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

Father Christmas is making a welcome return to Llanelli Rotary Club's Grotto this weekend. The grotto is based at the BHS store in Trostre, Llanelli. Last year, the Rotary Club Grotto raises more than £1700 for local charities. 'Santa' is flying down from the North Pole to sit in the special Rotary Grotto at the BHS store on eight days in the run-up to Christmas. He is being accompanied by some specially-dressed Rotary Club 'elves'. Rotarian Alison Evans said last year's Grotto was such a hit with children that opening hours have been extended this year. Alison said: "Santa is full of the joy of Christmas and most of the young visitors who call in to see him at the Grotto are delighted with the experience. "We are, of course, grateful to Linda Ryan and the team at BHS in Trostre for being such great hosts for Father Christmas." Charities being supported by the Rotary Grotto this year are - Bobath cerebral palsy centre treating new...

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...

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,...

Llanelli Rotary Club staged a 'Tea and Trends' fashion show at the Stradey Park Hotel to give the Wales Air Ambulance service a big lift. The event raised £1550 for the air ambulance team. "It was a fantastic event and we were delighted to be able to raise a lot of cash for the Wales Air Ambulance service, a thoroughly deserving cause," said Llanelli Rotary Club President Susan Roberts. "The air ambulance in South Wales is currently building a new headquarters in Dafen, Llanelli, and we know that the money will help boost this worthy venture. "It was a splendid afternoon for the fashion-loving ladies to come together in relaxed and convivial settings. "Everyone enjoyed a cheeky glass of Prosecco on arrival and a superb afternoon tea served up by the staff of the Stradey Park Hotel. "The fashion parade, which saw the models tour the tables, was organised by Melanie Shufflebotham of Mossies fashion shop in Llanelli. "The grateful th...

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club will be in the St Elli Centre, Llanelli, on Saturday, September 12 as part of the club's annual Back Pack Appeal for schoolchildren in Africa. Members of the public are being asked to donate old back packs or satchels (together with any other school kit) to the appeal. Llanelly House and the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli will be acting as collection points for the appeal from September 11-19. Llanelli Rotary President Sue Roberts said:" Very often the children we support don’t have even basic things like pens and notepads to allow them to make the most of their education. You can help solve this problem by filling an old school bag or backpack with some everyday educational items. "All help for the appeal is gratefully received." Last year, Llanelli Rotary Club joined the Mary's Meals backpack appeal for the first time. The club members and friends collected 59 backpacks to send to needy children in Africa. Project coordinator...

Members of Llanelli Rotary Club will be in the St Elli Centre, Llanelli, on Saturday, September 12 as part of the club's annual Back Pack Appeal for schoolchildren in Africa. Members of the public are being asked to donate old back packs or satchels (together with any other school kit) to the appeal. Llanelly House and the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli will be acting as collection points for the appeal from September 11-19. Llanelli Rotary President Sue Roberts said:" Very often the children we support don’t have even basic things like pens and notepads to allow them to make the most of their education. You can help solve this problem by filling an old school bag or backpack with some everyday educational items. "All help for the appeal is gratefully received."

Outgoing Llanelli Rotary Club President Hywel Bassett reflected on a year of great achievement for the club at the annual Presidential Handover dinner held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. “The Rotary International theme for the year was ‘Light Up Rotary’ - and the candle was well and truly lit my year as President of the second oldest Rotary Club in Wales,” said Mr Bassett. “It has been an exceptionally busy year, with very successful fund-raising activities for different charities, excellent youth and social events and some very successful community projects.” Mr Bassett was succeeded as President by Mrs Susan Roberts. In his valedictory speech, he reflected on some of the highlights of his year as President – The annual Rotary Golf Day at the Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey raised more than £1,500 on the day for the club’s charity account.  World War One Commemoration concert held at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli, and featuring Cor Meibion Llanelli Male Voice Choir, Cor Cu...

