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

Residents in Llandybie are being urged to have a good clear out and take advantage of a waste and tyre amnesty being held in the village. The council’s waste and recycling section has teamed up with housing services and Tidy Towns for the amnesty which is being held on Wednesday, February 26 between 9am and 1pm at Caecoed. Most household waste can be taken along including unwanted furniture, carpets and mattresses, electrical items such as fridge-freezers and televisions, garden waste and tyres (maximum 10 tyres per household / no tractor or lorry tyres). However, paint, garden chemicals, car batteries, gas bottles, asbestos, construction and trade waste will not be accepted. Residents that dispose of any waste items will also get a free bag of Merlin’s Magic Compost (while stocks last) courtesy of CWM Environmental Ltd. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “We want to encourage people to recycle as much as possible and also reduce for fly-tipping in t...

Councillors in Carmarthenshire have set the budget for next year along with its financial plan for the next three years. Recommendations by the executive board were carried by a large majority at the County Hall meeting. They included changes to the original proposals made following extensive consultation and feedback where over 1,000 members of the public gave their views. The council has to save £12million in the next financial year, and around £31million over the next three years. Some 52 proposals were originally put forward for consideration, then following consultation and feedback from the public a number of these were taken out by the executive board. Those changed include children’s respite; flood defence; street cleaning; work place parking; school crossing patrols, free transport to denominational schools; free post-16 transport; and youth services and libraries. Councillors also voted to give all staff a one per cent pay rise to be consolidated but not in addition to any ...

A golf day in memory of an Ammanford man has helped raised awareness and funds for prostrate cancer. Doug Davies died of prostate cancer on 14 February 2011, aged 68. He had few symptoms of this disease and it was discovered too late although his life was prolonged with treatment. His family felt it was important to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise money to help buy essential equipment to help the fight against prostate cancer. His wife Sandra, daughter Denise and sons Stephen, Neil and Peter have set up an annual golf tournament at Glynhir Golf Club, Ammanford, with the first tournament in May 2011 raising £2,542. Following this success the family continued the yearly event and have raised a further £6,412. This money is going to be used to buy a much needed ultrasound machine for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Mr Moosa, Urologist, Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Davies family and all those that are supporting o...

Scientists at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), are working with partners at Rothamsted Research North Wyke in Devon to develop new grasses that enable grassland soils to capture increased volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing the risk of flooding downstream. The five-year £2.5 million LINK project named SUREROOT is funded by the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), and match-funded by a range of industrial partners from across the food production spectrum, including a seed company, a major retailer and the meat, poultry and dairy industry. Large areas of the UK are facing continued and widespread threats from flooding that damage UK homes, and are causing the UK economy and agricultural production significant losses (e.g. an estimated £600m in 2012). Many of our river catchments are upland grasslands predominating in the wettest areas of the UK. If the rates of surface run-off could be reduced and r...

Volunteers are urged to come forward to help support the future of Kidwelly Carnival — one of the town's great traditions — as fears are growing that it could be in jeopardy. The town's welfare committee organise the popular event annually, raising proceeds all year round through various fundraisers including lunches and coffee mornings. But the cash strapped group are now finding that they are making little to no profits from their efforts — and are issuing an SOS for help to continue the event long into the future. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

Copies of the Sun newspaper have been pulled from the shelves in Pontyberem in a show of solidarity for the grief-stricken family of tiny Eliza-Mae Martha Mullane. The six-day-old baby tragically died  — leaving the community in shock and united in grief. The family’s dog, an Alaskan Malamute, has been seized by police. Yesterday’s front page of the national newspaper has caused outrage in the community and on social networking sites, accusing the paper of sensationalising the tragedy. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

The grieving parents of little Eliza-Mae, Sharon John and Patrick Mullane, have paid tribute to their baby girl. Thanking the community of Pontyberem for its support, the mum and dad said there were no words to describe how they feel. Six-day-old Eliza-Mae died suddenly this week and police investigations are ongoing. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

Positive test results for tuberculosis (TB) at a Llanelli school has prompted the offer of a screening of all pupils and staff. In October and December, 339 pupils and 100 members of staff at Ysgol y Strade were screened for TB, as part of investigations by Public Health Wales and the Hywel Dda Health Board. This occurred after a staff member was diagnosed with the infection. Following theses screening sessions, six pupils and three members of staff gave positive blood test results. For more on this story, click on the link in the headline for the Llanelli Star.

