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. Charity begins at home, they say - and we know that we are all a generous lot when it comes to helping others in West Wales. Many of us have strong links with charities and many play key roles as officers and volunteers for various charitable causes. So, here’s the latest news on the charity front for ‘Money Matters’ readers - In September, the taxman at HMRC updated the detailed guidance notes which outline how the tax system operates for charities. The notes include how to apply to be recognised as a charity for tax and the operation of gift aid and payroll giving. Over the last five years, the Government has brought in a range of changes to the tax system to make it simpler for charities to make the most of tax reliefs, so that more money can go to good causes. Gift aid small donation scheme: ...

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in and around Llanelli) from the Llanelli Star -  There’s a chance to hear two of our wonderful male voice choirs at a special ‘Cydweli 900’ concert being staged in Kidwelly next month. The Cydweli 900 events are dedicated to celebrating the history of Kidwelly Town. Côr Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir will join forces with Côr Meibion Dyffryn Tywi (Vale of Towy Male Voice Choir) for the concert at the Princess Gwenllian centre, Kidwelly, on Saturday, November 7 (7.30pm). The choirs will be sharing the bill with the popular Welsh language mother-and-daughter act ‘Gwenda a Geinor’, soloist Catrin Jones and celebrated wit and raconteur David Vaughan. The host for the evening will be Dai Jones (Llanilar), of S4C Cefn Gwlad fame. Tickets are £10 and are available from the Kidwelly Council offices (mornings only), members of Cefn Sidan Rotary Club or from 01554 891176 or 01554 890436. The event is being sponsored by Gravells Gara...

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 ------------------------------------------ Rules: Did you know that in 2009, more than 3000 new laws were passed in the UK? No, of course you didn’t. If you want to know how many have been passed since then, look it up yourself. I’ve done my bit. Despite the fact we’re knee-deep in laws, rules and regulations, millions of people around the world believe we British live in some sort of ‘demi-paradise’ - to quote Shakespeare. Not that he ever quotes me. And you can quote me on that! People flock here because they have an idealised vision of our country. While we’re blessed with freedom of speech, the freedom to roam and the freedom to grow and compete in business, those who arrive here legally or otherwise soon get a reality check when they realise 98% of us don’t live in country mansions a la “Downton” or Ca...

A woman has been fined £75 for throwing litter from a moving car. Council environmental enforcement officers were driving along the A485 in Carmarthen near Glangwili Hospital when they saw her throw tissue paper out of a car window. The woman was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in court where the maximum fine is £2,500. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Car litter is a major problem throughout the UK with cigarette ends, crisp packets, drinks cans and fast food littering our verges. “Anyone caught will be fined; but we need your help to keep Carmarthenshire clean by reporting anyone you see dropping litter from a vehicle. Our environmental enforcement officers can then make inquiries to identify the offender.” Note the registration number along with the car make, model and colour if possible as well as the date and time of the offence and then go to i-Local.

Don't end up on skid row. That’s the message from Carmarthenshire council’s road safety unit targeting tyre safety on our county roads. The tyre safety campaign coincides with ‘National Tyre Safety Month’. The message is simple, tyres should be checked frequently and especially before a long journey. Drivers should take care of their tyres, keep them correctly inflated and replace them when worn or damaged. Cars, light goods vehicles and light trailers must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles must have a minimum legal tread depth of 1mm. County executive board member for transport services, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “It is a legal requirement that your vehicle is fitted with the correct tyre for the vehicle type you are driving and for the purpose for which it is being used. “It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure...

More than £1,800 has been raised for the Carmarthenshire County Council Chairman’s Charities through a special concert in Carmarthen. Chairman Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths put on Cymanfa’r Hen Ganiadau at Priory Chapel last Sunday when the performers included Côr Meibion Caerfyrddin, baritone Aled Edwards, contralto Eleri Edwards, tenor Philip Watkin, and soprano Ann Davies. The accompanist was Meinir Jones Parry, and Dr Mair and Elin Walker presided. Cllr Hughes Griffiths said: “Cymanfa’r Hen Ganiadau has raised some £1,800 so far and money is still coming in. The proceeds will be shared between my two Chairman’s Charities, the Wales Talking Books Project and TENOVUS West Wales Cancer Care.”

