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

Some 40 dogs and their owners were barking mad for the launch of Carmarthenshire Therapy Dogs . They ranged from sit-in-a-tea-cup 7-month-old Chihuahua called Lola weighing a few ounces to a nine-stone Bernese Mountain Dog called Layla. Carmarthenshire council third sector broker Sue Smith said the enthusiasm of the volunteers and health professionals attending the event at Newton House, Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo, had been really inspiring. She said: “The dogs worked their magic on all who attended the launch with many smiles and hugs. “I am looking forward to seeing these wonderful dogs and their owners starting visiting the socially isolated and lonely in our communities. They can make such a difference to people lives.” Ten owners with their dogs showed an interest in signing up or leaning more about becoming part of the county’s therapy dog’s team. They watched videos and clips of therapy dogs in action and heard from people who had been sharing the love of their pets and suppo...

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 ...