The Hywel Dda Health Board ‘Best of Health’ staff award winners have been announced at a special ceremony. The awards scheme recognises and rewards staff who go beyond the call of duty in their day-to-day work, as well as demonstrating innovation in improving practice. The major sponsor of this year’s awards were Health Shield Friendly Society Limited. Health Board Chairman Chris Martin said: "All our staff are our greatest asset and these awards recognise just a few of them and their contribution to delivering better healthcare services for our patients." The winners are: Providing Bilingual Healthcare: Project Enfys, Carmarthenshire Project Enfys works to address emotional wellbeing issues for children aged between 4 and 7 through the medium of Welsh. The programme focuses on social and communication skills, self esteem, the importance of kindness, team building and working together, learning to share, dealing with conflict, bullies and celebrating difference. Paren...

People who are deaf and hard of hearing are being encouraged to take advantage of the services Carmarthenshire County Council provides to aid them with everyday living. As well as a range of equipment for use around the home, a British Sign Language interpretation service is also available to support residents during any appointments they have with council officers. More recently, a range of text and video-based services have been developed, including BSL videos on the council website. The council can also help put people in touch with Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind clubs in the area. Cllr Jane Tremlett, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We are always looking for ways to develop our services so that they are accessible for all, and we will continue to work closely with members of the community who are deaf to ensure they get the best possible service.” People who are deaf and hard of hearing can contact the council in a number of ways, including Text Dire...

Latest news from Llanelli's Diplomat Hotel - STEAK NIGHT EVERY SATURDAY EVENING BOOK NOW! Now Being Served! "STEAK NIGHT" EVERY SATURDAY EVENING 2 8oz Sirloin Steaks, marinated tomato, grilled mushrooms, green Salad & Chunky Chips PLUS FREE Bottle House Wine to accompany your meal !! JUST £28 per couple! Served 7.00-9.30pm Bookings Essential! BEST WESTERN Diplomat Hotel and Spa Felinfoel Road Llanelli Carmarthenshire, Wales SA153PJ Website - http://www.diplomat-hotel-wales.com/

The woodland area behind Carmarthen’s Park Hall estate has had an early Spring clean. The Prince’s Trust Team Programme volunteers spent several days on site clearing rubbish that had been dumped and having a general tidy up. Pathways have been made good, and they’ve also built wooden bird boxes to attract wildlife to the area. Despite the weather, they also planted some shrubs and trees. Their help has been welcomed by members of Tenants and Residents of East Carmarthen (TREC) who have rejuventated the woodland over the last 18 months, using a Local Environmental Quality grant and funding from the county council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme. In the past year they’ve transformed the previously disused and overgrown area in to a peaceful picnic and relaxation area, and have involved pupils from Richmond School in researching the area’s Roman past. Prince’s Trust Team Leader, Ifor Griffiths, said: “Members of team 161, based in Carmarthen, worked alongside workers from Ti...

Two new No Cold Calling Zones have been set up in Carmarthenshire to offer protection to residents from visits by uninvited traders. The new zones are at the Sheltered Complex at Bro Ryan, Glanamman, and the Sheltered Complex in Llys Y Dderwen/Thomas Avenue, Ponthenri. It brings the total number of zones throughout Carmarthenshire to 49. They have been proven to make householders feel safer in their own homes. Also there has been recent evaluation at Zones in Nantlais, Llandybie, and Tan y Bryn, Burry Port, where 100 per cent of residents rated the zone as being very effective and neither zone has had had any cold callers since implementation. More than 10,000 complaints are made nationally about cold calling doorstep traders every year, but this is likely to only be the tip of the iceberg –victims are often embarrassed and frightened so many incidents will go unreported. The No Cold Calling Zones offer protection for residents by making it a criminal offence for uninvited traders to...

