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

Two 'Secret Millionaires' - one of them from Burry Port - were back on stage at the Cardiff Business Show yesterday. Former Dragons Den star and entrepreneur Hilary Devey CBE joined West Wales social entrepreneur and property expert Kevin Green at the show at the Cardiff City Stadium. "It was great to meet up with Hilary again," said Green, 50. "We both took part in the Secret Millionaire series for Channel 4 and I have since tried to help Hilary with her fund-raising work for the Stroke Association. Ms Devey, a patron of the Stoke Association having suffered a stroke in 2009 which paralysed an arm and partly paralysed a leg, spoke of its devastating effect when she addressed the audience at the business show. "Everyone was moved by Hilary's comments during a very lively question and answer session," said Green. "Sadly, Hilary was unable to attend a gala charity dinner in the evening for the Stroke Association, held at The Vale Resort. ...

The latest 'On Song' column from the Llanelli Star -  The ladies of Côr Curiad are excited at the move into new rehearsal rooms at the Lantern Room at Hall Street Church, Llanelli. While work has been carried out on the Hall Street Church, the ladies have been busy rehearsing at Llanelli Public Library. This week’s Thursday rehearsal has been called off. But next week, October 3, the choir members will be in their new ‘home’ in the Lantern Room, starting at 7pm. The ladies of Côr Curiad are looking forward to their ‘winter tour’ to Tamworth in Staffordshire. The choristers will be the guests of Tamworth Male Voice Choir on the weekend of November 15-17. Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi have an ‘away trip’ this Friday (September 27) when they travel up the M4 motorway for a concert with Swindon Male Voice Choir. Derrick Rowlands, secretary of Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi, said: “It’s been a busy start to the autumn season for the choir and the ‘boys’ are looking forward to a great evening i...

Burry Port firm Celtic Couriers is celebrating success in the prestigious Motor Transport Awards 2013. The firm, one of the biggest companies in Carmarthenshire’s second biggest town, is part of the APC Overnight courier and delivery network. APC scooped the Network of the Year award at a glittering awards night hosted by TV celebrity Dara O’Briain. “It is a major feather in our cap,” said Celtic Couriers co-founder Ivor Skinner, who is also a director of APC Overnight. “As Celtic Couriers, we are shareholders in APC Overnight. As awards to courier and delivery firms go, this really is the ‘Oscar’ of the industry in the UK. “It’s a magnificent achievement and a great boost for the Celtic Couriers business and our nationwide arm of APC Overnight. “To win the award, we had to demonstrate excellent operational efficiency, above-average vehicle utilisation, high customer service levels, value for money and high levels of flexibility and responsiveness. “All of the above form a co...

For the first time in the west Carmarthenshire area, there will be a meeting group for carers and their loved ones who are coping with dementia-related illnesses. The Taf Quality Time Club, or The QT Club in short, has been set up to provide a meeting point for the carers and those for whom they care within a reasonable distance of their homes. The first meeting of the new club takes place on Friday, October 4 at 2pm in the St Clears Boating Club clubhouse in St Clears, which is near the bridge on the road to Laugharne. Club organiser, Reg Wyeth, who founded the club said “When families are coping with debilitating illnesses, it is especially important for the carers to be able to share information and learn from those who have greater experience. The QT Club will be a warm and friendly place for doing just that as well as somewhere for having some fun together.” The launch of the QT Club will be the occasion for fun and games with a sing-along planned as well as a musical quiz and ...

Hywel Dda Service Change Plans - Statement by Mark Drakeford AM, Minister for Health and Social Services Change is unavoidable in the Welsh NHS, but proposals for change need to be concluded in a considered and timely fashion. In a Written Statement of 17 July, I confirmed that agreement had been reached between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the local Community Health Council to implement the changes previously referred to me for determination in the North Wales area. I am now pleased to be able to update Members on the position with the service change plan for Mid and West Wales – proposed by the Hywel Dda Health Board. In January, the Health Board published its final proposals for changes to services. In accordance with our established guidance, the local Community Health Council were able to refer any elements of the proposals to Welsh Ministers for determination if local agreement could not be reached on the change proposals. On 19 April, Hywel Dda Community...

It’s the biggest celebration of all things organic – and they are supporting it at Abaca, the West Wales organic mattress business. This is ‘Organic September’ - a campaign masterminded by the Soil Association. “What’s ‘organic’ got to do with mattresses? I hear you ask” said Abaca owner Rhiannon Rowley. “You say the word ‘organic’ and an image of muddy vegetables pops into the mind for many people. “But ‘organic’ is about much, much more. “The work of the Soil Association promotes many different facets of the word ‘organic’. “Here at Abaca, we are proud to fly the flag for the Soil Association and the association’s badge is a proud part of all of our products. “We have pioneered the use of organic textiles. Each of our mattresses is expertly crafted with pure organic lambswool, cotton and other natural products – a hallmark which sets us apart from the crowd. “All of our products are unique, naturally healthy, free of chemicals and crammed with goodness. Thanks to the natur...