Restoration work of the western retaining wall of Gelli Onn in Llanelli, costing £70,000, is nearing completion. Carmarthenshire council transport division have source the funding to repair the collapsing bank of earth and stone slabs which had led to the closure of the footway on one side of the busy carriageway. Vice president of Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce Gilmore Jones said:”It is tremendous to see this work being carried out. Having barriers up on one of Llanelli’s main thoroughfares has not been welcoming for visitors.” County executive board member for transport services Cllr Hazel Evans said:” The transport team are to be applauded for finding the money in these difficult times to carry out this work.” The work allows for planting to give a more decorative vista for this main traffic artery into Llanelli. The work replaces a crumbling slabbed area installed by the former Llanelli Borough Council more than 30 years ago.

The Rotary club of Merthyr Tydfil - a club which plays a very active part in the local community - has just introduced three new members. All of its members are special but never in its 87-year history as it had a female member. There are many female members in Rotary both nationally and internationally but this is the first in Merthyr Tydfil. Tracey Burke, the centre manager of Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil, Huw Williams, a lecturer and historian, and Hywel Samuel, an administrator, were formally introduced as Rotarians at a short ceremony at the club's meeting in October. The introduction was carried out by District Governor Chris Williams, who oversees some 67 clubs in District 1150 covering Wales. Chris was impressed by the many ways that the club was involved in the local community and living up to the Rotary motto " Service before Self " He also thanked the club for its contribution to international relief such as its efforts to eradicate polio in the world. He was...

A new programme to support the regeneration of rural Carmarthenshire is to be launched in the county. The programme will be administered by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of the Grŵp Cefn Gwlad Local Action Group. The LEADER programme is designed to get local people, businesses and communities involved in delivering sustainable, innovative solutions to address some of the economic, social and environmental challenges facing rural Carmarthenshire. Grŵp Cefn Gwlad has responsibility for rural regeneration and has developed a strategy which will provide a framework for LEADER activity within the county. The types of projects that may be funded include pilot projects - small scale and time limited activities aimed at testing out a concept or to try an innovative technique; feasibility studies to undertake research into a specific issue or problem; and facilitation and mentoring support to organisations and groups to help develop their skills and expertise. The council’s executi...

Six people have been fined for dropping cigarette ends in Carmarthenshire. Carmarthenshire Council environmental enforcement officers issued the fixed penalty notices for £75 for the littering offences. Failure to pay could lead to court prosecution and a maximum fine of up to £2,500. The fines were issued to a female in the Co-op car park in Cross Hands; a male in McDonald’s car park in Parc Trostre, Llanelli; two males in the service station car park in Pont Abraham; and two males in Llanybydder. The enforcement officers carry out patrols across the county seven days a week and anyone caught dropping litter can be fined. Approximately 80% of litter in Carmarthenshire is smoking-related. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Discarded cigarette ends make up the largest proportion of litter in Carmarthenshire and not only do they look unpleasant but they are also very difficult and costly to clean up as they fall into grates and cracks i...

Pembrey's Penybedd Level Crossing will be closed from a point 70 metres west of its junction with the A484 for a total distance of 36 metres in a westerly direction on Sunday, October 25. The closure, just off Kidwelly Flats, is necessary for Centurion Traffic Management to carry out engineering works to the level crossing from 3am to 9.30am on the Sunday morning. Work is being carried out in the early hours to minimise disruption. The alternative route for west bound traffic will be to travel in an easterly direction along the U2282 to its junction with the A484. At the junction, turn left and travel in a northerly direction along the A484 to its junction with the U2280. There, turn left and continue in a westerly direction along the U2280 to its junction with Penybedd Road. At the junction, turn left and continue in a southerly direction along Penybedd Road to its junction with the U2282. At the junction, turn left and continue in an easterly direction along the U2282 to ret...

Branding changes have been made to some vehicles in the upgrading of the 489-strong fleet of Carmarthenshire Council vehicles. As new vehicles are acquired to the fleet, ranging from 26-tonne refuse vehicles to lightweight electric cars, you will be seeing more of the rebranded vehicles rolled out on roads across the county. The updating of the council's considerable fleet will achieve savings of more than half a million pounds over three years. The council will explore the potential for advertising on the back doors of light commercial vehicles to help boost income in these austere times. Already, 20 property maintenance vehicles have the new livery and some gritters have been refurbished with the rebranding in time for the busy winter period. County executive board member for environment transport services, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: “Our latest investment within the vehicle fleet, is the replacement of refuse collection vehicles at a cost of £4.35m, which when they arrive in 2016...

Students at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Ammanford campus have been giving their views as part of a consultation exercise on charging for post 16 transport. The council’s transport section has been holding drop-in sessions at schools and college campuses throughout the county. Pupils, teachers and parents from all county secondary schools and staff and students from the five main college campuses are being asked for their views. The council currently provides free school/college transport to approximately 3,000 young people aged between 16 and 19 in the county. However, with a potential reduction in budget of almost £40 million over the next three years the council has no choice but to reduce spending on discretionary services (the things it is not required to do by law) such as post 16 transport. All partners involved have tried to find a way of sustaining the service. Those that can’t make the session at their school/college can attend one of the sessions at another location. There is also an o...