Family classes are being launched in Llanelli Leisure Centre. Whilst youngsters try their hand at racket sports, parents will have the opportunity to take part in yoga and zumba fitness classes. Saturday morning Actif Racket Club sessions will incorporate a number of racket sports such as table tennis, badminton, short tennis, multi skills and squash. The fitness classes will run alongside giving parents the opportunity to keep fit whilst their children are being coached. Actif Racket club is aimed at five to 11 year olds and runs from 9.30am- noon followed by a free swim. Steve Owens, Llanelli Leisure Centre co-ordinator said: “This is a great opportunity for the whole family to become more active at the same time. Children will be able to try a variety of rackets sport, sports which are not easily accessible to young people whilst their parents take part in Yoga or Zumba classes.’’ Children attending from the ages of five to seven years will need to be accompanied by an adult for ...

A project is underway in Carmarthenshire to restore important wetland habitats. Carmarthenshire County Council has successfully secured funding from Natural Resources Wales’ Resilient Ecosystems Fund (REF) to focus on six commons in central Carmarthenshire. The area, near Brechfa, has been identified nationally as a priority area for the rare raised bog habitat in Wales. Wet bog habitats are one of the most important natural resources and provide us with fresh water by filtering out pollution. They act as sponges, reducing flood risk through the storage of rainwater, which is then slowly released into surrounding watercourses. They also help buffer the extremes associated with climate change by storing carbon within the peat. Carmarthenshire’s biodiversity officer, Isabel Macho said: “In Carmarthenshire wetlands habitats have been lost or damaged though draining and burning of the commons. Bogs act like big sponges storing water and carbon, helping with flood prevention and climate r...

Carmarthenshire schoolchildren have been making a huge splash at this year’s disability swimming gala. More than 70 children from across the county took part in the three-hour Disability Sport Wales swimming feast at the town’s leisure centre. Forty races including 25, 50 and 100m freestyle, 25, 50m backstroke and a 25m breaststroke were completed during the morning session. The event, in its 11th year, finished with a 25m female and male Breaststroke sprint. The children were joined by sport students from Coleg Sir Gar who volunteered as timekeepers and runners for the one day event. Llanelli Swimming Club coach Ian Howell was official starter for all races and took times for talent identification purposes. At the end of the event evaluation forms were given out to see who would like to join the Learn to Swim programme across the county. The council’s Learn to Swim scheme provides an inclusive programme at its Carmarthen, Llanelli and Amman Valley leisure Centres, and Llandovery Sw...

A team of pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn in Carmarthenshire have won the online Carmarthenshire round of the Young Consumers of the Year Competition. The team of four, Mark Ramsey, Luke Webb, Andrew Lemmon and Jack Davies, will now represent Carmarthenshire at the Welsh regional competition to be held on March 24-25 at Cardiff City Stadium. The winning team from the Welsh final will go on to represent Wales at the UK Final at the annual Trading Standards Institute conference in Harrogate on June 30 to July 1. The competition is organised nationally by the Trading Standards Institute and locally by the Carmarthenshire Trading Standards Services section. The council’s executive board member for public protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “I would like to congratulate Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn and wish them well in the Welsh finals.”

A brand new dance festival will be taking over Carmarthen showground in May. Organisers of the Together Festival have announced some of the biggest and best clubbing brands, including Bionic, Delusion, Dirty Knees and Memorex, to host a variety of arenas, covering everything from House to Trance, Techno and Hip Hop. The event, which will take place on May 31, will be the only dance music festival in Wales this year, so organisers promise to bring all of Wales's major clubbing brands together, the final line up will be announced next week. For more on this story, click on the headline link to the South Wales Guardian.

Police in Carmarthen are appealing for witnesses following an assault in Jackson's Lane at the weekend. The incident took place at around 2am on Sunday, February 16. A man was assaulted by an unknown person, sustaining a swollen lip and a lost tooth. For more on this story, click on the headline link to the Carmarthen Journal.

