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

Young voters aged 18 and over in Carmarthenshire are being urged not to lose out on the chance to have their say for the first time. The General Election takes place on May 7, and for many it will be the first time to have the chance to influence the way things are run in the country. There’s only a few days left to register to be able to vote. The closing date is Monday, April 20. Alex Harries, aged 19 from Carmarthen who’s voting for the first time at a general election said: ‘It’s really easy to register on line it only took a few minutes. This is my first time to vote at a general election and I will be voting on the 7th of May, as I believe my vote counts.’ It is a legal requirement to register to vote and you must register annually. One of the benefits of registering is that should you ever apply for credit, credit reference agencies can use the register to check your details and if you are not registered you may be refused credit. Carmarthenshire County Council is out and abou...

Schoolchildren across Carmarthenshire are to benefit from new sports equipment. It comes after the council successfully secured grant funding for 18 bags of equipment to help deliver sporting games during break and lunch times. Some 104 schools will share the items which include hoops, a ribbon set, skipping ropes, pom poms, tennis balls and bat and ball packs. The equipment, funded by the Welsh Government , will be used in sessions which will be delivered by each school’s Bronze Ambassadors under the Young Ambassador programme throughout the term. Ambassadors are trained by the council’s sport and leisure team and part of their role is to encourage and inspire other children in their school to take part in sport and physical activity by running lunchtime clubs. The aim of the programme is to get more people, more active, more often. Research shows that that when presented with a range of sporting equipment, children are likely to become more active. There are three stages at county ...

The Lift Programme in Carmarthenshire is launching an innovative new initiative to give its clients key employability skills and a boost their chances of finding paid work. The employment and training programme, which is funded by the Welsh Government and works with individuals from workless households within Communities First areas, will be opening its new Market stall within Llanelli Indoor Market. The stall will operate every Thursday and will be providing supported work placements to two Lift clients every week. During this time they will undergo a structured four-week programme where they will learn key retail skills. Senior Lift Mentor Alex Morgan said: “We work with clients who are the furthest from the labour market and who need a supported work placement to give them the confidence in their own ability and an understanding of working in retail. “Through providing this support we will move clients closer to the labour market.” The Market stall will be selling products that...

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -  Make a date in your diary for Saturday July 11 and the visit of the prestigious Swansea Bach Choir to Llanelli. The concert is being organised by Llanelli-based promoter Cerith Owens, of Loud Applause Productions and sees the Swansea Bach Choir performing at Llanelli’s Parish Church. “It is a very atmospheric setting for a classical concert and we hope to give the Swansea Bach Choir a very special welcome to Llanelli,” said Mr Owens. The Swansea Bach Choir was formed in 1965 with the aim of presenting the very best choral works from the past five centuries, to as wide a public as possible, and in as professional and authentic a manner as possible. Many of the choir’s 40 members are trained singers, music students, and teachers of music. The choir is renowned for its performances of Baroque music, in particular the major works of Bach. Its performance of the Matthäus-Pas...

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. www.philevans.co.uk --------------------- So, what did you do over the Easter Holidays? Visit a stately home, a zoo, garden centre or a theme park? I’m so glad you had a good time. Really glad. No, really. I spent my Bank Holiday in the garden. I didn’t intend to, but I’d locked myself out of the house and - as so often happens with a Bank Holiday – it inconveniently fell on a Bank Holiday, so the local locksmiths were closed. They were probably locked too, because they know about that sort of thing. I couldn’t have called them out even if they were open, because my mobile phone was on the kitchen table. Why didn’t I force my front door open? (Who asked you to interrupt my flow? You’ll have your opportunity to comment after this gets published on Wednesday.) Since you asked, my front door’s fitted with strong locks, chain...

Schoolchildren in Carmarthenshire are being asked for their views on sporting activities. Through a national school sports survey, commissioned by Sport Wales , children can request what sports they would like to do more of in their school or college. The survey is open to primary and secondary schools as well as first year college students. Its aim is to encourage more people to become more active and adopt healthy lifestyles. Each school is given a link to access the survey which is available until the end of the summer term. To qualify for a feedback report a minimum number of completed surveys – set by Sport Wales - from each school is required. The survey, recognised by Estyn and supported by the council’s sport and leisure team, also asks what type of sport the person plays, how many times a week they play and whether they take part in community or club activities. The council’s senior sport and leisure manager, Carl Daniels said: “I would urge all schools to complete this sur...