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Chairman is urging local residents to back the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Chair Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths is supporting the Poppy Appeal and has agreed that poppies can be placed in council premises. Last year’s Poppy Appeal currently stands at just over £45m which is an increase of more than £6m on the 2013 total. The Head of the Poppy Appeal Ray Sheppard said: “Our welfare services this year have seen over £1.3m a week spent on a variety of services. From helping a young widow through an inquest to ensuring that an older veteran can stay independent in their own home. “Our Armed Forces and the demands on our services are as important now as they have always been.” This year Remembrance falls from October 24 until November 11. The success of the Poppy Appeal relies on the committed support of volunteers and the British Legion is again running its Poppy People campaign to attract new volunteers. Anyone over 16 years of age can help and they can do...

Residents in the Felinfoel area of Llanelli are being urged to have a clear out. A waste and tyre amnesty is being held in Ysgol Y Felin on Tuesday, October 27 between 8am and 1pm. Most household waste can be taken along including unwanted furniture, carpets and mattresses, electrical items such as fridge-freezers and televisions, as well as black and blue bags. A maximum of four tyres can also be disposed of; however, tractor or lorry tyres will not be accepted. Hazardous waste such as paint, fluorescent tubes, batteries, chemicals, gas bottles and asbestos will not be accepted along with glass, garden waste, trade waste, construction waste and agricultural waste. Residents can pick up a free bag of Merlin’s Magic Compost (while stocks last) courtesy of CWM Environmental Ltd . Half-price compost bins will also be on sale for just £6 instead of the usual £12. Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “I hope residents take advantage of this opportunity to disp...

West Wales law firm Redkite Solicitors advised Cypriot-owned renewable energy company Egnedol on one of the most significant land purchases in Pembrokeshire. The deal saw the purchase of the former Gulf refinery at Waterston and the Royal Naval Armaments Dept (RNAD) Blackbridge site in Milford Haven. Egnedol intends to create a new renewable energy facility at the site, an investment which could rise up to £1.6billion over the next five years and hopes to create 560 jobs during the first phase of the investment. The renewable energy facility will convert biomass into a biogas to be used to produce green electricity or green liquid fuels. The heat and carbon dioxide captured from this process is to be used in food production businesses at the site. Egnedol also hopes to partner with Welsh universities to create a research and development facility on the site to develop further sustainable technologies. Partner Lucy Morris and associate Alun Price advised on the property...

The new President of Llanelli Rotary Club has held her first showpiece event of the year. Mrs Susan Roberts succeeded Hywel Bassett as President of Llanelli Rotary Club. She held her President's Night dinner at the Stradey Park Hotel. Honorary Rotarian Roy Noble, the celebrated BBC radio and television personality, was the guest speaker. Mrs Roberts has expressed her delight at taking over as club President and added that she was looking forward to a great year of community activities and fund-raising. Mrs Roberts was born in Llanelli and attended the old Llanelli Girls' Grammar School. After graduating in Institutional and Hotel Management, she went on to the King's Fund College for Officers (NHS) London as a management trainee. She spent three years based at the college in London and having practical work experience at a variety of hospitals throughout Wales. Mrs Roberts spent the next 27 years in the NHS in a variety of roles, finally becoming the Director of Facili...

Urology consultants at Llanelli’s Prince Philip Hospital have proudly unveiled a state-of-the-art scanner - worth £117,000 - that is set to put the University Health Board (UHB)’s male cancer services “at the top of the class”. The unveiling marks the pinnacle of months and indeed years of community fundraising across the region to update the hospital’s existing prostate cancer diagnosis capacity, allowing consultants to use imaging and perform targeted biopsies that hadn’t previously been possible. Consultant Urologist Mr Yeung Ng said: “When we began the fundraising campaign with Prince Philip’s League of Friends in late 2013, the goal was much more modest. But word trickled through and before I knew it I was having tea with the Mayor of Llanelli, and myself and my colleagues were in training for the Swansea 10K.” Fundraising and awareness soon mushroomed, as more and more local charities and businesses pledged their support, including Glangwili Hospital’s League of Friends, the We...