Carmarthen police are investigating criminal damage caused to a car in the town at the weekend. The criminal damage was caused to a black Mini Cooper that had been parked in the rear car-park off Mansel Street in Carmarthen, adjacent to New Stags Head. For more on this story, click on the headline link to the Carmarthen Journal.

Burry Port’s Legion Whites earned a much-needed 5-2 win at Llandybie RFC in the Llanelli and District Snooker League First Division, courtesy of Adrian Hopkins, Richard Evans (37 break), J Ellis and Nigel Summerfield. Rhodri Treharne and Sion Isaac replied. Electric C were also 5-2 winners - against Upper Tumble Blues. C Rees and Carwyn Cue were on top for the latter. Click on the link in the headline for more on this South Wales Guardian story.

The latest 'On Song' column about the choral scene in and around Llanelli from the Llanelli Star -  Llanelli-based concert promoter Cerith Owens is over the moon this week with the response to his St David’s Day concert to be staged at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. “It’s a massive sell-out – and we could have sold many more tickets,” Cerith said today. “St David’s Day is always a great occasion and there are always many competing events out there around our patron saint’s day. But this concert seems to have captured the public’s imagination and I am delighted with the response.” Cerith runs Loud Applause Productions and recently put on the successful concert by Blake (the classical Brit award-winning harmony group) at Ffwrnes. The St David’s Day concert will feature the unique sound and personalities of the very popular The Three Welsh Tenors - Aled Hall, Alun Rhys-Jenkins and Rhys Meirion. Added to the mix will be the exciting sound of a 130 strong male voice choir made up of cho...

Staff from Bronglais Hospital have helped raise the importance of ‘loving your liver’  The Love Your Liver campaign is a national awareness initiative by the British Liver Trust and highlights how just staying off alcohol for two to three days at a time, avoiding fatty foods and taking regular exercise are great ways to look after your liver. Nurse Trevor Bond and colleagues arranged an information board in the hospital canteen with your various leaflets, which included a laptop playing the Love Your Liver DVD, and also held a liver quiz to win a box of fruit – well done guys!! For more information go to www.loveyourliver.org.uk/

Residents of the Crymych area will benefit from a new health Community Resource Centre this summer.  The new facility on the Old Mart Site in Crymych will be a significant improvement for patients who are currently seen by GPs in a temporary building. The Bro Preseli Community Resource Centre is being developed by Hywel Dda University Health Board in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, the Preseli Peaks Practice and Family Housing Association as part of their Extra Care Development. The exciting new development includes a new GP surgery as well as facilities for University Health Board staff such as midwives, health visitors, district nurses and therapists. One of the main benefits of the facility will mean healthcare staff will be on the same site as social services staff which will result in more joined up working and better overall care for patients. Members of the project board, which was established at the outset of the development, recently visited the sit...

Here's news about the latest self-catering holidays and short breaks available at Aberglasney House and Gardens in the pictureque Tywi Valley between Carmarthen and Llandeilo. Did you know that Aberglasney has its own self-catering cottage? Set on the perimeter of the Gardens the stone Coachman’s Cottage offers holiday- makers a unique opportunity to enjoy this beautiful location in a high quality, characterful and comfortable property. Throughout their stay guests may roam freely around the gardens as well as the newly restored ground floor of the mansion house. A stay at Coachman’s Cottage also of course means that Aberglasney’s Gardening team are on your doorstep to ensure you make the most of any tour of the Gardens. The charming Coachman’s Cottage opens from the paved patio area into the open-plan kitchen/ dining area with modern amenities as well as hand-made cupboards with oak work tops and a large refectory dining table. The country house interior continues on into ...