Llanelli schools will come together in a themed touch rugby competition to honour Wales and the town's presence in the Touch World Cup . Pupils will dress up in the national colours of one of the Touch World Cup teams and battle it out against pupils from another school a series of three tournaments to be held at Ysgol y Strade. Rachel Wasserman, Mollie North, Sophie Rainton and Daniel Rees are due to travel to Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to represent Wales in the minimal contact version of rugby. The tournament organised in conjunction with WRU School Rugby officers and the council’s sport and leisure officers is a chance for boys and girls in years 9 and 10 to play Sport and leisure officer Matt Adams said: “Each Llanelli secondary school has been invited to attend a series of three tournaments that take place throughout the summer term. Touch is a fantastic game for both male and female players – it’s fast, dynamic and great fun, which focuses on skill rather than physical...

There's a big 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 4. "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. "This is the third annual Family Fun Day here at Cwmcerrig and we were able to raise money for worthwhile charitable causes at the last two. "The last two fun days have been great fun and it is wonderful to welcome our loyal customers. They value the fact that we produce quality local produce." Special guests on the day will include 'Elsa' from 'Frozen' and Spiderman. Other attractions on the day include - Ball pool Bouncy...

Meadow owners in Carmarthenshire got together at a recent event to discuss forming a group. More than 60 people attended the event held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, which was organised by members of the Carmarthenshire Biodiversity Partnership . The aim was to inspire the creation of a county-wide community of landowners which would support each other to improve the diversity of plants, fungi and animals on meadows, large or small, across Carmarthenshire. Like much of the UK, where 98% of flower-rich meadows have been lost in the past century, Carmarthenshire’s traditional wildflower-rich meadows have been much reduced in the county and are now a rarity. Through the formation of a meadows group, which could provide opportunities for landowners to come together and share experience, knowledge and enthusiasm, it is hoped that many more important areas of meadow in Carmarthenshire can be managed to enhance their wildlife. Help will be provided initially through opportunities...

Burry Port has a new ‘essential guide’ that informs of everything from its business bustle to its romantic settings to propose. If you want to 'tingle in the shingle' the guide informs that Burry Port has that magic-draw to go for a romantic stroll in the toe-tingling Atlantic surf and even identifies the fruiterers where you can buy the passion fruit. The colourful guide has been inspired by Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s tourism department. It lists all the town businesses from grocers to home interior designers and hairdressers to restaurants and takeaways - an astonishing 54 in total. They are all indexed to a colourful street map in the A5 fold-up brochure that also includes all the town’s attractions. As the brochure says: “Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, a family with children, or looking for historic attractions, coastal gems or quite simply fantastic pit stops to eat, Burry Port is the town to visit. “Burry ...

Residents in the Carmarthenshire Communities First Cluster were given the opportunity to attend a childcare course. The Level 1 Diploma in Childcare was delivered at Morfa Integrated Children’s Centre . Fourteen people attended and successfully completed the course. A participant stated: “It was a really good course and I enjoyed it. I’m now looking for jobs in childcare.” To find out more about forthcoming events, contact the Communities First Team via email communitiesfirst@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call 01554 784847.

South Pembs Hospital in Pembroke Dock has become the first hospital setting to achieve the Investors in Carers Bronze level award. The Investors in Carers (IiC) scheme is designed to help health facilities such as GP practices and hospitals focus on and improve their carer awareness and enhance the help and support they give Carers. A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens. Peter Llewellyn, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships visited the hospital to present Tilly Morrissey with their award for demonstrating the processes put in place to effectively identify carers and support them through provision of appropriate information and signp...

Youngsters looking for work are being urged to visit their local job club in Carmarthenshire. Set up by Carmarthenshire Communities First team , the Kickstart clubs run from two different venues every week: Wednesday 2pm – 4pm at The Vestry, Cowell Street, Llanelli, and Friday 11am – 1pm at Felinfoel Community Resource Centre, Ynyswen Road, Felinfoel, Llanelli. There will be an opportunity for young people to access all the latest Jobs Growth Wales vacancies and other job opportunities available locally, as well as information and advice on a range of careers, courses, training opportunities and apprenticeships. Experts will be on hand to offer information and guidance on preparing for job interviews, common interview questions and job hunting advice, to filling out application forms and CV writing. Communities First Jobs Growth Wales Mentor, Hannah Evans, said: “If you are aged 16-24 and are having a tough time looking for work, you are not on your own; we are here to help, so pleas...