Llanelli Rotarians raised £3000 for the Royal British Legion through a memorable World War One centenary concert staged at Greenfield Chapel, Llanelli. The money was handed over to Phil Flower, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion in South West Wales, at the Rotary club’s weekly meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. The President of Llanelli Rotary Club Hywel Bassett said he was delighted that the club had been able to support the work of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in South West Wales.. He added: “The sum represents a sterling fundraising effort on the part of Llanelli Rotary and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the evening and who attended what was a memorable and very moving concert. In particular, I’d like to thank Rotarian Cerith Owens of Loud Applause Productions and the small sub-committee of Rotarians who made the event work like clockwork.” The programme for the concert carried the bold letters, 'Lest we forget'. The w...

One of the longest-serving members of Llanelli Rotary Club has died. Gordon Battersby, of St Margaret's Drive, Llanelli, was 90. His wife Rachel Mary (Rae) died four years ago. Mr Battersby is survived by his sons Mark and Michael. A retired mining engineer, Mr Battersby celebrated his 90th birthday in the company of fellow Rotarians earlier this year. A special cake marked the occasion at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Llanelli Rotary Club press spokesman Robert Lloyd said: "Gordon was a much-admired and respected Rotarian. That admiration extended beyond the orbit of Llanelli Rotary Club into the wider world of Rotary internationally and the community at large. "He was a committed and dedicated Rotarian who always strived to fulfil the Rotary motto of 'service above self'. "Gordon was a Paul Harris Fellow (the highest honour Rotary can give to a member). He was President of the club in 1986. "Always a fount of knowledge on Rot...

The weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club will be held at 1pm on Fri, August 22 at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. It is a Fellowship meeting. Other Rotary dates - 7.30pm, Wednesday, August 27, Job Talk by Rotarian Elfryn Davies; 6pm Tuesday, September 9, meeting of Club Council; 1pm Friday, September 19, visit by District Governor (1150) Sandra Townsend; 7.30pm, Wednesday, September 24, President's annual dinner. All events at Stradey Park Hotel. Website - http://www.llanellirotary.com or http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=936

Llanelli Rotary Club welcomed a new member at the weekly meeting held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Elfryn Davies, of Five Roads, was officially inducted by Llanelli Rotary President Ken Abban. Mr Davies, who runs The Stag pub in Five Roads, was proposed into membership by Rotarian Mark Evans. Mr Davies said in his acceptance speech that it was an honour and a privilege to be invited into membership of the Rotary movement. He added that he would do his best to follow the Rotary motto of 'service above self'. Photo: Elfryn Davies is welcomed into Rotary by Llanelli club president Ken Abban, flanked by, left, senior vice president Hywel Bassett, and, right, junior vice president Sue Roberts.

Prostate cancer expert Pradeep Bose was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club held at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Mr Bose gave a very instructive talk on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer and other urinary problems. The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Mark Evans. Mr Bose, who works at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, is pictured with Llanelli Rotary Club President Ken Abban, left, and President elect Hywel Bassett. Other Rotary news - Rotarian Mark Evans raised a magnificent £2010 by taking part in the Carten 100 2013 charity bike ride. In the last four years, Mark has raised more than £12000 for charity by taking part in the Carten 100. Next meetings- Friday November 1, 1pm Fellowship meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel. Friday, November 1, 7.30pm annual Rotary Ball at the Stradey Park Hotel. Friday, November 8, Business meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel. Tuesday, November 12, Club Council meeting a...

The countdown is on to one of the social events of the year in Llanelli, the annual Rotary Club Ball. This autumn's ball will be at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, on Friday, November 1 (7 for 7.30pm). Llanelli Rotary Club president Ken Abban said: "The ball is always recognised as one of the social highlights of the year in Llanelli - and it also raises a huge amount of cash for charities. "There will be entertainment, a charity raffle and auction and plenty of fun during the course of the evening." Tickets are £35. Llanelli Rotary Club is actively engaged with local charities, community groups, schools and individuals providing charitable donations and support. Llanelli Rotarians also support international causes including the End Polio Now Appeal , Shelter Box and the provision of a 'Hark' Land Rover mobile audiology field clinic for Ghana. Llanelli Rotary Club recently provided funding towards a Rigid Inflatable Boat for the Llanelli Sea ...

