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

Steps are being taken to speed up the delivery of the Llandeilo by-pass. Carmarthenshire Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said he had called a meeting with the Welsh Government to focus on delivering an early solution to the traffic and air-quality issues currently being experienced in Llandeilo. Welsh Government representatives had agreed - once their contractor was engaged - that the process would involve early review of design work to mitigate air pollution. It was thought this could be achieved by introducing new parking provision, better enforcement of current parking restrictions and management methods for traffic using the A483. Cllr Madge said: “The by-pass and associated problems have been a concern in the community. “We will set up and chair a group of local interested parties to help focus energies on delivering the scheme.” Cllr Madge said – along with Executive Board Member for transport Cllr Colin Evans, and local member Cllr Edward Thomas - that he welcomed the positive ...

The Ffwrnes is a new £15.2million flagship venue located in the heart of Llanelli’s cultural quarter. It is bristling with modern technology and recreational areas with a strong sense of community and belonging. The programme of events at the Ffwrnes opens with the Friendship Theatre Groups’ annual Pantomime, which this year sees funny-man ‘Denny Twp’ bring Aladdin to life on stage, in what promises to be their most colourful, lavish and spectacular production to date. The comprehensive programme of events continues on January 26 with a Youth Gala featuring Only (West) Boys Aloud and international cellist Steffan Morris. On February 8 and 9, due to the success of their recent run at the Lyric, Llanelli Little Theatre brings its production of Calendar Girls to the Ffwrnes stage. Then on Valentine’s Day, comedian Jim Davidson joins us for a night of “passionate” laughter - it will be Valentine’s Day with a difference! The first show at Stiwdio Stepni is Mavis Sparkle on February 15t...

The husband of a 51-year-old care worker killed while riding her moped says a 12-month driving ban issued to the man who caused her death is an “insult to her memory”. Danny Lewis, 41,was found guilty of causing the death of Joan Morris by careless driving last week. He was acquitted by a jury at Swansea Crown Court of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Sitting in Cardiff Crown Court on Friday morning, Judge Phillip Richards told the defendant that no punishment he delivered would be “greater than the sentence on your conscience.” Lewis, of Hawen, Penparc, Cardigan, was ordered to complete a community order of 250 hours unpaid work and has been disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months. Swansea-born Mrs Morris was the wife of Alan Morris, communications manager for Hybi Cig Cymru and a former editor of the South Wales Guardian newspaper in Ammanford. Mr Morris issued the following statement after the sentencing - As a family, we are disappointed a...

The award-winning Cwmcerrig Farmshop family business in Carmarthenshire has promoted three members of the team to junior partner level. The business already employs more than 20 members of the extended Watkins family, with a total workforce of 60. “As a business, we continue to make great strides forward,” said senior partner Roland Watkins. “We are a close-knit team and a family business through and through, so we have decided to promote three of the younger generation to junior partner level.” Nick Bowen, 29, William Watkins, 27, and John Watkins, 32, took up their new junior partner status this month. Senior partner Mr Watkins said: “It is good to have the younger generation closely involved with the development of the business. The last few years have seen us move very rapidly to the point where we now have an established business offering quality local produce to a wide range of customers. “We don’t intend resting on our laurels and the objective must always be to keep the ...

Glangwili Hospital Chaplaincy Department and Ty Cymorth Day Hospice in Carmarthen have arranged a celebration to remember family and friends who are no longer with us. During the Christmas season we sometimes overlook the feelings of emptiness and sadness it brings to people who grieve the loss of loved ones. The service, which will take place at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, is open to those of all faiths and of no faith, providing space and time to recall and reflect. There will be readings and a variety of music from local schools and musicians. The tranquillity and ambiance of the gardens will provide the perfect atmosphere to remember, appreciate and to honour a loved one at rest. People will have the opportunity to light their own candle in remembrance of their loved ones and place in the Christmas crib. A candle will also be lit in appreciation for those who have donated organs and in so doing given others an opportunity to live. The service will be held at the Nat...

Ireland's first two Beer Sommeliers have been announced by the Beer Academy. Phil Tavey (above) and Paul Maher (top), from the Dublin beer import company Fourcorners, were accredited after passing a viva examination with Beer Academy Chief Examiner, Dr George Philliskirk. George said “You only have to look at the company website to see that Phil and Paul live and breathe as beer advocates in their daily working life. "It is packed with facts and figures about beer, guidance on getting beer quality absolutely right and how to match beer to food. This passion for beer sharing their beer knowledge shone through during their assessment to become Beer Academy Sommeliers. "It is still less than a year since the Beer Academy announced its first Sommeliers and we already boast 21 Sommeliers around the world; from Norway to Australia. "The Sommelier qualification has really caught the changing public attitude to beer. Nowadays beer drinking is about quality not q...