This spring the Royal Academy of Arts in London presents an exhibition of prints by Stanley Anderson RA (1884-1966) curated by Professor Robert Meyrick and Dr Harry Heuser of the School of Art, Aberystwyth University. It is one of a series of exhibitions and catalogues raisonné celebrating the work of Royal Academician printmakers. A fully illustrated and annotated catalogue raisonné of prints published by the Royal Academy coincides with the launch of the exhibition. Written by Robert Meyrick and Harry Heuser, it provides an in-depth assessment of Anderson’s oeuvre. Today, Stanley Anderson is best known for his series of engravings memorialising Britain’s vanishing crafts, trades and farming practices. These carefully observed and meticulously executed portraits of traditional occupations provide us with a pictorial record of life and work in mid-twentieth century rural Britain. Presented together with Anderson’s earlier, lesser-known drypoints of urban life, they form a composite...

The Gower Chorale singers will be staging a special concert to celebrate the choir's 20th anniversary. On June 20 the choir will sing The Dream of Gerontius: with music by Sir Edward Elgar from poems written by Cardinal John Henry Newman. Since its first performance in Birmingham Town Hall in October 1900 the work has become regarded as Elgar’s finest choral composition. The Groves Directory of Music and Musicians rates it as one of his three finest works and many regard it as Elgar’s masterpiece. The last time this work was performed in the Brangwyn Hall was in 1984, more than 30 years ago, by Swansea Philharmonic Choir, so it is fitting that The Gower Chorale choose the work to celebrate its 20th year in the newly-revamped Brangwyn Hall. The concert will take place on Saturday, June 20, at 7 pm and, under the guidance of musical director Luke Spencer will be the Festival Orchestra of Wales, leader Mansel Hughes. Huw Tregelles Williams...

The choristers of Cor Meibion Dyffryn Tywi will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the choir this summer. A special anniversary concert has been arranged for Saturday, July 18, at the Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly (7pm). The choir's guests include celebrated Welsh tenor Rhys Meirion, mezzo-soprano Eirlys Myfanwy Davies and a folk group from Karelia, The evening will be hosted by the popular BBC Cymru and Radio Cymru presenter Garry Owen. The evening is sponsored by Kidwelly's Gravells garage. Tickets are £10 and available by ringing - 01269 860996 01554 890956 Website - http://www.cormeibiondyffryntywi.co.uk/

An illegal product has been seized from two Carmarthenshire businesses, and another business has voluntarily surrendered it, as part of a Trading Standards crack down on so-called ‘legal highs’. Officers seized the product ‘Amsterdam Gold’, also labelled as ‘Liquid Gold’, after finding it contravened the General Products Safety Regulations 2005 and The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009. The businesses found selling the product cannot be identified pending possible prosecution. Samples of other substances bought from a number of Carmarthenshire businesses by Trading Standards in test purchases are currently undergoing chemical analysis to determine whether they can be legally sold. Traders have been asked to cease selling any similar products until their safety can be confirmed. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Trading Standards Manager Roger Edmunds said: “We are working proactively to seize illegal products from businesses, and to advise busine...

It's Real Nappy Week from April 20-26 and we have 10 free real nappy trial packs up for grabs. Carmarthenshire Council’s waste and recycling section has teamed up with local real nappy stockist Nappy Go Lucky to raise awareness on the benefits of using real nappies and will be in Guildhall Square in Carmarthen on Wednesday, April 22 between 10am and 3pm. And the first 10 Carmarthenshire parents to come and see us will get a free trial pack. Modern washable nappies are easy to use; better for the environment and can save you money. They are also fun, fashionable and come in a range of styles designs and colours, from denim, spots, to ruffles. Council waste minimisation/recycling officer Karen Fulham said: “More and more parents are discovering the benefits of real nappies. With today’s modern designs, washing machines and the use of flushable liners, using real nappies couldn’t be easier. Many fasten with fabric fasteners or poppers and can be washed along with your baby’s clothes...