Bronglais General Hospital is looking for enthusiastic and considerate volunteers to help with the transport of patients, staff and items. Whether you can spare a few hours once a week or a couple of days each month, there will be an opportunity for you. Each volunteer will need to have their own car to respond to ad hoc transport requests, with driving costs reimbursed at the University Health Board’s volunteer mileage rate. A good knowledge of the local area or a satellite navigation system is required as you will sometimes need to collect people from their own homes, or take them back from hospital. To become a volunteer driver you will need to meet the following requirements: - You must have a minimum of 5 years driving experience - You must have no more than 3 points on your driving licence - You must be able to respond to a transport request within 20 minutes (during the period you have identified yourself as available) - Your car must have four doors, be clean and...

Homeowners are being advised of a new opportunity to get help towards improvements that will make their home warm, safe and secure. Carmarthenshire County Council is now able to offer repayment loans to homeowners, landlords and tenants who have to make repairs to their home as part of a tenancy agreement. Interest free loans of up to £25,000 are available, on condition that the works will improve the energy efficiency of a home, or make it a safer place to live. Only the council’s registered builders can be used to carry out the work. Cllr Linda Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing, said: “With winter on its way, people may be thinking of making improvements to their home but can’t afford the upfront costs of hiring a builder. These interest free loans are being made available to help people who own, or live in, substandard homes. We’re pleased to be able to offer homeowners priority, and also landlords who join our Social Lettings Agency.” The loans are offered to people at th...

A fundraising Curry Night for the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust project raised £1400. The event was held at the Ali Raj restaurant in Trinity Road, Llanelli, and was hosted by Llanelli MP Nia Griffith, chairman of the Trust, and the Rev Eldon Phillips, one of the trustees. "The response from the public and supporters of the trust was magnificent," said Trust secretary Richard Roper. "We are very grateful to the Ali Raj restaurant and prize and raffle donors for making it such a successful night." Rev Eldon Phillips  dressed up as Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the occasion. The event was also attended by civic dignitaries, including the Mayor of Llanelli Shahana Najmi. Auction items included a stunning painting of Carningli by award-winning artist Vicki Cooke and a very unusual 'photograph through a bottle', taken by Llanelli Photographic Society member Alun Lewis. "It was a fun night," said Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust project ...

Bryngolau Ward in Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli has become the first hospital setting in Carmarthenshire to achieve the Investors in Carers Bronze level award. The award recognises the excellent work undertaken by the ward in making sure that family and friends of patients recognise themselves as carers. The 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 wide range of information and advice is available for carers and ward staff have worked hard to ensure family members of patients understand how to get support that can make all the difference for them and the person they care for. In presenting the certificate Hywel Dda UHB Chair and Carers Champion Bernardine Rees OBE said: “I am delighted that staff have demonstrated such a clear commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of carers. The work of the ward in this area is helping the community bet...

Switching lights on for Santa means Dafen road in Llanelli will be closed temporarily next month. Part of Maescanner Road, Dafen from its junction with Havard Road for a total distance of 225 metres in an easterly direction will be closed between 5.45pm and 6.15pm on Friday, November 27. This is to ensure public safety during the festive lights switch on. The alternative route for west bound traffic will be to travel in an easterly direction along Maescanner Road to its junction with the B4303.  There the traffic will have to turn right and continue in a south-easterly direction along the B4303 to its junction with the roundabout. At this roundabout, take the third exit and continue in a south-westerly direction along the A4138 to its junction with Glyncoed Terrace. At the junction, turn right and continue in a north-westerly direction along Glyncoed Terrace to its junction with Havard Road. Traffic then has to turn right and continue in a north-easterly direction to return to...

The 10th Annual Rally of the Llanelli and District Model Engineers in Pembrey Country Park was opened by the Chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council. Chairman Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths said: “It was a day to remember with thousands of people from all parts of Britain present. It is worth visiting the Country Park to see the trains on the little railways going around the park.” Cllr Hughes Griffiths is pictured with members of Llanelli & District Model Engineers.

The sun came out in force for BBC weatherman Derek Brockway during his visit to Llanelli’s North Dock. The friendly forecaster was filming on Llanelli beach and the Millennium Coastal Path as part of the new TV series, Weatherman Walking. The Carmarthenshire beauty spot was chosen for the opening sequence of the BBC programme and will be showcased throughout the series. A drone camera was used to film Derek walking along the beach in the morning sunshine whilst capturing breathtaking views of the estuary and Whitford Lighthouse. The six episode walking programme is due to be aired in January. North Dock with its spectacular views has become popular with media organisations and recently The Great British Bake Off reality show filmed one of its contestants strolling along the beach front. The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “The beautiful coast here in Carmarthenshire is attracting more and more visitors each year and quite frankly I’m not surpris...

