig the very best farmshop we can. “Being shortlisted for these UK-wide awards is a great honour and a reflection of the hard work everyone puts into the business here at Cwmcerrig. “Our selection in the highest award category for Farm Retailer of ...

A leading environmental group has raised serious concerns about the rising levels of air pollution in Wales and the Welsh Government’s approach to controlling it. Friends of the Earth Cymru have uncovered evidence that far from air quality improving, there has been a worrying decline in air quality between 2009 and 2010. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “The Welsh Government recently announced that air quality continues to improve in Wales[1]. But we’ve looked at the evidence and it’s clear that five out of the seven air pollutants the report considers increased between 2009 and 2010[2]. The Welsh Government appears to be misleading the Welsh public. “And the most recent figures from the UK Government are extremely bleak, with Cardiff, Swansea, South Wales and North Wales all above the legal limits for a number of dangerous pollutants[3]. “Air pollution already cuts the life of most people short by eight months[4]. In highly polluted places – of which th...

The welcome mat will be out for West Wales solicitors attending a seminar at Clay Shaw Butler on Thursday (October 18). The continued professional development seminar for solicitors will take place in the boardroom at Clay Shaw Butler's HQ in Lammas Street, Carmarthen. Paul Jones, Senior Associate Adviser with CPM21, will be in the chair for the event, which will focus on compliance issues following recent Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) changes. CPM21 specialise in 21st century professional management for lawyers -  http://www.cpm21.co.uk/ There's more info on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on their website -  http://www.sra.org.uk/home/home.page

Heard the one about the two Welsh comedians trying to get an export licence to Norway? Well, Norway is about to get the joke as two of our finest comedians get ready to perform at the Oslo Comedy Club next week. Phil Evans and Ignacio Lopez have been invited to perform in Oslo after receiving an invitation from friends in Norway. They will be on stage at the Oslo Comedy Club on October 26 and 27. "It's something of a step into the unknown, but we are looking forward to it," said Evans. "I've performed internationally before, but never in Norway, so it will be interesting to see how we are received and how much the Norwegians appreciate our sense of humour." Evans is the 'Hugmeister of Wales' and the man who has put the 'Cwtsh' back into comedy. He is a favourite warm-up comedian for TV shows on BBC, S4C and ITV. He has just finished a very successful variety show tour of South Wales with the singer Paul Child. Squeeze hi...

Splendid picture story in the Llanelli Star about the Ashburnham golf club ladies golf centenary dinner staged at Parc y Scarlets stadium. Smashing picture story in the Llanelli Star about Llanelli Rotary Club's newest member - Cerith Owens, of Loud Applause Productions. Good to see the latest gardening column from Aberglasney's Joseph Atkin in the Carmarthen Journal today. Nice plug for Cor Meibion Llanelli's rehearsals (Monday and Thursdays at Furnace Community Hall, 7pm) in the Llanelli Star's What's On page. Nice piece in Llanelli Star today about the Royal British Legion Gala Concert being staged in Carmarthen on October 27. Tickets going fast. Good to see the latest View from Richmond Park Carnarthen Town AFC column in the Carmarthen Journal today. Splendid picture story in the Llanelli Star about the long service staff awards at the Jenkins Bakery in Llanelli @JenkinsBakery Nice story in the Llanelli Star today about rugby hero and broadcaster Garin Jenkins...

Health Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda health Board- This Healthy Wednesday protect yourself and loved ones against illness as winter approaches. Colds and flu affect 15 million people each year in the UK but unlike a cold, the symptoms of flu come on very quickly and include a fever and aching joints and muscles. Flu can be a serious condition for some people, so it’s important to get a flu jab, available free of charge, if you are over 65, pregnant or have an underlying health condition (particularly chronic heart or respiratory disease), or weakened immune system. Do not wait until a flu outbreak occurs – contact your GP or practice nurse now to arrange your flu jab. Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Hussey said: “Flu spreads easily, and can cause serious illness which would need to be treated in hospital. If you are eligible for the vaccine, talk to your GP surgery, local health clinic or you can talk to NHS Direct Wales. “For the first time selected community pharmacies will a...

