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

They are already two of the most popular and successful singers in Wales. Now Aled Edwards and Eleri Owen Edwards are launching a new CD of uplifting and inspirational duets. “It’s a first for us as we as we have been handling all aspects of the CD production,” said Eleri. “But the finished result makes us both feel very proud and we hope our fans – old and new – will enjoy it.” Home for Aled and Eleri is in Cilycwm, Llandovery, on a farm well-known for its pedigree herd of Limousin cattle. Balancing a busy farming life in the picturesque Tywi Valley and their musical careers is now second nature to the couple. “We love singing – and we love entertaining. We both have long-established solo careers and we hope this CD will also highlight our work as a duo,” said Eleri. The mezzo-soprano and baritone have combined to produce what they describe as “a CD of uplifting and inspirational duets”. They are both Blue Riband (David Ellis Memorial Prize) National Eisteddfod winners. Aled triu...

Two people have been fined £75 for dropping cigarette ends. Council environmental enforcement officers issued the fixed penalty notices to the two men in Llandovery. They were on patrol in the area ta the time of the offences. Failure to pay the fixed penalty notices could lead to prosecution in court and a fine of up to £2,500. Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said the council had a zero tolerance approach to littering. Smoking-related litter - predominantly made up of cigarette ends – can be found on around 80% of Carmarthenshire streets. Not only are cigarette ends difficult to clean up but they can affect the environment and wildlife by contaminating water supplies with toxic chemicals. Cllr Jones added: “Cigarette ends fall into grates and cracks in the pavement and cannot be removed by normal cleaning methods. “Hopefully these fines will help to raise awareness of the problem and deter people from dropping this type of litter. “Our e...

A Llandovery business has been fined £100 for failing to have proper arrangements in place for the disposal of its waste. The owner was issued with a fixed penalty notice by council environmental enforcement officers. All businesses must have an agreement in place with a fully licensed waste company to make sure that any waste produced during the course of their business, is stored, transported and disposed of without harming the environment; known as their ‘Duty of Care.’ Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “The business in question was given 21 days to resolve the issue; however it failed to do so and was fined as a result. “The majority of businesses in Carmarthenshire are compliant with the legislation but we will not hesitate to take action against those who are not.” For further information visit the council website or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.

A new digital outreach service is being launched to help people in rural parts of Carmarthenshire. It will give them access to the same advice and support which is available in the Hub in Llanelli town centre without having to travel to the Hub itself. The Hub is a one stop shop which brings together all advice, information, education, voluntary, housing, and employment opportunities in the county. Experienced advisers, who have extensive knowledge of all the opportunities and services available, are on hand to help. The new outreach service is known as the hub-spoke and involves customers undertaking a Skype interview with any of the Hub’s support services from a dedicated public access point. There will be two hub-spokes – one at the Municipal Buildings in Llandeilo, and the other at Llandovery Library. They are part of a new project - the Carmarthenshire Universal Support Delivered Locally (USDL) trial, which is one of only two in Wales. The scheme, which is a partnership betwee...

A fantastic £1800 has been raised by a Llandovery family to say thank you for the care and support provided by the children’s diabetic service at Glangwili Hospital. Earlier this year, 20 friends and family joined Isobelle Davies on a climb of the highest peak in south Wales, Penyfan in the Brecon Beacons with the help of Andrew, an experienced and keen walker. This week, Isobelle and daughter Ruth visited the team at Glangwili Children’s Centre and presented a cheque for £1806.83. Isobelle said: “We are so pleased to hand over this cheque today. Everyone is so good in the diabetic clinic and it is fantastic to have them. We wanted to say thank you for all the care and support provided to our family. We would also like to thank everyone who joined us on the walk and those who sponsored us to raise such a fantastic amount of money.” Sister Yvonne Davies, Paediatric Diabetes Specialist Nurse at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “On behalf of the team it was my pleasure to acce...

All eyes were on Llandovery Hospital as the hospital’s League of Friends launched the final push for their X-Ray appeal with the help of local rugby hero Rob McCusker. The Scarlets captain and Wales international player was on hand to unveil a new eye catching board outside the hospital that will track the progress of the final stages of the appeal as it gets ever closer to its target of £225,000. The Llandovery Hospital League of Friends launched the appeal in August 2013 to raise funds for a new state of the art x-ray machine for the benefit of local patients. And in preparation for the new technology the university health board’s in-house design team have been hard at work to ensure the department will provide the best patient and staff environment possible. Rob McCusker, said: "It is a great honour to have been invited here today to help support what is a great cause. The League of Friends have worked tirelessly to raise much needed funds in order to purchase and install ...