A new support service has been launched to assist older people and those with dementia in Carmarthenshire. Cymorth Cartref Sir Gâr (Carmarthenshire Housing Support) has been developed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Housing Services team, in a bid to help people maintain their independence. It is available to people aged 55 or over, or anyone with dementia. The service is not restricted to council tenants, with private homeowners and those living in private rented accommodation able to receive support. The team can arrange anything from a small-scale home adaptation to a review of home security; they can provide short-term support to people leaving hospital, or simply let people know of places they can meet and socialise with others. Officers are also trained to help people resolve debts; increase their income through claiming benefit entitlements; and can even help to resolve neighbour disputes. Carmarthen’s Margaret Williams was amongst the first to sign up. The 81-year-old ...

A waste and tyre amnesty being held in Pencader has had to be rescheduled. The event was due to be held on Tuesday, October 1 but will now be held on Tuesday, October 29 instead. It is being held at Cae'r Felin School from 8am to 1pm. For more information on the amnesty visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling or call 01267 234567.

BBC’S latest big-budget drama has married Morocco with Pembrey’s Cefn Sidan Beach. Scenes from BBC One’s Atlantis, which premiers this week (Sat Sept 28th), were filmed at Cefn Sidan over the summer. The 13-part fantasy drama, set in a Grecian world of legendary heroes and mythical creatures, has been created on location in Morocco, Pembrey and the Urban Myth Film studios in Chepstow. Director Midge Ferguson said they were filming in Morocco since April, but when they were putting the final location scenes together in August they realised they were short of scenic shots of wide beaches and dunes and needed to replicate Morocco’s Oualidia beach. He said: “After several location sorties we discovered Pembrey - Cefn Sidan was perfect. We had to wait for a weather and tide window, but fortunately the sun, heat and tide combined to enable us to get what we needed in just two days filming.” “The shots we captured at Cefn Sidan will be edited into the beach sequence at the start of episo...

They are ‘wild about sleep’ at Abaca, the West Wales organic mattress business. They are also ‘wild’ about bringing energy and passion to the workplace. And now they are getting some expert and innovative help from a team led by the BBC Wales 'Business Doctor'. Dr Paul Thomas and his team, which includes Welsh Rugby Union mental toughness coach Andy McCann, are helping the Abaca journey along the road to further business success. The move is just one of a number of interesting developments following the Welsh Government-sponsored Spotlight West Wales business conference, held earlier this year at the Halliwell Centre at the University of Wales Trinity St David. “Dr Paul Thomas, from the elite leadership and performance firm DNA Definitive, was one of the keynote speakers,” Abaca owner Rhiannon Rowley said. “He was, quite simply, inspirational. There was a definite ‘Wow’ factor about what he had to say. “Paul and Andy from DNA Definitive have so much to say on empowerment i...

The October meeting of Llanelli Rugby Business Network will again be held at the Scarlets Heart and Soul Café, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. The purpose of the network is to promote and enhance business in Wales, particularly within the local area. All attendees will be provided with the opportunity of introducing their business, the services they provide and the type of leads and introductions they are seeking, plus there will be plenty of opportunity for informal open networking. The main speaker at the event will be Chris Olchhawski and the theme of his talk will be “Word of Mouth.” Chris is a well-known Business Growth Advisor in South and West Wales and one of Nigel Botterril’s right hand men in the Entrepreneurs Circle. Registration for the event is via: www.chrisolchawski.eventbrite.com There will be a small charge of £10 for attending (which will include the cost of light refreshments) and is payable on the night. It is important that you register your interest prior to th...

Self-made multi-millionaire and social entrepreneur Kevin Green is to be the keynote speaker at a high profile Property Lunch on October 3 in Cardiff at the Parc Thistle Hotel, organised by the Association of Women in Property (WiP) South Wales branch. The lunch is one of a number of different events organised by WiP, that include site visits, professional development workshops and business and social networking events. Living in Burry Port, Kevin is one of the UK’s largest residential property landlords and a multi-business owner. The 50-year-old dyslexic was homeless in 1984. He bought his first house in late 2000. Today, his property portfolio runs into the hundreds and he is the UK's second largest private sector landlord. He has a wealth of experience in the property investment world and heads a number of successful companies and other non-property related businesses. He is also involved in coaching under his own brand of Kevin Green Wealth (KGW) and is a ‘Big Ideas’ ...

Hywel Dda and Powys Teaching Health Boards are pleased to announce that Peter Skitt has been appointed to the post of County Director for Ceredigion/Locality General Manager for North Powys. Mr Skitt joined the Health Service in 1980 as a boiler stoker/general porter and has held many varied roles, both clinical and non clinical, during his 27 years in the NHS. His most recent post is the Locality General Manager for North Powys (Montgomeryshire) area. His career has involved managing critical care and theatres as a departmental manager and general management in surgery and medicine. Mr Skitt will be working for Hywel Dda Health Board and for Powys Teaching Health Board, in a joint role from November. This arrangement will be crucial to improving cross border working between the two health boards for the shared population. Mr Skitt said “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Hywel Dda and Powys health teams in this unique role to develop and deliver quality and sus...

