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

A Carmarthen butchers has accepted a plaque advertising the protected status of its traditional family recipe ham. Carmarthen Indoor Market’s Albert Rees Butchers was given the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for its Carmarthen ham recently by the European Union. Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs Leslie Griffiths visited Carmarthen Market on Friday in the company of Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member responsible for markets Cllr David Jenkins to present the plaque. PGI is one of three European designations created to protect regional foods that have a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that area. It acts like a Trade Mark and stops manufacturers from outside a region copying a regional product and selling it as that regional product. Albert Rees was set up in 1962 by Albert and Brenda Rees. In 1989, Chris and Ann Rees took over the business on the retirement of Chris's parents in Carmarthen and Pembro...

A host of activities are planned at Carmarthenshire markets to celebrate Welsh Week. To mark the event, which starts on Saturday, February 25, the markets will be decked out in Welsh flags. There will be free local produce tasting, arts and crafts making for children and Welsh music playing to entertain the crowds. On St David’s Day, Wednesday, March 1, shoppers will be treated to free Cawl tasting during the morning in Carmarthen and Llanelli. Scarlets players will also make appearances in Llanelli and visitors will be entertained by Cor Curiad singing outside The Teapot Café. Various activities are taking place across Carmarthen town with the annual Gwyl Dewi Parade starting from Carmarthen Park at 10am on Saturday. The indoor market has everything you need to celebrate St David’s Day – from traditional Welsh outfits for school children to other Welsh-themed accessories. And by supporting your local traders you can also pick up good quality, local ingredients at affordable price...

Impress your partner with a choice of gifts and flowers from Carmarthenshire Markets and be in with a chance of winning a romantic break at Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel on St Valentine’s Day. Visitors to Llanelli and Carmarthen markets who buy items associated with the patron saint of love will be entered into a draw with one lucky couple being treated to dinner and an overnight stay at the four-star hotel on Tuesday, February 14. From cards and flowers to perfume, paintings, clothing and jewellery there’s lots of different love tokens to be found in both markets. If you’re preparing your loved one a delicious meal, visit the market where you can buy a choice of great local produce from steaks to cheeses, speciality fish and seafood to delicious desserts. Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for the markets, Cllr David Jenkins said: “There are some great products available to buy in the market to celebrate Valentine’s Day. By doing so you’ll be support...

Show your love and celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day with the help of Carmarthenshire markets. The markets have all you need for a romantic night in to mark the patron saint of Welsh lovers day on Wednesday, January 25. Impress your partner with a choice of gifts, cards and flowers which are all available at Carmarthen and Llanelli indoor markets. From perfume to paintings to love themed signs or clothing and jewellery there’s lots of different gifts and ideas to be found at both markets. If you’re preparing your loved one a delicious meal, why not visit the market where you can buy a choice of great local produce; from steaks to cheeses, speciality fish and seafood to Gin and other spirits and delicious desserts. Why not surprise your loved one with a romantic trip and call into Eden Tours. Don’t forget your pets need pampering too, so pop into Burns Pet store or The Pet Pantry to find that perfect treat. In addition, one lucky couple will win a romantic dinner and an overnight stay for t...

Caws Teifi Cheese who have a stall in Carmarthen Indoor Market have done it again. At the British Cheese Awards ceremony , the annual Oscars of the cheese world, Caws Teifi Cheese smashed their own record by winning the Best Welsh Cheese for a record sixth time with their most renowned cheese Celtic Promise. Celtic Promise is a Caerphilly type washed-rind cheese and was developed by John Savage-Onstwedder of Teifi Farmhouse Cheese in Ceredigion, Wales. Since 1998 it has won the prestigious title of Supreme Champion twice at the British Cheese Awards, five times the best Semi-Soft Cheese in Britain and more than 10 Gold medals, making it the most highly awarded cheese in Britain! An unpasteurised, semi-soft cheese made from RAW cows' milk, it is shaped like a dumpling. During the process, the cheese is ripened in cider to get the slightly moist, sticky orange-red rind and fruity smell. As this cheese ripens in about eight weeks, the soft buttery texture develops a pungent aroma an...

Traders in Carmarthen market have chosen their charity for this year. It has been decided that they will support the RNLI-inshore division, following on from the part the crews have played in the search for 11-year-old Cameron Comey. Chair of market’s traders committee, Doug Ashton, said: “Each year we support a charity, and this year traders felt that they would like to support the RNLI-inshore division as we appreciate the work they have been doing, particularly in the town recently. “This year’s choice was an easy one to make following the town and county uniting in the prayers and hopes in the search for Cameron.” The money donated is made up from the percentage of the takings received to the committee from the market’s photobooth and children’s ride as well as donations made by shoppers to the wishing well in the foyer. For more information on traders, opening times and what’s coming up in our county’s markets please visit www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

Shoppers and traders at Carmarthen market have donated £400 to the Special Care Baby Unit in Glangwili hospital. Each year the market’s traders committee picks a local charity to support throughout the year. The money donated is made up from the percentage of the takings received to the committee from the market’s photobooth and children’s ride as well as donations made by shoppers to the wishing well in the foyer. Chairman of the traders committee, Doug Ashton, said: “Just by using the photobooth in the market or by making a donation in our wishing well, shoppers are helping local charities, such as the SCBU unit in Glangwili. We would like to thank all those who supported and helped us pass on this money to a good cause. We shall be continuing to raise money for another local good cause this year.” The money raised will go towards purchasing a sofa bed for the newly re-decorated parent’s sitting room in the unit. Julie Young, Neonatal Unit Manager at the Special Care Baby Unit in G...

