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

The new 'On Song' column for the Llanelli Star -   It was a case of young and old celebrating at the Centenary Concert staged by Halfway Primary School. The stars of the show were the young singers from Halfway. But they received a helping hand from the older generation, in the shape of Côr Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Voice Choir). The concert marked a special occasion for Côr Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas. He was headmaster of Halfway School until his retirement eight years ago after completing more than 20 years teaching at the school. "It was a great treat and an honour for me to be taking the stage with Côr Meibion Llanelli as I have such very fond memories of my time at Halfway School," said Mr Thomas. The stage was also shared by former Halfway pupil Laura Morris, a soprano who currently works as a music teacher at Penyrheol School, Gorseinon. "It was wonderful to hear Laura singing. She was excellent and her singing was g...

This is the new 'Shop Elli' column for the Llanelli Star -  One of Llanelli’s oldest and best-loved businesses has given a vote of confidence to the St Elli Shopping Centre in Llanelli. Saul Cass Jewellers has just renewed its lease at No14 in the centre. “It’s very much a vote of confidence in the success of the centre,” said owner Laurence Cass, the third generation of the Cass family to run the business “We have been associated with the St Elli Shopping Centre from the very beginning. We were one of the ‘founder’ shops when it first opened more than 15 years ago. “We had a long and happy association with the centre and we obviously look forward to it continuing for many years to come after signing a new lease agreement with the shopping centre owners. “Footfall through the centre is very impressive and we have a large clientele of regular customers who know our friendly staff so very well. We see the new lease as a slap on the back to the St Elli shopping centre for a job ...

There's a Family Fun Day planned for the Spring Bank Holiday Monday at Cwmcerrig Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas. The Fun Day is being organised to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and the Gorslas Welfare Association. It takes place between 10am and 3pm on Monday, May 6. Radio Carmarthenshire and top DJ and presenter 'Tommo' will be broadcasting from the event. "It promises to be a great day out for all the family," said Cwmcerrig partner Roland Watkins. "There'll be a warm welcome for one and all. Our award-winning shop and grill will be open and there will be a host of events to enjoy." Competitions on the day include - Guess the weight of the bullock Guess the cost of the hamper Guess the number of sheep Wellie throwing Pig races Sheep races Play Your Cards Right There will also be a Bouncy Castle and Barbecue. Website - http://www.cwmcerrigfarmshop.co.uk

Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire is marking RHS National Gardening Week (April 15-21) with the launch of a giant vegetable growing competition. The team at these historic gardens is determined to encourage more of us to get gardening in 2013 and hopes to encourage rivalry on a mammoth scale! RHS Regional Development Manager Ali Boyd said: "National Gardening Week is all about reaching out and encouraging people throughout the UK to get involved in gardening. We’re delighted that Aberglasney, an RHS Partner Garden, is getting involved to help make the week a resounding success." All visitors to Aberglasney during National Gardening Week will be given a complimentary packet of seeds, thanks to Suttons, to get them started on the road to growing vegetables of larger than life proportions. Head gardener Joseph Atkin will also be on hand to offer plenty of advice. Speaking this week, he said: "While we’re going to be giving a selection of seeds away you’re not restri...

Looking After Business - The Carmarthen Journal column by David Butler, of Clay Shaw Butler.  It is becoming something of a theme that modern-day Budgets often throw up more questions than answers. So it is with Chancellor George Osborne’s latest effort. The biggest question of all being: Has he done enough to help small businesses? Here in West Wales, SMEs (small to medium-sized businesses) are vital to the local economy. Here’s a quick review of some of the things that should (we all earnestly hope) help SMEs - Corporation tax rates. The main rate of corporation tax is 23% from 1 April 2013. The Chancellor announced in December that the rate from 1 April 2014, which was planned to be 22%, will be reduced by an additional 1% to 21%. The main rate of corporation tax will be reduced to 20% from 1 April 2015 and unified with the small company rate. The small company rate will therefore remain at 20%. Annual Investment Allowance (AIA). The AIA provides a 100% deduct...

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