Katie Bullock of Llandovery has set up her own business as an Artist/Illustrator following assistance from RDP Sir Gâr’s Mentro project that guides young entrepreneurs. Mainly working from commissions, painting various subjects, from loved pets to family homes, Katie has started original paintings, prints and cards through local shops, such as The Myddfai Gift Shop, Lorwyn Gifts and The Red Giraffe. Mentro hosted an 'Evening with Business Stars' at Dinefwr Park with speakers including The Apprentice’s Alex Mills that inspired Katie to follow her business dream. She said: "I found that the event really honed in on the idea of making a business out of something you love. You have to be passionate and enthusiastic about your business for it to succeed." Menter Bro Dinefwr Chief Executive Owain Gruffydd is delighted with Katie’s venture: “We are very pleased that Katie has been inspired to start her own business following support by Mentro. We hope that more young peop...

There were plenty of cheers at Llandovery College when Wales thrashed Argentina at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday. The College was immensely proud to have three of its former pupils starting the second autumn international. George North, Alun Wyn Jones and Rhodri Jones all honed their rugby skills at Llandovery College. George and Rhodri were classmates together and left school just three years ago. Since he left Llandovery College, Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones has clocked up an amazing record of 72 Wales caps and six Lions Test caps. George North, meanwhile, has grown into one of the most influential Welsh backs of recent times and has already made it into the history books as the youngest try-scorer in the World Cup. Both George and Alun Wyn toured with the British Lions this summer with Alun Wyn captaining Wales in the third test against Australia. Scarlets rookie Rhodri Jones is seen the new kid on the block, by making his third appearance and second start fo...

Triathletes are targeting Carmarthenshire for their training sessions and regular events. There is rarely a weekend passing without a major triathlon taking place somewhere in the county with athletes from all over the country taking part. Llandovery’s recent Triathlon provided a stern challenge for 100 athletes deep in rural Carmarthenshire and was a great spectacle for many hundreds of spectators. Healthy Life Activities, working with the council leisure Department and Fusion gyms, is helping to build a new structure of triathlons across county making use of the county’s cycle tracks, swimming pools, footpaths and running routes. Carmarthenshire council executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “It is planned to develop a three-tier approach with mini, junior, novice and competitive triathlons at various county locations using the expertise and facilities within Llanelli’s Millennium Coastal Park. “Fusion will offer membership and specific classes geared a...

Visitors to a Carmarthenshire bunkhouse and bistro are being offered the chance to get behind the wheel of eco-friendly vehicles. Throughout August, The Level Crossing in Llandovery will be home to a Twizy electric car and two eBicycles. Both the part car/part scooter, which is powered using solar, hydro and wind energy, and bicycles are available to hire. The idea is to promote sustainable travel and reduce carbon footprint. The venture is primarily aimed at walkers and cyclists with secure storage and washing facilities for mountain bikes available. Open since May and located near to Llandovery Station, The Level Crossing bunkhouse is a community interest company that offers modern accommodation, food and a friendly bar. On the doorstep of the western Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy here - mountains, lakes, castles, gardens and market towns. The area can satisfy the most energetic mountain biker to the more relaxed walker or keen ...

HRH the Prince of Wales has opened the Llandovery Work Hub – the first rural work hub in Wales. The innovative scheme, which provides a collaborative working space for local businesses, is based above the town’s Tourist Information Centre. The Prince was shown round the Hub and spoke to businesses using the facilities and to staff and representatives of Carmarthenshire County Council. He unveiled the plaque at the Hub and said: “I’m very proud to have this brief opportunity to come and look round the new Hub and literally to open it on its first occasion. “It’s fabulous to see the local authority supporting local business and being so proactive. I am very impressed with the commitment you are making to ensure our communities are sustainable.” The idea of creating the first rural work hub in Wales was formulated based on the results of a recent feasibility study and the outcomes of a workshop held in mid December, which a broad selection of representatives from the town attende...

There are exciting developments at Llandovery YMCA. The centre has benefitted from two RDP Sir Gâr schemes and will soon include carpentry and bike workshops and a new kitchen in which to develop OCN accredited Food Hygiene courses. In addition, the community arts room will be enhanced and the vegetable garden extended. A Rural Community Inclusion (RCI) grant has helped to fund these new facilities. RCI comprises of a package of support designed to help increase the availability and accessibility of basic services and facilities in rural areas. RCI Project Development Officer Glyn Jones has worked closely with the group to develop the new plans, including funding £5,500 worth of IT equipment for a Job Club, and David Saywell of the Cryfhau Cymunedau project (part of RDP Sir Gâr’s Innovative Hubs scheme) will be helping to support the job club being created at the Centre. Rural Community Inclusion and Innovative Hubs are funded by the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 w...

