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

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Nikara Jenkins was among the winners at the Carmarthenshire Sports Personality Awards last night. At a glittering ceremony at Ffwrnes Theatre 12 sporting heroes from across the county were honoured at the 17th annual event in January. Rugby legends the late Ray Gravell and Stuart Gallacher were also invited into the Hall of Fame. Rhythmic gymnast Nikara was named Sports Personality of the Year for her outstanding achievements during 2014 which included a silver team medal at the games in Glasgow and securing two first and second places at the British Apparatus Championships. Eleven other sporting talents were recognised including - Young Sportswoman of the Year, Manon Lloyd, cycling Young Sportsman of the Year, Joe Holt for cycling Sports Volunteer of the Year, Kate Williams, hockey Young Volunteer of the Year, Zoe Swift, hockey Community Sport Coach of the Year, Dai Davies, archery High Performance Coach of the Year, Nia Evans, rhyt...

Carmarthenshire will be setting out its stall at this year’s Caravan and Camping Show in Birmingham. Council tourism officers will have a stand at the Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show at the Birmingham NEC from February 17-22. Representatives of Carmarthenshire caravan parks and attractions will be helping to man the stand. Now over 70,000m² (the equivalent of 1,750 average size campsite pitches) the show is the UK’s biggest start of season showcase, of caravans, motorhomes, tents and holiday homes all under one roof, last year attracting over 83,000 visitors. All the major UK manufacturers will be showcasing their latest models plus ‘Special Edition’ models from major dealers. Carmarthenshire’s objectives at the show are to promote Carmarthenshire as a holiday destination to the 83,000 plus people that attend the event, aim to attract potential caravanners/campers to visit and stay in the area and at the attractions within the county, distribute Carmarthenshire literature and p...

Work has been completed on an extension at Ysgol Strade as part of an £8.25million scheme. The extension will house a new science, technology, design and art block providing pupils with state of the art accommodation. It formed phase one of the scheme which is being delivered through Carmarthenshire County Council’s Modernising Education Programme. Phase two involves refurbishment of the existing art, science, technology and design classrooms. They will be converted into normal classrooms which will be used instead of the mobile accommodation currently provided. Education executive board member Cllr Keith Davies said: “This is yet another investment in education in the Llanelli area. “It reflects the growing demand for Welsh medium education in the town, and the need for more secondary school places. “It follows the opening of the new Ysgol Gymraeg Ffwrnes which will help satisfy demand in the primary sector. “This scheme will help provide modern, high quality accommodation for Strad...

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star - Hats off to Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir; they can turn their vocals talents to fit any occasion. On Saturday night, the ‘boys’ of Côr Meibion Llanelli were at Parc y Scarlets to cheer on the home Llanelli region against the mighty Toulon in the European Champions Cup. The choristers are regular attractions for big matches at Parc y Scarlets, adding their expert harmonies to the community singing to rally support for the home team. “Our presence is greatly appreciated by the crowd and the players, particularly when there is so much at stake in a major European match,” said choir secretary Fred Elias. “We also like to make sure the opposition fans feel at home. “We’d heard how the Scarlets fans got a great welcome when Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (the Welsh national anthem) was played before the game in Toulon in the south of France. “So, before Saturday night’s match, we returne...

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. ----------------------- In a newspaper I was reading at the barber’s shop recently (I didn’t need a haircut – it was a cold day, his salon is warm and I’m too mean to buy a paper), I read that in 100 years’ time, due to a variety of reasons, including the slow eradication of local dialects, an ageing population, immigration and emigration, 90% of the words we use in 2015 will have become obsolete. It made worrying reading. Until I realised I probably won’t be around in 100 years. And then another realisation hit me. And it was a big one, so it left me with a nasty bruise. Word obsolescence has already started. You may not be aware of it because it’s happened so gradually, but words, sentences, phrases and questions once in common use, have begun to fall by the wayside and there’s little likelihood that the next generation will...

The first ever Young Musician competition organised by Llanelli Rotary Club saw nine children from three different schools battle for the title. Set in the prestigious surroundings of Stradey Castle, the competition set a very high benchmark for future Young Musician events. “It would be fair to say that the talent on display was quite remarkable,” said Llanelli Rotary President Hywel Bassett. “As this was our inaugural Young Musician competition, we didn’t really know what to expect. But I know I was blown away by the quality of musicianship and singing – and I know the audience packed into the Great Hall at Stradey Castle felt the same.” The winner was 16-year-old guitarist Cai Charles from Ysgol Gyfun Y Strade (pictured above with Llanelli Rotary President Hywel Bassett). Cai, who has ambitions to study at the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, performed The Cello Suite in G Major No1 by J S Bach and Sunburst by Andrew York. Cai said he had been inspired to take up the g...