Steve Lloyd, Community Outreach Manager Wales Cymru for the Media Trust and Community Channel, has sent me the following news - Media Trust and Community Channel are working with Big Lottery Fund on a three-year campaign to celebrate the incredible work of projects across the country. Our Do #SomethingBrilliant campaign sets out to celebrate all that is brilliant about the incredible, diverse and talented people who make England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland a better place for us all. The campaign will be structured around four categories – Do Something Green, Together, Creative and Active. Each of these categories will contain lots of Brilliant Things or ideas for people to do in their communities. To watch the TV ad click here . Do #SomethingBrilliant is here to help you to promote your project further and to amplify your story about the brilliant work you do in your community. We would like to feature your project on the Do #SomethingBrilliant website, Twitter and...

Latest news from the Bluestone resort in Pembrokeshire - There’s something magical about Pembrokeshire. And we’re not talking about magicians - although there are tales of Welsh wizards being here in centuries past! It’s not just the stunning coastline, golden beaches or the spectacular landscape. Neither is it the historic castles, amazing wildlife or stunning walks. It’s much more than that. Bluestone beats in the heart of this great part of Wales, making it a perfect base for your wider exploration, whether by foot, bicycle or car. Combine a short break holiday at Bluestone, enjoying the free-range fun and relaxation you’d expect, with a wider exploration of Pembrokeshire and we’re sure you’ll have a wild time. Spring Breaks Spring into life at Bluestone National Park Resort with our very special short breaks. A Spring break at Bluestone puts you in the heart of the Pembrokeshire playground. Whether you are seeking the first signs of warmer weather, taking a chance ...

Locals and holidaymakers can enjoy stunning views of the Teifi Valley with the opening of a new trail. More than 600m of rough path next to the Teifi River in Newcastle Emlyn is being transformed by the council thanks to a £65,800 grant from the Rights of Way Improvement Plan Funding Programme. The new all weather surfaced path will give greater accessibility for all. The beginning of the trail includes a walled entrance; there will be interpretation panels along the path and new seating so that walkers can enjoy the spectacular views of the Teifi Valley. New leaflets are being produced and the Castle Street Picnic area will also benefit with improved access and new benches. The scheme is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council and managed by Natural Resources Wales. County executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure funding to carry out this project which will improve accessibility to the p...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board - This Healthy Wednesday get to know fat facts to help you eat a healthy diet. Healthy eating is not about cutting out foods or following a special ‘diet’, all foods can be included in a healthy diet, we just need to ensure we get the right balance. We all need a bit of fat in our diets, to help our bodies absorb certain vitamins and stay healthy, however you shouldn’t have too much of it because our bodies find it hard to process. Carrying extra fat on your body can also increase the risk of developing diseases like some cancers, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Some types of fat are better than others. Saturated fat is the one which we need to really watch how much of we have in our diets, however unfortunately it is found in lots of foods we like eating. Some foods high in saturated fat are: Processed meat like burgers and sausages  Butter, ghee and lard  Cream and ice-cream  Cheese  Pastry  C...

Work is starting on the Old School in Llanybydder in February to create a cardio room, community space and wet room following grant support from RDP Sir Gâr and CWM Environmental. Llanybydder Old School committee purchased the building in 1998, with the vision of developing the building into a community space. A small community gym has developed, which is maintained by the committee. The Committee is now aiming to further develop the building in to a community space for residents of Llanybydder village and the wider community, and to address the gaps in service and leisure provision within the community. A joint package of support from RDP Sir Gâr will see Innovative Communities fund the wet room, community space and works to develop a cardio room and the Rural Community Inclusion project will fund building works on the ground floor. RDP Sir Gâr’s Innovative Communities, part of the Axis 4 Innovative Hubs scheme, and Rural Community Inclusion have provided funding of £45,000 towards ...

