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

Photos from visit to Tredegar House (National Trust, Newport). See album link below. https://goo.gl/photos/7rf4oryFdAmPnRb36

The leading Welsh farmshop at Cwmcerrig, near Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, has picked up another national award. The latest prize for Cwmcerrig Farmshop and Grill comes in the shape of a National Trust Fine Farm Produce Award. The award was for the following products stocked on the butcher's counter at Cwmcerrig -  Venison Steak Venison Red Wine and Onion Sausage Venison, Red Wine and Onion Burger They were first time wins for all products in the National Trust awards. The Venison sold by Cwmcerrig is reared on the nearby 800-acre Dinefwr Estate in Llandeilo, a property looked after by the National Trust. Will Watkins, whose family have farmed in the area since the 1950s and decided to open the shop in 2008, said: “We sell the Venison when it’s in season and it’s really popular. Particularly with people who have visited the estate and seen the deer running wild.” The shop has been selling Dinefwr Venison, sausages and burgers for the last five years. “The sausages and b...

Photo slideshow from Cilgerran castle on the banks of the River Teifi -

Splendid day out at Dinefwr House and Park in Llandeilo today. Photo slideshow -

Just spent a splendid Sunday afternoon exploring the Stackpole Estate in Pembrokeshire. The National Trust attraction is a gem - lily ponds at Bosherston, wonderful beach at Barafundle Bay and miles of walks and cliff views. Really weird to arrive home and find Iolo Williams extolling its virtues on BBC Wales. See -  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qcg9l Website - http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole/ Photos from the day -

It could be a beach, a hill top, a castle or rocky shore. Or maybe a park bench, a café or the local school. People in Carmarthenshire are being asked what their special places are for a National Trust competition. The contest, being run on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/NTWales/app_235533479970037 gives people the chance to put their special place on the map. They need to visit the National Trust Facebook page, give the chosen location and say why it is special to them; photographs can also be added. All entries will be considered by the National Trust and those shortlisted will be contacted later this year. Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for tourism Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “We would encourage as many people as possible to enter this national competition to make sure that our corner of the world is fully represented. “Carmarthenshire is a beautiful county and many, many locations would be fitting winners. “However, the theme is ‘special places’ so it doesn’t h...

Cwmcerrig Farmshop has scooped two National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards. The business has been rewarded for its Dinefwr Venison and Dinefwr Venison Red Wine and Onion Sausages. The popular Farmshop and Grill in Gorslas, Carmarthenshire, has developed the products in partnership with the National Trust’s Dinefwr Estate near Llandeilo. One of the partners in the Watkins family business, Roland Watkins, said: “It’s the first time for us to be entered into the awards and we are delighted to receive the prizes. “The judging process for the awards is very strict and that makes it all the more rewarding to be recognised by the National Trust. “We have built up a great reputation for our meat here at Cwmcerrig and we take pride in producing quality, value-for-money products which are appreciated by our customers.” The news of the National Trust Fine Farm Produce awards follows hot on the heels of Cwmcerrig being nominated for two prestigious UK Farm Retail Awards run by the National Fa...

Dinefwr is hosting a fabulous Edwardian Christmas Fayre - and the National Trust estate is being transformed into a winter wonderland complete with ice-skating rink, real reindeer and Santa’s Grotto for the occasion. On November 26 and 27, a children’s choir will sing carols, mulled wine will be served and unique food gifts bought and sold in the Inner Courtyard as up to 35 skaters at a time glide around the rink in front of historic Newton House. Meanwhile down in the old kitchen and laundry room, young visitors will be getting creative as they turn their hands to making traditional decorations. These decorations can be taken home or added to Newton House’s own, magnificent Christmas tree which will be decorated with paper chains, sugar canes and sweet-filled cones, as was the Edwardian way. A century ago, Christmases were not dominated by the television schedule or Internet shopping and Dinefwr’s Edwardian Christmas Fayre aims to bring back the spirit of simple celebration, said Eve...

Trinity University College and the National Trust’s Newton House at Dinefwr Park and Castle have developed a range of opportunities for students to showcase and exhibit their work within the creative and performing arts. As part of the University's Arts Festival, Vice Chancellor, Dr Medwin Hughes and Selina Carpenter, Visitor Operations Manager signed a Memorandum of Understanding which secures and develops the working relationship between the National Trust property and the University. Dr Hughes said: “The University acknowledges the significant commitment by staff at Newton House to encourage, develop and support a range of events. We are grateful for their support and for the opportunities and experiences this kind of activity offers our students and staff.” Work to date has included theatre performances, utilising Newton House as both a stimulus and setting for productions; musical recitals; theatre design exhibitions; projects for Teacher Training students; and work placement ...