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

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -  On Saturday, November 1, Ffwrnes theatre in Llanelli will stage A Night with the Stars. Connie Fisher will host the evening and will be joined by Llangennech Primary School Choir (finalists in Songs of Praise School Choir Competition) and other guests. Taking centre stage will be members of the Loud Applause Rising Stars stable - Samuel Morris, Daniella Difede, Keely Morgan, Angharad Elise Thomas, Liam Riley, Jordan Williams, Sophie Maliphant, Nia Rees, Johnny Mansel Lewis, The Singhs, Ffion Elin Williams and Perfect Harmony. Perfect Harmony have been publicly performing as a family based group for just over seven months and within this short time have established an unrivalled reputation locally. They have performed at various functions and evenings, impressing audiences with their close harmony and a cappella singing. Perfect Harmony is made up of four sisters and a close fri...

The latest Phil Evans column from the South Wales Evening Post Comedian Phil Evans is from Ammanford. He is known as the man who puts the ‘cwtsh’ into comedy. ----------------------- If you’ve stepped inside a supermarket in the last couple of months, you’ll know ‘tis the season for...Christmas decorations and fireworks and six-foot tall, battery-operated, glowing-eyed skeletons. Remember ‘Four Seasons In One Day’ by Crowded House, the New Zealand band that broke up in 1996 and reformed in 2006? Between those years, the founders of the band, Tim and Neil Finn, toured under the name ‘Considerably Less Crowded House’. Because there were only two of them. Geddit? The song popped into my head last week when I wandered into a supermarket and was confronted by Three Seasonal Celebrations In One Shop. In front of me stood a trio of colourful displays, all vying for my attention. The Christmas Decorations Display. The Fireworks Display. And...the biggest of all...The Halloween Display. Oh...

Children enjoyed spooky stories at one of Llanelli Library’s Halloween events. The storytime and crafts session for under-fives was one of the free activities taking place at the library in Vaughan Street throughout this week. Tomorrow (Thursday) there will be an active storytime session for under-eights, taking place from 10.30am to 11.30am. On Friday, October 31, there will be a HalloWii-n challenge, youngsters aged over five are invited to go along in fancy dress and scare staff with their Wii skills! Also during that day, from 10am to 4pm, there will be a Hair-Raising Halloween crafts session for children under 10. All activities are free, children need to be accompanied by an adult during the sessions. Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for cultural services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “There’s all sorts of spooky fun going on at Llanelli Children’s Library during this half term week. “We welcome children and families to come along and join in the activities, they may also ...

Latest news from Aberglasney House and Gardens in the picturesque Tywi Valley between Carmarthen and Landeilo -  Winter Fair - December 6 and 7. Winter Opening Hours From Sunday 26th October to March the opening hours will be: 10:30am - 4pm (last admission at 3pm)

Work is progressing well on the Cross Hands West site which will create hundreds of jobs and provide housing and health facilities. The multi-million-pound development includes planning consent for a new Sainsbury’s store; a 250-home residential scheme; new bus bays and access for Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth; petrol station; highways work; a health centre; and refurbishment of Cross Hands Workingmen’s Club. The land is being developed through a Joint Venture partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and property developers George LB. Work is on target for the main infrastructure including the link road and is progressing well on the refurbishment of the Workingmen’s Club. A deal has been signed with national housebuilder Persimmon Homes for the 16 acres of residential development and planning permission has been applied for. The Cross Hands West site is situated on brown-field land next to the A48, between the former Kwiksave store and Heol-y-Parc Road. Carmarthenshire ’s Leade...

Swansea City stars have got behind this year’s Operation Bang campaign, urging everyone to have fun, but stay safe this Halloween and Bonfire Night. Strikers Alex Samuel and Bafétimbi Gomis, and club ambassador Lee Trundle, are backing  Carmarthenshire County Council , Dyfed Powys Police and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service - all part of the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership - in encouraging people to be considerate to anyone who doesn’t wish to join in the celebrations. Operation Bang runs throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, and spreads the message that we can all have fun without being a nuisance. Youth star Alex Samuel said: “I remember going trick or treating as a child and having a great time. It is important that children have fun but without causing concern for others. I hope everyone has a good time on Halloween and on Guy Fawkes night.” Swans ambassador Lee Trundle added: “Trick or treating is a tradition which a lot of children en...

Meet the owl, the artist and the author at an event taking place at the Dylan Thomas Boathouse  next month. Lucy the barn owl of Hollywood fame will be spreading her wings alongside featured artist of the month Anthony Richards and author Lane Ashfeldt. Lucy recently featured in the new film version of Under Milkwood produced by Kevin Allen and starring Rhys Ifans. Anthony’s exhibition will feature the birds, creatures and natural elements that ebb and flow on the estuary tide. Lane will read a couple of short story extracts, one from the viewpoint of a bird, and one of which she wrote while staying at a bird observatory on an Atlantic island. Violin and sax playing musicians will help create a vibrant atmosphere for the event which will take place at the Boathouse in Laugharne on Sunday, November 2, from 10am to 12noon. The Boathouse is owned and managed by Carmarthenshire County Council, and the event is one of many taking place to celebrate DT100 , the 100thanniversary of Dyla...