Latest news from the Jazz in the Bar team at Brecon -  We have a wonderful line-up for this month's Jazz in the Bar on 27th - a first time to hear the wonderful Gareth Roberts with his quintet at Jazz club (see review below). Also, you will know Gethin Liddington, one of Wales' most oustanding jazz musicians. It may be November, but the music will be brilliant. Tipple and Tiffin Bistro will be open for eating beforehand but you must book. We will do a group booking if enough of us want to eat together - let me know. Gareth Roberts Quintet : Tuesday 27 November, 8pm, £6 on the door First floor bar, Theatr Brycheiniog, Canalside, Brecon LD3 7EW Gareth Roberts -Trombone Gethin Liddington- Trumpet Paul Jones - Piano Aidan Thorne - Bass Jon Reynolds - Drums Poster attached, with thanks to Stef Price, SLiP Visuals. A special thank you to the Brecon Post, Beacon, Black Sheep, Jazz UK and all our Listings supporters. BISTRO Tipple n Tiffin Bistro Tel 01874 611866 or Emai...

A nursing sister from Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, got to the final of a national award for her work with patients with dementia. Lisa Marshall from Ward 8 got to the final of the Best Dementia Registered Nurse in the National Dementia Care Awards. On her ward and throughout the hospital Lisa was nominated for modelling excellent examples of dementia care for her members of staff and she has received many letters of commendation from dementia patients. She has also been instrumental in helping to promote and champion improving dementia care within the hospital. For example with the Butterfly Scheme she volunteered her own time, on numerous occasions, to help establish the scheme. The Butterfly scheme helps all staff, even those, who may only have a brief day to day contact with a patient with dementia, to be more aware of their needs and how to address those needs. Dementia Co-ordinator for Pembrokeshire, Tom Alexander, said: “Lisa has shown levels of passion, care and dedicat...

Did you know there are hundreds of Carmarthenshire families that are in desperate need of help this Christmas? Founded last year, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Christmas Toybox Appeal is a local initiative which provides Christmas gifts for families in need. Many can’t afford to buy food, gifts, or toys for their children, and will go to loan sharks in desperation. Last year the Christmas Toybox Appeal collected and distributed over 700 gifts, helping disadvantaged families across Carmarthenshire. The Christmas Toybox Appeal has ensured that local children, who might otherwise receive nothing or very little, get a gift at Christmas. Last year families received a Christmas present because of the incredible work of Christmas Toybox Appeal volunteer workers and donors. When you're out and about doing your Christmas shopping this year, please spare a thought for those unfortunate families, and purchase an extra present to donate to this year’s Christmas Toybox Appeal. Every gif...

Landlords are being invited to an annual forum meeting being held in Carmarthen tonight. The forum, hosted by Carmarthenshire County Council, will look at a number of issues which will be high on the agenda of all landlords, including the forthcoming Welfare Reforms. Confirmed guest speakers include Lee Cecil of the National Landlords Association, and Karl Thomas, Head of Rent Officers, Wales. David Crane, Chair of the Carmarthenshire Landlords Forum, said: “Both landlords and tenants are beginning to feel the impact of the Government’s Welfare Reform which represents the biggest overhaul of the benefits system for over 60 years. “With major changes to Housing Benefits, it’s vital that landlords keep up to date with issues and you can do this by attending our Landlord Forum meetings where this, and more, will be discussed in greater detail.” The forum meeting is being held from 6pm on Tuesday, November 6, at Carmarthen Leisure Centre. Entry is free and refreshments will be provided. Fo...

A series of punchy and strikingly graphic safety messages to young drivers and riders by Carmarthenshire Council transport division is designed to heighten awareness of road safety issues. A monthly release of graffiti style information cards is running with each carrying a hard hitting message from using the mobile when driving to driving on bald tyres. If you are stuck behind a bus you will certainly get the message with many of the cards being displayed on rear-of-bus advertising. Distributed to schools and colleges the series of cards will run for more than a year as more of the messages are developed. County Road Safety manager Keith Griffiths said: “The messages are aimed at the young drivers who are more likely to be involved in an accident than older drivers. “ He said the campaign would run and run with no limit on time because the message needed to be put out to successive generations of young motorists. “Of course, we are looking to refresh the ideas and many of the bes...

A group of eco-friendly Llwynhendy residents have been rewarded for their hard work. Llwynhendy Environment Group received the Green Award, sponsored by Carmarthenshire County Council’s waste and recycling section, at the Radio Carmarthenshire/Scarlet FM Local Hero Awards 2012. Communities First development officer Gillian Handscomb and project co-ordinator Lindy Butler picked up the award on behalf of the group at a glittering event at Llanelli’s Diplomat Hotel. It was presented by Cllr Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection, who helped to judge the nominations. He said: “We were very impressed by the huge amount of good work carried out by the group for the benefit of the community. They have really made a difference to the environment in which they live and I am delighted to give them this award. The group had three separate nominations in total which just goes to show how much their efforts are appreciated.” The group have managed to drawn do...