Partnership working between Hywel Dda University Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police has been commended. Mark Rhys-Owens, Ward Manager of St Caradogs Mental Health Acute Admission Ward based in Haverfordwest received a Commendation Award for Partnership Working from Superintendent Richard Lewis of the Pembrokeshire Division of Dyfed Powys Police. The commendation was in recognition of his partnership work with the Police in respect of missing and absconding persons from the Unit. Andrew Homfray, Acute Care Service Manager, said: “Mark has been instrumental in developing processes with the Police, which have benefited both organisations, but more importantly increased the welfare provided to mental health patients. Well Done to Mark and all the Staff involved in this partnership work in Bro Cerwyn.” T/Police Sergeant Dale Scriven, added: “Mark and I meet on a monthly basis and strong links have been formed. He has been instrumental with me in reducing the amount of missing persons from...

Red Kite Law will be supporting the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero awards 2014. The legal eagles are sponsoring the prestigious Child of Courage award. “As a locally-based firm, we always like to do our bit to support community events,” said Red Kite Law partner David Sangster (pictured above). “The Child of Courage award at the annual Pembrokeshire Local Hero awards is one of the most important at the event. “We are looking forward to being part of the judging panel, which meets at Slebech Park tomorrow, (Wednesday, February 19). “And we are also looking forward to being at the glitzy awards dinner to be staged at Slebech Park on Thursday, February 27.” The overall sponsors for the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Awards are Valero, the operators of Pembroke Refinery. Other award categories include - Act of Bravery. Young Entrepreneur. Youth Contribution to Charity. Contribution to Charity. Dad of the Year. Mum of the Year. Contribution to Sport. Volunteer of the Year. The G...

An event designed to help people in Carmarthenshire looking for new skills, training and employment was a big hit, attracting more than 300 people. The event at Ffwrnes, Llanelli, was such a success that Carmarthenshire County Council’s Communities First team is considering repeating the event again. The free ‘Have a Go’ event was the idea of Carmarthenshire Communities First and Coleg Sir Gar and involved other organisations from across the county. The event provided expert advice and guidance on topics ranging from engineering courses to advice on writing a CV. Communities First Family Learning Worker Emma Woodsaid: “We are so pleased that the event was able to help so many people, and delighted with the amount of people signing up for training courses.” The Communities First team aims to supports the most disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas with the aim of alleviating persistent poverty. Executive Board Member Regeneration and Leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell, said: “The s...

A Carmarthenshire woman has climbed thousands of feet to raise thousands of pounds for Glangwili Hospital. Katie Hunt, from Ferryside, raised £4,800 for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and holding local events. She raised the money after friend Charlotte Biggs, from Alltwallis near Lampeter, had a little girl Sophie in 2010 at 27 weeks weighing 2.4lbs. Sophie was stabilised at SCBU in Glangwili Hospital before being transferred to Singleton Hospital before returning to the SCBU for a further 4 weeks. Sophie is now a happy three and a half year old. Katie said: “Charlotte told me Sophie had fantastic care at the SCBU and that she also had wonderful support from all the staff at that difficult time. “I wanted to show my appreciation to the unit for taking care of Charlotte and Sophie and self-funded a climb to Kilimanjaro.” Sister Kelly Brown said: “We are so grateful to Katie for raising this fantastic amount of money and it will go towards buyin...

Latest news from Ffos Flas racecourse - Enjoy a hassle free day at the races Free Transport to the races for groups of 40 or more For groups of 40 or more you will gain premier admission to the course plus receive free transport to and from the racecourse. As the organiser you will also receive two complimentary entry tickets. Super Irish Sunday Sunday 16 March Come join us to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and enjoy live music from The Wild Murphy’s who will be playing live prior and post racing, not forgetting our seven racecard that we have on the day. Sunday, April 6 All About the Horse Raceday in association with the IJF The horse has long been central to human activity – a partnership through the ages. We have worked together, fought together and travelled together. The horse has had a profound impact on human history. IJF Providing care, compassion and financial help, to injured jockeys. Founded in 1964 following the devastating accidents to...