Gas work is leading to the temporary closure of King and Queen Streets in Carmarthen on Sunday, November 22, from 8am to 6pm. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety whilst Wales and West Utilities install three new gas supplies. The alternative route for south-west bound traffic will be via Church Street and Spilman Street detailed on the attached plan.

An independent member of Hywel Dda University Health Board has been actively supporting the flu campaign and has spoken of his own family’s experience of the illness. Pembrokeshire Councillor Dr Simon Hancock is urging all NHS staff to receive their free flu jab this autumn to protect vulnerable patients in hospitals across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Dr Hancock also stresses the importance of being vaccinated if people are in at risk group; pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, carers and those with certain long-term health conditions. For people in these groups the flu jab is provided for free in GP surgeries and participating community pharmacies. Dr Hancock, who is the Independent Member representative for the flu campaign, said: “I would encourage those at risk and those who work in health and social care to have the flu jab as it is an effective preventive measure which could avoid you and others from becoming seriously ill. “I have an interest in influen...

Legendary Phantom of the Opera star Peter Karrie is to star at Llanelli Rotary Club's big annual fundraising night. The annual Rotary Ball - one of the highlights of Llanelli's social calendar - will have a special theme this year. It is being billed as 'Music of the Night'. The Ball takes place at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, on Friday, October 30 (7 for 7.30pm). The evening will be dedicated to raising funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity. "It promises to be a fabulous evening," said Llanelli Rotary Club President Susan Roberts. "We've secured a big name star for a very special night and we are hoping the community of Llanelli rallies behind the event to make it a sell-out." Guests will enjoy a 'welcome drink', three course dinner with entertainment, Peter Karrie and Jimi Webb (The South Wales King of Swing). There will be dancing until late. Tickets are £35 and are available from the Stradey Park Hotel,...

Latest special offers from the Jenkins Bakery - WEEK COMMENCING October 12, 2015 3 Medium Corned Beef Pasties, £1.70 2 Large Corned Beef Pasties, £2.00 4 Medium Sausage Rolls, £1.85 2 Strawberry Manchester Tarts, £1.80 Sandwich Of The Week, Salmon and Cucumber, £2.15 Rustic Baguette Of The Week, Ham and Cheese, £2.45 Filled Softie Of The Week, Chicken Tikka, £2.35 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/

WGH Staff from Withybush hospital’s PACU, from left, Mr Narayan, Consultant Paediatrician, Dawn Thomas, Health Play Specialist and Jenny Phillips, Play Assistant, with characters donated by Fun Times Bouncy Castles. Play in the treatment of children has been celebrated across Hywel Dda University Health Board to mark National Play in Hospital Week 2015. Play is at the very centre of a healthy child’s life. From the earliest age, playing helps children to learn, to relate to other people and to have fun. When children or teenagers are admitted to hospital, they are at their most vulnerable. They are not only ill or suffering from an injury but are also separated from their friends and familiar surroundings. Play can really make a difference. Hywel Dda UHB has Play Specialists on Angharad ward at Bronglais Hospital, Cilgerran ward at Glangwili Hospital and the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU) at Withybush Hospital. Sandra Jones, Play Service Manager for the Hywel Dda UHB said: ...

The annual campaign to encourage people in eligible groups to have the free NHS flu vaccination and protect themselves from the illness has been launched. Beat Flu is a call to those aged 65 and over, people with certain long term health conditions and pregnant women to get vaccinated. Carers, volunteers providing care or providing first aid in organised public events, as well as Community First Responders, are also entitled to the vaccine, which is delivered as a small injection in the arm. To arrange your vaccine or to find out if you are eligible contact your GP surgery as soon as possible. Flu jabs are also available in some community pharmacies. This year the vaccine programme is being extended so children between the ages of two and six will be eligible. The vaccine is administered as a nasal spray and those aged two and three will receive it at their GP practice while those aged four, five and six (reception, year 1 and 2) will receive the spray at school. NHS staff are also ...

Health staff from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire were recognised for their achievements over the last year at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s annual general meeting. Chair Bernardine Rees OBE said: “Coming together for this important event has allowed myself and members of the Board to personally thank our staff, and to formally acknowledge their hard work and dedication. “The success of our organisation continues to be built on our staff, many of whom go above and beyond the call of duty every day to provide the very best care for our patients and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude”. The annual meeting also received the Annual Report for 2014/15, together with summary accounts and Annual Quality Statement. The audience, which included staff, partners, stakeholders and members of the public, heard examples of good practice, from new community support services to help people stay healthy, to expanded roles enabling staff to develop further, as well as a...