The Institute of Welsh Politics at Aberystwyth University is delighted to announce that Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost, from Cardiff University will present its next public seminar on Tuesday 21 April 2015. Entitiled ‘Comisiynydd y Gymraeg: rheoleiddio, rhyddid a risg’, the seminar will analyse the Welsh Language Commissioner’s work and takes place at 6pm in the Department of International Politics. Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost is a member of the Research Unit on Language, Policy and Planning in the School of Welsh at Cardiff University. He is a native of Ireland and an authority on linguistic minorities and language planning. He has research interests in certain other specific fields, including the nature of the relationship between language and conflict, from a comparative, European perspective, and, also, language in city contexts. He has a number of publications in the Social Sciences, Human Geography and the Sociology of Language. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geog...

There is an open invitation to find out about the magnificent new £10-million Extra Care Housing development being created in Ammanford. An information day on Friday, April 24, is being staged by Family Housing Association Wales at the Pensioner’s Hall, Quay Street, Ammanford 2-6pm. The development being delivered by Betws company TRJ Ltd is at Gwynfryn, opposite Coleg Sir Gar on Station Road. It is planned to open early in 2016 providing 50 apartments for people over 55. There will be 37 one-bedroom flats – one double bedroom; 13 flats with two bedroom- a double bedroom plus a single bedroom The information day will be attended by advisers to offer advice on eligibility and the broad range of facilities provided by modern extra care housing. The Extra Care complex will have community facilities including a cafe and restaurant, community lounge, craft and therapy rooms. Residents will have individual apartments with privacy and security. Their accommodation will allow for a range of ...

The massively popular TV Come Dancing series is having a beneficial effect on social habits and health in Ammanford. More and more are tripping the light fantastic with numbers attending a series of dances at the  Amman Centre in Ammanford doubling this year. The downside is there there is a shortage of men stepping forward on to the dance floor to take their partners by the hand. So the appeal is out this Easter for more to come forward to strut their stuff - just as Robbie Savage and Russell Grant did on Come Dancing. More and more are tripping the light fantastic at the sessions with numbers attending the dance sessions doubling. Community Service Volunteers’ Welcome Friends Project and Age Cymru Sir Gar ’s Befriending Links have teamed up with dance instructor Jon Dunbar to host the events. Next dates are April 7th and 21st from 2-4pm and fortnightly thereafter until further notice. Everyone aged 50-plus is welcome. Dancing includes ballroom, Latin and line dancing and the...

Community members over the age of 50 were all invited to attend the Add to Your Life Health and Wellbeing event held at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli. Hosted by the Carmarthenshire Communities First team, the Add to Your Life event had everyone learning and trying something new together, with an information market place exhibiting the services of 35 local organisations, activity taster sessions including golf and yoga, and a full timetable of talks and demonstrations from organisations such as Public Health Wales, and the Stroke Association. The event focused on community members over the age of 50 gaining a better understanding of how to maintain their health and wellbeing and making attendees aware of the services which are available in their locality which can assist them to maintain their health. The Communities’ First team aims to contribute, alongside other programmes, to narrowing the health, skills, economic and education gaps between disadvantaged and affluent areas. To find ou...

Hywel Dda University Health Board has produced a short guide to remind people living or visiting Pembrokeshire how to access healthcare services for women and children, ahead of the holiday season. Some changes to hospital based services, in the areas of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal care, were made in August 2014 and to paediatric hospital inpatient services in October 2014. Most care remains unchanged and the guide aims to remind people about what is still provided within Pembrokeshire, either within the community or from Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. It also provides contact information about how to access these services, as well as those provided from Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. Chief Executive Steve Moore said: “We hope this short guide will assist anyone who may still be unsure about what our services for women and children look like and how to access them. “We heard concern when we went out into the community as part of our new ongoing engagement events – Let’s Ta...

‘The Politics of Spirit: Bringing the Arts to bear on the world at large’. That's the title of a public lecture by award winning poet and playwright Damian Gorman at Aberystwyth University. The second annual public lecture for the Institute of Literature, Languages and Creative Arts (ILLCA) will be hosted by Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Theatr y Werin on Monday 20th April 2015 at 7.00pm. ‘The Politics of Spirit: Bringing the Arts to bear on the world at large’, will be presented by Northern Irish poet and playwright Damian Gorman who has been described as "Ireland's best-kept secret". Damian Gorman’s work has garnered many awards over the past 25 years, from a Better Ireland Award to an MBE; a Golden Harp to a BAFTA. His verse documentary for BBC 2 Devices of Detachment - which explored the role of non-combatants in the Troubles - was hailed in the national press as "a television masterpiece", and his innovative recent series of online poems Considerat...