The awards season has started early for the Evan-Evans Brewery. The brewery finished as runners-up in the Food and Drink Business of the Year in the prestigious and inaugural Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star West Wales business awards. And The George Hotel in Brecon (part of the Evan-Evans brewery pub and hotel portfolio) received a runners-up award in a new competition to find the Best Breakfast in Wales. “It’s a lovely start to the year to be recognised for our work,” said Michelle Francis, Operations Manager with the Evan-Evans Brewery. “The brewery was up against stiff competition in the West Wales business awards, with the giant Castell Howell food wholesaler and the popular Sosban restaurant in Llanelli also in the same category.” The award went to Sosban. But a spokesman for the judges said it was a very close run thing with all three businesses showing evidence of providing high quality service and delivering products of the highest standard. Brewer James Buckley, a sixth...

Carmarthenshire County Council has become the first authority in Wales to suspend its Right to Buy scheme. The Housing (Wales) Measure 2011 allows local authorities to apply for permission to suspend the Right to Buy and Right to Acquire locally to help tackle housing pressures. Carmarthenshire Council was the first local authority to ask the Welsh Government to suspend of Right to Buy and, today, the Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, approved Carmarthenshire’s application. Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “We very much welcome this decision by the Minister, which will help alleviate the demand on our housing register and support our vision to make more good quality homes available for local people. “We also welcome other measures that Welsh Government is seeking to introduce to further protect much needed affordable housing across Wales, and we are very proud that here in Carmarthenshire we are leading the way.” Cllr Tegwen...

A St Clears man has been prosecuted for forging a Blue Badge to allow him privileges only reserved for drivers with severely restricted mobility. Cledan David, aged 54, of Salem Road, pleaded guilty to the offence, contrary to s.115(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, at Carmarthen Court. He was ordered to pay a fine of £500, with £54 costs and a £50 victim surcharge. It is the first time Carmarthenshire County Council has successfully prosecuted for Blue Badge fraud. Cllr Colin Evans, Executive Board Member for Transport, said: “Blue Badges are an important parking concession for disabled people that helps to improve their quality of life - any abuse of that privilege is taken very seriously. This is the first time we have prosecuted someone for forging a Blue Badge, but it sends a clear message that such fraud is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.” Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the maximum fine for misusing a Blue Badge is £5,000 or two years imprisonment.

Carmarthenshire County Council is welcoming people’s views about the possible relocation of the County War Memorial in Carmarthen. The issue has been raised this week by Simon Hart MP , who has called on people to speak up if they feel the monument would be better located in another part of the town. The monument, which honours the fallen soldiers of Carmarthenshire, is located on the pavement outside the former infirmary in Priory Street, where wounded soldiers came home to recover from their injuries. However, the infirmary is now derelict, and some are calling for the monument to be located elsewhere in the town where it may be seen by more people. It is currently in the ownership of Carmarthenshire County Council. Mark Davies, Building Operations Manager, said: “We would welcome a constructive debate on the location of the monument, and would be glad to hear any suggestions from local residents as to where they feel it would be better placed. If there is a general consensus that ...

Latest news from the Oriel Myrddin gallery in Carmarthen -  Children's writing competition and half term activities February half term at the gallery Bells and Bowls Family Workshop Wednesday 18 Feb 11am-1pm Be inspired by Adam Buick and create beautiful bells and bowls using air dry clay and other materials. Suitable for all ages £3 parent, £2 child Booking essential Mini Sculptures for age 8+ Thursday 19 Feb 11am-1pm Inspired by artwork in the current exhibition create mini sculptures to take home. £5 per child Booking essential Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA31 1LH

BBC News - Views wanted on possible Carmarthen war memorial move : People in Carmarthen are being asked if they think the county's war memorial should be moved. The County War Memorial on Priory Street commemorates the 1,913 men and women from Carmarthenshire who died in both world wars and the Korean War. But Carmarthen MP Simon Hart said its current location, next to a disused infirmary set to be turned into flats, is "irrelevant" and has sparked a debate about whether a more prominent position would be better. From BBC News

Carmarthen comics' show in support of Swansea homeless charity sells out | Carmarthen Journal : Tickets for a comedy gala in aid of homeless and poverty charity Cyrenians Cyrmu put on by Carmarthen’s Elis James have sold. There was a flurry of activity when stars including Rhod Gilbert, 8 out of 10 Cats' Jon Richardson and Mock the Week's Josh Widdicombe were all confirmed for the show on February 16. Although the tickets only went on sale last Wednesday, they are now “completely sold out”, a spokesman for Swansea Grand Theatre box office has confirmed. The event was set up by comic Elis James to raise vital funds to keep Cyrenian Cymru's work going after it was declared insolvent on January 14. From the Carmarthen Journal

Carmarthenshire woman to feature on Channel 5's Botched Bodies | Carmarthen Journal A Carmarthenshire woman who had surgery on her nose over an ear infection is to feature on this week’s Botched Bodies on Channel 5. Alison Walters, aged 38, from Tycroes, is taking part in the final episode of the fourth series which screens on Thursday at 10pm. In the show she reveals how she went to hospital about an ear infection when the surgeon advised if he removed the bump of her nose it would help with the ear infection. Alison went ahead with the surgery, but when the surgeon removed the bandages her nose collapsed. From the Carmarthen Journal