Carmarthenshire County Council has invested £212,000 in the last two years to renovate Parc Howard’s Grade II listed mansion house. At the end of 2010 a full programme of works were undertaken including disability access improvements. £129,000 was spent installing ramps to the café area, first floor raised levels and the platform lift at the main entrance. Internal doors were mechanised and new fire exits were also created to improve safety at the building. A further £83,000 was invested in Spring 2011 to install new lead on the mansion’s roof, and all windows were renovated and redecorated with a 10-year paint system and extra security locks. Work also included the rebuilding of the portico to the main entrance, as well as external and internal redecoration. The works were carried out by TAD Builders Ltd on the council’s behalf. Phil Lumley, Head of Property Services at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “This has been a significant investment to improve the mansion house for the b...

Lowri Davies, a legal assistant at the Cleddau Bridge offices of QualitySolicitors Redkite, has successfully completed her Level 6 CILEx Certificate in the Practice of Employment Law.  QS Redkite Managing Partner Luke Smith congratulated Lowri on her achievement and added: “We work very hard here to make sure all our staff are given every chance to fulfil their potential. “Qualification successes such as Lowri’s show that we are constantly working to improve the quality of service we are able to offer our customers.” Lowri is a legal assistant supporting the employment and HR department at QualitySolicitors Redkite. She assists in preparing contracts, handbooks and compromise agreements. She graduated with an honours degree from the University of the West of England, Bristol and has also achieved her ILEX Level 3 Certificate in Employment Law and Practice. CILEx is the professional association for Chartered Legal Executive lawyers and other members of CILEx. It regulat...

A teenager has been fined for dropping litter in the car park next to the new KFC in Carmarthen. Council environmental enforcement officers issued the 17-year-old with a fixed penalty notice for £75. They were on patrol in the area and saw him drop a drinks container onto the ground. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a fine of up to £2,500. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Enforcement officers are carrying out regular patrols in the area and anyone caught dropping litter will be fined. “We are working closely with McDonalds and the recently-opened KFC to try and reduce litter problems in the area and are urging customers to please use the bins provided or take their rubbish home with them. “Hopefully this fine will help to get the message across. We don’t want to fine people but we have no choice if they do not listen. “The council is determined to create a cleaner and safer environment for both res...

Latest news from the Introbiz business networking team . . .  Meeting dates - Wednesday 17th October Gwent Dragons, Newport 4pm - 6pm £10 members £15 visitors Thursday 25th Capital FM Radio Station, Cardiff Bay 4pm - 6pm £10 1st November Glamorgan Business Club at Swalec Stadium 4pm - 6pm £20 members £25 visitors To book email   info@introbiz.co.uk

US fraudsters tried to steal £5k for jewellery from Carmarthenshire man | This is South Wales A store manager was forced to borrow money from friends, family and work colleagues to pay for "bills and essentials" after his bank account was used to try to buy £5,000 worth of jewellery in America. Darren Hudson, of Johnstown, discovered he was being targeted by fraudsters thousands of miles across the Atlantic after visiting a cashpoint machine on Wednesday.

Tickets are going fast for a special concert to give a boost to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in South West Wales. The Royal British Legion Charity Gala Concert will be staged at The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen on Saturday, October 27. It will feature Côr Godre’r Aran (above), the celebrated male voice choir from North Wales, and the renowned Richard Williams Singers from Tonyrefail. The driving force behind the concert is Cerith Owens, the director of Loud Applause Productions, a firm which devotes a lot of energy to charitable causes. “This has been a summer of notable events and great celebrations, with everything from the Queen’s Jubilee to the Olympics. “But October is the time when our thoughts turn towards Remembrance Day and this concert will be a moving and stirring tribute to the fallen,” said Mr Owens. “The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is a cause very dear to all our hearts and I hope the people of Carmarthenshire lend their support to such a worthy c...

