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

Parc y Scarlets rugby stadium in Llanelli has seen the world premiere of a new battle hymn for the British and Irish Lions. The hope is the that the track will be a core feature of the forthcoming Lions tour to Australia. Profits from downloads of the track are going to various charities. The song Lions To A Man, to the tune of Men of Harlech, has been written by former soldier Ollie Ward, of Swansea, and has been described as a stirring rendition of one of Wales’ iconic songs. The song, sung by Cor Meibion Llanelli (Llanelli Male Choir), was officially launched at Parc y Scarlets during the Scarlets versus Edinburgh match on St David’s Day. Pictured above are Peter Williams, of Swansea Metropolitan University (who helped produce the track), rugby legend Phil Bennett, Cor Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas and poet and writer Ollie Ward. Lions To A Man will be available on YouTube on the internet and for downloads on the iTunes and Android platforms on compute...

Just had this brought to my attention. There's a new public art sculpture planned for the Eastgate development in Llanelli. Not sure who makes the decision on what goes there; it may be the firm of developers. But . . . what about a statue to our rugby legend Phil Bennett? After all, Cardiff's shopping centre has one to Gareth Edwards. The details of the sculpture idea are on Public Art Online. They are - Deadline: July 20, 2012 Artist Opportunity – Llanelli, Eastern Quarter, Sculpture Commissions Expressions of interest are invited on a public art sculpture commission for Llanelli. REF: Llanelli, Eastern Quarter Sculpture Commission Submission responses should be in digital format and must be returned for the attention with the above reference to Emma M Price – e-mail to info@emmamprice.com before 5.00pm on: Deadline for requests of expression of interest: 16th July 2012 at 5.00pm Deadline for submission of expression of interest: 20th July 2012 at 5.00pm See websi...

Llanelli rugby legend Phil Bennett is hoping to kick bowel cancer into touch after promoting Bowel Screening Wales on ITV this week. Speaking during a feature on the 6pm slot of ITV Wales Tonight, he praised the NHS bowel screening programme and said: “I’ve taken the test myself, and other members of my family have and I’ve found it absolutely outstanding – superb – and you do it in the privacy of your own home. It’s not hard to do, you send it back and the results follow.” Phil was interviewed for a news story which followed up a press release issue by the Screening Engagement Department, released to promote Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which is held every April. Highlighting the fact that the number of people returning the test kits has fallen, the news item also featured Head of Programme, Hayley Heard, and a member of the public, David Glanmor Jones, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer after completing the test, which is sent to all men and women in Wales aged between 60 a...

Phil Bennett named first honorary freeman of Llanelli | This is South Wales It is a day that only comes around every four years — but for rugby great Phil Bennett, February 29 will always be extra special. The Scarlets legend says he was overwhelmed to be chosen as the first honorary freeman of his home town.