Come and celebrate St David’s Day at Carmarthenshire’s markets. From cawl tasters to face painting, there’s lots going on in Llanelli and Carmarthen indoor markets to celebrate the weekend long. On Friday, February 27 between 11am-1pm at Carmarthen Indoor Market there will be cawl tasters and recipe cards detailing where you can purchase the ingredients directly from the market; free facepainting and traditional music. On Saturday, February 28 at Llanelli Indoor Market you can find free facepainting between 11am-1pm as well as a free St David’s Day picture at our green screen area in front of the Teapot cafe all day. Celebrations continue in Llanelli Indoor Market on Monday, March 2 with cawl tasters, recipe cards and traditional music. Radio Carmarthenshire will be broadcasting from Carmarthen and Llanelli markets on the Friday and Monday between 11am-1pm. We will also be announcing the winner of our ‘create a radio advert’ competition for primary schools. Ysgol Dewi Sant, Ysgol Lla...

Carmarthen market will now be open every Sunday in the run up to Christmas. It’s even easier to wrap up your Christmas by visiting the indoor market – now open 7 days a week from this Sunday (December 7). The market will be open from 10am-4pm every Sunday. And don’t forget you can take the stress out of the organising the big day by pre-ordering your fresh produce in good time - visit your local market trader to find out more. Carmarthen open air market will also be held every Sunday in December in the run-up to Christmas and every day from Monday, December 15 until Christmas Eve. Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for the markets Cllr Jeff Edmunds said: “With the markets open on these extra dates it’s even easier to get Christmas wrapped up.” To find out Christmas opening hours and much more, visit www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

A bubbly waitress is staying silent in a bid to raise money for good causes. Amanda Jones who works at Cwtch Bach Cafe in Carmarthen Market will once again be taking part in a sponsored silence to raise money for Children in Need on Friday, November 14. Last year she raised almost £600 thanks to customer donations. The sponsored silence is one of a number of things staff at the cafe will be doing throughout the week in order to raise as much money as possible for Children in Need. Amanda, who has worked at the cafe for five years said: “It’s quite hard to serve and take people’s orders whilst staying silent but I wear a sign explaining what I’m doing and customers are great. We raised a fantastic amount last year and hopefully we can do the same this year.” Why not pop along and see what staff at Cwtch Bach Cafe are getting up to for Children in Need this year. Find out more about our county’s markets and upcoming events by visiting www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

Efan Parry, aged eight, a pupil at Ysgol y Dderwen, Carmarthen, has won two Welsh books after taking part in a colouring competition held in Carmarthen market. Children visiting the market on Diwrnod Shwmae Day were invited to take part in a colouring competition to be in with a chance to win two books kindly donated by Carmarthen Market business, Siop y Pentan. For further information and upcoming events at our county’s markets visit  www.carmarthenshiremarkets.co.uk

Three new businesses have started trading in Carmarthen Market. Rone’s Jewellery Repair Specialists can be found behind the Clock Tower and Big Rasta Nation and Cowin Lush Cakes have opened up inside the market hall. This brings the total to 6 new traders opening in the market in recent months. Rone’s Jewellery Repair Specialists offer services including ring sizing, ring repairs, chain repairs, supply of precious gemstones, remodelling of current jewellery, bespoke design service and cleaning and rhodium services. The independent family business is run by Caroline and Jonathan Rone. Caroline said: “Jonathan previously worked in Burgess Jewellers in Carmarthen for 30-years. Things are going really well here in the market at the moment.” Big Rasta Nation sells Caribbean crafts, mens, ladies and childrenswear, jewellery and over-18 goods. Trader Emerson Ray has been trading in the outdoor market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a year. He is currently trading in the both the indoor an...

Show your support to the high street and visit Carmarthen Market this Friday. Traders are celebrating the National Support Your High Street campaign. Not only will you be able to do your shopping but you will also be entertained by Radio Cymru broadcaster Marc Griffiths. There will also be cookery demonstrations using produce from the market by Lisa Fearn of the Pumpkin Patch Kitchen & Garden. Between 11am and 3pm Marc Griffiths will be finding out more about the goods available to buy in the market as well as finding out more about some of the traders.  Shoppers will be able to see some of the clothing and accessories close up and taste some of the flavours of the market with tasters. Come and see the county council stand at the former Computabuilda unit in the centre of the market hall. Carmarthenshire County Council’s executive board member responsible for markets, Cllr Jeff Edmunds, said: “It’s great to see the traders coming together and supporting this national camp...