Saturday 27th October the Burry Port Town Band will host 'An Audience with the Band' at the St Mary's Church, Burry Port (7pm). The keynote feature of this event will be a discussion and performance of Tom Davoren's recently commissioned First Section National Finals music, Vivat! Tom, a rising star of the brass band world, although still in his twenties, was commissioned to write this by the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain and also has his own strong links with Burry Port Town Band, as when he was growing up on the Gower Peninsular he joined the Burry Port Youth Band before progressing to the Senior Band on Tuba. Now studying for his PhD at Bristol University under Professor John Pickard, Tom is delighted he can spend some time with the band and take part in this exciting new format to present the true reflection of what a modern brass band can be. Graham Howe, the Band's Chairman added "that we're excited by this new format event, we ho...

Latest news from the Jazz in the Bar team at Brecon - JAZZ this coming Tuesday (16 Oct) in Brecon....Bistro will be open...  See also upcoming.... SAX WORKSHOP at 6pm for those who have booked (or ask for music prep). Participating in the workshop with Chris Biscoe will be 10 members of the Cardiff University Big Band, Ralph Smith, Peter Bowen. EVENING GIG at 8pm, Fantastic opportunity to hear London-based saxophonist Chris Biscoe supported by a great lineup Phil Mead piano * Dave Moses double bass * John Gibbon drums £6 on the door. "Biscoe is a saxophone virtuoso of great lyricism, passion, stamina and ...versatility" Ian Carr, Jazzman BISTRO Tipple n Tiffin Bistro open - Tel 01874 611866 or Email Louise on - info@tipplentiffin.co.uk Theatr Brycheiniog, 1st floor Bar, Canalside, Brecon LD3 7EW Tel. 01874 611 622 UPCOMING Cardiff University Big Band : a chance to hear them again in Cardiff with Saxophonist Pete Long, on Sat 10 November at the Cardiff University Concer...

It has been a cats and dogs summer weather-wise, but the North Dock Ice Cream kiosk lady Angela Edwards still has a smile on her face in Llanelli. And it is all because of a rainbow variety of ice cream cup cakes. A passion for them is sure to give you brain-brow freeze. She said they still have out loyal customers who come out in all weathers for their favourite ices. But being inventive and creative with a range of 50 different flavoured ices keeps the customers turning over. Over the years they have been K99 ices for dogs and, this summer, a Dai Greene ice cream. Now Angela has discovered when you cross ice cream cones with cup cakes you get every child’s dream come true – ice cream cup cakes. They range in flavours from strawberry and cream to chocolate fudge and even bright blue bubble gum flavours. She said: “They make the perfect treat and people have been taking them away half a dozen at a time. “And is a question of eating straight from the freezer because they will not t...

Councillors have praised the council’s performance and agreed on areas for improvement in the coming year. The council’s Annual Report and Improvement Plan was presented to full council. The report provides a balanced view on the council’s performance and compares it to the performance of other Welsh local authorities. Last year, the council improved in 71 per cent of the measures used to compare and evaluate the performance of all 22 Welsh local authorities – the highest percentage of improvement for all Welsh councils. The report also highlights the challenges the council faces in order to deliver better services with limited resources. Council Leader, Cllr Kevin Madge, said the report shows that the council is making a difference. “We’ve made savings in the last year of £10million,” he said. “We’ve made progress, and made a difference. We are creating jobs, doing better in social services and giving houses to people who need our support.” Leader of the opposition, Cllr Peter Hughes ...

A man has been £75 for failing to clean up after his dog. The 73-year-old was issued with a fixed penalty notice by council environmental enforcement officers in the Tregunnor area of Carmarthen. The officers were on patrol in the area at the time of the incident. The man told them he didn’t have any bags on him to clean up the dog mess. 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 said: “Our enforcement officers carry out patrols across Carmarthenshire and anyone caught not cleaning up after their dog will be prosecuted. “Dog mess left anywhere can be a serious health risk so we will not hesitate to fine those responsible. Residents are being urged to help catch offenders by reporting them to the council as part of the Dog Watch scheme. Cllr Jones added: “If you have any information on dog fouling then please let us know as this can then be used by officers ...