There's an opportunity for artists to showcase their work in a digital exhibition curated by young people aged 14-24 to be held throughout Carmarthen town. It is part of the Young Curator's Project with the Oriel Myrddin Gallery in Carmarthen, led by artist Michelle Collins. The deadline is April 20 and entry details are below -

A new undergraduate degree scheme aimed at those who are interested in using Education as a means for community and social development from a global perspective, has been launch by Aberystwyth University. The BA in Education and International Development is the latest addition to the portfolio of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at Aberystwyth and will welcome its first students in September 2015. Featuring modules in topics such as People and Partnerships, Global Education and International Development and Practise, the course is designed to enable students to contribute towards social cohesion and public resilience and in the long term lower rates of poverty. Students will learn to consider every factor affecting education and development, such as community issues, the role of the individuals and government, and the impact of poverty. The course will also offer an exciting 7-week placement in an educational or international developmental organisation that can be based ...

Latest news from the Introbiz Business Network team in Cardiff and Newport -  Contact Introbiz 02920 291 002 info@introbiz.co.uk Good morning everyone, Hope you all had a lovely Easter break! 2015 is well underway, with a very successful first 3 months for Introbiz which saw more than 130 companies attend a networking event for the first time in January, February and March. There has never been a better time to attend an Introbiz Networking Event. Why attend an Introbiz business event? - Create new business opportunities to gain more sales, leadsand customers - Increase your visibility in the business community - Build your business contacts in South Wales - Start relationships that will lead to strategic alliances, joint - ventures and referral partners - Become connected to key influencers in your industry and within your target market Why not join us this Thursday at The Village Hotel to see how your business can benefit from Introbiz. See event details below. W...

Children in Carmarthenshire schools have got a new summer lunch menu to look forward to. Dishes include both traditional favourites such as roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, to modern cuisine like chicken wraps with jacket wedges. A wide range of food is on offer including chicken tikka panninis, pizzas, spaghetti Bolognese, salmon, fish fingers, pork, turkey and sausages. Varied choices for vegetables and carbohydrates are offered along with vegetarian options. The county council’s catering services team dishes up over19,000 school meals every day, that have been nutritionally analysed with the use of a sophisticated software system. The new three-week rolling menu for the summer term will start on May 5; each day includes a main course with vegetables, carbohydrates, a dessert and a drink. Catering Service Manager Sandra Weigel said: “We try to incorporate a variety of both traditional and new to please the taste buds of the ever changing generation. “Along with having a nutrit...

Young people across Carmarthenshire are invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Youth Council later this month. The event will take place in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Carmarthen, on Wednesday, April 29, from 5.30pm. It will include a look back at the work of the Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC) over the past year, and their plans for the future. County Council officers will attend to give feedback from the authority’s budget consultation, which the CYC contributed to by giving their views. Youngsters aged between 11 and 25 are also encouraged to join the CYC, new members will be welcomed at a meeting at 7pm following the AGM. Brittany Alsop-Bingham, aged 17, of Garnant, said: “We want to promote the work we do, we feel it is important that people know about us and how we help the community. “At the meeting we will be saying goodbye to three committed members who are leaving for new experiences so we will be looking for new members, if anyone is interested or if you ...

One firm of Llanelli taxi drivers took time out over Easter to discover Carmarthenshire’s hidden gems. It’s all about DR Taxi drivers increasing their “knowledge” and making sure they can better inform or suggest to their passengers some great places to see that they might otherwise miss. From cuddling chocolate spotted piglets at the Agri Tourism Cwmcrwth Holiday Cottage Farm to studying flocking Flamingos at Penclacwydd; uncovering the secrets of her Ladyship’s Chamber at Llanelly House and learning of the 2,000-years of magical power and influence at Newton House and the medieval deer park in the grounds. Partner in Stepney Street’s DR Taxi’s, Carol Rees, said working with Carmarthenshire council’s touring department they were giving added value training to 16 of their drivers to become Carmarthenshire Ambassadors. “As a result our drivers can now offer visitors high quality customer service and a warm and friendly welcome to our county.” Carol said the idea had been spawned by Am...

