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

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 ...

Special offers of accommodation for the Dylan Thomas 100 festival in April are now available on  www.discovercarmarthenshire.com The Dylan Thomas 100 festival is a year-long festival celebrating the birth of Dylan Thomas with a variety of special events running across South West Wales during 2014. Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Swansea Councils are involved under the umbrella of the Welsh Government. Carmarthenshire events are centred on the Dylan Thomas Boathouse in Laugharne, where Dylan wrote many of his most influential and important works and also across the whole of Carmarthenshire where Dylan found the inspiration for the many works he wrote about Carmarthenshire including such favourites as “Fernhill”, “Poem in October” and even his most influential work “Under Milk Wood”. This April will see the literary glitterati descend on Laugharne for the return of the well established and highly regarded Laugharne Weekend Festival, but will also see a further Laugharne Weekend fes...

The Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen which has recently had a £1.5 million refurbishment is hosting a ‘Kill for a Seat’ comedy night. Headlining this month is comedian Ian Cognito, who has appeared on many comedy stages over the years including Glastonbury. Phil Daoust from The Guardian described Cognito as, “Putting them all in the shade. If you want to know what’s wrong with New Britain, he’s going to tell you. And if you don’t, you’d better keep your mouth shut. Just stunning.” The comedy night takes place on October 12 and tickets are £8 per person. Support comes from Chris Brooker and the MC for the night is Ben Van Der Velde. Guests must be aged 16 or over to gain entry. Carmarthenshire County Council helps promote local businesses and attractions in the county. For more information visit www.discovercarmarthenshire.com

A company catering for French, Belgian and Swiss tourists is coming to Carmarthen to see what the county has to offer. Herve Rouxel of Sligo-based Alainn Tours will visit Carmarthenshire next month as part of a trip to Wales organised by Visit Wales. Alainn Tours has a target market of France, Belgium and Switzerland. The firm currently offer tours to individuals and groups from these markets to Ireland and Scotland but is now keen to include Wales in 2013. Their packages include car hire and accommodation. Mr Rouxel will be visiting Laugharne, Llandeilo and Llandovery during his time in Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council marketing and tourism development officer Sarah Owen said: “Mr Rouxel wants to see what Carmarthenshire and Wales has to offer. He plans to undertake research by driving around, taking notes, meeting people, visiting accommodation and taking pictures.” Council executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “I’m delighted. Mr Roux...

Ammanford Fire Station is hosting an open day next weekend with fun and entertainment for all the family. The event is taking place on October 6 from 10am-3pm, and it is being organised by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. There is no entry fee and all monies raised will be donated to the Firefighters Charity, which is the UK’s provider of services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for serving and retired firefighters and their families. There will be a variety of games, activities, refreshments and demonstrations throughout the day, including a chip pan fire and community safety and road traffic collision displays. There will also be stalls selling merchandise such as Blaze Bear toys and Children’s Fire Helmets. Local firefighters and community safety staff will be on hand to chat to visitors about the fire and rescue and work in helping to keep communities safe from fire. Craig Flannery, Community Station Manager said: “This is a great opportunity to meet Ammanford...

Hurst House on the Marsh is now taking bookings for works Christmas parties throughout November and December. There is also an offer to spend three nights at the hotel for a Christmas escape. The hotel is located just outside Laugharne, a 15 minute drive from Carmarthen. They are able to organise a host of activities for guests, including arranging local experts in sea-fishing, golfing, horse-riding and cycling. The three night stay over the Christmas period includes traditional mulled wine, afternoon tea and carols with a Christmas Eve feast. December 25 involves a champagne breakfast in bed, homemade winter punch and a five course lunch, homemade mince pies and a buffet in the evening. On Boxing Day you can have tea and toast while waiting for brunch, tea and cakes served at 3pm and a finale dinner at 7.30pm. Breakfast concludes the stay on December 27. There are also New Year packages available. Carmarthenshire County Council’s tourism department helps promote local businesses a...

Carmarthenshire’s tourism section is using new technology and sponsorship to develop the county’s tourist industry. The county council is committed to improving the economic impact of the industry, which is worth around a third of a billion pounds a year and sustains the equivalent of 6,00 full-time jobs. Carmarthenshire is the sixth largest tourism area in Wales and is increasing. A report on progress over the last year has been presented to the council’s regeneration and leisure scrutiny committee. Marketing and tourism manager Huw Parsons said: “Our tasks are categorised into two different sectors - Destination Management and Destination Marketing. “Destination management is about ensuring that visitors to the county have a high quality, varied and enjoyable experience, while destination marketing is about ensuring Carmarthenshire is promoted as an attractive place to visit for selected target audiences.” Tourism officers work closely with other staff in the regeneration and leisure...