Healthcare workers got a tour of their new purpose built home today in Milford Haven. The new £3million Manchester Square Health Centre will replace the current GP surgery buildings of Barlow House and Robert Street. Services currently provided from Hakin Surgery will also be relocated in the new premises. The building, the new health centre will also accommodate midwives and health visitors from York Street Clinic and health visitors and districts nurses from Hakin surgery. An independent pharmacy is also located within the new facility. The new health centre will open on October 29 2012. Temporary arrangements are in place for patients during the relocation: Robert Street Practice – phone and fax lines will be out of use from October 26. For urgent matters patients can contact the surgery on 07970 024211 or 07970 024144. Emergency appointments only will be available from October 26-October 31. The practice can be contacted for non-urgent enquiries from October 29 on its current nu...

Carmarthenshire County Council is to write a letter to Dyfed Powys Police and volunteers who joined the search for missing five-year-old April Jones to thank them for their efforts. Council Chair Cllr Siân Thomas made the suggestion at full council meeting and was unanimously backed by members. She said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Dyfed Powys Police who have been under huge pressure. They’ve been working very hard in strained and difficult circumstances, and I’d like to write to a letter on our behalf thanking them for their efforts.” Deputy Leader Cllr Pam Palmer suggested that the council also write to the Mayor of Machynlleth to express the council’s admiration of the town’s community spirit, as well as the work of police officers. “The work they have done over the last 10 days, first with hope and then despair – has raised the profile of Wales and Dyfed Powys Police beyond recognition,” she said. “They’ve performed absolutely wonderfully. Police go through training...

Nick Morgan has been promoted to a new role with Carmarthenshire-based construction firm Morganstone. Nick, 37, has moved up the ladder to contracts supervisor from groundwork contracts manager after just seven months with the go-ahead firm. Before joining Morganstone, Nick ran his own construction business, which provided him with a wealth of experience in the industry. Nick said: "I am looking forward to my new role and playing a part in making sure Morganstone is in the vanguard when it comes to delivering quality construction projects." Morganstone managing director Ian Morgan said: "We are delighted to see Nick progressing through the ranks with the team here at Morganstone. We are committed to ensuring our employees fulfil their potential as we continue to expand our business throughout South Wales." You can contact Nick at Morganstone at nick.morgan@morganstone.co.uk The company address is: Morganstone House, Llys Aur, Llanelli Gate, Llanelli, SA14 8LQ. Te...

During the last 12 months, the Jenkins Bakery has been happy to support a number of charitable, sporting and community causes with donations, vouchers and buffet items. In total, the Jenkins Bakery has gifted items worth than £2000. Among the recipients have been – Llanelli Squash Club; Felinfoel Cricket Club; SA15 Stage Company; Cor Meibion Llanelli; the Ty Golau Lighthouse project; Doodles Events; Llannon hanging baskets; Music and Jazz at The Diplomat Hotel; Bwlch sports; Latch charity; Llanelli Wanderers RFC and the Llanelli Library Jobs Fair. The bakery has received ‘thank-you’ certificates from National Doughnut Week and Cancer Research UK. The firm raised £1600 for Cancer Research UK through various fund-raising events. The bakery raised £500 for The Children's Trust through National Doughnut Week 2012. Thanks go to all customers who supported the fund-raising.

This month sees the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, known also as the October Crisis and the Caribbean Crisis, which was a 13-day confrontation between the Soviet Union and the United States over the presence of missile sites in Cuba. To mark the anniversary, the Centre for Intelligence and International Security Studies at Aberystwyth University and the Cambridge Intelligence Group at the University of Cambridge are hosting a major international conference at Gregynog Hall near Newtown from 25-27 October. Professor Len Scott, from the Department of International Politics, explains, “The discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba was one of the dramatic periods of the Cold War, and possibly the most dangerous moment in human history. “The conference will seek to address the legacies and lessons of the Cuban Missile Crisis by means of a number of papers and round-table discussions. It will include contributions from a number of the most eminent international scholars of ...

