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

The latest Clay Shaw Butler Money Matters column from the Carmarthenshire Herald. By Mark Jones, director of Carmarthen-based Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants. A very wise man once told me, “If you’re not thinking about pensions, then you should be.” Sensible words as we must all plan for the future. The world of pensions is going through many changes. The way you can access your personal pension pot has changed. And there are changes for employers with the new auto enrolment system, The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published some guidance aimed at the 1.3 million small and micro employers who are preparing for pensions auto enrolment. The guidance aims to help employers find a good quality pension scheme. It is worth remembering that it is the employer’s choice when it comes to finding a provider. Some IFAs will offer to help guide the process, but at a fee, so it is worth looking at all options. TPR research suggests one in five (290,000) employers wi...

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 -------------------- Wales is the new Hollywood: Wales is fast becoming a rival TO Hollywood. No, I haven’t been drinking or forgotten to take my medication. Apart from Swansea’s busy Bay Studios, Bridgend’s moth-balled Dragon Studios recently reopened for the multi-million dollar American TV series “The Bastard Executioner” and Pinewood (Wales) have opened studios between Cardiff and Newport. The original Pinewood Studios have long been associated with the James Bond franchise, so it’s ironic that while Carwyn Jones stood outside the Pinewood (Wales) studios and said... “The fact Pinewood has chosen to open a facility in Wales is testament to our beautiful landscape, vibrant cities, wonderful historical assets; our highly skilled and dedicated workforce; and the flexible support on offer from the...

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star newspaper - Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir members are in the middle of a busy September. They have been out and about promoting their new CD, called Angel and released on the Sain record label. On Sunday, September 27 (7.30pm), the choir will be in concert at Rhayader in Mid Wales. Then, they hurry home for a concert with the Vancouver Orpheus Male Voice Choir from Canada. That will take place at Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli, on Tuesday, September 29. The Canadian choir’s Artistic Director is Liana Savard and the accompanist is Barry Yamanouchi. The Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir is part of Vancouver’s thriving community choir scene. Formed in 1992 for men of all ages who enjoy singing, the choir focuses on popular songs from many times and lands, including Broadway showtunes, spirituals, sea shanties, and rousing male voice classics. The Orpheus Choir's Fourth CD is call...