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

The latest 'On Song' column (about the choral scene in Carmarthenshire) from the Carmarthen Journal and Llanelli Star - There’s a big concert celebrating St David, the patron saint of Wales, planned for Carmarthenshire in March. The St David’s Celebration Concert is being staged by Loud Applause Productions at Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli, on Saturday, March 11, 7pm. The concert will featured a more than 100 male voices as the combined choirs of Burry Port, Dyffryn Amman, Dyffryn Tywi and Mynydd Mawr take the stage under the skilful baton of renowned maestro Alwyn Humphreys. The soloist will be soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and the guest accompanist will be Jeff Howard. Popular host Garry Owen, of TV and radio fame, will be the compere for the evening. The event will mark a rare Llanelli appearance for Elin Manahan Thomas. Thomas was born in 1977 in Gorseinon, the daughter of M. Wynn Thomas OBE, a Professor of Literature at Swansea University, and Karen Thomas. She was educated at t...

This morning's 10,000 steps were taken before dawn . . . around North Dock and Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Park. Photos:

Residents in three Carmarthenshire communities are being asked for their views on proposals to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The council is consulting on Safer Routes in Communities schemes for Carmarthen, Pontyberem and Pencader. These communities were successful at the first stage of the assessment process. Display boards showing details of the schemes will be put up in each of the areas so that people can leave feedback. The comments will form part of a bid to Welsh Government for funding for the schemes to be carried out next year in 2017-18. The council is also consulting directly with local schools, town and community councils and the local members. The Safer Routes in Communities project has been developed to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists through the implementation of engineering measures such as cycle routes, cycle paths, traffic calming and educational road safety initiatives. The aim is to shift away from car use for cert...

More than two thirds of food businesses in Carmarthenshire have achieved the top rating of five for food hygiene standards. And more than 97 per cent have achieved a rating of 3-5. The good news has been reported to today’s (Monday) meeting of Carmarthenshire County Council’s environmental and public protection scrutiny committee. The council has also revealed the businesses that are performing poorly and have failed to respond to a council letter asking them to confirm their plans to become broadly compliant with the rules. Two businesses have now been removed from the list after making improvements. Food Hygiene Rating Scheme was set up in November 2013 and has ratings covering the level of current compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures, including food handling, cleanliness, layout, and how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe. There are six different food hygiene ratings; these are 0 to 5. A rating of 5 is the highest rating and re...

This week's special offers at Jenkins Bakery shops - WEEK COMMENCING January 16, 2017 3 Medium Corned Beef Pasties, £1.75 2 Large Corned Beef Pasties, £2.10 2 Minced Beef and Onion Pies, £2.40 2 Egg Custard Tarts, £1.40 Rustic Baguette of the Week, Chicken Tikka, £2.50 Filled Softie of the Week, Ham Salad, £2.35 Website - http://jenkinsbakery.co.uk/