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING 15/10/12 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 VEGETABLE CURRY PASTIES £1.70 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.85 2 FRESH CREAM DOUGHNUTS £1.60 2 CUSTARD SLICES £1.50 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN TIKKA £2.20 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – HAM & CHEESE £2.25 CHICKEN TIKKA CIABATTA £2.25 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – BROWN BAPS PACK OF 4 £1 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL FARMHOUSE £1.03 Website -  http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Llanelli's popular Jenkins Bakery has launched a special range of products to mark Halloween. "We always like to do something special to mark different occasions throughout the year" said Russell Jenkins operations director at the Jenkins Bakery. "Our customers have come to expect us to do something special and this year we have six different products for people to enjoy as they party over Halloween.” HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN BISCUIT – 90p Our top quality shortbread biscuit with a hand decorated pumpkin in sugar paste. HALLOWEEN BAT BISCUIT - 75p Hand decorated coloured sugar paste bat on our top quality shortbread biscuit. HALLOWEEN GHOST BISCUIT – 75p Hand decorated coloured sugar paste ghost on our top quality shortbread biscuit. HALLOWEEN KRISPIES - £1.10 Chocolate Krispie Cake with edible figure. HALLOWEEN CUP CAKES – 90p Our top quality chocolate muffin topped with coloured frosting and decorated with sprinkles and sugar plaque. HALLOWEEN MALL...

Hundreds flocked to the gala opening of the new Odeon at Llanelli’s East Gate. They marvelled at the sumptuous setting with confectionery, Costa coffee shop and Ben and Jerry ice cream lounges greeting guests through the Odeon’s entrance doors. Public performances were fully booked from the following day with Llanelli’s community having waited patiently for 74 years since the last new cinema – again Odeon - opened in Llanelli. One of the honoured guests at the East Gate Odeon opening was retired Swiss Valley deputy head teacher, 92-year-old Stanley Phillips, who ironically at the age of 18 queued to get a reserved ticked for the Odeon cinema that became the St Elli Entertainment Centre. But on this occasion he was allocated a premier seat. Stanley’s verdict on the new Odeon was as emotional but, he says, better than his experience 74-years ago. “It was eye wateringly spectacular,” he said. “I remember then being quite awe-struck as a teenager. But the East Gate experience was...

Carmarthenshire County Council Housing staff have been pulling out all the stops to raise money for cancer support charity Macmillan. They chose the charity at a staff conference last year and set a target of £2,000. In the last 18 months, they have held numerous events, including dress-down days, bake-off competitions, cake stalls, quiz nights and auctions. Their final event was a coffee morning and cake stall, which was held at the end of September during Macmillan’s national coffee morning fundraising event. Council Chair, Cllr Siân Thomas, congratulated the team during this week’s full council meeting.

An evening with Maureen Madill, the BBC golf commentator, was a hit with the ladies of the Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey. The professional golf coach was the guest speaker at a special dinner to celebrate 100 years of ladies golf at 'The Ash'. "The evening was great fun and enjoyed by all," said club captain Iris Jacob. "More than 150 guests attended the celebration dinner at the Parc y Scarlets stadium in Llanelli. "It was great to see so many past members of the club and so many of our current members celebrating a milestone in the history of Ashburnham Golf Club." Guest speaker Madill was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. She won the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship in 1979 and the British Ladies Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1980. She represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup in 1980 and coached the team between 1998 and 2004. Madill turned professional in 1986 and played on the Ladies European Tour un...

Celtic Couriers Ltd is doing its bit to help local rugby just around the corner from the firm's Burry Port HQ. The club has a 'season-long' advert in the match programme for Burry Port RFC. Burry Port play in Division 4 West in the Welsh SWALEC leagues. Burry Port RFC website - http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/burryportrfc/

Bosses at the Jenkins Bakery held a special lunch at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, to reward their long-serving staff. Jenkins Bakery company secretary and director David Jenkins said: "We pride ourselves on recognising our staff with an annual long service awards lunch. "We are a family business with a great tradition and we take great pleasure in the fact that we have a great relationship with our staff members. "Their loyal service is one of the pillars on which our business is built." Staff with more than 10 years of service were rewarded at the lunch. The fill list of long service staff members and their service - 10 – 15 years Helen Allen; Sian Morgan; Anthea Davies; Sheran Davies; Sandra Jones; Linda Jones; Jackie Howells; Barbara Brabant; Susan Jenkins; Sharon Cox; Gino Disalvo; Samantha Smith; Filippo Difede; Delyth Davies; Biagio Borrelli; Christine John; Susan Williams; Carole Podger; Jason Morris; Iora Bailey; Stewart Hickman; Loraine Char...