Carmarthen man Kenneth polishes off 2lb Man vs Food-style burger | This is South Wales Kenneth Crowley, of Water Street, ate the giant burger — eight quarter-pounders — at Carmarthen Market butcher Alun ap Fychan, which sells Almighty Welsh Burgers. Bit gross in my book and doubt that it does you much good to eat in such quantities.

A range of activities are taking place for young people and their families at Carmarthen Market during the month of August. On Friday August 3, the Carmarthen Twirlers will be performing by the Clock Tower Square from 10am-4pm. For anyone interested in learning how to baton twirl, this is the perfect workshop to get involved in. For the more creative person, an arts and crafts workshop from clean waste materials will be hosted by Johnstown-based community interest company, Trysordy. The event will take place at the Clock Tower Square from 10am-3pm. Oriel Myrddin Gallery will also host an art workshop on Friday, August 24 between 11am-1pm, and 2pm-4pm. Young people will get the opportunity to show off their artistic skills and learn how to make various artistic items. All events are free of charge, and young children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Market Manager, Eifion Evans said: “We are pleased to be able to offer activities for young people during the school holiday...

Albert Rees in Carmarthen In a nutshell: Forget Parma Ham, it’s Carmarthen Ham that matters at Albert Rees the butchers in Carmarthen’s Indoor Market. Chris Rees, a fifth generation member of the Rees family, is one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes. The theory goes that when the Romans conquered Carmarthen they stole the recipe for air-dried hams. http://www.carmarthenham.co.uk/ Carmarthen SA31 1QY 01267 237687 The longer view: “When the Romans conquered Carmarthen, they pinched our recipe for Carmarthen ham.” So says Chris Rees, the fifth generation of the Rees family to supply cured hams and bacon to the Carmarthenshire community, a family business that stretches back to the 19th century. Chris – one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” – makes the award-winning air-dried Carmarthen hams, with his wife, Anne, to a secret recipe, for which they’re seeking appellation status. You can see the hams hanging high above the counters at Albert Rees, the butcher’s shop Chris runs in the Carma...

  The Jubilee event at Carmarthen Market went down a treat with visitors to the town. The traders put on a range of activities to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and all who attended had a great time. Activities included a chocolate coin hunt, live entertainment by Just Keith and The Only Clown in the Village, arts and craft stalls and tombola. A total of £457.07 was raised and proceeds will go to the Help for Heroes charity. Market trader, Joan Willson said:“I’m so glad we were able to put on such a great event to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee; children and families really enjoyed and to top it all we are able to help a very worthy charity. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who helped support the charity.” Dena Lloyd , Help for Heroes County Coordinator added: “It was an honour to be at the event. The charity will be delighted by the donation and I’m so glad the day was such a success. Well done to the traders at Carmarthen market for putting o...

Carmarthen market is the place to be to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. On Saturday June 2 from 11:00am a range of activities will take place in and around the market, including a jubilee themed treasure hunt for the children, live music at the clock tower square by ‘Not the Only Clown in the Village’ and ‘Just Keith’, various arts and crafts stalls and tasty cup cakes to devour. The Carmarthen market traders will also be holding a tombola and proceeds will go to the Help for Heroes charity. Rose Leaf, a trader at Carmarthen market said “following the success of our previous Easter themed event we really wanted to put on something else for members of the public to enjoy. “With the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations just around the corner we thought a jubilee themed event would go down a treat. The event is open to everyone and we know it will be a great day out for all the family.” Joan Willson, also a trader at Carmarthen market added “It’s going to be a fun-packed day and I hope people...

Carmarthen Market has won the prestigious CLAW (Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales) Building of the Year Award 2011. The Market, designed by Rio Architects, is uniquely designed which reinforces the importance of the historic clock tower whilst providing the focus for the £66 million St. Catherine’s walk development and the town centre; it attracts interest and admiration from local community and visiting tourists alike. Councillor Kevin Madge, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Corporate Property said: “The Market overcame considerable site, local community and logistical challenges to deliver an outstanding landmark building. “The new market opened in 2010 by HRH The Princess Royal and is an excellent showcase for Carmarthen’s local produce. “We are delighted with the new building and we hope it will attract many visitors for years to come.” Jonathan Fearn, Carmarthenshire Council’s Head of Corporate Property added: “Prior to the new building, m...

Love is in the air at Carmarthenshire markets for St Dwynwen’s Day on January 25. In Carmarthen Market, S4C chef Hazel Thomas will be showing shoppers how to make romantic home-cooked meals, using produce from the market. People will be encouraged to buy market goods themselves to cook meals for their loved ones on the special day. At Carmarthen and Llanelli, a wide range of romantic gifts and local produce are on sale for people to give their loved ones. The most traditional gift to give on St Dwynwen’s Day is a Welsh love spoon, a custom that originated hundreds of years ago. St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of love and friendship, who lived during the 5th Century and was one of the King of Wales Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She is said to have been deeply religious and enchantingly beautiful, and was broken hearted when she fell in love with a prince called Maelon but her father refused to let her marry him. It is said that after praying, Dwynwen was visited by an ange...