The Inner Wheel Club of Llanelli has disbanded in its 75th anniversary year. The club was set up in 1938 as the ladies wing of Llanelli Rotary Club. Club President Jeanne Williams said: "It is a sad occasion as we should be rejoicing in the 75th anniversary of the Inner Wheel club this summer. "Instead, we are having to call it a day - but only after 75 years service to the community in and around Llanelli. "During that time, the Inner Wheel Club has supported Llanelli Rotary Club and also raised charitable funds in its own right. In fact, the last series of charitable donations are being made this summer. "Falling membership has taken its toll and none of us are as young as we used to be. So, regrettably, we have decided to call it a day. "We hope that the museum at Parc Howard - or perhaps another museum - will be able to take the club regalia and chains of office to put on permanent display, so that the service the club has offered in the ar...

Brynwgyn Comprehensive School pupil Tegan Andrews was the winner of the first ever Young Chef competition to be staged by Llanelli Rotary Club. Tegan Andrews, 13, scooped the prize with her three course menu of Welsh leek and sweet potato soup; sugar crusted lamb; raspberry and Caerphilly chocolate pots. She is pictured above being presented with her prizes, a shield, certificate and an autographed Simon Wright book, by Llanelli Rotary Club president Alan Owen. The event was part of a national competition which offers a host of prizes, including a trip to Tuscany, a day’s tuition with a Michelin-star chef in the UK and a cash prize. One of the organisers of the Llanelli heat of the competition was Rotarian Alison Evans. She said: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, and this includes creativity in the kitchen. "Cooking among young people is a growing interest and a v...

Members of Llanelli Sea Cadets will be attending a meeting of Llanelli Rotary Club on Wednesday evening to give a special presentation on their work. The sea cadets will be led by their president, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Lt Col David Mathias. The Rotary meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. Weblink - h ttp://www.sea-cadets.org/llanelli/who-we-are.aspx

A total of eight teams have entered this year's Llanelli Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition. The popular public speaking competition is one of the highlights of the school calendar in Llanelli. Llanelli Rotary Club member and schools coordinator Mark Evans said: "Rotary encourages speaking and presentation skills in young people and we are pleased that schools seem to agree with our philosophy. "The Rotary Youth Speaks competition, as a result, continues to go from strength to strength each year, producing some superb quality speakers in our young people aged from 11 to 18. "The Llanelli event is a local heat and it is possible for the winners to go all the way to a national UK final." The Youth Speaks competition is being held at 5.45pm on Tuesday, January 29, in the prestigious surroundings of the council chamber at Llanelli Town Hall. Parents and members of the public are welcome to attend. The entry list for senior and intermediate age gro...

Llanelli Rotary Club are staging a Young Chef competition for Llanelli school pupils. The competition is being staged at Bryngwyn Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 6. The event is part of a national competition which offers a host of prizes, including a trip to Tuscany, a day’s tuition with a Michelin-star chef in the UK and a cash prize. One of the organisers of the Llanelli heat of the competition is Rotarian Alison Evans. She said: "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland believes it is highly important to encourage and develop creativity in young people, and this includes creativity in the kitchen. "Cooking among young people is a growing interest and a valuable life skill. Schools seem to agree and hence the RIBI Young Chef competition, in association with Filippo Berio, moves forward from strength to strength each year producing some superb quality cooking from our young people aged from 11 to 17." The Llanelli competition judges...

There was a VIP visitor for Llanelli Rotary Club today. Rotary International District 1150 Governor Bob Lewis (a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Rotary Club of Porthcawl ) was the guest speaker. He was welcomed to the club's meeting at the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli, by Llanelli Rotary Club President Alan Owen. The vote of thanks to DG Bob Lewis was given by Rotarian Harry Griffiths, a past president of the Llanelli club. 

This evening, I will be driving the 18-seater bus for the Llanelli and District Gateway Club. It's my turn on the Llanelli Rotary Club rota. Road-users of Llanelli: be afraid, very afraid!