Police update on Llanelli fire death | Llanelli Star Police in Llanelli have said that the death of a man in a Bynea house fire was not suspicious. The fire on Cwmfelin Road took place at 6.35am on Saturday and the emergency services were alerted after passers by saw smoke. Two fire crews rushed to the scene where they sadly found the male occupier of the house to have passed away. Police and paramedics were also in attendance. Story from Llanelli Star

Latest news from the East Wales-based Introbiz business networking team - We had another fantastic record week at the Introbiz office last week with 10 new companies signing up to membership. Congratulations to all of them and welcome on board! Big thank you to The Vale Hotel for their outstanding hospitality and service at another packed event last Thursday. We would also like to say a huge congratulations to our wonderful Introbiz member Jay Shepherd from The Pituitary Foundation who raised a staggering £11,105.66 for his charity during 2014 through his Introbiz membership alone. Jay & all of us at the Introbiz office would like to thank all of our fantastic members for your generous support.  Dont forget.. Introbiz will be hosting 2 FREE seminars at The Parc Thistle hotel on Thursday 5th February 2pm Head Office will be presenting a FREE Employment Law & HR seminar. 3pm Introbiz will be presenting a FREE networking training tips seminar. 4pm Our normal wee...

People in Cardigan and surrounding areas had a chance to learn more about progress towards Cardigan Integrated Resource Centre and the future of wider healthcare services in Mid Wales, at an event hosted by Hywel Dda University Health Board. In total, more than 60 people attended either the drop-in session about the Cardigan development and new model of care or the presentation and question and answer session on the Mid Wales Healthcare Study. Both events were held at the Small World Theatre on Monday 19 January. An independent report by Professor Marcus Longley, the Mid Wales Healthcare Study recommends Bronglais Hospital is developed as a hub hospital for mid Wales and suggests ways to improve primary care and community services. University Health Board Medical Director Dr Sue Fish gave an overview of the study and its 12 recommendations at the Cardigan meeting, together with next steps. This includes the formation of a Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative between Hywel Dda University ...

Fears for horses cut off by freezing tides near Penclawdd | South Wales Evening Post New images of horses apparently cut off by high tides off North Gower have raised fresh questions about their welfare and ownership. Small groups of what are not thought to be marsh-bred ponies were surrounded by rising tides near Penclawdd early last Thursday and Friday morning. RSPCA inspectors were at the scene, as was the Post on the Friday. The cob-type animals did not appear to be distressed, but temperatures were barely above freezing and the area they were in contains deep channels. Story from South Wales Evening Post

Inquest into death of Gorseinon woman Nina Holmes at Bulgarian ski resort to be held today | South Wales Evening Post An inquest is scheduled to be held today into the death of 33-year-old Nina Holmes, a member of Gorseinon's famous fair and traveller family, after her death at a Bulgarian ski resort in February last year. Ms Holmes was on holiday with her partner - Dean Herbert - and friends when she collapsed at BJ's bar in Borovets. She was rushed to hospital but sadly could not be saved. Story from South Wales Evening Post

The deadline for entries for the prestigious Carmarthen Bay Film Festival is this weekend (Saturday, January 31). The festival is now in its fourth year and more than 150 entries have already been received for the event, which is being held at Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel, from May 12-15. “It is astonishing how the festival has grown in popularity from very small beginnings,” said Festival CEO and organiser Kelvin Guy. “They say great things grow from little acorns and that is very true of the film festival.” There is added glitz and status to this year’s festival as the event is now on the approved list for BAFTA Cymru Wales. Mr Guy added: “The BAFTA abbreviation is pretty special in the world of film. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is recognised as a hugely prestigious organisation worldwide. To get this recognition from BAFTA Cymru Wales is a huge honour and is a great achievement when you consider what the festival has achieved since it launched in 2011...

LLANELLI MP Nia Griffith has appealed for the public to turn out for the consultation day being held on Saturday for the Railway Goods Shed in Marsh Street, Llanelli. The consultation day offers a rare opportunity to look around the inside of the derelict Grade II Listed building. "The project to breathe new life into the old goods shed building is one of the most exciting independent schemes for Llanelli," said Ms Griffith, who is chair of the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust, the charity behind the project. "The plans to bring the building back into community use include everything from creating arts and crafts venues, offices for start-up businesses and social enterprises. The site lends itself to a whole host of uses, both indoor and outdoor and this is a project where we want all the community to get involved with their ideas." The consultation day is based around an exhibition starting at 10pm at St Barnabas Hall, just a short walk away from the go...

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING January 26, 2015 3 Medium Corned Beef £1.65 2 Large Corned Beef Pasties £1.95 4 Medium Sausage Rolls £1.80 2 Fresh Cream Eclairs £1.70 Sandwich Of The Week, Salmon and Cucumber £2.10 Rustic Baguette Of The Week, Chicken and Bacon £2.40 Filled Softie Of The Week, Chicken Tikka £2.30 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/