It's your chance to ‘Meet robots, daleks, drones and people doing strange things with electricity!’ The Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire is at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, September 28. Machynlleth Mini Maker Faire is the only Maker Faire in Wales. It brings together a unique programme of Makers, inventors, creative technologists and people doing strange things with electricity to the heart of rural Wales and offers us the opportunity to meet some unique electronic characters such as: Dalek Doris and her friend K9. Agnes Roboknit a Humanoid Knitting Robot The Infamous Biting Machine The cute Mofo humanoid Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), often referred to as 'Drones' Local Scientist Stephen Fearne presents his project Interactive Robotic Entertainment. He invites you to meet Dalek Doris and her friend K9. These full size robots walk and talk and interact with you, have you ever been this close to a Dalek without being Exterminated!! ...

A discussion on the conflict in Syria, which will address themes such as security, the effectiveness and ethics of the use of military force and the historical context of this complex situation, will be held on Thursday (September 26) in the Main Hall at the International Politics Department at Aberystwyth University. The evening, held between 6-7.30pm, will begin with a round table discussion between academic staff at the University, and will be followed with an opportunity for members of the audience to ask questions, make comments and engage in a discussion with the speakers. Dr Jenny Mathers, the Head of Department and a specialist on Russian politics and security, explains; “The conflict in Syria has dominated the headlines in recent weeks and we hope that this discussion will help to highlight some of the less-familiar aspects of this crisis. “Much of the media coverage has focussed on a very narrow range of explanations and policy prescriptions, but the Syria crisis is made up o...

Ty Bryngwyn’s In-patient Unit has now been open for 10 years, providing specialist palliative inpatient care for patients in Carmarthenshire. The staff and trustees of Ty Bryngwyn hospice would very much like to thank the community for their support over the past 10 years. They are holding an open day on Saturday, October 12, at Ty Bryngwyn, to which everyone is cordially invited. The event will be opened by a local celebrity at 2pm with entertainment provided throughout the afternoon by Cor Meibion Llanelli, Llanelli Male Voice Choir. Stalls, raffles and free refreshments will also be available before the event closes at 4pm. The day will take the form of a celebration to recognise the 10 years of service provided from Ty Bryngwyn and to say thank you to the hospice appeal's many supporters. Please note that limited parking will be available close to the hospice at Bryngwyn School.

This week's special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING 02/09/13 3 MEDIUM CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.60 2 SPICY CHICKEN PASTIES £2.20 2 LARGE CORNED BEEF PASTIES £1.90 3 STRAWBERRY SCONES £1.00 2 FRESH CREAM ECLAIRS £1.70 SANDWICH OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN & STUFFING £2.20 BAGUETTE OF THE WEEK – CHICKEN TIKKA WITH YOGHURT & MINT £2.35 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – WHITE BAPS - PACK OF 4 £1.00 ROLLS OF THE WEEK – 4 CRUSTY ROLLS £1.20 LOAF OF THE WEEK – SMALL WHITE BATCH £1.05 SPECIALITY LOAF - ANCIENT CEREALS BREAD (available Thur, Fri, Sat) £1.20 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

Last year’s Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council has helped to buy new equipment for local doctors’ surgeries. Cllr. Siân Thomas’s Chair’s Charities for her year in office were specialist equipment for Glanaman Hospital, the dedicated home for sufferers of dementia based in the Amman Valley, and the Gwendraeth Valley Diabetic Association. Cllr Thomas, with the help of the Diabetic Association, has sponsored new equipment for the local surgeries. Pictured from left are Dorian Richards of the Diabetic Association, Cllr Siân Thomas, Diabetic Association secretary Mair Griffiths, Practice Nurse Karen Marshall demonstrating some of the equipment purchased, and the Practice Manager of Penygroes Surgery Sharon Davies. The new equipment will be used to diagnose and monitor illnessess more efficiently and thus hopefully improve the health of patients in the community. Cllr. Thomas, who works for the Diabetes Society as a campaigner and lecturer, said: “As a sufferer I wanted to help the...

Eight people have found employment after taking part in a training scheme linked to the council’s £203m Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme. The men have all found work following their involvement in the Pride In Your Patch scheme – a £3.9million project to improve over 4,000 council home gardens. In total, 24 people have gained new skills, experience and self-esteem as part of the programme, which saw them work alongside the council’s Framework contractors to help lay new pathways, install new handrails and repair defective boundary walls. Four of them were employed by the contractors they were allocated to as part of their training. Another four have found work elsewhere in the construction industry following impressive references from the contractors. The remaining 16 have also received references, as well as coming away from the scheme with health and safety qualifications and environmental awareness; manual handling certificates; qualifications in using tools and equipment an...

Burry Port RNLI celebrated their 40th anniversary with a dinner at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, last night. The Llanelli-based Jenkins Bakery donated a special cake and Welsh Cakes for the evening. The cake was made by cake department manager Sarah Williams. Pictured, left to right, Roger Bowen, lifeboat operations manager, and Kevin Lloyd, crew chairman.