Two young people have been taken on by a Llanelli shop thanks to the Communities First Jobs Growth Wales scheme. Jonathan Armstrong, owner of Emilia May Gifts in the St. Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli, is one of a number of local employers who have taken advantage of the scheme by recruiting two new members of staff – Kayleigh Brown and Larissa Parton - with the help of Hannah Evans, Jobs Growth Wales mentor for Communities First . The scheme offers young people aged 16-24 full time job opportunities, paid at national minimum wage for a period of six months. The Welsh Government provides funding to local employers for 26 weeks for giving young people the opportunity to gain good quality work experience within their business. The aim is that these jobs will become sustainable jobs following the end of the scheme allowing young people to remain in employment. Kayleigh, from Felinfoel, Llanelli, attended a ‘Have a Go’ event organised by Communities First in January last year to acces...

Red Kite Law chief executive Andrew Manning is planning a marathon charity mission to mark his 50th birthday. Mr Manning will be getting on his bike for a number of charities during the course of his birthday year, with the aim of raising £50 for every one of his birthday years. One of the charities to benefit will be the Enfys Foundation, the charitable wing of Red Kite Law. Mr Manning explained -  "I have a big birthday coming up at the end of this year- and, yes, I know I look younger/older than that (take your pick!). "I have been asked how I am going to celebrate this milestone, and want I want for it. "Well, I am going to celebrate it by trying to ride my bike further and faster than I have done before. "I am seeking to do this by riding my bike across the width of England ("coast to coast" ), in April (135 miles in 2.5 days) , the length of the UK (Lands End to John O Groats) in May/June (950 miles in 10 days) ,and London to Paris in ea...

The Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council Cllr Daff Davies is holding a Charity Night later this month. The event will be held at the Carmarthen Quins RFC Clubhouse, Morfa Lane, Carmarthen, on Wednesday April 22 at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £22.00 to include a carvery and dessert, and are available from Eira Evans on 01267 224060. There will also be a raffle and auction. The proceeds from the evening will go to the Chairman’s charities, which are the Wales Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer, Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli. Cllr Daff Davies said: “After the two course carvery we will have an auction and raffle followed by a few games including Guess the Weight of the Chairman!”

Latest news from the Oriel Myrddin Gallery in Carmarthen -  Clwb Llyfrau Oriel Myrddin Book Club – Caitlin Moran Oriel Myrddin Book Club – Caitlin Moran ‘How to Be a Woman’ Wednesday 15 April 2015 6 – 7:30 in the gallery Alongside the exhibition, Angharad Pearce Jones: The Pram in the Hall, we’ve been reading Caitlin Moran’s ‘How to Be a Woman’ ‘Part memoir, part rant, Caitlin answers the questions that every modern woman is asking…’ Love it? Hate it? Come and air your thoughts! New faces and old are extremely welcome! Informal chat, tea and cake. 16 years + Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen, SA31 1LH

NeoDynamic founder Neil Dyer is to speak at the monthly meeting of the Llanelli Rugby Business Network tomorrow evening. The aim of the Llanelli Rugby Business Network is to promote and enhance business in Wales, particularly within the local area. During our meetings 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 ample opportunity for informal open networking in a friendly, informal and welcoming environment. Neil Dyer will talk about the NeoDynamic’s approach to business support to start-ups, social enterprises and growth companies in Wales. Neil will also share his passion for creative thinking within business and will provide us with his thought provoking opinion on education, innovation and entrepreneurship in Wales. In addition, Neil will give an insight into the unique world of Students’ Unions resulting from his six years as their C...

The avocado undergoes a sex change overnight, and orchids are the kinky perverts of the plant world, but although there are 20,000 varieties of orchid we only eat one – the vanilla pod! These are just some of the fascinating facts unearthed in Professor John Warren’s new book The Nature of Crops – How we came to eat the plants we do, to be published by CABI on April 24. Professor Warren is the Director of Learning and Teaching at Aberystwyth University’s IBERS (Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences) and formerly worked as a cocoa breeder working on the world chocolate bank at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. He has an academic interest in the sex-life of plants and a recreational interest in all things edible. Professor Warren said: “Wheat, rice, potatoes and cassava are all crops that were domesticated a long time ago. I strongly believe that we should still be domesticating new crops as we do in IBERS if we want to make the world a better place. Un...