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to provide support to areas of the UK affected by flooding. On Friday, the Service deployed a Swift Water Rescue Team from Hay on Wye Fire Station and specialist pumping equipment to assist with the current flooding situation in the Thames Valley. Over the weekend, relief crews and additional equipment from Ammanford Fire Station were sent to Whitleywood Fire Station in Berkshire. For more on this story, click on the headline link to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Sometime overnight on Wednesday 12th to Thursday 13th February a silver coloured Peugeot van has been damaged while parked in Lon Derw on the Trefahren Estate in Newtown. For more on this story, click on the headline link to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Police are appealing for information or witnesses following a burglary at a property in Ystradgynlais. During the early hours of Thursday 6th February 2014 the occupant of an address situated at Station Road in Coelbryn near to Ystradgynlais was alerted to the presence of an unknown male in the property. For more on the story, click on the headline link to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Picture slideshow from Llanelli Scarlets hero Phil John's Benefit Dinner Click on the headline link to the Llanelli Star to see Phil with his pals, including John Maclean, Robert Jones and Julian Lewis Jones.

Llanelli's White Knights A remain top of the first division of the West Wales Chess League thanks to a 5-0 win over their depleted C team. There were wins for Alan Young, Bill Hewitt, Keith Downey, Nicholas Evans and David Buttell. White Knights B beat Port Talbot 3-2. For the full story, click on the headline link to the Llanelli Star.

Police were called to a Llanelli town centre street after an allegation that a man was possibly carrying a knife. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called at 8.30pm on Saturday February 15 by a youth who informed them that there was a man behaving in a drunk manner in Vaughan Street and possibly was in possession of a knife." The officers attended the scene and conducted a search on the man. However, although no knife was found on his person, the officers did discover a small amount of cannabis only. For the full story, click on the headline link to the Llanelli Star.

Calon Dda ladies charity group got hot under the collar and held a curry night at in aid of the Diabetic Unit at Prince Philip Hospital. The group raised £625 and are very pleased to see the money going to such a good cause. Hywel Dda Charitable Funds is a registered charity which helps provide the vital support beyond what the NHS currently provides and invests in the health and wellbeing of the local population. Charitable Funds provides support to help keep Hywel Dda’s services at the highest standards by providing grants to a variety of areas such as purchasing state of the art equipment, improving hospital environments, community care and supporting research Every day patients see the benefit of the kind donations from members of the public and we are very grateful for people’s generosity. For more information contact the Fundraising Team on 01269 239815 or fundraising.hyweldda@wales.nhs.uk . Download a fundraising pack from www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/supportforlife  ...

Volunteers and staff at Bronglais Hospital’s Ty Geraint are offering support to patients. The Living Well Support Group meet at Aberystwyth Leisure Centre, Plas Crug on the first Tuesday of every month. Run by Volunteering for Health volunteer Carol Smart in conjunction with the palliative care team the group aims to support people living with the effects of life limiting illness: patients, carers, relatives and friends. Carol said: “There is usually an activity on offer such as drawing, crafts, tai chi, singing and artists from ‘Haul’, Hywel Dda Arts in Health group are regular presenters – but there is always time for coffee and chat. Gudrun Jones, Art Therapist, palliative care at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “Getting involved in the arts and creative activities is more and more recognised as a beneficial strategy for dealing with the affects of illness which can have life changing long term side affects.” One group member said: "The group brightens my day and ge...

Cynheidre-born author Peter Griffiths is getting ready to launch his latest novel. The Mystical Milestone is available to buy now, but the official launch will take place at Llangennydd Church, Gower, on Friday, March 7. Mr Griffiths is a well-known figure on the Welsh-American scene. He currently lives in Denver, Colorado, but is a regular visitor to Wales to see family and friends and get a top-up of Welsh 'hwyl'. Ceri Shaw of the popular AmeriCymru website interviewed Mr Griffiths about his latest book, which follows the success of the earlier Tongue Tied, which was a big success both in Wales and the USA. Here is part of that interview -  AmeriCymru: Care to tell us a little about your forthcoming book - "The Mystical Milestone'? Peter: As you know, my first novel Tongue Tied was a soaring saga set against a background of Welsh issues, Welsh history, and the Welsh language. I could have piggybacked its success...stuck to a formula, so to s...