Llandovery townsfolk bleat about Royal jokers! (From South Wales Guardian) A storm has erupted in Llandovery over cut-outs depicting the Royal Family as a flock of sheep. Some shops are displaying the cut-outs of sheep - with faces of the Royals stuck on - to advertise Llandovery’s Sheep Festival this weekend. But former Llandovery town clerk Terry Leyman said some people felt it was in “baaaa-d taste” and revealed he had raised the matter with Trading Standards and Dyfed-Powys Police. And see this blog for more - http://carmarthenplanning.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/royal-sheep.html

Pupils from Pantycelyn School held an event to raise awareness of the Carmarthenshire Schools Torch Relay and the London 2012 Olympics. The ‘Silly Olympics 2012’ event was held on Wednesday March 14 and young people took part in activities including obstacle courses, a mystery munch, Haribo chopsticks, balloom slalom and various races. The events were a mixture of individual and team efforts and prizes were awarded by Assistant Head Teacher, Elin Forsyth, to each event winner along with a certificate of participation to all involved. Ownzone is an after school provision aimed at pupils in years 7-9; the programme is delivered in partnership between Carmarthenshire Council’ s Youth Service and Secondary School Teachers. Ownzone takes place in Pantycelyn School on Wednesdays between 3:15 – 5:15pm and activities include cookery, arts and crafts, computer games and homework support. School Support Youth Worker, Rachel Davies said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Silly Olympics Even...

The Innovative Communities project, part of the Innovative Hubs scheme, has awarded its first grant to Llandovery Town Council. Innovative Communities(IC) aims to encourage those living in rural Carmarthenshire to take the lead with innovative ideas to benefit their community. Grants are available up to 100% of project costs to enable these communities to trial their ideas with a view to improving quality of life in their locality. Llandovery Town Council will receive this funding to conduct a feasibility study looking for solutions to improve the functionality of the Llandovery Heritage Centre and the service and facility it provides for the community. The Centre is owned by the Town Council and has been in existence since 1995 as a heritage museum and tourist information centre. Volunteers man the museum and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (subsidised by CCC) staff the TIC. Unfortunately, there has been a decline in visitors recently to the point where the centre is now ...

Llandovery Library will have new opening hours from April 2 onwards. The facility will be open from 1pm – 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays from this date

BBC News - Ysgol Pantycelyn, Llandovery, judicial review refused A judge has refused a legal challenge to plans to merge two secondary schools in Carmarthenshire, according to the county council. Campaigners fighting to keep Ysgol Pantycelyn in Llandovery had applied for a judicial review. There are plans to merge the school with Tregib near Llandeilo and build a new school on a new site. The Pantycelyn Action Group has asked for a hearing before a different judge to review the refusal. That will take place on 8 March.

Pupils from Ysgol Rhys Pritchard in Llandovery have visited County Hall as guests of the chairman of Carmarthenshire County Council. The children met the chairman Cllr Ivor Jackson in the Chairman’s Room. The children and teachers are pictured with Cllr Jackson and the Chairman’s Consort Mrs Mary Jackson.

A man has each been fined £75 for dumping bags of rubbish on the ground at the recycling bring site in Llandovery. The council’s environmental enforcement officers were on duty at the site when they saw a vehicle towing a large trailer stop directly in front of the bring banks. A male got out of the vehicle and unloaded several blue and black bags which he placed on the ground. He then unloaded a cardboard box containing bottles which he put in the glass bank, but then left the box on the ground. As the man started to pull away from the site, the officers approached him explaining who they were and what they had seen. They searched the bags and found a large amount of food waste and other general waste that could not be recycled. The officers highlighted the sign at the entrance to the bring site which clearly stated that no items were to be left on the ground. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice for £75. Failure to pay could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and ...

Carmarthenshire's 50+ Champion has visited Llandovery Friendship Club to persuade its members to join the county’s 50+ Forum. Cllr Kevin Madge spoke at the club’s meeting in Vicar Prichard Hall about the role of the 50+ Forum in promoting the interests of older people in Carmarthenshire. Friendship Club chair Mary Jackson said: “Cllr Madge gave an interesting history of his role as a county councillor and as a member of Cwmamman Town Council. He told us about the 50+ Forum and asked if any of our members would be interested in joining. I think the majority were.” Cllr Madge said: “I am visiting clubs across Carmarthenshire on a membership drive to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from free membership of the 50+ Forum. “I’m delighted that most of the members of the Friendship Club decided to sign up to join.” Llandovery Friendship Club, which doesn’t have an age limit, meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Anyone interested in joining should contact Mrs Mary Jackso...