People who have used healthcare services for women and children in Pembrokeshire, or Carmarthenshire, are being reminded of the opportunity to share their experiences. Hywel Dda University Health Board made some changes to hospital based services for women and children last year; in the areas of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal care, in June 2014 and to paediatric hospital inpatient services in October 2014. An independent review of the service changes will be made and presented to the Welsh Government this year. This is in addition to the monitoring and reviews being undertaken by the University Health Board on an ongoing basis. Chief Executive Steve Moore said the patient experience would be a key part of any review and that a special group to capture and consider patient, family and staff experience was being set-up. “We want to remind people who have used these services, or their families, that we are keen to hear about their experiences,” he said. “Whether they are good or bad,...

'Broadway' comes to Kidwelly this Saturday, April 18, in the Princess Gwenllian Centre at 7.30pm. Carmarthenshire Youth Opera and the Carmarthenshire Music Service will be providing a 'Big Band' sound and all the glamour of the New York stage. This one off performance has been produced to contribute to the Cydweli 900 celebrations. The Youth Opera's recent production of The Addams Family in the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, exuded quality. These exciting artists now will bring their talents to Kidwelly with something new. Carmarthenshire Youth Opera, whose patron is the Duchess of Cornwall, is dedicated to developing young talent and delighting audiences in Carmarthenshire and beyond. The company has launched the career of many professional performers in TV, radio, musical theatre and opera. It will be an evening to remember. Further information and ticket details from Harvery Jones, Cydweli 900. 01554 891176 TirHaf@aol.com

Maintenance works will require the temporary closure of   Llandybie Level Crossing for one night in April. Advance notice is being given to allow regular commuters and service users on this route to plan ahead for the necessary detour while the work is carried out. The C2138 road will be closed from a point 40 metres metres north-east of its junction with Campbell Road, for a distance of 25 metres. Centurion Traffic Services will carry out maintenance works from 9pm on Wednesday, April 22, to 5.30am on Thursday, April 23. The alternative route for south-west bound traffic will be to travel in a north-easterly direction along the C2138 to its junction with the C2139. At the junction, turn left and continue in a westerly direction along the C2139 to its junction with the A483. Then turn left and continue in a south-westerly direction to its junction with the C2138 before turning left and contining in a south-easterly direction along the C2138 to return to a point south-west of th...

The Carmarthen to Swansea X12 bus has been saved for the time being. First Cymru introduced the service on a commercial basis after a public campaign but were to withdraw it from Easter because of low level use. But now the council has stepped in to enable it to run for a few more months. County passenger transport operations manager Alwyn Evans warned this was a last chance “use it or lose it” opportunity for supporters of the service. He said: “The council only has enough funding available to support the service for the next few months. This gives the service a bit more time to establish itself, but usage of the service will need to increase considerably over the next few months if First Cymru were to consider retaining the service in the longer term.” Some of the X12 service’s faithful passengers have already complimented the council for stepping in to save the service. “It would be a shame for it to have stopped running,” says one user The service supplies a vital public transpor...

People in Carmarthenshire are being reminded that they need to be registered to be able to vote in the forthcoming General Election. It will be held on Thursday, May 7, and there are a number of different ways people can vote. Which elections residents can vote in depends on their nationality. If they are a British or Commonwealth citizen living in the UK, they can vote in all elections in Carmarthenshire. If they are a European Union citizen, they can vote in Local and European Parliamentary elections, but not General Parliamentary elections. People who have moved recently or are not registered to vote, need to complete an application form either online or apply to the elections office by no later than Monday, April 20. Those who require a postal vote for this election, must complete and send an application to the Acting Returning Officer by no later than 5pm on Tuesday, April 21. For those who choose to vote by post, a postal vote pack will be sent to them around 10 days before th...

Artist and blogger Isobel Williams will present a richly illustrated public lecture in the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth University, on Wednesday 22nd April at 18.15, discussing her experiences of drawing from the public seats in the Supreme Court. Why does she do it, and how did she get there? Isobel’s copiously illustrated talk describes how sketching people under the A40 and at the Occupy protest camps led her to the highest court in the land. She will include her thoughts and pictures from Nicklinson, the 'right-to-die' case heard at the Supreme Court. The event will be held in room EM 1.21, Elystan Morgan Building , in Aberystwyth University’s Llanbadarn Centre. This event is open to all, with no pre-booking required. Further information about Isobel Williams can be found here; http://www.isobelwilliams.org.uk Aberystwyth University www.aber.ac.uk