The Welsh Lacrosse team is looking for financial support for a major tournament in Denver, USA. Ceri Shaw, of the Americymru website, interviewed athletic trainer Meghan McKay to find out more. Here is part of the interview. You can find out more on - http://americymru.net/profiles/blogs/wales-lacrosse-denver-2014-an-interview-with-meghan-mckay#.UwMdMfl_ucw AmeriCymru: Can I first ask you, what is your Welsh background and how did you become involved with the Welsh Lacrosse team? Meghan McKay: My Maternal Grandfather, John Probert was born and raised in the very small town of Pontblyddyn in Northern Wales, just outside of Mold. To make a long story short, he relocated here to the US after WWII and started a family. When I was the age of 7 or 8 years old, he moved here to Houston, Texas to live with our family where he stayed until his passing in 2003. This made him somewhat of a third parent to me. He was never boastful about Wales nor did he speak Welsh in the home (e...

Thieves have broken into the museum at Parc Howard Mansion and stole pieces of Llanelly Pottery. Two cases of the pottery were broken into and stolen during the theft which took place on the evening of Wednesday, February 12. The incident was reported to police by Carmarthenshire County Council staff who discovered the break in this morning. Executive Board Member for museums Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This was a shameful incident, these items are of historical importance to the town and to steal them is a despicable act. “We hope the police will recover them and also catch the thieves who did this. “We would appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to contact the police.” Llanelly Pottery is part of the heritage of the town and has been on show at the Mansion House for many years. It was manufactured from 1839 until 1922 at a site where Asda in Llanelli now stands. Llanelly Pottery continues to hold a fascination for many enthusiasts and collectors.

Residents in Llangunnor and Pontyberem have cleaned out their sheds and cupboards. Old TVs, carpets, electrical and bits of unwanted furniture were just some of the items taken along to a waste and tyre amnesty by householders. A total of 442 tyres were also collected at both the events held at Y Talar in Llangunnor and Pontyberem Park. The aim of the amnesties, organised by the council’s waste and recycling section and Tidy Towns, was to encourage people to recycle and to help reduce fly-tipping. Pictured at the Y Talar amnesty is local resident Joan Willson with council staff Geraint David, Dorian Lee and Vicky Guntrip. Executive Board Member for Technical Services Cllr Colin Evans said: “These amnesties are very popular with local residents as it gives them the chance to dispose of any unwanted waste they have in the house; and it can be particularly difficult to get rid of larger items if they have no transport. We want to try and help householders as much as we can and encourage...

Communities First helps people become valuable volunteers. People living in Carmarthenshire are being invited to a volunteer recruitment event. On Thursday, February 27, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Communities First team are holding a volunteer recruitment day at Llanelly House from 10am – 4.30pm. The aim is of the event is to encourage more people to lend support through volunteering, by engaging with residents to promote up-skilling. Volunteering is also an ideal opportunity for students looking for placement hours to aid in their college course, as – whilst helping others – they can gain all-important work experience and employability skills. Communities First Volunteer Support Worker Amber Williams said: ”I’m urging everybody to come along to the event; this is a great place to start looking at becoming a volunteer. “If you're unsure about what type of volunteering you would like to do or just want to explore the world of volunteering there are a range of opportunities w...

At the age of 84 most pensioners would be taking it easy but this one refuses, instead she works up a sweat in the gym three times a week. Gwynedd Baker enjoys nothing more than pounding the treadmill, cycling, working the cross trainer and wave machine and taking part in fitness classes at Carmarthen Leisure Centre. Although the former midwife and college lecturer suffers with high blood pressure, osteoporosis and arrhythmia, the sprightly pensioner shows no signs of letting up. Mrs Baker, from Carmarthen said: “I love keeping fit and also enjoy the social element to it. “It’s easy to sit back, watch television and do nothing but that’s not me, I like to keep active.” The fitness enthusiast also takes part in the balance and strengthening class and is one of the oldest members at the leisure centre. She was referred by her GP under the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) and works to a tailored fitness programme delivered by the centre’s qualified instructors. She said: “The st...