A woman has been fined for failing to clean up after her dog at a popular Gwendraeth Valley park. The 38-year-old was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75 at Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park near Tumble. The council’s environmental enforcement officers were on patrol at the council-run attraction following complaints of owners not clearing up after their pets. Failure to pay could result in prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of up to £1,000. Carmarthenshire County Council is working hard to tackle the problem of dog fouling and will not hesitate to prosecute those caught breaking the law in this way. Council Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park is used for recreation and leisure by families as well as for walking dogs and it is only fair that people should be able to enjoy the park free of dog mess. “Our enforcement officers carry out patrols across the county but they cannot be everywhe...

Hospital food waste in Carmarthenshire is being turned into compost. The council is collecting food waste from Amman Valley, Mynydd Mawr and Llandovery hospitals to prevent it going to landfill. Food waste collections are also underway from the staff accommodation at Glangwili and Prince Philip hospitals. Just like the food collected from our homes, it is taken to a special processing plant at Nantycaws where it is mixed with green waste and turned into compost which can be used in our gardens. Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said: “Food waste sent to landfill produces harmful gases such as methane as it rots which contributes to global warming and increases the threat of climate change. “We are delighted we have been able to offer this service to our partners at the health board as it will also help us to increase our recycling rate.” Like all LSB (Local Service Board) partners, Hywel Dda Health Board is working hard to reduce its carbon footprint. Food collec...

Children across Carmarthenshire will be getting their first taste of the new winter menu when it launches in the county’s primary schools. The refreshed winter menu is packed full of tasty homemade meals, with exciting new dishes including cheese, pepper and tomato calzone, teisen lap and custard dessert, alongside usual favourites such as mild chilli beef or vegetable chilli and mixed rice peas or sweetcorn. One of the new additions - BBQ chicken or quorn pitta pocket, with mixed salad and herby diced potatoes - was designed by catering staff following visits to various county primary schools where pupils were asked what kinds of meals they would like to see on the winter menu. The menu, designed and implemented by Carmarthenshire Catering Service – part of the county council – follows the Welsh Assembly’s Appetite for Life recommendations to improve the health of children by offering nutritionally-balanced school meals. Whilst working in partnership with Carmarthenshire’s local publ...

Free parking for shoppers across Carmarthenshire is a New Year’s resolution for the executive board. They have recommended the bonus of free parking at all county council car parks from December 26th to January 1 at a cost of over £20,000. The move has been brought in a bid to support traders and encourage more shoppers to visit town centres after Christmas. The week between Christmas and New Year was considered to be of more benefit to businesses than the one originally proposed, which was from January 2 to 8. In previous years, free parking has been given for the two weeks before Christmas, at a cost of approximately £70,000. However, executive board members said that given the current difficult financial situation, facing budget cuts of millions of pounds, it would not be possible to give the concession this year. However, they did want to show support for traders and determined to give free parking in the week between Christmas and the New Year instead. A report which went before t...

Anyone in the Llanelli area fancy a good debate? Here's an idea from Gareth Morris - "While glancing through a copy of the history of the Llanelli Boys' Grammar School from 1895 -1977, I read that in 1899 the Literary and Debating Society, 'was reorganised after a temporary lapse last winter'. "During my sixth form years in the 1950s, I was an enthusiastic member of the Lit and Deb as it was fondly called. "I can still recall lively debates on Friday evening under the (unpaid) supervision of staff members. "Is there anyone out there - of any age, of either gender - interested in having a good old argument on a range of contemporary issues? What about starting a Llanelli Debating Society? Ring Gareth Morris on Llanelli (01554) 758873 if you are interested."

'Queen Victoria' is to open a special art event at The Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday. The event is part of the 'Art in the Park' event staged at the popular Victorian Festival in Llandrindod Wells. The opening of the art show is being hosted by Kirsty Williams AM in the Oriel Gallery of The Senedd, at 12.15 on November 6. The Lib-Dems Assembly member will be welcoming a very special 'Queen Victoria' from Llandrindod Wells at the start of the exhibition. This year’s Victorian Festival in Llandrindod Wells saw a number of new activities, including the 'Art in the Park' event sponsored by Glasu and Powys County Council. In the best Victorian traditions, artists of all ages and abilities, were invited to work alongside professional artists, in the beautiful Grade II listed Rock Park during Victorian week. Some 96 art works created were displayed in the Rock Park Heritage Centre on August 25. Members of the public had the final vo...

Reporter Lucy Siegle from BBC's The One Show attended a rehearsal session for Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Voice Choir) to enlist their help for the Seaside, Llanelli, fireworks party. The story will be broadcast on Monday night, 7pm.

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